Monthly Archives: March 2015

The Miss Mirren Mission by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Miss Mirren Mission by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The Miss Mirren Mission

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Loving her would be his downfall…

To society, the Earl of Blackstone cuts a mysterious figure. He is eligible, withdrawn, and endlessly fascinating. Yet as an integral part of London’s underground spy ring intent on defeating Napoleon, Blackstone has no mistress but the cause.

Miss Emily Mirren is considered “unbiddable” by the ton. She wields a fierce intellect, which she channels into her own secret cause-writing an abolitionist newspaper column under a male pseudonym.

When Emily’s aims clash with Blackstone’s, they stray into a dangerous game of attraction and subterfuge, and secrets are the going currency. And in order to complete the most important mission of his career, Blackstone must thwart Emily, even if it breaks both their hearts.

Review:

What happens when rival factions, yet not, whose opposing interests, more accurately, vie for a mutual enemy? Scramble to gain the advantage by whatever means necessary…or collaborate to secure the target…and fall in love? Of course neither Eric nor Emily would admit to that strategy (especially when one of them is a spy!) Honestly, that outcome is impossible to predict, but The Miss Mirren Mission, written sensationally, by Jenny Holiday, contemplates just that. I loved this book from Page 1! Ms. Holiday imbued charm and humor into an intelligent, sexy gem of a book.

A proud bluestocking, and clandestine reformer, Emily Mirren abides the ton and its demands to maneuver under the radar. In her own circle, Emily is enacting change and seeking more women’s rights/opportunities. But Emily is looking outside her wheelhouse. Her former guardian heinously secreted away Emily’s “brother of the heart” and has been profiting from the slave trade ever since. It becomes Emily’s mission to retrieve her family and bring the brute to justice — a delicate mission indeed. There is no time for recognizing any, let alone all, of Lord Blackstone’s swoon-worthy attributes.

For Eric, said Earl of Blackstone, Emily’s former guardian is merely the means to an end. Commissioned by his former captain (and Emily’s father) to shut down Le Cafard, the “little French bastard”, Eric identifies the real threat and will manipulate Emily’s guardian, no matter the consequences, to exact his revenge. Miss Mirren would not distract him. Her beauty and intelligence is not mesmerizing. Denial…it’s contagious! ;D

Like two ships passing in the night, one of them is bound to notice how peculiar the other one behaves while in the guardian’s company. Who’s the more astute?

“I know what you’re doing here.”

Blast her, she was doing exactly what he was – looking for something to incriminate Mr. Manning. He just prayed she had not beaten him to it.

Eric feeds Manning enough rope to hang himself, but Emily’s agenda, and tenacity, run neck and neck against his own efforts (all in tantalizing form though they may be). Emily’s drive keeps Eric riveted! I don’t refer to intimate temptation, although exploration of their attraction is a thing of beauty. No, I’m referring to the passion of righting wrongs and making peace with internal, emotional matters. Ms. Holiday writes a captivating, layered story that maintains its energy throughout subplots. From Eric’s brother’s death to Emily’s notions regarding her father’s love. Background insight was intriguing and significant to the characters’ evolution as well as the story’s advancement.

You didn’t think I’d only refer to their attraction in passing, did you? It was a highlight for me and made me want to High-Five Ms. Holiday! The subtle seduction was sweet and sultry, which made for an irresistible addiction. Various elements showcased to perfection! Capturing a moment of innocence so tender (that thankfully led to many more wondrous sensations), Miss Mirren’s (and my own!) reaction was practically interactive.

It was an effort to tear her eyes from him to properly greet others. Though she knew it irrational, she feared they might be able to see that she had held Lord Blackstone’s hand last night.

I felt that giddiness clashing with nervousness should anyone be privy to their communication. Ms. Holiday nailed it! Eric and Emily do fend off true feelings by throwing up protective wall after paltry, defensive wall to ascertain their respective peace, but it was all worth the cause. You could sense something magical was happening; woe to those standing in its way. *sighs*

Ms. Holiday wrote a triumphant story of love and loss and the heart it requires to fill the void in your life.

“Do you love her?”

“Yes…

Though it was his voice forming the word, he could have sworn he heard her voice in his head, saying it in unison with him. “Yes.”

Some reviews flow better than others and I apologize if this came out too vague or disjointed. I loooooooved this book and recommend it whole-heartedly!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Flirting with Fire (Hot in Chicago #1) by Kate Meader-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Flirting With Fire (Hot in Chicago #1) by Kate Meader-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Flirting With Fire Banner

Flirting With Fire
Hot in Chicago #1
by Kate Meader
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: March 24, 2015

Flirting with Fire

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

FLIRTING WITH FIRE ( Hot in Chicago #1) by Kate Meader

About the book: Release Date March 24, 2015

Savvy PR guru Kinsey Taylor has always defined herself by her career, not her gender. That is, until she moved from San Francisco to Chicago to be with her fiancé who thought she wasn’t taking her “job” of supporting him in his high-powered career seriously enough—and promptly dumped her for a more supportive and “feminine” nurse. Now, as the new assistant press secretary to Chicago’s dynamic mayor, she’s determined to keep her eye on the prize: no time to feel inferior because she’s a strong, kick-ass woman, and certainly no time for men.

But that all changes when she meets Luke Almeida, a firefighter as searingly sexy as he is quick-tempered. He’s also the second oldest of the Firefightin’ Dempseys, a family of foster siblings who have committed their lives to the service—if Luke’s antics don’t get him fired first. When Luke goes one step too far and gets into a bar brawl with the Chicago Police Department, Kinsey marches into Luke’s firehouse and lays down the law on orders from the mayor. But at Engine Co. 6, Luke Almeida is the law. And he’s not about to let Kinsey make the rules.

•••••••••

REVIEW: FLIRTING WITH FIRE is the first installment in Kate Meader’s adult, contemporary Hot in Chicago romance series focusing on the Dempsey family-a family of firefighting foster siblings who have seen their fare share of heartbreak and pain. This is eldest sibling and firefighter Luke Almeida, and PR representative Kinsey Taylor’s storyline.

Told from several third person perspectives, the storyline focuses on saving Luke’s public persona. His most recent antics have landed him on YouTube and in hot water with the Mayor’s office. Enter Kinsey Taylor-the woman hired to change the Chicago Fire Department’s image and in doing so, tame Luke Almeida. What ensues is a building relationship between two people whose recent histories in the love department has resulted in heartbreak and betrayal. As Kinsey works her magic with both Luke and the CFD, the truth about Luke’s volatile blow up goes beyond a simple bar room brawl.

Kinsey is a smart, independent woman who followed the wrong man to Chicago and now finds herself alone without family and friends. Luke, is an alpha male, who puts family first and in this finds himself in the position to defend and protect the people that he loves. As Luke begins to fall for Kinsey, our heroine will pull away when her time in Chicago comes to an end.

We are introduced to all of the Dempsey foster siblings: Beck and his new wife Darcy, the quiet and secretive Wyatt, model-gorgeous Gage and the only female Alexandra. There are a number of future storylines developing and Kate Meader seamlessly blends the introductions throughout the main premise. Several secondary and colorful supporting players include the misogynistic Mayor Eli Cooper, who may or may not be interested in the lovely Alex; Chef Brady Smith whose military PTSD has left him scarred both inside and out; as well as several fellow firefighters, city hall employees, and the patrons and regulars at the family owned bar. The Dempsey family has a rocky history with the political elite of Chicago –both in the Mayor’s office and the police department-and the stories are revealing a little bit at a time.

FLIRTING WITH FIRE is a brilliant and captivating introductory storyline. The Dempsey family dynamics prove that one does not need to be related by blood to feel the love and support. There are moments of intimacy between Luke and Kinsey; as well as shared family secrets, history and memories between Luck, Beck, Gage, Wyatt and Alex. FLIRTING WITH FIRE is an amazing start to a new series.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

TRC: Hi Kate and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of FLIRTING WITH FIRE, the first book in your new HOT IN CHICAGO series.

KATE: Thanks so much for having me!

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

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Kate MeaderKATE: Well, I’m originally from Ireland and I’ve lived in Chicago for over twenty years. I have degrees in law, history, and library science, and I write about hot alpha men and the women who can match them quip for quip.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

KATE: When I was younger, I was a big fan of women’s fiction and chick lit, especially authors like Maeve Binchy, Catherine Cookson, and Jilly Cooper. They wrote big, sprawling epics with multiple characters that dug deep into friendships and love. Later, I snapped up Marian Keyes, Jenny Crusie, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips – funny, smart ladies who wrote funny, smart romance.

TRC: If you had a choice, which career, other than writing, would you like to attempt?

KATE: I’d be an historian and put my masters degree in medieval history to use. The problem with that is you have to have something amazingly original to say about twelfth century nuns that hasn’t already been said or you have to like eating ramen for dinner all the time. Neither applies to me, so I’m trying my hand at writing!

TRC: You are originally from Ireland-born and raised. When was the last time you visited the Irish countryside? Have your memories of Ireland inspired any of your storylines or characters?

KATE: I’m a Dublin city girl, through and through, so the countryside doesn’t usually figure much on my trips. As for whether my Irish memories inspire my storylines or characters…I do have an Irish pastry chef in one of Hot in the Kitchen books. Shane has a brogue that drives the ladies wild and a melancholy smile that only the heroine sees. He was such fun to write, though after twenty years in the US, I had to look up Irish slang to get his voice right. I’ve assimilated so much in my time here that I’ve forgotten my Irishness to an extent.

TRC: Your bio states that you were married in a tenth century castle in Italy. Have you considered writing an historical series focusing in and around the castle and all of the romantic tales it would inspire?

KATE: Though I have that medieval history degree, I think my voice is too modern to work for historical. What might be more fun would be an Italian-set romance series where maybe people are renovating the castle and seeing ghosts and falling in love. *Jots down brilliant idea*

Flirting with FireTRC: FLIRTING WITH FIRE is the first book in your new HOT IN CHICAGO erotic, romance series. Would you please tell us something about the series and the premise of the book?

KATE: The series focuses on the firefighters at Engine 6, the oldest firehouse in Chicago, and more specifically on the Firefightin’ Dempseys who rule the roost. There are five of them—four guys and a gal—and they are the foster children of a legendary firefighter named Sean Dempsey, who has already died in the line of duty before FLIRTING WITH FIRE starts. They live by the lessons Sean taught them: fire is stronger than blood and defend the people you love until the dying embers.

Book 1, FLIRTING WITH FIRE, is about Luke Almeida, leader of the Dempseys and all-round hothead, and Kinsey Taylor, ice-cool PR guru sent in by the mayor to clean up Luke’s act after a video of a bar brawl he instigated goes viral. So it’s workplace-opposites attract-sexy firefighters-family dynamics – all the things I love to read in a romance.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series and will each of the ‘foster siblings’ get their own story?

KATE: So far, I have planned a novella and three full-length books, all standalone. Each book will have a primary couple and there will be a hot m/m secondary romance between sexy firefighter Gage and a gruff former-Marine-turned-gourmet-chef that will arc over the three longer books.

TRC: What or who was the inspiration for the HOT IN CHICAGO series?

KATE: I imagined what the cover of my future firefighter book might look like and the inspiration flowed like honey… I’m just kidding, but have you seen the hot-as-the-hinges-of-hell cover for FLIRTING WITH FIRE? Who wouldn’t want to write (and read) about every day heroes with dirt-streaked muscles and blue eyes and shamrock tats and suspenders? Okay, for real now—you could say I found inspiration in a few different sources. I know a few Chicago firefighters personally. I’m originally from Ireland, so I appreciate the bonds of family that are inherently Irish. And I love the show, Chicago Fire! I was born to write this book series ☺

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

KATE: There’s so much that can be found with internet searching, so getting the bones right wasn’t a problem. But it was most helpful when I got to spend a day at a Chicago firehouse with a friend of mine, Captain Jerry Hughes. He was able to fill in a lot of gaps that I couldn’t by just watching firefighter videos or TV shows or reading online.

TRC: Are the storyline characters based in reality or a culmination of fact and fiction?

KATE: Completely fictional.

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

KATE: That’s a tough one. Readers of romance know how it’s all going to end, which makes romance a comfort read, but at the same time you want to ensure the journey offers the surprises and twists that will keep it from being predictable. I’m not a big fan of drama for drama’s sake. The characters have to drive the plot and make choices in keeping with their characterizations as I’ve laid them out. For example, Kinsey, my heroine in FLIRTING WITH FIRE moved from San Fran to Chicago to be with her cardiac surgeon fiancé because he felt her support of him and his career was lacking. She tried to save the relationship by compromising her own career and goals. I think we’ve all made compromises or settled because it’s easier or we’re in love or we think we are. At the same time, she’s stubborn, so when her fiancé dumps her for a more “supportive” nurse, she stays put in Chicago. No more compromise for her, she’ll make the best of the situation rather than return to the West coast with her tail between her legs. So when there comes a point in the story where she might have to compromise again for Luke, what will she do? How will her past experience inform her future decisions? There’s a fine line to balance here sometimes – people want our couple to be happy but they don’t want the heroine’s personality to be subsumed in the hero’s.

TRC: Do you have any plans to return to your HOT IN THE KITCHEN series? novellas? Updates on the couples?

Hot in the Kitchen series

KATE: No plans right now. I may go back one day with a novella catching everyone up on the lives and loves of the DeLucas.

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

KATE: Characters all the way.

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

KATE: It all comes down to writing characters that people can identify with, whether it’s a tough-as-nails career woman or a single mom down on her luck. As long as that character is acting in situations that make sense to that character—and us—the reader will want to get on board that train.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

KATE: Up until the age of 18, I could speak Irish (Gaelic) fluently. I’ve lost it now, unfortunately, and hardly anyone needs to speak it anymore, but I was quite proud of that.

Playing with Fire

TRC: On what are you currently working?

KATE: I’ve just turned in Book 2 of the Hot in Chicago series, PLAYING WITH FIRE, and I’m getting ready to start Book 3. I’m also working on a series for Entangled Brazen about Texan tycoons who are unlucky in love.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

KATE: Just a thank you for all your support and for letting me chat today!

 

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – pasta

Favorite Dessert – anything with chocolate in it

Favorite TV Show – Chicago Fire

Last Movie You Saw – Boyhood

Dark or Milk Chocolate – dark

Secret Celebrity Crush – Chris Hemsworth (one of my characters, Gage is modeled after him)

Last Vacation Destination – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand

Do you have any pets? – only a husband

Last book you read – The Master by Kresley Cole

Pet Peeve – people who say “supposably” or “irregardless”

TRC: Thank you Kate for taking the time to answer our questions and congratulations on all of your success.

KATE: And thank you!

giveaway

Kate’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of FLIRTING WITH FIRE to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please Follow Kate Meader on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway is open to US & Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from March 27-April 1, 2015

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TwinPlay by Tiina Walsh-a review

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TwinPlay by Tiina Walsh-a review

TwinPlay

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 13, 2015

If you could try out a different life, would you take the chance?

Identical twins Sorcha and Sara occupy opposite sides of the moral fence. Sorcha has always been the apple of her Irish Catholic father’s eye, while Sara looks up to their free-living Swedish Mamma.

But when devoutly Catholic Tia accidentally steps into the life of her sister – and into the arms of her lover John – she realises just how much she might enjoy being sex-beast Sara.

What happens to Sorcha, when her guilt catches up with her?
Will Sara learn anything from her sister’s devotion to her lover?

••••••••••••••••••

Twin Play is a very sexual situation drama about two twin sisters that appear to be the exact opposite of each other. Sara is a business woman with a huge sex drive, but absolutely no plans on any kind of actual relationship. Sorcha is a bit “mousey”, sexually frustrated married. Their parents are divorced, their mother was Swedish and their father Irish.

The sexual encounters and problems are graphic and very intense. The issues somewhat comedic, but are actually sad and life changing for both sisters.

I think more character development would have made this story a lot better, but I don’t think the reader is supposed to get to know all about them until the ending. The storyline is interesting, how a childhood divorce can affect different siblings in opposite ways. There is a really great healing theme quickly added in the end. I think I’d have like more in-depth development and more length to the story to bring a less rushed conclusion.

However, it’s certainly an interesting story, and if you like a lot of sexual content…this definitely has it. It makes use of the identical twin scenario in more than one occasion, sometimes funny…sometimes not.

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Georgianna

 

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The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire (Half Moon Hollow 3) by Molly Harper-review

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THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE (Half Moon Hollow 3) by Molly Harper-a review

The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2015

In the next book in Molly Harper’s beloved Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series, Gigi starts her first job (at Vampire Headquarters), gets over her first love, and may even fall for her first vampire!

Gigi is no longer an innocent teen. All grown up and looking for love, her family and friends worry she’ll go for the sexy, alluring vampire instead of a nice, safe human. But sexy and alluring, with a penchant for biting, could be just what Gigi wants…

REVIEW: THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE is the third full length installment in Molly Harper’s adult, contemporary Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series. This is five hundred year old vampire Nikolai Dragomirov, and human female Gigi Scanlon’s storyline. Gigi is the younger sister of Iris Scanlon (The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires). THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important and necessary information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary. Nikolai and Gigi’s story begins in the December 2014 novella I’M DREAMING OF AN UNDEAD CHRISTMAS where Gigi finds herself falling for a man she knows nothing about.

Told from first person point of view (Gigi) the storyline follows Gigi on her first days working for the ‘World Council for the Equal Treatment of the Undead’. Her recently turned vampire sister, and her mate Cal become a little overprotective of the human female under their charge when Gigi is hired to work in a building surrounded by vampires, but Gigi isn’t willing to give up a lucrative position because of a few potential threats from a supernatural being. An attack after work finds Gigi face to face with the man who has haunted her dreams for several months. What ensues is an investigation into the who, how and why of Nikolai Dragomirov and his attacks against Gigi Scanlon.

There are several intersecting and building plotlines throughout the story. While Cal, Iris, Nola and Jed (The Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses #2) embark on a journey to uncover Nikolai’s reasons for attempting to destroy Gigi’s life, Gigi and her co-workers (Jordan, Aaron and Marty) begin a massive undertaking searching and cataloguing the descendants of the ‘undead’. As the information begins to mount, there are too many similarities to recent events for Gigi to ignore and push aside.

The relationship between Gigi and Nik is one of immediate attraction but Nik does not remember the couple’s previous introduction, meeting or the attacks against the woman with whom he is falling in love. Nik has been hired by the Vampire Council to ferret out who is responsible for a string of supernatural thefts but the clues and information do no add up. Gigi’s friends and family become concerned when that attacks against Gigi increase and Nik cannot remember the events taking place.

The secondary and supporting characters include all of the previous storyline couples: Cal and Iris, Jed and Nola, as well as Gigi’s vampiric and spiteful boss Ophelia whose hatred for Gigi continues to grow. Gigi’s fellow humans and coworkers include the IT gurus of Jordan and Aaron, as well as Marty-a computer geek who knows nothing about the job of which he was hired to do.

Because the Half Moon Hollow series is a spin off from Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson paranormal series, there are a number of characters that continue to cross over between storylines including Jane and her sire/lover Gabriel; werewolves Jolene and Zeb; Ophelia and her young lover Jamie; and of course we cannot forget Andrea and her lover, the infamous Dick Cheney-Gabriel’s nemesis and friend.

THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE is a wonderful and imaginative storyline with plenty of humor, one liners, sarcasm and witty charm courtesy of Gigi’s thought processes and quick responses to events and happenings. I found the level of humor in this particular storyline flowed easily and felt realistic without being forced. We are up close and personal in the mind of a woman who takes life one day at a time, knowing that one can never take oneself or life too seriously than again, there is always the possibility of being ‘turned’. The ensemble cast of characters add plenty of color, interact with one another on a personal and emotional level revealing background information and history with the leading characters, as well as the addition of plenty of humorous moments –good for some giggles and a few ‘facepalms’.

If you like a little humor with your supernatural storylines, I recommend Molly Harper’s THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE and the Half Moon Hollow series.

Reading Order and Reviews
1. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
1.5 Driving Mr. Dead
2. A Witch’s Handbook for Kisses and Curses
2.5 Undead Sublet
2.7 I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Captive (Captive #1) by Brighton Walsh-a review

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CAPTIVE ( Captive #1) by Brighton Walsh-a review

Captive

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2015

He’s the most dangerous man she’s ever met…and she’s falling in love with him.

Madison Frost is desperate to escape her life. Daughter of a prominent businessman, she has everything a girl could ask for. Except for a family who’s present in her life, and anyone to talk to outside the four walls of the prison she calls home. Madison dreams of one day leaving her life behind. She never thought being kidnapped is how it would happen.

Now she’s being held captive by a man who’s as frightening as he is sinfully gorgeous. Enormous, muscular, and filled with secrets, the man they call Ghost is an enigmatic mercenary, and Madison is trapped with him. She doesn’t know who hired him or why, but the more time she spends at his mercy, the more she realizes he’s not what he seems. Beneath his rough exterior lies an unexpected gentleness and a heart as broken and battered as her own.

But as Madison lets down her walls, Ghost holds tight to his, hiding secrets that could destroy everything.

REVIEW: CAPTIVE is the first installment in Brighton Walsh’s contemporary, new adult Captive romance series. This is twenty year old Northwestern student Madison Frost and Ghost’s (aka Gage) storyline.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Ghost and Madison) the premise focuses on the abduction and imprisonment of Madison Frost. Madison grew up privileged; the only child of a successful businessman and his alcoholic wife, Madison knows what it feels like to be invisible and ignored. Her issues with low self esteem and poor self -image will have a major impact on how she handles her upcoming abduction and later battles. From her absent father to her barely conscience mother, Madison has been on her own for a very long time until the night she is abducted and held hostage in a remote cabin with a stranger who has more in common with Madison than they thought possible. Madison has no extended family and no close ties to friends, and in this, her absence isn’t questioned and barely noticed.

Ghost is a mercenary for hire; a man who gets paid to do what no one else will do and his most recent target is Madison Frost. Keeping his distance from Madison becomes increasingly difficult as the days pass with nothing to do but wait for his next instructions; there is a mutual attraction to one another, one that does not go unnoticed by Ghost or his captive. Then things go from bad to worse when the people pulling the strings start making further demands and refusing to pay Ghost for the job he was hired to do.

The relationship between Ghost and Madison begins as predator and prey but very quickly moves towards friendship and lovers. There is a distinct ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ feel to the storyline wherein our heroine falls for her captor but a captor who is sympathetic to her plight and family situation. I believe Madison finds a kindred spirit in Ghost-a man whose past is strangely similar to her own. Ghost will become Madison’s protector, defender and lover, but in the end he is still the man who abducted Madison for a price. The $ex scenes are intimate. CAPTIVE is not an erotic storyline but a story about building love, betrayal and learning to let go. When it comes to Madison, Ghost is gentle, caring and not without some guilt and remorse. Any anxious moments, in regards to the Madison’s safety, are short lived when our heroine begins to fall for Ghost within a very short period of time.

The secondary and supporting characters include Madison’s family housekeeper Sylvia, who is more like a mother than Madison’s own mom. We are introduced to several co-conspirators involved with Madison’s abduction including Ghost’s younger brother Riley who keeps an eye out for anything that might go wrong. Madison’s father, although absent for most of the storyline, plays a key role in the storyline premise and outcome. Some of Madison’s own thoughts and feelings come through during her counseling sessions with Dr. Ford.

CAPTIVE is an entertaining and imaginative storyline but one where the outcome wrapped up too neatly; the punishment did not fit the crime (so to speak); and there is no noticeable or noted retribution for the person in charge. The premise does not fit the current style of ‘kidnapping and abduction’ scenarios that many authors have journeyed into wherein the captive becomes a further victim through abuse and assault. Our ‘anti hero’ is not abusive; he does not torture his victim or emotionally destroy her will to live. Ghost will fall in love with Madison but any hope for the future will be lost when Madison discovers the truth.

Brighton Walsh has a passion for writing storylines about heroines with broken hearts and heroes with troubled pasts. There are emotional and controversial moments followed by intimate and intense romance. If you like a storyline with a happily ever after for two people caught up in an improbable situation, CAPTIVE will grab hold and not let go.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

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Her Soldier’s Story by J.M. Stewart-a review

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HER SOLDIER’S TOUCH by J.M. Stewart-a review

Her Soldier's Touch

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2015

Experience has taught single mother Rachel Madison that the only person she can truly rely on is herself. But what she wants most in the world—to give her son the life she never had growing up—means she must put her faith in a man who once walked out on her.

Retired from the service, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Colten Taylor makes a detour to Phoenix to bury his brother. Nobody is more surprised than he to see Rachel waiting for him at the airport. He regrets the morning he walked away from her, but coming from an abusive home taught Colt to put limits on all his relationships—especially this one.

So when he discovers he has a son, Colt knows this is a chance to prove to himself he’s not a chip off the old block. Turning his life around doesn’t come naturally, though. Then a drug dealer crops up from his brother’s dark past, threatening their son and forcing Colt and Rachel to face their demons … and each other.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HER SOLDIER’S TOUCH is a stand alone adult, contemporary romance storyline from author J.M. Stewart-a second chance trope that finds single mother, nurse and part time waitress Rachel Madison, and retired Army Sergeant Colten Taylor struggling with the rebuilding of their relationship after a six year separation, and too many dark and tormented memories.

Told from alternating third person perspectives the focus of the storyline finds Colten Taylor returning back to the States to bury his brother-a brother whose addictions led to the destruction of his own life. Finding Rachel Madison at the airport was the last thing he expected but is the secret she reveals that totally blows his mind. After meeting Rachel’s five year old son Greg, Colten knew he was the child’s father.

Colten and Rachel’s childhoods were horrific. Colten’s father was an abusive and murderous alcoholic whose demons led to his youngest son’s addictions and troubles. Rachel’s own father walked out on his family leaving Rachel behind with a drug addicted mother and a revolving bedroom door. Colten and his brother Paul, along with Rachel sought refuge with one another-best friends from an early age-and eventually lovers and strangers when their world’s began to completely fall apart. Paul’s death from an overdose is a reminder that all was not well, and now the people to whom he owed money are looking for retribution and revenge.

The secondary and supporting characters include Rachel’s best friend Amy; Colten’s childhood friend Jake Ramirez, and Jake’s mother Rose who became Colten and Paul’s refuge in the storm. Rose’s motherly advice plays a significant role in Colten’s decision to remain and fight for the family he never knew he had.

The relationship between Colten and Rachel is a friends to lovers/ second chance storyline that finds our couple at odds with their future path. Colten is a man who tends to run when the world comes crashing down; he keeps his emotions reigned in tight. Rachel fears that Colten’s habit of running will leave her and her son alone-once again. She has been a single parent and has no problems continuing to be a single parent if Colten is unable to overcome his past. The $ex scenes are intimate without the heat of the erotic.

HER SOLDIER’S TOUCH touches on many family issues including drug and alcohol addiction, physical and emotional abuse, abandonment and single parenthood. It is an emotional and heartbreaking storyline where the sins of the father (and mother) continue to haunt the next generation. J. M. Stewart will pull you in and never let go.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Playing Knotty by Elia Winters-Review, Guest Post & Giveway

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Playing Knotty by Elia Winters-Review, Guest post & Giveaway

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Playing Knotty
by Elia Winters
Release Date: March 16, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, bondage, knot play, erotic romantic

Playing Knotty

 Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2015

Bondage meets bookworm in this sizzling erotic romance about a shy bookshop owner who discovers an exciting new side to herself when an old friend opens a bondage workshop in the back of her store!

Emma Green has never been very confident. When Ian Cooper, an old friend, asks to rent out the back room of her bookstore for a bondage workshop, she agrees because she needs the money. She isn’t expecting to participate, and she definitely isn’t expecting to enjoy it. But all of Emma’s expectations fly out the window when she tentatively agrees to be Ian’s bondage model for workshops and exhibitions—and her success in the role upends all previous notions she had about her body and her desirability.

Now, Emma must learn to reconcile these conflicting images of herself while dealing with another conflict: Is Ian just another playboy, or everything she’s been looking for?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: PLAYING KNOTTY is an adult, contemporary erotic romance storyline that focuses on rope and knot play-the ‘bondage’ part of BDSM. This is bookstore owner Emma Green, and accountant/bondage instructor Ian Cooper’s storyline. Most of the storyline takes place in and around Boston and Emma’s book store-PROLOGUE.

Told from alternating third person perspectives, the premise follows Ian Cooper as he endeavors to find a suitable location and model for his next bondage instruction class. Enter former high school acquaintance Emma Green, who has some available space at the back of her store. It just so happens that Emma is in need of a quick influx of cash and Ian offers room rental and modeling fees if Emma is willing to be his ‘bondage model’. What ensues is Emma’s introduction into rope and knot play, something she takes to like a duck to water.

Emma has some issues of self esteem; raised by a mother who was always concerned about physical beauty and image, Emma has always believed she is not quite good enough, pretty enough, slim enough or smart enough to make it on her own. Ian happens to be the man who sees a beautiful woman who has no problems with the kinky side of Ian’s life

Nine years earlier, Ian had a small crush on his high school friend and lab partner Emma Green. Fast forward to present day and all of Ian’s fantasies are about to come true. The sexual relationship is enhanced by their mutual arousal through rope and knot play, and in this their friendship and working relationship takes the next step forward.

The secondary and supporting characters include Emma’s employee and wanna be poet Bethany; Emma’s friends Alina and Margot whose expensive tastes are not conducive to Emma’s current financial situation : Ian’s best friend Brent who owns a small ‘gamers’ shop ; several members of Ian’s workshops and weekend bondage role players; and Emma’s slightly dysfunctional family including her younger sister Julia whose own life is now affected by their mother’s need for perfection and control.

Saying that, I did have some issues with the couple’s lack of communication outside of the ‘bondage scenes’. Most of the anxiety and uneasy situations in their relationship were caused by confusion and misinterpretation of body language and communication with one another in their daily lives. In this, my enjoyment level of the storyline was affected by the misunderstandings and heartbreaking beliefs that neither one was interested in a permanent relationship yet no one was willing to make the first move. I know this is where the storyline conflict arises, but it made for some awkward and frustrating moments.

There is also an enormous amount of detailed description and information about bondage play that shows the author’s research and personal experience with ropes and knots. At times, I found myself lost in the intricate explanation and information trying to imagine in my mind the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of the narration. I found myself struggling during the ‘how to’ and ‘play by play’ scenarios-I think my eyes glazed over a time or two.

Ella Winters puts her own spin on the BDSM writing genre-one where bondage and knot play are at the center of our couple’s sexual awakenings and arousal. If you are looking for something a little different; a little out of the ‘ordinary’ give Playing Knotty a try.

PLAYING KNOTTY is an interesting read; a detour from the usual BDSM storylines where the hero has a need to discipline the female. The rope/knot/and bondage play shows a different side to a lifestyle that many people are not wholly aware.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

Learning the Ropes: Research for Playing Knotty

The whole process of writing Playing Knotty has been an adventure. The first draft was much more about general BDSM, with rope play involved but not featured. As I planned my rewrites, the final draft of the book started to take shape, and I realized that I was basically going to be writing a book full of bondage. At that point, I knew I was in over my head.

Sure, I’m a kinkster. Once I started writing books like Playing Knotty and Purely Professional, there was no hiding my own status as a bit more “rocky road” than “vanilla.” But despite my own proclivities, I didn’t know enough about rope bondage to write this book from personal experience alone. I decided to delve into the often-fun and sometimes-overwhelming world of rope bondage instruction.

I’ve been accustomed to most of my book research being pretty neutral: maps of the public transportation system, Google street view of neighborhoods where my characters live, research on job descriptions, that sort of thing. Rope bondage research was much more fun.

Two books were instrumental in my research. The first one I read was Bondage for Sex by Chanta Rose. This book is gorgeous – diverse models, full-color photographs, clear instructions. This book taught me quite a bit, but it wasn’t quite enough on its own. The next book I read was Two Knotty Boys Showing You the Ropes. This book was a delight. Funny, informative, and thorough, by the time I’d finished, I felt much more prepared to write this book. (You should have seen my accountant’s face when I gave him the book receipts, but that’s another story.)

I don’t trust books alone, though: I’m the adventurous sort, so I did some “hands on” research as well. I’d have loved to take a class with a real rigger, but there were no rope classes in my area, so at-home amateur research sufficed. By prioritizing safety and being willing to laugh when our ropework went (disastrously) wrong, I gathered enough knowledge to complete my final draft.

Playing Knotty is finished, but my research won’t end just because the book is out. Rope bondage is beautiful, sexy, and fascinating, and I’ve only scratched the surface. A club near me is (finally) offering rope classes, so I’m going to continue learning. After all, I have a lot more books in my future, and at least a few of them will be as “knotty” as this one.

~~Elia Winters~~

about the author

Follow: Website/Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads

Elia Winters has always been a New England girl. Although she spent much of her childhood in Florida, she returned to her home state of Massachusetts as a teenager and has remained in New England ever since. She was blessed with an artsy, creative, somewhat quirky family that nurtured her eccentricities and helped shape her into the sassy woman she is today.

Elia holds a degree in English Literature and teaches at a small rural high school where she runs too many extracurricular activities. She balances her love of the outdoors with a bottomless well of geekiness; in her spare time, she is equally likely to be found skiing, camping, playing tabletop games, or watching Doctor Who.

A writer all her life, Elia likes to dabble in many genres, but erotic romance has been one of her favorites since she first began sneaking her mother’s romance novels. In high school, she kept her friends entertained with a steady stream of naughty stories and somehow never got caught passing them around. Her erotic fiction and poetry have been published online at Clean Sheets and Scarlet Letters under a different name. She loves BDSM erotica and men who can use semicolons.

Elia currently lives in New England with her loving husband and their odd assortment of pets.

giveaway

Elia’s publicist is graciously offering an ecopy of PLAYING KNOTTY to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Elia Winters Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from March 24-28, 2015

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Manwhore (Manwhore 1) by Katy Evans-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Manwhore (Manwhore #1) by Katy Evans-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Manwhore Banner

Manwhore
Manwhore #1
by Katy Evans
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Release Date: March 24, 2015

Manwhore

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / Indiebound / Simon and Shuster

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 24, 2015

Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I’ve been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I’m the one discovering him…or if he’s uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: MANWHORE is the first installment in Katy Evans’s contemporary, adult Manwhore erotic romance series focusing philanthropic billionaire Malcolm Saint and journalist Rachel Livingston. Set against the Chicago skyline, MANWHORE finds Rachel caught between her job and her heart.

Told from first person point of view (Rachel) the storyline follows Rachel as she is ‘tasked’ with investigating billionaire ‘manwhore’ Malcolm Saint. Rachel’s employer the ‘EDGE’ magazine is quickly succumbing to the recession and a tell-all expose about Malcolm Saint may give the magazine a stay of execution. When Rachel’s boss assigns the story to Rachel, she begins to research everything she can about Malcolm Saint and she doesn’t like what she hears and reads. A few well placed calls and Rachel begins her descent down the rabbit hole where she will loose her heart and her soul to a man who is very different than the public persona.

The relationship between Malcolm and Rachel is one of immediate attraction but Rachel has a job to do. She tries desperately to remind herself that Malcolm is an assignment-one that has fallen completely out of control. There is a definite spark between our couple, one that does not go unnoticed by both Rachel and Malcolm’s friends, and in this there is the usual push and pull between the heart and mind. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

Rachel is a woman determined to keep things professional but as the storyline builds so too does the sexual attraction between our couple; there is no mistaking the heat, the need and the desire but in the end, nothing good will come when the truth is revealed. Malcolm is a man who doesn’t do relationships; and his reputation with the ladies precedes his introduction to Rachel. Heartbreak and pain will follow when someone looking for revenge, exposes the truth about Rachel’s assignment.

The secondary and supporting characters include Malcolm’s best friends Callan and Tahoe ; Rachel’s besties Gina and Wynn- both of whom play the devil’s advocate; and Rachel’s mother Helen. The requisite evil comes in the form of Rachel’s coworkers who demand and undermine Rachel’s attempts to stop the investigation; and an assortment of Malcolm’s employees, drivers and professional assistants whose duty it is to protect Malcolm from investigating eyes. There are a couple of potential storylines developing –perhaps between Rachel and Malcolm’s friends !

MANWHORE is an intense, captivating and deliciously romantic read. Katy Evans pulls the reader into a story that is moving and seductive; where ethical and moral dilemmas are only a heartbeat away; where falling in love is as beautiful as it is destructive. The tension and anxiety build while the reader watches the inevitable fall out.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview 2

TRC: Hi Katy and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of MANWHORE.

Katy: Thanks so much for having me over, Sandy!

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

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Katy Evans Katy: I’m Katy Evans, author of the Real series and the upcoming Manwhore series. Real debuted in 2013 as the first in the Real series and from that moment on, I’ve been truly blessed to be able to share my characters and stories with readers. The first book in my new series, Manwhore, releases this month and I’m super excited for readers to meet Rachel and Malcolm Saint.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Katy: It all began when I became addicted to the Sweet Valley High books. As I closed the pages of my very first one, it struck me that all I wanted was to be a writer and share my own characters and stories with others. I wanted to make others feel the things I felt reading, and I also wanted to share the stories that – even then – seemed to pop in my head at night as I imagined alternate endings or plot points.

TRC: If you had a choice, which career, other than writing, would you like to attempt?

Katy: I’d love a career where I get to work with animals all day, especially wild animals. Animals genuinely like me and I’m also insanely attracted to them. They give me such joy.

Manwhore TRC: MANWHORE is your March 2015 release-an adult, contemporary, erotic romance storyline. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Katy: Manwhore begins with my heroine, Rachel, getting an assignment to approach and investigate Chicago’s most notorious womanizer, the toe-curlingly gorgeous Malcolm Saint. What’s great about Saint is that we get a glimpse of him through the social media first – basically, gossip. Before our heroine meets him in person, she judges him based on the exterior persona that he projects to the world. Daredevil. Ruthless. Relentless. A playboy. All true. But when Rachel is assigned to get the “real” deets on him, we get to see another side of him that you’d never expect. And that’s what truly made me fall for him – I hope readers will fall for him as hard as I did too. There is SO much more to this man than meets the eye. He is so much more than a “manwhore.”

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series? Will all of the books feature Malcolm Saint as the leading hero or does each installment feature a different leading couple?

Katy: The first 2 or 3 books will be about Malcolm and Rachel and I’m hoping to continue with stories for some of their friends. 😉

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

Katy: It was initially a challenge to take the book where I wanted to go. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted the book to be like, but I wasn’t sure exactly at what point of the story to begin. I played around endlessly until I found some direction from my wonderful beta readers and agent, and from that moment on, the book exploded.

TRC: Are the storyline characters based in reality or a culmination of fact and fiction?

Katy: My stories are a blend of fiction and reality. As they say, fiction imitates real life, and vice versa! 😉

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

Katy: I’m a very organic writer, so although I know “what” I’m writing about and have an essential idea of how the book should be, I don’t know anything else. I just sit down and start pulling out scenes the characters start to shoot my way, and sometimes I discard them when I don’t feel they’re good enough to match my vision, and sometimes I keep them but work on them endlessly until they get to a place they want. Sometimes I put them in the wrong place and realize maybe it needed to come sooner, or later, or not at all. So it’s a bit of a discovery process, and then a shaping process to be sure that one thing leads to the other and then to the other…

TRC: Let’s talk about your REAL series. The sixth book is set to release later in 2015. Do you have a title or leading character? If so, are you able to give us a hint ?

Real Series

Katy: The Real book #6 is still in brainstorming stages so I don’t want to jinx it yet. I’m allowing all my characters free reign so it could be a return to characters readers have already met, or a new story for one of the supporting characters in the first several books. I definitely promise to keep you updated.

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

Katy: Oh definitely the characters. I always start with an idea that seems to come with the character – what does he/she want? That’s usually what starts all my stories. When I know that one of the MC’s wants something pretty badly. And from then on, they direct the story.

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

Katy: I think that a great book has many elements, but the most important is definitely to make us care about what happens to the character. It’s not the same to watch a car blow up than to watch a car blow up with someone your character loves inside that car. To make that connection, I think we need to dive deep into the psyches of our characters, sometimes to uncomfortable places, to find the truth of who they are and why they are the way they are. Maybe it hurts and sometimes we shy away from digging that deep, but when we do that, it’s definitely when the magic happens!

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

Katy: When I feel blocked, I usually step back and leave the book for a few days, and when that doesn’t work, I reread it or ask an author friend to give it a read, and help me pinpoint whatever is not working in the story. Usually Writer’s Block happens when you hit a wall and somehow the writer needs to scale that wall or go around it, or simply change something before that wall so that you don’t write yourself into a corner.

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

Katy: I’m shamelessly obsessive about certain things and I want them exactly my way or….the highway. Thankfully my husband knows my looks and knows when to let me get my way, and when to set his foot down. Haha

Manwhore Plus 1TRC: On what are you currently working?

Katy: I’m currently finishing MANWHORE +1, the continuation of Malcolm and Rachel’s story, out July 7th.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Katy: Thanks so much for having me over. I’m truly blessed to be able to share my stories and can’t tell you how much the support I’ve received means to me!

 

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

TRC: Favorite Food

Katy: dark chocolate

TRC: Favorite Dessert

Katy: Hail Merry gluten free pies

TRC: Favorite TV Show

Katy: Vikings

TRC: Last Movie You Saw

Katy: Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

TRC: Dark or Milk Chocolate

Katy: DARK! For sure :d

TRC: Secret Celebrity Crush

Katy: Oh. I have many. Chris Hemsworth definitely tops the list.

TRC: Last Vacation Destination

Katy: St. Petersburg, Florida

TRC: Do you have any pets?

Katy: One mastiff and two pugs – Godzilla, Romo and Tommy 😀

TRC: Last book you read

Katy: OVERRULED by Emma Chase, awesome as always!

TRC: Pet Peeve

Katy: Waiting. Waiting for anything makes me insane. Haha

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

Katy: Thanks so much for having me over, Sandy, wishing you much success and many books to read! 🙂

giveaway

TRC: Katy and her publisher are offering a paper copy of MANWHORE 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 and Follow Katy Evans on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 24-28, 2015

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