Monthly Archives: July 2015

Her Sinful Angel (Her Angel #8) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on by
14

HER SINFUL ANGEL (Her Angel #8) by Felicity Heaton-Review, Book tour & Giveaway

Her Sinful Angel Banner

Her Sinful Angel
Her Angel #8
by Felicity Heaton
Genre: adult, fantasy, paranormal romance
Release Date: August 1, 2015

Her Sinful Angel

Find out how to enter the Her Sinful Angel international giveaway (ends August 9th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website, where you can also download a 5 chapter sample of the novel: Felicity Heaton

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Google Play / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 1, 2015

Cast out of Heaven and now the king of Hell, Lucifer is a powerful fallen angel warrior with a heart as cold as ice and soul as black as the bottomless pit. For millennia, he has ruled his realm with an iron fist as he plots the demise of his ancient enemies. When one of those enemies dumps an unconscious mortal female in the courtyard of his fortress and leaves her there, Lucifer finds himself entranced by the beguiling beauty and tempted beyond all reason. But is the enchanting Nina an innocent pawn in the eternal game or part of a plot against him?

Also available as part of the Dark And Damaged boxed set (June 2015)

•••••••••••

REVIEW: HER SINFUL ANGEL is the eighth installment in Felicity Heaton’s Her Angel paranormal romance series. This is the King of Hell –Lucifer- and human female Nina’s storyline. Although Her Sinful Angel is the eighth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the characters from previous storylines have secondary and supporting roles.

Told from third person point of view HER SINFUL ANGEL follows Lucifer as he unknowingly begins to fall for a human female that has been dumped in Hell’s courtyard by one of Heaven’s angels. What ensues is a building relationship between Nina and Lucifer, one both blessed and cursed by Heaven itself. Lucifer is a changed man; a changed demon who no longer destroys what is left of the souls of the angels who have fallen from Heaven, but in this ,the character of Lucifer seems to have lost some of his edge. Lucifer is not the Devil of our childhood nightmares but a man who is lonely and unaware of the empty hole in what’s left of his heart.

Nina remembers very little about the circumstances surrounding her abduction and arrival in Hell-in fact-she has no idea where she is or why anyone would want to kidnap her. Within hours of her arrival Nina finds herself falling for the man whose powers are unlike anything she has ever seen before. The entire storyline covers but 24 to 48 hours.

The relationship between Nina and Lucifer is quick to develop although Nina is unaware of Lucifer’s true identity and the power that he controls. When one of Heaven’s angels demands Nina’s return to the human realm, Lucifer becomes both guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. There is a reason Heaven has placed Nina in Lucifer’s arms.

Several of the previous storyline characters make a cameo appearance including Erin and Veiron,; Asmodeus and Liora; as Lucifer continues to battle Heaven’s angels. Heaven wants something from Lucifer but the Devil refuses to hand over what belongs to him.

Felicity Heaton continues to focus on the Fallen-the Angels who have been thrown out of Heaven and whose life will be saved by the woman who calls to his heart. Each of her storyline heroes is dark, damaged and oft times broken; the females are perfectly matched in beauty and mind. HER SINFUL ANGEL reveals that even the Devil has a little light remaining his soul and all it takes is love to break through and allow that light to shine.

Because the majority of the storyline is a written narrative, there is very little communication between our leading couple as per Felicity’s style of writing. Most of the background, history and storyline are revealed through memories, thoughts and observations.

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: HER DARK ANGEL (Her Angel #1) is FREE: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /B&N

Books in the Her Angel paranormal romance series:

Book 1: Her Dark Angel – FREE in ebook at selected retailers

Book 2: Her Fallen Angel
Book 3: Her Warrior Angel
Book 4: Her Guardian Angel
Book 5: Her Demonic Angel
Book 6: Her Wicked Angel
Book 7: Her Avenging Angel
Book 8: Her Sinful Angel

excerpt

It had started out like any other day in his kingdom.
He had risen at seven sharp, based on Greenwich Mean Time, and had crossed the black stone floor of his expansive bedroom to his equally as impressive bathroom. There he had showered and carefully attended to his grooming. With a black towel slung low around his hips, he had ventured into his wardrobe to select one of the black tailored suits that hung from numerous rails.It had gone downhill from there.He had found the suit he had desired to wear, only to discover a crease pressed into the finely woven wool fabric.That had led to the first death of the day.The impudent fallen angel who had been responsible for ensuring his wardrobe was perfect had been sent back to Heaven.With his wings missing.
And in pieces.The last part wasn’t his fault. The idiot should have remembered to teleport before hitting the pavement of the courtyard far below the black fortress in the bottomless pit of Hell.
Of course, it might have helped if he had allowed the maggot to retain his ability to teleport.Lucifer smiled grimly to himself and flicked a speck of dust off the right sleeve of his newly-pressed suit, his golden eyes fixed on the black cragged lands beyond the window of his study.Breakfast had been a rather sober affair this morning. His attendants were on edge around him today, more than they usually were anyway. He couldn’t think why. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that they had narrowly avoided being hit by the falling angel when they had been crossing the courtyard.
A chuckle slipped from his lips as a replay of the event played across his mind.
By now, all of Hell would know he was not in a good mood.
He had planned to improve it by heading out to the distant plateau where Heaven had stationed a group of angels and use the power of his voice to see if he could sway a weak one into falling. There was a space in his ranks that needed filling, and corrupting angels always brightened the dreariest of days.
A pale orange glow lit the wall of black rock beneath the plateau, adding a dash of colour.
He despised that band of gold.
The lava river encircled his fortress and marked a boundary that by law he couldn’t cross, not until the time between his scheduled battles with Apollyon, an angel who had served Heaven for centuries before turning his back on that realm for the sake of a woman, had passed.
Lucifer hadn’t won one in centuries. He had taken several for the team without receiving any shred of gratitude in return, allowing the angel to defeat him so he would remain trapped in the bottomless pit and a band of fallen angels bent on destroying the mortal world would remain caged here with him.
Of course, it might have helped if he had informed Apollyon that he was losing on purpose, but storing up his losses and waiting for the perfect opportunity to mention to the angel what he had been doing all these millennia had been too enticing to resist.
His smile stretched a little wider.
It had been most satisfying to reveal to the angel just a few weeks ago that his hard won victories had been hollow and see the look on the bastard’s face.
The momentary flicker of pleasure that shot through his veins dimmed as he lowered his gaze back to the courtyard and it fixed on the current thorn in his side.
There was no chance of improving his mood now. It had hit rock bottom, thanks to a certain angel of Heaven.
Mihail.
When he discovered who had awoken the angel to his true purpose, restoring his memories at the same time, he would send his finest legion to Heaven to destroy them.
The angel flicked his long white hair over his shoulder but kept his icy blue eyes locked on Lucifer. The silent challenge they issued didn’t go unnoticed, but Lucifer knew better than to rise to it. Mihail couldn’t enter his fortress, thanks to powerful wards Lucifer had put in place after their last battle.
A fight that had seen almost half of Hell destroyed and turned to rubble.
Lucifer had enjoyed the millennia of peace that had come afterwards. Battling Apollyon was merely a workout for him, but fighting Mihail was a war and one that could easily claim his life. Only Mihail held the power to truly defeat him. Apollyon could only wound him.
Mihail could kill him.
Lucifer had no interest in dying and being thrust into limbo, wandering eternity as nothing more than a soul, maddened by being caged in a bleak world where he couldn’t communicate with those around him and tormented by his sins.
Not until he had settled a score with his former master and had his vengeance.
Not even then.
He never wanted to go to that dark place few angels knew existed.
Those who didn’t know of it had no fear of death, trusting they would be reborn in Heaven upon their demise, restored to their former glory, albeit without memories of their previous life.
The fools.
Lucifer knew better.
He had seen the corrupted souls of angels in the far reaches of his realm, heard their whispers on the wind and felt their suffering in his blood.
True death was possible for any angel.
He knew because he had killed one on occasion, damning them to a hellish existence.
Lucifer would damn Mihail in the same manner without even flinching if he had the chance.
The white-haired angel moved a step closer, his enormous glossy white wings shifting with the action, stark against the black pavement of the semi-circular courtyard and the obsidian armour he wore. The patches of golden skin visible between the black greaves that encased his shins, the strips of black that protected his hips, his short black breastplate and his vambraces that shielded his forearms bore tattoos now when once they had been clean and pure.
Lucifer’s smile returned.
Mostly because he felt sure that the bastard angel despised those tattoos and the one who had put them there—the fallen angel this male was linked to through duty and powers.
If Lucifer had the power, he would gift those angels who were linked to Mihail and his brethren with the ability to do more than merely change their skin by adding ink that would also appear on their counterpart. He would give them the power to amend their appearance in other ways. He wasn’t talking about haircuts and piercings.
He was talking about wounds.
Mihail spread his white wings, regaining Lucifer’s attention, but not for long. It drifted away again, his gaze roaming downwards and across the courtyard, to the prone mortal that lay like an offering on an altar between his fortress and the angel.
A woman.
Lucifer’s golden gaze narrowed on her and questions filled his mind again, ones that wouldn’t be ignored this time. Why had Mihail dumped an unconscious female in his courtyard?
Was she bait?

About The Author

Felicity HeatonFelicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

 

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk
Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton
Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

giveaway

Felicity is offering an ecopy of any ONE(1) of her MY ANGEL series ebooks to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

NOTE: HER DARK ANGEL (Her Angel #1) is FREE: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /B&N

1. If you have not previously registered, please register 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 such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Felicity Heaton on TWITTER

4. Sign up for Felicity Heaton’s NEWSLETTER

5. LIKE Felicity Heaton on Facebook

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

7. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

9. Giveaway open Internationally

10. Giveaway runs from July 31 to August 4, 2015

Share

Malibu Betrayals by MK Meredith – a Review

Posted on by
10

Malibu Betrayals by MK Meredith – a Review

 

Malibu BetrayalsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Her chance to write a whole new ending…

Hollywood screenwriter Samantha Dekker spent the last year picking up the pieces after her husband’s suicide. Along with grief, guilt, and tabloid hell, she’s had to watch helplessly as the film industry slammed its doors in her face. Now Sam has the rarest of Hollywood opportunities – a second chance…working with the one man she swore never to see again.

Hunktastic A-lister Gage Cutler knows that Sam blamed him for his part in her husband’s death. Still, Sam is the one woman he can never forget. All he wants is a second chance of his own – to prove he’s not the player she remembers. And Malibu is the perfect backdrop to make a girl swoon.

Except they’re not alone. Someone is watching Sam and Gage’s steamy off-screen romance with the most dangerous of intentions…


Review:

I’d like to think I have discerning taste. Yes, I try to accentuate the positives in my reviews, but when I’m swooning over an author’s Acknowledgements, you know it’s made an impression! Malibu Betrayals by MK Meredith had me rooting for love, and Gage, from cover to end.

Okay. It’s coined as a second chance romance, but Sam and Gage barely know each other. It’s what came after their fateful introduction that would forever connect them. Blame and hatred aren’t low-key emotions and Sam hurled plenty of those accusations at Gage for causing the accident that killed her husband. Last thing those two need is to work together (he’s an actor, she the screenwriter). While it’s Hollywood and the worst of enemies have been known to collaborate (and put forth quality product), what didn’t register with me is how instant their bond was. We’re led to believe that their meeting was cathartic, that these two shared sensibilities. How can Gage point out all the harm in Sam’s marriage (to a colleague of his), in a matter of hours, and literally become the impetus to leave her husband? She might have already considered the decision, but it was a one.time.talk, people. It’s rather incredulous, but I’d be lying if I said Ms. Meredith didn’t make me overlook the insta-love and take a leap of faith with Gage and Sam. That’s what you want in a book, wouldn’t you agree?

Before long, Sam and Gage are exploring those possibilities and making up for lost time to full, steamy satisfaction. The attraction runs deeper, of course; the progress is tentative yet quite giving if you stop to analyze. Though they tacitly agreed to a “light and easy” fling, which invariably comes with second-guesses and worries about moving way too fast, Sam gives me whiplash. An overload of “about-face” moments were enough to drive Gage crazy (though he’s made of sterner stuff), but her past is determined to ruin her present.

Sam’s ex-husband’s family interrupts with insidious demands and general harassment. HEA seems an impossible goal. Segue into sabotage on the set and the story develops with intriguing subplots and secondary characters. As much as exterior forces threaten to upend their beginning, Sam and Gage undermine their relationship with secrets all by themselves. Repeated slaps to my forehead began to sting. Talk, people! Stop making unilateral decisions that make you miserable before you even follow through (always a bad sign). Most importantly, stop denying yourselves this rare gift of a second chance and embrace it.

“I’m trying to figure out if it can work. But I don’t see how. I need more time. Can you give me that?”

     He dropped his chin to his chest and closed his eyes.

“You don’t know what you ask, Sam.”

     “Don’t I? I know it won’t be easy, but it’s better for us in the end.”

“You think it’s better.”

“Yes, I do.”

     He studied her. “For the record, I don’t think time is the issue. But fine.”

Once you accept their relationship, Gage and Sam are two enjoyable individuals. Though jaded from the exploitative arm of Hollywood gossip, Gage and Sam are still swinging, unsatisfied with mediocrity when they have the potential to be, and have, so much more. Sam’s self-confidence took a beating, as did Gage’s reputation, but they’re driven and they gain ground with each other’s support. When they love, they love passionately and thoughtfully.

Malibu Betrayals reveals the source of the threats and its title is telling. Ms. Meredith arms Sam and Gage with courage to rise above and never give up on love.

There are hiccups in this debut novel, but Ms. Meredith is keenly focused on the struggles of love and trust and the commitment it takes to make them last forever. I would read more by this new author.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Ricochet by Keri Lake-a review

Posted on by
10

RICOCHET by Keri Lake-a review

Ricochet

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2015

The only sure way to destroy a man is to take what he cannot live without.

Three years ago, I had everything.

A beautiful wife.
A son.
A reason for living.

Until a ruthless task force, assembled under Mayor Michael Culling, with a brutal strategy to make the streets of Detroit ‘safe’, ripped away everything I loved in a deadly hunt called The Culling.

They tried to kill me, too. I wish they had. Now I’m cursed by the memories of that night, and the words I whispered to my dying wife.

A promise—to avenge the wrong and set it right.

I’m no longer Nick Ryder. I’m a masked vigilante. Faceless. Loveless. Fearless. A man with nothing left to lose—one who’s seen the dark and violent truth behind the city’s flawless veneer.

Michael Culling doesn’t know who I am. Or what I want. All he knows is that I’ve kidnapped his beautiful wife.

An eye for an eye—isn’t that how the saying goes? And Aubree Culling is the perfect pawn to destroy him.

If she doesn’t destroy me first.

WARNING: **Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to graphic violence, sex and strong language. Trigger warning for self harm.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: RICOCHET is a contemporary, adult, standalone, dark romance from author Keri Lake focusing on revenge and retribution. This is former computer game designer Nick Ryder, and abuse counselor Aubree Culling’s storyline. The storyline is set in the dark and seedy underbelly of Detroit’s criminal element and the political elite who believe themself above the law.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Aubree and Nick) as well as several third person perspectives RICOCHET follows Nick Ryder as he seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and son, and the horrific nightmare that has been left in its’ place. Three years earlier Nick walked into a brutal massacre, of which, his beautiful wife and son did not survive. With Nick left for dead, the killers set the house ablaze and walked away without a second glance. What ensues is a dark, gritty and graphically violent plan to take down everyone responsible including the people calling the shots. Enter Aubree Culling-Mayor Michael Culling’s wife, and the perfect target to start Nick’s vendetta.

Aubree Culling is the mayor’s wife, and therefore, guilty by association. As Nick sets his sights on destroying Mayor Culling, Aubree will be abducted and held hostage while Nick sets his plan into motion. But Aubree has a secret, one that Nick will soon discover, pushing our anti-hero to avenge the woman with whom he is falling in love. There is a slight ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ or ‘Capture Bonding’ feel to the storyline wherein our heroine will fall for the man holding her hostage.

RICOCHET is a graphically violent storyline about a man obsessed with vengeance against those that destroyed his life. Nick Ryder is a one man vigilante; a broken soul who continues to suffer with the pain and grief, and the memories of the suffering inflicted upon the people that he loves. Nick is a man, who without remorse or guilt sets into motion a plan to avenge the murders of his wife and son. He is ruthless and unforgiving; no one will survive his need for retribution. The only thing grounding Nick is his growing love for the woman he holds hostage but Nick never expected to survive at the end.

I am not from Michigan but I grew up aware of Detroit’s reputation as the ‘murder capital of USA’ and the ‘Devil’s Night’ path of destruction and chaos. Our family would watch the fall out from a night where the criminal element, as well as the copy-cats who destroyed a little bit more of the city of Detroit. Keri Lake weaves a fictional tale of retaliation that is centered in and around the Devil’s Night pandemonium and anarchy on the streets-a ‘free for all’ that was all but ignored by the political structure and law enforcement of one of America’s most dangerous cities.

RICOCHET is a story about retribution and revenge; acceptance and moving forward; falling in love and never letting go. It is also about two people whose lives are forever connected; scarred; and emotionally ravaged. The premise is dark, gritty, raw and graphic; the characters damaged, brutal and destroyed; the romance intense and all –consuming. There is a happily ever after but one that comes with a price that is the reality of Nick Ryder.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Confessions of a Queen B* by Crista McHugh-Review and Excerpt

Posted on by
9

Confessions of a Queen B* (Th Queen B #1) by Crista McHugh-Review and Excerpt

Confessions of a Queen B

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / iBooks

 

About the book: Release Date July 28, 2015
Genre: YA

Alexis Wyndham is the other type of Queen B—the Queen Bitch.

After years of being the subject of ridicule, she revels in her ability to make the in-crowd cower via the exposés on her blog, The Eastline Spy. Now that she’s carved out her place in the high school hierarchy, she uses her position to help the unpopular kids walking the hallways.

Saving a freshman from bullies? Check.
Swapping insults with the head cheerleader? Check.
Falling for the star quarterback? So not a part of her plan.

But when Brett offers to help her solve the mystery of who’s posting X-rated videos from the girls’ locker room, she’ll have to swallow her pride and learn to see past the high school stereotypes she’s never questioned—until now.

••••••••

REVIEW:  As Alexis’ school day starts, she happens upon a group of jocks harassing an underclassman. She stops the shenanigans, much to the jocks’ disappointment, because they know they’ll end up on her blog if they continue, along with the pictures she snapped of what was going down. Feeling pretty good about that, she heads into her first class where she finds out that she is going to have to do a project……….with a partner. When she realizes that Brett, the high school quarterback who is part of the “in” crowd is going to be her partner, she is not impressed. But, as they start laying out the parameters of their partnership, he tells her that he’s serious about his grades as well and that she can just get over herself. They’re “parents” after all and have to do what’s best for their “baby”. Yeah, right…………

When the Queen Bee (you know, the snooty head cheerleader) finds out that Brett is paired with Alexis, the barbs start flying. But, Alexis is not swayed. She has an assignment and she will see it through and everyone else be damned. Alexis and Brett start spending a little time together, purely for the sake of the assignment, and it doesn’t seem all bad. However, when Alexis finds out that someone is posting X-rated videos from the girls’ locker room, and her little sister was one of the victims, let’s just say hell hath no fury. When she tells Brett what’s happening, he genuinely wants to help her find out who it is and bring him down. As they start spending more time together, Alexis realizes that maybe Brett isn’t as bad as she thought. “Stupid teenage hormones…..” She actually spends a little time with him at his home and soon finds out that the “golden” child may not have such a “golden” home life, as his father is very demanding and overbearing.

When they finally find out who has been recording the videos in the girls’ locker room, things don’t go quite as Alexis had envisioned. She is out to destroy him, but when they find out a little about his background, Brett implores her to look at the big picture and maybe, just maybe, be a little less Atilla the Hun and a little more understanding. When she finally talks to the principle, she handles the situation as best as she could, and was a little surprised that she could actually be nice. Stranger things HAVE happened! Ha!

I loved this book! Alexis is a great character, even though she has a chip on her shoulder about the size of a small car. When her best friend read her diary out loud to everyone when they were in the seventh grade, she changed. Who wouldn’t? She didn’t let that humiliation define her as much as she was emboldened by it and made it her mission in life to stop the “in” crowd from bullying those that they deemed less fortunate, at least in the social hierarchy of high school. She has a long way to go, though. In her campaign to stop bullying, she is skirting being one herself, even though she is on the side of good. I loved Brett as well. Even though he’s totally taken with Alexis, he doesn’t overwhelm her with liking her. He takes it slow because he knows he’ll have to work hard to win her over. Great supporting characters in this one too. Alexis’ two best friends were awesome and I can’t wait to find out more about them. I normally hate cliffhangers, which this one ended with, but I can totally see why it ended the way it did. More to come…..lots more!! J I could totally relate to this story, as I think most who went through high school would. If you’re a fan of the Young Adult genre, you will totally love this book and the characters Crista has created. No one creates their world like Crista McHugh. In everything I’ve ever read that she’s written, I’ve been pulled into the story from the first word, and you will be too. I just hope she doesn’t’ make me wait too long to see where Alexis and Brett are headed! Well done, Crista McHugh!! Once again, very, very, very well done!!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Vickie M

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

Brett texted me to say he’d meet me at my locker for the doll handoff. I drove to school, my stomach doing little flip-flops of glee, anticipating that Brett would look as miserable as I felt yesterday.
No such luck.
If anything, the jerk looked better than normal.
Damn it.
He grinned and started unstrapping the carrier when he saw me. “Made it on time today, eh?”
“How can you be so cheerful after that thing kept screaming all night?”
“I’ve got the diaper-bottle-burp drill down. Once you have it, you’ll see it’s easier with babies.” He held out the carrier with the doll still strapped inside. “Should I help you put it on again?”
“So you can feel me up in the process?” He was so perfect, it was infuriating, so I had to find a flaw in him. In this case, it was turning his offer to help into a dick move.
“If that’s an invitation…”
Sure, if you want to, that traitorous little voice in my head replied.
“It’s not,” I snapped, ignoring the rush of heat that flowed along the surface of my skin while I tried to navigate my arms through the confusing tangle of straps.
He raised both brows. “Are you always this stubborn?”
“I don’t need a man to help me out with something as simple as this.” Except somehow, I’d managed to put the carrier on upside down and was holding the doll by its head to keep it from falling out.
“May I please help you so we don’t both end up with Fs because you dropped the kid?” He came closer, that annoying bemused grin still on his face, and took the doll out of the carrier. “Just unbuckle it here, turn it around, and secure everything before you try to put the baby in.”
His finger brushed the area along my ribs when he pointed out where I should unbuckle it, and a delicious shiver raced up my spine. I hated my hormones sometimes, especially when they overruled my brain concerning Brett Pederson. It was screaming for me to run away before I made a fool of myself by drooling over him, but I ended up inching closer to him. I’d always thought his eyes were plain brown, but the sun streaming in from the skylight above revealed tiny flecks of green and gold in them.
And those eyes were fixed right on me.
“Yo, Pederson, you’re playing a dangerous game getting that close to her without protective equipment on,” Sanchez shouted from down the hall, ruining what had been a “moment.”
As if I was capable of having a moment with Brett.
“I’ve got it under control,” Brett shouted back before dropping his voice to add, “You’re not going to hurt me, right?”
“Depends.”
“On what?” He wasn’t backing away, so neither would I.
“On how pissed off you’re going to make me.”
“And how would I piss you off?”
He was baiting me. I knew he was, and yet I played right along with him. “Your existence pisses me off.”
“Is that all?” His grin widened.
The asshole was mocking me.
“Do I need to make you a list?” I shoved him back and adjusted the carrier, following his instructions.
“Maybe. How long would that list be?”
I snatched the doll back and tucked it away. “Not worth my time.”
I’d barely made it ten feet before Richard fell into step beside me. “Okay, what is going on between you two, because that was some serious tension?”
“The only tension between us is the one in my arm that’s keeping me from slapping that arrogant little smirk off his face.”
Richard pretended to cover his mouth, mimicking a shocked expression. “Oh my God, you’ve progressed to violent thoughts. Do we need to schedule an intervention at the fro-yo place this afternoon so we get all that hostility out over a cup of mocha chocolate chip?”
“No, thank you.” I liked my hostility right where it was. It was the only thing keeping me from admitting that yeah, maybe I was slightly attracted to Brett.
I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see Summer looping her arm through his. The message was as clear as day. He was hers, and I had no chance in hell of ending up with someone like him.
Not that I’d want to. It would mean I’d have to be nice to Sanchez and the rest of the team.
But that didn’t keep me from thinking about how things might be different if we weren’t in this tiny microcosm of hell called high school.

 

 

About the Author Black and rose

crista mchugh pictureCrista McHugh is an award-winning author of fantasy and romance who writes heroines who are smart, sexy and anything but ordinary. She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

She is an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the Greater Seattle Chapter and the Seattle Eastside Chapters), and Romance Divas.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Share

A Wedding on Primrose Street (Life in Icicle Falls 7) by Sheila Roberts-a review

Posted on by
8

A WEDDING ON PRIMROSE STREET (Life in Icicle Falls #7) by Sheila Roberts-a review

A Wedding on Primrose Street

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 28, 2015

There’s nothing like a wedding!

The joy, the fun, the memories—the stress. As a wedding planner, Anne Richardson has seen mothers of the bride turn into Momzillas, and she’s determined not to do that when it’s her daughter’s turn to get married. But once Laney gets engaged, all bets are off. Anne becomes obsessed with giving Laney the perfect wedding she herself never had. And that wedding needs to be held in Icicle Falls at Primrose Haus, the perfect setting.

Roberta Gilbert, owner of Primrose Haus, has been hosting events at her charming Victorian for thirty years. She’s an expert on weddings, but not on mother-daughter relations. When her daughter, Daphne, comes home and decides to help with the business, the receptions become truly memorable—and not in a good way. Then there’s the added complication of Roberta’s gardener, who seems more interested in Daphne than he is in planting primroses…

Tying the knot is a business that has everyone tied up in knots!

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: A WEDDING ON PRIMROSE STREET is the seventh installment in Sheila Roberts contemporary Life in Icicle Falls romance series focusing on the men and women of Icicle Falls. A WEDDING ON PRIMROSE STREET is a bit of a departure from Sheila’s romance relationships as this particular novel focuses on the relationships between mothers and daughters-the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking disappointments.

Sheila Roberts takes a closer look at two mother-daughter relationships: Anne and Laney Richardson as Laney prepares for her upcoming wedding and Anne, as a profession wedding planner, wants nothing to do with Laney’s choices: and seventy one year old Roberta Gilbert, and her thrice divorced daughter Daphne whose personal life has imploded leaving Roberta to pick up the pieces where Daphne is concerned.

A WEDDING ON PRIMROSE STREET is a bit of a slow build that focuses on mother –daughter relationships using flashbacks, memories, dreams and recollections. Roberta’s own relationship with her mother was strained and virtually non-existent most of her adult life but with it comes the realization that the apple doesn’t fall very far from the proverbial tree. Anne, on the other hand, is a wedding planner whose own wedding dreams were quashed with a hasty wedding without any pomp and ceremony-Anne is unknowingly trying to live vicariously through her own daughter’s wedding and in this Laney begins to put up walls between her mother and herself.

The premise is at times heartbreaking knowing that some mother-daughter relationships are irrevocably destroyed while others are strengthened through understanding and love. The premise may be familiar to many readers whose own relationships are contentious whether it be through wedding planning-momzillas and bridezillas-or through the daily struggles between mother and daughter.

A WEDDING ON PRIMROSE STREET is more of a chic-lit storyline with relateable issues, characters, struggles and dreams. Sheila Roberts writes an encouraging, hopeful and impassioned story where sometimes taking a step back is the only thing keeping the love alive between two people tied together by more than blood. The ending was not unexpected in my opinion, as it was building from the very start.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Edge of Darkness Anthology by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne & Lori Herter-a review

Posted on by
10

EDGE OF DARKNESS Anthology by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne & Lori Herter-a review

Edge of Darkness

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

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date August 4, 2015

Dark Crime by Christine Feehan

Blaze knows who killed her father and she has merciless plans for payback. Until a phone call from a seductive stranger pleads with her to wait. Retribution is in his blood, too. Now, he and Blaze will be united in the blood of the guilty. Tonight, vengeance is theirs.

REVIEW: DARK CRIME is the latest installment (26.5) in Christine Feehan’s CARPATHIAN paranormal romance DARK series and reads like a full length storyline. This is Carpathian Maxim Volkov and bar owner Blaze McGuire’s storyline. DARK CRIME can be read as a stand alone (with some difficulty) but if you are not familiar with Ms. Feehan’s DARK series some background information may be necessary for cohesion and familiarity with the Carpathian history. The storyline takes place in Chicago, Illinois.

Christine Feehan introduces several new characters to her series with Maxim and Blaze’s storyline. Maxim is an ancient, who along with his fellow Carpathians Tariq Asenguard and the triplets- Mataias, Lojos and Tomas- find themselves on the hunt for a master vampire whose minions are wreaking havoc with business owners, the homeless and missing children. Blaze and her best friend Emeline are the vampire’s next intended victims.

DARK CRIME is an erotic paranormal romance with scenarios of graphic violence involving women and children, as well as the usual vampire blood shed, death and destruction. The $ex scenes are provocative and erotic-another ancient Carpathian has found his lifemate following hundreds of years of no emotions and no color; the romance is very quick to build and easily accepted by the storyline heroine; the revelation of the master vampire brings with it a former enemy who has made a pact with the devil.

Sadly, I do have an issue with Christine Feehan’s lack of originality when it comes to her storyline character’s names. This has been a major bone of contention for me throughout all of her series as well as using the same names between series e.g. Stefan has been used 3 times in the DARK series, as well as in 3 of her 4 other series. Duplication of names and their derivatives is a constant in the DARK series: Matias twice; Matt /Matthew 4 times; Henry and derivatives 4 times; John 4 times; Paul 4 times; Peter 4 times; Robert or Roberto 5 times; Tom/Thomas 5 times; and the list goes on). Maxim is a name that has been used twice in the DARK series for major characters-once for an ancient Carpathian-Maxim Malinov- who turned vampire and was killed, and now with Maxim Volkov in Dark Crime. The duplication can lead to confusion, especially with the similarity between surnames as well.

•••••••••••••••••••

Dead by Twilight by Maggie Shayne

Bloodsuckers may be an accepted minority but one of them is getting away with murder. Until a female vamp teams with a mortal detective to end the killing spree. Now the night belongs to them—and so does every pleasure and danger lurking in the shadows.

REVIEW: DEAD BY TWILIGHT is Maggie Shayne’s latest novella in her Wings in the Night: Reborn paranormal, romance series. This is vampire/cop Chloe Madison, and Officer Shepherd Daniels storyline that focuses on the formation of the Vampire Crimes Unit and the hunt for a rogue vampire on a killing spree throughout the town.

Chloe is a reluctant vampire; turned on the night of her senior prom in 1955; and a woman who refuses to be a predator in a world where vampires are at the top of the proverbial food chain. When Chloe and Shep are tasked with investigating a series of killings by a rogue vampire, Chloe knows that to reveal her true nature would mean the end to her career and a potential target on her head.

Maggie Shayne invites the reader into her entertaining world of vampires with a little bit of humor and romance; mystery and suspense. The storyline covers about 24-48 hours in the life with a prologue that looks at Chloe’s initiation into the world of vampires and blood.

•••••••••••••••

Cimarron Spirit by Lori Herter

While excavating an Anasazi ruin, archeologist Annie Carmichael uncovers the resting place of a centuries-old vampire who finds in Annie the liberating mate he has longed for. But how much is Annie expected—or willing—to surrender for the man she now desires?

REVIEW: CIMARRON SPIRIT is part 1 of Lori Herter’s paranormal Cimarron Series. This is five hundred year old vampire Rafael de la Vega, and archeologist Annie Carmichael’s story-a story of forbidden love with a slight love triangle premise.

Annie is an archeologist who has been excavating an ancient Anasazi site near Phoenix, Arizona but what Annie uncovers is nothing short of unbelievable. While living and digging on Brent Logan’s ranch, Annie finds herself torn between what is safe, and what it is she wants. Rafael de La Vega, Brent’s closest neighbor and the man with whom Brent has been in a legal tug of war, is a vampire who calls to Annie’s heart.

CIMARRON SPIRIT introduces the major characters of Lori’s Cimarron series, Rafael’s history, his years as a lone vampire, and his need for Annie Carmichael. Annie is a divorcee who was about to settle down with a man she did not love until Rafael showed her what it was like to be a part of his world.

CIMARRON SPIRIT is part one in Lori Herter’s paranormal Cimarron romance series and thusly ends rather abruptly without explanation. To read about what happens to our storyline couple Cimarron Secrets –part 2-will be released August 7, 2015.

•••••••••••••••••••

EDGE OF DARKNESS looks at three distinctively different writing styles from three paranormal romance authors. Feehan and Shayne offer up works from existing series, while Herter introduces a new series about vampire Rafael de la Vega. Christine Feehan’s DARK CRIMES is infinitely more detailed, and sexually graphic with scenarios of violence against women and children; Shayne and Herter barely touch upon the sexual aspects of their storylines.

I will admit my interest in this anthology has everything to do with Christine Feehan’s DARK CRIMES-a series I have been reading for a number of years. Shayne and Herter’s novellas add some quick, light reads for those that enjoy a little bit of paranormal romance without the sexually erotic factor.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Fatal Pursuit (Aegis Security #3) by Elisabeth Naughton-a review

Posted on by
9

FATAL PURSUIT (Aegis Security #3) by Elisabeth Naughton-a review

Fatal Pursuit

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 28 , 2015

Five years ago, Aegis Security op manager Marley Addison’s lover died in a South American raid gone horribly wrong…or so she thought. When she receives a phone call telling her that he is still very much alive and in danger, she vows to bring him home safely, even if Aegis CEO and former Navy SEAL Jake Ryder has kept her out of the field for the last few years. Then Jake shows up in Colombia to help her, leaving Marley annoyed…and more than a little distracted by her alarmingly handsome boss.

As things between Marley and Jake heat up in the wilderness, they discover their rescue mission is filled with treachery. Now the domineering Jake has to rely on Marley for survival. But can she depend on him when their mission takes a shocking and deadly turn?

Fatal Pursuit is the pulse-pounding third book in Elisabeth Naughton’s scorching Aegis series.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FATAL PURSUIT is the third installment in Elisabeth Naughton’s adult, contemporary Aegis Security action, suspense series focusing on a group of former CIA operatives and military personnel. This is Aegis Security CEO owner and former Navy SEAL Jake Ryder, and Aegis Security operations manager Marley Addison. FATAL PURSUIT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is imparted where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jake and Marley) FATAL PURSUIT follows Marley as she attempts the rescue of her former lover Grayson McKnight- a man she believed had died in a military-style operation five years earlier. A frantic phone call from Gray saying he was in trouble finds Marley on a plane bound for Columbia –alone and wondering where everything went wrong. Working for Jake Ryder left Marley emotionally exhausted between Jake’s inability to see Marley for the woman she was, and the head games he played while on assignment. No longer able to suffer in the face of constant rejection and her apparent super power of invisibility as it pertained to Jake Ryder, Marley made the decision to rescue her former boyfriend-all on her own-proving to herself and anyone who cares that she is just as capable in the field as everyone else. But Jake wasn’t having anything to do with Marley’s one woman rescue operation, and finds himself in the middle of the Columbian jungle facing gun toting militants and frustrated local natives.

Jake and Marley’s relationship is a friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers….well, you get the picture. Jake believes he is not worthy of any woman’s love; he doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t want anything long term as his job takes him to dangerous locations for extended periods of time. Marley is a woman whose attraction to Jake is apparently one-sided, and in this Marley is no longer able to face the man with whom she is falling in love. The push and pull, back and forth, and angst of their relationship is a continuous loop of frustration, miscommunication and impassioned $ex. The attraction to one another is intense, undeniable and intoxicating but Jake’s inability to commit finds Marley on the outside one too many times.. I felt the characters created too much drama in their personal lives thus rendering their relationship difficult and tense. Unfortunately for Jake, Marley makes a decision that will affect all of their lives leaving Jake lost without the woman he loves.

Elisabeth Naughton will captivate your imagination with her style of writing, her characters and her addicting storylines. The Aegis series of romance, action and military style action pulls you onto the pages and behind the scenes of rescue operations and security nightmares. The premise is engaging, fast paced and dramatic; the characters are colorful, inspiring and spirited; the romance and sexual seduction a ping pong game for the mind.

Reading Order
First Exposure
Sinful Surrender
Extreme Measures
Lethal Consequences
Fatal Pursuit

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Share

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
58

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward – Dual Review & Giveaway

The Bourbon Kings Banner

The Bourbon Kings
The Bourbon Kings #1
by J.R.Ward
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Bourbon Kings July 15Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.


Barb’s Review:

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward is the 1st book in her new The Bourbon Kings series. When I heard that J.R. was planning a new contemporary romance series about a rich and powerful family in Kentucky, I was very excited. The Bourbon Kings was a delightful and intense family saga filled with secrets, scandals, murder, deceit, love and nasty villains. This book brought back so many memories of our favorite TV shows of the past…Dallas, Dynasty and Knots Landing.

The Bradford family are the elite in the Bourbon business, and we get to see their lives in the midst of power, betrayals, greed and sexual exploits. But most of all, we watch as things begin to fall apart for the rich and powerful Bradfords. The sins of the father will force the heirs to fight for their survival. I will say that the patriarch of this family was outright despicable, with no redeeming qualities. With a powerful and devious father, who would stoop to the lowest level to get what he wants, not caring who he hurts in his family, it is no wonder that the children were spoiled, or damaged.

 
The story revolved mostly around Lane, the playboy son, who has been away for almost two years, as he comes back home for a family emergency. Lane comes face to face with the women who he cannot forget. Lizzie King works at the Bradford mansion as the head horticulturist, and she dreads seeing Lane after all this time, knowing she cannot let herself fall for him again. The romance in this story belongs to Lane and Lizzie, as he tries to win her back. Edward is the oldest brother, and he is physically and emotionally damaged by a kidnapping years before.   This was very emotional, as we watch his agony. Gin is their sister, and is somewhat spoiled, though she does love her brothers. Max is the other brother, whom we see early on, but then not again for the rest of the story.

There are some secondary characters who also play a big role, such as Chantal, Lane’s spoiled, snobbish, and nasty wife; Samuel, the lawyer friend who tries to help, and is Gin’s true love.

But the crux of the story is the dastardly deeds of the father, who could very well destroy them all. The consequences are staggering for the family, not to mention the many twists and turns that will affect all, no matter if it’s upstairs or downstairs.

I liked the romance of Lizzie and Lane, though I felt Lizzie was too quick to jump to conclusions, causing the romance to falter. I also loved Edward, and look forward to seeing him find a way to rise up again and move beyond his horrific past. This was a very good story, with a lot more to come. I can’t wait to find out what else is in store for the Bradfords, as J.R. Ward does leave us with a slight cliffhanger.  

Sandy’s Review:

THE BOURBON KINGS is the first installment in J.R. Ward’s adult, contemporary, erotic romance series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty family whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. This is Trulane (Lane) Bradford, and Easterly estate gardener Lizzie King’s storyline-a second chance at love for two people from opposite sides of the proverbial track.

Told from several third person perspectives THE BOURBON KINGS focuses on the Bradford family and the preparations for a lavish Kentucky Derby Day brunch but all does not go according to plan. With the return of Lane Bradford, Lizzie’s ordered life is thrown into turmoil when old feelings resurface about the man with whom she had fallen in love. As Lizzie prepares for the celebratory brunch, Lane begins to uncover a family secret that could all but destroy a two hundred year old legacy.

THE BOURBON KINGS introduces the Bradford family of siblings-the victim; the prodigal son; the family whore; and the absent child. Physically and emotionally damaged eldest brother Edward, once the heir apparent, hides in the face of betrayal and pain; spoiled sister Virginia whose own secrets are hidden beyond the walls of the family Estate; and the absent brother Max, of whom, we know nothing about. The family secrets are a dark and dangerous cesspool of abuse, lies, cheating and scandal, and no one in the family goes unscathed or untouched. Lane’s best friend Jeff comes in to help uncover the depth of financial ruin; and Chantal Bradford is an evil princess who has eyes on the ultimate prize. We are also introduced to Sutton Smythe whose love for the once beautiful and heroic Edward has never waivered in the face of unrequited feelings. A large number of Easterly Estate employees fear reprisal and punishment from the Bradford family patriarch-a man whose sins are more dangerous and darker than most.

JR Ward ‘s THE BOURBON KINGS is an escape into the lives of the rich and famous; the privileged; the spoiled; the judgmental side of the entitled few. There is a propensity for stereotyping the affluent, and with it comes the perceived notion of acceptable discrimination, snobbery and the designated rights granted to the wealthy and well-to-do. Dynasty meets Dallas meets The Bourbon Kings of Kentucky-JR Ward’s new series is the updated version of the 80’s late night serials we secretly loved to watch. Saying that, the romance took a backseat to the drama that engulfed the Bradford/Baldwine family. I am looking forward to Edward’s story as heartbreaking as it is going to be.

Because THE BOURBON KINGS is a detailed and elaborate, introductory storyline, the premise followed several intersecting plotlines that allowed the reader a sneak peak at future stories, romances, and the potential fall out of financial disaster and personal ruin. There is some major info dumping in this first installment. J.R. Ward’s style of writing is familiar  with THE BOURBON KINGS of Charlemont, Kentucky.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

giveaway
J.R. and her publisher are graciously offering a hardcover copy of THE BOURBON KINGS 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 J.R. Ward on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 28 to July 31, 2015

Share