Monthly Archives: June 2014

Grim Shadows by Jenn Bennett – a Review

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Grim Shadows by Jenn Bennett – a Review

 

Grim Shadows
Roaring Twenties series – Book #2
by Jenn Bennett
Release Date: June 3, 2014

Grim ShadowsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
It’s the Roaring Twenties in foggy San Francisco. Prohibition is on, inhibitions are low, and dark magic is rolling into town…

Archaeologist Lowe Magnusson is packing something everyone wants. The djed amulet, a priceless Egyptian artifact, will fetch Lowe a hefty paycheck from one of San Francisco’s wealthiest. But when the handsome Swede runs into his patron’s uptight daughter, what he once considered easy money becomes maddeningly complicated…

Cursed with deadly spirits as her constant companions, curator Hadley Bacall must keep calm to hold her dangerous specters at bay and prevent them from lashing out at anything—or anyone. Trouble is, Lowe is driving her crazy, but her father needs the artifact he’s transporting. While Hadley can feel the amulet’s power, she can’t fathom the destruction—or the desire—it’s about to stir up.

 

Review:
Grim Shadows by Jenn Bennett is the 2nd book in her Roaring Twenties series. Of course, knowing the series title, you know this series takes place during the prohibition era, and in San Francisco, with a paranormal/magic background theme. Wheras, Bitter Spirits (first book) was about bootlegging and ghosts; Grim Shadows is about Archaeology and specters (evil spirits).

Our hero is Lowe Magnusson, who is Winter’s (first book hero) younger brother. He is a con-man, but also a charming and gorgeous hunk, whom you fall in love with early on. Lowe lies easily, and we find ourselves laughing at the stories he tells people, when trying to escape a bad situation or just to get where he wants. Having discovered a priceless Egyptian artifact (djed amulet), Lowe makes his plans to head home and sell the amulet to the highest bidder. But before he leaves, he meets Hadley, our heroine.

Hadley is the daughter of renowned Archibald Bacall, who wants the amulet for his museum, and will pay a hefty price. Hadley, who is an archaeologist expert, helping her father run the museum, approaches Lowe, in behalf of her father, to make an immediate deal and ensure they receive the amulet. Lowe finds her attractive, but cold and distant; but has no qualms lying to her, since he plans to have a fake amulet made to help him cover his debts to some bad people. However, they are thrown together in a wild and dangerous trip home.

What follows is a wonderful exciting and fun filled story, with Lowe and Hadley working together to discover the mystery of the amulet, and trying to put together the clues to find the missing pieces to complete the amulet. Lowe finds himself falling hard for the strangely distant Hadley. She too finds herself attracted to Lowe, but because of a childhood devoid of love, Hadley keeps herself aloof. She also carries a curse that plays a major part of her life, and why she cannot let herself allow anyone in.

But Lowe is determined to discover all that is Hadley, even when he learns the truth about the dangerous spirits that hover over her, he refuses to back down. This turns out to be a beautiful romance, and it was so wonderful to see how Lowe slowly breaks down her defenses. The sexual chemistry between them was hot, and to see Hadley come out of her shell was a joy to see. Bennett did this so well. I loved Lowe and Hadley. So different, and yet so perfect for each other.  

The story was an a tense and exciting ride to the finish, as each missing piece is discovered, each creating much danger with various mythical creatures trying to stop them from completing the amulet. In the middle of this, is a sinister villain, who will stop at nothing to find those pieces himself.

Jenn Bennett has impressed me with all the research that she had done to create this wonderful story that deals with Egyptian Mythology, and was so well written, we totally understood everything. But best of all, our two heroes, Lowe and Hadley were such a fun couple, not to mention being a hot sizzling romance that steamed the pages. If you want an exciting, tense adventure, action filled mystery, and a fun sexy flirty couple, then Grim Shadows should be your next read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters – Review and Giveaway

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Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters – Review and Giveaway

Life Lived Twice Banner

 

love lived twiceAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
Some promises are made to last forever…

What if you fell in love with a stranger…but that stranger had come from your past, a past you never knew existed until the moment your eyes met?

When Tess Winters locks eyes with a stranger at an airport bookstore, it ignites a feeling of passion somewhere deep inside her that she can’t explain.

Although the encounter is innocent and brief, the intensity of it lingers, leaving her overwhelmed by a yearning for the mystery man now consuming her every thought.

Struggling to break the powerful hold he has over her heart, Tess starts to experience strange but familiar dreams…dreams from the turn of the twentieth century of the charming Mr Addison Taylor.

As her dreams start to materialize into reality, and past and present begin to blur, Tess is forced to put the pieces of a forgotten time together, and soon discovers that love isn’t the only thing that can find you after an eternity.

Captivating, mysterious, and romantic, Life Lived Twice will leave you wondering whether love is so powerful it could last more than a lifetime

 

Review:
LIFE LIVED TWICE by Sherrie Wouters is a unique and original read. Tess Winters is starting a new life for herself. She tends to be shy, reserved and a little ‘old fashioned’! While she is traveling home from vacation, she has a chance encounter with a stranger that changes her life forever. They are reaching for the same book and when their eyes meet, she calls out, Addison! Too bad that’s not his name! This electrifying encounter with this mystery man leaves her unsettled and reminds her of dreams that she has had her whole life.

This novel has two overlapping storylines, one present day with Tess and one that goes back to 1908. Through Tess’ dreams we learn the story of star crossed lovers, Addison and Lylah.

I don’t think that I have ever read a novel that so effortlessly immerses us into two beautiful love stories. This is a story of love that transverses time. It is a love that can never die, because it can take other forms. Reincarnation is a central theme and how our souls can reunite after death. Remember, our lovers have found each other in a different lifetime, but evil can also return. Does Tess have a chance to change history and be with her soul mate?

Evil has been stalking Tess her whole lifetime and she has a chance to make amends with her past. The ending was really unexpected, but I highly recommend this touching novel about love that can last more than one lifetime.

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author


giveaway

Sherrie is offering a paper copy of Life Lived Twice 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 June 15 to June 18, 2014

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Return to Us by Julie Cross – a Review

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Return to Us by Julie Cross – a Review

 

return to usAmazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
Summer is definitely heating up…

So yeah, that really happened. Karen’s fist connecting with TJ’s face.
Not only is TJ dealing with a decent sized bruise on his face where Karen gave her best attempt at a knock-out match, now he’s got some explaining to do after Jordan finds out what happened.

Karen’s not ready to forgive TJ for his tough-love tactics to help get her bar routine back in full swing, but she is ready to figure out how to get through to Jordan. He’s being a complete idiot, not dealing with his health issues, forcing her to keep things a secret from Coach Bentley.

With her teammate, Stevie’s, help Karen comes up with a plan to steer Jordan in the right direction—all she needs is a night alone with him and the hiking and camping expedition he promised her weeks ago might be the perfect opportunity.
Or her plan could backfire and he could slip further away from her.
While Karen and Jordan are out playing lumberjack couple in the Pocono Mountains, TJ is dealing with a stranger trying to give him advice on his tumbling, some pretty overt advances from one of Nina Jones’ gymnasts (aka: off limits), and a random hook-up that will most likely end up being a big mistake.


Review:
In Return to Us by Julie Cross, we return to the lives of our wonderful heroes, Karen and Jordan from her full length novel, Letters to Nowhere. To give you an update, Julie Cross has been giving us glimpse into their lives, with short stories that pick up pretty much after the last novella. The Letters to Nowhere series has a gymnastic background theme, with watching Karen and Jordan fall in love and learn to deal with the hectic and demanding life of a gymnast, as well as trying to cope with their sexual feelings for one another. In the last novella, the story left off Karen angry at TJ (he has a bigger role in this story), as well as her trying to cope with Jordan’s refusal to take care of his health issue.

In Return to Us, we spend some time in the gym, as they continue to practice to prepare for the Olympics trials, but the main focus of this story was more about Karen and Jordan working around their feelings for each other, and Karen’s determination to force Jordan to talk to his father to get help. The side story is also about TJ and Stevie, who continue to antagonize each other; but you find yourselves rooting for them to be together.

It is always a joy to come back to Karen and Jordan and their friends. I love the gymnastic background, and look forward to finding out if Karen, Stevie and the others will make the team, not to mention watching Karen mature in her feelings for Jordan. I would prefer this to be a full book, rather than these short stories, since they are too short & fast; we don’t spend enough time with them, nor enough of the story. I always find these short stories to be very difficult to write reviews, as the description tells a lot.

Julie Cross is a fabulous writer, and her honors for Letters to Nowhere prove it. If you have not read Letters to Nowhere, I suggest you do so now. Perhaps when you do, Julie will put all the short stories into a full 2nd book for LTN.

Reviewed by Barb

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Bittersweet Magic / Bittersweet Darkness by Nina Croft – a review

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Bittersweet Magic / Bittersweet Darkness by Nina Croft- a review

The Order Series

Click HERE for our review of BITTERSWEET BLOOD (Book 1)

BITTERSWEET MAGIC
(The Order #2)
by Nina Croft
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Bittersweet MagicABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 2013

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

Roz has been indebted to the demon Asmodai for five hundred years, and her freedom is just around the corner. All she has to do is complete one last task for him—obtain a key that had been hidden in a church centuries ago.

Piers, the Head of the Order and an ancient vampire, is intrigued by the woman who comes to him for help. She’s beautiful and seemingly kind, but she’s hiding something. And he’ll find out who she is and what she really wants once he uses his power to get inside her head. But Piers has no idea that Roz is immune to his mind-control…or that he is simply a pawn in her dangerous mission for freedom.

REVIEW: BITTERSWEET MAGIC is the second instalment in Nina Croft’s adult, contemporary The Order paranormal/fantasy series. This is Piers and Roz’s story. Although it is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Piers is one of the oldest living vampires and head of the regulating vampire body, known as The Order of the Shadow Accords, that polices the supernaturals of the world; and Roz is ‘not quite human’. Indebted to the demon Asmodai for the past five hundred years, Roz is tasked to perform one final job before being released from her obligations- to find The Key-a key that will open the portal between the worlds.

Told from third person POV, the storyline follows Roz as she is targeted by several supernatural factions on her adventure in search for The Key. Not only does the Key open the door to other realms but it will free one of the most powerful demons the supernatural world have ever known. Enter Piers-the vampire with whom Roz will fall in love but not before said powerful demon makes him an offer he can’t refuse-Piers will sacrifice himself to save the world.

The relationship between Roz and Piers is slow to build. As Roz endeavors to discover the truth about her heritage and the missing Key, Piers will take advantage of Roz’s special blood on more than one occasion. Believing he is mesmerizing Roz, Piers will continue to feed from the woman all the while she is well aware of what is going on. The sex scenes are sensual and seductive; there is a true feeling of love between the vampire and his mate. But Roz has a secret buried deep within her mind and her heart, and it will take someone from her past to bring that knowledge and power to the present.

The secondary characters play a pivotal role including former head of The Order and vampire Christian Roth, and his mate Tara, whom we met in the first storyline Bittersweet Blood. We will be reintroduced to Ryan-a close friend of Roz- a human and police detective, who will become the liaison between the human and supernatural world.

BITTERSWEET MAGIC is an enchanting and fascinating storyline that was slow to build and quick to resolve. The previous storyline characters are colorful, add emotion and history, and brought a sense of continuity to the series. The reader is pulled into a story about love and understanding; betrayal and sacrifice; power and control. Nina Croft has the ability to blend present day with the fantasy of the supernatural making you believe that anything is possible.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

BITTERSWEET DARKNESS
(The Order #3)
by Nina Croft
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Bittersweet DarknessABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 24, 2014

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

There are no monsters, only good guys and bad guys. That’s the creed by which Detective Inspector Faith Connolly has always lived.

When Faith discovers that she has a time bomb counting down in her head, she has one goal; to solve the murder case she’s working on—a young girl who was found drained of blood—and in doing so gain closure for a long ago murder never solved. Her investigation brings her in contact with Ash Delacourt. Ash is all black leather, big guns and sexy bad attitude—definitely not one of the good guys.

As payment for a debt, Asmodai AKA Ash Delacourt, finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords. He’s the demon representative on the newly formed Committee for the Integration of Mankind and well…everything else. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable detective—maybe have a little fun.

There are no monsters. But as Faith’s investigation deepens, her beliefs are eroded and for the first time, she is falling in love—with one of the bad guys. But how can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?

REVIEW: BITTERSWEET DARKNESS is the third instalment in Nina Croft’s contemporary, adult THE ORDER paranormal/fantasy series focusing on the men and women who work for The Order of the Shadow Accords. This is demon Asmodai (aka Ash Delacourt) and Detective Inspector (and human) Faith Connolly’s storyline.

The premise follows Faith Connolly as the latest recruit by a group known as MI13. MI13 is on the hunt –looking for someone connected to vampire Christian Roth (former head of The Order)-and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Enter Detective Faith Connolly, a non-believer in everything supernatural and the perfect foil with her connections to someone close to The Order. As Faith continues to investigate the strange murders of young women, she will come face to face with the man who would one day save her life. Faith’s loyalty will be tested when she uncovers the truth behind MI13 and the people at the top. There are no grey areas in Faith’s world, but the black and white begins to blur when the reality of her situation becomes all too clear.

Asmodai hasn’t had a lover in years and Faith’s presence calls to his heart. Working with The Order as the demon representative for the Committee for the Integration of Mankind, Ash is commissioned to uncover the ‘who and what’ behind Faith Connelly and finds himself falling for the spunky human with a secret that could very well end her life. When one of The Orders own goes missing, Faith is at the top of the list of suspects when betrayal and heartbreak point in her very direction.

The attraction between Ash and Faith is immediate. Something about Faith calls to Ash’s soul and it has been a very long time since Ash has felt anything for another woman. The sex scenes are intimate, hot and seductive-Ash is a demon who knows what it is every woman wants-and Faith wants Ash-if only for a very short time.

Nina Croft writes another fascinating and action-packed storyline where The Order of Shadow Accords finds themselves on the defensive against an enemy they know only too well. Nina combines a world of supernatural beings including vampires, werewolves, fae, shifters, demons and angels into a spirited and clever story-and you may hazard a guess as to which group has the reputation for being evil and unkind.

BITTERSWEET DARKNESS is an imaginative tale of betrayal and heartache; seduction and sex; friendship and love. The secondary characters continue to drive a good portion of the series-this is an ensemble storyline where everyone has a role to play in the survival of the supernatural powers.

If you are a fan of the paranormal, you MUST put Nina Croft’s THE ORDER series at the top of your list.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Secondhand Romance by RoseAnn DeFranco-a review

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Secondhand Romance by RoseAnn DeFranco-a review

Secondhand Romance

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

About the Book: Release Date December 2013

Annie O’Malley’s dream of owning a secondhand bookstore in tight-knit Audubon Springs is coming true. Still reeling from her parents’ sudden deaths, she believes that signs or messages can be found within the pages of books. She loves her job and has made plenty of friends but longs for the acceptance only love and a family can provide.

Tony Iuliano is there to fix the wiring in her shop. He doesn’t believe in fate, magic, or the power of a good book. All this combined with his sexy-as-sin presence and all-knowing attitude infuriates Annie. The quirky bookworm intrigues him enough to accept her bet to read a book from her shop. When he discovers a stack of fifty-year-old love letters in the book, he wants to leave the past alone, but seeing it as a sign, Annie challenges him to read the letters and search for the long-lost lovers or lose the bet.

While shaking the dust off several ill-fated romances and fighting their attraction at every turn, the pair soon become the town gossip daily special. If they can stop arguing long enough, they may just discover this particular sign was meant for them all along.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Secondhand Romance is a very entertaining and emotional story by Ms. DeFranco. It’s well written the dialog is good, the characters are well done. It’s set in the fictional small NJ shore town of Audubon Springs.

Annie O’Malley is the heroine. She has lost both parents in a tragic plane accident and is trying to change and rebuild her life in the town where they vacationed every year. She has a lot of grieving done and yet has so much more to do. She has opened and run Second Chance Books for a couple of years while she tries to get over their passing.

She has a friend who owns the bakery next door, Mia Anselmo. And loves this wonderful little shore town.

Tony Juliano is the hero and to be love interest. Tony has a construction, renovation business he runs with his brothers working for him. Tony is the incredibly handsome and masculine male, about 35years old; he never has a serious romance with anyone. He has been hurt a few times, it seems Tony struggled through school and did not attend college, but took over the family business. He’s successful, not wealthy exactly just living a good life in a small town and is content with what and who he is. When he first meets Annie, he thinks she’s too young and definitely a bit of a flake. Due to her age, her friendship with his cousin, Mia, and the offbeat personality he doesn’t pursue her romantically.

Two years down the road, while doing some electrical work for Annie’s shop, they challenge each other verbally and strike up an acquaintance. The bet turns into quite a challenge and the two of them are often together. Tony finds there is much more to Annie than meets the eye, and romance begins to bloom.

That’s the set-up. This is a book you just must read for yourself to get the excitement and feel the growing respect and love between these two. Can seemingly opposites be soul mates? Hmmm. You really have to read this marvelously romantic and exciting story! It’s well written, humorous and compelling.

My advice, grab you favorite beverage, a few tissues and snuggle in for a wonderful read! Enjoy everyone, I certainly did!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna

About The Author beige

RoseAnn DeFranco picRoseAnn DeFranco grew up in upstate NY with her nose in a book and a song in her heart. Following the pursuit of a musical theatre career in NYC, she turned her creative energy to writing funny, steamy romance with heart. A NJ shore transplant, she enjoys time spent at the beach with her family and would love to one day live in a quaint shore town like the fictional town from her BROTHERS OF AUDUBON SPRINGS series. More information about these Contemporary Romantic Comedies can be found at radefranco.com.

Connect with RoseAnn:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

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Gilded Lily / Calla Lily by Vivian Winslow-a review

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Gilded Lily / Calla Lily by Vivian Winslow-a review

Vivian Winslow series

3.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Again, love this about The Reading Cafe … another author discovered that I likely would of never encountered if it were not for this site. The Gilded Lily series by Vivian Winslow is a contemporary erotic read that consists of two books with the promise of more (I sure hope). Short reads (approx 100 pages each give or take) they revolve around NYC socialite Lily Baron. The gist of this series is one socially proper woman coming into her own and discovering her personal sexual and sensuality while growing into a strong and powerful woman. Let’s meet her shall we??

Gilded LilyBOOK 1 – Gilded Lily
The Gilded Flower Series
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotica

#ebook $1.00->Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

DESCRIPTION-Release Date May 18, 2014

After catching her fiancé Jack in bed with her sister the day before her wedding, New York socialite Lily Baron escapes to Rio, her honeymoon destination—alone. There, Marcelo, the dark and sexy hotel masseur, releases a heated passion Lily had never experienced with Jack. When Lily meets handsome and powerful Brazillionaire Gustavo de Lima, she can hardly resist him. There’s just one problem. He’s married. In this uber-sensual city, will Lily’s reluctance to be with a married man, in light of her own fiancé’s betrayal, give way to her burning desire for Gustavo?

REVIEW

Lily Baron has it all. Beauty, status, money and Jack, her fiancée and childhood sweetheart. She is about to seal her future with marriage when she discovers Jack in bed with her twin sister, the night before their wedding. Her world has been torn apart and the man she thought she had, turns out to be real jerk face. Deciding she cannot live with this deception she ditches Jack and takes off on her honeymoon to Rio .. ALONE!

While indulging in a relaxing massage she discovers a sensual touch and release that seems to shift something inside her. As her sexual encounters increase so does her confidence. That is when she decides to indulge another man, Gustavo, the sexy Brazilian billionaire she first encountered on her flight to Rio. Gustavo is head over heels for Lily and while he is married he claims his marriage has an “understanding”. After being cheated on herself, she is reluctant to be the “other woman”. However, Gustavo convinces her and off she goes experiencing the most intense experience of her life. It’s cut short however and Lily is then called home due to a family emergency ….

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Calla LilyBOOK 2 – Calla Lily
The Gilded Flower Series
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotica

DESCRIPTION-Release Date June 22, 2014

Having experienced a profound personal and sexual awakening during her solo honeymoon to Brazil, New York socialite LilyBaron rushes back to New York upon hearing the news that her father has fallen ill. Now, Lily must take the helm of the Baron Media empire and fend off a high-stakes hostile takeover attempt. With the fate of the company hanging in the balance, will Lily be able to resist the advances of the luring, unwanted suitor in the boardroom as well as the bedroom? Things
get steamy in this highly anticipated sequel to *Gilded Lily*.

REVIEW

Picking up right where Gilded Lily left off, we meet Lily at the hospital after her father has had a stroke. More confident in her own skin, Lily confronts her sister about ruining her relationship to Jack. When a bigger truth comes out, Lily decides to forgive her twin .. but not forget. She has to now focus on becoming an acting CEO to her father’s company. With the assist of Ben (a trusted high ranking employee of her dad’s), Lily starts to put in long hours. When Lily has a “chance” encounter with another hottie (Todd) she is beginning to feel on top of the world. Enter once again … Gustavo! Lily cannot seem to resist her hot Brazilian and once again indulges her fancy … although it is more fire than fancy .. LOL When a seemed deception once again come knocking, Lily does not hesitate and reacts quickly. We are left wondering what her future will hold!

Overall, this is an engaging series. The sex scenes are super HOT and I am all over loving Lily coming into her own and getting in touch with her inner tramp. I love that she is building her sexual confidence and that it is spilling over into her professional life. After deception she opted to fight back instead of pulling the “poor me” card .. hard not to respect that. I do find for such a short read there is much story crammed in and I would love to read some more back story on our lead characters. Some of the writing tended to be choppy at times and a little hurried but in saying that I was completely into the story and enjoyed the easy read. I will most certainly be interested in continuing this series and seeing where Vivian Winslow will be taking Lily!

HAPPY READING!

Copies supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Date Night (Wish Come True #1) by R.C.Matthews-a review

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Date Night (Wish Come True #1) by R.C. Matthews-a review

Date Night

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

About the book: Release Date May 3, 2014

Ever since Jordan Billette’s father, Jeremy, died unexpectedly when she was eight years old, Jordan and her paternal grandmother (‘Grannie’) have shared a special bond by creating a tribute to Jeremy: a scrapbook that documents the important milestone of Jordan’s life from her first report card with letter grades, to her first kiss, to graduating from college.

Upon graduating from college, only one significant milestone remains; her wedding day. When Grannie is diagnosed with aggressive cancer, she makes one dying wish to Jordan. Grannie wants to watch Jordan walk down the aisle. Not engaged? Not even dating? No problem. Grannie has a plan. She signs Jordan up for a dating service—dinner dates twice per week will surely turn up a soul mate!

JT Murphy has been best friends with Jordan’s older brother Jared since they were in diapers. Grannie wisely insists Jordan meet her dates at the restaurant where JT waits tables because she needs protection from unworthy jerks. JT is more than happy to help; Jordan is like a sister to him. So why does her smile light up his evening whenever he sees her and why is he noticing that she has curves in all the right places? As the wedding draws near…JT wonders if it’s his heart that needs protecting…from the pain of potentially losing Jordan forever.

Review

What a sweet, sweet story. Jordan and her Grannie immediately steal your heart right from the get-go. As does JT. When Jordan’s dates start becoming almost more than she can bare, she finds herself relying on JT, not only for comic relief, but for coming to her rescue. And, let me tell ya, she needs rescuing a couple of times and it literally had me laughing out loud. From a male stripper to a gamer, and a little of everything in between, the guys are pretty unremarkable. Until one shows up and is actually a very nice, down to earth, normal guy. And, it just so happens that JT knows the guy and knows that he actually is a good guy. So, he should be happy for her, right? Yeah, not so much…….

Jordan is growing a little disenfranchised with the guys that the dating service is setting her up with, but she perseveres, even if it is only to try and make her Grannie happy. They have decided that if she doesn’t find “the one”, they will have a life celebration party for Grannie instead of a wedding for Jordan. They have picked the venue, but Jordan and her “fiancé” are to go scope out the place and talk to the wedding planner in order to get everything rolling. JT goes along as said fiancé and he and Jordan have a great time together. It doesn’t take long for both of them to realize they’re attracted to each other, but JT has another year of college left and is raising his little brother, who is graduating high school. He doesn’t think that he can devote enough time to a relationship due to his work and school schedules, let alone that it’s his best friend’s little sister.

But, when he “sees” Jordan out with the nice, normal guy, let’s just say things get a little dicey. And, why isn’t Grannie and the rest of Jordan’s family as outraged as Jordan’s big brother?? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out……………And, what a read it is!

Date Night is a wonderful story that I immediately felt a connection to. The storyline of friends to lovers is a timeless one and I love the way Matthews brought them together. Jordan and JT are both great characters and are totally believable and relatable. And, totally lovable!! I laughed and, yes, cried. I can’t wait to read the next in this series. The only constructive criticism I have is that I had a bit of trouble, at times, figuring out from whose point of view I was reading. Well done R.C. Matthews!!!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M

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Hunger (The Seductors #2) by B.L.Wilde-Review and Blog Tour

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Hunger (The Seductors #2) by B.L. Wilde-Review and Blog Tour

Hunger Blog Tour

Hunger
The Seductors #2
by B.L Wilde
Cover Design: Jo Matthews
Genre: Romance/Erotica/Suspense
Expected Release Date: June 6, 2014

Hunger

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

About the Book: Release Date June 6, 2014

When Jade walked out on Oliver six months ago, she left her heart behind. Little did she know her mission was far from over. Given a new mission—to secure a secret nuclear power core—she’s thrown back into his world and has to earn his trust once more. The only problem is that she’s competing directly with another Seductor that she despises, who has already been on the mission for two months.

Oliver was devastated when he discovered Jade had left him, so he closed himself off to the world, focusing solely on his job. Everything is thrown into chaos when she resurfaces, working for an old friend of his.

Will Jade be able to win Oliver back while fighting her jealously that another Seductor might steal the mission from her? Consumed with love, controlled by a hunger she has never known, can she protect her heart a second time around if Oliver takes her back?

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I am REALLY enjoying this series. Hunger by B.L. Wilde is the second book of The Seductors series and it picks up pretty much right where the first left off which is great as I was uncertain where this series was heading at the end of the first book.

Just a quick recap. Jade is a top agent to an elite group of specialists called the Seductors. A Seductor is contracted out on daring and often dangerous assignments that usually involve special circumstances .. like getting close in order to seduce the target. A Seductor needs to beautiful, in incredible shape, intelligent, risky and engage in sexual activity without emotion while exuding whatever the target needs to believe to get the job done! Jade is considered the best of her field.

Jade was contracted out to steal nuclear weapon blue prints from Oliver in book one. While she completed her mission, she broke the first rule of a Seductor. She fell in love with her target. Placing the Seductors first, she is now in hiding after she disappeared out of Oliver’s life .. and he is not taking it kindly. Many months have passed, and Oliver is still actively searching for her, and getting too close for comfort.

When a rival Seductor (man this woman is a piece of work) has been contracted to steal more information from Oliver but is unable to get close, Jade must reappear back in the picture and once again get close to Oliver. Only this time, she has been promised by the Seductors a way to remain with Oliver forever. This time however, it is a different trust she needs from Oliver. As these two fall deeper into one another and the deception remains, you see glimpses of the real Jade surface and Oliver is adamant that this time … Jade will not disappear. Will the truth come out and will Jade be able to complete this mission with so much to lose, yet so much more to gain??

I love B.L. Wilde’s writing style. Honestly one page just melted into another and before I knew it, the book was read. I love that the story is not resolved but there was no major cliffhanger like there was in the first book. There is promise of a happy ending, but so much has to be achieved first. I am looking forward to the next book!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

excerpt

***Contains mature content meant for 18+ years of age.***

 

“I heard you were back.” I groaned internally as Mario spoke from behind me in the laundry room a little later. “Did Miss S put you on lockdown again?” he mocked.
“You’re not funny, Mario.” I didn’t even look up at him as I continued to fold my clothes.
“I really thought I’d break you while you were cooped up in here. I was hoping you’d take your frustration out on me.” By the level of his voice, I could tell that he was right behind me. I turned around quickly, pushing his chest before he laid a finger on me.
“How many times do I have to tell you, this isn’t a game? I’m not fucking interested!” I seethed, barging past him. Mario grabbed my waist, trying to pull me toward him.
“Another few weeks and I would have had you. You wouldn’t be a Seductor if you weren’t addicted to sex like me. You’re only holding back because you don’t want to get attached. We’d be good together and you know it. I could give that sweet pussy of yours a real good beating if you just let go.” I lost it, slamming the heel of my shoe hard into his foot. Me get attached to Mario’s cock? I was wrong—this guy was hilarious. “Oww…you fucking bitch!” he yelled, hopping around while clutching his injured foot. I didn’t even try to hide my snigger as I walked past him. You deserved that, Mario!
I was still chuckling to myself when I bumped into Molly in the hallway.
“Sonia is ready to see you now.” She had a worried look on her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Alicia came to get you.”
“She’s back? I thought she wasn’t due back for a progress report for another few weeks.” My mind was racing. Why the hell would Alicia come to get me? It didn’t make any sense; Sonia knew I hated her.
“Sonia wanted her back early. I’m not sure things are going too well with the mission.” Molly followed me back to my room. “What if your theory is right and Alicia has been with Oliver these last few months?” I dumped my clean clothes on my bed, trying to compose myself. I was making Molly paranoid now, and that wasn’t good.
“Why would Oliver become a target again? It doesn’t make any sense. You and Georgie have been telling me that for months.”
“I don’t know, but it all seems a little strange to me.”
“You’re really not helping. You’re supposed to say that I’ve gone crazy. Do you know how ridiculous this all sounds?” I threw my arms up in the air in frustration.
“Go and see Miss S and finally put your mind at rest. Georgie and I know it’s been eating away at you. You need answers, Jade.”
“I can’t hide anything from you two, can I?” I sighed, grabbing my phone. Molly was right—I couldn’t put it off any longer. I needed to find out what was going on.

 

Series Spotlight Black and White

Desire
The Seductors #1
by B.L.Wilde

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

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

DesireAbout the Book: Release Date December 2013

Click HERE for our review of DESIRE (Book 1)

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

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

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

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

About The Author Black and White

B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Supported fully by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.

Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.

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