Monthly Archives: August 2015

Consumed (Lost in Oblivion 3.5) by Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott-a review

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CONSUMED (Lost in Oblivion 3.5) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Consumed

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2015

Is it better to burn out or fade away…

Oblivion lead singer Simon Kagan is used to being in the spotlight for his model good looks and his voice, not because of the epic ending to Oblivion’s last show on their home turf in California. That unforgettable night rocked Oblivion in more ways than one, and now the journey back seems almost impossible.

The only bright spot is Margo. Margo, the one woman he’d been sure would never be more than a hot ride in the dark. Margo, who would never be his.

Except she is…for now. But taking one dream and trading it for another isn’t supposed to hurt this much.

As long as Margo never realizes the man she fell for no longer exists, maybe he won’t lose everything that matters due to just one all-consuming night.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: CONSUMED is part 2 of Simon Kagan and Margo Reece’s storyline in Cari Quinn /Taryn Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION new adult, contemporary erotic, romance rock series focusing on the members of the rock band Oblivion. Their continuing story picks up immediately upon the events of DESTROYED (Lost in Oblivion 3) wherein Simon had just collapsed on stage during a concert, and therefore CONSUMED should not be read as a stand alone.

NOTE: If you have NOT read DESTROYED, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Simon and Margo) CONSUMED focuses on Simon’s recovery following surgery to correct the continuing damage Simon has inflicted upon his vocal chords and throat. Margo arranges a trip to the islands in the hopes of some R&R but in doing so has sold her soul to the devil as payment for the favor. The storyline follows several weeks in the relationship (excluding epilogue) between Margo and Simon, and the potential fall out for a man whose singing career may have come to an end.

CONSUMED is the story about one man’s introspective into his life and his career: his future, the music, the band, the alcohol and sex. Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott get up close and personal with Simon and the woman that he loves as they eek out a seemingly normal existence on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands. But Simon becomes restless and finds himself in front of the camera but for an entirely different story.

The relationship between Simon and Margo is highly erotic, intense, provocative and seductive. The $ex scenes are numerous and graphic-our couple spend most of their time in bed, up against a wall, on the beach, on the floor…. well, you get the idea. There is nothing off limits between Margo and Simon, and I had to wonder if all there was between them was a fantastic $ex life and nothing else. Their sexual compatibility cannot be denied but there is something to say about their silent communication on an entirely different level.

All of the previous storyline characters and couples play a secondary and supporting role: Jazz and Gray, Deacon and Harper; producer Donovan; and Lila Shawcross-the band’s publicist-who continues to keep the band from imploding in front of the media and paparazzi. Nick Crandall’s volatile persona begins to push a few buttons and in this Nick’s story will be the focus of SHATTERED (book 4)-his attraction to Lila has not gone unnoticed by the band.

For those of you who have read the series, and are wondering about Snake and his current situation, very little is revealed. Snake is but an afterthought to the premise of CONSUMED. I am thinking Snake needs his own story (or novella); one that we know will not end with a happily ever after.

CONSUMED is a sexually charged, erotic romance storyline about two people from different backgrounds who fall in love despite the odds. Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott have skillfully merged their writing styles resulting in a fantastic series about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Each member of the band will find his or her happily ever after, but the road to happiness and love is filled with heartbreak and pain. CONSUMED gives Margo and Simon their happily ever after-for now-but there is still more story to come!

Lost in Oblivion

Reading Order and previous reviews
Seduced
Rocked
Rock, Rattle and Roll
Twisted
Untwisted
Destroyed
Consumed (August 2015)
Shattered (November 2015)
Reviewed by Sandy

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Cocky Bastard by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward-Review and Book Tour

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COCKY BASTARD by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward-Review and Book Tour

cocky bastard book tour

Cocky Bastard

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 17, 2015

He was someone who belonged in my wildest fantasies instead of a rest stop in the middle of Nebraska.

A sexy, cocky, Australian named Chance was the last person I expected to run into on my cross-country drive.

When my car broke down, we made a deal. Next thing I knew, we were traveling together, spending sexually-tense nights in hotels and taking unplanned detours.

My ordinary road trip turned into the adventure of a lifetime. It was all fun and games until things got intense.

I wanted him, but Chance wouldn’t make a move. I thought he wanted me too, but something was holding him back.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for the cocky bastard, especially when I knew we’d be going our separate ways.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: COCKY BASTARD is a stand alone, contemporary adult, romance storyline co –authored by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. This is former Australian soccer player Chance Bateman, and attorney Aubrey Bloom’s storyline.

COCKY BASTARD follows Aubrey and Chance on a cross country journey to California. A chance encounter at a truck stop in Nebraska found Aubrey driving Chance, whose motorcycle was in need of repair, to Temecula, California where Aubrey was about to embark on a new job and a new life. What ensues is a building relationship-friends to lovers-that ends when Chance disappears out of Aubrey’s following a night of $ex and passion in Las Vegas. Fast forward two years wherein Aubrey has moved on with her life but she has never forgotten about Chance Bateman. Chance will reappear into Aubrey’s life, and things don’t go according to plan when Chance reveals what happened during those two missing years, and the realization that Chance had fallen in love with Aubrey.

Aubrey is a strong female heroine who has been burned a time or two by the men in her life. Meeting Chance gave Aubrey the opportunity to learn to trust again but his disappearance left Aubrey heartbroken and pining for the one that got away. Chance’s explanation is difficult for Aubrey to hear but forgiveness does not come easily for a woman who has moved on with her life.

The relationship between Aubrey and Chance is one of immediate attraction and high sexual chemistry but Aubrey refuses to jump into bed with a man she barely knows. Along with Aubrey and Chance we learn a little about their back stories, histories and heartbreaks-it is Chance’s story that will affect his relationship with Aubrey. A trip to Vegas finds Aubrey alone wondering where it all went wrong. The $ex scenes are seductive and provocative, but limited in number.

COCKY BASTARD is a fun read. There are humorous moments, funny banter, and verbal sexual foreplay between Aubrey and Chance. Chance is quick with the one-lines and sexual innuendo resulting in some giggles and laughs throughout the story. Aubrey learns to let go some of her preconceived notions about the man with whom she had fallen in love but trusting Chance with her heart, once again, wasn’t ever going to come easy.

The secondary and supporting characters include Carla the local bartender with a sympathetic ear; Melanie the coffee barista who helps Chance with his seduction of Aubrey; Chance’s sister Adele and her boyfriend Harry; as well as Richard aka Dick –a man who will become an important part of Aubrey’s life. And of course we can’t forget about Pixy-the blind, fainting goat- whose attachment to both Aubrey and Chance continues to grow.

COCKY BASTARD is a delight; an enjoyable and intoxicating look at two people whose lives changed over a bobble-head Obama and a broken down bike. The premise is fun, quirky, and uplifting with a few twist and turns for added drama; the characters are confident and passionate; the romance inspiring and beautiful.

PS. And who doesn’t like Nick Ayler on the cover !!

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

cocky bastard tour 2

excerpt

A knock at the door made me jump.
With a huff, I got out of bed and stood on my tiptoes to look out the peephole. Why were those things always so high on the door anyway? I was surprised to find no one standing on the other side. Maybe I’d imagined it.
Another knock.
I flicked on the lights. The sound wasn’t coming from the entrance door. It was coming from an interior door I hadn’t even noticed before.
Chance’s door.
I unfastened the top lock and cracked it open just enough so I could see what he wanted. And there he stood.
Shirtless.
Wearing only dark gray boxer briefs that hugged him like a second skin.
It took a minute to understand what he was doing there, even though he was holding up a toothbrush in question.
“I thought we had established I wasn’t a serial killer already.”
I opened the door wider.
He smiled.
Oh lord. Stop that. Right now.
“I must have left my toothpaste in my saddlebag in the car.”
I swallowed hard. “Uh huh.”
He cocked his head to the side, and his brows dipped in. “Can I borrow yours?”
“Oh. Yeah, sure.”
He walked past me and let himself into my bathroom. I waited at the door.
“You got an awful lot of girly crap in here for one night,” he said with a jumbled mouth full of toothpaste from the bathroom. “Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia.”
He was reading my Estee Lauder perfume bottle.
I heard him rinse and spit. Then there was a gargling sound. He used my mouthwash, too. Sure, help yourself.
He walked out and flicked off the bathroom light. “Is tuberose a rose?”
I shook my head, still confused by the whole situation going on.
“That’s why,” he murmured.
“Why what?”
“I couldn’t figure out what you smelled like all day. Not sure I ever smelled a Tuberose before.” He shrugged and walked back into his room but not before turning back. “Even those little black lacy underwear smell like tuberose.”
My eyes bulged. I’d taken off my bra and panties and left them on the bathroom counter.
“You…you—”
“Relax. I’m teasing. Do I look like an underwear sniffer to you?”
Yes.
No.
Maybe?
“Night, Aubrey.” He graced me with a dimple and disappeared.
AH-BREE. Damn him.
I locked the door and checked it twice, unclear if it was for my safety or his. His voice saying my name was on audio replay inside my head, getting softer and softer like a soothing lullaby with each breath as I drifted off to dreamland.
Until the knock came again.

about the author

Vi KeelandVi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting New York Times & USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter  /Instagram

Penelope WardPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor before switching to a more family-friendly career.

Penelope lives for reading books in the new adult genre, coffee and hanging out with her friends and family on weekends. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 9-year-old boy, both of whom are the lights of her life. Penelope, her husband and kids reside in Rhode Island.

Follow: Goodreads /Facebook /Twitter /Instagram / Pinterest /Website

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Forsaken (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen 3) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review and Giveaway

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FORSAKEN (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen 3) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review and Giveaway

Forsaken Banner

Forsaken
The Secret Life of Amy Bensen 3
by Lisa Renee Jones
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: August 18, 2015

Forsaken

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2015

In this third book in the sexy, suspenseful “The Secret Life of Amy Bensen” series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, we meet Amy’s brother Chad—and the woman who either loves him or wants him dead.

Six years ago, Chad’s hunt for a dangerous treasure turned deadly when his family home was set on fire, his parents killed. Faking his and his sister Amy’s death to protect her from further retaliation, he set her up in a new life with a friend’s help, letting her believe he’d died.

But now the men who hired Chad to find the treasure have found him, imprisoning and torturing him to learn where it’s hidden. A dark-haired beauty named Gia helps him escape, promising him access to his worst enemy. And as he tries to unravel the deep secrets of the past, he starts falling for her…only to discover she’s not what she seems.

Unable to trust anyone, Chad focuses on only two things: protecting his sister Amy and getting revenge. Is love even possible in the midst of heartache?

•••••••••

REVIEW: FORSAKEN is the third installment in Lisa Renee Jones’s new adult, contemporary The Secret Life of Amy Bensen romantic, suspense series. This is Chad and Gia’s storyline. Chad is Amy’s (aka Lara) brother and one of the reasons Amy has had to go into hiding. Although FORSAKEN can be read as a stand alone I would recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and history as some of the events in FORSAKEN answer many of the questions in the first two installments -ESCAPING REALITY and INFINITE POSSIBILITIES.

Told from Chad’s first person point of view FORSAKEN focuses on Chad’s need to run. Escaping from the people who are currently searching for the ‘treasure’ they believe Chad has in his possession, Chad finds himself allied with Gia-a woman who claims to want the same things as Chad- but a woman who hides many secrets beneath a false bravado. Chad and Gia’s action packed adventure slowly reveals the players in a game of international espionage and domination.

Chad is an anti-hero; a treasure hunter, like his father, whose past dominates his present placing everyone he loves in danger. Following the murder of his parents from a deliberate house fire set by the people gunning for Chad, Chad sends his beloved sister, now known Amy, into hiding. While Chad tries to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, he finds himself falling for the woman whose past is almost as dark as his own. Gia is on the run, and hopes Chad is the man in whom she can confide.

If I had one complaint, it is Chad’s attitude and constant need to threaten our storyline heroine. Chad has issues of trust but his back and forth personality, and deep seated hatred directed at a woman he barely knows was a point of contention with this reader. Sometimes too much is just too much; in the end I had a difficult time liking our storyline ‘hero’.

FORSAKEN is an intriguing, suspense-filled, action packed storyline of betrayal, revenge, power and control. Chad has something everyone wants but only a few are aware of its’ existence. FORSAKEN also reveals the background and history into what sparked Amy’s need to go into hiding, and the players in a battle of power and greed. Chad’s overriding need to protect his sister and Gia uncovers a potential betrayal at the heart of everything that has gone wrong.

Lisa Renee Jones writes an intense, dramatic and revealing storyline. FORSAKEN will captivate your imagination as you enter a world of suspense, betrayal and overwhelming guilt. The premise is exciting and engaging; the characters are colorful and charismatic; their tenacity is relentless. The building romance is emotional and oft-times heartbreaking; the happily ever after has yet to be told.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

Escaping Reality
The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1
by Lisa Renee Jones
Release Date: July 22, 2013

Escaping Reality

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

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of ESCAPING REALITY

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 22, 2013

Infinite possibilities….

Infinite passion…..

Infinite danger….

His touch spirals through me, warm and sweet, wicked and hot. I shouldn’t trust him. I shouldn’t tell him my secrets. But how do I not when he is the reason I breathe? He is what I need.

At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loves to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she’s finally dared to believe she is forgotten–even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets down her guard down, the ghost’s of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing recluse billionaire, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take “no” as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give? And what if there is more to Liam than meets the eyes.

______________

Infinite Possibilities
The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #2
by Lisa Renee Jones
Release Date: November 11, 2013
Genre: New Adult, contemporary, romance, suspense

Inifinite PossibilitiesAmazon.com / Amazon.ca /  Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #2) by Lisa Renee Jones

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2013

Secrets and lies. They are everywhere: haunting her, tormenting her. In the midst of it all, he’d been her escape, her passion. The only person she’d trusted in six years. And then he’d made her doubt that trust, cutting her deeply. But as she’d once told him, she was damaged, not broken. She is ready to fight and not just for survival. She is fighting for the truth and she won’t stop until she has it, not even for…him.

About The author

Jones_Lisa_Renee-1ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which has sold to more than ten countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Lisa’s publisher are offering a papercopy of FORSAKEN 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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5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from August 18-21, 2015

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Here Comes Trouble by Anna J. Stewart – a Review

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Here Comes Trouble by Anna J. Stewart – a Review

 

Here Comes TroubleAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description
Former beauty queen Sheila Tremayne looks dainty, but she’s tougher than she seems. The hard-as-nails business woman is determined to bring down corruption among Lantano Valley’s rich and powerful. Her latest scheme to get technology tycoon Chadwick Oliver is going perfectly until a distraction arrives in the form of Malcolm—the man who broke her heart and who happens to be Chadwick’s son…

Malcolm spent five long years away after his father publicly blamed him for some shady business dealings. Now he’s back to exact some revenge. Reconnecting with Sheila was never part of the plan, but the second he sees her, there’s no way he can resist…

Sheila and Malcolm quickly fall into the sizzling passion between them, but Malcolm has no intention of staying once he’s finished with his father—even if leaving Sheila again might be more than he can bear…



Review:

Here Comes Trouble by Anna J. Stewart is the 2nd book in her Tremayne Family series. I loved the first book (Asking For Trouble ) in this series, and after finishing Here Comes Trouble, I will say this one is just as good or even better.  

This book belongs to Sheila Tremayne, the other daughter in the Tremayne family. Morgan, Sheila’s sister had her story in the first book. Sheila is the one everyone goes to for help to organize all events, and while overseeing the Oliver gala, she spots Malcolm Oliver, the oldest Oliver son, who left 5 years ago in disgrace. Sheila and Malcolm were very much in love when he left, leaving Sheila heartbroken.

Both have their own secrets, which they will eventually confide in each other, as in the long run, it becomes clear that their agendas actually work together. In a short time, they will also rekindle their romance. Sheila will learn the truth of why Malcolm left, and why he is back. Malcolm will also discover who is behind the thief in Lantano Valley, called Nemesis.

Sheila, Nathan, and their father will work together with Malcolm to help him get revenge against his father, Chadwick, who framed him years ago. This was a wonderful story, of a family that is behind the thief, who is considered a modern day RobinHood. Nemisis steals from the rich (usually art work), who cheat and lie, and give to those who are in need. Only Morgan, who helps run a foundation to fund the hospitals and doctors to help children with cancer, has no idea that the rest of her family has been hiding something from her.

Malcolm and Sheila were great together, and so much in love. There is no mistaking their hot chemistry. Sheila forgave him for leaving, but she knew Malcolm did not plan to stay. She did not understand that he loved her, but yet wasn’t willing to stay. We know that Malcolm is hiding another major secret that will threaten to break their relationship yet again.

Anna J. Stewart once again gives us a fantastic story of the Tremayne family and the surrounding characters either part of their family or close. This was a sweet second chance romance, with some heartbreak, as well as exciting with some suspense. I could not put this book down, as I enjoyed every moment. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Deceptions (Cainsville #3) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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DECEPTIONS (Cainsville #3) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

Deceptions

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2015

Olivia Taylor Jones’s life has exploded. She’s discovered she is not only adopted, but her real parents are convicted serial killers. Fleeing the media frenzy, she took refuge in the oddly secluded town of Cainsville. She has since solved the town’s mysteries and finds herself not only the target of its secretive elders but also her stalker ex-fiancé.

Visions continue to haunt her: particularly a little blond girl in a green sundress who insists she has an important message for Olivia, one that may help her balance the light and darkness within herself. Death stalks both Olivia and the two men most important to her, as she desperately searches to understand whether ancient scripts are dictating the triangle that connects them. Will darkness prevail, or does Olivia have the power to prevent a tragic fate?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: DECEPTIONS is the third installment (of five) in Kelley Armstrong’s adult Cainsville paranormal/fantasy series focusing on Olivia Taylor Jones’s (aka Eden Larsen) and her struggles to prove, one way or another, that her birth parents Pam and Todd Larsen may or may not be the notorious serial killers who murdered eight people, over twenty years before. Olivia’s continuing search for the truth finds our heroine facing the past, the present and the future through nightmares, memories, and magical travels.

Cainsville is a small town in Illinois, secluded away from the rest of the world, while its’ inhabitants of otherworldly beings struggle to keep their dying species alive. But a battle between the dark and light finds Olivia caught in a world she knows nothing about and has been forced to make choices that affect everyone and everything that she knows. Along with Gabriel Walsh-her mother’s former attorney and Olivia’s friend and current boss- Olivia continues to ‘see’ omens and portents of death and destruction in her search for answers about her present and her past. Olivia’s visions find our heroine entering the dreamscape and memories of long ago; a void or wasteland of visions, flashbacks and a consciousness that aren’t her own. Olivia will be witness to horrific acts of violence and death; her psyche will be forced to accept that which she is unable to understand. All clues lead to everywhere but nowhere; nothing is as it appears to be. Magic covers a host of sins-some sins run closer to the truth than others.

Once again, Kelley uses Celtic lore, myths, magic, fabled legends and supernatural beings to reveal a storyline filled with mystery, suspense and the fear of the unknown. There are Druids, Elves, Fae and other paranormal creatures all vying for Olivia’s attention-some are portents of death or disaster, while others seek Olivia for their own agendas.

The potential for a love triangle between Olivia, Gabriel and Ricky continues to build although Olivia’s heart currently belongs to only one man. The underlying sexual tension between Olivia and Gabriel is high; the attraction and impassioned desire is intense. Gabriel breaks my heart and I am unsure as to his future happiness, if any at all. I am not a fan of the ‘love-triangle’ trope-someone will always be hurt and in many cases it is the reader whose heart will break regardless of the outcome of the love triangle.

DECEPTIONS is a wonderfully detailed and amazing storyline that reveals many secrets and stories; the truth about what happened years before; and the reasons Olivia’s parents are currently serving time for the murders they may or may not have committed. Kelley Armstrong takes the reader into a fantasy world where the future of Cainsville rests upon the outcome of Olivia’s choices and acceptance. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; mystery and suspense; action, death and destruction. The premise is intoxicating and addicting; the characters are intense, enthralling and magical; the happily ever after is still to come.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

series spotlight

OmensOmens
Cainsville #1
by Kelley Armstrong
Genre: adult, paranormal, suspense
Release Date: August 20, 2013

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of OMENS

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2013

Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

___________

Visions Aug 14Visions
Cainsville #2
by Kelley Armstrong
Genre: adult, paranormal, suspense
Release Date:September 3, 2014

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

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of VISIONS

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2014

As #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s new Cainsville series continues, Olivia’s power to read omens leads to the discovery of a gruesome crime with troubling connections to her new hometown.

Omens, the first installment in Kelley Armstrong’s exciting new series, introduced Olivia Taylor-Jones, daughter of notorious serial killers, and Gabriel Walsh, the self-serving, morally ambiguous lawyer who became her unlikely ally. Together, they chased down a devious killer and partially cleared her parents of their horrifying crimes.

Their success, however, is short-lived. While Olivia takes refuge in the old, secluded town of Cainsville, Gabriel’s past mistakes have come to light, creating a rift between the pair just when she needs his help the most.

Olivia finds a dead woman in her car, dressed to look like her, but the body vanishes before anyone else sees it. Olivia’s convinced it’s another omen, a sign of impending danger. But then she learns that a troubled young woman went missing just days ago—the same woman Olivia found dead in her car. Someone has gone to great lengths to kill and leave this young woman as a warning. But why? And what role has her new home played in this disturbing murder?

Olivia’s effort to uncover the truth places her in the crosshairs of old and powerful forces, forces that have their own agenda, and closely guarded secrets they don’t want revealed.

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Falling for the P.I. by Victoria James – a Review

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Falling for the P.I.  by Victoria James – a Review

 

Falling for the PIAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
She could never trust a cop…

Teacher Kate Abbott’s fresh start in Still Harbor was the beginning of the life that she and her two best friends always imagined for themselves. Still, being a working single parent of a special needs daughter hasn’t exactly improved Kate’s love life. But Kate’s preference for nachos over men quickly disappears when she meets the oh-so-sexy Matt Lane.

Until she finds out he’s a cop.

Matt is a former cop-turned-private investigator, and he knows fear when he sees it. A cop clearly spooked Kate…or hurt her. Still, something about the gorgeous professor catches his attention, and despite his “no settling down” policy, he can’t resist her. But all of the attraction in the world won’t be enough to overcome Kate’s past…

 

Review:

I just loved Falling for the P.I. Victoria James had me falling in love with Matt from the get go, and loving the budding romance between him and Kate. They were just perfect for one another. This was a story with plenty of emotion, learning to trust, letting another into one’s life, and believing in love and the good guy. It was a lovely feel good read for me.

Ms. James does a wonderful job with her character and plot development. She brings us along slowly allowing the reader to meet her star couple and learning who they are and what shaped them into the people they’ve become. The story was very realistic, down to earth, with real issues and drama’s that take place in people’s everyday lives. You could feel the family dynamics between Kate, her sisters and the their kids, as well as, the relationship that is continually growing between Kate and her daughter and Matt. Those scenes with Matt, Kate and her daughter were so sweet they had my heart melting with each interaction. Considering Matt never saw himself having a family after everything that happened to him prior to Kate, just made it all the more special watching him with Kate’s daughter. They make for a very cute family.

The issues and struggles that Kate has with starting a relationship and trying to trust Matt are real and believable. It was very easy to see her side of the big picture and understand where she was coming from, but we could also see Matt’s views on the situation and understand where he’s coming from. There were so many times I wanted to try and solve their dilemma’s for them, but at the same time I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see how they would solve it themselves. In the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. Everything just came together perfectly for me, and judging by the epilogue of the story I can see why this is book 1 of the Still Harbour Series. I’m looking forward to having Kate’s sisters stories told and meeting the men that will give them their HEA.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Beauty and the Bachelor (Bachelor Auctions) by Naima Simone-a review

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BEAUTY AND THE BACHELOR by Naima Simone-a review

Beauty and the Bachelor

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 10, 2015

Billionaire Lucas Oliver is hell bent on revenge. And his plan begins when Sydney Blake—the stunning daughter of his enemy—is tricked into bidding on Lucas at a bachelor auction. Then he serves up a little blackmail…followed by a marriage proposal Sydney has no choice but to accept.

Sydney has been controlled by her family her whole life. When Lucas threatens to reveal her father’s shady business, she is once again forced to do her duty for her family. But worse—oh so much worse—is the rush of lust that Lucas ignites in her blood.

Lucas is determined to make Sydney suffer, but it’s tough when he can’t keep from touching her–or thinking about touching her–all the time. She’s not fairing much better since she’s engaged to a darkly handsome beast intent on destroying her entire family…along with her heart.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BEAUTY AND THE BACHELOR is an adult, contemporary, romantic retelling of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. This is billionaire Lucas Oliver, and socialite Sydney Blake’s storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives BEAUTY AND THE BACHELOR focuses on betrayal, revenge and blackmail. Lucas Oliver is determined to destroy Sydney’s father starting with blackmailing Sydney into marriage. What ensues is a building relationship that begins with a bachelor auction, a series of lies and lies by omission-ones that finds our heroine understanding that she has become a pawn in a financial war between billion dollar enterprises.

The relationship between Sydney and Lucas begins acrimoniously as Sydney feels she has no other recourse then to marry Lucas Blake to protect her father from financial ruin. As the storyline builds so too does Lucas and Sydney’s relationship blossoming from spite to friendship to love but all does not go according to plan when Sydney’s believes that Blake has broken his promise. The $ex scenes are intimate, romantic and seductive.

The secondary and supporting characters include Blake’s best friend Aiden who believes that Blake’s need for revenge will not end as expected. We are also introduced to Sydney’s ex fiancé Tyler Reinhold, and her parents Charlene and Jason Blake. Sydney’s mother is all about appearances and with that comes a judgmental attitude and air of superiority.

The world building reveals two family histories connected by lies, deceit and betrayal. The lifestyle of the uber-rich and famous is wrapped in the clichéd beliefs of dominance and power; and sticking it anyone who gets in the way.

BEAUTY AND THE BACHELOR is an entertaining storyline; an enemies to friends to lovers storyline that begins as an act of betrayal leading to a fifteen year plan of revenge and retribution. The characters are colorful, charismatic and spirited; the romance intoxicating and emotional; the happily ever after passionate and fated when the Beast falls in love with his Beauty.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Scandal Never Sleeps by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS (The Perfect Gentlemen #1) by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake-Review,Book Tour & Giveaway

Scandal Never Sleeps
The Perfect Gentlemen #1
by Shayla Black & Lexi Blake
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: August 18, 2015

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2015

They are the Perfect Gentlemen of Creighton Academy: privileged, wealthy, powerful friends with a wild side. But a deadly scandal is about to tear down their seemingly ideal lives . . .

Maddox Crawford’s sudden death sends Gabriel Bond reeling. Not only is he burying his best friend, he’s cleaning up Mad’s messes, including his troubled company. Grieving and restless, Gabe escapes his worries in the arms of a beautiful stranger. But his mind-blowing one-night stand is about to come back to haunt him . . .

Mad groomed Everly Parker to be a rising star in the executive world. Now that he’s gone, she’s sure her job will be the next thing she mourns, especially after she ends up accidentally sleeping with her new boss. If only their night together hadn’t been so incendiary—or Gabe like a fantasy come true . . .

As Gabe and Everly struggle to control the heated tension between them, they discover evidence that Mad’s death was no accident. Now they must bank their smoldering passions to hunt down a murderer—because Mad had secrets that someone was willing to kill for, and Gabe or Everly could be the next target .

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is the first installment in Shayla Black and Lexi Blake’s adult, contemporary The Perfect Gentlemen romantic suspense series focusing on six friends –Gabe, Connor, Dax, Zach, Roman and Maddox. This is billionaire CEO Gabriel Bond, and IT/computer nerd Everly Parker’s storyline.

Told from several third person perspectives SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS focuses on the investigation into Maddox Crawford’s sudden death in an airplane accident and resulting fall out of rumors, innuendo and accusations. What ensues is the unleashing of a firestorm of information regarding Maddox’s connections to Everly Parker, and the nightmare from years of family secrets, blackmail and international ties. Coded messages, cryptic emails and threatening letters are only the beginning of an investigation where several people will not survive.

Because SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is the introductory storyline there is a copious amount of information supplied to the reader throughout the story. With the introduction of six life long friends-their backgrounds, history with one another, and connections to the political and powerful elite-as well as Everly Parker’s backstory, the reader may feel slightly overwhelmed with the info-dump that tends to run amok in many inaugural stories but saying that, all of the information is necessary as it pertains to their current situation and potential future storylines.

The relationship between Everly and Gabriel is one of immediate attraction; the sexual tension is strained when the truth about one another’s identities is revealed, and the potential for professional suicide and personal regret is high on the list of reasons not to pursue a continued relationship. Gabriel is a man who doesn’t do love but his need for Everly finds our storyline hero desperate for her love and affection-if only he would learn to trust the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are numerous, seductive and erotic. Gabriel can’t seem to keep his hands off of Everly Parker.

The numerous secondary and supporting players all play an integral role throughout the story thusly building a framework for their own future storylines. The prologue looks at six young men –teenage boys- and how the earlier versions of themselves result in a prophetic tale of tragedy and success.

The world building looks into the death of Maddox Crawford-his business, his lifestyle, and the woman that he loved. There is no resolution to the investigation into Maddox’s death but there are a number of potential villains with grudges against Maddox and all of his friends.

SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS looks at the power players and political elite in the world of high finance, government espionage and international struggles. Shayla Black and Lexi Blake’s SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS is an intoxicating read with memorable characters and thrilling action. The twists and turns are revealing and brilliant-get ready to be pulled into the intensity and drama.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

“What are your plans tonight, Eve?”
That was a loaded question. Her current plan included going to a lonely apartment where she could worry about her future and try to figure out if someone had murdered her friend. She could be alone with her fear and doubt . . . but she didn’t really want to. “I was getting ready to leave. What about you?”
“So was I. I thought I’d get some dinner before I called it a night. I don’t think the food here is going to be any good. Giovanni’s is one block over. Italian might be nice. I can promise you won’t have any trouble getting a glass of wine there.”
“You’re asking me out?” It was a little surreal. She saw much more attractive women still in the bar. Why had he chosen her? Maybe he liked a curvier girl. Some guys did.
His face settled into a polite mask. “I don’t know that I would call it a date.”
“What would you call it, then?”
He stepped closer, into her personal space. “Eve, I want to be honest with you.”
Eve. She wasn’t Everly to Gabriel. Which meant that he didn’t expect her to be a good, polite girl. She didn’t have to be shy about what she wanted.
She stood a bit taller and met his beautiful blue eyes. She could see the five‑o’clock shadow darkening his jaw and wondered what it would feel like to brush her fingertips over his face, to run her thumb across that full bottom lip of his. “Honesty is good.”
She wasn’t being entirely honest with him, but it didn’t matter. They were sharing a moment out of time. She wouldn’t see him again. She didn’t even know his last name.
“I’m looking for an escape tonight. I can find it in the bottom of a bottle or I can take you out of here and try to make us both feel good. Why don’t you let me buy you dinner and plead my case?”
He was asking her to sleep with him. A one-night stand. She’d never had one. She’d slept with two men in her whole life, and they’d both been her boyfriends. Sex had been all right, but something about the look in Gabriel’s eyes told her this would be far better.
He wanted to escape. She wasn’t sure from what, but she glimpsed a world of worries and sorrow in his expression that drew her. She understood loss and longing. She knew what it meant to need a few hours of escape. Hadn’t she been wanting that herself?
A single memory pierced her in that moment. Two days before he died, Maddox had shaken his head over her nonexistent dating life. He’d tried to persuade her to let him set her up on a blind date, but she’d said she didn’t have time. She’d needed to get some reports done and go through the purchase orders on the new hard drives and security systems. He’d rolled those piercing eyes of his.
You need to live a little. Your whole life can’t be spent behind a computer screen. Life is often about taking risks. Sometimes you have to leave yourself to figure out who you really are.
She didn’t have to be herself. Not tonight.
“Kiss me.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. She was never bold or brazen when it came to men. She’d never demanded anything sexually of a lover, but she wanted Gabriel to kiss her. She wanted to see if that spark she felt translated to something truly physical.
She expected some discussion, and when he hesitated, she was more than willing to admit that she’d been hasty. Everly was about to shake her head and try to laugh the incident off when he cupped her face and his body brushed hers. He tilted her head up and his mouth descended.
Soft. His lips were soft on hers. Gentle. He moved with predatory grace. His fingers sank into her hair, and her hands seemed to naturally find the lean muscles at his waist. Even through his crisp dress shirt, she could feel the heat of his body. It practically poured off him and into her, warming her skin and making her come to life.
He was gentle, but Everly knew precisely who was in charge. His lips locked onto hers, leading her. A little tug on her hair told her which way he wanted her to move.
Everything about him—scent,taste, feel—made her melt. She forgot where she was, forgot that they were in public. The noise of the bar receded until all she could hear was her own heart beating furiously in her ears. Nothing mattered at all but the feel of his body under her hands, the masterful way he moved her.
“Is that what you wanted, Eve?” He breathed the words against her mouth. “You wanted to see if I can kiss? I can give you more. I don’t simply want to kiss your lips. I want to strip you down and find out if you’re as sweet and soft everywhere as you look. I want to run my tongue over your skin until I memorize how you taste. I want to kiss you so long and hard that you’ll forget you were ever kissed before.” He lifted his head up and dragged in a breath. “So what do you say? Will you have dinner with me?”
She swallowed. His words made everything but her need fall away. “It’s not dinner I’m interested in anymore.”

 

About The Author beige

Shayla Black and Lexi BlakeShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal and historical romances. Shayla has received or been nominated for the Passionate Plume, the Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence and the National Readers Choice Award. She lives in Texas with her family. Visit her online at  Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi lives in North Texas with her family. Visit her online at Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway beige

There are TWO (2) ways to WIN !!

The Reading Cafe, and Shayla and Lexi’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SCANDAL NEVER SLEEPS 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 open to USA only.

10. Giveaway runs from August 16-20, 2015

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