Monthly Archives: May 2015

Let Me Love You Again by Anna DeStefano-Review and Excerpt

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Let Me Love You Again (Echoes of the Heart #2) by Anna DeStefano-Review and Excerpt

Let Me Love You Again

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2015

Selena Rosenthal left behind her high school sweetheart, who was the love of her life, seven years ago.

Now, she and the once-rebellious Oliver Bowman are back in Chandlerville—after his foster father’s heart attack and Selena’s contentious divorce—to deal with her secrets, the recklessness that caused their breakup, and the almost-strangers they’ve become to each other and their families.

As soon as his father is stronger, Oliver must return to the successful career that helps support a new generation of foster kids. But he’s falling for Selena again, her daughter has a hold on his heart, and he can’t imagine leaving behind his brothers and sisters once again.

More attached by the day to their charming hometown and families, Selena and Oliver fall in love for the second time.

Has fate brought Chandlerville’s prodigal children together again…this time forever?

•••••••••••••••

Let Me Love You Again is a wonderfully romantic and complete storyline of finding the love of your life as a teenager and losing it due to the immaturity and teen drama that most people face. Then years later and a lot of heartache, recapturing that and more.

Anna DeStefano is a very talented writer who creates a world of characters that are incredibly real and yet can be so very different from each other, much like the people you know in real life. She takes the time to weave an intricate and compelling story, allowing it to develop naturally without rushing it to a hurried conclusion.

This romantic and compelling tale unfolds with the hero Oliver returning home, once a foster child with the Dixon family, he’s now an incredibly in demand computer security specialist. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been home since he left seven years before. He sends lots of money to help his foster parents raise more children in their loving home. He finds the love of his life Selena, back at her home next door with a daughter.

That’s all the setup and spoilers I’m going to do! Except to let you know that the author spins a realistic and exciting tale of small town life. She’s given a wonderful picture of foster parents dedicated to helping kids have the family they so desperately need. Even if things don’t always go well. Sometimes kids get into self-destructive things, even with the best parents.

Oliver and Selena (whose father abandoned her and her mother when she was a child) fell in love, but life got in the way. They both became teenage alcoholics and the consequences were devastating for a good part of both of their lives.

The story centers on their old relationship, the lives they have now and Selena’s daughter. Can they become friends or lovers again? Can they get through all the baggage and hurt? Whose daughter is Selena? There is so much great drama and fantastic self-discovery in this heartfelt story, it’s incredibly hard to put down. It entwines the lives of the many children the Dixons have raised, as well as health issues of the father that bring the family back to help.

It’s very talentedly written and believable, a completely captivating read that will alternately warm, break, then rebuild your heart. Grab lots of tissues, your favorite beverage and settle in for a wonderful ride that will play your heartstrings like a violin.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Excerpt

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Oliver and Selena’s second-chance love is one of the most special things I’ve written. Complex and authentic, timeless and unique to the mistakes they made long ago. They’ve never forgotten each other, no matter how hard they’ve tried. But the power of finding each other again is the truth neither is prepared to faced. And that’s where we pick up their story, experiencing the rush and exhilaration and poignant passion of young love, watching it mature into the kind of a soul-deep connection that can last a lifetime. Take a look…

“You kissed me the other night,” Oliver said. “You agreed to talk things through. Then I don’t hear from you for over twenty-four hours. I’m turning myself inside out, destroying potential business opportunities to stay in Chandlerville for my parents—and for you and Camille now.” Staying for himself. Leaving felt more impossible by the hour. Though everyone, including Selena, knew leaving was what he’d have to do eventually. “Hell, Camille’s already figured out most of it for herself. And I bet you’re still trying to think of a way to talk to her, deal with who her father is, without dealing with whatever it is you’re feeling about me. Meanwhile, we can barely keep our hands off each other whenever we’re alone together.”
Resentment, resignation, and then acceptance rolled across Selena’s features. She smoothed both palms down her thighs, drawing his attention back to her toned, trim body. She looked like she could run for days. But she couldn’t run from them now.
He found himself closer. He reached for her shoulders. He held fast when she went to pull away.
“You don’t distrust me nearly as much as you want to.” It had been a stunning conclusion he’d come to somewhere in the middle of last night, puzzling over why she hadn’t called or texted him back. “And you don’t like it one damn bit.”
“No,” she admitted. “I don’t.”
“You’ve wanted me far away from you from the start,” he said, “not just because of your daughter. This has never been entirely about Camille, has it?”
“Of course not.”
“Because you still feel guilty about things you did seven years ago?” He knew better. But he needed to know she did, too.
Selena shook her head, looking like she despised him for his honesty.
He aligned their bodies until Selena’s heart beat next to his. She was still warm from her run. She was looking up at him, seeing and feeling him. She was soft against him, like she’d been a lifetime ago, like the dreams of her that had come to him ever since.
“Because you wouldn’t have been able to stay away from me whether Camille was involved or not,” he said, “and it terrifies you, what that could mean. There’s something in you for me, Selena Rosenthal. There’s something between us still.”
She agreed silently, as if the words wouldn’t find her.
“And you don’t want to trust me again,” he repeated. “Even if this—you and me—could be a part of making Camille feel safe and happy…”

 

About The author

Anna DeStefanoNationally bestselling author Anna DeStefano has searched her entire life for the soul of the matter at the heart of her world’s mysteries. As a small child, she drew from her experiences, senses, and dreams to paint a lush fantasy world, filled with endless possibility and characters of her own creation. Putting pen to paper, Anna transforms these inner landscapes into rich storytelling.

Hers is a realistic but optimistic vision, searching for hope and transformation through intense emotional journeys. Her fuel–the inner passions and conflicts of the characters she crafts. Much like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, Anna’s characters face the ultimate of human choices: finding the courage to conquer their fears and thrive until, despite every obstacle, they become the beautiful things they’re meant to be.

An author, workshop and keynote speaker, writing coach, and acquiring editor, Anna’s creative vision permeates every challenge she undertakes. She wants you to stop, look, and keep digging, until you find the soul of your own fantasies. Her novels’ rich blend of realism and fantasy invites Anna’s readers into her creative mission to dig deeper and see each of life’s moment with emotional honesty and clarity.

Discovery and joy are her touchstones, regardless of how difficult her characters’ journeys might be. She will challenge you to transform into all you’re meant to be, as well. She speaks and blogs regulary. Join Anna each week for Soul Of The Matter, Dream Theories, Things My Teenager Says, How We Write, Waterfall Challenges, and more.

Connect with Anna:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Cat’s Lair (Leopard Series #7) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review and Giveaway

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Cat’s Lair (Leopard Series #7) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review and Giveaway

Cat's Lair Banner

Cat’s Lair
The Leopard Series #7
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: adult,contemporary, paranormal, erotic romance

Cat's Lair

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Cat Benoit has finally escaped the past—and the man who was the source of her nightmares. She’s off the grid, underground but watchful, and creating a new life for herself in Texas, far from the torrid dangers of her native New Orleans. She’s safe. He’ll never find her this time. Cat has to believe that. It’s the only thing keeping her sane.

Yet she can’t escape the attention of Ridley Cromer, the instructor at the martial arts dojo where Cat takes lessons. She arouses the animal in Ridley—and something feral comes to life when their body heat rises. Cat is in no position to let her guard down with anyone, especially someone who could be endangered by her past. But Ridley has secrets of his own—secrets only Cat would understand. If she dares to trust him.

••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

NOTE: If you haven’t read CAT’S LAIR, there is a slight spoiler in my review as it pertains to the true identity of our leading hero.

REVIEW: CAT’S LAIR is the seventh installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, contemporary Leopard People paranormal romance series focusing on a species of Leopard shifters. This is leopard shifter/ DEA agent Eli Perez (aka Ridley Cromer) and female leopard shifter/barista Cat Benoit’s storyline. Cat’s Lair can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives CAT’S LAIR follows the building relationship between two leopard shifters –Eli Lopez and Cat Benoit. Cat is a female leopard shifter who is just entering the Han Vol Dan (leopard females first ‘turn’ and sexual maturity) and a woman in hiding; she is on the run and her whereabouts have been discovered by not only law enforcement and the DEA, but by a man who is determined to claim Cat as his own. Enter Ridley Cromer/Eli Lopez, a man who has promised Cat his protection but it comes at a cost.

The relationship between Cat and Eli is one of instant attraction but Eli was reluctant to reveal his true identity in the early stages of their romance. Cat has a difficult time trusting anyone, especially men, and in this Eli has reinforced Cat’s belief that no man can be trusted. The sexual side of their relationship is aggressive. Eli is a man who demands submission both in and out of the bedroom; he is a controlling and domineering alpha male bordering on abusive; there is very little humanity remaining in Eli’s persona. All of the Leopard males are dominant, and their sexual needs are over the top but Eli’s actions screamed emotionally damaging and dangerous. A majority of the storyline focuses on the sexual aspect of their relationship-very erotic in nature but not necessarily provocative and alluring. The threat against Cat was introduced in the early stages of the storyline than never materialized until near the end-in this, the main focus followed Eli’s need to control; his obsession with and dominance of Cat; their sexual relationship; and waiting for Cat’s first shift. There is plenty of ‘Kitten’ calling throughout the entire story.

We are re-introduced to Jake and Emma Bannaconni, and their children Kyle and Andrya (Burning Wild #3) as well as Leopard shifters Elijah Lospostos, Joshua Tegre and Trey. Cat’s coworkers and self defense teacher play a small role in Cat’s life-one that does not go unnoticed by the man on the hunt for Cat.

Speaking of characters and names, Christine Feehan has a habit of duplicating names between series and sometimes within the same series. Our leading man is Eli Lopez and earlier in the series ( and in Cat’s Lair) the reader was introduced to Elijah Lospostos-two very similar names that can lead to confusion for some. When I first read a small bit about CAT’S LAIR I had hoped it was Elijah’s story but discovered that not to be the case. I am happy that we have finally left the Bayou and Christine has returned to some of the earlier characters and locations. Elijah and Joshua need their own happily ever afters. Elijah’s story will be told next in WILD CAT –Leopard People #8-November 2015

CAT’S LAIR is a sexually aggressive, paranormal storyline. The premise, action and adventure, and the search for Cat’s ‘stalker’ take a backseat to Cat and Eli’s sexual relationship. In recent books, Christine Feehan appears to be focusing on the erotic nature of the relationships more than the building of a story; the storyline is almost forced into the background and secondary to the $ex, dominance and need to control.

If you are a fan of Christine Feehan’s LEOPARD PEOPLE series, you will enjoy CAT’S LAIR-especially revisiting some of her earlier characters like Jake and Emma.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Barb’s Review:

Cat’s Lair by Christine Feehan is the 7th book in her Leopard People series. We meet Cat Benoit our heroine, at the start. She is a loner, keeps few friends, and works as a barista to make ends meet. We know she is running from someone, as she is always on guard and ready to run at a moment’s notice. Cat lets her guard down a bit when she meets Ridley, an instructor in the martial arts dojo where she trains.  

In a short time, Cat feels betrayed, as Ridley is not who he says he was. He is an undercover agent looking for the man who she is running from. She runs away, fearing that Rafe, the villain, will now find her and kill anyone who helps her.   But it is Eli (formerly Ridley) who finds her and brings her to a safe place to hide. Cat finds it hard to trust anyone, especially Eli, whom she had let herself begin to fall for. We learn fast that Eli is a Leopard shifter, as is Rafe. Eli can tell that Cat is also a shifter, though she has not turned as of yet, but she is very close to her Han Van Dol (the time when her leopard comes out).

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love this series by Feehan, and this story started very well, catching my attention fast. I liked Cat, and her instincts for survival. At first, I did like Ridley and how he was sweet and nice to Cat.   But a third of the way into the book, it changed a lot for me. As the storyline of hiding from Rafe continued in the background, the romance between Eli and Cat escalated. I felt the middle of the book was majority sexual, which overtook the story. I also was not crazy about Eli, though he did seem to care strongly for Cat, he was way too demanding, arrogant and unbending towards Cat. Later in the book, you can tell how deeply in love he was with Cat, trying to fight off his need to rule. The race to the finish was exciting, when they come face to face with the enemy and the danger escalated. The middle part of the book reminded me so much of Dark Peril, from the Dark series, where the story became the background.

I thought this storyline started and ended well, but I do prefer my books to have more story, action, excitement, suspense, fun, and a nice romance with steamy sex. But I felt Cat’s Lair was more erotica then I liked. I also feel that Feehan for whatever reason creates some her of her more recent heroes, even if they are flawed, to be mean, domineering and unlikeable for much of the book, and treat their woman as sex slaves.Overall, I enjoyed the storyline, really liked the heroine,  and to see some of the characters from the past books.

 

 

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Christine’s publisher are offering a paper copy of CAT’S LAIR 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 Christine Feehan 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 only

9. Giveaway runs from May 4-8, 2015

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Relentless Flame by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Relentless Flame by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post  & Giveaway

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Relentless FlameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Immortal. Colossal. Suave. Indebted killer Dante Blackstone has the world at his feet. Every vice, any desire, is his for the asking—until he finds the one person he cannot have: one sweet, diminutive woman who could bring about Dante’s destruction. 

Despite her supernatural ability to heal others, a devastating act of evil has left Hannah Miller broken in body and spirit. As she rebuilds her life while on the lam, a not-so-chance meeting with Dante chips away at the walls surrounding her fragile heart. But before their fledgling love can take flight, Dante’s boss sends an evil minion with one mandate: Eliminate Dante’s new reason to break his eternal contract.

As they fight to survive, Hannah’s amazing gift gives Dante one chance to save them both from the vicious minion. How can any love survive eternal hell and annihilation? 

The answer lies in Dante’s inferno.


Review.  

Wow !!! Relentless Flame by Jillian David was a great second book in her Hell to Pay series.

You don’t need to read the first book, but a few of the previous characters are in this book. So it helps to have a little background. I was extremely lucky to read the first book, and liked Dante straight away, cold killer, but loyal to a fault, oh and a total hound dog !!!! 

He’s in a little town searching for someone, as he has a message to deliver. Dante is an indebted …. An immortal assassin, chained by the devil, he kills evil with his dagger, hoping one day to repay the debt and be free. 

Dante is not use to being told NO, men and women flirt and offer phone numbers and favours, so when a mousy librarian says no, Dante makes it his mission to have her. 

Hannah is hiding, after escaping from an abusive father. Hannah and her brother have escaped, and now they live their lives on the edge. She has a talent; she takes people aches, pains and injuries into herself. But, after something at home goes wrong, Hannah flees for her life. 

The attraction between Dante and Hannah is very heartfelt. I love how Hannah puts Dante’s ego in it place, and how Dante is never sure about how Hannah feels about him. I loved how Hannah’s character grew under Dante’s care and attention. 

Dante’s boss sends out other assassins to end Hannah (he is worried after losing Peter to a woman, he wants to keep his indebted), so they end up on the run together. Dante can think of nothing else but keeping her safe and protected. He realizes how much she had come to mean to him. 

They end up in the woods in a small cabin hidden away where Dante finally risks everything and tells Hannah the truth about what he really is. Will he also tell her the real reason he is there ? What will Hannah think of Dante? Will she believe him ? 

I loved getting a glimpse of Peter and Allie from the first book and seeing how they are doing. I also love Barnaby, and hope he appears in the next book. I have to admit I didn’t connect with Dante and Hannah as much as Peter and Allie, but I did enjoy their story more !! 

Relentless Flame and the Hell to Pay series is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see where Jillian David takes us next. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Author

 

Guest Post
Writing Romance and Fiction

A naked person on an exam table is a heck of a lot different than a naked person in a romance novel.

Here’s my life. It’s like, if you went to a nudist beach, thinking you’re going to see all these good looking, hot bodies in provocative poses, all sprawled on the sand. But all you see are…rolls of pudge and loose skin, body hair and strange, blotchy rashes. Or even some body fungus. Yuck, reality.

For me, writing romance after a day in the trenches (e.g. office visits, doing skin lesion removals and PAP smears, and examining places that shall remain nameless) is a little like that beach. Sigh. It’s not pretty.

But then I realized something important: As the author, I have the power of the pen to make every single person on my fictional beach oiled, toned, and sporting an ideal body-mass index.

Like most authors, the inspiration for writing comes from everything and everyone around me. Holy smokes, the stories patients tell me cannot be true. But they are. I’ve done the unpleasant (funky, smelly) exams and have the proof.

But writing romance? It’s fiction, right? So it needs to be crazier and bigger than life.

That’s where paranormal comes in. All of those unlikely scenarios and ideas from real life become HUGE plotlines when you introduce something supernatural to the mix.

Take Hannah and Dante, the main characters in my second novel, Relentless Flame. How many times did I wish, as a physician, that I could put my hands on a patient and take away their pain? Lots. Now enter my heroine Hannah, who can do exactly that. (The act of removing others’ pain hurts her badly, but she does it because it’s the right thing to do.)

Now let’s go back to our nude beach and find a likely candidate as Hannah’s love interest. Not the hirsute beached whale sipping Coors and eating beef jerky like cows might never reproduce again. But the guy doing pushups. With one arm. Naked. Without a care in the world. Yup. He’ll do.

See, that’s where fiction can take you. Now we’ve got a tormented heroine (who is cute and sweet, of course), plus a swaggering mountain of a man (who, once you get to know him, you’ll see has a sensitive and tormented side as well). And there we have it: STORY TIME.

What about the action and bad things happening to all of the characters in my books? Again, I draw on real life. In my work in rural hospitals, I’ve seen about a thousand ways humans can be damaged, maimed, and killed. After patching folks up, shipping them off to trauma centers, or crying with families, I realized that those stories and those injuries made for some realistic scenarios.

So what do we have now?

#1) Heroine with a skill I wish I had

#2) Hotter than hell hero, so obviously someone I will never see/treat

#3) Scenario of injury/pain/suffering that is seemingly insurmountable

Stir in one overworked physician/writer and BOOM, there’s a story!

And that, my friends, is how the Hell to Pay series came about, start to finish.

My weird experiences + “what if” questions + a vivid imagination = Hell to Pay series.

I love creating something beautiful out of pain. I love giving voice to the experiences of my patients. And I love being able to go to that nudie beach and turn everyone there into over-the-top hotties — not wrinkled and sunburnt vacationers.

So in a word, completely escape reality.

But isn’t that what fiction is about?

 

About The AuthorJillian David lives near the end of the Earth with her nut of a husband and two bossy cats. To escape the sometimes-stressful world of the rural physician, she writes while on call and in her free time. She enjoys taking realistic settings and adding a twist of “what if.” Running or hiking on local trails often promotes plot development.

You can learn more about Jillian David at the following links:
Website / Twitter / Email

 

giveaway
Jillian is offering ecopies of IMMORTAL FLAME (First book in series) to THREE (3) 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 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. Giveaway is open Internationally.

8. Giveaway runs from May 3 to May 8  2015

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Two of Hearts by Christina Lee-Review and Giveaway

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TWO OF HEARTS by Christina Lee-Review and Giveaway

Two of Hearts Banner

TWO OF HEARTS
by Christina Lee
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Two of Hearts

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Dakota Nakos was always the resilient, strong-willed achiever. But when her father dies and she’s entrusted with the family’s casino, she feels vulnerable, scared, and more than a little emotional —not exactly the best time to see an old lover she’s never really gotten over.

Dakota once meant the world to Shane Garrity. Then suddenly he left town to train as a U.S. Marshal, and their love for each other crashed into a memory. Now he’s come home for her father’s funeral, and one look at the girl he left behind stirs up both memories and regrets, and reignites a fire he feared he’d lost forever.

Dakota may be the same driven girl she always was, but she’s also changed in ways neither could have anticipated. She’s not just a young woman searching for own identity in the Native American community in which she was raised, but one questioning her new life outside her father’s shadow. Above all she wonders if Shane can push past her weakened defenses to rekindle what they once had, or whether the intense blaze between them will ultimately reduce her heart to ashes.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TWO OF HEARTS is a stand alone adult, contemporary romance storyline by Christina Lee. This is casino owner Dakota Nakos, and U.S. Marshal Shane Garrity’s storyline. Dakota and Shane were first introduced in Whisper to Me from Christina Lee’s new adult Between Breaths Series. TWO OF HEARTS is an adult storyline that advances the original premise/series five years. It is not a spin off but more of a look to the future.

Told from two first person points of view (Dakota and Shane) TWO OF HEARTS looks at a Native American community of casinos and resorts; the infighting, the competition, the threats from outside sources, and the feared disintegration of the Native communities. There are some generic references to the Native struggles to retain ownership of their lands and control of their casinos, and there is also a peek into the fears of an aboriginal peoples whose numbers are decimated by addiction and marrying outside of the community. TWO OF HEARTS is NOT a story about discrimination or bigotry against Native Americans but perhaps discrimination against those not born of Native blood. It is a fictional story about one particular Native community and their need to stand together and support one another when one of their tribal elders is murdered.

Dakota’s father was murdered leaving his wife and daughter in charge of the family owned Golden Arrow Casino. What ensues is a plot against both the casino and the Nakos family in the hopes of selling the business to another casino operator. Enter U.S. Marshal Shane Garrity-Dakota’s ex boyfriend and the man who stole her heart years before. Shane is on leave from the U.S. Marshal’s office as he considers his future, and with his return home he wants his future to be with Dakota Nakos-but first-Shane begins an investigation, with the help of the U.S. Marshal’s office, into the murder of Dakota’s father and the threats against the woman that he loves.

TWO OF HEARTS is a second chance storyline for Dakota and Shane. Five years earlier Shane announced he wanted to be a U.S. Marshal marking the beginning of the estrangement between himself and Dakota Nakos. Dakota was unwilling to beg Shane to stay; and Shane wasn’t willing to pull Dakota away from her family. With his return, the relationship picks up immediately although Dakota fears another heartbreak when it is time for Shane to move on. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and emotional. Both Shane and Dakota want a future together, but a lack of communication finds our couple at odds.

The secondary characters include Kai (Dakota’s brother) and his wife Rachel from Whisper to Me (Between Breaths 3). In the ensuing time, Kai and Rachel have struggled to start a family-TWO OF HEARTS- sees a more positive outlook for the familiar pair. We are also introduced to a number of supporting characters including several Casino employees, some members of the Native Community and of course the requisite evil in the form of the people hoping to destroy the Nakos family.

TWO OF HEARTS is a fast paced, inspiring, and spirited storyline. There are moments of mystery and suspense; heartbreak and grief; romance and love. Through it all, two people fight the odds, for their own happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Christina’s publisher are offering a paper copy of TWO OF HEARTS 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 Christina Lee 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 only

9. Giveaway runs from May 3-8, 2015

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Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

 

Possessed by a WolfAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Wolves mate for life…and wolves never forget their first love

Royal photographer Lexie Haven wasn’t expecting to see her ex-boyfriend Faran ever again. She could accept that he was a spy, but a werewolf? No way. No matter how good they had been together, she has very personal reasons for steering clear of monsters. That is, until he literally crashes into a royal gathering in all his furry glory—and with a gunman on his tail.

Within minutes of seeing each other again, the two estranged lovers are on a collision course. For now, Lexie is a prime suspect in the heist of a priceless ring, and only Faran can help her find the jewel and restore peace to the royal kingdom. But first, Lexie needs to trust in second chances and the supernatural.


Review:

I was looking forward to a wolf…*GASPS, did I just write that?!* But Faran is no ordinary wolf. He was made irresistible at the direction of Sharon Ashwood. Working for La Campagnie des Morts – the Company of the Dead, as Famine, a loyal member of the Four Horsemen, Faran is really the jokester of the group who tends to hang back. Until now, that is. Faran is lead on a solitary assignment, but facing Lexie is more dangerous to his heart. I loved Possessed by a Wolf and I’m making it public record!   Sharon Ashwood has done a marvelous job with her Horsemen series. It’s a must read!

The wedding of Princess Amelie of Marcari to Prince Kyle of Vidon is imminent. Chloe (from Possessed by a Warrior and currently blissfully engaged to swoon-worthy Sam) is coordinating the big event as well as the engagement soiree. She’s dumbfounded when shots ring out at the party (where’s the love?!), but this union is more than the sum of its parts.

“The disagreement between Team Vampire [Marcari] and Team Slayer [Vidon] had kept the two tiny countries at war since the Crusades. The marriage between Amelie and Kyle – a true love match, by all accounts – was supposed to unite the kingdoms and end the hostilities.”

When the Four Horsemen, allies and defenders of the Marcari, are heaved aside unceremoniously, wedding detail/protection is terribly vulnerable. Faran is the least recognized member of The Company, so he’s instructed to blend in with the crowd and jump to Princess Amelie’s side should the need arise. Not too risky an undercover case, until Faran reunites with his ex, Lexie, hired photographer for the wedding events. Brave in the face of heartbreak, and flying bullets, the two quickly abandon emotional baggage to protect one another. It’s a natural, effortless pull — one that neither cares to examine too closely, of course. Chickens! 😀

Lexie’s not without her own set of trouble. On the night of the engagement party, Lexie’s job was to photograph the wedding band containing fire rubies, the crown jewels of Vidon that Kyle had specially made for Amelie. The jewelry is encased and secured with its own alarm system! Except for the night in question, that is. Amidst the eruption of violence, the ring was stolen and the Vidonese security team is not taking it lightly. It was Lexie’s assignment after all. So how can Faran fly under the radar? How can Lexie prove her innocence?

Chloe had saddled him with a cover identity as Lexie’s husband and assistant. Chloe had meant to give him a plausible excuse to be in the palace, but that meant Lexie would be close to whatever trouble Faran might stir up.

Posing as a married couple? Fun indeed! Truth be told, it hit too close to their once upon a time relationship, but communication is sorely needed. I thought Lexie was a little too frigid for Faran, but my assessment doesn’t negate the effect Lexie has on Faran; she gets him fired up almost instantaneously. It bugged me a bit, if I may be honest. Faran wears his heart on a sleeve; he’s passionate and hurt over the way Lexie broke things off. Lexie doesn’t seem nearly remorseful.

The mystery thickens with motive, doppelgangers, fey, and ghosts. The “hot potato” retrieval of the wedding ring is engaging, but the thief, of the supernatural variety, exposes hidden truths, lore and a slew of theories. Before long, Vidon, Marcari, and The Company are surrounded by a motley crew of suspects (some even royal!) Who stands to gain the most by preventing Kyle and Amelie’s wedding? Is there something more nefarious in the making?

I would be remiss if I didn’t recant my original opinion of Lexie. While her obstinacy battled with indifference, we come to dawning revelations where she’s concerned. Sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution even though your heart is reaching out for its other half. Lexie undergoes a slow, but startling transformation. She displayed a spine of steel when knowledge dictated action. Lexie fought even harder when her heart was in question.

While the book is focused on Faran and Lexie, we are treated to scenes with Sam and Mark (they are a tight unit), but a spectacular cameo amped up anticipation to say the least. Ms. Ashwood is set to leave it all out there in July for the next, and final installment of the series, Possessed by the Fallen. That’s only 3 months away! I’ll read that one slowly, to savor the epic conclusion.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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The Way of the Warrior Anthology (Wounded Warrior Project)-Review and Book Tour

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 THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR Anthology-Review and Book Tour

The Way of the Warrior

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

EIGHT PASSIONATE LOVE STORIES ABOUT AMAZING MILITARY HEROES BY BESTSELLING AUTHORS:

Suzanne Brockmann, Julie Ann Walker, Catherine Mann, Tina Wainscott, Anne Elizabeth, M.L. Buchman, Kate SeRine, Lea Griffith

To honor and empower those who’ve served, all author and publisher proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2002 and provides a wide range of programs and services to veterans and service members who have survived physical or mental injury during their brave service to our nation. Get involved or register for programs and benefits for yourself and your family online at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org

__________

THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR is a collection of eight military themed novellas focusing on different branches of the armed service. Several of the storylines look at recovery and moving forward; second skill options after leaving the service; and taking up causes in support of fellow warriors.A couple storylines introduce new series, while others focus on existing series and continuing characters.  Each storyline ends with a happily ever after; all but Home Fire Inferno have some sexual content and language although none of the storylines focus on the erotic.

All the author and publisher proceeds from the sale of WAY OF THE WARRIOR will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For a few dollars, it is a worthy cause.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Review black

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HOT AS HELL (Deep Six .5) by Julie Ann Walker

HOT AS HELL is the introductory novella to Julie Ann Walker’s new, contemporary DEEP SIX military, romance series focusing on six former Navy SEALs. This is secretary to the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Harper Searcy, and Navy SEAL Michael ‘Mad Dog’ Wainwright’s storyline.

After an attack on the American Embassy in Pakistan, our heroine finds herself locked in a panic room with the hope that her friend and former one-night stand Michael Wainwright understood the urgency of her last phone call. As Michael’s team work with military precision to free up the hostages, Harper and Michael will reconnect with one another behind locked doors. The $ex scene is hot and urgent.

The prior relationship between our couple has already been established but Harper’s reluctance to move forward stems from a family history of broken hearts and painful reunions.

HOT AS HELL introduces Michael’s team of Navy SEALS, their last mission, and a glimpse into the future as our heroes return to civilian life in Florida, hoping to take over a marine salvage business with a new direction and the hope of a new love.

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IN PLAIN SIGHT (Elite Force 4.5) by Catherine Mann

IN PLAIN SIGHT is the latest novella in Catherine Mann’s adult, contemporary ELITE FORCE military romance series focusing on a squadron of celebrated Air force pararescue jumpers or PJs. This is former nurse and freelance writer Stacy Currie, and Tech Sargeant and former pararescue medic Gavin Novak’s second chance storyline.

It has been over ten years since Stacy pushed Gavin out of her life when she was unwilling to follow Gavin’s career in the military. In the ensuing time, Stacy married and divorced her abusive ex husband, who is currently stalking our heroine with the threat to end her life. Enter Gavin Novak, Stacy’s first love and a man whose entire life has changed since entering the military. When Stacy’s ex husband’s threats become real, Gavin calls in a favor from his former pararescue teammates.

IN PLAIN SIGHT is another quick and suspense filled read that reintroduces the reader to Liam and Rachel (Under Fire #3) and Hugh Franco (Hot Zone #2) when Gavin calls in his former teammates to aid in the take down of Stacy’s ex husband. Gavin and Stacy will reunite and make plans for a permanent future-together.

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TORN (Protect and Serve .5) by Kate SeRine

TORN is the introductory novella in Kate SeRine’s adult, contemporary, Protect and Serve military romance series. This is deputy sheriff and former soldier Joe Dawson and high school English teacher Sadie Keaton’s storyline-a friends to lovers romance.

TORN follows Joe Dawson’s re-integration into civilian life eighteen months after an IED blast in Afghanistan destroyed his life and his career. The one bright spot was his childhood friend Sadie- a woman who calls to Joe’s heart and soul. But Sadie has a stalker and in this Joe is determined to ferret out the person responsible for the sadistic and threatening ‘gifts’ sent to Sadie.

Katie introduces the reader to the Dawson family; Sheriff Mac Dawson and his sons-Joe, Kyle and Tom-sheriff’s deputies and an FBI agent. After contacting the author I was informed that the series will focus on the Dawson males and the women they love. The next installment will be STOP AT NOTHING releasing November 2015.

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WAR GAMES (Endgame Ops) by Lea Griffith

WAR GAMES is the introductory novella to Lea Griffith’s adult, contemporary Endgame Ops military romance series. This is military prisoner and Delta Force Sergeant Anthony ‘Rook’ Granger and CIA agent and cyber specialist Olivia ‘Vivi’ Bentwood’s storyline.

Rook is a military prisoner in Leavenworth -accused of killing his entire Delta Force unit in Mogadishu, Somalia- and Vivi is the CIA agent determined to prove his innocence. Vivi’s brother Michael was a member of Rook’s unit, and with his dying breath told Vivi that Rook had been framed for the death of their friends.

ENDGAMES is the introduction to a new series focusing on a secret military unit known as Endgames Op whose direction is to take down the people responsible for illegal military activities.

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BEAUTY AND THE MARINE by Tina Wainscott

BEAUTY AND THE MARINE is the latest novella in Tina Wainscott’s Justiss Alliance series focusing on former Marine Griff Tate, and model and photographer Kristy Marsden. Kristy has a stalker and has hired the private security agency Justiss Alliance where Griff Tate is their newest operative. Justiss Alliance is owned by Chase Justiss, whose team consists of former Navy SEALs and special ops. As the Justiss Alliance team prepare to film a ‘reality show’ at the Mud’N’Hunt belonging to Griff’s Uncle, in the hopes of hooking in the stalker, Kristy and Griff dance around one another both on and off camera.

The reader is reintroduced to Addie and Mollie; J-men Risk, Julian, and owner and CEO Chase Justiss. Griff is a man whose physical scars have left emotional wounds; Kristy is the woman who sees past the mask, into Griff’s heart and soul. BEAUTY AND THE MARINE is a story of insta-love; a spin on the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, wherein, Beauty has some scars of her own.

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NSDQ (Night Stalkers ) by ML Buchman

NSDQ (Night Stalkers Don’t Quit) is the latest novella in ML Buchaman’s contemporary, adult Night Stalkers military romance series focusing on a group of specially trained military personnel from the U.S. Army secret helicopter regiment the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment). NSDQ is US Army Captain and Blackhawk helicopter pilot Lois Lang (CSAR-Combat Search and Rescue) and helicopter engineer Kendall Clarke’s storyline.

NSDS focuses on Blackhawk helicopter pilot Lois Lang’s recovery following a mission that went horribly wrong. As a member of the CSAR team, Lois was deployed on a search and rescue mission wherein she and the entire crew survived an attack but landed Lois in the hospital with a missing leg and a lack of direction. Enter Kendall Clarke-Lois’s friend and the man who would give Lois a promise of the future.

NSDQ is a friends to lovers storyline that focuses on recovery and moving forward. ML Buchman’s characters are passionate, charismatic and real; his colorful voice and text pulls you into the storyline where you will experience the adventures and missions of the 160th SOAR.

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SEALED WITH PASSION by Anne Elizabeth

REVIEW: SEALED WITH PASSION is the latest adult, contemporary, military romance novella from Anne Elizabeth’s West Coast Navy SEALs series that focuses on Navy SEAL Lt. Commander Jonah Melo, and Interior Decorator Alisha Winters- a second chance storyline about two people who had a one-night stand five years earlier.

Jonah Melo is on leave and headed towards his best friends place to help with the construction of their Wounded Warrior Project home. What Jonah never expected to find was the woman who has consumed his thoughts for five years-Alisha Winters-and the woman who called to his heart.

SEALED WITH PASSION is a very quick read; a story of second chances and insta-love between two people who never forgot their one night together. Memories, forgiveness and plans for the future wrap up Anne Elizabeth’s latest SEAL storyline.

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HOME FIRE INFERNO by Suzanne Brockman

HOME FIRE INFERNO is a novella from Suzanne Brockman’s TROUBLESHOOTER series that takes place after the events of BREAKING THE RULES (Book 16). The storyline focuses on an ensemble cast of characters including eight month pregnant Jennilyn and her Navy SEAL husband Danny Gillman. Jenni is about to go into labor as Danny heads out on his latest assignment.

Suzanne Brockman brings together many of her TROUBLESHOOTER series heroes, couples and characters in a storyline where the next generation of family comes into the world. As I am not familiar with Suzanne’s Troubleshooter series, the copious number of characters was a little disconcerting; I had some difficulty keeping the characters and connections aligned. If you are a fan of Brockman’s series, HOME FIRE INFERNO is a sweet storyline about friendship and love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest post

Is your hero based on anyone in real life?

Suzanne Brockmann: “Is the hero of Home Fire Inferno, Izzy Zanella, based on a real Navy SEAL?” is one of my readers’ most frequently asked questions! If only he were! Relatively early in my ongoing Troubleshooters series, I created Izzy and his personality conflict (ahem, that’s the polite way of saying it!) with Dan Gillman. My goal was to show readers that SEALs don’t have to like their teammates in order to respect and work together.

I’m fascinated by the intensely tight SEAL team dynamic, so you’ll rarely ever find just one SEAL in my books! It’s way more entertaining (for me, at least!) to watch my guys interacting. And, true to form, Izzy’s not the only hero in Home Fire Inferno. Readers will also get to spend time with Navy SEALs Dan Gillman (Several books ago, Izzy married Dan’s sister Eden, so the two frenemies are now brothers-in-law!) and Hospital Corpsman Jay Lopez. I’ve also given readers a little quality time with SEAL Team Sixteen’s Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok as he deftly helps handle a crisis while the Team is overseas!

Follow Suzanne Brockmann: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

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Julie Ann Walker: Like most writers, there’s a little bit of a lot of people I know in each character I write. For Hot as Hell, Michael “Mad Dog” Wainwright, I liked the idea of man who was full of contradictions. So I modeled him after folks in my life whom I consider polar opposites. For instance, Michael can be as tough as nails or as tender as a teddy bear. He likes snappy pop songs and the sound of his M4 assault rifle on full auto. I like dynamic characters and Michael is certainly that. Not one man, but many men rolled into one. Makes for a really fun writing and reading experience!

Follow Julie Ann Walker: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

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Catherine Mann: All of my military heroes and heroines start with a spark of inspiration from some experience. And then the character takes on a life of his or her own. As I plotted In Plain Sight for WAY OF THE WARRIOR, the service dog aspect for the hero – Gavin – spoke to me. I am a founding member of the Sunshine State Animal Rescue, Inc. and a segment of our rescue is devoted to identifying shelter dogs with the potential to be working dogs, and then connect them with people in need and a trainer. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey seeing these animals and their handlers shine.

Follow Catherine Mann: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

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Tina Wainscott: Griff Tate from Beauty and the Marine came to me as a fully-formed character. I knew his soul, his inner and outer scars, and his pain. I’m sure he was inspired, in part, by my nephew, RJ Newton, who felt a burning desire to join the Marines-and who lost his life serving his country. But I needed to experience what our service men and women go through when they are severely burned, so I found a fantastic organization that helps them heal:

Click OPERATION MEND for details.

On UCLA’s Operation Mend’s site are the video stories of these brave and battered soldiers, their struggles and their triumphs. Through them, I enriched Griff’s character. And like many of the more fortunate soldiers, Griff had a strong family to support him in his healing. But what he needed was the love of a woman who could see past his scars, both inner and outer, to his loyal, brave, and wounded heart. To help him feel like a man in that most intimate, core way. And so Beauty and the Marine becomes a story of self-love and romantic love as two wounded people find their way to each other.

Follow Tina Wainscott: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

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Anne Elizabeth: The hero and heroine in SEALed With Passion are inspired by many disabled veterans who are a part of our world. Both my husband and I wanted to share how precious it is…to give of yourself…in whatever way possible to help others. By centering the story around a housing project, the hero and heroine are able to find various ways to interact and give beyond their own needs. A greater goal will often unite people, and once that happens…passion often follows.

Follow Anne Elizabeth: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

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M.L. Buchman: Captain Lois Lang, the heroine of NSDQ, is a composite of a hundred stories. I started writing military romantic suspense due to reading the stories and memoirs of homecoming vets. The more I read, the more I became fascinated. Lois Lang of the U.S. Army’s 160th SOAR Night Stalkers ultimately came from an article about artificial feet designed for Dale Beatty. He was a CNN “Top 10 Hero of 2013.” A double-amputee who had dedicated his life to (re)building homes for other vets. His energy and his courage to stand up again and face his life on changed terms, that was truly inspiring.

Follow M.L.Buchman: Website/Facebook/Twitter

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Kate SeRine: No, my hero, Joe Dawson from Torn, is not based on any particular individual; he’s definitely a product of my imagination. But I imagine he was inspired by the various accounts I’ve read by and about soldiers from the American Civil war, WWI, WWII, as well as present-day memoirs and biographies of individuals who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

>Follow Kate SeRine: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

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Lea Griffith: My grandfather was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. As an Army man he went on to become a City of Atlanta Policeman and ultimately a Homicide Detective. He was a big, gruff man, strict but so emotionally gooey on the inside it is almost unbelievable as I recall him. My favorite childhood memories include him and though I know there were times when he struggled, he was infinitely protective.

The hero of War Games is an Army Ranger, tough on the outside, gooey once you get past the exterior. In a lot of ways Rook Granger mimics the very best qualities of my grandfather-and this is something I didn’t even realize until I just wrote this piece.
Follow Lea Griffith: Website/Facebook/Twitter

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Day Shift by Charlaine Harris – Review & Giveaway

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Day Shift by Charlaine Harris – Review & Giveaway

Day Shift Banner

Day Shift
Midnight, Texas #2
by Charlaine Harris
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, mystery
Release Date: May 5, 2015

 

Day Shift

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

Description:
There is no such thing as bad publicity, except in Midnight, Texas, where the residents like to keep to themselves. Even in a town full of secretive people, Olivia Charity is an enigma. She lives with the vampire Lemuel, but no one knows what she does; they only know that she’s beautiful and dangerous.

Psychic Manfred Bernardo finds out just how dangerous when he goes on a working weekend to Dallas and sees Olivia there with a couple who are both found dead the next day. To make matters worse, one of Manfred’s regular—and very wealthy—clients dies during a reading.

Manfred returns from Dallas embroiled in scandal and hounded by the press. He turns to Olivia for help; somehow he knows that the mysterious Olivia can get things back to normal. As normal as things get in Midnight…

Review:

Day Shift is book two of the new series by author Charlene Harris, who also authored The Sookie Stackhouse Novels. The first book in this new series is Midnight Crossroad.

This story begins in the Texas crossroad town of Midnight, with Manfred Bernardo noticing the sudden silence after the rumbling of trucks in this quiet and sleepy small town. He takes a break from his work as an online psychic, and notices that his neighbors are doing the same all of them, which can be counted on two hands. Yes, it’s a very small community.

It seems a company has purchased the Roca Fria Hotel and intends to renovate and open it as a new enterprise. They plan on making a place for older folks who don’t need full care and are waiting on a permanent bed in a nursing facility; but this will also have a few short term places for regular working folks and a few more rooms for travelers, at least that’s the plan.

They are all surprised at the new situation, most of the residents of Midnight are unhappy about all the commotion and extra people in their comfortably quiet and predictable village. They’re not comfortable with ‘strangers’ in their midst. They are also unsure of how the new business will affect their town dynamics.

We’re introduced, gradually to all the town residents. Each with a quirkiness and charm of their own. Our main focus, for this story, is Manfred Bernardo, with the town dynamics unfolding alongside and into this intriguing story.

The action begins with Manfred going to Bonnet Park and the Vespers Hotel to meet personally with various clients and do readings. While there he sees Olivia, another resident of Midnight, having dinner with a couple in the hotel restaurant. When said couple ended up dead the next morning, he had misgivings about Olivia’s occupation and wondered if she’d been the one to do them in.

During that same day, one of his best patrons, an elderly lady with a husband that had passed and Manfred helped her communicate with, Rachel Goldthorpe. Rachel was elderly with two daughters and one unruly and neurotic son. During their session, Rachel fell over dead.

That’s the setup! I don’t do spoilers…the reading of a fine story is the thing that entertains and makes our books worth their ‘weight’ in gold! This story is intriguing and quirky. It’s well written by a master of the craft. The people of Midnight are not at all what they appear to be, each has their own quirks, such as Lemuel, Olivia’s boyfriend, and a vampire! Everyone in town knows this and is okay with it, as each of the residents has their own quirks…finding out what they are is such fun!

Do yourself a great favor and pick up this series while it’s young! It’s such a fun read and makes you needy for the next story. So get the books, your favorite beverage and prepare for a wonderful time! Enjoy, I did and can’t wait for the next in this series.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied by Publisher

 

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Charlaine’s publisher Penguin/ACE is offering a paper copy of MIDNIGHT CROSSROAD (book #1 in the Midnight, Texas series) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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9. Giveaway runs from May 1 to 4, 2015

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Exposed (Ethan Frost 3) by Tracy Wolff-Review and Book tour

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EXPOSED (Ethan Frost #3) by Tracy Wolff-Review and Book Tour

Exposed

EXPOSED
Ethan Frost #3
by Tracy Wolff
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance

Exposed

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Will Ethan Frost go too far for the woman he loves?

The moment Chloe Girard walked into my life, she exposed secrets and emotions I always thought were best kept buried.

She wants to move on, to ignore the past. But I can’t do that. Not when she still suffers. And not when the man who hurt her remains unscathed. So when I discover the perfect opportunity to make him pay for what he did to Chloe, I can’t walk away, no matter the consequences.

But there’s a fine line between justice and obsession. As I turn up old crimes and new lies, I know that I’m playing with fire—and risking the very foundations of our relationship.

My love for Chloe is absolute. I just hope it’s enough to save us both.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: EXPOSED is the third installment in Tracy Wolff’s adult, contemporary Ethan Frost erotic romance series focusing on billionaire CEO Ethan Frost and legal intern Chloe Girard. EXPOSED should not be read as a stand alone as each of the previous books is interconnected and tells the continuing story of our leading couple.

Told from two first person points of view (Ethan and Chloe) EXPOSED begins immediately after the events of book two -ADDICTED -wherein our couple is trying to rebuild their relationship in the face of misunderstanding and lies. In the previous book Chloe came face to face with her past-a past that is directly connected to the man that she loves-and in this our couple struggled to keep their relationship from imploding. EXPOSED focuses on Ethan’s need for revenge and the ensuing fall out of the plans he put into motion. Millions of dollars, the Vegas mob, and the revelation of several more victims finds Ethan and Chloe facing a chasm of betrayal, retribution and the ultimate revenge against a family member with political aspirations and a psychopathic personality.

There are still some issues of insecurity and trust between Chloe and Ethan-Chloe wants to move forward while Ethan is determined to mete out revenge. The relationship between Chloe and Ethan, and thusly the storyline, is sexually graphic with a good portion of the story focusing on their love, lust and need for one another. The $ex scenes are numerous, emotional, erotic and intense but the sex talk becomes repetitive and redundant-there are only so many times the use of the word ‘baby’ should come into play-if at all- during $ex.

The secondary and supporting characters include Chloe’s amazing best friend Tori as well as Ethan’s best friend Sebastian Caine whom we met in the spin off series PLAY ME. Some of the timeline overlaps between EXPOSED and PLAY ME. Ethan’s mother and his half brother Brandon play an integral role in the final outcome of the story.

The world building continues to follow the building relationship of Chloe and Ethan, but no longer focuses on the professional side of the relationship wherein Ethan is Chloe’s boss and therefore their love is taboo. The focus now centers on Ethan’s promise to protect Chloe at all costs, even if it means placing himself in danger and in a position to lose everything that he owns. There is also the aspect of a permanent future between our leading couple.

EXPOSED is a fast paced and revealing storyline about two people facing improbable odds and an all consuming love for one another. There are moments of betrayal and revenge; romance and love; moving forward and letting go. EXPOSED is an intoxicating read with tragic scenarios, dysfunctional family values, and an encouraging look to the future. Tracy Wolff writes a passionate storyline that will captivate your imagination.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

“Is it safe?” Tori asks an hour later, stumbling into the kitchen where I’m sitting at the table, sipping coffee and daydreaming of Ethan. “Does everybody have clothes on?”
“I’m the only one here,” I tell her. “And yes, I am wearing pajama pants and a sweatshirt.”
“Thank Christ.” She makes a beeline for the coffeepot and pours herself a large mug. I watch in amusement as she adds enough sugar to bankrupt a candy factory, then follows it with a quarter cup of cream before lifting the mug to her lips and downing half its contents in one gulp.
“How are you not three hundred pounds?” I ask in disbelief.
“Good genes and clean living.”
“Well, I won’t argue the good genes part, anyway.” The wineglass on the counter still holds the dregs of the two bottles of wine she drank last night.
“You should,” she replies with a snort.
I want to ask her what she means—it’s not the first time she’s made a derogatory comment about her family—but she’s got off-limits signs posted all over her when it comes to them. So I settle for bumping shoulders with her as I refill my own coffee cup.
She returns the bump, then smiles sweetly at me. With that smile, her short green hair sticking up in every direction and the remnants of last night’s mascara pooled under her eyes, she looks like a little kid playing dress-up. Dress-up in a punk rocker’s closet, mind you, but still dress up.
At least until the smile fades and she pins me with a look meant to bring better women than me to their knees. “Details. Now.”
“Ethan and I made up.”
“Believe me, I know. My room’s next to yours and the walls aren’t nearly as thick as you think they are.”
“Oh, God.” Embarrassed heat rushes to my cheeks. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She waves airily. “Since I wasn’t getting any action last night, it’s good that someone was.”
I laugh despite myself. “Nice, Tori.”
“Hey, if you wanted nice, you probably should have picked someone else as your best friend.” She grabs a box of donuts off the counter and plops them in the middle of the kitchen table before settling into the chair opposite mine. “Just saying.”
“Yeah, well, it’s too late to worry about that now.”
“Damn straight.” She grabs a donut, then shoves the box toward me. “So what happened after I left yesterday? You need to give me the scoop before loverboy gets back.”
“We made up.”
“Obviously, you made up. Didn’t we just talk about all the reasons I couldn’t sleep last night?”
“Well then, what do you want me to say?”
“I want details. Did he grovel—I mean, with something besides that bracelet you’re wearing. Because even I have to admit that is some serious groveling in and of itself.”
I glance down at the heavy bracelet Ethan had delivered to me yesterday. The one he fastened around my wrist when I told him that I loved him. That I’d marry him. It’s as much a sign of his possession as the belly chain I wear around my waist—another gift from him.
“Don’t tell me how much it costs. I don’t want to know.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, darling,” she drawls in her best Sophia Loren voice. “I still remember your freak-out over the belly chain.”
When I don’t say anything else, she finishes off her donut in silence, all the while watching me with dark eyes.
“You look happy,” she finally says.
“I am happy.”
“That’s all that matters, then.” She drains her coffee, then pushes back from the table. “I’m going to take a shower, then head to the beach. Want to join me?”
“I can’t.”
She rolls her eyes. “Let me guess. Loverboy talked you into going back to work at Frost Industries?”
“I haven’t decided on that yet.”
“Then what’s going on? Is he coming back to sweep you off to some romantic getaway?”
“We’re going to Vegas.”
“Vegas? Really? I had him pegged for a private-island-off-the-coast-of-Greece kind of guy. I have to admit, I’m a little—”
“We’re getting married.” I say it fast, hoping it will have less of an impact that way.
No such luck. Tori stops in her tracks, eyes wide and mouth gaping like a fish as she tries to wrap her brain around what I just said.
“What?” she finally squeals before launching herself at me. “He asked you to marry him? When? Where?”
“Today. And I already told you. Las Vegas.”
She’s back to staring at me like I have three heads. “I meant when did he ask you. But what you’re telling me is that you’re flying to Las Vegas today? To get married today?”
“That is what I’m telling you.” I start gingerly trying to untangle myself from her embrace. It isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when she’s hanging on for dear life and doing her best impression of an octopus with its prey.
“Oh my God. Oh. My. God. Ohmygod! You’re getting married. Today! To Ethan fucking Frost!”

 

 

Series Spotlight

Ruined
Ethan Frost #1
by Tracy Wolff
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: January 2014

RuinedOrder Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of RUINED

He’s the last man Chloe Girard should love . . . but the first she ever could.

Ethan Frost is a visionary, a genius, every woman’s deepest, darkest fantasy—even mine. And, somehow, I am his.

He stole into my life like a dream. Turned my reality upside down and made my every desire come true—especially those I never knew I had. He demanded everything I had to give and gave me everything of himself in return.

But dreams don’t last forever, and ours is no exception. Because my nightmares are darker, and my wounds deeper, than I could ever reveal. And as much as Ethan wants to protect me, the secrets we share will only tear us apart.

__________________

Addicted
Ethan Frost #2
by Tracy Wolff
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romance
Release Date: July 15, 2014

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

About the book: Release Date July 15, 2014

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of ADDICTED

As Chloe Girard discovers, there’s love . . . and then there’s addiction.

Ethan Frost is everything a woman could want in a man. He’s rich, gorgeous, powerful, one of the most eligible bachelors in the world.

But that’s not why I’m with him.

I love Ethan for all the things no one else gets to see: his innate kindness, his reckless spontaneity, his unwavering determination to use his brilliance for good. I love the way he looks at me, the way he touches me. The way he makes me forget the wreckage of my past and the twisted fear that still lives inside me.

But sometimes it terrifies me how much I crave him, how much I need him just to breathe. I always thought it would be my past that ruined us, but there’s a darkness in Ethan I never dreamed existed. Can we survive as his secrets surface—threatening to unravel us both?

About The Author beige

Tracy WolffTracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

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Loveswept will be hosting a Month Long Giveaway Including:
(1) Loveswept Mug
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Ebook of RUINED by Tracy Wolff
Ebook of CLAIMED by Stacey Kennedy
Ebook of ONCE PERFECT by Cecy Robson
Ebook of SURRENDER by Violetta Rand
Ebook of LAST OF THE RED-HOT COWBOYS by Tina Leonard
Ebook of RAVEN by Ashley Suzanne
Ebook of UNTIL YOU FIND ME by Amber Hart
Ebook of RUSH by Gina Gordon

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