Monthly Archives: April 2015

Still the One by Jill Shalvis – Review, Spotlight & Giveaway

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Still the One by Jill Shalvis – Review, Spotlight & Giveaway

 

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Still the One
Animal Magnetism series – Book #6
by Jill Shalvis
Release Date: April 7, 2014

Still the oneAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM / iBooks

Description:
Darcy Stone is game for anything — except sexy Navy veteran and physical therapist A.J. Colten, the guy who’d rejected her when she’d needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately, Darcy can’t refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers.

A.J. admits it — Darcy is irresistible. But he’s already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he’s not making the same mistake twice—until he and Darcy are forced to fake a relationship. Growing closer than they’d ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What’s the real thing? And where does it go from here?

 

Review:

Darcy Stone has always been a bit of a free spirit. She and her siblings were raised by a set of globetrotting diplomat parents who didn’t have much time for their children and that affected Darcy in ways that she’s still trying to come to terms with. After a horrible accident that left her gravely injured, she only had her brother and sister to fall back on, and she didn’t make it easy on any of them. Including herself.

Still the One begins with Darcy trying to raise money to rescue yet another S&R dog. Since her accident, she’s no longer able to travel the world for National Geographic, so she has a couple of part time jobs that don’t pay quite enough for her to rescue and place the dogs. One of her part time jobs is at A.J.’s physical therapy clinic, and he knows that she’s struggling with the way that her life is playing out. He’s the one who put her through the wringer in therapy in order for her to be able to walk again and he needs someone just like her, a physical therapy success story, to travel with him to meet a philanthropist who is interested in funding the pro-bono work that A.J. does. The problem? Darcy and A.J. tend to not get along too well, and she definitely has a problem holding her tongue. But, when A.J. tells Darcy that he needs her help, and sweetens the pot with the promise to pay her for her time in order for her to rescue more dogs, she accepts. After all, she needs the money. And the fact that she’s been mooning over A.J. has nothing to do with her decision. At all……… And, what do ya know? Seems A.J. has been pining away over Darcy as well.

Once they leave for their trip, neither is sure this was such a good idea. They meet with the philanthropist and his wife, and things go very well……very, very well…..up to a point. And, once they get back home, things really get rolling between the two of them, until a partial conversation is overheard and changes everything……………

I love this series. The back and forth between the main characters, as well as the secondary characters, is wonderfully written. I’ve been waiting on Darcy’s story, and I knew it would not disappoint. She had always been so independent, and then the accident forced her to depend on others. She has a huge heart, but had a very hard time giving it over to anyone. A.J. was perfect for her. He’s hot as hell, but also has a huge heart and moves heaven and earth to try and make a difference in people’s lives. Still the One is ultimately a story about letting down one’s defenses in order to see that letting those that love and care for you just might, in fact, be a good thing. Well done, Jill Shalvis! Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

excerpt

 

“AJ held the door open for Darcy, doing his best to keep his tongue in his mouth, but he wasn’t sure he quite managed.
“Thanks,” she said, brushing up against his arm and shoulder as she stepped into the elevator.
His free hand came out to stabilize her, a purely instinctual move. He didn’t give a thought to the fact that she hated to be helped because he couldn’t give a thought to anything.
Holy. Shit. Hotness.
Her little black dress—emphasis on little—just about killed him.. The bodice was short, snug, and, at first glance, modest.
Second glance, not so much.
She bent over and fiddled with her heels, which had a strap around her ankle and screamed SEX. So did the way the hem of her dress rose up on her thighs, high enough that his eyes nearly popped right out of his head. “What are you doing?” he managed.
“Nothing.” Still bent at the waist, she shifted to her other heel, during which time he pressed his fingers into his eye sockets to keep his eyes in his head.
She was all leg and silken skin and crazy gorgeous hair, and he attempted to steel himself against her but he failed. He’d been wrong, oh so very wrong when he said he’d be able to handle her. He couldn’t, not in her yoga pants, not in a sexy little black dress, not at work, not in his truck, not in an elevator, not in anything anywhere—he couldn’t do it, Sam I Am.
She straightened and sent him a searching look. She’d piled all that long curly hair on top of her head but several silky strands had escaped, brushing her temples and shoulders, giving her a just-got-laid look. Her lips were siren red and he knew it made him a pig, but all he could think about was her mouth and how her lips would looked stretched around his—
“We’re on time still, right?” she asked.
He had to clear his throat to answer. “Yeah.” Jesus.
The door slid shut and silence filled the elevator while they stared at each other. To keep his hands to himself, he backed to the wall.
“So,” she said, looking like she was mentally cracking her knuckles. “What are the rules here? Kiss ass? Sit, shake, and roll over on command? Tell everyone how you saved my life? Obey your every order?”
Her sarcasm helped him roll his tongue back into his mouth. “I will ask you to kiss someone’s ass never,” he said. “Same for sit and shake and roll over. And you know damn well I didn’t save your life. But as for the obeying me? That. Lots of that would be great.”
”

 



About The Author

Jill Shalvis

 

Jill Shalvis is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. She has written more than four dozen romance novels and lives in Nevada with her family.

 

 

 

 

giveaway

**There are TWO ways to WIN**

Giveaway #1:
The Reading Cafe & Jill’s publisher are offering a paper copy of STILL THE ONE 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 FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow Jill Shalvis  on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA and Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from April 7 to 11, 2015

 

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

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Mate Bond (Shifters Unbound #7) by Jennifer Ashley-Review and Giveaway

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MATE BOND (Shifters Unbound #7) by Jennifer Ashley-Review and Giveaway

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Mate Bond
Shifters Unbound #7
by Jennifer Ashley
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: April 7, 2015

Mate Bond

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015

To cement the leadership of his North Carolina Shiftertown, Bowman O’Donnell agreed to a “mating of convenience.” Two powerful wolf shifters, he and Kenzie keep the pack in order and are adored by all. Bowman would do anything to protect Kenzie, for in each other’s arms they’ve found far more than friendship. But as strong as their attachment is, they still haven’t formed the elusive mate bond—the almost magical joining of true mates.

Now with a monster ravaging the countryside and threatening the Shiftertown community, some in the pack fear that a pair without a true mate bond isn’t strong enough to lead. Bowman and Kenzie will have to rely on their instinctive trust in one another to save their Shifters—and the ensuing battle will either destroy them or give them the chance to seize the love they’ve always craved.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MATE BOND is the seventh full length installment in Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound paranormal romance series. Jennifer Ashley’s shifters are persecuted and discriminated against by the humans but the humans have help in their attempts to bring the shifters under control using collars and segregated towns. This is shifter wolf alpha of the North Carolina Shiftertown Bowman O’Donnell, and his alpha mate Kenzie O’Donnell.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years in the past ,the Fae created the shifters-a cross between beast and man-and in the ensuing time the Fae lost control and power over the creatures they created. There is a war encroaching-one that will see humans side with the Fae in a battle for dominance, and their first line of defense was to collar and corral the shifters.

Approximately twenty years ago shifters were exposed to the human population. Out of fear, discrimination and specieism, the shifters were collared, in the belief that it would control aggression, then they were forced into segregated communities known as Shiftertowns. There are several Shiftertowns located throughout the world where shifters live in a relative but strained peace amongst their own kind.

Told from third person point of view, MATE BOND follows the search for a monster; a hybrid shifter whose genetic makeup is completely wrong ; a beast of unknown origins who attacked a bar full of shifters with the intent to hurt and kill. Because the beast was found and eventually destroyed on the North Carolina Shiftertown territory, Bowman sets into motion a plan to hunt the person(s) responsible for the abomination but finds himself in a dilemma when more than one supernatural power is discovered in the search.

Bowman O’Donnell is a mated, alpha male but he and his mate Kenzie, as well as most of the North Carolina pack, believe there is no mate-bond holding the couple together. With each sexual encounter, loving touch and even the birth of their son, Kenzie and Bowman hope for the elusive mate-bond to take hold. Kenzie and Bowman’s relationship is highly sexual as are most shifter couples but in this, the lack of a permanent bond ensures that someone else may be their true bonded match. Kenzie and Bowman’s mate-bond plays a major factor in the storyline development.

MATE BOND has an ensemble cast of supernatural and magical characters including shifters, Fae, hybrids, humans and a previously unknown paranormal being. The colorful and complex supporting cast of characters incorporates many of the previous storyline shifters as well as a couple from the Vegas Shiftertown Pack who are called in to help with identifying the beast’s connection to the Fae. We are introduced to Kenzie and Bowman’s twelve year old son Ryan who will one day take over the leadership of the North Carolina Pack; Police Officer Gil whose true identity and purpose is questionable; as well as Kenzie’s Uncle Cristian whose dislike of Bowman is well known by all.

MATE BOND continues to build on the Shifter’s connection to the Fae. There are moments of betrayal and heartbreak; family and love; discrimination and mistrust. Jennifer Ashley seamlessly blends the supernatural with the human world in a series where suspicion and prejudice are at the heart of the series. The shifters are discriminated against for their differences and the fear of the unknown.

MATE BOND is an entertaining and engaging storyline; an enjoyable and thrilling read with imaginative characters and a dramatic theme. The Shifters Unbound series is passionate, sensual, intense and romantic-an intriguing series that is a must read every time.

Reading Order
.5. Shifter Made
1. Pride Mates
2. Primal Bonds
2.5 Body Guard
3. Wild Cat
3.5 Hard Mated
4. Mate Claimed
4.5 Lone Wolf
5. Tiger Magic
5.5 Feral Heat
6. Wild Wolf
6.5 Bear Attraction
7. Mate Bond

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Jennifer’s publisher are offering a paper copy of MATE BOND 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 Follow Jennifer Ashley 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. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to US only

9. Giveaway runs from April 6-10, 2015 2015

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Boots vs Suits Book Tour and Giveaway

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Boots vs Suits Book Tour and Giveaway

Boots vs Suits

Boots Vs. Suits Blog Tour

 Which do you prefer: a romance hero that wears boots or one that dons suits? Boots bring to mind images of rough and ready cowboys and the hard muscles of a man who knows how to work with his hands. But suits … well, there is nothing like a suave and sophisticated gentleman, dressed to impressed and ready to treat his lady to an amazing night!

If you just can’t decide which type of hero is your favorite, authors Samantha Chase, Andrea Laurence, Victoria Vane, Jamie Beck and Ruth Cardello are here to help. Today they are stopping by to make their case for why you are sure to fall in love with their suited and booted heroes. Take it away ladies!

•••••••••••••••••••••

 

Meant For YouSamantha Chase, author of MEANT FOR YOU:

A man in suits or a man in boots…hmm. There is something to be said about each choice.  How about a man who wears a suit all day but puts the boots on at night?! On a personal level, I think I prefer a man in boots. There is just something sexy and rugged about a man who you know works with his hands. But in the perfect world of fiction, you can make your hero be a little bit of both.

One of the things that makes suit-wearing Ethan Reed from Meant For You so sexy is that he doesn’t really act like you expect him to. He’s not a womanizer, he’s not a playboy. He’s just a man who is living his life on his own terms – even when that means staying away from the woman he loves (for all the right reasons, of course). Lucky for us he knows when to lose the suit and put on the charm!

Want more of Ethan? You can pick up a copy of MEANT FOR YOU here: http://amzn.to/1yyeciG. And join in a romance conversation with author Samantha Chase on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub.

 

Feeding The fireAndrea Laurence, author of FEEDING THE FIRE:

I think a man in boots – firefighter boots in particular – is sexier. A fireman like Grant Chamberlain from Feeding the Fire is a real hero. He saves lives, putting his own in danger every day for creatures great and small. To me, there’s nothing sexier than that kind of selflessness.

Grant is on sale now…ehem…his story is on sale now. His story. Get it here: http://amzn.to/1I2PKyw. And head over to the author Andrea Laurence’s website to say hi! http://andrealaurence.com/

 

Rough RiderVictoria Vane, author of ROUGH RIDER:

With boots always comes a pair of well-fitting jeans. Statistics show that most women appreciate a nice pair of buttocks on a man. Throw in ice blue eyes he’ll make just about any woman’s pulse race.

Here’s a taste of my boots wearing hero from Rough Rider:

With her heart lurching into her throat, Janice watched as the cowboy of her dreams swaggered up to the holding pens. He was clad in ass-hugging denim with leather chaps flapping, white Stetson shadowing his ice-blue eyes, and rigging bag slung over one broad shoulder. She watched him throw his rope over the coral panel in preparation for his ride. It wasn’t just his rugged good looks that made her palms sweat, there was something about Dirk, besides his long and lanky physique that put him head and shoulders above the rest.

If you are looking for a man in well-fitting jeans, Dirk is ready for you to pick him up at your local bookstore and online here: http://amzn.to/1F16jVo. And make sure to visit author Victoria Vane on her Facebook page to ask her about more cowboys coming your way! https://www.facebook.com/victoria.vane

 

Untitled-5Jamie Beck, author of WORTH THE WAIT:

The question is, what doesn’t make David St. James from Worth the Wait sexy? Model-caliber good looks—check. Dior Homme suit—check. Fluent in two languages—check. But most importantly, he’s highly intelligent. A near-photographic memory combined with intellectual curiosity kind of brainpower. David can enthusiastically discuss a multitude of subjects with authority, which means the object of his affection will never be bored. I don’t know about you, but for me, scintillating conversation is one of the most stimulating things a man can offer.

If you want to “meet” David, make sure to get your copy of WORTH THE WAIT, available now: http://amzn.to/1F15ko0. And visit author Jamie Beck on her website http://www.jamiebeck.com/ for more stimulating conversation!  

 

Tycoon TakedownAnd finally, we hear from Ruth Cardello, author of Tycoon Takedown:

Charles Dery from Tycoon Takedown is a man who knows what he wants. He’s stubborn. He wants you on his terms. He’s sexy. And if you give in to him, how he makes you feel. 

He’s sexy in a suit. He’s delicious in jeans and a cowboy hat. But he’s his best with nothing on at all.


If you are getting ready to take down your own tycoon, you will want to pick up a copy of Ruth Cardello’s newest romance here: http://amzn.to/1CKVABo. And learn more about the book and Charles on the author’s website: http://ruthcardello.com/.

giveaway

There are TWO (2) ways to WIN !!

Giveaway #1:  ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe will WIN all 5 books featured in the  BOOTS vs SUITS promotion

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 FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Follow Samantha Chase Fan Club on Facebook.

7. Follow Andrea Laurence Fan Page on Facebook.

8. Follow Victoria Vane on Facebook.

9. Follow Ruth Cardello on Facebook.

10. Follow Jamie Beck on Facebook.

11. Giveaway open to US and CANADA only

12. Giveaway runs from April 6-10, 2015

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Force of Attraction by D.D. Ayres – a Review

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Force of Attraction by D.D. Ayres – a Review

 

Force of AttractionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
The only thing more powerful than fear is desire…

A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner—a protective canine named Hugo—Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants…until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge.

FORCE OF ATTRACTION

Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they’ve been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they’ve rekindled…

 

Review:

Force of Attraction by D.D. Ayres is the 2nd book in her K-9 Rescue series. This series revolves around police rescue that uses K-9 dogs, and their owners. Cole Jamison is our heroine, and she is a K-9 police officer with her dog, Hugo. Cole is on the rise in her department, as she works hard to prove herself. She gets a surprise call to attend a meeting with DEA agents. While being offered an undercover mission, on a dog show competition, she gets a shocking surprise. Cole finds out that her partner in this mission will be her ex-husband, Scott.

Scott Lucca has never gotten over Cole, whom he lost due to his reckless undercover assignment a few years before. He is determined to prove to Cole that he still loves her, and it was his then assignment that screwed things up. Cole accepts the job offer, though she wants no part of Scott. What follows is a difficult assignment of pretending to be a happy couple with Scott, and working hard with Hugo, who is more a police dog, not a show dog.

While they play the part, and try to find out who in the show circuit is responsible for using dogs to bring in drugs, Scott has another issue that threatens him and his family.

It was a nice romance of a second chance at love, with Cole slowly realizing that she still loves Scott, and must find a way to trust him again. Scott worries that he has put her life in danger, as someone has discovered his identity from a previous undercover assignment and wants to hurt Scott anyway he can. The two cases make for an exciting story as we race to the final climax, with lives on the line and a surprising revelation as to the dog drug dealers. Force of Attraction was an exciting, romantic, sexy story, which I wholly recommend you to read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

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Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway

 

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Cold Burn of MagicAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
There Be Monsters Here. . .

It’s not as great as you’d think, living in a tourist town that’s known as “the most magical place in America.” Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I’ve got my mom’s bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend’s pawn shop, and I have to make a call–get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn’t. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I’m stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I’m going to end up just like her. .

 

 

Review:

Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new YA Black Blade series. When I found out that Estep was writing a new YA series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I devoured this book in one day, and am thrilled to say Jennifer Estep has another winner. I loved loved Cold Burn of Magic. For those of you who are not into YA, I think you would enjoy this series, since to me this book can be enjoyed by adults also.

The wonderful thing about Estep’s writing is that she creates some fabulous characters. One of the best heroines is Gin Blanco from her Elemental Assassins series. Cold Burn of Magic will introduce a wonderful new heroine, who can be a young version of Gin Blanco.

Lila Merriweather is our heroine and what a great one. Lila has lived alone for many years, after her mother was murdered. She lives in a hidden room in the basement of a library, and makes decent money being a thief, stealing from the rich for her family friend, Mo.  Cloudburst Falls is a magical town run by the powerful magical families. There are a number of families that are competitive with each other, but work together to control humans. Lila tries to steer clear of these families, since becoming noticed would be dangerous.

While at Mo’s shop, Lila finds herself helping three people from an attack. In doing so, she unhappily is forced to take a job with the Sinclair family. Lila will be guarding Devon, our hero, which creates emotional turmoil for her, as it brings back memories of her mother.  

What follows is an exciting and wonderful story of Lila discovering life with the powerful and rich Sinclair family, and her growing feelings for Devon, whom she likes but wants no part of any relationship. We get to meet other families, especially the evil Draconis family. There are also unseen monsters to keep your distance from. There are many twists and turns, as well as betrayals that Lila will be in the forefront to protect Devon. I can’t tell too much more, as it would be spoilers. I was hooked in this story from the start, and could not put it down. The last half of the book was pulse pounding, as Lila had to face so many obstacles. As we raced toward the end, there were some surprises.

Cold Burn of Magic was a fascinating read, and I cannot wait for the next book. Jennifer Estep is a wonderful writer, who creates great stories and fantastic characters. I loved Lila, Devon, Felix, Oscar and Claudia. The world-building in this story was so well done, it flowed seamlessly. Thank you Jennifer Estep for this wonderful new series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

BLUEANDYELLOWGIVEAWAY

Jennifer’s Publisher is graciously offering an ARC of Cold Burn of Magic, a Bookmark and a Pen 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 FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Please Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to US & Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from April 5 to 10, 2015

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Darkness Eternal (Guardians of Eternity 7.5) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

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DARKNESS ETERNAL (Guardians of Eternity Novella 7.5) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

Darkness Eternal

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2015

For the Guardians of Eternity, battle is a way of life—whether the plight of their world is at stake, or the fate of their heart…

After being held captive by one vampire for four centuries, Kata had no intention of taking another one to the underworld with her. Yet even in the pits of Hell, there’s no ignoring the intoxicating desire awakened by Uriel’s touch…

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DARKNESS ETERNAL is the re-release of a novella originally released in the SUPERNATURAL anthology (January 2011) and second to last installment in Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity paranormal romance series. This is Vampire Uriel and Gypsy Kata’s storyline. DARKNESS ETERNAL falls into the series at book 7.5 adding some additional information to an already established storyline; At this particular point in the series timeline, Kata’s daughter Laylah has just recently become protector and guardian to a baby thought to be connected to the Dark Lord.

NOTE: DARKNESS ETERNAL can be read as a stand alone for those readers who enjoy fast paced, paranormal romance storylines. Its’ connection to the Guardians of Eternity series will not be a hindrance to the reader’s enjoyment. If you are a follower and fan of Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series, DARKNESS ETERNAL adds some background information, not previously revealed, which will connect to the final installment-WHEN DARKNESS ENDS.

The storyline follows the angelic looking vampire Uriel as he is tasked, by his clan chief Victor, to find a missing gypsy woman held prisoner in the Underworld for four hundred years. Uriel has no desire to find the human female, as she is the mother of the half-breed Jinn Laylah (Devoured by Darkness 7) who currently guards a most precious child in the hopes of preventing a supernatural war. What ensues is a trip between portals and worlds for Uriel and Kata as they battle Kata’s vampire turned twin in their search for a way home.

Alexandra Ivy adds a little bit of mischief with Yannah, Levet’s demonic and future ‘girlfriend’, as she plays tour guide and matchmaker between Uriel and Kata. Kata wants nothing to do with another controlling or manipulative vampire, but Uriel recognizes that Kata is his mate and will do everything to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love.

DARKNESS ETERNAL is a quick read; a fast paced storyline of insta-love between two unlikely people that adds a little bit of color, humor and history to the series as it approaches the final installment. With the introduction of Kata, Laylah and the child’s purpose in the final battle will come full circle as the Dark Lord seeks his ultimate goal in WHEN DARKNESS ENDS- book 12.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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In The Red Zone by Crista McHugh – a Review

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In The Red Zone by Crista McHugh – a Review

 

In The Red ZoneAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
All-Star linebacker Frank Kelly is as well-known for his off-the-field hits as he is for his on-field ones. When a dance club brawl ends with him in handcuffs again, he’s rescued by a well-connected woman who can get the charges dropped in exchange for a small favor. If he’ll agree to play the part of a doting boyfriend for two months, she’ll keep him out of the slammer and help restore his reputation.

Kiana Dyer may be the daughter of a Hall of Fame football player, but the charity organization she took over when he died isn’t getting the media attention she’d hoped for. A staged romance with Frank Kelly is just the ticket she needs to get in the spotlight. As the lines between fake and real start to blur, she begins to wonder if bailing him out was the best call she’s ever made. Just when everything seems to be falling perfectly in place, scandal surrounds her charity, and she’s the one left scrambling to clear her name.

Review:

In The Red Zone by Crista McHugh begins with Frank Kelly and his friend Tre at a club, when in walks a woman who grabs his attention immediately. He saunters across the floor and hits on her, only to find out that she is his friend Tre’s sister. And Kiana is well aware of his reputation as a womanizer as well as a fighter. Yes, Frank gets in trouble………..a lot, so he reigns in his ego and asks her to dance and promises to be a gentleman. But when he finally gets her on the dance floor only to have an entourage approach them and start to berate and manhandle Kiana, all bets are off and he sees red. A fight ensues and shots are fired and Frank once again finds himself in handcuffs and hauled off to jail. Who bails him out? Kiana. And, she makes him an offer that he can’t refuse. Frank idolized Kiana’s father, and he’s attracted to Kiana as well, so when she asks for help for her charitable organization, he sees it as a win win.

The more time he spends with Kiana, the more he knows she’s not like the other women he’s been with, so he calls his oldest brother, Adam, for advice. Of course, Adam immediately thinks Frank’s in trouble (did I mention he gets in trouble a lot?? LOL!) but soon discerns that Frank seems to be taken with this lady, which surprises him. When they hang up, Frank decides he’s all in and will do what he can to help her foundation, and to help her see him as something more than his reputation. Once things get rolling, revelations are made and hearts are in play. And, when scandal Kiana’s charity, Frank will move heaven and earth to move them out of the red zone.

Crista McHugh has ONCE AGAIN written a wonderful story with two characters that are relatable, refreshing and will have you turning the pages so fast that the story will be over before you know it. I knew that Frank’s book would be awesome, and it totally was. Even though he had that bad boy reputation, you just had to know going in that he would redeem himself in a big way. And, boy, did he! I loved Kiana as well. She is strong and independent despite a childhood that would have left most balled up in a corner sobbing. There was one HUGE problem with this book though. It’s the sixth book, about the sixth brother, which means there’s only one more. I just can’t believe that the next book, Gideon’s, will be the seventh. I’ve said it a million times. If you’re not reading Crista’s books, you’re sorely missing out on some of the best reads ever!!! Not one wasted word will be found in anything she writes. Well done, Crista McHugh, very very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Ballad Beauty by Lauren Linwood-a review

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Ballad Beauty by Lauren Linwood-a review

Ballad Beauty

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2015

After ten years apart, Boston schoolmarm Jenny McShanahan receives a letter from her beloved father that instructs her to join him in Texas. She has no idea that he’s become Famous Sam McShan, the Robin Hood of the West. She arrives to find Sam already gone, but he left instructions for Jenny to hire a guide and rendezvous with him in Nevada.

Texas Ranger Noah Daniel Webster knows Sam personally because his father, Pistol Pete Webber, was Sam’s longtime partner in crime. When Pete is killed during their last big score, Noah requests the assignment to bring Sam to justice. Going undercover, he volunteers to act as Jenny’s escort across the dangerous prairie, using her to track her outlaw father’s location.

As they journey through rough country, love blossoms—but Noah knows the second he arrests Sam, his betrayal will kill Jenny’s love for him. Should the lawman do his duty as a Ranger, or should he let love rule? The choice Noah makes will change their lives forever.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Western and Romance fans rejoice! Lauren Linwood has written another magnificent tale of the Old West that thrills the heart and mind.

Ballad Beauty is a masterfully written story of rough beginnings, family drama and finding love and more to build a life on. Noah Daniel Webster is a Texas Ranger determined to make up for his criminal father, Pistol Pete Webster. Pete is a bank robber, thief and killer. Noah was raised by his mother with a decent education and a guilt complex (courtesy of Mom) that makes him want live a life on the right side of law and order. When he decides he has to bring in his father’s partner, Famous Sam McShan, who he believes killed his father, Noah sets out to find Sam. Knowing Sam has a daughter he will contact, Noah decides to follow said daughter until he finds Sam.

Jenny McShanahan, was raised in The Thompson School (for girls) after her mother died and her father wanted a safe and good place for her. Jenny knows her father intends to send for her…but it’s been over ten years. Finally a letter arrives and gives her directions and money on how to meet her father in Texas. Jenny is unaware of her father’s way of making a living…she doesn’t know he’s Famous Sam McShan. She sets out to find him, and finds much more than she thought.

That’s the set up for the story…of course there’s much more to it, but discovery is all the fun, right? Let me tell you that this story is well written. The characters are believable and as colorful as the Old West itself. Ms. Linwood has done a magnificent job of transporting the reader to times past with realism and yet romance. The attraction and building love between the main characters is swoon-worthy.

Grab your favorite beverage, some snacks, maybe just a couple of tissues and get ready for a thrilling and compelling story that will curl your toes and warm you heart! Enjoy, I certainly did.

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Georgianna

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