Hot Point (Firehawks Series) by M.L. Buchman-Review and Book Tour

HOT POINT (Firehawks #10 ) by M. L. Buchman-Review and Book Tour

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Hot Point
Firehawks #10
by ML Buchman
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, military romance, suspense

Hot Point

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2015

THESE AIRBORNE HEROES BATTLE MORE THAN FLAMES

The elite firefighters of Mount Hood Aviation fly into places even the CIA can’t penetrate.

FROM WILDFIRE TO GUNFIRE

Master mechanic Denise Conroy—with a reputation for being as steel-clad as the aircraft she keeps aloft—shuns useless flyboys who don’t know one end of a wrench from the other.

Firehawk pilot Vern Taylor—known for unstoppable charm and a complete lack of mechanical skills—proves his talent for out-of-the-box thinking with every flight. He’s a survivor and a natural-born heli-aviation firefighter.

When Denise and Vern crash together in the Central American jungle with wildfire on one side and a full-fledged military coup on the other, their newly forged partnership is tested to the max. They have each other, but not even their formidable skills combined can protect Denise and Vern from the conflagration sweeping the jungle… and their hearts.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: HOT POINT is the 10th installment in M.L. Buchman’s adult, contemporary FIREHAWKS romantic, action, suspense series. This is Firehawk pilot Vern Taylor, and Mount Hood Aviation chief mechanic Denise Conroy’s storyline. Although HOT POINT is labeled the 10th installment in the series, it can be read as a standalone without any difficulty. Several of the previous installments are indie publications, novellas and short stories that I had no idea existed.

Told from third person point of view HOT POINT follows Denise and Vern’s building relationship-a relationship that surprises everyone at Mount Hood Aviation but none more so than Denise herself. Denise had a reputation as a quiet, hard nosed mechanic with very little social graces or friends to count as her own. When Vern offers Denise a ride along on their latest fire fighting mission, sparks fly and Denise begins to have second thoughts about what it is she wants from life.

The relationship between Denise and Vern is one of friends to lovers as our couple must navigate the wild fires of America, and a military coup in the jungles of Honduras. Denise’s past is riddled with personal self doubt, loss and a previous relationship that all but destroyed her ability to love- she has some misgivings about her involvement with a Firehawk pilot. Vern is a man whose taste in women is dramatically in opposition to the woman who calls to his heart. ML Buchman’s heroines have an inner strength, and are capable of handling whatever the hero throws in her direction. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive but mostly implied-there is much to be said about the reader using his/her imagination.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jeannie and Cal (Full Blaze); Carly and Steve (Pure Heat); a well as Majors Emily and Mark Henderson, from the original Night Stalkers series. Many of the characters cross over between series and storylines as well as the ‘secondary mission’ that involves secret government assignments where the select few find themselves in life and death situations. The interaction between the men and women is friendly with camaraderie and love.

As in all of ML Buchman’s storylines, the technical detail and terminology is infinite, vast and continuous from firefighting lingo, helicopter technology, and military jargon. The fire fighting sequences are elaborate; the helicopter mechanics are intricate and analytical.

HOT POINT has a little bit of everything: romance, love, family and friendships, mystery, and suspense. ML Buchman pulls the reader into the action where the heat of the flames burns the storyline images into the mind. The premise is exciting and riveting; the characters colorful, enjoyable and realistic; the romance is passionate.

Check out some of Sandy’s reviews in the Firehawks series

Pure Heat
Full Blaze
Hot Point

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post=Black and Red

MOUNT HOOD Aviation Profile

Full Name: Vern Taylor
Occupation: Firehawk pilot
Height: 6’
Hair Color: dark brown
Eye Color: dark brown
Age: 29
Originally from: Vashon Island, Washington

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

Not much to describe really. I like helicopters. Old Yuri taught me in his little Bell 47 Angel of Mercy back when I was kid and I never really stopped. Moved on to the Augusta Westland with the Coast Guard. Did three tours for them and now four years flying to fire. People all the time ask me why I do something so dangerous. It’s not dangerous, I tell them. You fly careful, you fly clean, have an ace mechanic and let life bring whatever she’s going to bring. Seems pretty easy to me.

What is the hardest part of your job? What is the most rewarding?

Hardest part of the job is staying on your toes. Whether it’s a USCG patrol or a wildfire, the hours are never short. Keeping your focus in back-to-back-to-back sixteen-hour days, that’s what the job is about. But the payoff is huge. When I fly over someone’s farm and I look down to see that their house or their barn or even their town is still standing because of something I did, well that’s a sweet feeling.

When not working, how do you spend your time?

Never really was good at much other than flying. I bought a sweet car, a ‘Vette—my girl is bronze-colored. Sometimes we’ll cruise to the bar because the old, “I fly helicopters to wildfire,” sure sweeps pretty tourist girls off their feet. But more often, I’ll go out on the back country roads. Not even fast. Just roll down the window, put on a little Buffet or Clapton, and let the world roll by.

If money was no object and you had 3 weeks of vacation what would you do with your time?

Don’t know as the money would make any real difference. But the vacation is easy. An interesting lady, a nice place in the country, a little peace, and a lot of time. I should mention a strong preference that they serve truly exceptional coffee.

About The Author Black and Red

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

ML BuchmanM. L. Buchman has over 25 novels in print. His military romantic suspense books have been named Barnes & Noble and NPR “Top 5 of the year” and Booklist “Top 10 of the Year.” In addition to romance, he also writes thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction.

In among his career as a corporate project manager he has: rebuilt and single-handed a fifty-foot sailboat, both flown and jumped out of airplanes, designed and built two houses, and bicycled solo around the world.

He is now making his living full-time as a writer, living on the Oregon Coast with his beloved wife. He is constantly amazed at what you can do with a degree in Geophysics. You may keep up with his writing at www.mlbuchman.com.

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Maps, Artifacts and Other Arcane Magic (Dowser 5) by Meghan Ciana Doidge-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

MAPS, ARTIFACTS, AND OTHER ARCANE MAGIC by Meghan Ciana Doidge-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Maps, Artifacts, and Other Arcane Magic
Dowser Series #5
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Genre: adult, paranormal
Release Date: July 23, 2015

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About the book: Release Date July 23, 2015

One treasure down, two to go …

Three months ago, I nearly lost my best friend while retrieving the first instrument of assassination. I also inadvertently released a rival who was definitely unhinged, way more powerful than me, and obsessed with harnessing the deadly power of the artifacts I’d been tasked by the guardian dragons to collect.
Add a sexy sentinel and a nearly immortal vampire to the mix, and what could possibly go wrong?

••••••••••••••••

Review: MAPS, ARTIFACTS AND OTHER ARCANE MAGIC is the 5th book in Meghan Ciana Doidge’s Dowser series. Wow, that title is a mouthful!! I will give you my favorite reason for reading this novel: Kett is back!!! *happy dance* Yes!! Our Ancient, nearly immortal vampire and self- appointed Mentor is back in the thick of the action! Jade loves her chocolate, but I love Kett’s peppermint infused presence!

Jade is off to find the second instrument of assassination. These are items that can kill a powerful Dragon, that’s why the guardians are using her to find and contain them. Jade is opening her eyes to the blatant discrimination or distrust against her at times, she is only a half dragon, but she is studying the map to find the next location. Someone else is obsessed with the deadly artifact and Jade’s powers and soon Jade is face to face with the young Dragon that she freed in the last novel, but this kid is not so kind or innocent, she is downright nasty and unhinged!! I love her nickname of the “Rabid Koala”! This new rival practically destroys the cupcake shop!

Jade, Warner and Kett decipher the location of the next artifact which leads them to San Francisco then Peru and the action begins. Without saying too much, this artifact is cleverly guarded in a silver mine, which nulls all magic and along with our Rabid Koala things get tense and exciting. Things are so action packed and exciting, but if I told you more details it would be like eating a cupcake with a bite out of it! You wouldn’t enjoy it as much!

Jade is full of her usually snark and good sense in shoes and chocolate, Kett is wonderful as always. He is prepared to die for Jade, does this hint at love? I’m sure that we will learn more and Warner, our wonderful Sentinel Dragon is loyal and at Jade’s side. This novel greatly advances the storyline of finding all the artifacts and Jade learns her greatest destiny at the end. I hope she is up for her new title!! Plus, there is some steam in this novel, poor Warner is a Dragon raised in earlier times and different morals. Don’t worry, Jade will give him quite an education. I hope you enjoy this latest installment of the Dowser Series! I sure did!!

Reviewed by Jules C

Copy supplied by author

Series Spotlight

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic
Dowser Series #1
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Release Date:June 18, 2013
Genre: adult, urban fantasy, witches, vampires

Click HERE for Jules’s review of CUPCAKES, TRINKETS AND OTHER DEALY MAGIC

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /


SONY DSCABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2013

If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it.

That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

_____________________

Trinkets, Treasures and Other Bloody Magic
The Dowser Series #2
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Release Date: December 27, 2013

Click HERE for Jules’s review of TRINKETS, TREASURES AND OTHER BLOODY MAGIC.

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SONY DSCABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: December 27, 2013

Three months ago, I lost my foster sister, Sienna, to the darkness. As in blood magic and chaos and general mayhem. No one saw it until it was too late, but I should have. Now, I have a wounded heart and soul that I can’t even reveal to anyone around me, because I’m supposed to hate Sienna with the fiery passion of the justified. And I do. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost without her, so unsure of the path I thought I had carved for myself, and so outclassed by the powerful Adepts constantly by my side these days. I’m not even sure if they’re with me for my own protection or because my shiny new powers are rare and valuable. Assuming I ever figure out who or what I am, and how my magic actually works.

Even chocolate can’t save the day every time … just most of the time. At least I’ve got that going for me.

_________

Treasures, Demons, And Other Black Magic
Dowser Series #3
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Release Date: June 11, 2014
Genre: adult, urban fantasy, vampires, witches

 

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Click HERE for Jules’s review of TREASURES, DEMONS and other BLACK MAGIC

SONY DSCABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 11, 2014

I hadn’t set foot in the human world for more than a few hours in over three and a half months. Sure, I was stronger and faster than I’d ever been before, and I had a shiny new sword, but I was seriously chocolate deprived. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey. And the new sword was a problem — to my mind, anyway. It represented all the expectations of a powerful father and a new otherworldly life. A life that wasn’t the one I’d worked so hard to build. It also represented the responsibility I had to bring my foster sister Sienna to … what? Justice? I didn’t know if that was even possible. What I did know was that Sienna wouldn’t stop, and that I couldn’t just leave everything up to fate and destiny … or maybe I was. Maybe I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. If you believed in that sort of thing.

I just hoped that before the chaos and mayhem renewed, I’d manage to get my hands on some chocolate. It didn’t even have to be single-origin Madagascar. I was utterly prepared to lower my standards.

__________

Shadows, Maps and Other Ancient Magic
Dowser Series #4
by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Genre: adult, paranormal,
Release Date:February 26, 2015

Click HERE for Jules’s review of SHADOWS, MAPS AND OTHER ANCIENT MAGIC

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shadows, maps and other ancient magicI had new cupcakes to bake, a new treasure to hunt, and a new dragon in town — literally. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic filling their days with chocolate, trinket collecting, and martial arts training?

Yeah … me.

Because no matter how much chocolate I ate, I couldn’t fill the dark pit in my soul. A darkness born from blood alchemy. A darkness that reeked of the black magic I now knew I was capable of creating.

Maybe it was time to walk away.

But what if there were important things left to do? What if I was the only one who could do what needed to be done?

I wasn’t sure I could handle the responsibility, but as long as I had my chocolate stash and a good friend to back me up, I was willing to give it a try.

Guest Post-Black and Blue

joyinacup

yellowcirtus_cake_RECIPE

buttercream_icing_RECIPE

About The Author Black and Blue

Meghan Ciana DoidgeMeghan Ciana Doidge is an award-winning writer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She has a penchant for bloody love stories, superheroes, and the supernatural. She also has a thing for chocolate, potatoes, and sock yarn.

Novels – After The Virus, Spirit Binder, Time Walker, Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic – Dowser #1, Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic – Dowser #2, Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic – Dowser #3

Novellas/Shorts – Love Lies Bleeding and The Graveyard Kiss

WARNING: author has been known to manipulate characters with chocolate, sex, and fantastical plotting. Readers beware http://author.to/meghancianadoidge

Follow Meghan: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway-Blue:Black

Meghan is offering a signed, papercopy of book 1-CUPCAKES, TRINKETS and other DEADLY MAGIC 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.

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8. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY.

9. Giveaway runs from August 7-11, 2015

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Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews – a Review

Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

Magic Shifts
Kate Daniels series – Book #8
by Ilona Andrews
Release Date: August 4, 2015

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Description
After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

 

Review:

Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews is the 8th book in their wonderful urban fantasy Kate Daniels series. I have been a fan of this series from the beginning, and in each book, our heroine Kate Daniels continues to evolve to be stronger, more powerful, and very much in love with our hero, Curran. When we last left off in Magic Breaks, Kate and Curran stepped down as BeastLord and Consort, and left the pack; a new era began, with Kate’s father, Roland now becoming more visual.

In Magic Shifts, Kate, Curran and Julie are living in house in suburbs, getting used to not having the responsibilities of the pack. But any peace Kate envisions, doesn’t last too long. They decide to get involved with the Mercenary Guild, which is falling apart. At this point, one of their pack friends has disappeared, and as a favor, they try to find him, without the help of the pack.

Nothing in this world is easy, as it is filled with magic and creatures, and no one does this better then Andrews. When the magic is up, Kate utilizes her power, which continues to get stronger. She is after all the daughter of the most powerful being in any world, in fact just about invincible. Kate has claimed Atlanta in the last book, as she does not want her father to control and destroy it. The crux of this series at this point is if Kate can find away to stop her father, and whatever plans he really has. She is not fooled by his happiness to have his daughter close by, as she knows he tried to kill her as a baby, and what’s to stop him now.

When trying to find her friend, they come across strange happenings, with creatures trying to kill some cats, then other beings. The protagonist is one of the most dangerous villains, who takes the form of other humans, creatures and a Giant; just about impossible to kill. Kate has to pull in some of her friends to discover what this villain is and try to stop it before he kills all her family and friends.

What I love about this series, besides the fantastic world building, exciting adventures, and great secondary characters, is Kate and Curran. It is so much fun to watch them fight together to destroy their enemies; listen to their fun banter; enjoy how deep their love for each other is, not to mention their hot chemistry. The last half of the book was nonstop pulse pounding action that had us on the edge of our seats to the very end. The duo that makes up the writing team of Ilona Andrews (Ilona & Gordon Andrews) continues to give us sensational stories and keeps us coming back for more, as they leave us with some temptations of the future. The Kate Daniels series is one of the best, and very well written. If you have not started this series, I suggest you do so, by starting with the first book, since you need to see how Kate continues to evolve, as well as her love for Curran.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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For Love & Bourbon by Katie Jennings – a Review

For Love of Bourbon by Katie Jennings – a Review

 

For Love of BourbonAmazon

Description
Along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail lies a distillery that’s a cut above the rest. For years, the Brannon family has perfected their signature whiskey. Ava Brannon, the new face of Lucky Fox Whiskey, dedicates her life to preserving that legacy. When Special Agent Cooper Lawson comes to investigate her father for his ties to the Irish Republican Army, she has no choice but to face the deadly secrets of her family’s past. Only nothing is as it seems, and her burning attraction to Cooper could either be a recipe for disaster or her saving grace.

 

Review:

For Love & Bourbon by Katie Jennings is a wonderful standalone romance suspense novel. I have enjoyed every book I have read by Katie Jennings, as she writes wonderful family stories surrounded by romance, family drama and mystery. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story taking place in Kentucky in the world of whiskey and bourbon. However, I loved this book, and could not put it down until the very end.

For Love & Bourbon is about the Brannon family, who run a distillery that is considered one of the best. Ava Brannon is our heroine, and she is the granddaughter of the founder. Ava is not only beautiful, but she is smart, strong, independent, hard working and savvy. She is the voice of Lucky Fox whiskey, and runs tours every day.

Cooper Lawson, our hero, is an FBI agent sent to Kentucky to find evidence that ties Ty Brannon (Ava’s father) to the Irish Brannon’s. The FBI suspects her father of funding the IRA and their brutal war.

The backdrop of the story is about the grandfather, Joe who grew up in Ireland and left them many years ago to start his in own distillery in America. The Irish side of the Brannon’s are tied to the Irish Republican Army, which will bring the FBI in to investigate the Kentucky Brannons, even though the two families have not talked to each other in all these years.

Cooper arrives in town a day early, and decides to take one of the tours of the distillery. He meets Ava, and is immediately smitten. She too finds herself attracted to him, but keeps it all business. The next day Cooper arrives with his team and they take over all the computers at the distillery and in the Brannon mansion. Ava is not too happy to find out that Cooper is an FBI agent, which threatens to destroy her family with this investigation. Eventually, as she begins to drag out information from Cooper and his partner, she begins to work with Cooper to find out the truth.

What follows is an exciting story, which will escalate into danger, as the truth of the past comes back to haunt the Brannon family. In the midst of this turmoil, slowly Ava and Cooper find themselves becoming romantically and sexually involved, which both know has no future. Will Ava and Cooper find a way to stay together?

The last 1/3 of the book was pulse pounding excitement, filled with betrayals, murder, danger, as the two sides come face to face in a wildly exciting race to the finish. Katie Jennings has done it again, with a fabulous exciting story, a sexy couple, great secondary characters, as well as the wonderful family background. I suggest you read For Love & Bourbon, as I really loved this book, and you will too.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

 

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Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review & Giveaway

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Rough Edges
Edge #5
by Shannon K. Butcher
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

 

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Description
In the world of covert operations, Bella Bayne knows how to get the job done. And with her work coming first, her personal life is coming in a distant second. Even though Bella would like nothing more than to ravish the rugged, handsome Victor Temple, she’s his superior so it’s a strictly hands-off affair.

When Bella gets a solid lead on the location of Dr. Norma Stynger—the twisted mind behind Project Threshold—she must team up with Victor if they are to finally bring justice to the madwoman. But when Norma’s daughter risks her life to help the team, Bella is faced with the impossible task of deciding who will live and who will die…

Barb’s Review:

Rough Edges by Shannon K. Butcher is the 5th book in her wonderful romance suspense series, Edge. When the last book ended, I had thought the next book would be Gage’s story, and he does have a big part in Rough Edges. But Bella is our heroine, and we have waited a long time for her story. Victor Temple is our hero, and he was perfect for Bella, who is damaged goods, thanks to the evil Dr. Stynger.

A brief refresher of this series. Bella is the owner of the Edge agency, who has been since the start of the series trying to find evil doctors, Sage and Stynger, who experimented on young children by brainwashing them. Bella and her team have managed to take care of Sage, but Stynger is still loose.   Bella herself was one of those children, but she has been able to fight off the brainwashing, until Stynger tries to get some of her men to give Bella doses of medicine that will cause bouts of uncontrollable anger. Payton was Bella’s partner at one time, until it was discovered that he knew the truth of what was happening all these years, and now neither Bella nor the team want anything to do with Payton. But since he has connections, and some power, they are forced to still work with him, as he tries to right the wrongs.

Victor is one of the men assigned by Payton to help Bella find Stynger and the victims, as the doctor has created a group of soldiers that are controlled by her. While working with Bella, Victor knows she is desperately trying to find Gage, and her uncontrollable anger keeps popping up. Victor finds himself falling hard for Bella, though she is technically his boss during this assignment. He steps in to help her a few times, and to stop her from losing control.

Gage is now a captive of Stynger, as she is preparing to put an implant into his brain to control him. He meets Jordyn, who is Stynger’s daughter, but she has secretly been trying to help those her mother wants to control escape. It takes Gage a bit to begin to trust her, especially when he sees her put her own life on the line to help him and a young child escape.

What follows is an exciting adventure which follows Gage and Jordyn as they attempt to escape, as well as Victor trying to save Bella from attempts by Stynger’s men to hurt her or to kidnap her. But this is also a romance between Bella and Victor that grew rapidly, despite both trying to fight it. Their chemistry was very hot, and sensual. Rough Edges was an exciting, pulse pounding action filled adventure, as well as having a very sexy romance; the last 1/3 of the book was non-stop action that raced to the climatic ending. I suggest you read this series by Shannon K. Butcher, and you will need to start with the first book.

Sandy’s Review:

NOTE: Some information may be duplicated between reviews

BACKGROUND: The EDGE is a group of elite, military trained personnel who have all been ‘conditioned’ and ‘trained’ as killing machines, and are somehow linked to a 20 year old experimental operation known as The Threshold Project. The Threshold Project was a failure that left many children, who are now adults, on the brink of psychological collapse and physical destruction. The Edge is a private security company backed by Payton Bainbridge (a former member of The Threshold Project), and owner Bella Bayne who search for the victims of Dr. Stynger and Dr. Sage. With the inclusion of female victims of The Threshold Project the Edge series is similar to the premise behind Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series.

ROUGH EDGES is the fifth installment in Shannon K Butcher’s EDGE series. This is US government operative Victor Temple, and Edge owner Bella Bayne’s storyline.

Told from third person point of view ROUGH EDGES follows Victor and Bella as they search for Gage Brink-Adam’s brother (Edge of Betrayal #4) –a man who volunteered to return to Dr. Norma Stynger’s labs but is currently MIA and has not checked in with his new employer. What ensues is the hunt for Stynger’s location and the desperate attempts to avoid the assassins sent to take down Bella Bayne.

Bella’s prime directive is to destroy Norma Stynger for the abuse, torture and experiments she performed for close to twenty years in an experiment known as The Threshold Project. Bella is one of Stynger’s victims and she hopes to give assistance to all of Stynger’s former and current subjects. Victor Temple is a member of an elite group of trained personnel who has been contracted to both protect and aid Bella in her search for Gage and other victims of The Threshold Project.

The relationship between Bella and Victor is one of forbidden romance-Victor is on loan from the US government and Bella is technically Victor’s new employer. Their physical and sexual attraction to one another is palpable but Bella is a strong willed, independent and alpha heroine whose history with men is dark, damaged and heartbreaking. Bella refuses to submit to any man’s demands-both in and out of the bedroom. While Bella likes to be in control out in the field, Victor likes control in the bedroom. The $ex scenes are seductive and captivating.

There is a secondary storyline building as it focuses on Gage Brink. Gage has been imprisoned at Stynger’s compound but becomes enamored with Jordyn Stynger-Dr. Stynger’s daughter-and a victim of her mother’s torture and abuse. When Jordyn offers Gage an opportunity to escape it comes with one demand-Gage must take Jordyn with him.

The world building continues to focus on the men and women who have been victimized by Norma Stynger. As Bella searches for the people whose lives have been destroyed by the evil doctor, Bella herself becomes the target of betrayal and revenge. Her relationship with Payton Bainbridge is strained since the revelation of his involvement with the original Threshold Project and his presence continues to eat away at Bella’s calm and in control façade.

ROUGH EDGES is an intense, fast paced and action packed storyline focusing on an experimental project that all but destroyed the lives of everyone involved. The now adult victims must relive the nightmare time and time again but with Bella’s assistance there may be hope to stop the cycle of pain and torture. The premise is suspenseful and will keep you on the ‘edge’ of your seat. The characters are colorful, animated, impassioned and inspiring; the romance is emotional and dramatic. The intrigue and thrilling final scenes are tense and dramatic. Reserve your seat for the next installment of Shannon K. Butcher’s THE EDGE.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

orangeandbluegiveawayShannon’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ROUGH EDGES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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9. Giveaway runs from August 6 -9, 2015

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Made for Us (The Shaughnessy Brothers #1) by Samantha Chase-Review, Interview and Giveaway

MADE FOR US (The Shaughnessy Brothers 1) by Samantha Chase-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Made For Us

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4,2015

The Shaughnessy brothers—Aidan in particular—have spent the years since their mother’s untimely death taking care of each other and trying to make their father proud. And Aidan has managed pretty well so far. But his father is starting to worry he’s neglected himself. At the age of thirty-four, he is successful and handsome, and he still has no grandchildren!

Aidan’s met plenty of attractive women over the years, but who has the time? It isn’t until he meets Zoe, a designer on one of his jobs, that he starts realizing he wants something more.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MADE FOR US is the first installment in Samantha Chase’s adult, contemporary THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series focusing on ….The Shaughnessy family. This is home builder/eldest brother Aidan Shaughnessy, and designer Zoe Dalton’s storyline.

Told from third person point of view MADE FOR US follows the building relationship between Shaughnessy Construction owner Aidan Shaughnessy and decorator Zoe Dalton. When the previous designer all but destroyed Aidan’s ideas and plans for his new series of homes, Zoe is tasked with correcting the problems and appeasing an irate Aidan in the process. What ensues is a relationship that finds Aidan at a loss as to what to do next. Sixteen years earlier, the Shaughnessy family lost their mother to a drunk driving accident and in the ensuing years Aidan has become a second father to his family of five younger siblings. Aidan is a man who doesn’t like change, and with Zoe’s presence in his life, change is happening at an all too rapid pace.

MADE FOR US focuses on Aidan’s need for control-almost OCD in dynamics-Aidan doesn’t like change or mistakes. When a hurricane catches Aidan and Zoe alone in a small one bedroom apartment, sparks fly, but Aidan’s ensuing guilt finds our storyline hero running away from a future that he refuses to accept or comprehend. In the process, Aidan will lose Zoe but not before further destroying any hope of reconciliation with the woman he loves. For all of his duties and responsibilities Aidan has a difficult time letting go and it is his anxiety that affects his relationships with family and friends.

We are introduced to all of the Shaughnessy siblings: youngest and only daughter Darcy; brothers Hugh, Quinn, Riley and Owen. Patriarch Ian Shaughnessy realizes he didn’t do his family any favors allowing Aidan to become a substitute father and in the end pushes his eldest son to live his own life and forget about the rest. The local sheriff has the potential for a romantic storyline as well.

The world building centers around the Shaughnessy family dynamics; their love, their support and their co-dependent relationship with eldest brother Aidan. Ian Shaughnessy is a widower who has struggled to raise six children as a single parent but in doing so ultimately became dependent upon Aidan for his help. There is the potential for a new love interest for Ian-let’s hope something comes to fruition.

MADE FOR US introduces the Shaughnessy family with the focus on Aidan and Zoe, as well as some tumultuous interaction between Darcy and her over-protective older brother. The premise is realistic and heartwarming; the characters are colorful, energetic and expressive; the road to a happily ever after finds our hero lost and in need of direction. There is plenty of angst, drama and disquiet right from the start.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

TRC: Hi Samantha and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?

SamanthaChaseSamantha: Thank you so much for having me here today. I am an avid reader of contemporary romance – that’s one of the reasons I decided to write it. You can pretty much guarantee that you’re going to find me working on two or three books at a time while reading at least one. It’s a good thing my family is understanding!

TRC: MADE FOR US is the first release in your new Shaughnessy Brothers series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Samantha: What I love about this new series is how much family means to each of them. When Lillian Shaughnessy was killed, she left behind a husband and six children whose ages ranged from eighteen to ten months. And rather than this tragedy tearing them apart, it made them closer as they clung together to get through their grief. At the point that you’re going to be meeting them, seventeen years has gone by and we see how the loss of their mother still affects who they currently are.

MADE FOR US introduces us to eldest son Aidan. He pretty much took on the task of taking care of his siblings and is the one they all turn to. He’s got a construction business that pretty much takes up most of his time but he’s stayed close to home. When he meets Zoe Dalton – she’s the new designer on his job site – he begins to realize how much he hasn’t been living his life for himself. While Zoe – who is new to the area – is starting her life over after losing her mom to breast cancer.

So really, they’re two people who are at a crossroad in their lives and happen to find each other.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Samantha: There will be six books – one for each sibling.

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

Made For UsSamantha: I think this story was probably the most REAL story – emotion-wise – that I’ve ever written. I am lucky in that I still have both of my parents, so I really had to explore how it would feel if that weren’t the case. Sometimes in a story, it’s mentioned that one or both parents are gone, but you don’t really look into how that loss can still affect you years later. I cried a lot while I was writing – and then remembered to call my parents and tell them I loved them!

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

Samantha: That is never easy to do. It’s hard to come up with something new and different for exactly what you’re asking – and keeping it believable. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you do end up with a predictable plot. The only way to mix it up is – to me – by keeping the dialogue fresh. I love some good dialogue!

For this story, Aidan and Zoe get stranded together during a hurricane. Yes, stuck in a storm together has been done a million times. However, it’s what happens between the two of them during that time – the things that they say and do that aren’t all about the bedroom – is what keeps things fresh. That, coupled with thinking about your actual life and keeping yourself grounded to that and not being outlandish helps.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Samantha: Absolutely! I know that for myself as a reader, the cover plays a huge part in my decision to purchase a book or not, but it’s not the only factor. I know there are certain authors whose books I’ll read without looking at the cover at all – I just love their work and the cover isn’t an issue. If the premise and plot sound interesting, I’ll give it a try. Hopefully other readers feel that way too.

MadeForUsGraphic

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

Samantha: People think I’m crazy when I say it, but it is primarily the characters directing me. I can plot out a book and then find it going in a completely different direction as I’m writing it because my characters are taking me in a direction I never even thought about. I love when that happens!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Samantha: Thank you so much for having me to The Reading Café today! This was great!

TRC: Thank you Samantha for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release and new series.

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Strong Enough (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #1) by M. Leighton-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

STRONG ENOUGH (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #1) by M.Leighton-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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Strong Enough
Tall, Dark and Dangerous #1
by M. Leighton
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romantic suspense
Release Date: August 4 2015

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Strong Enough

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2015

Is she strong enough to trust the most dangerous man she’s ever met? And is he strong enough to let her?

How would I describe myself? Well, I’m Muse Harper. I’m a twenty-something painter who loves red wine, quirky movies, and men with a fatal flaw. But that was before I met Jasper King. He became my fatal flaw. Eight months ago, I had a choice to make—abandon everything I’ve ever known to protect my family, or stay and risk someone getting hurt. I chose the former. My plan was working just fine until I found out my father had gone missing.

That’s when I met Jasper. A bounty hunter with the eyes of a tiger and the nose of a bloodhound, he was supposed to help me find my father. What I didn’t know was that meeting him was no accident. Hunting people isn’t all that Jasper does. And helping me was only part of his plan. I just wish I’d found out sooner, before my heart got involved. But even then, I don’t know if I’d have done things differently.

Now, I have another choice to make—trust the man that I’m falling in love with and hope that he’ll do the right thing, or run as far away from him as I can get.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: STRONG ENOUGH is the first installment in M. Leighton’s adult, contemporary Tall, Dark and Dangerous erotic, romantic suspense series. There is a slight cross over between Tall, Dark and Dangerous and her Bad Boys series. This is bounty hunter/hired assassin Jasper King, and painter Muse Harper’s storyline. You do not have to have read Leighton’s BAD BOYS series to follow the premise.

Told from dual points of view (Muse and Jasper) STRONG ENOUGH follows Muse and Jasper as they go in search of Muse’s missing father. When their monthly phone call to one another goes unanswered Muse hires Jasper King to help in the search for the only family she has left in the world. What ensues is a cross country trek where Muse will discover Jasper’s dangerous secrets; his abusive past; and the truth about his agreement to help find her father.

Jasper is a man with a dark past that has formed the ruthless and brutal man that everyone sees. His history is tainted with abuse, murder and desolation; his future may be as short as the next twenty-four hours. Muse is a young woman in hiding. Her father shipped his only daughter away but circumstances have brought Muse back into his life and now everyone will be targeted in a plan to keep secrets from being exposed. Jasper is not the only gun for hire-there are others searching to destroy the woman with whom Jasper has fallen in love.

The attraction between Jasper and Muse is sexually charged. Jasper is model worthy material and with it comes the $ex appeal and dangerous bad boy persona that attracts men and women for miles around. But Jasper has eyes for only one woman and Muse is in more trouble than she could possibly imagine. The $ex scenes are erotic, sometimes aggressive but always consensual and seductive.

The world building focuses on the past, the present and the future: the who, the what, and the why. Jasper’s connection to Muse goes much deeper than an assignment to find her father-Jasper is looking for her father as well.

We are introduced to several supporting and secondary characters including Jasper’s former military team as each member is targeted in a game of murder and revenge. Keifer Rogan’s story is next. The storyline prologue is raw, emotional, heartbreaking and intense but sets the tone for the entire story.

STRONG ENOUGH is a passionate storyline about two people whose lives are about to collide; their ill-fated love story will spiral out of control when the truth is revealed leaving a broken hearted Muse on the run and alone without the man that she loves. The premise is full of suspense, mystery and drama; the characters are dark, dangerous and charismatic; the romance electric and intense. M. Leighton will captivate your imagination with the introductory storyline to her new TALL, DARK AND DANGEROUS series.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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About The author

MLeightonNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author M. Leighton is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MLeightonAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mleightonbooks

Website: http://www.mleightonbooks.com

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Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and M. Leighton’s publisher are offering a paper copy of STRONG ENOUGH 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.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from August 5-8, 2015

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All Wound Up by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

All Wound Up by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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All Wound Up
Play by Play series – Book #10
by Jaci Burton
Release Date: August 4, 2015

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Description:

Aubry Ross is way too busy for a love life. But baseball player Tucker Cassidy keeps ending up in her emergency room, and he’s kind of irresistible. Tucker has no intention of playing games with Aubry—he’s dead serious about romancing the daughter of the team owner, even if it does put his job in jeopardy. 

 

Review:

For any fan of Jaci Burton and her Play by Play series this is a must read. I absolutely loved Tucker and Aubry. They were perfect for each other and came off as genuine characters. It didn’t take long for me to be pulled into their story and want them to have their HEA. Both Tucker and Aubrey are fun, passionate, dedicated and love their jobs. Aubry is in med school and very busy being a doctor, while Tucker is a pro baseball player and very busy perfecting his craft to be the best he can on the mound. However, both feel there is something about the other worth getting to know, and carve out time from their busy schedules to explore it. Their scenes together are both fun and flirty, but when they get down to business….fire hazard warning…..you’d best have a glass of ice water nearby. Holy Hanna, does Jaci know how to write a sex scene. I swear the pages were smoking as I read those scenes. Aubry and Tucker are both extremely passionate people when it comes to sex, and aren’t afraid to tell the other how they like it. I’m thinking Jaci must have set a few pencils on fire writing those scenes, LOL!!

There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about either the characters or the story itself. For anyone who’s a sports fan, this series is perfect for you, and I being a fellow sports fan loves this series. When Jaci’s writing a game scene it’s like we’re actually there watching the game, whether it be baseball, football, hockey, etc. I’m always on the edge of my seat, cheering the pro and their team on, wanting the victory for them. It’s very easy to get caught up in the action of the game the way Jaci describes all the nuances and events going on. This is just another reason I love this series and Jaci’s writing. She has a knack for incorporating the sporting scenes with the romance. It just adds another layer of excitement to the story. Plus, she always has a solid core of secondary characters to help further our main couple’s story. Tucker’s family is hilarious, I loved every scene with him and his brothers. The sibling rivalry is present with all their teasing and bantering to one another, but deep down you can feel the love and respect that they have for one another. Plus, the way they seamlessly accept Aubry into their brother’s life and their family is lovely to watch.

In my opinion I’d say Jaci has another hit on her hands with All Wound Up. It’s fun, flirty, passionate and sexy all wound together to create an exciting and fast read. My only let down was when I read the last page, turned it and their wasn’t more to read about Aubry and Tucker. However, I was happy to see that the first chapter for the next in the series was there and it’s about Tucker’s twin Barrett. After meeting Barrett in this one, I can’t wait to read his story and watch him fall head over heals in love and get teased by Tucker. All Wound Up is a fantastic edition to this series and whether you are a sports fan or not you won’t be disappointed. However, if you are a sports fan then the sport scenes are an added bonus for you. The characters were well developed, genuine, real and you felt every moment of their passion for life and one another throughout the whole story.

Until next time, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

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Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ALL WOUND UP to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

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

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from August 4 – 7, 2015

 

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