Monthly Archives: October 2014

Alex (Cold Fury Hockey #1) by Sawyer Bennett-a review

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ALEX (Cold Fury Hockey #1) by Sawyer Bennett-a review

ALEX by Sawyer Bennett

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ABOUT THE BOOK: October 14, 2014

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy . . . not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships . . . or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ALEX is the first installment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult, contemporary Cold Fury Hockey romance series focusing on the members of the Carolina Cold Fury professional hockey team. This is star player Alexander Crossman and social worker/counsellor Sutton Prices’s storyline.

Alex Crossman is one of the most hated players in professional hockey. His cold demeanor and attitude leaves waves of frosty ice in his wake-even the fans have nothing good to say about one of the most valuable players of the game. But Alex hides a secret-a painful past –that continues to plague Alex every time his puts on his skates and picks up his stick. He knows he is difficult and appears to thrive on the animosity towards the game; he doesn’t care about anyone or the game, and his attitude has not gone unnoticed by management. Alex is given an ultimatum-clean up his image or say good bye to his career. Enter Sutton Price, a social worker who is tasked with ‘babysitting’ the bad boy of professional hockey.

The relationship between Sutton and Alex is one of immediate attraction but one that begins under the guise of a professional assignment. Alex must participate and help Sutton with her program for at-risk youth but his demeanor and attitude leave much to be desired. He is a man whose own childhood held nothing but bad memories and in this everything about Sutton hits too close to home. As their relationship builds, so too does Alex’s need for Sutton but then someone from his past comes barreling back and reminds Alex that it is all about the game and nothing else.

The secondary characters include Sutton’s very supportive family, as well as Alex’s teammates. Both Alex and Sutton come from dysfunctional family roots where abuse and addiction have formed the people they are today-but not always in a positive manner. Alex will begin to reevaluate the choices he has made in his life and with it will come the desire to move forward and let go of the past-if only the past will let go of him. Alex believes himself unworthy of love and will sabotage any chance at happiness with Sutton when his father comes back into the picture.

The world building pulls the reader into the arenas, the stands and behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prolific sports. From ‘puck-bunnies’ to ardent fans of the game, we get an up close and personal look at the social commentary both on and off the ice.

ALEX is a heartbreaking storyline about the emotional and psychological affects of addiction and abuse. It is an intimate story about two people, coming from similar backgrounds, but how those backgrounds have led Alex and Sutton down differing paths. Sawyer Bennett pulls the reader into a passionate and intense story of love and hate; betrayal and trust; moving forward and letting go.

Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Redeemed (House of Night #12) by PC & Kristin Cast-a review

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Redeemed (House of Night #12) by PC & Kristin Cast-a review

Redeemed Oct 14

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About the book: Release Date October 14, 2014

In the final electrifying novel in the HoN series, Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals. A Dark Goddess is loose on Tulsa and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her – unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power…but because of the consequences of using Old Magick, she is unable to help. Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: REDEEMED is the final instalment in PC & Kristin Cast’s HOUSE OF NIGHT young adult, paranormal series focusing on sixteen year old fledgling vampyre/high priestess Zoey Redbird and her House of Night gang of misfit vampyres with affinities to the elements.

The final instalment focuses on the take down of the House of Night’s self-proclaimed goddess Neferet and the absolution of the Dark Winged Warrior Kalona. As Neferet terrorizes and destroys much of the city of Tulsa, Zoey and her fellow fledgling vampyres must devise a plan to stop Neferet’s reign of terror-once and for all.

As in the previous instalments, the language and text of the storyline is adolescent in nature but the series is directed at middle grade and young adult readers so perhaps it is to be expected but I felt is was a little condescending. My biggest disappointment was with Neferet’s speech, language and actions. The immature nature of the character did not equate with the age and power of the supernatural being. She reminded me of ‘the mean girl’ when she didn’t get her way would have a temper tantrum of epic proportion.

The level of violence has escalated in REDEEMED such that the graphic nature of the violence and the numerous killings was disconcerting; as the numbers climbed so did my disappointment with the story. I found the numerous violent incidents over the top and redundant, and not necessary to storyline.

I will add that the House of Night series had much potential in the early books but somewhere along the way, the authors may have erred in their storyline content and characterizations such that many readers lost interest and no longer cared. Perhaps it was the introduction of too many characters; too many villains; too many deaths; too many dead characters brought back to life; or the immature nature of the characters. Or perhaps it was the very slow build up of the series such that twelve books (and four prequel novellas) spanned less than a year in the series timeline but seven years to write and publish. Seven years is a long time and many readers-especially young adults and tweens- will walk away from a series where very little happens between storylines. Teens become adults and will eventually gravitate to more mature storylines and adult books. Or perhaps, YA novels are just that-young adult storylines and the more mature reader may have difficulty with some of the storyline content.

The final battle will see justice served but it will also see the loss of friends but a loss that is comforted by a happily ever after-for now -because although Neferet will get what she deserves, she is immortal and obviously very hard to kill. Is any character truly dead in a paranormal series?

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Final Lap (Fast Track #8) by Erin McCarthy-a review

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FINAL LAP (Fast Track #8) by Erin McCarthy-a review

Final Lap

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014

Switching into high gear……

At a friend’s lavish wedding, Harley McLain and her twin sister, Charity, meet sexy stock-car driver Cooper Brickman. The more reserved Harley is immediately smitten—until he hits on her twin. But Harley has had enough of being the “nice” girl, and after trading dresses with Charity, she seduces Cooper for a night of wild sex.

……ready for a hot lap.

What was supposed to be a one-night fling gets complicated when Cooper needs a nanny to look after his kid sister—and is convinced sweet, dependable Harley would be perfect for the job. She can’t resist the money—or Cooper’s hot bod. But when her deception is revealed, will it destroy her dependable image—or will he finally realize how sexy sweet can be?

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FINAL LAP is the eight and final installment in Erin McCarthy’s contemporary, adult Fast Track romance series focusing on the men and women of NASCAR. This is race car driver Cooper Brickman and Harley McLain-a woman Cooper hires to ‘nanny’ his younger sister-thirteen year old MaryJane. Although this is the eighth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty; some of the previous storyline characters play secondary roles but any important information from the prior stories is imparted where necessary.

The premise follows Cooper and Harley’s building relationship-one that has been predicated on a bit of a lie. Having met both Harley and her flamboyantly identical twin sister Charity at a mutual friend’s wedding, Cooper found himself attracted to both sisters but with different intentions in mind. Charity is the sexy, in your face sister who goes for what she wants; Harley considers herself the more quiet and demure of the twins. After a one night stand with the woman he believed was Charity McLain, Cooper sets out to hire Harley as his sister’s live in nanny. What he never expected was to develop feelings for Harley- a woman who is all too familiar-but for reasons he is unable to understand. The twins had pulled a switch-a-roo and it was Harley to whom Cooper made love the night of the wedding.

Harley has had a crush on Cooper for a number of years but when his eye finds Charity, Harley is brokenhearted. Switching places with her twin finds Harley in bed Cooper knowing the man believes he is in bed with someone else. Harley and Cooper’s relationship begins on a professional level but our couple soon begin to develop feelings for one another. Cooper and Harley dance around one another for a good portion of the storyline knowing that eventually they will end up together-one way or another. Harley is the perfect nanny for Cooper’s younger sister but when Mary Jane’s mother comes back into the picture, words are said in anger when an offer is made that Harley cannot refuse.

The secondary characters include many of the previous storyline couples. There is a small side romance developing between Charity McLain and her boss Jeff Sterling. Cooper’s sister Mary Jane is a thirteen year old whose online blog reveals to the world everything and anything about the gossip side of racing. The world building continues with the race car circuit trials and events, as well as the comararderie between Cooper’s on track competition and fellow drivers.

With Final Lap Erin McCarthy brings the Fast Track series to an end. The wedding celebration and fund raisers see most if not all of the previous characters reunited for their final goodbye. With the next generation of family growing fast, who knows if Erin has made any decision about a spin off or if we have finally seen the end of the Fast Track drivers and the women they love.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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By Sea (Supernatural Renegades #1) by Carly Fall-a review

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BY SEA (Supernatural Renegades #1) by Carly Fall- a review

By Sea

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2014

While fighting the War on Drugs in Latin America, Marine Brody Teller was involved in an accident that left him with a supernatural power: a deep connection to the sea and the ability to control it.

When the mysterious Joe Smith approaches him with an incredible job offer, Brody thinks it’s too good to be true. His life-saving need and his desire to be near the ocean while earning a living are rolled into one perfect job.

Rayna Lopez lives a quiet life as she tries to climb her way up the CIA ladder, always in fear the government will learn of her family lineage. When her father asks for help getting her famous and belligerent half-sister out of trouble, Rayna reluctantly agrees to travel with her and they board a yacht where they will be protected.

Brody and Rayna realize they’ve met before, and despite a significant lack of trust between them, they face an attraction neither can deny. As they fight to keep Rayna’s sister alive, lies are revealed and secrets are told. They must both learn to trust each other, and—if they live through their voyage—figure out what to do about their whirlwind romance.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BY SEA is the first installment in Carly Fall’s adult, contemporary Supernatural Renegades paranormal romance series focusing on a team of former marines whose last (secret) mission left each member of the platoon with a supernatural power. This is CIA agent Rayna Lopez and former Marine Brody Teller’s storyline.

Told from third person point of view, the storyline focuses on Brody Teller. Near bankrupt and having to endure the monthly visits from the government’s muscle ensuring he has not revealed the truth about the mission that went horribly wrong, Brody is in desperate need of a quick influx of cash or risks losing everything he owns. Enter the mysterious Joe Smith, who makes Brody an offer he cannot refuse. Joe knows all about Brody’s abilities and he is hoping Brody will accept everything he has to offer. Brody will become the captain of his own yacht where people looking to hide from the world become guests until the trouble back home goes away.

Rayna Lopez is a CIA agent whose latest assignment had been to check on former Marine Brody Teller. With no information about what happened to Brody, Rayna is taken aback when the seemingly healthy Brody is emotionally distant and angry at the world. With thoughts of Brody on her mind, Rayna will find herself months later, once again, face to face with Brody Teller when she accompanies her half sister a world away. Their less than honorable father has made arrangements for his daughter’s protection, on board a yacht, where seclusion and anonymity are guaranteed.

The relationship between Brody and Rayna is one of immediate attraction although their initial meeting was anything but pleasant. Brody becomes suspicious of Rayna’s involvement in the latest assignment knowing that Rayna continues to work for the very people who have threatened to take down Brody on a monthly basis. Now that Rayna knows Brody’s whereabouts, it is only a matter of time before someone else comes looking for the former marine.

The sex scenes are intimate, sensual and intense. From the Captain’s deck to an underwater cave, Brody and Rayna discover that no place is off limits when it comes to their sexual needs.

The world building reveals some of the background information about what happened to Brody’s platoon but very little is revealed about the nature of their supernatural powers or how they came to be. The secondary characters include the members of Brody’s crew, Rayna’s sister and the mysterious Mr. Joe Smith. There is also a single mother and her son who played a small role in Brody’s life but with their move, Brody is left alone with no one else to care.

BY SEA is an amazing and suspense filled storyline about betrayal, government secrets and finding love. It is a story about two people who would never have met under normal circumstances but by fate and an assignment, found one another not once but twice in a matter of a few months.

Carly Fall has a gifted imagination where the supernatural blends with a contemporary storyline of romance and love; where fantasy and fiction equals seduction of the mind; and where the reader is pulled into a provocative and wondrous world-one page at a time.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Unethical by Jennifer Blackwood-a review

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UNETHICAL by Jennifer Blackwood-a review

Unethical

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 20, 2014

Love burns hotter the second time around…

Two years ago, the medical world was shaken by scandal, and Payton Daniels’s family was at the center of it. The second she graduated, Payton left everything behind―her high school sweetheart, her family, and the controversy surrounding her mother’s death—and hid within the anonymity of college. But Payton’s ex, Blake Hiller, hasn’t forgiven her for leaving, and when he enrolls in the same medical ethics class, she panics. She can’t run the risk of him telling everyone who she really is.

As if being at the same university isn’t enough, both Blake and Payton land the same internship. Forced together, their passion for each other reignites, but when Payton is asked to testify in her father’s high-profile trial, she must choose between risking her acceptance into medical school to help her father, and losing every connection to her past—including the only guy she’s ever loved.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNETHICAL is a contemporary, new adult storyline written by Jennifer Blackwood that focuses on Payton Daniels and Blake Hiller. Told from alternating first person points of view (Payton and Blake) the storyline follows the first few months of medical school where the one-time lovers will find themselves forced together in an ethics project that hits too close to home.

When her family made headlines two years earlier, Payton knew it was time to start a new life. But returning to her home state was not without some heartbreaking memories and sleep shattering nightmares for a young woman whose entire life was destroyed by the controversy surrounding her mother’s death. As the family circumstances continue to make headlines, Payton changes her last name and enters university on her fist step towards a new life.

Blake Hiller is Payton’s ex boyfriend and a young man struggling with financial problems and the loss of the only woman he has ever loved. Discovering Payton has enrolled in the same college, he will go out of his way to find out why she ran and never looked back. Two years without any contact has resulted in festering wounds of the heart that have yet to heal.

The relationship is one of second chances between Blake and Payton. When Payton’s life fell apart and she thought Blake had walked away, she ran. Blake’s unexplained absence had nothing to do with the fall out from her family’s controversy but from a series of questionable decisions and miscommunication on both of their parts.

The secondary characters, especially Blake’s roommate Andrew, add color and create conflict when Payton’s secret is accidentally revealed. Payton’s life was devastated when not one but both of her parents were ripped from her life and the circumstances continue to make headlines two years later.

Jennifer Blackwood presents a storyline of controversy that today, is still argued in many legal and medical ethics courts. Who has the right to make end of life decisions and if so, who will be held responsible when said life no longer exists? UNETHICAL is a compelling look at end of life decisions and the affects on more than one family.

Congratulations to Jennifer Blackwood on the release of her debut novel-quite a controversial subject to tackle for a first time author!

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Demon Storm by Dianna Love – Review & Giveaway

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Demon Storm by Dianna Love – Review & Giveaway

 

Demon Storm banner

 

Demon Storm
Belador series – Book #5
by Dianna Love
Release Date: October 21, 2014

Demon Storm

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Description:
In the fifth book of this bestselling paranormal series, Evalle faces her greatest nightmare – losing Storm – and without his help the Beladors will fall to an enemy they have fought for centuries.

With Treoir Island in shambles after a Medb attack that left the survival of the missing Belador warrior queen in question and Belador powers compromised, the Beladors have one hope for their queen’s return and their own future: Evalle Kincaid, whose recent transformation has turned her into an even more formidable warrior. First Evalle has to locate Storm, the Skinwalker she’s bonded with who she believes can find the Belador queen, but Storm stalks the witch doctor threatening Evalle’s life. The hunter becomes the hunted, and Evalle must face her greatest nightmare to save Storm and the Beladors-or watch the future of mankind fall to deadly preternatural predators.

 

 

Review:

Demon Storm by Dianna Love is the 5th book in her Belador series. I have said this numerous times that I love this series, and the wonderful characters, especially our heroine, Evalle. In Demon Storm, Dianna assumes full control of writing this series, and I am thrilled to say…this is as good and exciting as the first 4 books. As I have noted before, Evalle is one of the best kickass heroines, and her romance with Storm, just keeps getting better and better.

But in Demon Storm, Evalle and Storm are not together until more than half way through the book. When Rise of the Gryphon ended, Storm went searching for the witch, who was threatening Evalle’s life, and he gets himself trapped in something beyond his control.

Back in Treior, Evalle having just helped win the latest battle, was trying to help find Brina and Lanna. The goddess Macha is still the same pain, but she needs Evalle to find Brina, as the Beladors are slowly losing their power without her. Tzader remains behind to keep an eye on Brina’s hologram that is slowly disintegrating. It is up to Evalle to find Storm, who is their best tracker to help find Brina, before it’s too late.

Without giving spoilers, what follows is a wonderfully exciting adventure that will require Evalle to use all her powers, and contacts, even those she doesn’t trust, to find and rescue Storm. Evalle will put her life on the line, as she enters the Demon world. Can she survive? Will she be able to save Storm, and if she does, at what cost?

In between her search for Storm, we get a glimpse of Brina, and what is happening to her. Tzader and his torment at possibly losing his love, Brina. Medb are still the villains, with a new, but old powerful leadership. But the focus of this story is between Evalle and Storm. There were so many moments that seemed hopeless, that they would be doomed, not to mention us fearing for Evalle’s life. Will Evalle’s love for Storm be enough to save him?

Feenix, our cute lovable gargoyle, is still one of my favorite characters, and I wish we could have more of him with Evalle. As I have also said before, Dianna always has wonderful characters in her stories. There are so many of them that we care about, and even the villains are worth hating. 🙂

This was such an exciting adventure, with non-stop tense action, filled with twists, betrayals, danger, and a beautiful sensual romance. As always with Dianna Love, I was on the edge of my seat, unable to pull myself away. I had to know what was happening next. I loved Demon Storm; love Evalle; love the romance between Evalle and Storm; and I absolutely love the Belador series. Demon Storm was a fantastic story, and this series just keeps on getting better. If you have not read this series, once again, what are you waiting for?

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

About the Author

Dianna Love
New York Times best seller Dianna Love always liked to do things big…and still does. After spending many years traveling across country to create unusual marketing projects for Fortune 500 company, she’s now released her energetic muse on creating high-octane romantic thriller stories and urban fantasy. Her first book won the prestigious RITA® Award (as Dianna Love Snell) and she now has a new Slye Temp romantic thriller series with the most recent being DECEPTIVE TREASURES. Dianna also writes the NYT Bestselling Belador urban fantasy series and book 5 – DEMON STORM, will be available Oct 20, 2014

When not speaking at national and international events throughout the year, Dianna lives in the metro Atlanta area with her motorcycle-instructor husband and a tank full of unruly saltwater fish named after celebrities.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

giveaway

Dianna is graciously offering an e-copy (Amazon or Barnes & Noble) of DEMON STORM to 1 (One) 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 

4. LIKE us on Twitter

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Like Dianna Love on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from October 17 – 21, 2014

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Just Cause by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Just Cause by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Just Cause
Madison Knight series – Book #5
by Carolyn Arnold
Release Date: October 16, 2014

Just Cause

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
The past threatens the future and puts Detective Madison Knight’s life in danger.

A cold case pits Madison against the Russian Mafia, but things take a swift turn when the unthinkable happens—a new threat arises and has Madison hunting down an unknown killer.

While trying to make sense of the clues, bodies are piling up, and the brass is hungry for explanations. In addition, Madison must balance all of this while nursing an injury, talking out her emotions with a therapist—a bureaucratic necessity—answering to an eager journalist, and facing an internal affairs investigation.

As the answers come together, Madison narrows in on a possible link between the Russian Mafia and someone within the Stiles PD.

Will she have the courage to confront the person she believes is playing both sides, even though they hold a position of great power?

Things are about to be shaken up, and, for Madison, that means she just might have to let go of the past to embrace her future.

 

Review:

Just Cause by Carolyn Arnold is the 5th book in her exciting Madison Knight series. In case you are not familiar with this series, here is a brief synopsis: Madison Knight is a tough, say it like it is detective in the major crimes division. Madison fights and solves crimes, despite the minimal support she gets from her co-workers.   In Just Cause, Madison secretly works on a cold case of the Russian Mob that has haunted her since the beginning of this series. She is breaking the rules, because she knows her superiors will forbid her to be working on the case, which has become very personal to Madison.

Just Cause starts off with a bang, and Madison is literally moments away from her own death. The mob has taken her hostage at the start of the book, and they play their own torture game, Russian Roulette, with her. Since she never told anyone where she was going, she fears the end is near. Terry, her partner is at his desk, wondering where Madison is, as she is never ever late. Fortunately, Terry gets others involved and just when the next bullet is to be triggered, he comes to Madison’s rescue. Exciting? You bet. And this was just the first few pages of the book.

What follows is an exciting story of Madison trying to investigate and get the goods on the Russian mob, before all the possible witnesses to help her are eliminated one by one. This is an action packed story, and with each twist or death, I would be giving away spoilers, which I do not want to do. This is a page burner that you cannot put down, which you need to read.

In previous reviews of this series, I have mentioned that this series has some similarities to the In-Death series, with the exception of the secondary characters and the fabulous team In-Death has.   Madison Knight stands alone for most of the time, which I have mentioned before, and is somewhat of a stickler for me. She does have a good friend, who is even better in this book. Terry her partner is a little better, but still somewhat annoying to me, but some is Madison’s own fault. I love Hershey, her dog, and at times it seems Hershey is the only happiness for her. Her immediate supervisor has made improvements in how he acts with her, and we do learn more about the chief, who is always nasty. Overall, there is hope for Madison to find some happiness with someone, and build a loyal team. She is a tough nut to crack.

With that being said, Just Cause was a great addition to this series. Carolyn Arnold outdoes herself with putting together the pieces of this mystery, and holding our attention all the way through. If you enjoy crime dramas, mysteries, thrillers, a tough hard-nosed cop and non-stop action storylines, look no further than the Madison Knight series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

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One In A Million by Jill Shalvis -Review, Blog Tour and Q&A

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One In A Million by Jill Shalvis -Review, Blog Tour and Q&A with the Author

One in a Million Blog Tour

One In A Million
Lucky Harbor #12
by Jill Shalvis
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 28, 2014

One In A Million

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

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2014

Add ONE IN A MILLION to your GOODREADS shelf.

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It’s that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she’s sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he’s still paying for his own mistakes? It’s hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there’s something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

 

REVIEW:

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12th book in her wonderful Lucky Harbor series. It is the 3rd book in her trilogy arc, which will end the Lucky Harbor series. All three books in this arc had hot swoonworthy men, who happen to be best friends; with each finding their mate.

This is Tanner and Callie’s story. We met Callie in the last book, when she returned to Lucky Harbor to stay for awhile and keep an eye out for her grandmother, Lucille. She is the crazy funny lady, who is the matchmaker throughout Lucky Harbor series.

Tanner, is another one of the wonderfully hot best friends that run the charter boat in Lucky Harbor. Tanner has been the one who gave up on some of his dreams to take care of others, and isn’t interested in any permanent relationship.

Callie runs an online wedding service, which she helps most brides to be to get over their own issues, and this also makes Callie very squeamish about ever getting married. Especially since her ex fiancée left her at the altar and bruised her heart.

One morning, Tanner sees Callie in the bakery, since it’s the only seat, he sits at her table and he will later recognize her from his school days. For the next few week, Tanner and Callie find themselves looking forward to seeing each other. Those moments were classic fun, that Jill Shalvis does so well. Callie would either choke on her donut, meet her ex fiancée, and forget she was dressed embarrassingly like she just got out of bed. Pretty funny stuff.

We knew right away that Tanner and Callie were meant for each other, as we began to root for them. Of course both have their own issues that convinces them to have a relationship that is friends with benefits only. Into this mix, is Tanner’s teenage son, Troy, who grew up with his mom. Now, Tanner finally gets a chance to love the son he hardly knew. What I loved was how Callie and Troy became close, with her helping him get closer to his father. Very heartwarming.

What follows is a very sexy and sizzling romance between a wonderful fun couple, as well as having quite a few humorous moments.. Tanner is so swoonworthy, and loyal to his friends and family. Callie is a fun, heartwarming heroine, even if she needs some pushing to move past her fears of getting hurt. They made a great couple, and I loved spending time with Becca/Sam and Olivia/Cole. Jill Shalvis has another winner in One in a Million, which is a lighthearted, sexy and fun series, not to mention fabulous characters we have met throughout Lucky Harbor.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Jill ShalvisA quick Q & A with the amazing Jill Shalvis

TRC:  Hi Jill and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ONE IN A MILLION. We would like to start with some background information.

TRC: For anyone who doesn’t know Jill Shalvis, would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jill: I like cookies, animals, hot guys, and romance novels, not necessarily in that order. For more: www.jillshalvis.com/blog

TRC: ONE IN A MILLION is the twelfth and final installment in your New York Times best selling LUCKY HARBOR SERIES. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Jill: I thought it would be fun to write a heroine who creates the ultimate romantic fantasy in that she’s a wedding planner, and yet she doesn’t believe in happily ever afters in real life. Add in one hot guy who knows love exists, stir don’t shake.

TRC: How does/did it feel saying goodbye to the people of Lucky Harbor? What plans do you have for a new series/storyline?

Jill: I’m still having trouble with that goodbye thing. I have a short Christmas Lucky Harbor story coming because I couldn’t say goodbye…

TRC: Thank you Jill for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success.

Jill: Thanks for having me!

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Excerpt

Click HERE to read  chapter 7  from ONE IN A MILLION by Jill Shalvis

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