Monthly Archives: August 2014

Purr-fect Mating by Sheryl Winters-Review and Blog Tour

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Purr-fect Mating by Sheryl Winters-Review and Blog Tour

Purrfect Mating Blog Tour Button1

Purr-fect Mating
A Lil Genie Series Novella
by Sheryl Winters
Release Date: June 23, 2014
Genre: paranormal, romance, shifters

Purrfect Mating

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Fhina and Wulfar have a little problem. On their wedding night, at the stroke of midnight, Wulfar changes into his shifted wolf form and cannot shift back. Not even to communicate with the woman he loves.

Fhina upon waking the day after their mating, no longer recognizes her mate. Pregnant and confused, she’s convinced herself that her mate has run away and left her to live alone. With his dog.

Can they find a counter charm before Fhina gives birth? Will Wulfar be able to curb his inclination to run? Or will their mutual curses break their love before it’s really even started.

••••••••••••••••••

What a delightful little read.

A little strange in places, but good none the less. Fhina is a tiger shifter, and is happy in her own little world. Until an unconscious naked male (a shifter) is discovered by her on her porch. There is also a human hunter nearby and Fhina suspects that he shot the naked male, mistaking him for a wolf. There is the usual “get off my porch” and “mine” and “mate” thrown around. That got a few chuckles on the bus I can tell you.

Fhina and Wulfar soon settle down in the cottage and prepare to be together forever, until he mentions a curse. ( he will turn into a wolf on his wedding day, and until he loses something he hold dear, he will remain in wolf form.) then Fhina tells him about her curse. ( her’s is that on the morning after her wedding, she will wake to no memory of her husband, nor the fact that she was married ! And only when she loses what she already has, her curse will remain with her).

So, you can see where the story is going. But I still enjoyed it. Her sister is a riot. Her mother you want to throttle, and a HUGE White wolf you want to pet. All the characters are pretty likeable. And the story goes at a good speed. Would have liked it to have been a proper book, as sometimes it did feel rushed. So going to give it 3 and a half stars

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Julie B

About The Author Black and Blue

I never set out to be an author. Only a story teller. Some days I succeed better than others. 

Ms. Winter’s Links:

Website / Blog   / Facebook/ Twitter

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NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter

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Roane Publishing

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Echo Lake by Letitia Trent-Review and Interview with the Author

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Echo Lake by Letitia Trent-Review and Interview with the Author

Echo Lake

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2014

Thirty-something Emily Collins inherits her recently murdered aunt’s house, deciding to move to Heartshorne, Oklahoma, to claim it and confront her family’s dark past after her dead mother begins speaking to her in dreams, propelling this gothic, neo-noir thriller toward terrifying revelations of murderous small-town justice when a horrible community secret is revealed through the supernatural pull of Echo Lake.

*****************

REVIEW:  Echo Lake is an interesting look at the evil people do in their lives and where it lives. The evil is present in the lake and sporadically effects the behavior of those who frequent it. It’s a man-made lake with a small village and cemetery at the bottom.
Emily is a lonely and misused thirty year old woman who has inherited a house and property on the lake from her Aunt Fran. At a place in her life where this gives her a change of scenery and a new start, she packs up, quits her job and moves to Heartshorne (the town near Echo Lake). Her mother was born and raised in Heartshorne until she was a teenager, and then the whole family (except Fran) left the area and never returned. Emily grew up with stories of how much her mother (Connie) hated this place and would never return, but also never really explained why.

Several murders and kidnappings are happening at the same time. Emily also finds out that her Aunt was murdered in the house, probably in her sleep. It appears to the police to have been a random act of violence.

She has visions of her mother helping her at times, telling her what she needs to do to fix this. Then Emily also meets an interesting and good-looking man (Jonathan) who owns a shop outside the near town of Keno, who reads Tarot cards. He does a reading for her which is interesting and also gives her his card and tells her he’d like to show her around the area. He’s kind and very interesting and a relationship begins to build, as he helps her to see the area and much more.

She also gets a visit on her first day moving in from Levi Richardson, pastor of the Free Will Baptist Church and he invited her to a town meeting about the violence happening in their town. He and others begin to shed light on her family for her (a family she has never known since her mother grew up).

Ok, that’s pretty much the scary set up; the details of the story should be left for reading.

I found the writing actually good, the storyline interesting. Here are a couple of issues I had:

This copy was provided, but was not denoted as an ARC, or unedited version. There were no quotation marks in the story, making conversations difficult to keep track of; I found several words and spelling issues; toward the end of the story left a few things hanging. The storytelling was very good, but the characters lacked life, a few good feelings would have broken up some of the intense sorrow. All in all, it was a good story as a first novel.

Copy supplied by the publicist

Reviewed by Georgianna

Interview orange:black

TRC: Hi Letitia and welcome to The Reading CafÈ. Congratulations on the release of ECHO LAKE. We would like to start with some background information.

Would you please tell us something about yourself?

You can find Letitia: Goodreads / Twitter/ Facebook

Letitia TrentLetitia: Sure! I’m currently living in Colorado, where I’m pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology. I received my MFA in poetry from Ohio State University. I live with my husband, my two-month old son, and three cats. I spent my early years in Vermont and Oklahoma, where I traveled around with my parents to flea markets.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Letitia: I think the support that I got both in undergrad and in graduate school from teachers and fellow writers has been the most influential. Early on, just reading, reading, reading was my biggest influence. I read books that made me feel less alone in the world or that excited me and I wanted to create that feeling for other people, too.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise your latest release-ECHO LAKE?

Echo LakeLetitia: Echo Lake is about a woman whose life is going nowhere: she realizes she is living in a city she doesn’t love with a person she doesn’t love. Fortunately, she gets word of an inheritance from her last living family member and gets an opportunity to start again in the town where her mother grew up. This town, though, refuses to deal with the crimes of its past. The story is her journey to understand her mother’s history and how she fits into this place that should feel like home.

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

Letitia: I didn’t do much research for this book, so there were few challenges in that regard. I think the biggest challenge was figuring out how the whole thing came to a head: I’ve never been interested in stories in which “evil” is defeated by “good”. That narrative simply doesn’t interest me. I wanted an ending in which ambiguity is embraced and the characters integrate what they’ve learned about the darker or “shadow” parts of themselves. It took me a while to figure out how to dramtize that process in a way that made sense for the characters.

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

Letitia: The characters definitely direct the storyline. I think that story comes from choices characters make in reaction to their environment, so it’s important to know a character well enough to know what they would realistically do or say in a situation. Once it feels like I’m speaking and moving the story forward from the character’s perspective, then I know the story is really moving.

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?

Letitia: I think it’s essential that the characters are interesting, that the language is precise, and that the reader is in a place that they can really feel and experience viscerally. Ultimately, I think there are many, many ways to engage a reader, and some things that engage some readers don’t engage others, so it’s all about finding your personal style and figuring out what you really care about as a writer. You can’t please all readers, but you can stay true to your own personal vision, so that’s what I aim for.

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

Letitia: I’ve liked to write another book, complete another poetry collection, and perhaps finish a nonfiction collection. I also have a true crime novel I’d like to write, though that will probably take several years of research.

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

Letitia: My first crushes were Dudley Moore and Lance Henriksen.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Letitia: Not much right now, since I have a newborn, but when I have the time, I hope to complete a novel about yet another mysterious town, this one far more overtly supernatural than Heartshorne. I also hope to complete another poetry collection.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Letitia: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the book!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite TV Show: Twin Peaks

Last Movie You Saw: Maleficent

Favorite Musical Group: The Smiths

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush: Gabriel Byrne

Last Vacation Destination: Oklahoma

Do you have any pets?: Three cats: Doombot, Cheeto, and Nina Simone

Pet Peeve: People who say something unkind and then say “just kidding” immediately afterward

TRC: Thank you Letitia for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the birth of your baby. We wish you much success and happiness.

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Expose Me (Fifth Avenue Trilogy #3) by Kate Hewitt-a review

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EXPOSE ME (Fifth Avenue Trilogy #3) by Kate Hewitt-a review

Expose me

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2014

The third and final step to revenge in the fifth avenue trilogy. Alex has the power…

TEN YEARS AGO ONE DEVASTATING NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR AUSTIN, HUNTER AND ALEX. NOW THEY MUST EACH PLAY THEIR PART IN THE REVENGE AGAINST THE ONE MAN WHO RUINED IT ALL.

With ruthless determination, Alex Diaz has risen up from his deprived roots to become the head of a global media empire. But he has one last thing to achieve…avenge his friend by destroying the man responsible for her death, Jason Treffen. With stunning talk-show host Chelsea Maxwell about to interview Treffen live on TV, this is Alex’s chance.

He’ll use her show to exact a very public revenge—and seducing Chelsea, if needed, would certainly be no hardship. But he underestimates Chelsea and the attraction between them, and as their relationship deepens, Alex realizes that to annihilate Treffen could also shatter the life that Chelsea has built to protect herself….

REVIEW: EXPOSE ME is the third and final instalment in the Fifth Avenue contemporary, erotic trilogy. Each of the three instalments has been written by a different author focusing on a new couple whose connection to the storyline is personal and heartbreaking. Expose Me is Alex Diaz and Chelsea Maxwell’s story- written by Kate Hewitt.

As our trio of friends-Austin Treffen, Hunter Grant and Alex Diaz make the final preparations to destroy billionaire lawyer and philanthropist Justin Treffen, Alex goes in search of the perfect person to complete the final stage of Jason’s personal and public demise.

Chelsea Maxwell is a popular daytime TV talk show host whose reputation for getting her interviewees to talk will place her on the direct path to bring all of the players together. Alex Diaz knows that Chelsea is the only person who has the ability to bring Jason to his knees but in doing so Alex will lose his heart to a woman whose past is secreted away behind physical and emotional scars. If Chelsea agrees to play along, she knows Jason Treffen will ruin her career and expose the truth about her own past.

AVENGE ME (Book 1) saw Austin Treffen (Jason’s son) and Katy Michaels begin the take down of a man whose family had to come to the realization that the man they called husband and father had lied to them his entire life.

SCANDALIZE ME (Book 2) brought together PR consultant Zoe Brook-a survivor of Jason’s sordid life; and Hunter Grant –a man whose connections to Jason’s past have destroyed his own life and his career. We watch as Hunter’s world is shattered once again when Zoe reveals that she knows the whys and what fors as it pertains to Hunter’s self-sabotage and how she wants to be play a role in the destruction of Jason Treffen.

EXPOSE ME is the culmination of three connecting storylines where each instalment will see the slow destruction of a once powerful and sadistic man. Jason Treffen is a man who has ruined countless lives; shattered many dreams; and stands poised to have his well ordered life crumble and fall. Chelsea Maxwell will take Jason to the mat but in doing so will destroy her own career in the process.

The Fifth Avenue Trilogy is a series that looks at the destructive nature of too much power and too much control; the shattered lives of everyone it has touched; and how three men found love with women who had been touched by the control and abuse.

Again, my only complaint is the slow build up of each of the storylines. The premise focused on the growing relationships between each of our couples and the destruction of Jason Treffen took a back seat until the final chapters of each instalment.

There is a wealth of information not imparted to the reader-Jason Treffen’s sins and illegal activities were revealed on a need to know basis only and focused on the devastated life of Sarah Michaels. Each of our heroines is a strong, independent and broken woman while our heroes have suffered silently for a decade with the knowledge that they were unable to save someone they loved then lost.

Fifth Avenue Trilogy

Reading Order
1. Avenge Me (May 2014)
2. Scandalize Me (June 2014)
3. Expose Me (August 2014)

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lay it Down (Desert Dogs #1) by Cara McKenna-a review

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LAY IT DOWN (Desert Dogs #1) by Cara McKenna-a review

Lay It Down

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

RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2014

Backbreaking days, wild nights, and the hard hum of steel between your thighs…

That’s a life well lived, according to the Desert Dogs—four friends who call Fortuity, Nevada, their badlands home.

Vince Grossier is the self-crowned outlaw king around here. But when Fortuity’s slick new mayor invites a casino development to town, greed isn’t far behind—and it claims Vince’s good friend as its first casualty. With the law turning a blind eye to the mysterious death, Vince must seek his own brand of justice. The pretty photographer hired by the developers might be the key to uncovering the truth. And she’s a temptation too good to pass up.

Finally free of a controlling ex, Kim Paget’s not looking to be taken for a ride—not on the back of some tattooed roughneck’s bike and definitely not in his bed. But when she uncovers evidence supporting Vince’s suspicions of murder, Kim must entrust her safety to a man whose body threatens danger of a whole different kind.

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LAY IT DOWN is the first instalment in Cara McKenna’s new contemporary, adult Desert Dogs romantic suspense series focusing on a close-knit group of friends and family from Fortuity, Nevada who call themselves the ‘Desert Dogs’.

Eclipse Resort and Casinos has made more enemies than friends with their local construction and plans for the future in Fortuity, Nevada. As the casino development proceeds, local police officer Alex Dunn makes an ominous drunk call to his best friend Vince Grossier rambling about bones at the local construction site. When Alex is killed in a drunk driving accident, Vince isn’t convinced about the circumstances surrounding his best friend’s death and begins to investigate the possibility that Alex’s discovery is tied to his untimely demise-Alex would never drive drunk.

The storyline follows Vince, his brother Casey, friend Miah and professional photographer Kim Paget as they begin to uncover the truth and potential murder of Alex Dunn. Kim is a woman who was hired by Eclipse to take pictures of the local scenery but finds herself front and center when she mistakenly overhears what could very well be an admittance of murder and misdeeds.

The relationship between Vince and Kim is one of sensuality, sex and exploration. Vince’s motorcycle riding, hard driving alpha personality goes into overdrive when he realizes that Kim could be the next potential victim after she is confronted about what she heard and whom she saw. To protect Kim, Vince is willing to send Kim away for an extended period of time knowing that the woman who has stolen his heart may never return-like so many people before.

We are introduced to several secondary characters who all have a hidden past and a possible future in Fortuity, Nevada. Casey Grossier, Vince’s mysterious and long absent brother whose past is secreted from family and friends; Raina, the local tavern owner whose sex appeal is greatly appreciated by the locals and Vince’s buddy Miah. Miah and Raina have a history together that has only been glossed over but Miah’s attraction to Raina is evident and obvious to everyone concerned. We are also introduced to Duncan Welch-a solicitor for Eclipse Resorts and a man who will be pulled into Vince’s circle of friends as they endeavor to uncover the truth. Duncan’s role was questionable in the beginning but he is a man who is worthy of a second chance.

The world building brings the reader up close and personal to a small town’s struggle to survive in the wake of a new resort and casino that promises wealth, riches and local jobs. What the resort brings is controversy, heartache, death and dissolution.

Cara McKenna pulls the reader into a suspense filled and romantic storyline that investigates the death of friend who was loved by the people of Fortuity, Nevada. LAY IT DOWN is a story about friendship and loss; romance and love; passion and pain. Cara McKenna combines mystery, suspense, romance and a HEA into an emotional storyline about family and friendships that crosses miles and years, and the people pulled together by the murder of someone they know.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hot Summer Nights Anthology-Review and Giveaway

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HOT SUMMER NIGHTS Anthology-a review and giveaway

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Hot Summer Nights

ebook only .99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Release Date : July 30, 2014

Welcome to the exotic paradise of Dasia Island. In the Elysium Resort, nestled among the lush beauty of the rainforest, adventure and romance await. In these nine short stories by bestselling and award winning authors, passion ignites between people from all walks of life, with stories ranging from New Adult to Erotic Romance, and even a bit of Paranormal and Time Travel thrown in—after all the island itself has a mystical history, with mysteries and legends to explore. Lose yourself in the magic of the island … you’ll never want to go home again!
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Beauty and the Brain-Alicia Michaels
She’s a rich, spoiled brat. He’s a smarmy know-it-all. Chloe Sanders came to Dasia Island to lie on the beach and go to the spa. Chase Watkins is roughing in the rainforest with a research group, studying wildlife. The two couldn’t be more different, but in the swelter and mystery of the island, opposites just might attract.

REVIEW: From the outset, our heroine Chloe Sanders, set my anxiety on overload-she is a self centred, immature, spoiled, designer wearing rich girl who acts more like a high school mean girl than a college graduate. The storyline finds Chloe vacationing on the island of Dasia where everything and everyone gets on her nerves. The secondary characters are colorful and have a difficult time handling Chloe’s attitude, judgment and behavior. Our leading man Chase is the tree hugging, organic loving vegetarian while Chloe is the complete opposite and makes her feelings very well known. Is it all an act? Has she been hurt before? What will happen once she leaves the Island? BEAUTY AND THE BRAIN reads more like a YA storyline than New Adult-it is an introductory novella to Alicia Michaels’s SHARING SPACES NA series and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.

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The Laws of Attraction-Carly Fall
Criminal attorney Jared Greer cares about one thing: the next big case. He doesn’t think about right and wrong when taking on a client; he thinks of the paycheck and lives lavishly.
A potential client brings him to Dasia Island where he teams up with Monica, an island local. As they organize the case documents and explore the resort, their passion makes Jared reconsider his life, especially if he wants Monica in it.

REVIEW: The premise follows Jared Greer as he gathers information about a potential client in a wrongful death law suit against a toy manufacturer. When the temp agency sends in Monica to help with Jared’s information recovery all bets are off when their attraction to one another becomes more important than winning a client’s approval.

Carly Fall has the ability to pull the reader into a sensual storyline where opposites attract. Where Jared is quick to judge, Monica gives the benefit of a doubt. At times, Jared is cold and aloof but Monica will bring out something in Jared he hasn’t felt in a very long time.

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The Art of Losing Inhibition-Casse NaRome
One man’s trash is another woman’s treasure.
Reeling from the loss of her husband to a carefree socialite, uptight Kennedy retreats to Dasia island for a little bit of R and R. Will she learn to let loose in the arms of Basil, the wild-child trust-fund baby with a silver tongue?

REVIEW: Written from alternating first person POVs, THE ART OF LOSING INHIBITION is a F/F storyline that starts off rather quickly in the sex department. Kennedy is on the rebound from a disaster of a marriage and Basil is the current object of her affections on Dasia Island. Attitude and preconceived notions are the building blocks of heartbreak and betrayal, and in the end both Kennedy and Basil acted immature and rude. The secondary characters add color and some background information. The relationship and proclamations of forever are quick to develop.

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His Island Paradise-C.J. Baty
Gar Lancaster wasn’t depressed, no matter what his sister said. He didn’t need a trip to a tropical island to meet some guy for a vacation romance. But when Mike Peters kissed him on the balcony under a sea of stars with the pounding waves hitting the shore below them, things changed. Maybe, he didn’t need a happily ever after. Maybe happily for right now would be okay. Whatever happened, Gar was pretty sure he was in way over his head.

REVIEW: HIS ISLAND PARADISE is a M/M storyline that introduces Garland (Gar) Lancaster and Mike Peters. Vacationing on the Island of Dasia with his sister following the breakdown of his most recent relationship Gar Lancaster meets bartender Mike Peters and sparks fly. Mike is an alpha male who pursues Gar but seeing Mike in another woman’s arms finds Gar at odds with his feelings and attraction to the other male. What ensues is a case of mistaken beliefs and a declaration of together-for the remainder of the island vacation.

The sexual relationship is quick to develop as feelings of love and a possible future between Gar and Mike are dampened with Gar’s return back to the States. HIS ISLAND PARADISE is an introductory novella that focuses on two men whose attraction to one another cannot be stopped by distance.

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Life After Death-Elise Marion
The loss of their son in a tragic accident left Jameson and Victoria Blake’s marriage in tatters. Together they were never able to move past it, and they parted ways after a painful divorce. But in the wilds of the rainforest, the realization that love has never died between them will rise to the surface.

REVIEW: LIFE AFTER DEATH is a story of second chances for one couple. Following the death of their infant son, Victoria and Jameson’s marriage did not survive the fallout. Guilt, frustration, depression and loss had amounted to more than they could handle. Finding one another again, on the island of Dasia, sparks something between Victoria and Jameson that proves their love is as strong if not stronger than before the death of their son.

LIFE AFTER DEATH looks at the aftermath and resulting dissolution of a marriage destroyed by guilt and presumptions. There is heartbreak and sorrow for two people who have lost too much including one another. The secondary characters are a group of well meaning friends who have witnessed the demise of a once beautiful couple knowing that one day they would find one another –again. The beauty of the islands is the back drop to the beauty that is love between two people who never stopped loving one another.

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Layover-Kacey Hammell
Hand’s off. That’s Gemma Sands’ cardinal rule when it comes to dating co-workers. But she’d like to get her hands on Michael Harmon. Michael has his own idea about where he’d like to put his hands. But Gemma’s steadfast rule means Michael simply admires from afar. But when an unexpected layover on Dasia Island forces them to share tight quarters, they are unable to resist their passion, and finally surrender to every touch they desperately need.

REVIEW: LAYOVER is an erotic short story of forbidden romance between pilot Michael Harmon and Gemma Sands. After landing on Dasia Island, Michael and Gemma find themselves rooming together when the plane Michael was piloting had issues that needed to be addressed. A long night of passion followed by a day of sight seeing ends with a promise of something more.

The main focus of the story is our couple therefore the secondary characters are limited to Michael’s co-pilot and a few of the resort employees. LAYOVER is a romantic storyline with no anxiety or angst. It is a look at two adults who know what they want and go for it without any regrets.

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Woman in the Mist-Natalie G. Owens
Garrick Kaili ‘Kai’ Langston, heir to the 5-star Euthykhia Hotel, remains on Dasia Island out of loyalty to his family. But this building harbors some dark secrets—unsolved mysteries that haunt one of its oldest residents. Some say Poppy Drummond had been swallowed by the deadly mist near the Dasia ruins. Others claim such notions are merely the product of a crazy mind…But Kai is just about to find out—the truth is never what it seems when the walls between fantasy and reality crumble down.

REVIEW: WOMAN IN THE MIST is a paranormal/time travel storyline that focuses on a fifty year old murder and the disappearance and reappearance of Poppy Drummond in the fabled mists of Dasia Island. Kai Langston knew everything there was to know about Poppy Drummond –from the stories her now ninety year old mother had told-about the woman who disappeared fifty years earlier.

The storyline follows a time travel mystery that begins with a murder and ends when Poppy Drummond reappears from the mists that held her captive for close to fifty years. What ensues is a romance, a revelation and vindication for a family who have mourned the loss of a father and daughter. Because WOMAN IN THE MIST is a short story, the relationship is quick to develop; no one is completely surprised by the reappearance of the missing woman; and the guilty party is willing to complete what he started so many years before.

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Guide me Gently-Peggy Martinez
Alyssa Monroe always dreamed of escaping to exotic locales as a photographer. Unfortunately, she’s spent the last four years capturing a truly frightening species with her camera instead. Celebrities. When the opportunity presents itself to visit the exotic Dasia Island, Alyssa is thrilled. Now if she can just deal with the only guide willing to take her deep into a forbidden forest. A sexy, tattooed local who sets her blood on fire and gets her camera finger itching

REVIEW: GUIDE ME GENTLY is an contemporary, adult short romantic story, told from first per POV (Alyssa), that follows photographer Alyssa Monroe as she contemplates life and the future. With Benjamin as her guide, Alyssa will discover that the ancient ruins offer more than a mystical storyline but the beginnings of love and a HEA.

GUIDE ME GENTLY is a romantic tale about two people looking for something in their lives and finding is on Dasia Island. Alyssa has always followed order now she wants to follow a different path-one that includes Ben and a future they can call their own.

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City of Sin-R.K. Ryals
On Dasia Island, there’s a legend about a city of sin, a tragic story that ended in a mist of death. Haven Ambrose is a Journalism major on a mission. River Brayden is a meteorologist with a tropical system to follow. Their love is strong, but is it strong enough to survive a storm that leaves them stranded them with an ancient evil?

REVIEW: CITY OF SIN is a second chance/friends to lovers, new adult, contemporary paranormal storyline told from alternating first person POV (River and Haven). After finding the legendary Dasia ruins regaled by the Hamartia Legend, River and Haven are trapped by the mists and an approaching storm. As Haven chased a legend, River chased the storm bringing them together with the people who disappeared hundreds of years before. Their love broke a curse freeing the lonely people of the Hamartia Legend.

CITY OF SIN is another short story where love and romance overcome the impossible. Two friends whose love for one another has crossed distance and time, will free the lost souls whose myth and legend have cursed the Island for years.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS is a nine storyline anthology where each storyline is connected through Dasia Island or the mythological ruins of the Hamartia Legend but are NOT interconnected storylines. Each can be read as a stand alone. These are the stories where the past meets the present; where love binds the soul; where the lost are found. From romance to erotica; paranormal to fantasy; new adult to adult contemporary, there is a little bit of everything for fans of the romance genre. Each storyline has their own pluses and minuses with relationships that are quick to develop; some with awkward or uncomfortable moments; romantic entanglements or heartbreak; sensuality or erotic sex; but in the end everyone with find their HEA or their HEA for now.

I will be upfront and say it is difficult to review an anthology especially one with numerous short stories and novellas. It is almost impossible NOT to reveal some pertinent information but hopefully I have only skimmed the surface of each storyline and novella.

Copy supplied by the author(s)

Reviewed by Sandy

giveaway

TWO (2) lucky commenters will each receive a HOT SUMMER NIGHTS key chain and magnet

Hot Summer Nights giveaway

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 us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open internationally

7. Giveaway runs from August 9-12, 2014

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Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

Take The Key and Lock Her Up
The Deadly Game series – Book #4
by Lena Diaz
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Take the Key and Lock Her UpAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
Detective Emily O’Malley just stumbled upon a killer’s lair—and the remains of a woman he kept locked away for years. But this killer isn’t done yet. More women are missing, and all clues point to Devlin Buchanan—the man who seems to know just a little too much. Emily’s instincts are rarely wrong, and now they’re telling her this sexy, mysterious man is hiding something big …

As a trained assassin for EXIT Inc—a top-secret mercenary group posing as an international tour company—Devlin “Devil” Buchanan isn’t afraid to take justice into his own hands. But when the hot new detective on his trail gets too close to the organization and a contract is placed on her life, Devlin does the only thing he can: he turns rogue agent and kidnaps her to save her life.

With EXIT Inc closing in and passions running hot between them, Emily and Devlin must work together to find the missing women and clear both their names before time runs out … and the key to freedom is thrown away.

Review:

…here she was, once again forced to do what she did not do best – make life-and-death decisions under pressure.

When Emily’s own partner helps her pass the detective test, ensuring she’s off the streets, “to keep the public safe”, your faith in that person is rather shaky. A profound evolution is about to take place, my friends. True to her penchant for rich, intense storytelling, Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Lena Diaz will insert you into Emily’s head, gauge options in heady situations she confronts, and suffer through doubts that have lived for too long. This is my third Diaz thriller and she never ceases to wreak a little havoc in my life – the consequences of reading till the early hours! This is me not complaining. 🙂

When Emily tracks an abductor to a basement more akin to an abandoned prison, she falls prey to a diversionary tactic (he literally locked her inside a cell and got away with his victim), but Emily’s life (and fate) is irrevocably changed by Devlin “Devil” Buchanan (older brother of the swoon-worthy Matt from Ashes, Ashes, They All Fall Dead – available here). Devlin’s presence isn’t immediately questioned at the crime scene, weird, but even more interesting is his lack of interest in the police investigation. Oh, he was happy to make Emily’s acquaintance (her unforgettable soft curves), but cooperating with law enforcement doesn’t appeal to his sense of civic duty. Still weird, right? Devlin’s a hard one to figure out (and very good at hiding things), but I remember him as a background character and Ms. Diaz just makes him irresistible here. His initial approach might be crude, but it’s soon tempered by genuine vulnerability and charm (it runs in the Buchanan family).

An incidental, but impactful discovery of a gruesome, years-old corpse where Emily was locked up seizes Devin and thickens the plot.

“Holy shit,” he whispered.

“Ditto.” She lowered her phone. “Who gets to tell Devlin Buchanan that this skeleton is what’s left of his mother?”

Far from a doting mother, Carolyn was the love of Devlin’s father’s life, even though she divorced him (and abandoned the whole family) when Devlin was only 13. The knowledge of Carolyn’s forced captivity suddenly changes impressions and throws the Buchanan men into upheaval; a loyal force to protect their father. To add fuel to the fire, the first victim saved relays she’s only one of three women who were kidnapped by the mad man. So much going on, right?! The case progresses and expands; infiltrates what once was safe. Emily is swept up by the emotions and swears to bring the fugitive to justice alongside Devlin to repay him for saving her own life. Maybe it’s time they shake hands and call it a day because Devlin’s methods of apprehending fall way outside the police scope:

If Devlin had talked, he would have used the term enforcer, his actual job title. Enforcer was somewhat synonymous with agent at one of the alphabet agencies like the CIA or FBI, but without the shackles of laws and political policies to tie him down. The assassin role was only part of what he did, and only when absolutely necessary.

I couldn’t even begin to explain the twists and connections linking Devlin and his family. It is marvelously layered and worst of all, a real threat. I wouldn’t dream of spoiling that for you let alone capsulize or tiptoe around key clues. That’s the thrill in thriller and it’s wicked! What I can expand upon is the building sexual tension that stays unexplored for far too long, IMO, lol. Undeterred, but mostly out of insane, implacable desire, Emily vows to maintain ethical standards in the midst of hot pursuit (and that has little to do with the perp!) I’m not downplaying the chemistry because Ms. Diaz delivers shivers, but the beauty lies in watching Emily and Devlin begin to trust one another, develop strong feelings for one another, and recognize that they’re stronger together.

“Maybe you’re right that I shouldn’t have forced you to come with me in the first place. And maybe I shouldn’t have locked you up. But I did what I thought I had to do at the time to keep you safe. If you come with me now, we can be a team, find the missing women together. That way I’ll be able to protect you from my enemies and you’ll be able to do what you want to do – solve the case. You won’t be my prisoner. But don’t ask me to leave you here to die, Em. I can’t do it. I won’t do it.”

There were moments, several in fact, where I found Emily to be downright inept and a liability to her profession. Be it inappropriate, illegal interrogation or brandishing her gun on unarmed Devlin, it really got under my skin. In all fairness, due to time constraints (constant attacks and a general reticence on his part), Devlin has only skimmed the surface of his job description to Emily. Based on opposite sides of the spectrum, I suppose it’s natural to form an opinion, but never was there a couple more in need of a sit-down than these two. Devlin’s brash confidence and/or lone wolf mentality was a bit off-putting, but when their disparities leveled, so went their judgments and an innate strength, possessed by both, rose to the occasion.  

Take the Key and Lock Her Up is a complex story made up of unfolding details, misinformation and transformation. While I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger (you don’t see frown-y faces of utter frustration), the story is not over. Is there a way to embrace HEA on the run? Please read this story and let me know your theories! Or better yet, can I get a spoiler, Ms. Diaz???

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

Opposition
Lux series – Book #5
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: August 5, 2014

OppositionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.
She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.
Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.
They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.
War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing

 

Review:
Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 5th and final book in her wonderful Lux series. Let me start off by saying I have so much respect for Jennifer Armentrout, as a writer, and for giving us such wonderful exciting and befitting end to the Lux series. For anyone who needs a refresher on this series, you can find my earlier reviews under the review tab (Barb’s reviews, Jennifer Armentrout).

When we last left off in Origin, the Luxens had arrived in full force, and Daemon, Dawson and Dee disappeared seemingly to join with the Luxens. At the start of Opposition, Katy waits by the window praying for them to return. Beth is pregnant and only Archer and Luc are there with Katy. With the world being attacked, they needed to stay inside to be safe. But Katy is never one to listen, and she and Archer go out to find some things to help Beth. Of course, Katy is eventually captured, and wakes up surrounded by Luxens. To her shock, she sees a distant Daemon standing by the Luxen leader, as they plan the destruction of the human race, including the hybrids (which she now is). Dee is also mean and unfriendly to Katy. Has Daemon, Dee and Dawson changed, betraying them?

Since I do not want to give spoilers, what follows is an incredibly thrilling action packed story from start to finish. This is a war, and the Luxens, with help from  the traitors are winning this battle. With nowhere to go, and hope slowly evaporating, they must turn to an enemy for an unlikely truce. I loved when Katy, losing her temper, angrily goes into a tirade; since the beginning of time, there have always been differences, & hate throughout the world. But when there is a common enemy they will join hands; when all is said and done, they can go back to being enemies. Katy has grown so much in this series, and in Opposition, she turned into a kick-assed heroine. Perfect for our Daemon. I loved that Jennifer gave us a glimpse of Hunter again. Very cool.

The Lux series may be considered YA, but make no mistake, this series is a wonderful read for everyone. Jennifer Armentrout not only gives us a believable story of aliens living as humans in our world, but she has given us a fabulous young couple, whom we spent the entire series totally invested in what happens to them. Armentrout also gives us such wonderful secondary characters that we can worry, cry, or laugh with. Daemon & Katy were one of the best young couples in any YA or NA world, as they were so perfect together, not to mention totally hot. Ohhhh we will miss our Daemon.

Again, I must say that when I was anticipating reading Opposition, I was worried. After what happened in another series that I loved by another author, I was scared what will happen here. But thank you thank you, Jennifer, you have made me so happy. Opposition had such an awesome ending that allowed us to be happily content to move on. That’s not to say that I hope one day, when she is not buried with all the books she writes, she can write a novella giving us an update to the lives of Daemon, Katy, and all their friends who survived this epic adventure. Bravo Jennifer! This was a fantastic ride, and Opposition was a classic thriller, with an epic ending.

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Break The Sky by Nina Lane-a review

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BREAK THE SKY by Nina Lane-a review

Break the Sky

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

Release Date: July 29, 2014

“Do you ever let go, storm girl?” he asked. “Ever lose control? Ever surrender?”

“Never,” I whispered. “I never surrender.”

A smile of both promise and warning curved his beautiful mouth.

“You will.”

Atmospheric scientist Kelsey March is under siege. Her tornado research project is on the skids and she’s fighting conflict in her university department. So when irresistible bad boy Archer West suggests a hot, wild fling while he’s in town, Kelsey is unable to resist his sexy offer.

Kelsey and Archer embark on a intense, exhilarating affair. But soon their differences and private battles encroach on their desire, and Kelsey discovers that Archer is a storm she can’t control.

~~~~~~

REVIEW: BREAK THE SKY is the first adult, contemporary, spin-off erotic romance storyline from Nina Lane’s seductive Spiral of Bliss series. This is Archer West and Kelsey March’s storyline. Archer is Dean West’s (Spiral of Bliss) brother and Kelsey is Dean’s best friend and fellow professor. BREAK THE SKY can be read as a stand alone storyline but the SPIRAL OF BLISS series is one of the most compelling and captivating series you will ever read and I recommend it for your next go to series.

The premise of the storyline follows Kelsey as she endeavors to get funding for her tornado research known as the Spiral Project. As an atmospheric scientist Kelsey is hoping the university sees fit to continue the project, but with her tenure and funding depending on research results, the possibility for both lowers as time stretches forward.

Archer West is the bad boy-from a troubled childhood to an even more troubled adulthood, Archer has always felt like an outsider at home and at school. His arrival in town finds Archer and Dean facing off about family and the past. Archer’s lack of stability and his history with the law, finds Dean on the defensive when Archer and Kelsey pursue a relationship for which neither one is prepared.

The relationship between Archer and Kelsey is seductive and hot. Neither Kelsey nor Archer is willing to give up control- in their personal lives nor in the bedroom. But the moment Kelsey surrenders to Archer’s control, she knows she is lost.

The secondary characters include Dean and Liv from the original Spiral of Bliss trilogy. The reader gets a glimpse at their current life, new family and what may be in store for the future. Dean and Liv’s Butterfly House is the catalyst that brings all of our characters together-while Archer helps with the renovations, Dean begins to learn a little more about his brother-something he hasn’t done for a very long time.

The first three books in Nina Lane’s SPIRAL OF BLISS series is one of the most romantic series that I have had the opportunity to read- It is seductive, sensual and arousing. Dean and Liv’s relationship will break your heart with its’ intensely personal and emotional look at two people whose love for one another is both beautiful and alluring. Archer’s storyline is a little more aggressive; the characters are a little more abrasive. Where Nina’s first three books in the series were sensual and arousing, Break the Sky is erotic and intense. Archer is not his brother; he is rougher around the edges with life experiences that have hardened his heart to family and to the future. Archer isn’t willing to surrender or turn over control to anyone until Kelsey March shows him what it is to be truly loved.

Reviewed by Sandy

SPIRAL OF BLISS series
1. Arouse
2. Allure
3. Awaken

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