Monthly Archives: October 2015

One King’s Way (On Dublin Street 6.5) by Samantha Young-a review

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ONE KING’S WAY (On Dublin Street 6.5) by Samantha Young-a review

One King's Way

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

When he’s not working at the club, Craig Lanaghan looks out for his mother and little sisters. So when it comes to women, all he wants is a good time. But once Rain Alexander walks into his life, there’s no denying that this woman could be worth much more than a one-night stand….

Rain’s lifelong regret is having left her sister Darcy alone years ago with a guardian who turned out to be abusive. So when Darcy’s boyfriend publicly humiliates her in a cruel way, Rain’s overprotective instincts kick in and she follows him to Club 39—where she meets a guy who just might be her perfect match.

The chemistry between Rain and Craig is explosive, but Rain is out for revenge, and refuses to be sidetracked by flirtation. As things between them heat up, she’ll have to make a heartbreaking choice between giving in to the man of her dreams or putting her sister’s happiness first…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: ONE KING’S WAY is the latest adult, contemporary novella from Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street romance series. This is bartender Craig Lanaghan, and online business owner Rain Alexander’s storyline. Craig was first introduced to the reader in the introductory storyline On Dublin Street where he was presented as a manwhore and over-sexed, fun loving male bartender at Club 39 who had attempted to seduce Joss.

Told from first person point of view (Rain) alternating with third person perspective (Craig) ONE KING’S WAY follows the building relationship between Craig and Rain. Rain is on a mission to avenge her sister against a man who posted a sex tape that all but destroyed her sister’s life. While Rain sits and waits at Club 39 for her sister’s ex boyfriend to show, Craig will find himself drawn to the most beautiful woman he has ever seen- a woman right out of a 1940s pin-up calendar. Night after night Rain will return to the bar hoping to catch a glimpse of the man who ruined her sister’s life, but what she doesn’t expect to find is her future happiness with a man who has no ambition to settle down.

ONE KING’S WAY is a bit of a flash back storyline as we get reacquainted with Joss and Braden at Club 39. J & B are still in the early stages of their romance and relationship, and therefore the timeline for ONE KING’S WAY falls somewhere in the past.

The relationship between Craig and Rain is one of immediate attraction but Craig isn’t looking to settle down, and Rain wants nothing to do with a one-night stand, or a friends with benefits relationship. As the storyline progresses, we come to learn that Rain is as a romantic at heart; and Craig is a realist with no lofty ideals for the future. The $ex scenes are provocative and seductive.

The secondary and supporting characters include Braden and Joss, Jo, Alistair, Ellie and Adam, Rain’s sister Darcy, and Darcy’s ex boyfriend Angus. We are also introduced to Craig’s mother, and his sister Maggie who push Craig to go after the one that got away.

ONE KING’S WAY is a short story that gives one of Samantha Young’s many secondary characters a shot at love and a happily ever after. But to be honest, the writing style seemed a bit choppy, as though an editor red-inked too much of the story. The dual conflict resolutions appeared rushed; and because ONE KING’S WAY is a story about compromises, it appears that compromise only went one way. Rain’s need for revenge against the man who destroyed her sister’s life, and the way she goes about ‘seducing her foe’ left me with a bitter taste-there were all kinds of issues with what she was trying to do yet she had no clear ideas or plans. Overall, ONE KING’S WAY is a bit of a disappointment for me; a filler storyline to appease fans who wanted something more.

READING ORDER
On Dublin Street
On Dublin Street Christmas (novella)
Until Fountain Bridge (novella)
Down London Road
Castle Hill (novella)
Before Jamaica Lane
Fall From India Place
Echoes of Scotland Street
Moonlight on Nightingale Way
One King’s Way

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Playing With Fire by Alison Bliss – a Review

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Playing With Fire by Alison Bliss – a Review

 

Playing With Fire by Alison BlissAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Nothing ignites a fire like the perfect match…

Anna Weber is every inch the proper librarian–old-fashioned, conservatively dressed right down to her tightly clipped flaming red hair. She’s just moved to a small Texas town, and is determined to spend time with her friend before she has to disappear. Relationships aren’t easy for her. She knows too well what it means to be burned. And the last thing she ever wants to do is fall in love…

Especially not with a fireman who’s hot enough to set the entire state of Texas on fire.

Cowboy can’t resist the fiery little librarian, and he’s determined to make her his. Beneath that prim-and-proper exterior is a woman he very much wants to know–if she’d let him. She’ll test his patience. His control. Hell, his very sanity. And for the first time, Cowboy wonders if he’s found the one fire he can’t control…
 


Review:

Playing With Fire is the second book in Alison Bliss‘ Tangled in Texas series. I haven’t read the first book, but I didn’t think that is was a problem, as it read well as a standalone.

Anna moved into the small town for the position of being the owner of a library, but what her friends don’t know is that she’s really hiding from a man that wants her and only her, so she hopes to settle down and hide here, but she knows deep down that she may have to run and hide again, so Anna is wary and frightened of any new relationships. Anna is soft but she definitely speaks her mind when she has to and she’s not afraid to do that with a pushy but smokin’ fireman called cowboy. 

Cowboy is not only a fire fighter but the he’s their captain. He’s a smooth talker, a playboy, and definitely one you need to be on the lookout for. But underneath, he’s a sweet caring man that just wants more out of his relationships. When he meets the librarian he realizes that she is just what he needs, too bad she’s not interested. 

So his interest doubles. He ups his game, and it’s funny to listen to all the put downs that Anna has for him.  I laughed throughout this whole book, at Cowboy’s attempts of trying  to win Anna over and Anna finding a way after time after time to douse those flames.

All the characters were very well developed, and the plot progressed well with the story. The whodunnit part, I thought was a little predictable, but I’m not going to give anything away. 

The one lingering question that will be on my mind is…. What is Cowboy’s real name? Will we find out in book three? 

I am looking forward to book three in the Tangled in Texas series.  And I may just have to go and look for book one. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Whistle Stop Series (1-3) by Jennifer Faye-Review and Giveaway

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The Whistle Stop Series (1-3) by Jennifer Faye-Review and Giveaway

Whistle Stop Series

Whistle Stop Romance series:
Book 1 – A Moment to Love
Book 2 – A Moment to Dance
Book 3 – A Moment on the Lips
Book 4 – A Moment to Cherish (coming soon)

•••••••••••••••••

A Moment to Love

A MOMENT TO LOVE
Whistle Stop #1
by Jennifer Faye
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: February 13, 2015

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Welcome to Whistle Stop…where anything can and most likely will happen.

The notorious cowboy meets his match…

Cord Lawson instantly distrusted the young woman in a smart suit who’d just arrived in Whistle Stop. She was very pretty and clearly a city girl—but with memories of his failed marriage still darkening his mind, he’s determined to steer clear! But she’s sniffing around his land—land that has been in his family for generations. There was no way he’d let it go—even if the bank was threatening to foreclose, and even if selling could give Whistle Stop a new lease on life.

Alexis Greer had one mission—close the deal on the Lawson ranch; without it, her father’s land development company would go bankrupt. But the word around town is to keep clear of Cord and to stay away from his precious land. What had happened to cause such a handsome cowboy to live such a solitary existence? However, determination was Lexi’s middle name. She just had to keep on trying to breach Cord’s barriers, to appeal somehow to his head and heart—even if it put her in danger of losing both of hers…to him.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: A Moment to Love is a lovely romance story set on a western ranch. Alexis Greer is a smart and competent business woman temporarily in charge of her father’s investment corporation HSG. They’ve started a project for a ranch resort retreat for the umber wealthy, with natural beauty and privacy as part of the draw. They’ve decided on a property listed for sale on the internet that included 200 acres of land and includes a true “ghost-town” in the deal. However, there was a mistake by the realty company in the ad. The rancher Cord Lawson, never intended the ghost-town as part of the sale. It was part of his family’s heritage and he’s sworn to protect it. The nearby town of Whistle Stop is quaint, but its economy is also dwindling and in need of revitalization.

The attraction between the two main characters is instant and strong, although it’s only in their thoughts at first. Both have been terribly hurt by bad marriages or romances. Each has personal problems that have made them loners as well. The author does a marvelous job of building their meetings and attraction slowly through conversations and charming meetings. Even when you think the romance will finally consummate…the darn phone rings.

It’s a really good story of two people who desperately need each other, they seem to just fit together. Life hasn’t been great for either of them and the road to love is full of pot holes. This story is well written with good characters, both first and secondary. Most of the plot and action are in the main character’s point of view and thoughts. There are complications and twists that make the desired outcome seem out of reach. However, never fear…this delightful author has given us a bit of suspense to the very end!

Grab a glass of your favorite beverage, a couple of munchies and settle in for a wonderful ride through the west and a lovely romance. Enjoy everyone, I found it a really good read! Now on to the next…

____________

A Moment to Dance

A MOMENT TO DANCE
Whistle Stop #2
by Jennifer Faye
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: April 28, 2015

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: When trouble strikes…Whistle Stop pulls together

For Ella Morgan, moving to Whistle Stop is a chance to start over, put her horrific past behind her. But now she’s living in a mountain cabin–in dire need of renovation–that her grandmother left her, along with a sizable tax bill. Her job teaching school isn’t going to cover it. She needs cash, and soon.

Volunteer firefighter Tony Granger has returned to Whistle Stop to run the family ranch and be guardian to his orphaned nephew, Johnny. But being a single parent isn’t coming easy, and he’s worried sick he won’t succeed with his plan to adopt the boy, especially if Johnny’s grades don’t improve. He needs a break, and fast.

When Ella finds out Tony doesn’t have a partner for the Dancing With the Firefighters’ benefit–which is offering a large cash prize–and he hits upon hiring her as Johnny’s tutor, it looks like their problems might be solved. But taking dance lessons to win the competition sets alight a burning attraction between them. Can they let go and learn to trust again, or will the scars of their pasts still haunt them?

••••••••••

REVIEW: A Moment to Dance is the second storyline in the Whistle Stop Romance series by Jennifer Faye.

This is Ella Morgan and Tony Granger’s story. Ella is new in town, and a substitute teacher, Tony Granger is a rancher and the fire chief. Tony’s also raising his nephew, his brother and sister-in-law were killed in an auto accident. He’s finding parenting can be a challenge, but is determined family comes first. It was this belief that lost him his longtime girlfriend, she didn’t want to return to the ranch or take care of the little boy, so she left him. Ella is also a bit damaged, she lost her mother and little brother in a fire when she was ten. Her father had left them long before the fire, giving her a unique insight into little Jonny’s issues.

Okay, that’s the setup and I won’t do any further spoilers. Author Jennifer Faye writes a wonderful small town romance that entwines complicated lives, everyday issues and extraordinary danger into a fabulous tale of finding love and healing each other. It’s twisty, uniquely romantic and an incredibly enjoyable read. The writing is well done, the characters are complicated and yet very human. Other characters from previous stories still live in town and glimpses of them in their everyday lives add to the charm and realism of this view of Whistle Stop, NM.

I found myself entranced and wanting to move to this wonderful western town, where people are friendly and everyone knows their neighbors and pulls together. Grab your favorite beverage, a good munchie…maybe from the Poppin Fresh Bakery…curl up to a wonderful romance and adventure. Enjoy everyone…I can’t wait to read the next one!

____________

A Moment on the LipsA MOMENT ON THE LIPS
Whistle Stop #3
by Jennifer Faye
Release Date: October 12, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

Welcome to Autumn Fest…sweet treats, entertaining company, and a tender romance.

Piper Noble feels like she’s going places. Her business, the Poppin’ Fresh Bakery, is a culinary success story. Next on her to-do list is expanding the bakery into the vacant shop next door…and starting a new diet, like her mom keeps nagging her to. But when Joe Montoya steps into her life, her grand plans grind to a sudden halt.

Joe’s taken a big risk returning to Whistle Stop. But with his disastrous marriage over, it’s time for a fresh start, including opening a coffee shop…and coming to terms with his troubled past. Though his neighbor Piper looks like she’ll be a big distraction in getting Fill-It-Up Joe off the ground–with her honeyed smile, curvy goodness, and her unflagging determination to grab his storefront.

However, when Piper and Joe are elected as co-chairs of a fundraising committee to help the town’s revitalization project, the hostilities must cease. Joe’s not sure about spending time with a woman who, one moment, reminds him of all the good things he’s been missing, and the next minute drives him up a wall with her stubbornness. Meanwhile, Piper’s looking for the way to this gorgeous but grouchy guy’s heart–maybe serving him one of her fresh-from-the-oven pastries could be just the right start.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: A Moment on the Lips is the third book in the Whistle Stop Romance series by Jennifer Faye. This is Piper Noble and Joe Montoya’s story. Welcome back to Whistle Stop, NM. Town revitalization project is just starting. The fall fair project is being co-chaired by our main characters…an interesting mix.

In this wonderful installment of this fabulous series Joe Montoya has returned to his hometown of Whistle Stop. He’s purchased the building right next to Piper’s “Poppin Fresh Bakery”, one she was just about to buy and expand her successful business with…oops…

These two have a lot of starts and stops, a very complicated relationship, with two wonderful people who’ve had a few problems with parents being too “helpful” or “hurtful”.

This is a difficult relationship to build, fraught with a bad marriage, a failed engagement, and a whole bunch of misunderstandings. Author Jennifer Faye guides us along this stormy path, delighting and frustrating in equal turns as these two try to find their way to a HEA. It’s interesting, a bit steamy here and there, and filled with fun and disaster.

So, yeah, it’s a really great read. Grab your favorite snackies and drinks and settle into a cozy corner for a lovely read. I’m loving this series…hope it continues!

Copies supplied by the author

Reviews by Georgianna

A Moment on the Lips

About The Author Black and White

Follow: Goodreads/Website/Twitter/ Facebook

Jennifer FayeAward-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming romances. Jennifer has won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her patient husband, amazing daughter (the other remarkable daughter is off chasing her own dreams) and two spoiled cats.

Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.

Giveaway -black and white

Jennifer is offering a signed, paper copy of A MOMENT TO LOVE (Book 1) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe. Each book can be read as a stand alone.

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 Jennifer Faye on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

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

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from October 30 to November 4, 2015

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Union of Sin (Vault of Sin #2) by Eden Summers-Review and Book Tour

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UNION OF SIN (Vault of Sin #2) by Eden Summers-Review and Book tour

Union of Sin Banner

Union of Sin
Vault of Sin #2
by Eden Summers
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,romance

Union of Sin

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 2015

He’ll do anything to protect her. Even if it means letting her go.

Vault of Sin, Book 2

Tate Jackson made a big mistake. No, a monumental one. He picked the wrong place to introduce his wife, Cassie, to the alluring lifestyle they’d fantasized about.

Instinct told him to get her out of the poor excuse for a sex club—but he didn’t. And she was assaulted because of his carelessness. He’ll do anything to protect her from another traumatic experience, even if it means making the agonizing choice to convince his wife he no longer loves her.

Cassie’s not buying it. In fact, Tate is the last person she blames for that horrific night. She’s willing to give him the space he thinks he needs to get his head straight, but when divorce papers arrive, she realizes she’s out of time. She has twenty-eight days to figure out why Tate is ruining a perfect marriage. Twenty-eight days to figure out what he’s hiding. But when she learns the truth, she has to decide if her heart can take the strain of piecing their love back together.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNION OF SIN is the second installment in Eden Summers adult, contemporary Vault of Sin erotic, romance series focusing on three friends-Leo, TJ (Tate) and Brute (Brian)- who own a private sex club known as the Vault of Sin where anything goes between consenting adults. This is TJ (Tate Jackson), and Cassie Jackson’s storyline-a second chance at love and a happily ever after. UNION OF SIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is imparted where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (TJ and Cassie) UNION OF SIN follows the breakdown and rebuilding of TJ and Cassie’s marriage. TJ holds himself responsible for the attempted assault by another male, against his wife, and in this our hero has withdrawn any and all affection leading to the disillusionment of their marriage. Six months after the attack, TJ moves out of the house leaving a heartbroken and confused Cassie behind. What ensues are Cassie’s attempts to uncover the truth about her husband, and her need to win back the man she loves at any cost.

UNION OF SIN finds TJ lost in a world of guilt and grief. One year earlier, to keep his fantasies alive, TJ brought his wife into a different kind of sex club where things went from bad to worse in a short period of time. TJ’s need to punish himself for the wrongs against his wife found our hero destroying the love and the heart of the woman who calls to his soul. The seduction scenes are intriguing; the $ex scenes between our leading couple of impassioned and heartbreaking.

The secondary and supporting characters include TJ’s Vault of Sin partners Leo, and girlfriend Shay ( A Shot of Sin #1), and Brian (aka Brute). Like many ensemble storylines of partnerships, the Leo and Brute play an integral role in TJ’s need to accept and understand his guilt and grief. At times, the advice was harsh and real.

UNION OF SIN is an emotional storyline. I may have shed a tear or three; I was a bit of a mess as I was pulled into the drama of one man’s guilt, and the woman whose heartbreak was too much to bear. The premise is sensitive and profound; the characters are tragic, emotional and intense; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. UNION OF SIN is an erotic look at two people whose love for one another is full of anguish and pain due to a misdirected guilt about the what ifs and whys.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

A Shot of SinA SHOT OF SIN
Vault of Sin #2
by Eden Summers
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: January 13, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of A SHOT OF SIN

ebook only 99¢ : Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2015

Throw back a shot of pure pleasure.

Leo Petrova is between a rock and the hard place in his pants. Shot of Sin, the night club he owns with his two best friends, is short one bartender downstairs. The only available replacement is the upstairs bar manager—the one woman Leo knows he can’t take downstairs, can’t have, can’t touch. The one time he gave in to temptation convinced Leo that Shay’s no match for his sexual demands.

Only a select few know Shot of Sin’s guilty secret, that beneath the packed dance floor lies a very private sex club—the Vault. The place Leo can let his sexual proclivities run wild.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the club.

Sliding out of her comfort zone and into Leo’s arms risks everything. Their friendship, the Vault, and most of all, their hearts.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

About the Author

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Eden SummersEden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.
In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.

Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

Website / Facebook Page / Twitter / Goodreads /Facebook Fan Group Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | 

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Union of Sin prize pack including – shot glass, wine glass charm, key chain and wine bottle stopper

 

>>ENTER HERE<<

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Deadly Impulse by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Deadly Impulse by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

Deadly Impulse

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Looks aren’t the only things that can be deceiving…

When a sixty-eight-year-old woman is found dead outside the hospital in a wheelchair with an anti-abortion sign strapped to its back, Detective Madison Knight expects it to be an open-and-shut case. On the surface, there are no signs of foul play, but the deeper she digs, the more convoluted the homicide becomes. And when two more bodies appear, including that of a girl just barely old enough to drink and a homeless man, the direct links between the three murders are anything but simple.

Without a consistent MO, Madison doesn’t buy that a serial killer is on the loose, despite the conviction with which her ex-fiancé and fellow detective tries to convince their superior. But Madison already has enough to juggle without having to defend her reputation. Debilitating flashbacks of being held hostage by the Russian Mafia mere months before haunt her on an almost daily basis, and the promises she made to herself while in captivity are becoming more and more difficult to keep. Learning to trust is hard enough without constant reminders of what destruction—fatal or otherwise—trusting the wrong person can cause.

Now, as both personal and professional friction within the department mounts, she and her partner, Terry, must figure out what motivation could span generations to cause someone to murder these people. But catching this killer is like grasping at straws, and grabbing the wrong one could mean losing not only her pride but also her boyfriend, her credibility, and her faith in humanity…

 

 

Review:

Deadly Impulse by Carolyn Arnold is the 6th book in her Detective Madison Knight series. Once again Carolyn Arnold gives us another thriller, as Madison Knight is in the forefront of a mystifying murder mystery. What starts out as perhaps a simple case of the death of a 68 year old woman, who is found in a wheelchair in front of a hospital. But as we have come to learn, nothing is ever simple for Madison. The case will escalate into a couple more murders that somehow seem related. Do we have a serial killer on the loose?

When we left off in the previous book, Madison had survived being kidnapped by the Russian mob, and in Deadly Impulse, Madison tries to hide the fact that she has been having devastating flashbacks where her life hung by a thread. Trying to solve this complex mystery, with those obstacles makes it even more difficult for Madison. But nothing will ever stop Madison as she preservers despite all the twists and surprises that keep coming at her.

During the investigation, Madison works closely with her partner, Terry, who is anxiously awaiting the birth of his first child; her best friend, Cynthia; and her boyfriend, Troy. As I have mentioned before, for the most part Madison usually stands alone, with not a lot of support from management. Hopefully with the new female chief, this will begin to change, though I am still not a fan of her partner, Terry. In future books though, I do have a wish list. I would love to see Madison become more open, and trusting, with a loyal team behind her. I like what I see with her and Troy, as well as her friendship with Cynthia and hopefully the new chief.

This was an intense and exciting mystery from start to finish, which Arnold always gives us in each and every book in this series. As each new clue or finding is found, we become more stumped as to who is the killer. Very well done, Carolyn. If you enjoy murder mysteries, police procedural, a tough cop, then this series is a must for you.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

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Darkest Before Dawn (KGI #10) by Maya Banks-Review & Giveaway

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Darkest Before Dawn (KGI #10) by Maya Banks-Review & Giveaway

Darkest Before Dawn Banner

DARKEST BEFORE DAWN
KGI #10
by Maya Banks
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

Darkest Before Dawn

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

About the book: Release Date October 27, 2015

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

Review:

Honor Cambridge has dedicated her life to helping in war torn areas of the Middle East. When the camp she’s been volunteering at is bombed, she is the only one who survives. As the attackers are searching to make sure there are no survivors, she gets lucky in that they don’t discover that she’s alive. Even though she’s injured, she knows that she has to put as much distance between her and the camp as she can. She travels by night and finds hidey holes to rest in during the day, until she runs across a female in a village who is willing to help her, even though she knows that she herself could be killed for aiding Honor. There is a price on Honor’s head…………

Hancock has been trying to take out an enemy who is the epitome of evil. When his “boss” informs him that his next mission is to find the American woman who has outsmarted the very faction that he’s been trying to infiltrate for years, he can feel in his bones that he’s close to attaining his goal. As he and his team head out to track down the woman who has managed to stay two steps ahead of those searching for her, he has no idea how much everything is about to change.

It doesn’t take too long for Hancock and his team to locate Honor in the very village where she has found somewhat of a champion. When Hancock convinces Honor that they are her only option, she reluctantly goes with them. He’s promised to keep her safe and deliver her. Unfortunately for Honor, she thinks that she’s going to be going home. Once she figures out that she is no more than a pawn to be sacrificed for the greater good, she has never felt more betrayed. Neither has Hancock. He let his target slip away a couple of times before by helping KGI, but has vowed that he will not do so again. What follows is a series of highs and lows that will change everything.

I’ve been waiting for Hancock’s story for a long time now. I think most fans of KGI have been as well. Hancock has walked the line between good and bad for a long time. There have been times in previous books where you wanted to strangle him and times where you were cheering for him. His back story lets you in on why he has such a hard time letting down his guard. He’s had a hard life full of betrayal and heartbreak. But, when he meets Honor we see that guard slipping. He is so torn between saving one or letting down possibly thousands. Honor perplexed me. One minute she’s very understanding of being “sacrificed” and the next she is mad, albeit deservedly so. She is attracted to Hancock and his sense of honor, and then turned off by the same sense of honor. And, bless her bones, she’s so torn about what’s going on between her and Hancock, that she doesn’t know which end is up. She’s just not what I imagined Hancock’s woman would be.

There is a lot of action in this story, which I love. I just didn’t think that the romance was prevalent until the very last part of the book. We get to see pretty much all of the KGI folks in this one, so that’s always a big plus. If I were to pick one thing to be critical of, it would be the repetitiveness. The same thing gets said a lot. (I think I’ve said in other reviews that that seems to be a trend with a lot of authors lately.) The book was very long, and usually that’s a good thing for me, but not with this one. I did like the fact that there was a political undertone in this one that is current. With all of that said, I really liked the book. I just didn’t love it and I usually love anything in the KGI series. Fans of this series will like the fact that Hancock finally got his story. I look forward to the next installment. Well done, Maya Banks!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Maya’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of DARKEST BEFORE DAWN 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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5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from October 29-November 2, 2015

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The Fall Up by Aly Martinez-Review and Book Tour

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THE FALL UP by Aly Martinez-Review and Book Tour

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The Fall Up
by Aly Martinez
Release Date: October 26, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

The Fall Up

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO / itunes /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 26, 2015

I wanted to jump.
He made me fall.

As a celebrity, I lived in the public eye, but somewhere along the way, I’d lost myself in the spotlight.

Until he found me.

Sam Rivers was a gorgeous, tattooed stranger who saved my life with nothing more than a simple conversation.

But we were both standing on that bridge for a reason the night we met. The secrets of our pasts brought us together—and then tore us apart.

Could we find a reason to hold on as life constantly pulled us down?

Or maybe there’s only one direction to go when two people fall in love at rock bottom—up.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE FALL UP is a stand alone contemporary, adult romance from author Aly Martinez that focuses on two lost souls who found one another on the edge of a bridge one dark and lonely night. This is musician Levee Williams, and furniture builder Sam Rivers’s storyline.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Levee and Sam) THE FALL UP focuses on recovery, acceptance, grief and letting go. For several nights, Sam had watched as a young woman in disguise returned to ‘his’ bridge with what he believed were thoughts of suicide and ending her life. When Sam finally confronts the beautiful woman, they agree to meet one another in the same spot the next evening. What ensues is a slow build of a ‘friendship’ between two lost souls who find solace and peace overlooking the waters below.

THE FALL UP follows the building relationship between Levee and Sam. Sam is a tattooed and smoking bad boy who is lost in a world of guilt, while Levee is unable to get on with her life. Standing on the bridge together, Levee and Sam will discover that there is more to life when the one that you love is by your side. There is plenty of humor, sexual innuendo, friendly and sexy banter between Levee and Sam-something to offset what could have been a dark romantic storyline. . The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Levee’s best friend Henry; Sam’s BFF and lawyer Ryan, along with his sister Meg and Meg’s daughter Morgan. We are introduced to Sam’s supportive mother, and Levee’s less than enthusiastic parents. I am hoping that Henry, as well as Ryan each get their own storyline and a happily ever after.

The world building focuses on grief, depression and recovery, and the people who are affected by the choices people make every day of their lives–Real life issues in a fictional storyline

Aly Martinez’s THE FALL UP is amusing, impassioned, consuming and profound. The characters are believable and charismatic; the premise is heartwarming and inspiring; the romance is beautiful and intense. THE FALL UP is an emotional storyline that will touch your heart and your mind. The passion is comforting; the tenderness in intimate; the reality is true for many broken souls.

Copy supplied by the tour operator.

Reviewed By Sandy

excerpt

 

 

“You’re overdoing it, Lev. I know this job isn’t exactly nine-to-five, but it’s not twenty-four-seven, either. You have to stop being Levee Williams all the time and just be you.”
“I know,” I responded.
I didn’t though. I felt like a robot parading around in a lost woman’s body.
Smile.
Pose.
Turn.
Toss in the occasional song.
Repeat.
What little time I did manage to carve out for myself was spent at various children’s hospitals across the country.
Smile.
Pose.
Turn.
Watch a child die.
Repeat.
With every day that passed, the smile became less and less genuine, the pose more and more forced, and the turn took me further and further away from who I really was.
My career was soaring while, personally, I was plummeting. Every single day felt like a terrifying free fall in no particular direction. I was stuck in the middle with no way up—or down.
“You remember that girl, right?” Henry asked, tucking a hair behind my ear.
I nodded.
I did remember her. She was fun and carefree. She loved going out and dancing at nightclubs until the very last song played. She slept until noon if she could. Then, fueled by coffee alone, she’d spend the day with a guitar strapped around her neck and a notepad at her side. She had a huge heart, but she knew her limitations.
Oh, I remembered that girl. I just couldn’t figure out how to get back to her.


 

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About the Author

Aly MartinezFollow: Goodreads/Twitter/Facebook/Website

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

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His Work of Art by Shannyn Schroeder -a Review

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His Work of Art by Shannyn Schroeder -a Review

 

His Work of ArtAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Reese Carter is definitely not your average college girl. She’d prefer to spend Saturday nights playing Hero’s Crusade than attending a wild frat party on campus. When she bands together with Adam, fellow comic enthusiast and illustrator, it appears that Reese has formed a dream team sure to propel her writing into the comic hall of fame.

Adam Hayes has never met a girl like Reese. She’s sassy, smart, and loves talking comics, although he can’t see why she’d choose DC over Marvel. He’s thrilled to finally put his artistic chops to use in their upcoming comic project. But. this relationship is strictly professional. Or so he tells himself. When the two combine forces, they churn out magic in more ways than they had planned; they never expected to develop a steamy romantic sub-plot of their own…

 

Review:

His Work of Art by Shannyn Schroeder is the 1st book in her second trilogy of her New Adult Hot and Nerdy series. Reese Carter is our heroine, and she is not your usual college girl, as she loves hanging around her geek friends playing rpg games. Reese is also a lover of comic heroes, and is working on her lifelong dream of creating her own comic.

Adam Hayes, our hero, works at the comic store that his mom owns, and Reese is a weekly visitor to buy her comics. Adam is not only a comic fan, he is also an Illustrator. One day when Reese comes to pick up her comics, she tells Adam that she would love if he would draw her characters for her comic book. He is hesitant at first, but then agrees to work with her.

What follows is a slow to build romance between Adam and Reese, which gets off to a rocky start, as Adam wants to keep their friendship business like. Reese does not understand, since she has had a crush on Adam for a while. This is also an interracial romance, which delves into Adam’s fear of becoming involved with Reese, who is white. Adam does not want to be like his father, who left him and his mom because of the negative comments and scorn from others.

Reese doesn’t care that Adam is black, but isn’t happy that he won’t give their romance a chance. A one night stand at a party, they act on their strong feelings for each other. Just when Reese believes that Adam finally expresses how he feels about her, her heart is broken when he says it was a mistake.

When the comic begins to generate interest, their friendship will also suffer, due to Adam’s misguided fears. In his mind, he doesn’t want to hurt Reese, as he sees obstacles that would make him leave her in time. Will Reese be able to show Adam that their relationship will work? Will Adam give in to his fears and break Reese’s heart?

Shannyn Schroeder does a good job of building this romance, and trying to show other sides of any interracial relationships. The comic that they both worked on was the fun part of this story. I liked both Reese and Adam, as well as some other characters introduced by Schroeder. This was a fast, easy book to read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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