Monthly Archives: September 2014

Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh – a Review

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Midnight Betrayal by Melinda Leigh – a Review

 

Midnight Betrayal

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Curator Dr. Louisa Hancock left behind Maine and her troubled past for Philadelphia and a job at a prominent museum. Just when it seems that Louisa’s new life is safe from her dark secrets, the body of a museum intern is found—the victim of a brutal and baffling murder.

Louisa realizes this is no random crime. And when another intern goes missing, the abduction is linked to the only man who has ever tempted Louisa’s heart—Conor Sullivan, the sexy owner of a Philly sports bar. Louisa’s past has taught her to be wary, but her heart refuses to believe Conor is guilty.

Now Conor and Louisa must dodge a police investigation—and their growing desire—as they race to find the real killer before another girl turns up dead. But trusting Conor could be deadly, especially as the evidence against him mounts…and as a merciless killer targets Louisa as the next victim.

 

Review:

Louisa cannot catch a break. Six months ago, her pleasant life in Maine took a turn for the deadly (Midnight Exposure). Now she’s in South Philadelphia trying to rebuild her career and more significantly, her social life, when her past catches up and places her in the spotlight. Midnight Betrayal is book 3 of Melinda Leigh’s Midnight series and she’s made us proud!

For the second time, items stolen from her museum had been used by a killer. Six months ago in Maine, a madman had used stolen museum pieces in bizarre Celtic rituals that killed several people. Now it was happening again. Connor Sullivan had pulled her into the investigation.

If a colleague’s murder wasn’t terrifying enough, Louisa’s young assistant has gone missing and Louisa is mad with worry. Good thing Conor lives by. Good thing Melinda Leigh loves her fans! 😀 In spite of their brief interaction in book 2, Conor and Louisa’s collaboration was effective, pivotal to a case, and laced with attraction. I knew this book, their book, would be great – Ms. Leigh tempted us and delivered! Midnight Betrayal finds Louisa seeking out Conor for his assessment of the disappearance and assistance figuring out this mystery.

But the simultaneous disappearances of the replica knife and two young women tainted his pleasure. There were too many twisted connections in the events with Louisa, her intern, and the museum for Conor’s comfort. Something was brewing.

Can I just say that I loved Conor’s no-nonsense approach to Louisa?! He was so happy she sought him out. After listening to her concerns, his inclination to just take her hand was refreshing (as was all the other steam he directed her way). Swoon. Yes, her instinctual walls came up, pretty flimsy since she’s just as interested, but his 38 year old pride wasn’t so wounded; he was confident they’d figure it out. The stars have aligned – Louisa’s swooning pretty hard herself! ;D

When Conor turns out to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of Louisa’s assistant (whaaaat?!), Louisa is unfazed. Though their relationship has not progressed to professions of love, Louisa believes in Conor’s innocence and together they initiate a private investigation. It’s the fact-finding search that leads to the actual culprit, but the process is what enables them to pursue matters of the heart. I couldn’t love this book more! Conor and Louisa aren’t from the same walks of life, an issue that will undoubtedly make you want to wring Conor’s neck, lol, but their personalities are complimentary and the results rewarding.

In the middle of solving the case, Melinda Leigh weaves in another tense subplot: Louisa’s past. A deplorable man resurfaces alongside her despicable aunt whose presence only serves to taunt Louisa. Ms. Leigh knows how to entice her readers and allowing the POV of a murderer was an exciting, albeit disturbing element. The ramblings were gripping as you tried to decipher clues!  

There are murders to solve, friends to trust, hearts to heal, a love to grow. Midnight Betrayal stands as another success in Melinda Leigh’s awesome series. We are treated to updates on the Sullivan family (Jayne and Reed as well as Danny and Mandy), but the luster of Conor and Louisa was as brilliant as their predecessors. I miss them already! Not sure if there’s a next installation, she’s busy creating a new world for us to love, but we can always hope for more…more ANYTHING by Melinda Leigh!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

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A Vault of Sins by Sarah Harian – a Review

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A Vault of Sins by Sarah Harian – a Review

 

A Vault of SinsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo /  BAM

Description:
Even though she’s escaped, twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra is anything but free. She’s desperate to return to a life that no longer exists, but prying reporters continually draw her back into nightmarish memories, using the tabloids to vilify her. Bad press is the last thing she needs during the trial of the year: the case that she and her fellow survivors staked against the Compass Room engineers. A case that could terminate the use of the inhumane system forever…

But in her dreams, she is still locked in that terrifying jail.

When she wakes, someone is trying to communicate with her in secret, through strange and intricate clues. As Evalyn follows their signs, she uncovers a conspiracy that goes so much deeper than her own ordeal. A dangerous intrigue that only she can bring to light. One that will force her to work with the one person she doesn’t want to see.

The person who owns her heart…

 

Review:

A Vault of Sins by Sarah Harian, is the 2nd book in her adult dystopian thriller series, Chaos Theory. When we last left off in The Wicked We Have Done, the terrifying Compass Room had a malfunction, and three of the doomed survived. What is the Compass Room? In case you did not read my review of TWWHD, it is a place that violent criminals are sent for a one month stay. It is a place where their nightmares come alive, with each reliving the crimes they committed. It is rare to survive The Compass Room, which Evalyn, our heroine, Casey, and Valerie did. The rules dictate that if you survive you are then free. But because of the malfunction, the country was in uproar taking sides as to what is really happening in that Compass Room.

Evalyn, Casey and Valerie are tried again, with the government willing to free them, if they would quietly say nothing about what happened. Because Valerie lost someone important to her, she wants vengeance and wants to expose the government. While the lawyers negotiate, the three of them are kept at their homes waiting. Evalyn runs away to hide, since she is trying to protect Casey, the love of her life. As she surfs the net daily to follow the comments discussing them, Evelyn begins to get messages from someone who says they will help her, and her friends discover the truth. Can she trust this mystery person?

What follows is an exciting story where Evalyn and Casey are taken and helped by a revolutionary group called Reprise. They are hackers, and some former programmers of The Compass Room. We get to meet some really cool characters in Wes, Piper and Maliyah. Can they help save Evalyn, Casey and Valerie, and destroy the evil Compass Room?

The last 1/3 of the story was intense, scary and action packed. Evalyn is willing to go back to the Compass Room to discover the evidence to stop the government running this program. We hold our breaths on every step that Evalyn takes and it is a credit to the writing of Sarah Harian that she can grab a hold of our emotions in this exciting finish.

There is sort of a cliffhanger, but the ending does nicely tie things together, not leaving us in suspense waiting for the next book. I look forward to more of Sarah Harian, as the Chaos Theory will reach its conclusion in the next book, with our heroes helping to expose the horrific truth about The Compass Room.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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MInd Sweeper by A.E. Jones – a Review

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MInd Sweeper by A.E. Jones – a Review

 

Mind SweeperAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
An angel, a demon and a vampire walk into a bar. Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but it’s just another day in the life of Kyle McKinley.

Kyle was born with the ability to erase memories, and the inability to keep her opinions to herself. She and her teammates – a vampire who looks like a sexy pirate with fangs, and a Shamat demon with a penchant for Italian pastries – provide supernatural damage control when humans see too much. Today’s problem? A sword-wielding angel and a demon had a supernatural smackdown during happy hour in a Cleveland bar, leaving behind a headless vampire and a dozen human witnesses.

This latest supernatural slip-up is attracting all kinds of attention. So much attention that the police step in, and Kyle has to deal with Joe Dalton, a know-it-all human with the sexiest turquoise eyes she has ever seen. Kyle has no room in her life for yet another human who will treat her like a freak. However, Dalton definitely makes her naughty parts sit up and take notice, and it’s more than mutual. But before they can act on their attraction, they must join forces to solve a dangerous puzzle. And when they uncover the truth, the apocalyptic ripple effect forces Kyle to make a choice. Learn to trust again, or risk losing everyone she cares about, including Dalton.

 

Review:

With an opening like that, I expected a corny book, what I got was an excellent read.

Kyle is actually a girls name in this book. And she is totally human, but can readjust your mind, so she can place visions. It can be used for both good and bad, but as Kyle is a private investigator, you have to assume its for the use of good. She works with a vampire and a demon, and the three of them make for a great team.

The other human is Dalton (Joe). He works in the police force, And as soon as Kyle and Joe meet, there are sparks. But Kyle doesn’t want another human on the team, so she goes about trying to get rid of him.

The story is well told, lots of details, and very descriptive.  The interaction between the four main characters had me in stitches at times. Misha, the demon I totally loved, his love of pastries made for fun reading. Jean Luc is a vampire. He’s cool, confident and protective. Both are very protective of Kyle.

It starts with the team investigating a supernatural killing, the surprise … An angel beheading a vamp, and the demon trying to protect it !! The team are called in to alter the memories of the humans in the bar.

It all gets a little interesting, as old scores are settled and new lines are drawn up, power struggles are start to occur. And even Kyle’s boss is suspect !!

There are a few surprises and a few moments that caught me out. I’m hoping this maybe a series, as I would love to read more about these four fantastic characters.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publicist

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Midnight Everlasting (The Undercity Chronicles #2) by S.M.Stelmack-Review & Guest Post

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Midnight Everlasting (The Undercity Chronicles #2) by S.M. Stelmack-Review and Guest Post

Midnight Everlasting

.99¢ or £0.77 ebook at time of posting:

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

When a brutal massacre rocks London’s underworld, Zephanie Sweetly must uncover why the legendary Rawheads have suddenly reappeared, shattering the age old truce with her bloodline.

Ten years ago Thomas Coyle’s son disappeared, the trail leading beneath the city’s streets to a shadow world ruled by secret clans.

Now, bound by the prophesy of an ancient lineage, the two must fight their way through a web of lies to save those they love from the wrath of an unknown enemy. But sometimes the deadliest enemies are the ones closest to our hearts.

London’s Rat Queen arises, and it’s time to pay the piper.

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Wow !!! What a ride

After reading the first book, I couldn’t wait to read the next book.

Tom is approached by Zephanie Sweetly, she is offering information regarding his missing son, who in turn wants his help in locating a missing client. A top computer hacker ( a twist I hear you cry )

For ten years Tom, a private detective has been searching for his son, believed kidnapped and taken into the tunnels underneath London. I liked this character, very much. Zephanie, isn’t your typical heroine. A leader of one of the most powerful criminal clans inhabiting the underground network of tunnels.

Again this writing duo knocks me off of my feet with their unique blend of Writing. This second installment in the UnderCity Chronicles takes place in and under London. And for me, it was even better than book one. There just seemed to be a so much more going on. A whole lot of new characters, and the ever present Rawheads, (these were the creatures from book one, who live underground and have recently started appearing to terrorise the underground dwellers).

It’s a fast paced book, and will keep you turning the pages until the end. (Which had me on the edge of my seat)

Who is the rat queen ? What is the prophesy ? And will the Rawheads be stopped ?

It’s a thriller, a little comedy, tons of suspense, and a dash of romance. What more could you ask for in a book ?

Highly recommended

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Julie B.

The Undercity Chronicles

Undertow (The Undercity Chronicles #1): ebook .99¢ or £0.77 at time of posting-
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

Guest Post-Black and Green

If All Else Fails, then It Must Be A Story

You know the old adage about doing what you love? For writers that translates into writing what you love. Easy enough when you’re one person, but when two people with different tastes in fiction come together to create a story you get…well, you get what we write—a mash-up of science fiction, horror, paranormal, urban fantasy, thriller and romance.

When we published Undertow a year and half ago, we were eager to hear what category readers would assign it, because we hadn’t a clue. Turns out neither did they. They loved it but had no idea what it was. Kind of like having a long conversation with someone next to you on a plane and parting ways without getting their name.

With our second in the series, Midnight Everlasting, we seemed to have more elements that could be construed as urban fantasy, so we’re currently marketing it as that. But our fans still don’t know what to make of it. And we can tell you that our third book, Necropolis of Light, will not be any easier to pigeonhole because the urban fantasy elements are now swinging more to political conspiracy thriller. With romance, but not like the romances in the first two. Still with horror and paranormal, but introducing more contemporary science fiction elements. Choosing category words for our Amazon listing is a nightmare because we’re only allowed two.

We don’t see things changing. The UnderCity Chronicles has taken on its own milieu and momentum, and we’re happy to report that the genre blending will continue. We tell stories. Stories that men and women enjoy equally, that romance lovers can curl up with and science fiction/fantasy fans can explore.

Read a history book and you won’t find the stories to be neat and tidy. Politics goes hand in hand with both war and peace, which in turn are inspired by courage, terror, villainy and love. The most moving tales of real life are all romances, action adventures, horror yarns. Humans aren’t simple caricatures. We all have dreams and desires. Great strengths and secret weaknesses. To be really interesting, fiction must mirror that.

That’s why we strive to make our novels the same as every other good story out there, real or imagined. We are absolutely committed to the universal principles of storytelling: unforgettable characters, heart-stopping tension and compelling ideas. Because the tale is everything, so damn the genre.

~~S.M. Stelmack~~

About The Author Black and Min

SM StelmackS. M. Stelmack is our pen name, short for Serge & Moira Stelmack.

Follow: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

We aim to give what we like in a story— gutsy men and women, high stakes and LOL lines. Serge is the storymaster who blasts out the beginning, middle and end. Moira comes behind, clucking and hemming, as the story undergoes countless rewrites till it meets our vision. She’s also the media relations manager, senior editor, marketing VP, director of operations (domestic and foreign), comptroller and the one who makes sure that Serge has a steady supply of cola while he works.

2014_RONE_Winner_mystery

 

We live with our two kids, and several other strange pets, in a land of wintertime sunshine and snow and summertime mud and mosquitoes. Actually, it’s not that bad. The snakes in the local lake aren’t venomous

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Festive In Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Festive In Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

Festive in Death
In Death series – Book #39
by J.D. Robb
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Festive in Death Sept 14

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

 

Description:
Personal trainer Trey Ziegler was in peak physical condition. If you didn’t count the kitchen knife in his well-toned chest.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas soon discovers a lineup of women who’d been loved and left by the narcissistic gym rat. While Dallas sorts through the list of Ziegler’s enemies, she’s also dealing with her Christmas shopping list—plus the guest list for her and her billionaire husband’s upcoming holiday bash.

Feeling less than festive, Dallas tries to put aside her distaste for the victim and solve the mystery of his death. There are just a few investigating days left before Christmas, and as New Year’s 2061 approaches, this homicide cop is resolved to stop a cold-blooded killer.

 

Review:
Festive in Death by J.D. Robb, is the 39th book (does not count all the novellas, as she does at least one novella a year) in her fantastic In Death series. Of course, we all know (if you don’t, you are behind the times 🙂 ) that J.D. is really Nora Roberts. This my all-time favorite series that I anxiously await each book. The In-Death series is about crime, murder and mystery, which at times can be very violent, but the best part of this series are the leading characters that we get to spend time with book after book. My favorite couple, Eve & Roarke, and the best group of secondary characters ever – Peabody, Summerset, Mira, Nadine, Mavis, Baxter, McNab, Feeney, and Galahad, just to name a few.

Festive in Death was a bit different then the norm, as it was not terribly violent or a race against time to find the killer. There is a murder that starts off the story, as Eve is called to the scene in the middle of the night. But as she investigates, the victim is very disliked by all, with no one, including Eve and her team sympathetic. But Eve always stands for the dead, and even if the victim may have deserved his fate, the search for the killer is necessary. This is a story is a complicated mystery, with so many suspects, and as Eve, Peabody, Roarke delve deeper, the victim turns out to be even more despicable. Throughout the story, there are many twists and turns that you have no idea who the killer is.

While the investigation is ongoing, Eve must do her favorite thing. Christmas is close and she needs to shop for gifts. More so now, since she has built a group of friends over the years. Our beloved Roarke is throwing his annual Christmas party, which is so much fun to watch, as Roark and Eve’s co-workers, and friends mingle. I loves watching Eve give out the gifts to her special friends, and the whole holiday spirit. Once again, I have to mention how spectacular Eve and Roarke are as a couple. J.D. Robb does a super job showing us the love they feel for each other, as well as their love scenes, which are done so well, without being erotic, but feeling the chemistry and leaving so much to the imagination.

Festive in Death was an excellent and fun addition to this series. It was a welcome break from some of the squeamish violence in some of the past novels, and because of this, the action was a bit slower, with the focus more toward the mystery. I love this series, and look forward to the next book to spend more time with Eve, Roarke and friends.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss #1) by Nalini Singh-Blog Tour and a dual review

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Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss #1) by Nalini Singh- Blog Tour and a Dual Review

Rock Addiction Banner

Rock Addiction
Rock Kiss .5
by Nalini Singh
Genre: NA, contemporary, romance, rock
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Rock Addiction cover

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

About the book: Release Date September 9, 2014

A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

•••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

ROCK ADDICTION is the first storyline in Nalini Singh’s new adult, contemporary Rock Kiss series focusing on the members of the American rock band Schoolboy Choir. This is sexy, pierced and tattoed lead singer Zachary Fox and demure librarian from New Zealand Molly Webster’s storyline.

Told from close third person POVs, the focus of the storyline is the building relationship between Molly and Fox (as he likes to be called). For Fox there is an immediate attraction-a possessive pull where he instantly knows that Molly is ‘his’. His response is visceral and within a matter of a few minutes, Fox stakes his claim with the other members of the band. Molly on the other hand is a shy, quiet, librarian with low self-esteem and no confidence, whose goal in life is to remain out of the public eye. A horrendous childhood has left Molly with a fear of the media. Molly promises herself one wild night of passion but Fox has something more permanent on his mind. With only one month to claim Molly as his own, Fox fights an uphill battle every time Molly’s inner voice reminds her of their limited time together.

Molly is a naïve, twenty four year old whose history with men is limited and virtually non existent, and in this her emotional reactions were confusing for the reader as well as the new man in her life. There was something almost bi-polar with Molly’s personality when it came to her emotional maturity or lack thereof; or perhaps it was her painful and continuous revelations about her inexperience with men. Numerous misunderstandings and jealous rages seem to be the highlight of Molly’s days. Molly’s past issues control her choices at work and at play.

Zachary Fox is no longer the typical bad boy of rock and roll-he doesn’t drink or do drugs; and there have been no women in his bed for a very long time but that’s not to say he didn’t enjoy the lifestyle before. His early years have also left him with some baggage but he has grown to accept that he cannot change what has happened in the past-but make no mistake, Fox is not without a temper and when he doesn’t get his way, he makes his feelings known. The combination of Fox’s rock and roll lifestyle and experience, and Molly’s naivety did not make for happy bedfellows especially in the early stages of the storyline. Fox is a man who is determined to make their relationship work but Molly’s emotional drama is sometimes too hard to handle.

The relationship is one of insta love/lust especially for Fox. The sex scenes are numerous and frequent. Our couple spent more time having sex than getting to know one another. If their attraction is purely physical, how can a happily ever after be on the horizon? Even our heroine questions if there is anything beyond sex for the couple.

The secondary characters are colorful but stereotypical including the other members of Schoolboy Choir (David, Abe and Noah). We are introduced to Molly’s sister Thea who does PR for the band; and Molly’s best friend Charlotte who is always a phone call away every time Molly’s self esteem takes a dive.

The world building follows the members of Schoolboy Choir on the road, behind the scenes, their private lives and run-ins with the paparazzi and the law. There is the drama of jealousy, addiction and a horde of groupies at every opportunity as well as a hint of what is to come.

ROCK ADDICTION is an entertaining storyline with a HEA but a storyline that fell a little short of my expectations. Nalini is an amazing author of the paranormal but it did not translate well to a contemporary, new adult storyline.

 

Barb’s Review:

Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh is the first book in her new erotic romance series, Schoolboy Choir. I am a huge fan of Nalini, loving her Psy/Changeling and Guild Hunter series. I really looked forward to this book, and Nalini always has wonderful hot steamy sex scenes in those series. Having read Rock Addiction, I have mixed feelings.

The storyline had an excellent premise with a rock band, the lead singer and the innocent young girl he falls for. Nalini always creates great leading and secondary characters, and it’s no different in this book.I liked Molly, the sweet innocent librarian, who found her wild fantasy coming true having what she thought was a one night stand with a Rock god.

Fox, is the hot sexy rock god, and he knew the moment he saw Molly that she was different, and he was determined to have her at any cost.   The rest of this wonderful cast was very very good. Molly’s sister, Thea and her friend Charlie were great. Fox’s bandmates (David, Noah, Abe) were awesome, and I am sure each will have their story told.

Needless to say, the one night stand becomes more then either expected. Both Molly and Fox had their own childhood issues, which effected their lives. They work together to overcome those issues, and as well as the unwanted attention that fame brings to their privacy. It was a great ending, very nicely done.

With that being said, I would like to note what I was not crazy about in this book. In Nalini’s other series, her wonderful steamy sex scenes complimented the storyline, with her fabulous couples. In Rock Addiction it was kind of opposite. I did enjoy the storyline, and the characters. But I prefer my books to have the storyline be the main part of the book, with this book it was about 85% sex. I enjoy reading all of Nalini’s stories, but the sex scenes in Rock Addiction were in my opinion  an overkill, making it more redundant then fun.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

excerpt

FOX HADN’T BECOME THE LEAD singer of one of the best-selling rock bands in history by being a shrinking violet. No, he went after what he wanted, no holds barred. And the raw promise he could feel between him and Molly? He had to know where it would lead, the need so strong he hadn’t felt anything like it since the day he’d figured out that music was his escape, the air in his lungs.
Which was why he was leaning against the wall beside Molly’s apartment at five that afternoon, a guitar by his side.
The elevator doors opened at a quarter after the hour, Molly going motionless two steps outside of it, the doors closing silently at her back. Yeah, she hadn’t expected him, but Fox was ready to work with that. Waiting patiently as she took a deep breath and completed the trek down the corridor, he drew in the scent of her, his gaze lingering on the fluttering pulse in her neck.
“How did you get past security?”
Fox smiled slowly at the blurted-out question, wondering if Molly knew how bad she was at hiding her emotions. He liked it, liked that he saw the real Molly, not an illusion she’d created to tempt him—not that she had to do anything but smile to tempt him. “I told you the security sucks.”
Unable to resist, he reached out to run his finger down one creamy cheek flushed with a mix of surprise, passion, and, he was certain, sweet, hot feminine anger. His guess was borne out when Molly unlocked her door with jittery hands and put down her handbag on one corner of the bench, her fingers trembling before she curled them into her palms. “You’re breaking the rules.”
“What rules?” Closing the door, he leaned back on it and willed her to face him. Much as he loved the shape of her from the back, he liked watching those expressive eyes whisper her mood to him.
Shoulders tight, she turned. “This was supposed to be a one-night stand.”
“Ah.” Folding his arms over the plain black of his T-shirt, he said, “How about a one-month stand instead?” He knew he had to play this exactly right. Molly was wary of him, and yeah, he could understand why. To have her in his life beyond a fleeting instant, he’d have to win her trust.
She jerked up her head. “What?”
“Why not? I like you. You like me.” He smiled—because the reason Molly had needed to jerk up her head was that she’d been staring at his chest. “Admit it.”
Sitting down on the bench, she began to unzip her boots, very obviously not looking at him. “You’re okay for a rock star.”
He wanted to bite her, then pet her until she was limp and languid in his arms. “We burn up together.” Deliberately modulating his voice—his instrument—for maximum effect, low and bedroom rough, he saw her fingers stutter on the zipper. “I’m here for a month. It’s an easy equation.”
When the words “Let me think about it” fell from her mouth, he thought she might’ve been as startled as he was, her lips parting on a slight gasp—as if to call back the declaration.

Series Spotlight

Rock Courtship
Rock Kiss #2
by Nalini Singh
Genre: NA, contemporary, romance, rock
Release Date: September 30, 2014

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

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients—or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

 

About the Author Black and Green

nalini bioNEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a hot and wickedly tempting rock star. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Once Rock Addiction is out, swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the book.

STALK HER:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Melt for Him by Lauren Blakely – a Review

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Melt for Him by Lauren Blakely – a Review

 

Melt for himAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Fire captain and bar owner Becker Thomas usually spends his nights alone, trying to escape painful memories from his past. When he meets a sexy, free-spirited brunette outside his bar, he knows he’s found the perfect way to forget for one night. But when he later discovers the woman he’s itching for another night with is his best friend’s sister, everything comes to a halt.

Just out of a toxic relationship, Megan Jansen is only in Hidden Oaks to visit her brother, photograph the firemen’s calendar, and then slip off to another adventure. The brooding man who gave her the best sex ever is an unexpected surprise. The problem is, he’s her brother’s friend and a fellow fireman, and Megan’s rule is no firemen. She knows she’s going to get burned …but keeping their hands off each other is easier said than done..

 

Review:

What happens when a man and a woman have an instant attraction? Becker and Megan meet by accident outside of his bar and sparks fly! “Their bodies collided into each other like magnets”. They can’t deny themselves and agree to a night of passion. MELT FOR HIM by Lauren Blakely is the most sensual read ever. This scorching novel will have you melted into a puddle by the end of chapter two!

Megan has returned home before her next adventure, to photograph the local firemen for a calendar. She has the surprise of her life when her “best sex ever” man happens to be one of those men. Only problem is that Megan has a rule, she doesn’t date firemen! Becker has his own demons and he can’t mess around with his friend’s little sister. Can two people build a relationship based on one fantastic night? They started with the intense physical relationship and now have to build an emotional connection. This is a fantastic love story of two lost souls finding each other and opening themselves up for true love. This beautifully written love story will leave you burning for more! I highly recommend this novel!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy supplied by publisher

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A Seductive Melody by Crista McHugh – Review & Giveaway

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A Seductive Melody by Crista McHugh – Review & Giveaway

 

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A Seductive Melody
The Kelly Brothers – Book #5
by Crista McHugh
Release Date: September 15,  2014

a Seductive MelodyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
She has the scoop of a lifetime, but only if she betrays his trust…

Ethan Kelly lost his best friend and bandmate to an overdose, but staying clean is proving harder than he thought it would be. His only safety net during his first weeks of sobriety is fellow recovering addict, Becca. As she guides him through the darkness, he begins to trust her not only with his secrets, but also his heart.

After years of trying to be the daughter her socialite parents wanted her to be (and failing miserably), Rebecca Shore finally has her life on track. Sure, she’s just an assistant at Moderne magazine when she’d rather be pursuing more serious journalism, but it’s a foot in the door. She’s just waiting for the scoop of a lifetime that will take her to the next level. But when she’s asked to help the reclusive and enigmatic rock star, her heart is torn between the career she’s always wanted and the man who bares his soul to her.

 

Review:

A Seductive Melody begins with Ethan struggling with the death of his best friend, and struggling with his own sobriety. And, in typical Kelly fashion, his family tries to be there for him, but he keeps pushing them away. He finally assures them that he is committed to staying clean and goes to a meeting. But when he meets his sponsor, he can’t help but think this girl would have no idea what being a junkie would be like. He truly has no clue…………

When Becca is asked to be Ethan’s sponsor, she can’t help but notice how hot he is, and how lost he looks. She knows better than most the long road to recovery. After having embarrassed her family, and herself, one time too many, she decided to get serious about her own sobriety and pursue a career in journalism. In the beginning, she and Ethan keep things light as she tries to help him stay clean. But soon enough, she realizes that “light” won’t work with him. And, wouldn’t you know it? They are extremely attracted to each other…. 😉

Ethan and Becca begin to navigate a relationship, which is difficult enough for two recovering addicts. Add to it Becca’s realization that Ethan is a rock star and Ethan’s trust issues, and you’re in for one hell of a ride. Oh, and on top of all of that, Becca’s dad is a bazillionaire jerkwad, who has all but cut her off, doesn’t have a clue who Ethan is and accuses him of being after Becca’s trust fund at Thanksgiving dinner. Yippee…………. Throw in a HUGE misunderstanding between Ethan and Becca just as they are becoming more comfortable with each other and, well, you get the picture.

A Seductive Melody is a wonderfully written story about two people dealing with their own demons, as well as each other’s. Ethan is an awesome guy with a huge heart who is struggling with not only losing his best friend, but also with losing his ability to write music. Becca is a sweet, caring soul who has made it her mission to not only keep herself clean, but to inspire Ethan to stay clean as well. There is always going to be temptation, but can these two beat the odds and inspire each other? Well, good people, you’ll have to read and find out. A Seductive Melody is ultimately about conquering one’s demons and finding redemption when all was thought to be lost. I’ll end this review by saying what I normally say at the end of a review for one of Crista’s books…..If you’re not reading the stories she’s telling, you’re seriously missing out. Well done, Crista McHugh, very very very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

 

Giveaway

Crista is graciously offering a paper copy  of the winner’s choice of any book in her Kelly Brothers series 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 Crista McHugh on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from September 15-20, 2014

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