Monthly Archives: September 2014

Cold Ambition by Rachel Sharpe-a review

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Cold Ambition by Rachel Sharpe-a review

 

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About The Book: Release Date June 16, 2014

When Jordan James decided to embark on a career as a private investigator, she never could have imagined that a chance encounter would lead to her staring down the barrel of a gun on the roof’s edge of a high-rise building. As she begins to investigate her first case, the puzzling murder of a prominent businessman that has left Boston’s finest mystified for more than two decades, she finds herself suddenly immersed in a treacherous underworld brimming with betrayal, raw greed, and political subterfuge of international proportions. In the midst of this, she discovers she is falling for her mysterious client despite the hints of his dark past. Can this feisty Southern girl with a penchant for trouble solve this baffling case, or is she doomed to become another tragic chapter in an international conspiracy?

••••••••••••••••••••••

Cold Ambition is a mystery/romance is book one in the Jordan James, PI Series. In her initial launching of this marvelous series Rachel Sharpe has written a wonderfully witty and compelling novel. The descriptive writing is excellent; the characters are well developed, including supportive characters.

It’s paced well, building to an breath-holding and exciting climax and HFN ending. The mystery is well thought out and timed. The family life of our female PI, and her independent nature, was well described and excellently written.

I loved the character of her “assistant” Jon and their building relationship, as well as the “first client” and romantic entanglement. The story is thoroughly enjoyable and hard to put down. The ‘bad guys’ are very easy to hate, the crime a bit predictable, but the way it was presented was fresh and completely compelling.

I look forward to more from this great new series and this marvelously talented author.
Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and get ready for a wonderful ride from Boston to New Orleans and back again! Enjoy everyone, I certainly did!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S

About the Author yellow

Rachel Sharpe is the author of Cold Ambition, the first novel in the Jordan James, PI series. Although born and raised in the South, “Yankee” relatives first led Rachel to historic New England, which she has come to consider her second home and is the setting for the series.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English, Rachel began dedicating her free time to her childhood passion, writing, and in the fall of 2013, she signed her first book deal with Soul Mate Publishing. An active member of Sisters in Crime, Rachel currently resides with her husband in the Greater New Orleans area.

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Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

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Chained by NightAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

DESCRIPTION
THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

REVIEW

 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

 EEEEEEE … Larissa Ione rocks my paranormal romance, sexy vamp world. She always gives the right amount of grit, language, wit, angst, action and yummy “oh you make my toes curl”. I have come to expect to be a pile of goo by the time I have read the last word of any of her novels and this one is no exception.

Chained by Night is Larissa Ione‘s second book in her “Moonbound Clan Vampire” series and revolves around the clan leader Hunter and an opposing clan’s daughter Ailyn. Vampires and humans continue to battle one another and in order to remain strong, Hunter agrees to mate with the enemy and take one for the team. Dreading this union and filled with hate, Hunter is suppose to mate Rasha who just so happens to be Ailyn’s twin “real piece of work” sister. It is when he meets Ailyn however, that he believes he can turn a crummy situation into a yummy one!

Ailyn … oh sweet Ailyn! Born the second twin with a deformity, she has had it so rough. Extremely slighted since birth, she has managed to keep her head above water and live her life as best as she can. Always in the shadow of her perfect terribly bitchy mean twin sister, Ailyn always rises above it all and shows a strength that makes Hunter’s heart go pitter patter.

In the midst of quests that need to be completed in this dark and blood soaked world Larissa Ione has created, we experience a warrior spirit come into bloom. Sheer intelligence, true determination/will, and ultimate true love kept me completely engaged in this storyline. The cold was cold but man was the hot HOT. My emotions were completely invested and I am so impressed with the fresh approach to the creation of this vampire world!

The pacing was incredible, the paranormal truly paranormal (the characters and creatures created will blow your mind), and the love story hot and sweet. Twists and turns and WTF moments are weaved into the action and you will find a picture perfect image in your mind as you engage in each page. This second book can be read alone I suppose, but you will miss out of so much if you skip the first book. If you are a paranormal fan, you haven’t indulged until you indulge in a Larissa Ione experience. SERIOUSLY! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Hi Larissa. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.  
Larissa and dog


Larissa:  Thank you for having me!   

TRC:  Please tell us about yourself?  

Larissa:  I’m a mom, a wife, a veteran, an author, an animal lover…gosh, I could keep going, but I don’t want to bore anyone!   

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

 

TRC:  When and how did you become interested in writing? Have you always liked to write?

Larissa:  I’ve always been a writer…like, since I could hold a pencil. Even when I wasn’t actively writing, I was always thinking up stories in my head. I can’t pinpoint what, exactly, got me interested in writing – I think it was just the fact that I’ve always been an avid reader.  

TRC:  You are an Air Force veteran and former meteorologist. Have you been able to use these experiences in writing your stories?

Larissa:  Absolutely. A lot of my characters are either military or ex-military, and the first book in the ACRO series I write as Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler was all about the weather. Riding the Storm was very much steeped in meteorological mayhem!   

TRC:  Can you please tell us the premise of your The Moonbound Clan Vampires series, and how you came up with the idea? Also, how many books do you plan for this series?

Larissa:  The MoonBound Clan Vampires series is about a world in which vampires are far outnumbered and outgunned by humans, which has led to an imbalance (and abuse) of power in favor of the humans. In this world, vampires are struggling to survive, and the fact that they fight among themselves isn’t helping matters. As for how I came up with the idea, the spark manifested from the 2009 Ethan Hawke movie, Daybreakers, which was set in a slightly futuristic world in which a virus turned humans into vampires, and vampires took over the world. I flipped that premise on its head…I have a virus that creates vampires, but humans developed a vaccine and weapons, and thanks to that, humans have enslaved the vampire race. I’m not sure how many books there will be – I have four planned for sure. We’ll see where it goes from there!   

Chained by NightTRC:  Chained by Night is the 2nd book of this series. Can you please give us a brief description of this book?

Larissa:  Sure! Here’s the official blurb: 

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?  

RevenantTRC:  Revenant is scheduled for a December release. It is the 11th book in your Demonica series. For those you are new to this series, can you give us a brief description?

Larissa:  Revenant is about a an angel who believed he was a fallen angel for thousands of years, but recent events have revealed the truth and unlocked memories he wishes he could forget. Complicating matters is a gorgeous doctor at Underworld General who fascinates him…and who he needs to help him navigate the battles he faces as evil once more tries to destroy everything that’s good in the world. 

 

TRC:  You write under the pseudonym of Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler. How did this partnership come about, and can you give us a brief description of this series, ACRO WORLD?

Larissa:  Stephanie and I started writing together after my family lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I’d given up on writing, and she sort of forced me back into it by writing a scene and then sending it to me…with instructions to write the next scene. I did, and together we put together a series about a group of people with special abilities who use their talents to battle evil all over the world. Think: the X-Men meets erotic romance!

TRC:  What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite time, or place to work?

Larissa:  Honestly, I have no process. I just sit down and write. I do write best in the early morning and late night, but other than that…there’s nothing special I do.  

TRC:  Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Larissa:  Trying to figure out what readers will like. I swear, I can’t predict anything! I think that’s the biggest challenge – toughing out the unknowns. You just never know how readers and reviewers are going to like a book.

TRC:  Is there any other genre besides paranormal/ romance that you would like to try?
Horror and science fiction!   What are you currently working on?

Larissa:  I’m plotting out a m/m Demonica novella, and also brainstorming the next MoonBound Clan Vampires book – which will be Myne’s. I’m definitely looking forward to writing both!

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Cheese. I LOVE cheese. 

Favorite Dessert: I’m not a dessert person, but I sometimes enjoy cupcakes. 

Favorite Movie: WAY too many to name, but the ones I watch over and over include Galaxy Quest, Independence Day, and anything Star Trek. 

Favorite TV Show: Gah…again, too many to name! Right now I’m loving The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Drunk History.

Last book that you read:  Hounded, by Kevin Hearne 

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk Favorite Literacy Character (not your own): Dracula 

Dog or Cat: Cat, but I love them both.   

TRC:  Thank you, Larissa for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes youthe best of luck with Chained by Night. We look forward to talking with you again in the future.

Larissa:  Thank you, and I look forward to it, as well!   

 

Giveaway-Green/Gold

Larissa’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of CHAINED BY NIGHT & BOUND BY NIGHT (first two books of The Moonbound Clan Vampires)  to 2 (Two) lucky commenters 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 

4. LIKE us on Twitter

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Like Larissa Ione on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open to U,S. Only

8. Giveaway runs from September 26-30, 2014

 

 

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Her Best Shot by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Her Best Shot by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

 

Her Best ShotAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:

With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun. But at least one of them didn’t count on such incredible heat…

Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party—until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves…

Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She’s more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he’s counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible…on forever

 

 

Review:

Her Best Shot by Shannyn Schroeder is the 1st book in her new Hot and Nerdy series. I love Shannyn’s O’Leary series, and couldn’t wait to see what she will do with this one.

Layla Sharpe is our heroine, and we meet her immediately. Layla is a math genius, and is just starting her spring break before graduation, by applying for an internship at NSA. She ends up being offered a job, and wants to celebrate with her two friends. Plans are made to meet her friend Felicity in Texas, but on her way, her car breaks down in Atlanta; she is low on money, and stranded. Layla goes to a bar to get a drink to calm down while waiting to see how long her car will take. She begins to watch a pool game ongoing, and a hot hunk catches her eye. Phin our hero, is a pool shark, who makes money winning against the competition; he is also a car mechanic. While Layla watches him, Phin begins to notice her.

With her car going to take a few days, Phin feels bad for Layla, as she does not have money to find a place to stay. He offers her to stay at his place, she could sleep on the couch. Of course, we know that the chances of that happening are slim. What follows is a sweet and sexy romance between Phin and Layla that started off as a one night stand. Felicity offers to pay for Layla to fly to Texas, but she decides to stay and have fun with Phin.

Layla gets anxiety attacks occasionally, and she is nervous about the job offer. She makes a quick decision to go with Phin to a tournament in California. I found this part to be somewhat far-fetched that Layla would decide to leave right before graduation to follow Phin.

Phin himself, a gypsy, found himself caring about Layla, but he did not want her to give up a promising career to follow him, so he pretends to make advances to another girl; which forces Layla to leave angrily and go back to school.

Layla graduates, accepts the job offer, and teaches herself how to play pool. Before she starts her new job, she attends the pool tournament, so she can be vengeful to Phin. Once Phin sees her, he forgets that he was really looking out for her, and goes all out to win her back. You will need to read the book to see what happens.

The story was a bit longer then a novella, but I did feel the ending was rushed, too abrupt. I thought it was a sweet romance, but I am not truly a fan of falling in love in a day or so. I liked both Layla and Phin, and thought they were a nice couple; though I felt something missing.   I plan to read the next two books in this series, as I do want to know what happens with Layla’s two friends.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Bouquet List by Barbara DeLeo – a Review

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The Bouquet List by Barbara DeLeo – a Review

 

The Bouquet ListAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
He’s #5 on her Bouquet List. Tall, dark…and completely forbidden.

After a too-close call with death, Yasmin Katsalos is checking some things off her Bouquet List—things to do after you thought you were going to die. Fun fashion choices? Check. Purple hair and a cute diamond nose stud? Check, check. Now she’s on to item #5: a flirty fling with a man who’s tall, dark, rich…and totally out of her league.

And restaurateur Lane Griffiths definitely fits the bill.

Lane isn’t just out of Yasmin’s league. He’s also her brother’s best friend and therefore off-limits. Now that they’re working together on renovations for her family’s wedding hall, however, Yasmin has plenty of opportunities to bewitch, bother, and boldly seduce. He’s reserved. She’s relaxed. The only thing they share is a spark of attraction that’s too strong to resist. But is Lane just another item on her bouquet list… or has Yasmin found something on her list that will last?

Review:

The Bouquet List by Barbara Deleo is the brush with death, life changing story of Yasmin Katsalos. Yasmin has always been the good daughter. Doing what she is supposed to do and following in her families strong Greek traditions. But while away in Borneo working on her PHD she contracted dengue fever. After almost losing her life she decides to construct a “Bouquet List” – the female version of the bucket list. It is a list of things she wants to do after she thought she was going to die.

The list begins with her getting a nose piercing and dying her hair purple. She is determined to live her life the way she wants to with no regrets. And although some of the things on her list scare her beyond belief, she is willing and determined to fulfill each and every task.

Yasmin is back home at her parents place and content on helping them get their struggling wedding hall / restaurant back on track.   But she soon finds out that her mother has run off to Greece and her father will need her more than ever right now as he is heading to Greece to bring his wife home. Yasmin is up for the challenge of updating and renovating the wedding hall. That is until she meets who she will be working with to get this feat taken care of.

Lane Griffiths is an up and coming restaurateur, who her father has asked to oversee the wedding hall / restaurant renovations. Turns out Lane is best friends with Yasmin’s older brother Nick. They have been best friends for years. But even though she knows she shouldn’t be thinking of Nick’s best friend this way. She is bound and determined to make Lane her number five. But will this ruin Nick’s and Lane’s friendship? And does Yasmin even care if it does?

I loved Yasmin’s character from the moment I started reading about her. Her new found love of life and determination to live her life her way and not back down from what she believes in, left me excited and filled with wonder as to what she was going to do next. Yasmin’s family has stumbled yet they are strong in their beliefs and traditions. And with her back you just want to know if everything can be repaired in their lives.

Her free loving way of life combined with Lane’s rigidity and quest for order was the perfect combination of two characters. There were times that I wanted to delve more into Lane and explore the way that he is – with that being said – I fell head over heels in love with the two of them. Yasmin was able to pull Lane out of his rigid shell and allowed him to explore the type of man he wants to become.

As the relationship grows Yasmin begins to check things off of her list. That is until Lane happens across it. In an act of pure emotion, Lane explodes after reading number nine and the relationship changes from that moment forward. Will they be able to reconcile? Will Lane let Yasmin explain the what and reason why behind her list? Or will he allow it to hurt him and close himself off to her forever?

This book was like a warm, sweet slice of apple pie that leaves you wanting more.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Triple Threat by Regina Kyle – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Triple Threat by Regina Kyle – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

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Triple ThreatAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Sabotage and Seduction!

The Playwright: It’s emerging playwright Holly Nelson’s big break. Broadway. Having survived her traumatic marriage and divorce, Holly is now aiming for success, not love. And any naughty dreams about Nick Damone,the gorgeously dishy star who was her crush back in high school, must remain a fantasy.

The Star: For Nick, Broadway is a chance to go from big-screen eye candy to serious actor, and to explore the lust blazing between him and Holly. But life-threatening accidents will force a chain of events that could bring down the curtain on the whole production, or give Nick and Holly a chance to finish the sexy something that started fifteen years ago!

 


Review:

Triple Threat by Regina Kyle is her debut novel, in what is expected to be a 4 book series. This was a very sexy and sweet romance. Nick Damone is our hero, a Hollywood star, who is getting a bit older. Nick’s agent wants him to take the lead role in a Broadway show, because it is a meaty role, which will go towards showing that he can act, not just be a Hollywood hunk. Nick wasn’t comfortable with the role, as his character was a mean wife beating bastard.

When he meets the playwright, Holly Nelson, Nick is shocked. The young lady standing before him, was someone from his school days that he never forgot. Holly is our heroine, and this is her big chance to put a show on Broadway. But she is also shaken that the man being offered the leading role is the one whose kiss she never forget from years before. Holly’s script is sort of an autobiography of her marriage to a man who was an abuser, and the scars she still carries.

What follows is a story of two people rekindling what might have been, in between the making of the show, which is cursed by many incidents that threaten to stop it before it even starts. The romance is sizzling, as Nick immediately goes after Holly. She is of course, afraid of any relationship; however, she cannot resist the devilishly handsome Nick. Make no mistake, this is a very steamy sexual story, with an excellent background subject.

Can Holly open her heart to Nick, despite her fears? Will Nick truly stay with Holly, or is this just a short affair until he moves on to his next job? Who is trying to destroy the show, could it be Holly’s ex?

You will need to read this book to find the answers. It is a good storyline, a nice couple and very steamy. Excellent start for Regina Kyle.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Promoter

 

 

guest post

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Publication

Hello all, and thanks Sandy and Barb for having me here at The Reading Café! As a brand-spanking new author, I’m asked a lot of questions about my path to publication and how my life has changed since getting THE CALL. And it sure has. I’ve got deadlines to deal with, revisions and edits to do, marketing and publicity strategies to learn. And of course more books to write. But the really important changes in my life came well before then thanks to the wonderful people I’ve met on this journey.

I started to seriously pursue writing romance back in 2011. I’d gotten my first e-reader, a Nook, and in browsing the free offerings I saw several from Harlequin’s different category lines, including Leslie Kelly’s Slow Hands, a Blaze. I fell in love with the line, reading all Leslie’s books and moving on to ones by Tawny Weber, Vickie Lewis Thompson, Karen Foley and others.

Then my husband was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. He’s fine now (almost three years in remission – yea!), but it really got me thinking. While I love my day job as a lawyer, I’ve always wanted to write a novel. What was I waiting for? Why not write a romance? And why not try to write for the line I so loved reading?

I found the Harlequin boards and started soaking up all the information I could. I knew nothing about writing guidelines, critique partners or GMC (goal, motivation and conflict). What the heck was Save the Cat, and why did the cat need saving in the first place? (In case you’re interested, it’s a screenwriting technique many writers use to plot compelling stories.) With help from some of the lovely ladies on the board, I started to fill my cup of knowledge and dabble in some of the short writing challenges Harlequin sometimes hosted there. While I didn’t win any of them, I got some encouraging, constructive feedback, applied it and soldiered on.

Then came the luckiest day of my writing career. No, it wasn’t the day I found out I won Harlequin’s Blaze contest, which ultimately led to my first sale. And it wasn’t the day I got THE CALL telling me Harlequin wanted to buy not one but FOUR books (you could have knocked me over with a feather). While both those days are indelibly etched in my brain as watershed moments, my luckiest day by far was the day I stumbled upon the Connecticut Romance Writers of America, without whom neither of those moments could have possibly occurred.

My first in-person experience with CTRWA was their annual conference, Fiction Fest, in 2012. I knew no one, and even though I’m an uber-extrovert, I was petrified. There were workshops by some authors whose books I adored, including Barbara Wallace and Kristan Higgins, and a keynote speech by the incomparable Sherry Thomas (who read hysterical excerpts from rejections she’d received from agents and editors). Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and I started attending the group’s monthly meetings after that.

Flash forward two years and I’m on the board (see, I told you they were welcoming), going to CTRWA writing retreats and working with an awesome critique partner I found through the group, not to mention my fabulous mentor (we call them Obi-Wans) and three plotting buddies. My Facebook friends list is chock full of writers, not just from CTRWA but from all over, friends I’ve made virtually thanks to the world wide web.

The one thing all my writer friends have in common, whether live and in-person or virtual, is the incredible amount of help they freely and willingly give. I come from the land of stage mothers (my now 16-year-old daughter is a professional actress), and I wasn’t prepared for the real, honest-to-goodness support in the writing community. My author pals are there to cheer for me when I reach a particular milestone, whether it be getting an agent or a contract or typing “The End.” And they’re there to boost me up (or kick my butt, as the case may be) when I’m stuck or feeling frustrated. There’s none of the cut-throat competitive attitude I dealt with regularly in my past life.

Maybe that’s because we authors realize we succeed better when we succeed together, and our individual success doesn’t have to come at the price of someone else’s. Romance readers are a voracious lot (thank you!), and there’s plenty of room for all of us in the market, especially now with so many new and different roads to publication (that’s a subject for another whole blog post). Whatever the reason, meeting these wonderful, inspiring, smart, savvy women (and a few men) has been, by far, the best part of this adventure, and their friendship and camaraderie is something I’ll always cherish.

 

About The Author

Regina Kyle
Regina Kyle knew she was destined to be an author when she won a writing contest at age ten with a touching tale about a squirrel and a nut pie. By day, she writes dry legal briefs, representing the state in criminal appeals. At night, she writes steamy romance with heart and humor.
A lover of all things theatrical, Regina lives on the Connecticut coast with her husband, teenaged daughter and two melodramatic cats. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely singing, reading, cooking or watching bad reality television. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and treasurer of her local RWA chapter

Website  / Facebook  / Twitter  / Goodreads

 

giveaway

Regina is graciously offering an e-copy (gifted through either Amazon or Barnes & Noble) Triple Threat 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

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Like Regina Kyle on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from September 24-28, 2014

 

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Uncivilized by Sawyer Bennett-Review

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Uncivilized by Sawyer Bennett-Review

 

Uncivilized
by Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: September 8, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Uncivilized

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 8, 2014

Savage man, loner, warrior… I am dangerous at my core. I have lived amidst the untamed wild of the rainforest, in a society that reveres me and where every woman falls before me in subjugation.

Now I’ve been discovered. Forced to return to a world that I have forgotten about and to a culture that is only vaguely familiar to my senses.

Dr. Moira Reed is an anthropologist who has been hired to help me transition back into modern society. It’s her job to smooth away my rough edges… to teach me how to navigate properly through this new life of mine. She wants to tame me.

She’ll never win.

I am wild, free and raw, and the only thing I want from the beautiful Moira Reed is to f*ck her into submission.

She wants it, I am certain. I will give it to her soon.

Yes, very soon, I will become the teacher and she will become my student. And when I am finished showing her body pleasure like no other, she’ll know what it feels like to be claimed by an uncivilized man.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNCIVILIZED is the latest contemporary, adult erotic release from author Sawyer Bennett. The focus of the storyline is anthropologist Moira Reed and Zacharias Easton-a twenty five year old man who has been missing for the past eighteen years. When Zach is located living with the Caraica tribe of Brazil, Moira is hired by Zach’s godfather to bring the young man home. What Moira never expected was to fall in love with the uncivilized man.

When his Christian missionary parents died in the Amazon leaving their seven year old boy alone, Zach soon became the adopted child of one of the local tribal families. Fast forward eighteen years and Zach will be forced to acclimate back to civilization in a country he remembers very little about.

Moira Reed specializes in anthropological studies and Zach is the perfect specimen for her latest research. But Zach has other ideas in mind-getting Moira to submit to his dominant ways. He may have been raised in the jungle but Zach knows what it is he wants and he wants all women to submit to his demands-especially Moira Reed.

UNCIVIIZED is a novel that is disproportionate in graphic sexual situations as it pertains to the storyline premise but saying that perhaps it is his sexual nature that is the uncivilized side of the man. Zacharias Easton, for all intents and purposes, is uncivilized when it comes to every day events, but he is well aware of everything that goes on. He is not a feral human being, but a young man whose lifestyle was changed in a blink of an eye and a man whose wants and needs are ruled by his libidinous thoughts and sex.

The secondary characters are limited to a few of Zach’s ‘family’ back home including the man who has spent years looking for his best friend’s son. The world building takes the reader from the Amazon jungle of Brazil to the suburbs of Georgia and the city streets of Chicago Illinois.

UNCIVILIZED is a storyline in which the copious amount of sex and aggressive sexual situations are almost endless in nature. The countless number of sexual acts is intense, startling and somewhat unrealistic as is the overall premise but saying that, this is a story of fiction where fantasy becomes reality in our mind; nothing is off limits for a young man whose sexual nature knows no boundaries.Sawyer Bennett pulls the reader into a world of imagination and sexual seduction .

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and White

Sawyer BennettUSA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

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Ultimate Sins (The Callahans #4) by Lora Leigh -a review

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ULTIMATE SINS ( The Callahans #4) by Lora Leigh-a review

Ultimate Sins

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

Release Date: August 26, 2014

The final book in the sexy, suspenseful Callahan series from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Lora Leigh.

Ex-Marine Crowe Callahan has only had one obsession in life: Amelia Sorenson. She is the only one who has ever gotten under his skin. However, she is also the daughter of his family’s sworn enemy; a man who has sought to destroy the Callahan’s for generations in order to further his own nefarious agenda. When Amelia put herself on Crowe’s side and in Crowe’s bed, she became her father’s enemy as well. When Wayne Sorenson escapes capture both Amelia and Crowe know it is only a matter of time before he resurfaces to exact his revenge. Now Crowe will claim Amelia in order to bait a killer and end things once and for all. But can he protect the woman he can’t seem to live without from one of the deadliest enemies he has ever know? And will he survive it if he can’t?

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REVIEW: ULTIMATE SINS is the fourth and final instalment in Lora Leigh’s contemporary, adult The Callahans erotic romance series focusing on the Callahan Family. This is ex marine Crowe Callahan and Amelia Sorenson’s storyline that sees retribution and revenge against a serial killer that has targeted everyone the Callahans have ever loved. ULTIMATE SINS sees the culmination of one man’s vendetta against a town and a family he believes owes him everything. Because ULTIMATE SINS is the final instalment of the Callahan ARC I would suggest reading in order for easier understanding and consistency.

Told from several close personal third person points of view including memories and present day premise, the storyline covers approximately seven years-seven long years that saw Crowe Callahan walk away from the only woman he ever loved leaving her unprotected from a violent and psychotic man who is determined to destroy an entire town. While Crowe was sent away on assignment with the special ops forces, Amelia was left behind to endure humiliation, abuse and torture but what Crowe never realized is that Amelia did everything to protect the people that she loved. The timeline skips ahead a number of times and what happens during those seven years is important and imparted to the reader when and where necessary.

Crowe is a hardened ex-marine whose personality was less than welcoming. As a controlling, over protective male Crowe is the epitome of alpha marine and a man who would do anything-including murder- to protect the woman that he loves.

Amelia is a woman whose life has been shattered by one man-a man so close that betrayal is considered tame for the sins he has committed against the people of the small town she loves. But Amelia is also a woman, who knows her life is in danger but continues to put herself at risk at every opportunity. She refuses to be held prisoner in her own home even though it is probably the only way to protect her from the evil that has promised retribution and revenge.

The relationship is a second chance at love for two people who have never stopped loving one another. As the Callahan family find themself and everyone they love the victims of a deranged serial killer, Crowe and his cousins begin to unravel the truth behind a psychotic mind. With the help of an anonymous source, the identity of the murderer known as the Slasher will become readily apparent and all too familiar.

As per Lora Leigh’s style of writing, the sex scenes are numerous, graphic and hot. Nothing is off limits between consenting adults and Lora Leigh punches up the sex with graphic language and visual imagery. There are some sex scenes of questionable consent.

The secondary characters include the Callahan cousins, law enforcement, friends, spiteful townsfolk and a psychopath set on revenge and death. As with the end of any series arc there is the introduction and hint at what is to come and Rory may be getting his storyline next.

ULTIMATE SINS is a story of suspense, romance, sex and love. Lora Leigh’s imagination knows no boundaries and she takes the reader along for a roller coaster ride towards the final reveal.

Reading Order
1. Midnight Sins
2. Deadly Sins
3. Secret Sins
4. Ultimate Sins

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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If You Want Me / If You Love Me (The Ashford Legacy 2 & 3) by Cassi Carver-Review and Giveaway

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If You Want Me / If You Love Me (The Ashford Legacy 2 & 3) by Cassi Carver-a review and giveaway

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IF YOU LOVE ME
(Ashford Legacy #3)
by Cassi Carver
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

If you Love MeABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 23, 2014

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

One city girl, one tough rancher…one tender temptation.

Men are way down on Carolyn Ashford’s list of favorite things, thanks to a billionaire father who’s all but disowned her, and an ex-husband who’s out to destroy her fledgling fashion start-up. When her ex takes his creepy behavior to a whole new level, she decides it’s time to get out of the Big Apple for a while.

Hiding out at Carter Halston’s Texas spread sounded like a good idea at the time, but now Carolyn’s not sure it’s wise to sleep under the same roof with the ex-military rancher. His mission-ready body, skill with a lasso, and gentleness with a newborn calf puts her at serious risk of giving in to temptation.

Carter has had some tough missions in his career, but none as difficult as watching over Carolyn Ashford. She’s the cutest, sexiest, most neurotic pain in the ass he’s ever laid eyes on. Carter knows a simple country boy doesn’t have much to offer an heiress, so he’s honing his focus to keeping her safe, even if his heart is telling him to keep her forever.

REVIEW: IF YOU LOVE ME is the third installment in Cassi Carver’s contemporary, adult Ashford Legacy romance series focusing on the Ashford family. This is wanna-be fashion designer Carolyn Ashford and former marine/ranch owner Carter Halston’s storyline. Set in ‘nowhere’ Texas, Carolyn is hiding out at Carter’s ranch while preparations for her upcoming divorce proceedings begin. With her violent and abusive ex-husband searching for her, Carolyn is hoping that her current location is too far away for her husband to find. IF YOU LOVE ME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any pertinent information from the previous storylines is imparted where necessary.

The focus of the storyline is the building desire and attraction between our couple. Carolyn is from a well to do family but her relationship with her father has always been strained. As she ventures forth on her own, she discovers that there is more to Carter Halston than a cowboy-he is the man who promises to protect her –even from himself.

Carter is Rayna’s (If You Need Me) best friend and a man whose life experiences have forged a quiet, solitary man. Agreeing to protect Carolyn Ashford did not come with a warning about falling in love. He is a man who is afraid to act on his feelings and pushes away Carolyn on many occasions.

The relationship between Carter and Carolyn begins as friends but quickly moves to lovers. The sex scenes are sensual and erotic; Carolyn likes to ‘play’ and ‘ lightly experiment’ in the bedroom. The secondary characters include fellow ranch hands as well as Rayna and Kyle from book one IF YOU NEED ME – with it comes the familiarity of family and friends.

IF YOU LOVE ME is a fun, quick read-about 150 pages. There is no overt angst or anxiety about the impending danger, and any threat is wrapped up rather quickly-the abusive ex husband and his intent is almost an afterthought to the main story. Most of the focus was on Carolyn and Carter.

If you like a story with a little bit of sex, a little bit of romance and a little bit of suspense, then IF YOU LOVE ME and The Ashford Legacy series is for you.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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IF YOU WANT ME
(The Ashford Legacy #2)
by Cassi Carver
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

If You Want MeABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 24, 2014

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

Revenge wasn’t supposed to be this sweet…

Sara Castillo has sworn never to get sucked into the world of the rich and famous, not after billionaire Benjamin Swayne broke her heart and left her carrying the burden of their shared secret.

Now Sara has a successful career working with her dear friend, Kyle Ashford, and her life runs like a well-oiled machine—until Kyle chooses Ben as his best man. No way will Sara let the renowned bad boy turn Kyle’s bachelor party into a front-page fiasco. She’s going to plan the party herself…even if she has to blackmail Ben into agreeing.

Ben isn’t thrilled about working with a woman who’d like to shank him and dump his body in a roadside ditch. But he’s willing to let Sara meddle, if only to teach her a lesson. And if the scent and sight of his old flame still makes his head swim…well, tough.

After Kyle’s party is wrapped up, Ben may finally be able to put Sara in the past. That is, if their time together doesn’t convince them they have a future.

REVIEW: IF YOU WANT ME is the second instalment in Cassi Carver’s contemporary, adult The Ashford Legacy romance series. This is Sara Castillo and billionaire Benjamin Swayne’s second chance storyline. Although this is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Any pertinent information from the first storyline is imparted where necessary.

The premise follows the rekindling of a relationship that was destroyed eight years earlier. Sara and Ben shared a secret-one that destroyed their love for one another and the relationship they desperately kept secret from the rest of the family. Now years later Ben and Sara will find themselves working side by side on Kyle Ashford’s bachelor party and old wounds will be re-opened.

The secondary characters include Rayna and Kyle from the IF YOU NEED ME as well as Sara’s and Kyle’s siblings. We learn more about the extended family, their connections to one another and the heartbreak Sara and Ben endured.

IF YOU WANT ME is a quick read (approximately 150 pages) with moments of heartbreak, misunderstanding and humor. Cassi Carver invites the reader into her imagination; her storylines; and the addicting Ashford Legacy Series. The sex scenes are sensual, intimate and moving.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Series Spotlight Black and White

If You Need MeIF YOU NEED ME (The Ashford Legacy #1) by Cassi Carver

Click HERE for our review of IF YOU NEED ME

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 18, 2014

How far will she go for love?

Erotica author Rayna Sommers wears a daring smile in her publicity photos, but the truth would shock her legions of fans. The woman whose stories take readers on wild sexual adventures to exotic locales is terrified of the world outside her front door.

Isolation may be safe, but it’s also quite lonely until Rayna meets a charming fan online. Kyle is sexy, funny, everything Rayna desires, and soon their daily emails flare into sizzling-hot video chats. Too bad Kyle lives on the East Coast and Rayna on the West. For a woman who can’t even cross the street, much less the country, her dream of a life with Kyle is just too far out of reach.

Kyle has an even bigger problem than getting Rayna Sommers to step outside her comfort zone. He’s head over heels in love with her, but he hasn’t told her the truth. He’s really Kyle Ashford, billionaire heir to the Ashford empire. The owner of the company that’s about to shut her publisher—and her livelihood—down for good.

Product Warning

This book contains a sexy billionaire who knows what he wants, a housebound author who’d love to give it to him, and a special-needs pet hen that just might steal your heart.

About The author

Follow Cassi: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook / Twitter

Cassi CarverCassi Carver lives in sunny Southern California with two dogs, four kids, five chickens, and one very patient husband. She explores beautiful San Diego County for research (okay, for fun and relaxation) as often as possible. She’s never saved the world, but she keeps sexy boots on hand just in case the opportunity arises.

When Cassi isn’t busy plotting, writing, or exploring, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, caring for pets, visiting the local animal shelters, drinking copious amounts of Diet Dr. Pepper, and watching sappy movies that deliver reliably happy endings.

 

giveaway

Cassi is graciously offering an ebook copy (Kindle or Nook)  of IF YOU NEED ME and IF YOU WANT ME to 2 (two) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe. 2 winners will each receive both books.

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

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Like Cassi Carver on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open to Kindle and Nook users

8. Giveaway runs from September 23-27, 2014

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