Monthly Archives: November 2014

A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

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A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

 

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Description:
London, 1820 The mission did not go quite as Robert Ware–known in society as the new Earl of Kirkland–planned. A spy in the service of His Majesty, Robert is a “guest” at a masquerade party as he retrieves vital information for a murder investigation. Until he’s quite unexpectedly interrupted by an exquisite, masked woman with glittering green eyes. And a pistol she has cocked and aimed right at him… Lady Sophia Merrill has defiantly taken up justice’s shining sword, determined to expose the brigand who murdered her eccentric but brilliant father, and stole his latest invention. Now she must masquerade as Robert’s betrothed in order to infiltrate the Inventor’s Society and find the killer. But the undeniable potent attraction between them not only imperils the investigation, but Sophia’s reputation… and both of their lives.

Review:

A Spy Unmasked by Tina Gabrielle is the first book in her In the Crown’s Secret Service series. Having never read anything by Ms. Gabrielle before, I was very happy that I had the chance to read this one. I quite enjoyed it and was pulled into the story from the very first chapter. A Spy Unmasked is filled with intrigue, suspense, danger, and a very hot romance. The characters are well developed, move the story along at a steady quick pace and leave the reader turning page after page waiting to see what will happen next. It would seem Tina Gabrielle has a special knack for allowing the reader to feel like they are part of the story, because I actually felt like I was watching one of those old Spy movies on my tv well I read this one. By the end of the book I was on pins and needles waiting to see if our hero and heroine would get out of the danger they find themselves in and make it to their HEA.

I think the biggest thing for me with A Spy Unmasked that really drew me in were the hero and heroine. Both are well written, developed and each brought a special flare to the development of the story and their romance. It was very refreshing to see that our heroine, Sophie Merrill isn’t your typical lady of the time. She’s feisty, independent, intelligent, not afraid of jumping into a tricky situation and also not afraid of going after her man even though he’s in a dangerous profession. I liked how she accepted him for who and what he is, no matter what he’s done on the job for his country. It was also fun to watch her fluster our ever dangerous and sexy spy Robert Ware. Robert Ware is the type of hero I enjoy reading about. He’s strong, intelligent, mysterious and cunning on the job, knows how to take control of a sticky situation when the need arises, sexy and charming as all get out, but for some unexplained reason, he can’t seem to keep his mind off his fake fiancée. When it comes to Sophia, Robert’s control and common sense fly right out the window. The sexual chemistry between Robert and Sophia is combustible and felt from their first meeting. How the pages didn’t catch on fire as Ms. Gabrielle wrote their romance is beyond me. Robert and Sophia’s romance is slow to build as he keeps trying to keep her at arms length, but the sexual chemistry between them is there simmering between them just waiting to break free in every scene they are in. Ms. Gabrielle does an exquisite job of writing this romance and weaving it into the danger and intrigue that follows our couple throughout the story.

After reading A Spy Unmasked I think it’s safe to say I’ve become a fan of Tina Gabrielle and her In the Crown’s Secret Service series. I’m anxiously awaiting the second book in this series and hope it’s about Robert’s friend Gareth and Sophia’s cousin Lady Jane. There’s definitely something there with those two. If you are a fan of historical romances, along with spies, espionage, intrigue, danger, suspense and a good old fashioned steamy romance, then this one’s for you. It won’t disappoint I promise.

Until next time, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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His Wicked Seduction

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Description:
Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn’t frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

 

Review:

League Rule #2: “One must never seduce another member’s sister. Should this rule be broken, the member whose sister was seduced has the right to demand satisfaction”.

Alas, in HIS WICKED SEDUCTION by Lauren Smith, that rule is broken and put to a test!

Who knew a league of Rogues would have rules? These “Peers of the Realm” are all bad boys, rakehells and seriously fun men!! Poor Horatia has been in love with Lucien, Marquess of Rochester since she was a teenager. He did save her life after a tragic carriage accident, which took the lives of her parents. Lucien reacts by being cold towards her, because he knows she is a lady and an innocent. Plus, she is his friend Cedric’s little sister! Horatia tries countless ways to seduce him and make him hers, but he likes his women, should we say, a tad wanton? He likes control and pleasing his women with a little bit of bondage and fun. Red silk ties come to mind!

The League’s arch nemesis and enemy, Hugo Waverly is still on the loose and he soon threatens Horatia’s life. Lucien sweeps Horatia away to his family’s estate for safety. That’s when the action really begins. Who would guess that spending the Christmas Holidays in the quiet countryside would be so hot and fun! The men in the League of Rogues are all great characters and they make appearances throughout the novel, but Lucien and Cedric’s families take center stage!

Audrey is Horatia’s little sister and is so cunning and full of life. She wants to get married, but with Cedric as her guardian, her suitors are all scared off! In her quest to change her brother’s mind, she even scares some League members in her attempts to be “ravished”. I can’t wait to read her courtship! She is a master manipulator, but in a delightful and stylish way! My favorite secondary character is Lady Rochester! You don’t think she is a mother of four sons, who are all wild and a daughter without having a hand in their development? As the saying goes, the “fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”! She hides in cupboards to eavesdrop on her children and then jumps out at them. She is determined to get her brood married, because she wants grandchildren and lots of them! She admits that while her late husband was mild and good natured, she was a “hellion” and all of her children take after her! What’s a mother to do? She has some clever ways to get Lucien and Horatia together. Plus, she plans the greatest activities. They have a snow fort fight, men against the women and it was hilarious! I will reread this book for this chapter alone!

Horatia proves to Lucien throughout this novel, that she can keep up with him and that she enjoys his “wicked desires”, but they must keep their relationship a secret from Cedric, or else that Second Rule must be honored! The last chapters are action packed with danger, betrayal, villains, forgiveness and most of all, LOVE! I can’t wait to for the next Rogue to fall!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

 

about the author

Lauren_Smith_2014Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer.

She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

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Lauren is graciously offering a choice of either an e-copy or a pre-printed paper copy of  HIS WICKED SEDUCTION 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. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Lauren Smith  on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open e-copy (International) or pre-printed paper copy (USA only)

8. Giveaway runs from November 12 – November 16, 2014, 2014

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Not Until You by Roni Loren-Review and Blog Tour

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Not Until You by Roni Loren-Review and Blog Tour

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Not Until You
Loving On The Edge
by Roni Loren
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, BDSM
Release Date: November 4, 2014

Not Until You

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 4, 2014

Cela knows how to be good. She’s had a lifetime of practice. But on the night of her college graduation, she decides she’s earned one wild night before she has to move back home to her overprotective family. So when the hot neighbor she’s been quietly fantasizing about for a year suggests a game of Never Have I Ever, she’s ready. But what starts out as a simple game takes an unexpected turn. Because Ian Foster doesn’t play games he can’t win.

Foster knows his desires aren’t for the faint of heart, especially not for someone as sweet and innocent as his pretty neighbor. But when Cela shows up at his door with an invitation that surprises him, he can’t resist indulging. Cela has no idea what she’s in for. The secret dark side of this man’s need will both intrigue and terrify her. But Cela has a secret of her own—and a new game to see just how far they’re both willing to go, and how much they’re willing to risk by crossing every boundary of desire.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: NOT UNTIL YOU is the latest full length storyline in Roni Loren’s LOVING ON THE EDGE contemporary, adult erotic romance series. Originally released as an eight part serial storyline NOT UNTIL YOU focuses on Master Ian Foster and reluctant submissive twenty three year old Marcela (Cela) Medina. Although this is the latest book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Some of the previous storyline characters make cameo appearances. Any important information to the current storyline is imparted where necessary. NOTE: There are some M/F/M scenes as well as implied M/M/M/F situations.

Told from alternating points of view including Cela and third person, NOT UNTIL YOU follows recent graduate of veterinary medicine Cela Medina. On the night of her graduation, good girl Cela wrote a list of ‘to dos’ including seducing and having sex with her two sexy and older neighbors- rock star Pike, and CEO and business owner Ian Foster. What Cela never expected was to fall in love with a man whose need for control reaches beyond the obvious. Cela is an innocent and Foster’s needs may be too much to handle.

The relationship between our trio begins as a one night stand and graduation celebration where Cela will succeed with most of her ‘to do’ list but Cela’s attraction to Foster goes beyond friends with benefits. Both Foster and Pike are men with dark pasts, rooted in abuse, neglect, loss and betrayal, and in this their lifestyles reflect the need for control. It is Foster’s need to control and protect Cela that forces the man to push Cela away. Something from his past controls his present and Cela is a reminder of everything that went wrong.

NOT UNTIL YOU is a storyline that is very familiar to fans of the billionaire Dom and the virginal submissive scenarios. We follow as Foster pulls Cela into his world of leather, bondage and his need to dominate both inside and outside of the bedroom. Cela is a young woman whose sexual experience is limited but Foster will show her what it is they both need and want. The sex scenes are intimate, passionate and exploratory. There are no hard core BDSM scenes although Foster’s anger does fuel one particular scenario of S&M.

The secondary characters include Cela’s family (and brother Andre Medina whose story was told in MELT INTO YOU) as well as friends and Foster’s inner circle in the BDSM scene. The world building brings the reader behind the scenes of an exclusive BDSM club known as The Ranch as well as getting up close and personal with Foster’s dark past and his all consuming need to protect.

Roni Loren’s LOVING ON THE EDGE series continues to explore the BDSM lifestyle intertwining romance, love and a happily ever after. All of her characters are wholly aware of the situation and no one is ever forced into something they do not want to do. There are emotional moments of realization; heartbreak and letting go, but in the end, it is love, that has the ultimate control of the other’s heart and soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

NOT UNTIL YOU
By Roni Loren
CHAPTER 1“Andre, this isn’t a good time. Can I call you back?”
I did my best not to let my cell phone slip from between my ear and shoulder. Just don’t drop the tequila. I adjusted the enormous bottle my friend, Bailey, had given me as a graduation present from my right hand to beneath my left arm and tried to dig my keys out of my purse so I could open the main door to my apartment building.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to make it, Cela,” my older brother said, his guilt obviously trumping my request to call him later. “I got caught at an investigation site this morning. I thought I’d be able to get there in time, but we had a witness wanting to talk and….”
I cursed silently as my keys hit the pavement. I crouched down, doing my best not to flash my underwear to anyone who may be passing by. “Really, it’s fine. They called my name. I walked across the stage and got a piece of paper and a sash for being summa cum laude. Papá yelled my name like he was at a baseball game instead of a ceremony. Mamá cried. We all went to lunch at Rosario’s and then the two of them headed back to the airport. Not that interesting.”
My brother’s heavy sigh said everything. I almost felt guilty that he felt so guilty. “Before you move back home next month, we’re getting together to celebrate. My baby sister, the doctor. I’m so proud I could burst.”
I smiled. I did like the sound of that. Dr. Marcela Medina, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Seven years of exams and studying and clinics, but it was finally done. Now it was time to leave Dallas and head back home to Verde Pass and take up the slack in my dad’s practice.
That last part had my smile faltering a bit. I hooked my key ring with my finger and wobbled back to a stand. “That’s sounds great. But I really have to get going. I have my hands full and need to get through the door.”
“Cela, you know better than to carry too much. Parking lots at night are one of the most dangerous places for women. Are you holding your mace?” he asked, his voice going into that bossy cop tone I was all too familiar with.
“It’s in my hand,” I lied, trying to remember where I’d stowed the last little canister he’d given me—probably in my junk drawer. “But I don’t have a free hand to pull the door open.”
“All right,” he said, placated. “Congratulations again. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
The phone call ended but I didn’t have a way to take the phone off my ear, so I just shuffled forward in a sideways hunch, trying to juggle everything I was holding to get my key into the door. After two attempts, I got the lock turned and pressed my back against the glass door to push my way into the lobby.
As soon as I’d cleared the entrance and turned toward the stairs, male voices sounded behind me. Of course someone would show up right after I didn’t need help anymore. I peeked back to see who it was, Andre’s danger warnings still echoing in my head, but found something more distracting than criminals—my neighbors, Foster and Pike.
Foster stepped through the main door first and glanced my way. As usual, everything went melty inside me, his smile like a zap of heat to my system. Ridiculous. “Need some help, neighbor?”
I straightened, but forgot about my phone in the process. My brand new I-
Phone went sliding off my shoulder.
“Crap!” I lurched forward, trying to save it from its imminent demise, and accidentally dropped my plastic bag of Chinese takeout on the way.
“Whoa, there.” Pike, Foster’s roommate, was at my side in a second. His hand caught my elbow, saving me from losing the ginormous bottle of liquor along with my balance. But my phone clattered to the ground, the harsh sound mixing with the splat of my noodles hitting tile.
I winced, anticipating a broken screen. “Dammit.”
Foster bent down, his tie brushing the ground as he swept my phone off the floor. He peered at the screen, dark brows lowering over pale eyes, then he turned the phone toward me—the happy puppy screensaver staring back at me in tact. “All is well. Luckily, these things are built to take a licking.”
My brain got snagged on the work lick, and the back of my neck went hot. My lips parted, but words failed me. Great, imitate a gaping goldfish–that’s cute.
Pike cleared his throat, easing the tequila from my arms, and then crouched down near the open bag at my feet. He grabbed a noodle from the spilled box of Chinese food, tipped his head back and dropped it into his mouth, his eyes watching mine. “The lo mein’s a loss, though.”
I swallowed hard, his gaze even more bad boy than the tattoos peeking out from his open collar. His pierced tongue snaked around the noodle. Look away. I forced my face upward, but then ended up focusing on Foster again. Say something. God, I was standing there like an idiot. This was why I always avoided these two like they were contagious. They made me go stupid.
Foster held out my phone, and I managed to take it, the slight brush of his fingers against mine hitting the reset button in my brain. I managed a feeble, “Thank you.”
Foster glanced at the mess on the floor. “I’m really sorry I said anything. I didn’t mean to distract you from your intricate juggling act.”
I shook my head. “No, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been trying to carry everything at once. It’s been a long day, and I was hoping to save myself a second trip up the stairs.”
“The joys of a walk-up.” Pike grabbed a few napkins and started cleaning up the noodles at my feet like it was his mess to worry about.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” I lowered down to my knees. “I’ll take care of it.”
He grinned over at me, the mirror opposite of his roommate. Ian Foster was all suits and dark looks—a man who preferred to be called by his surname. Whereas, Pike didn’t seem to even have a last name. He was a drummer in some popular local band—jeans, a sex-on-the-mind-smile, and spiked, bleached hair his usual uniform. Not that I had studied either of them. Or listened to their escapades through the wall I shared with them. Not at all.
Keep telling yourself that, Cela.
Despite my protest, Pike helped me finish picking up the mess. “So what’s the big ass bottle of tequila for? No one could’ve had that bad of a day.”
I glanced over at the bottle I’d set on the floor, debating whether I could be trusted to have normal conversation with these two without sounding like I had a speech impediment. “I, uh, graduated today. It was a gift.”
“Oh, right on.”
“Congratulations, Cela,” Foster said. Just the sound of him saying my name in that smooth, dark voice had my stomach clenching. He was all southern refinement, but I didn’t miss the glimmer of a drawl underneath it all.
Ay dios mio. My body clamored to attention like an eager Labrador ready to be petted. Down, girl. These guys were way above my pay grade. I wasn’t dumb or delusional. I’d seen/spied on/secretly hated the women who’d passed through their apartment door—women who looked like they’d earned their doctorates in the art of seduction.
I hadn’t even reached the kindergarten level in that particular department.
“Thank you.”
“You were going to vet school at Dallas U, right?” Foster had tucked his hands in the pockets of his slacks, and though the question was casual, I had the distinct impression he was tense beneath that suit jacket.
Pike handed me a napkin for my hands and stood to toss the food into a nearby trash can.
I wiped off my hands and pushed myself to my feet, trying to do it as gracefully as possible in my restrictive skirt. “Yes, how’d you know that?”
“The scrubs you wear have the school insignia on them,” Foster said, as if it was totally normal that he’d looked at me that closely.
“Observant.” Especially considering I usually only managed a head-down, mumbled hey-how-are-ya exchange when we passed each other in the hallway. Secretly listening to one of your hot neighbors having sex had a way of making eye contact a bit uncomfortable the next day—particularly if said eavesdropper had used the soundtrack to fuel her own interlude with her battery-operated boyfriend.
Not that I had. Several times. Whatever.
Pike sidled up next to Foster—a motley pair if there ever was one. “So, doc, now that you’ve got no dinner and clearly too much liquor on your hands, why don’t you join us? We already have pizza on the way, and we can play a drinking game with the tequila. Do college kids still play Never Have I Ever? I was always good at that one.”
Kid? Is that what they saw me as? Neither of them could be that much older than I was. Though in terms of life experience, I had no doubt they trumped me a few times over.
“Oh, no, that’s okay.” The refusal was automatic, long practiced. How many times had I turned down such offers—from guys, from friends? My parents had been so strict when I was younger that I almost didn’t know how to say yes even after living on my own the last few years. Studies first. Fun later. Yet, there never seemed to be any time for fun after the first one was finished.
“You sure? I don’t want you going to bed with no dinner because of us,” Foster said, frown lines marring that perfect mouth of his.
Going to bed and us was about all I heard. My father’s stern voice whispered in my ear. You don’t know these men. You’ll be all alone in their apartment. Medina women have more respect for themselves than that.
“Really, I’m fine. I had a big lunch,” I said, my smile brief, plastic. “But thanks.”
“Oh, come on,” Pike said, his tone cajoling. “We’ve been neighbors for what, two years? We should at least get to know a little about each other.”
Get to know each other? I knew that Foster was loud when he came—even if he was alone. Knew that Pike liked to laugh during sex. Knew the two men shared women. And the other sounds I’d heard over the last two years…the smacks, the commands, the erotic screams. My face went as hot as if I’d stuck my head in an oven.
“Y’all just want me for my tequila,” I said, attempting to deflect my derailing thoughts.
The corner of Pike’s mouth lifted. “Of course that’s not all we want you for.”
“Uh…” Oh, hell. Pictures flashed across my brain. Dirty, delicious pictures. I almost dropped my phone again. I had no idea what to do with my hands, my expression.
Foster put a hand on Pike’s shoulder. “The lady said no. I think we should let her go celebrate her graduation however she wants.”
“All right.” Pike’s face turned hang dog, but he handed me the tequila bottle. “If you change your mind, we’ve got big plans. Supreme pizza and a Star-Wars-themed porn marathon. The Empire Sucks C—”
Foster smacked the back of Pike’s head, and Pike ducked and laughed.
“Kidding. I mean, a Jane Austen marathon,” Pike corrected, his green-gold eyes solemn. “Pride and Pu—”
Foster was behind Pike, his hand clamping over his friend’s mouth in a flash. “I seriously can’t take him out. He’s like an untrained puppy. Maybe you can lend me a shock collar or something.”
Pike waggled his eyebrows, all playful wickedness.
I laughed, putting my hand to my too hot forehead, and turning toward the stairs. “Yeah, so, I’m going to go now.”
“Cela,” Foster said as I put my foot onto the first step.
I glanced back. “Yeah?”
His ice melt eyes flicked downward, his gaze alighting along the length of me before tracing their way upward again in a slow, unashamed perusal. “Promise you won’t go to bed hungry.”
I wet my lips, my skin suddenly feeling too tight to accommodate the blood pumping beneath it, and nodded.
But it was a lie.
I always went to bed hungry.
And it had nothing to do with a spilled dinner.

 


 

Guest Post

Developing a Character From the Inside Out
By Roni Loren

People often ask me where I get my characters from—well, I think mostly they want to know if the guys from The Ranch are really wandering around Texas in real life, lol. (Sadly, they aren’t.) But it’s not an easy question to answer because it’s not one particular way I come upon a character. I don’t base characters on people I know or who I’ve met necessarily. But I do take characteristics of real life people and mash them up to find something new.

Like my husband always jokingly tells people that all of my heroes are based on him, lol. And in a way, there’s some truth to that because each of my heroes probably has some little thing that I picked up from my husband. Like Pike in NOT UNTIL YOU has a scene where he goes to a dog shelter. His reaction to a certain dog is so how my husband would react (he’s the guy who stops and saves animals on the side of the road.)

But in general, when I start a book, I spend the most time figuring out what makes my characters tick. I’m not a plotter, so I don’t plan out what’s going to happen in the book before writing it. Like for NOT UNTIL YOU, it started with the question—What if a woman had thin walls in her apartment and she’s been listening to her dominant neighbor and all the antics in his bedroom and has a huge crush on him? That’s all I may start with plot wise for a book—the setup.

But with characters, I need to know them pretty well before I can begin. I was a social worker before I was a writer, so I have this need to get my characters on the therapy couch first. I need to know: What happened to them in their life that makes them the way they are today? What are their wounds? What motivates them? What are they most scared of? What do they think they want? What do they really want/need even if they don’t realize it? What hang-ups skew their view of the world?

In NOT UNTIL YOU, I figured out the Cela had been very sheltered in her childhood and has an overbearing family that she’s spent her life trying to please. So that’s why someone as innocent as she is would dare to consider a wild offer from her hot neighbors. As for Foster, I won’t give his background away, but let’s just say that he had a tragedy in the past that has guided how he’s lived much of his life.

So once I knew that about those two, I was off to the races and writing. The plot stuff will show up along the way for me as long as I know the heart of the characters I’m working with.

Of course, that’s not to say that this way is every writer’s process. Our brains all work differently. But if you’re trying to write your story and keep getting feedback that people aren’t connecting with your characters, try putting them on the therapy couch and force them to talk about their childhoods and secrets. They work for you. Don’t let them get away with keeping their secrets from you. ☺

~~Roni

about The author

Roni LorenRoni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.

If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that’s it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat.

 

Places to find Roni Loren:
Site: www.roniloren.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren
Twitter:https://twitter.com/roniloren
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877863.Roni_Loren

 

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

PRIZE: 1 print set of Loving on the Edge Series (Books 1-5) (if international winner is chosen, a $50 card will be substituted)

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Rock My Body (Black Falcon #4) by Michelle A.Valentine-Review and Blog Tour

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Rock My Body (Black Falcon #4) by Michelle A.Valentine-Review and Blog Tour

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Rock My Body
Black Falcon #4
by Michelle A Valentine
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, rock stars
Release Date:November 11, 2014

Rock My Body

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2014

Tyke Douglas is tired of being the glue that holds the hottest band in the world together. If the rest of the guys are out doing their own thing, then why shouldn’t he? He’s about to turn things up a notch and bring a whole new level of crazy into Black Falcon’s world.

Francine Mead is putting her sordid past behind and is determined to help others overcome their demons along side her. The first step in her new life is taking a job as an addiction counselor, where she can mentor others through their struggles. Francine never expected to be lured back into temptation when her first sexy celebrity client, Tyke Douglas walks through her door. The moment she lays eyes on him, she’s in trouble.

Both Tyke and Francine know a relationship between them would be a disaster, but with each session, things continue to heat up, making it impossible to deny the connection they share. Boundaries cross, attractions heighten and both of their willpowers will be tested to the very limit.

Novel centers around Tyke Douglas, bassist of Black Falcon, and is the final book in the series.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCK MY BODY is the fourth full length and final installment in Michelle A. Valentine’s adult, contemporary Black Falcon erotic romance series focusing on the members of the rock group Black Falcon. This is guitarist and song writer Tyke Douglas, and addiction counselor Dr. Francine Mead’s storyline.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Tyke and Frannie) the premise of ROCK MY BODY focuses on Tyke’s spiral into addiction. Feeling ‘left out’ and going nowhere fast, Tyke’s jealousy of his band mate’s happiness turns inward and Tyke finds himself behind bars without any memory of what happened or why. When his fellow musicians send him packing, he decides to take matters into his own hand but winding up in rehab wasn’t on his list of things to do. Enter Dr. Francine Mead-an addiction counselor whose own addiction will be tested when she meets the gorgeous rock star.

The relationship between Tyke and Frannie is very quick to develop-in fact-so quickly that love at first sight is exactly what occurs between our storyline couple. Frannie knows that to get involved with a patient is ethically wrong but their attraction to one another cannot be denied. Not only does Frannie find herself falling in love but it is Tyke who begins to push for something more permanent. That is until someone at the rehab centre has proof that there is more between Tyke and Frannie than a professional relationship. The sex scenes are not romantic or seductive; in fact the sex is spur of the moment and intense because our couple are testing the ethical values of patient and doctor relationship, and time is of the essence so they don’t get caught.

ROCK MY BODY is a fast paced, quick developing storyline that focuses on the relationship between two addicts whose lives begin to spiral out of control. There are moments of heartbreak, anger and painful realization but in the end there is a happily ever after for the last single member of the Black Falcon band. The epilogue fast forwards the series approximately one year where we will get a glimpse into the lives of the members of Black Falcon.

The secondary characters include the members of Black Falcon for cohesion and familiarity, some of the rehab centre employees and patients, as well as a look into Dr. Mead’s family dynamics. Each chapter begins with a reference to a ‘real life’ song and singer; and throughout we find Tyke writing lyrics as they pertain to his life and his growing love for Francine Mead.

Great series. Wonderful characters. Amazing author.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Black Falcon 6 books

Rock the Heart
Rock the Band
Rock my Bed
Rock my World
Rock the Beat
Rock My Body

excerpt

 

 

 

 

I flip through the rest of the links, studying more pictures of Tyke. He’s very easy on the eyes with his tall frame, tan complexion, and light hair. Even though he and Trip are twins, their hair sets them apart, making it very easy to tell the difference between them. The more I stare at the man on my screen, the more addicted I become to his profile. He’s devastatingly handsome, and the thought of how attracted I am to just his mere picture scares the shit out of me.
How am I ever supposed to concentrate on helping this man when he’s my own personal brand of tattooed man-flavored candy? This will prove to be a very difficult task, for sure. The best I can hope for is to find that he’s simply photogenic and absolutely hideous in person.
I close my laptop and set it on my nightstand before I tug my glasses from my face and set them on top of it. I double-check my alarm clock and then snuggle down in my bed after offering up a little prayer that I’ll be able to contain myself tomorrow. If Tyke is the stereotypical bad-boy rocker that he appears to be, I’ll need all the help I can get to keep from jumping his bones and jeopardizing the job I’ve worked so hard to get.

About the Author Black and Orange

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Michelle Valentine

 

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

 

 

 

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What a Woman Gets by Judi Fennell – a Review

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What a Woman Gets by Judi Fennell – a Review

 

What a Woman Gets
Manley Maids series – Book #3
by Judi Fennell
Release Date: November 4, 2014

What a Woman Gets

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

 

Description:
Business owner Liam Manley has no patience for women like Cassidy Davenport—women happy to spend a man’s money without giving a thought to any actual work. But to make good on his bet, Liam must not only tolerate the couture-clad socialite, he’ll have to clean up after her. Until Cassidy’s father suddenly cuts off her finances. With no money and no home for Liam to clean, Cassidy has no choice but to accept a job offer—as Liam’s new maid…

Liam is eager to teach her a lesson about the real world, but he winds up learning a few things himself. Free from her father’s influence, Cassidy can finally pursue her own life, and winds up showing Liam how resourceful and determined she can be. Not to mention how sexy she is with (or without) that designer wardrobe. But when sparks fly between them, will it be true love…or just another messy affair?

 

 

Review:

What a Woman Gets by Judi Fennell is the 3rd book in her wonderful Manley Maids series. In the last book I had mentioned that the 2nd book was even better than the first one. I am going to repeat that. What a Woman Gets is another fabulous fun filled story that even surpasses the first two. Judi Fennell continues to give us wonderful couples that we root for, and has an uncanny ability to hook us in from the start.

For those of you who may not have read my earlier reviews, this series revolves around a bet the three Manley brothers lost to their sister. The payback is they have to spend a few weeks cleaning the houses of those assigned to them. Grandmother Manley is also secretly plotting to push her grandsons to find the right women for them. Sure it sounds cute, but do not let that fool you. This is a terrific series that is fun from the start and as you turn the pages (or glide on your ereader) to the next page, it just gets better and better. So much fun, and sexy as hell.

Cassidy Davenport is our heroine, and Liam is assigned to clean her house for two weeks, as the real maid is on vacation. Liam immediately takes a dislike to Cassidy, as she is everything he hates…rich, beautiful, self-confident, independent and in his mind, a snob. Liam compares her to a former girlfriend who hurt him. Early on Liam annoyed me, I did not like him at all. His treatment of Cassidy wasn’t nice, in fact downright rude.

Once you get past the first few pages, and discover the real Cassidy, we are totally in her corner as she is hit with bombshell. I totally loved loved Cassidy. Cassidy’s filthy rich father is trying to push her to marry one of his management staff, someone much older than Cassidy. Despite her father’s belligerent demands, she refuses and he takes everything away from her; including kicking her out of her apartment. She has no money (he blocked her bank account and took away her cards).

Liam, though still with the attitude brings her to his place, and tells her to pay for room and board, by cleaning his house. What follows is a wonderful story that started out with no hope for this couple, but turned out to be one of the most enjoyable, fun, sexy and hot romances. Liam knows he is attracted to her, but is determined to avoid any closeness with Cassidy. She doesn’t have her clothes, so she wears sweat pants, and even some of Liam shirts, which attracts him even more. Cassidy surprises him, as she works hard to clean the house, and on the side works on what she really loves…fixing up and making old furniture a work of art. One of the best parts of this story is Cassidy’s cute maltese, Titiania, which just added to the fun.

After a bit, I fell in love with Liam too, even though I wanted to smack him a few times. He did see a new light to Cassidy, and helps her find herself in her work. The chemistry between them was sizzling, and we waited patiently for them to act on it. It was worth every waiting moment. When Cassidy’s despicable father tries to threaten Liam and his family to get his daughter to do his bidding, Liam was so supportive of Cassidy that I loved him even more.

This was a wonderful fun filled romance, with so many enjoyable moments all the way through that I did not want this story to end. If you love romance, a hot sexy couple, and a terrific storyline, then look no further then Judi Fennell’s What a Woman Gets.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Is This What I Want? (Is This All There Is? 2) by Patricia Mann-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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IS THIS WHAT I WANT? by Patricia Mann-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Is This What I Want?
Is This All There Is? #2
by Patricia Mann
Genre: adult, contemporary, fiction
Release Date: October 17, 2014

Is This What I Want

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2014

Click HERE for our review of IS THIS ALL THERE IS? the first book in the series.

Four difficult months have passed since Beth’s husband Rick discovered her affair with a former student. The couple has worked hard in therapy to salvage their marriage and understand their roles in everything that happened. Things are looking up until Dave reappears, awakening Beth’s fantasies of what could have been had she taken their affair to the next level. Now that she is faced with another opportunity, Beth battles an even more impossible dilemma than the first time she was caught in Dave’s web.

Amidst the trouble in her marriage and pressure to shield her children from the discord, Beth is also called upon to help her two best friends, both with serious problems of their own. The stress sparks temptation to seek comfort in her favorite vices. But she knows she can’t hide if she wants to save what matters most. The question is, what does she want?

~~~~~~

REVIEW:IS THIS WHAT I WANT is the second installment in Patricia Mann’s Is This All There Is series focusing on thirty-five year old Beth Thomas. Beth is a wife, mother, part time college professor and a woman at a cross roads in her life. When a former student, 22 year old Dave, professes his desire for Beth, our heroine steps out of her comfort zone and into an area that is no longer black and white-but considerably many shades of grey.

Told from two alternating first person points of view (Beth and Rick) the premise of book two finds Beth and her husband in therapy-both couples and individually. Beth’s infidelity has caused a riff between she and Rick-one that continues to grow as Rick suspects Beth still harbors feelings for her former student.

The relationship between Rick and Beth is not unlike many couples who have experienced the heartbreak of an affair but in this case Beth’s step outside of her marriage was more of an affair of the heart. While Rick considers his options for the future, Beth considers all options for herself.

IS THIS WHAT I WANT is a storyline that focuses on Beth’s inner turmoil between what she wants and what she knows she should do. Beth is a woman whose marriage has stagnated and she is looking for something different; something new and in this her choices will affect her family and her life. She is a woman whose immaturity reigns supreme throughout book two as she endeavors to experience the life of those around her. The grass always looks greener on the other side-and Beth believes that there is something more-waiting for her on the other side. When a trip to Vegas with Rick turns ugly, Beth’s marriage will suffer irreparable harm.

Patricia Mann writes about a controversial subject where moments of awkwardness and heartbreak make for some disenchanted bedfellows. IS THIS WHAT I WANT looks at the choices made, for good and for bad, and how theses choices affect those that we love. It is a story about one woman, whose relationship with her husband had been sidelined by pregnancy, children and work, and in this she seeks physical and emotional fulfillment from another source.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Interview

 

TRC: Hi Patricia and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of IS THIS WHAT I WANT?

Patricia: Thank you so much, Sandy! Thank you for this interview also and for all your support and kind words about both of my books!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information.  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Patricia MannPatricia: I’m a part-time professor and consulting business owner so I work and travel a lot. Like my main character Beth, I have a husband and two sons. I’m similar to Beth in some ways, which is why I use the pen name. But we are so very different in many ways as well.

TRC: What were your goals and aspirations growing up?

Patricia: I always wanted to be a teacher and a writer. I guess I’m pretty lucky that I found a way to make both of those dreams come true. I also wanted to find true love and have a family. Blessed again – though it hasn’t been the easy road I expected by any stretch of the imagination!

TRC: What or who influenced your foray into writing?

Patricia: My dear friend, Corie Skolnick, who is the author of the beautiful and heartbreaking novel Orfan, which is about to be made into a movie, was the greatest influence. She believed in me, showered me with praise, gave me honest constructive criticism, and pushed me to keep writing even when I told her was giving up (which happened about 100 times and still happens regularly).

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Patricia: I don’t relax much. I work a lot. I try to stay involved in my kids’ lives. I exercise almost every day. I volunteer my time a lot. I try to help everybody with everything. My life is mostly void of true relaxation time. But okay… I like to drink red wine. I also like to watch a mindless TV show now and then and if you give me a People magazine, expect to be ignored for about two hours as I devour every word. That’s why I have never subscribed. Inside scoop on people’s personal lives is my crack.

Is This What I WantTRC: IS THIS WHAT I WANT ? is the second installment your contemporary adult IS THIS ALL THERE IS? series. Would you please tell us something about the premise of the series? Of the novel?

Patricia: On the surface, Beth has it all. She is educated, has a good career, has a stable husband and two healthy kids. Yet, she feels something is missing. I think a lot of women feel that way in life. We tell ourselves we should be content, but for some of us, our hearts long for something new or different. Something that allows us to feel more fully alive, or more seen by another person, or more excited about something the next day has to offer. Unfortunately, there are many temptations to meet those needs in ways that are not healthy for us, but provide a temporary sense of satisfaction – things like excess food, alcohol, binge-watching a favorite show on Netflix… the list could go on forever. In Beth’s case, she gets caught up in an infatuation, an affair. It’s actually a very common situation, one I’ve seen time and again. And it rarely ends well.

TRC: Are any of the characters (or is the premise) based in reality or a combination of fact and fiction?

Patricia: All of the characters and events are based in reality with a touch of fictionalized qualities and experiences thrown in. Beth’s story is a mix of fact and fiction, but definitely more fact – from my own life as well as many women I’ve known.

TRC: What genre would you categorize the series? Women’s Fiction? Romance?

Patricia: It’s women’s fiction but romance is an important aspect of Beth’s story. I was once told that romance novels must have one clear hero and one clear heroine. Love triangles are frowned upon. Beth, Rick, and Dave are in one hell of an ongoing love triangle so it seems that the four of us are not welcome in the romance world. Still, in my defense, I must say that there’s a lot of juicy romance in my novels.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Patricia: It will be a trilogy. I’m working on book three now.

TRC:  Many readers have felt a ‘kindred spirit’ of sorts to Beth’s character in IS THIS ALL THERE IS? especially the women who may have experienced some of the same issues and felt lost in their current situations. What do you say to these women or anyone who has considered stepping out of their marriage and into something they see as more exciting

Patricia: Get therapy. If you can’t afford it, talk to smart friends, preferably older friends who have been through many relationships. They’ll tell you the same message I try to convey in my books: love yourself, work on yourself, a relationship will not heal or save you.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

Patricia:
Beth: Kate Hudson (with a little brown hair dye)
Rick: Matt Damon
Dave: Zac Efron

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Patricia: You draw upon your own experiences (and/or those of people in your life) but make them bigger, scarier, and much more compelling. At least that’s what I try to do.

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

Patricia: The characters are totally in control. They are real people in my head. They tell me what they want to do and sometimes I fight with them to try to talk them out of their stupid choices. They always win.

Is This All There IsTRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Patricia: I think the writer needs to feel the emotions of the characters while writing, at least to some extent. When I’m reading, I can sense that energy coming through the page or screen. Even if an author hasn’t had the same experience as the character, the pain, shame, guilt, lust… whatever should come from deep within the author’s emotional center. For me, a writer fails if I don’t pick up on his or her profound connection to the story and characters on an emotional level as I’m reading.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon.  How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s
block?

Patricia: Still trying to figure that one out. I suppose setting small goals such as writing a page a day might help. Maybe letting go and reminding yourself that even if you write crap, you can always delete it and start again. As you said, it’s a very real phenomenon and not one I feel I have the best handle on yet.

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

Patricia: Separating my personal experiences from the fictional story was tough for me. Not much research was necessary because the backdrop of Beth’s life is so similar to my own. Writing a sequel was challenging at times because I had to make sure that all the little details were consistent with the first book. But honestly, for the most part, this second book just poured out of me. Thankfully, I had a great editor who caught little slip ups, which allowed me not to worry about things like that so much.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

Patricia: It would take pages and pages to acknowledge all of them! I have so many author friends now and I adore every one. But okay, here are some of the ones I talk about writing with regularly: Corie Skolnick, Shelly Hickman, Sárka-Jonae Miller, Renee Carlino, Eileen Goudge, Meredith Schorr, Samantha Stroh Bailey, Eleanor Parker Sapia, Lori Verni-Fogarsi, Emha Goliesh, Isabella Louise Anderson, Amanda Askel, and many other Booktrope authors as well as the women in the Chick Lit Goddess writing group. I’ve left so many out, I feel terrible, but I love them all!

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Patricia: The third book in the Is This All There Is? trilogy. It picks up eight years after the second book leaves off.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Patricia: Just a final thank you to everyone who has read either book or both books, especially you, Sandy. They are not easy stories to read, but my intension is to help women appreciate themselves, take better care of themselves, and make healthy choices. I also want to dispel the myth that anyone who is unfaithful in a marriage is a bad person. These situations are complicated and there are always a whole host of factors that play a role and should be examined carefully.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Kale and Quinoa salad

Favorite Dessert: Pinkberry original frozen yogurt with pomegranate seeds

Favorite TV Show: Walking Dead (at the moment)

Favorite Entertainer: Oprah

Last Movie You Saw: Gone Girl

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush: George Clooney

Last Vacation Destination: Italy (aka paradise)

Pet Peeve: Cruelty of any kind

TRC: Thank you Patricia for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of IS THIS WHAT I WANT? We wish you all the best with your future projects.

 

Giveaway-Purple:Black

Patricia is graciously offering the following giveaway exclusive to The Reading Cafe:

First Prize: an ecopy of IS THIS ALL THERE IS ? and an ecopy of IS THIS WHAT I WANT? (books 1 & 2) to ONE (1) lucky commenter. ONE commenter will win both books.

Second Prize: an ecopy (winner’s choice) of either  l IS THIS ALL THERE IS? or book 2 IS THIS WHAT I WANT  to TWO (2) lucky commenters.

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. Please LIKE us on Twitter

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Please LIKE Patricia Mann on FACEBOOK and CLICK get notifications under LIKE

7. Giveaway is open internationally

8. Giveaway runs from November 10-14, 2014

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By Winter’s Light (Cynster Novel #21) by Stephanie Laurens-Review and Blog Tour

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By Winter’s Light (Cynster Novel #21) by Stephanie Laurens-Review and Blog Tour

by Winter's Light

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

About the book: Release Date October 28, 2014

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to romantic Scotland to usher in a new generation of Cynsters in an enchanting tale of mistletoe, magic, and love.

It’s December 1837, and the young adults of the Cynster clan have succeeded in having the family Christmas celebration held at snow-bound Casphairn Manor, Richard and Catriona Cynster’s home. Led by Sebastian, Marquess of Earith, and by Lucilla, future Lady of the Vale, and her twin brother, Marcus, the upcoming generation has their own plans for the holitay season.

Yet where Cynsters gather, love is never far behind—the festive occasion brings together Daniel Crosbie, tutor to Lucifer Cynster’s sons, and Claire Meadows, widow and governess to Gabriel Cynster’s daughter. Daniel and Claire have met before and the embers of an unexpected passion smolder between them, but once bitten, twice shy, Claire believes a second marriage is not in her stars. Daniel, however, is determined to press his suit. He’s seen the love the Cynsters share, and Claire is the lady with whom he dreams of sharing his life. Assisted by a bevy of Cynsters—innate matchmakers every one—Daniel strives to persuade Claire that trusting him with her hand and her heart is her right path to happiness.

Meanwhile, out riding on Christmas Eve, the young adults of the Cynster clan respond to a plea for help. Summoned to a humble dwelling in ruggedly forested mountains, Lucilla is called on to help with the difficult birth of a child, while the others rise to the challenge of helping her. With a violent storm closing in and severely limited options, the next generation of Cynsters face their first collective test—can they save this mother and child? And themselves, too?

A tale brimming with all the magical delights of a Scottish festive season.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BY WINTER’S LIGHT is the 21st installment ( and Cynster Special #2) in Stephanie Lauren’s CYNSTER series of historical romance novels focusing on the Cynster family. By Winter’s Light is a storyline that focuses on the next generation of Cynster’s-those young men and women about to enter into adulthood, but not quite reaching the age of marriage and independence.

The ensemble cast includes most of the previous storyline couples including Devil and Honoria, Demon and Felicity, Richard and Catriona, and their growing brood of children. By Winter’s Light focuses on the upcoming holiday celebrations, the impending winter storm, the birth of a child, and a love match of which the Cynster’s cannot help but become involved.

As the preparations for the holiday feast begin, Claire Meadows (governess to Gabriel Cynster’s daughter) and Daniel Crosbie (tutor to Lucifer Cycnster’s sons) begin a lover’s dance around one another. Daniel has been attracted to Claire for quite a long time and he believes the holidays are the perfect time to ask for Claire’s hand in marriage. But Claire is a widow who is afraid to commit to another man. It will take the entire household and some powerful magic foreseen by the Cynster matriarch to give Claire a little push in the right direction.

The secondary storyline finds the older Cynster children aiding in the preparations for the upcoming celebration but on a journey of their own. When a young pregnant woman is in need of assistance, Lucilla and her cousins will find themselves preparing for the arrival of another sort. It is here where Lucilla may have met her future in the form of Thomas Carrick-the nephew of the ‘Mad Manachan Carrick’ -the head of the Carrick family and the Laird of the northern boundary manor.

Stephanie Lauren’s weaves a heartwarming tale of family and love. Because the Cynster’s are a very prolific tribe, the number of family members, friends, servants and townsfolk is numerous and at times a little confusing, and can be slightly overwhelming to anyone who has not read the entire series. The reader requires a spreadsheet to keep straight the familial connections. The storyline is slow to develop as there are several competing plot points that require some background and build up, but when all is said and done, everyone will get their happily ever after and the reader will get a peak into the future generation and what lies in store for the younger Cynster members.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Q&A

A short Q&A with Stephanie Laurens

You state that BY WINTER’S LIGHT is an essential volume for the Cynster novels going forward. Why is that?

One of the critical features of a long-running series is readers’ feelings of returning to places and people they know – of seeing heros and heroines they have come to know as individuals go through the challenge of finding love and marrying the right man or woman for them. Knowing at least one of these characters beforehand – understanding what has made them as they are, what their strengths are, and even more importantly what weaknesses they hide – allows greater interest, empathy, and absorption for the reader.

In the case of the Cynster Next Generation, the children of the Bar Cynster couples, readers know who they are, but have seen very little of them. And as we all know, actions speak much louder than words about the caliber of people, of who they really are beneath the outer glamor. In BY WINTER’S LIGHT, readers see Lucilla, Marcus, Sebastian, Michael, Prudence, and Christopher in action, responding to external pressures and threats, and also to each other, and separately readers also learn more about Louisa and her emerging character.

Readers have more recently seen Lucilla and Marcus act in VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE, but now they are a decade older, and we – both the readers and me as author – need to see more of the adults they are shaping up to be, which are insights BY WINTER’S LIGHT affords us. Unsurprisingly, the first pair of Cynster Next Generation romances are those of Lucilla and Marcus, and as they are twins, the stories are tightly linked.

Subsequently, working off the base of their characters revealed in this book, we’ll follow Sebastian, Michael, and Louisa through their romances, and later learn about Prudence and Christopher’s romances, too.

So there’s lots more Cynster novels in the pipeline?

Indeed! Lucilla’s book, THE TEMPTING OF THOMAS CARRICK, is already written, and will be released at the end of February, 2015. It will be followed by Marcus’s story, A MATCH FOR MARCUS CYNSTER, in late May, 2015. Further Cynster novels are scheduled for release in 2017.

There’s an obvious tradition that isn’t included – that of a Christmas tree. Why is that missing?

Christmas trees – the erecting and decorating of them – while echoing the decorating of a house with fir and holly, was a German custom. In the early 1800s, the only major house in England that sported a Christmas Tree was the Duchess of Rutland’s household at Belvoir Castle, because the Duchess was German. Only much later, after the marriage of Victoria to Albert, who introduced the custom of Christmas trees to the royal household, did the custom of Christmas trees become more widely adopted in England.

Victoria married Albert in 1840, so in 1837 in Scotland, the custom of a Christmas had not yet arrived.

If there was one thing you could say to readers when they pick up BY WINTER’S LIGHT, what would it be?

Put your feet up, kick back and relax, and enjoy the holidays Cynsters-style!

Excerpt

 

 

Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

December 23, 1837
Casphairn Manor, the Vale of Casphairn, Scotland

Daniel Crosbie felt as if all his Christmases had come at once. Letting his gaze travel the Great Hall of Casphairn Manor, filled to overflowing with six Cynster families and various associated household members, he allowed himself a moment to savor both his unexpected good fortune and his consequent hope.

About him, the combined households were enjoying the hearty dinner provided to welcome them to the celebration planned for the next ten days—as Daniel understood it, a combination of Christmas, the more ancient Yuletide, and Hogmanay. Seated about the long refectory-like tables on benches rather than chairs, with eyes alight and smiles on their faces, the assembled throng was in ebullient mood. Conversation and laughter abounded; delight and expectation shone in most faces, illuminated by the warm glow of the candlelight cast from massive circular chandeliers depending from thick chains from the high-domed ceiling. The central room about which the manor was built, the Great Hall lived up to its name; the space within its thick walls of pale gray stone was large enough to accommodate the Cynster contingent, all told about sixty strong, as well as the families of the various retainers who worked in and around the manor, which functioned like a small village.

With no family of his own still alive, Daniel had spent his last ten Christmases with the Cynster family for whom he acted as tutor—the family of Mr. Alasdair Cynster and his wife, Phyllida—but this was the first time in that decade that the Cynsters had come north for Christmas. The six Cynster families present—the six families closest to the dukedom of St. Ives, those of Devil, Duke of St. Ives, his brother Richard, and his cousins Vane, Harry, Rupert, and Alasdair—invariably came together at Christmastime. They were often joined by other connected families not present on this occasion; the long journey to the Vale, in the western Lowlands of Scotland, to the home of Richard Cynster and his wife Catriona in a season that had turned icy and cold with snow on the ground much earlier than expected had discouraged all but the most determined.

Out of long-established habit, Daniel glanced at his charges—soon to be erstwhile charges—seated at the next table with their cousins and second cousins. Aidan, now sixteen years old, and Evan, fifteen, had passed out of Daniel’s immediate care when they’d gone up to Eton, yet Daniel still kept an eye on the pair when they were home—an action their parents appreciated and which the boys, at ease with him after all the years, bore with good grace. At that moment, both were talking animatedly with their male cousins in a fashion that instantly, at least in Daniel’s mind, raised the question of what the group was planning. He made a mental note to inquire later. Jason, the youngest son of the family and the last of Daniel’s true charges, was similarly occupied with the group of Cynster offspring nearer his age. Now eleven, later in the coming year, Jason, too, would start his formal schooling—a circumstance which had, for Daniel, raised the uncomfortable question of what he would do then.

Once Jason left for Eton and there were no more boys in Alasdair Cynster’s household in Colyton, in Devon, for Daniel to tutor, what would he do for a living?

The question had plagued him for several months, not least because if he was ever to have a chance at the sort of life he now knew he wanted, and, if at all possible, was determined to claim, he needed to have secure employment—a place, a position, with a steady salary or stipend.

He’d been wracking his brains, trying to think of his options, of what might be possible, when Mr. Cynster—Alasdair—had called him into the library and laid before him a proposal that, in a nutshell, was the answer to all his prayers.

On several occasions over the years, Daniel had assisted Alasdair with his interests in ancient and antique jewelry, with documenting finds and establishing provenances, and also with cataloguing and adding to the collection of rare books Alasdair had inherited from the previous owner of the manor. Alasdair, supported by Phyllida, had suggested that, once Jason had departed with his brothers for Eton, if Daniel was happy to remain in Colyton as a member of their household, they would be delighted to engage him as Alasdair’s personal secretary, an amanuensis to assist with Alasdair’s ever-expanding interests.

The suggested stipend was generous, the conditions all Daniel could have hoped for. Not only would the new position suit him, it would solve all his difficulties.

Most importantly, it cleared the way for him to offer for Claire Meadows’s hand.

He glanced along the board to his right. Clad in a soft woolen gown in a muted shade of blue, Claire—Mrs. Meadows—was sitting on the opposite side of the table, two places down. She was the governess in Rupert Cynster’s household; as Rupert and Alasdair were brothers, Claire and Daniel were often thrown together when the families gathered. It was customary in such circumstances that the attending tutors and governesses banded together, sharing responsibilities and each other’s company, as they were at present. The manor’s governess, Miss Melinda Spotswood, a comfortable matronly sort with a backbone of forged iron, was chatting to Claire. On Melinda’s other side, opposite Daniel, sat Oswald Raven, tutor at the manor; a few years older than Daniel, Raven projected a debonair façade, but he was hardworking and devoted to his charges. Raven was chatting to Mr. Samuel Morris, who was seated alongside Daniel and hailed from Vane Cynster’s household in Kent; the oldest of the group, Morris was slightly rotund and had an unfailingly genial air, yet he was a sound scholar and very capable of exerting a firm hand on his charges’ reins.

All five had met and shared duties on several occasions before; the rapport between them was comfortable and relaxed. Over the coming days, they would, between them, keep an eye on the combined flock of Cynster children—the younger ones, at least. The oldest group, the seventeen-year-olds led by eighteen-year-old Sebastian Cynster, Marquess of Earith and future head of the house, could be relied on to take care of themselves, along with the large group of sixteen- and fifteen-year-old males. But there were six boys thirteen years and under, and seven girls ranging from eight to fourteen years old, and over them the tutors and governesses would need to exert control sufficient to ensure they remained suitably occupied.

There was no telling what the engaging devils would get up to if left unsupervised.

Being governess or tutor to Cynster children was never dull or boring.

Daniel had managed to keep his gaze from Claire for all of ten minutes. Despite the color and vibrancy, the noise and distraction—despite the many handsome and outright stunningly beautiful faces around about—hers was the shining star in his firmament; regardless of where they were, regardless of competing sights and sounds, she effortlessly drew his gaze and transfixed his attention.

She’d done so from the moment he’d first seen her at one of the family’s Summer Celebrations in Cambridgeshire several years ago. They’d subsequently met on and off at various family functions, at weddings in London, at major family birthdays, and at seasonal celebrations like the current one.

With each exposure, his attraction to Claire, his focus on her, had only grown more definite, more acute, until the obvious conclusion had stared him in the face, impossible to resist, much less deny.

Utterly impossible to ignore.

“If the weather holds,” Raven said, commanding Daniel’s attention with his gaze, “and the older crew go riding as they’re planning, then we’ll need to invent some suitable pastimes to keep our charges amused.”

Seated with his back to the table at which the Cynster children were gathered, Raven had turned and asked what the animated talk had been about. Riding out to assess the position and state of the deer herds had been the answer.

Daniel nodded. “If at all possible, let’s get those left to our care out of doors.”

“Indeed,” Melinda said, turning from Claire to join the conversation. “We need to take advantage of any clear days. If it is fine enough tomorrow, I was saying to Claire that the fourteen-year-olds—the girls—might like to gather greenery to decorate the hall.” Melinda gestured to the stone walls hosting various fireplaces and archways, all presently devoid of any seasonal touches. “It’s customary to decorate them on the twenty-fourth, which is tomorrow.”

“I’d heard,” Morris said, “that there’s some tradition about the Yule log that’s followed hereabouts.” He looked to Raven for confirmation.

Raven, his hair as dark as his name would suggest, nodded. “Yes, that’s an inspired idea. Not only is it necessary to collect the right-sized logs, but the logs have to be carved. That should keep the boys amused for hours. I’ll speak to the staff about organizing whatever’s needed.”

Daniel nodded again, and his gaze drifted once more to Claire; she’d been following the conversation, her calm expression indicating her agreement with the suggestions. With her glossy mid-brown hair burnished by the candlelight, with her delicate features and milky-white skin, her lips of pale rose, lush and full, and her large hazel eyes set under finely arched brown brows, she was, to his eyes, the epitome of womanhood.

That she was a widow—had been widowed at a young age—was neither here nor there, yet the experience had, it seemed, imbued her with a certain gravitas, leaving her more reserved, more cautious, and with a more sober and serious demeanor than might be expected of a well-bred lady of twenty-seven summers.

Her station—gentry-born but fallen on hard times—was similar to, or perhaps a touch higher than, Daniel’s; he didn’t really know. Nor did he truly care. They were both as they were here and now, and what happened next … that was up to them.

He’d come to Scotland, to the Vale, determined to put his luck to the test—to seize the opportunity to speak with Claire and plead his case, to learn if she shared his hopes and if she could come to share his dreams.

A gust of laughter and conversation drew his gaze to the high table.

The six Cynster couples were seated about the table on the raised dais along one side of the room, a traditional positioning most likely dating from medieval times. In addition to those twelve—middle-aged, perhaps, yet still vibrantly handsome, articulate, active, and engaged—there were three of the older generation at one end of the board. Helena, Dowager Duchess of St. Ives, mother of Devil and Richard and elder matriarch of the clan, was seated at the end of the table closest to the hearth, and had chosen to summon Algaria, Catriona’s aging mentor, and McArdle, the ancient butler of the manor, now retired, to join her there. The three were much of an age and, judging by their glances and gestures, were busy sharing pithy observations on all others in the hall. Having met the dowager and been the object of her scrutiny on several occasions, Daniel didn’t like to think of how much she, let alone black-eyed Algaria, was seeing.

A comment in a deep voice, followed by laughter, drew Daniel’s gaze back to the twelve Cynsters of the generation that currently ruled. Their children might have been growing apace, might already have been showing signs of the forceful, powerful individuals they had the potential to become, yet the twelve seated about the high table still dominated their world.

Daniel had observed them—those six couples in particular—for the past ten years. All the males had been born to wealth, but what they’d made of it—the lives each had successfully wrought—hadn’t been based solely on inherited advantage. Each of the six possessed a certain strength—a nuanced blend of power, ability, and insight—that Daniel appreciated, admired, and aspired to. It had taken him some time to realize from where that particular strength derived—namely, from the ladies. From their marriages. From the connection—the link that was so deep, so strong, so anchoring—that each of the six males shared with his wife.

Once he’d seen and understood, Daniel had wanted the same for himself.

His gaze shifted again to Claire. Once he’d met her, he’d known whom he wanted to share just such a link with.

Now he stood on the cusp of reaching for it—of chancing his hand and hoping he could persuade her to form such a connection with him.

Whatever gaining her assent required, he would do.

Now Fate in the form of Alasdair Cynster had cleared his path, it was time to screw his courage to the sticking point and act.

Hope, anticipation, and trepidation churned in his gut.

But he was there and so was she, and he was determined to move forward. He knew how he felt about her, and he thought she felt similarly toward him. His first step, plainly, was to determine whether he was correct in believing that—and whether with encouragement, “like” could grow into something more.

 

About The author

Stephanie Laurens#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens began writing romances as an escape from the dry world of professional science. Her hobby quickly became a career when her first novel was accepted for publication, and with entirely becoming alacrity; she gave up writing about facts in favor of writing fiction.

Laurens’s novels are set in the time period of the British Regency, and her settings range from Scotland to India. Laurens has published fifty works of historical romance, including 29 New York Times bestsellers. All her works are continuously available in print and digital formats in English worldwide, and have been translated into many other languages. An international bestseller, among other accolades Laurens has received the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award for Best Romance Novella 2008, for The Fall of Rogue Gerrard.

Her continuing novels featuring the Cynster family are widely regarded as classics of the genre. Other series include the Bastion Club Novels and the Black Cobra Quartet. For information on upcoming releases and updates on novels yet to come, visit Stephanie’s website: http://www.stephanielaurens.com

Website: http://www.stephanielaurens.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorStephanieLaurens

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9241.Stephanie_Laurens

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Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island #1) by Martina Boone: Promotion and Giveaway

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Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island #1) by Martina Boone: Promotion and Giveaway

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Compulsion
The Heirs of Watson Island #1
by Martina Boone
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Genre: YA, gothic, paranormal

Compulsion

Signed copies are available for pre-order from One More Page Books. You can also pre-order with the special “I have a Compulsion for reading” bookplate from Eight Cousins

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Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead–a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family’s twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

about the author

 

Martina BooneMartina Boone was born in Prague and spoke several languages before learning English. She fell in love with words and never stopped delighting in them.

She’s the founder of AdventuresInYAPublishing.com, a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers site, and YASeriesInsiders.com, a site devoted to encouraging literacy and all things YA Series.

From her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, children, and Auggie the wonder dog, she enjoys writing contemporary fantasy set in the kinds of magical places she’d love to visit. When she isn’t writing, she’s addicted to travel, horses, skiing, chocolate flavored tea, and anything with Nutella on it.

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NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway BUT the giveaway is EXCLUSIVE to The Reading Cafe.

– Follow the rafflecopter instructions at The Reading Cafe and enter for a chance to WIN a signed copy of Compulsion by Martina Boone, plus ANY YA novel of your choice — by any author.

-By completing that rafflecopter, you will also get an automatic entry into the Grand Prize drawing for the four books and the gift card, the drawing for which will be across all the blogs.

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