Extreme Measures (Aegis Security #1) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Release Day Blitz

Extreme Measures (Aegis Security 1) by Elisabeth Naughton-Review and Release Day Blitz

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Extreme Measures
Aegis Security #1
by Elisabeth Naughton
Genre: adult, contemporary, suspense, romance
Release Date: July 8, 2014

Extreme Measures

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 8, 2014

Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

When he caught her breaking the rules years ago, Zane let Eve walk away without an explanation. Now someone has not only sabotaged Aegis but also turned an American city into a war zone, and all signs point to Eve. Zane needs answers that can come only from Eve’s still-tempting lips, and he finally has the elusive operative right where he wants her—at his mercy.

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EXTREME MEASURES is the first instalment in Elisabeth Naughton’s new contemporary, adult, Aegis Security action suspense series focusing on a group of former CIA operatives and Special Forces personnel. This is CIA operative Eve Wolfe and Aegis Security operative Zane Archer’s storyline-a story that introduces the players in international espionage and national defense.

The focus of the storyline finds Eve and Zane on opposite sides of an investigation into the manufacturing of chemical weapons and missing persons. From a time when Zane and Eve first met, years before, neither one has been able to forget their lust filled affair that ended with betrayal and heartache. Fast forward and, Eve and Zane find themselves the targets of homeland vigilantes and assassins trying to take them both down in a war between good and evil. But everyone will have a difficult time separating the good from the bad when all fingers point to someone they have all trusted-in the past.

The relationship between Eve and Zane is tempered by thoughts of betrayal and undercover dealings behind closed doors. As the storyline progresses, so too does the sexual attraction between our couple-one that is hot, steamy and addicting.

The reader is introduced to several secondary characters from Aegis Security and the CIA. The world building brings counter-intelligence, espionage and the Department of Defense onto the pages of a storyline that finds two people, with issues of trust, depending on one another for their very lives.

EXTREME MEASURES is a second chance at love storyline with action, suspense, mystery and romance. The reader is pulled into a moving, intense and dramatic story that will captivate as well as fascinate. There is heartbreak and painful revelations for two people who fell in love at a difficult time in both of their lives.

Elisabeth Naughton writes from the heart with an incredible gift of imagination and wondrous story telling. EXTREME MEASURES is the perfect start to a new series that everyone will surely enjoy.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt
“I need to look at your shoulder again before you lay down,” she said
at his back.
He didn’t answer, just found the closest bedroom and pulled her
inside. Closing the door with his boot, he tugged off his jacket and tossed it
on a chair to his right, then did the same with his T-shirt and pulled her
toward the bed.
“Impatient, aren’t you?” she mumbled. He set the bag of supplies
they’d picked up on the bed beside him while she shrugged out of her
sweatshirt, dropped it on the ground, then began gently peeling away his
bandages.
Zane closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “I’m a man,
darlin’.  We’re always impatient.”
“I remember. This actually looks pretty good. I’m just going to change
the dressing.”
He didn’t want to think about what she remembered. He had enough
memories pinging around in his brains for both of them—and most were the
X-rated variety. He sat still while she removed the soaked bandages, added
antibiotic ointment and covered the wound again. But his stomach clenched every
time her soft fingers grazed his skin, and with every breath he drew, a whiff
of that sweet peach scent bombarded him, amping his awareness and sending blood
straight to his groin.
“There,” she said, placing the last piece of tape over the wound. “Now
you just need to take these before you pass out and you should be good.” She
handed him two pills from the bottle they’d picked up at the pet store and
stepped away.
He snagged her by the wrist. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“To get you a glass of water.”
“No water.” He popped the pills in his mouth and dry swallowed them.
There was just enough light coming through the window to see her exasperated
expression. “Wow. What a stud you are.”
He ignored the sarcasm and patted the mattress beside him. “Get
comfortable, sweetheart.”
She sighed. “Look, Archer. I—”
He jerked her toward him. A yelp slipped from her lips just before she
fell into his body. Heat immediately enveloped him, but he quickly flipped her
to her back, then climbed over her.
“Archer—”
Her warning was laced with just a touch of fear. Just enough to tell
him he’d surprised her. And considering nothing seemed to surprise this woman,
he was using that to his advantage.
He grasped both of her arms at the wrists and pinned them above her
head. Pain ricocheted from his shoulder down his arm and back up again, but he
ignored it. Just like he tried to ignore her trim hips locked between his knees
and the way the light from the window spilled over her breasts and bare abdomen
in that revealing top. “Here’s how this is going to work, sweetheart. I’m going
to close my eyes for a few hours and you’re going to stay right here beside me
where I know you can’t get into any trouble. Then, when I wake, I’ll call
Carter and we can both be rid of each other for good.”
She pursed her lips and lifted her chin, a clear challenge glinting in
her eyes. “I’d like to be rid of you right now.”
“Too bad. You’re stuck with me.” He lowered his weight onto hers, let
go of one arm and cinched the zip tie hidden in his hand around her wrist.
“Archer… What the hell?”
Zane looped the second zip tie through hers, tightened it around his
own wrist, then rolled off her onto his back and drew in a deep breath.
“Oh, my God.” She sat upright. “You did not just do that. Where the fuck did you get more zip ties?”
He yanked on her arm until his lowered back to the bed. “I stole them.
You’re not the only one who can filch goods unnoticed, beautiful.” He relaxed
back into the pillows and closed his eyes. “Now lie down.”
“You are so gonna pay for this.”
He didn’t need to see the smoke pumping from her ears to know it was
there. He could hear it in her voice and feel it in the heat radiating from her
skin. A wry smile curled his lips. “I figure I’m already doing time in
purgatory, thanks to you. A few more years won’t kill me.”
“And to think,” Eve snapped as she flopped back onto the bed, “I was
actually worried about you.”
Zane’s humor faded. “We both know you weren’t worried. You were just
biding your time until you could run. I’m not a stupid southern hick,
sweetheart. Now shut up so I can get some sleep.”
“Don’t mind me,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and
dragging his hand with her. “I’ll just be sitting here plotting all the ways I
can murder you in your sleep.”
He chuckled. Now that was the feisty brunette he remembered. “Just do
it quietly. I’m beat.”
She let out a long, frustrated sigh, but the sound didn’t irritate
Zane like it should, instead it relaxed him. And man, either he was seriously
losing it or all those drugs had finally fried his gray matter. Because lying
next to his archenemy, feeling her heat and smelling her soft, arousing scent, he
suddenly wasn’t focused on revenge. Losing himself in all her softness sounded
a hell of a lot better. And more fun. And, holy hell, way more fucking erotic.
He just wasn’t sure what to do about it.

 

About The Author

Elisabeth naughtonBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned to a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

You can find Elisabeth here:
Website/Blog:
  http://www.elisabethnaughton.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElisNaughton
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/elisabeth.naughton1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2002988.Elisabeth_Naughton

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Treasures, Demons and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge-Review and Giveaway

Treasures, Demons and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge-Review and Giveaway

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Treasures, Demons, And Other Black Magic
Dowser Series #3
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Release Date: June 11, 2014
Genre: adult, urban fantasy, vampires, witches

SONY DSC

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2014

I hadn’t set foot in the human world for more than a few hours in over three and a half months. Sure, I was stronger and faster than I’d ever been before, and I had a shiny new sword, but I was seriously chocolate deprived. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey. And the new sword was a problem — to my mind, anyway. It represented all the expectations of a powerful father and a new otherworldly life. A life that wasn’t the one I’d worked so hard to build. It also represented the responsibility I had to bring my foster sister Sienna to … what? Justice? I didn’t know if that was even possible. What I did know was that Sienna wouldn’t stop, and that I couldn’t just leave everything up to fate and destiny … or maybe I was. Maybe I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. If you believed in that sort of thing.

I just hoped that before the chaos and mayhem renewed, I’d manage to get my hands on some chocolate. It didn’t even have to be single-origin Madagascar. I was utterly prepared to lower my standards.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:   I am experiencing a sugar high coupled with chocolate bliss after reading TREASURES, DEMONS, and OTHER BLACK MAGIC by Meghan Ciana Doidge! Be prepared for a sensory overload of fast paced action, divine descriptions of chocolate and desserts and melt in your mouth descriptions of the scents of magic.

We are transported back into the thick of action with Jade and her gang! Jade has been missing for the past three months, because she has been training with her father’s kin. *spoiler alert from last novel* Yes, Jade’s dear dad is a Dragon! That’s why Jade is so powerful! She is shown a vision in The Nexus, that if she returns to her life without training, all of her friends and family will be killed. Jade escapes through a portal in Scotland, to pursue Sienna, her evil foster sister. A fledgling dragon named Drake tags along and soon steals the show! What a wonderful new character! Drake is a young, Zen-like Dragon that loves life and getting into trouble. They soon meet up with Kett, the ancient vampire and Kandy, who is Jade’s werewolf bodyguard. We follow the gang to London in pursuit of Sienna and to rescue Mory, the young Necromancer. What a showdown we have, but things are not over yet!!

The author takes us back to Canada for the final action! Jade figures out Sienna’s next move which is to reanimate demons! Jade unites the whole magic community in crushing her once and for all!! The Skinwalkers, Shifters, Witches, Necromancers and one sexy vampire team together. My only complaint was that Desmond, the uber-sexy Alpha shifter didn’t come into the story until 75% in!! That was NOT enough read time for Jade and Desmond’s hot off the charts banter! I won’t spoil any of the dramatic ending, if it is the ending? Oh Meghan, the mischief you create!! This is a thoroughly wonderful read that was full of action and characters that I adore! Plus, the chocolate descriptions were so divine and I still can fit into my jeans! Alas, I have been ruined for cheap chocolate! Enjoy Book 3 in the Dowser Series, it has all of the right ingredients!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Jules

Guest Post beige

Want to try some ‘Sunshine in a Cup’? The recipe for yellow citrus cake batter and lemon butter cream frosting are below. Let me know what you think.

yellowcirtus_cakerecipe

lemonbuttercream_icing_RECIPE

 

Series Spotlight

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic
Dowser Series #1
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Release Date:June 18, 2013
Genre: adult, urban fantasy, witches, vampires

Click HERE for our review of CUPCAKES, TRINKETS AND OTHER DEALY MAGIC

FREE ebook:  Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /


SONY DSCABOUT THE BOOK:  Release Date June 18, 2013

If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it.

That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

_____________________

Trinkets, Treasures and Other Bloody Magic
The Dowser Series #2
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Release Date: December 27, 2013

Click HERE for our review of TRINKETS, TREASURES AND OTHER BLOODY MAGIC.

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SONY DSCABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: December 27, 2013

Three months ago, I lost my foster sister, Sienna, to the darkness. As in blood magic and chaos and general mayhem. No one saw it until it was too late, but I should have. Now, I have a wounded heart and soul that I can’t even reveal to anyone around me, because I’m supposed to hate Sienna with the fiery passion of the justified. And I do. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost without her, so unsure of the path I thought I had carved for myself, and so outclassed by the powerful Adepts constantly by my side these days. I’m not even sure if they’re with me for my own protection or because my shiny new powers are rare and valuable. Assuming I ever figure out who or what I am, and how my magic actually works.

Even chocolate can’t save the day every time … just most of the time. At least I’ve got that going for me.

About The Author beige
Meghan Ciana DoidgeMeghan Ciana Doidge is an award-winning writer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She has a penchant for bloody love stories, superheroes, and the supernatural. She also has a thing for chocolate, potatoes, and sock yarn.

Novels – After The Virus, Spirit Binder, Time Walker, Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic – Dowser #1, Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic – Dowser #2, Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic – Dowser #3

Novellas/Shorts – Love Lies Bleeding and The Graveyard Kiss

WARNING: author has been known to manipulate characters with chocolate, sex, and fantastical plotting. Readers beware http://author.to/meghancianadoidge

Follow Meghan: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway beige

Meghan is graciously offering all 3 ebooks in the DOWSER Series to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

Dowser Series

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

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

3. 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. LIKE Meghan Ciana Doidge on Facebook.

6. The giveaway is open Internationally

7. The giveaway runs from July 7 to July 11, 2014

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My Darling Janice by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

My Darling Janice by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
After discovering some old journals that belong to her grandfather Janice finds he has been hiding a painful memory of a sister he once had. She is determined to find out more and after confronting him she leaves for the country of his birth to learn more from his family. She has wrung some of the story out of him. She learns that she looks like her grandaunt and was named after her. He told her how beautiful his sister was, how popular and loved she had been, but refuses to talk about her in any detail.

As Janice travels she learns that her grandfather expected her to go to his former home. In her luggage she finds her grandfather’s journals that detail the last years of his sister’s life along with a couple letters from him. She begins to read and is pulled into the glittering whirlwind of her grandaunt’s life. A world where the Janice that was, reigned as the social Queen of Viennese society and was loved by one and all, but especially by the man she eventually married. As she closes the journal she is more determined than ever to get to know the world and people her grandaunt knew, and to bring joy to their world in memory of the woman who was.

Wolfgang has lived all of his life under the shadow of his illegitimacy. He dwelt with a granduncle, a man who raised him like a son. He watched his granduncle live with the memory of a woman he couldn’t let go, even when death stole her from him. He could easily understand the attraction when he gazed at her portrait, but not the reasons. Not until he meets the woman who not only bares her name, but shares her beauty and personality.

As Wolfgang watches Janice from the doorway he not only sees a woman that resembles the lady he has admired in the portrait his granduncle coveted, but the woman he falls instantly in love with. Like his granduncle, he is determined to win her hand and love, no matter the cost, for despite the pretense of Janice’s appearance he knows that underneath the veneer beats the heart of a woman who will make him happy for the rest of eternity

 

Review:
My Darling Janice by M. A. Abraham is a standalone novel that is a historical romance. M.A. Abraham brings us a beautiful historical romance story of love, family, sacrifice, and tragedy; taking us through England and Austria.

This story is told in two parts. In 1864, in England, a beautiful young lady receives a letter from her grandfather describing her namesake & grandaunt Janice. With her interest piqued, she decides to travel to Vienna and meet her father’s family that she has never met. While traveling, she discovers in her luggage journals that belong to her grandfather, and learns all about her grandaunt, Janice.

In 1823 in Vienna, we meet the original vivacious Janice, who was the belle of the ball with every man vying for her. Janice loves to have fun and adores the attention bestowed upon her, but she does not want to get married, and refuses the many proposals she receives.   When it is her sister’s coming out time, Janice is sent to visit her brother, Martin, as her father did not want Janice to get all the attention and ruin it for Lydia.

It is there that we meet Wolfgang, who immediately falls in love with the beautiful Janice. In trying to help her sister, Janice, her brother Martin and Wolfgang agree on a plan that backfires for Janice. She is betrothed to Wolfgang, and he does not plan to let her go. What follows, without giving any spoilers is a romance, that was one sided in the beginning; Wolfgang loved Janice, but she loved her freedom. Much time was spent with Janice fighting all attempts by Wolfgang to make her fall in love with him. This is the first part of the story, with the journals telling everything about this romance, and how Janice effected those surrounding her.

Back to 1864, the current Janice is excited to meet her ancestors, and learn more about her grandaunt. The second part of the story has Janice coming to face to face with another Wolfgang, the adopted son of the original Wolfgang.   What follows is similar type of romance, with Wolfgang immediately falling in love with Janice, and she being defiant in avoiding his attempts.

Both parts end up being beautiful romances in a historical setting. That being said, I had mixed feelings about both of the Janices. They were both beautiful, vivacious, and both were self-centered and at times bitchy. I found myself annoyed with both of them a lot. M.A. Abraham weaves a wonderful story, as she brings to life the wonderful old world Vienna; the society balls, the gowns, the glamour. Abraham has proved over and over, she has a wonderful imagination, and takes us with her on her wonderful rides.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

Giveaway

M.A. is graciously offering a signed paper copy to one (1) lucky commenter and an e-copy to (1) lucky commenter of My Darling Janice 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. LIKE M.A. Abraham on FACEBOOK for an additional entry

6. Giveaway is open to US & Canada only (paper copy) and International (ecopy)

7. Giveaway runs from July 7 to July 11, , 2014 

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Marine For Hire (Front and Center #1) by Tawna Fenske-a review

Marine For Hire (Front and Center #1) by Tawna Fenske-a review

Marine for Hire

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release July 1, 2014

She thought she’d sworn off military men for good…

Sam Kercher is every inch a wickedly hot Marine. Tall. Sexy. Lethal. When his best friends call in a favor, Sam is forced to face an entirely new line of duty—playing nanny for their newly divorced sister and her squirming seven-month-old twin boys. If Sam can dissemble an M16 in his sleep, diaper duty should be a cakewalk…right?

Unfortunately, Operation Nanny isn’t quite that simple. Sheridan has sworn off overbearing military men, so Sam must protect her from her dirtbag ex without revealing just how much he has in common with her brothers. Or that he’s been ordered not to touch her. Ever. Problem is, Sheri’s one hell of a gorgeous woman, capable of making this hard-bodied marine even harder. And Sam wants her bad.

Protect the girl. Care for the babies. Hide his identity. And keep his hands off. But even the most disciplined Marine has weaknesses…and Sheridan is one Sam might not be able to resist.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MARINE FOR HIRE is the first instalment in Tawna Fenke’s contemporary, adult Front and Center erotic romance series. This is marine Sam Kercher and divorced mom Sheridan (Sheri) Patton-Price’s storyline. Sam is on leave from the marine’s pending the results of an investigation and his former military buddy and best friend MacArthur (Mac) requests a favor-become his sister’s ‘manny’ for her seven month old twin boys while keeping an eye out for her deviant ex-husband.

The focus of the storyline is the building relationship between Sam and Sheri. After catching her husband in bed with a younger woman following the birth of their twins, Sheri is slowly realizing that raising seven month old twins and working full time is impossible without some much needed help. Raised in a family of marines and married to an alpha military male, Sheri has sworn off military men and all of the problems that come with. Enter Sam Kercher, a man hired by Sheri’s brother Mac to look after the babies-only Sam must keep secret that he is a marine.

The attraction between Sheri and Sam is immediate and hot. Sam first met Sheri years before but Sheri has no clue how Sam fits into her brother’s life. As Sheri and Sam dance around their sexual attraction to one another, Sheri’s ex husband makes a play to get his family back. Sam is a man determined to look after Sheri and the boys but soon realizes that he wants Sheri for so much more.

The secondary characters include Sheri’s brother Macarthur and her BFF Kelli. Mac and Kelli’s storyline is next in Fiance For Hire. Mac is another alpha marine male who knows a thing or two about protecting the people that he loves and Kelli is a veterinarian who has had a thing for Mac for years. The world building pulls together the sights and sounds of Hawaii; the world of the U.S. Marines; and a group of friends and family who will do just about anything to protect those that they love.

MARINE FOR HIRE is a fast paced, sensual although predictable storyline about two people destined for one another who must move past the obstacles of previous heartbreak and betrayal. Tawna Fenske writes a story with a little bit of mystery, suspense, romance, sex, passion and a happily ever after. We should all be able to find a ‘manny’ like Sam Kercher and it doesn’t hurt that he knows a thing or two about raising children and making the beds.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Scenic Route by Devan Sipher-a review

THE SCENIC ROUTE by Devan Sipher-a review

The Scenic Route

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 3, 2014

Austin Gittleman is running late, and not just for the seaside wedding he’s attending. Austin’s an eye doctor, who doesn’t see what’s in front of him, until he crashes into Naomi Bloom, a pastry chef with a taste for adventure. Naomi believes a straight line isn’t always the shortest distance between places — or people.

Do any two people look at love the same way? Austin and Naomi offer conflicting narrative accounts as they circle each other through a series of miscommunications and missed connections. In The Scenic Route, life is what happens on the way to where you’re going. It’s unpredictable and sometimes fleeting, but it can be pretty wonderful when you bring the right person along for the ride.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SCENIC ROUTE is a fictional storyline about love, loss, mistakes and making amends. It is not necessarily a romantic storyline because our leading couple has a habit of destructive behavior that finds them in one relationship failure after another. But don’t despair, they will get their happily ever after, only it takes a few years, a few failures and a few regrets.

Told from two distinct third person POV, the focus of the storyline is Dr. Austin Gittleman (an ophthalmologist) and pastry chef Naomi Bloom-one time childhood schoolmates who were re-introduced in Florida at a mutual friend’s wedding. After a hot night of passion and sex, Austin and Naomi each went their separate ways hoping the other would stop and ask for something more. As the years pass, Naomi and Austin would run into one another from time to time, and each of their hearts would break a little more. Naomi and Austin are in love with one another but are too afraid to express their true feelings.

The reader is pulled into a frustrating but interesting story about two people whose lives have been turned upside down by the choices they have made. Not that their lives were abnormal, because in fact, their lives are quite similar to many thirty something singles looking for that special person in love and life. Naomi and Austin continue to ride the relationship roller coaster while the reader holds on for something more permanent.

Devan Sipher writes a story that will resonate with many people whose lives are too busy, too focused or too involved to settle down with that special someone. The storyline covers several years; several failures; the death of two marriages; and the death of someone close. It is a story about love- a love shared by two people-one who wants to take the ‘scenic route’ through life while the other finds the path (or route) of least resistance more to his style.

The secondary characters are colorful and drive a major portion of the storyline. We are introduced to family, friends, lovers and the professionals our couple meet along the way. It will take several failed relationships for Naomi and Austin to understand that who they have always wanted was only a phone call or text away. This is a story about two stubborn people who were afraid to take a step in a different direction knowing that what awaited could have been their happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author

Follow: Website / Twitter / Facebook/ Goodreads

Devan SipherBorn in LA.

I always thought that would make a good title for my mem­oir. Not that I have any inten­tion of ever writ­ing a memoir.

I grew up mostly in South­field, Michi­gan, which sounds mis­lead­ingly bucolic for a sub­urb of Detroit with more than 27 mil­lion square feet of office space.

I grad­u­ated from the Uni­ver­sity of Michi­gan. (Go Blue!) After brief stints in med­ical school and rab­bini­cal school, I ended up get­ting a mas­ter of fine arts degree at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

For the past seven years I’ve been a writer of the Vows col­umn at The New York Times. Rumor has it that in the movie 27 Dresses, the actor James Mars­den por­trayed me — but with bet­ter hair.

 

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Written in the Cards by Lauren Linwood-a review

Written in the Cards by Lauren Linwood-a review

Written in the Cards

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 20, 2014

Maggie Rutherford jilts her too-perfect society groom at the altar and flees New York for the American West, where she turns her travels into dime novels that she writes and illustrates under the pen name Lud Madison.

After the Civil War, veteran Ben Morgan marries his childhood sweetheart and takes her to homestead on the Great Plains. Losing her and their unborn child in an Indian attack, Ben detaches from emotion and becomes a roaming gambler. When he kills a cheating opponent in self-defense, the man’s gunslinger brother swears revenge upon Ben.

Ben hides on a cattle drive and brings in a herd to Abilene, where a waiting Maggie wants to find a rough and tumble cowboy to interview for her next story idea. Sparks fly as the dangerous drover and popular novelist wind up living in the same household, running a general store east of Abilene. But with Black Tex Lonnegan hot on his trail, will Ben run from his growing attraction to Maggie and the gunfighter’s promise of death–or will he make a stand for his life–and love?

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEWS:  If, by some chance, you haven’t read the other fine books by Lauren Linwood you really must begin now!

This is a wonderfully romantic story of the Old West! Old towns like Abilene, Easton bursting with the flavor of the Old West. Gamblers, gunfights, cattle drives and so much more.

Ben Morgan is introduced in the first chapter as a man, damaged by war, who has taken his young (not so eager) bride out west to begin a life as a farmer. While he’s away getting supplies, his wife (pregnant with their first child) is brutally killed by Indians. The stunning reality of this chapter amazed me, yet the details were not hammered out to the point of nausea as some would tend to do.

The heroine is a strong and talented woman, born to wealth, but with an independent nature and heart. She leaves a Lech at the altar, heads west to adventure and a successful writing career. Margaret E. Rutherford (aka: Maggie) is a lovely young woman with imagination and incredible talent, who meets Ben Morgan while in Abilene after a cattle drive. She interviews him about life on the trail for her next best-selling dime novel.

How Ben becomes a gambler, then has to run from a lethal gunslinger and takes off on a cattle drive, only to meet Maggie after the drive in Abilene is so well written you actually feel the dust and your heart races at the danger.

Of course, these two are fated to find each other, and do in Easton a small town outside of Abilene. Ms. Linwood weaves this intricate yet flowing tale of two fated lovers in her usual wonderful twisty style, mixing their past adventures into the present tale with well written dialog and descriptions.

It’s so great to feel the adventure and yet so much reality of the Old West that you feel your rear hurt from the saddle and you just know you need to shower the dust off yourself! While at the same time the thrill of new love and romance (and yes some nice steamy lust) keeps your heart pumping.

I won’t give you anymore spoilers, this is just too good, you have to experience this adventure for yourself! It’s well worth the time to read and enjoy.

Grab your favorite beverage, a few tissues…you’ll be in for a great adventure with humor, danger, romance, steamy love scenes, some incredible sadness and a magnificent HEA! Enjoy everyone; I certainly did as I couldn’t put this one down!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna

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Rock, Rattle and Roll (Lost in Oblivion 1.5) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Rock, Rattle and Roll (Lost in Oblivion 1.5) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Rock Rattle and Roll

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1 , 2014

Loving in fast forward…

Love on the fast track has been the definition of Harper and Deacon McCoy’s relationship. In between studio sessions with Deacon’s band, Oblivion, and building a new clientele for Harper’s catering business, the newlyweds haven’t had time to sleep let alone have a honeymoon.

Deacon convinces Harper that they need a week alone together before her business as well as a new album and tour swallows them whole. Since Texas has always held special meaning for them, they head to Galveston to recharge and remember what it’s like to just be a couple.

A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin on skin action is just what the rock star ordered. Until the future once again comes much quicker than they expected, threatening to crumble not only their perfect honeymoon but also their brand new marriage.

REVIEW: ROCK, RATTLE AND ROLL is the latest novella in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult, Lost in Oblivion erotic romance series focusing on the band members of the rock band Oblivion. This is the continuing story of Harper Pruitt and bass guitarist Deacon McCoy.

The premise follows Harper and Deacon as they set out on their delayed honeymoon. Harper’s catering business leaves little time for her new husband and Deacon is a man who knows life on the road is about to get much busier.

The continuing relationship between Harper and Deacon is one of sensuality, steamy sex and arousal. There is no stopping Harper while on her honeymoon-her libido is in overdrive and there can only be one explanation-one that she isn’t too happy to find out.

ROCK, RATTLE AND ROLL is a realistic look at two people unprepared for everything life has to offer. Quinn and Elliott pull the reader into a seductive, provocative and emotional storyline. There are moments of intense pleasure and intense anxiety, but through it all Deacon McCoy is a man who loves Harper Pruitt above everything else.

Reading Order
Seduced
Rocked
Rock, Rattle and Roll
Twisted (October 2014)
Destroyed (2015)
Shattered (2015)

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Catch Your BreathAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
As kids they steered clear of one another–but now a beautiful, well-connected reporter and a sexy, driven detective are all grown-up and on the job. . .

Moira O’Leary’s work as a reporter gives her access to some of Chicago’s swankiest soirées. She knows how to navigate the jet-set crowd, and her style and confidence help her blend right in. But when her childhood crush starts popping up at posh events, her poise begins to falter–until she realizes she has the upper hand in a high-stakes game of secrets and seduction. . .

Jimmy O’Malley has always tried to avoid his friend Liam’s little sister. Something about Moira spelled trouble. But he’s out of his element working undercover in Chicago’s high society, and Moira is his ticket to the inner circle. As sparks begin to fly–and their chemistry heats up–Moira gets dangerously close to his investigation. Will Jimmy be forced to push her away to keep her safe–or will they surrender to a desire that could leave them breathless

 

Review:
Catch Your Breath by Shannyn Schroeder is the 4th book in her wonderful O’Leary series. This series is pure romance, and enjoyable fun books to read. The nice thing about this series is that even if you have not read the previous books, you can read anyone of these books as a standalone without missing too much. Shannyn throughout the book shows many of the O’Leary family members and you do not miss too much. Though it is always nice to start from the beginning.

Moira O’Leary is our heroine, and I loved Moira in this story. She is a strong, tough, independent and very passionate heroine. Moira is a reporter trying to get her big break, but is stuck at covering parties for the rich. At one of these parties, Moira sees Jimmy O’Malley, and wonders why he is at one of these parties. She has had a childhood crush on Jimmy, and even now she still finds herself very attracted to him. However, Jimmy wants nothing to do with his best friend’s (Liam O’Leary) little sister, even if she is now a gorgeous redhead.

Jimmy is a young detective, and he wants to move up the ladder. He is given an undercover job covering thefts at homes of the very rich. Jimmy is determined to use this as his stepping stone to help him rise up, and will let nothing stand in his way. Especially the familiar young lady who spots him at his first party acting undercover.

Moira jumps on the opportunity to get a big scoop, not to mention spend time with Jimmy and use her wiles to make him notice her. Jimmy though will be a tough nut to crack, since he considers her off limits because of his close relationship to her brother, whom he is afraid will not approve. But it will be easier said than done, as Jimmy finds himself unable to ignore Moira, and the sparks fly off the wall between them. In between this passion fill romance that sizzles throughout, there is a mystery. As Jimmy works to find the leaders behind the thefts, Moira begins to work on another angle for a story. This causes much conflict between them, as Jimmy doesn’t like her getting anywhere near his case, not to mention getting into danger.

As I noted, I loved the character of Moira. She was perfect in every way. Jimmy however, left me with mixed feelings. He was a hunk, and truly a nice guy, who really did care about Moira. But I also found him to be too macho or arrogant in his beliefs. He was one of the guys who wants full control of his woman, certainly not an independent one like Moira. A few times I wanted to smack him. I also thought the angst between them was a bit redundant. Will Moira, who has a lot of experience with her brothers at handling alpha males, be able to change Jimmy’s stubbornness? Is it possible that they can rise above their obstacles?

Catch Your Breath was a lighthearted, refreshing and fun read. The romance was sexy and hot, with a couple that despite their obstacles were perfect for each other. Shannyn Schroeder has written another wonderful storyline that continues with her O’Leary series, and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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