The Greek Tycoon’s Tarnished Bride by Rachel Lyndhurst – a Review

The Greek Tycoon’s Tarnished Bride by Rachel Lyndhurst – a Review

 

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Description:
Sign: Capricorn

He loves power, material success…and sex.

Erica Silver has never done things the “usual” way. A single mom working towards a degree in psychology, she’s paying her way as an exotic dancer. No one can tell Erica how to live her life…especially not some handsome, arrogant Greek stranger, who wants to take her son away from his “unfit” mother.

Successful entrepreneur Tito Makris has no choice but to fulfill his best friend’s last wish. He must bring his friend’s son to Greece to claim a multi-billion euro legacy. Still, taking the boy from his mother-however tarnished she may be-is pretty much the last thing Tito wants. So he offers Erica a radical choice: marry him and stay with her son…or lose the boy-and him-forever.

 

Review:

I read The Greek Tycoon’s Tarnished Bride by Rachel Lyndhurst in an afternoon. 

Tito Makris is looking for his friend’s baby. He made promises that he intends to keep, but finding him and bringing him home, are two different things. After finding the mother and child, Tito must do something that goes against all he stands for, he will have to secure the child’s future by marrying the baby’s mother. Or threatening to take the child away and calling her an unfit mother. 

Tito is a man that likes to be in control, so when Erica tells him no, this drives him nuts. Women usually fall at his feet. And he is a little worried about his attraction to her. 

Erica fell in love with a guy from Greece, she became pregnant.  They had made plans, he said he loved her, and said he would be back for her, but he never came back. So she carries on, and the only job opening that gives her time to look after her son and earn money is to work in a strip joint. (She wants to finish her education as she is still at college, which Tito is unaware of) This is where Tito finds her, so he immediately assumes she is without morals. 

Erica knows that her son deserves the best, and marrying Tito will endure her son’s future, but marrying Tito is a little too much. She finds him arrogant, but sexy. But Tito wins and they marry and go to Greece.  They both agree that this is a marriage in name only, but neither person is aware of the others attraction. 

The rest of the characters in this book were horrid, I’m surprised that Erica and Tito grew up as well as they did. 

The book starts out with them as enemies, and slowly Tito realises that she is a good mom, and he dotes on the child. Each of them coming to think that maybe they could make it work between them. 

I liked where it was set in England and Greece. The way the author was very descriptive, and at times I could imagine myself there.

It was a fun afternoon read, yes a little predictable, we all know there is a happy ending, but the journey is half the fun?

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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The White Lily by Susanne Matthews-a review

The White Lily by Susanne Matthews-a review

The White Lily

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 12, 2015

The Harvester is out there…watching, waiting, biding his time.

FBI cult specialist Lilith Munroe lives in dread that one day the man who tortured her when a case went bad will find her again. So leaving her sanctuary in Quantico to join the Harvester Task Force in Boston is her version of hell. But the Harvester is kidnapping babies, and Lilith’s profiling skills may mean the difference between life and death for the most innocent in society.

Australian millionaire and former member of the New Horizon commune Jacob Andrews returns to the United States searching for his sister. Instead of the happy reunion he expects, he discovers she is dead and his twin brother may be responsible. He agrees to lend his law enforcement skills to help find his former cult leader before the man can implement his plan to kill millions.

Now uneasy partners, Jacob and Lilith must learn to trust each other even as they fight their growing attraction. But when Lilith’s greatest fears materialize, will Jacob be able to set aside his anger and save the woman he loves?

•••••

REVIEW: The White Lilly is book two in the Harvester Series. This is the story of Jacob and Lilith, and the continuation of the story of the Harvester/Prophet and the cult he rules. The setting is Boston, where Agent Lilith Munroe has been sent to work with the task force trying to find the Harvester/Prophet before they can reclaim the children and people rescued from a raid at their commune.

We get to renew our relationship with Rob and Faye Hallister from the last book The White Carnation. Each book stands alone, but enjoyment of the full story is better when read in order. In this story we get more information on how the commune evolved from like-minded folks just living the simple life together to the sick subjugation of women into brood mares for the “chosen”. The subjugation includes the kidnapping, rape, and brainwashing of the women.

We also get to meet Jacob Andrews aka Jacob Colchester. Jacob escaped, sort of…from the commune when he was just sixteen. Rescued from death at the hands of his uncle and his punisher, by and older American Indian man after a flash flood washed him down a river. Jacob grew up in Canada and traveled extensively with his adopted father Andrew Jackson. They prospected in Australia and hit it big. They invested in fruit farms and other properties, building a fortune. Jacob returns to America eighteen years later looking for his sister.

That’s most of the set up. Jacob and Lilith are of course attracted to each other, but both have much to overcome, including the fact that he is the twin of James Colchester, killer and kidnapper.

This is one of the most intriguing and twisty series I’ve had the pleasure to read. If you love mystery, drama, police action and danger…this is a must read. It’s well written with breathtaking suspense and soul wrenching drama. Entwined in the action, author Matthews manages to build a wonderful romance between broken souls that need each other. The characters are all well described and developed. Conversations so natural you feel as if you’re walking the crime scene along with them. The hardest part of this series is waiting for the next book. I’d love to see this series made into a TV drama…it’s that good!

Grab a glass of your favorite beverage (snacks and something to chew on, besides your nails, is suggested) settle in for a great read you won’t want to put down. Enjoy everyone, I certainly did, and am waiting breathlessly for the next.

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Georgianna

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The White CarnationTHE WHITE CARNATION
The Harvester #2
by Susanne Matthews
Genre: adult, contemporary, suspense
Release Date: April 20, 2015

Click HERE for Georgianna’s review of THE WHITE CARNATION

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 20, 2015

The last person disgraced reporter Faye Lewis wants back in her life is Detective Rob Halliday, the man she blames for ruining her career and breaking her heart. But when she finds an old friend murdered, he’s the one she calls.

For the past year, Rob and his team have been hunting the Harvester, a serial killer who ritualistically murders new mothers and vanishes with their infants. What Rob doesn’t need is another case, especially one involving his ex-fiancée.

Then Faye is assaulted, and Rob realizes the cases are connected. She may hold the answers he needs to find the elusive killer. But the more they investigate, the more complex the situation becomes. Can they set the past aside and work together, or will the Harvester and his followers reap another prize?

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Friction (A Legal Affairs Story) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

FRICTION (A Legal Affairs Story) by Sawyer Bennett-Review and Book Tour

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FRICTION
A Legal Affairs Novel
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotic romance
Release Date: October 27, 2015

Friction

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 2015

At the powerhouse law firm of Knight & Payne, winning comes first and ethics a distant second. Leary Michaels uses her female charms to daze opponents, and it’s always worked well—until now. On her most personal case yet, she finds herself going up against a defense attorney just as skilled, shameless, and seductive as she is.

Reeve Holloway has never met a woman as sure of her own sexuality, or as ruthless in wielding it, as Leary is. But he won’t be toyed with. What Leary starts, he’ll finish—in the courtroom, the bedroom, or any-damn-place he wants. The sex is uninhibited, electrifying, and absolutely against the rules. Reeve’s job is to ruin Leary’s case…even if it destroys her in the process and costs him the woman he’s come to love.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: FRICTION is the October 2015 and latest stand alone storyline in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult LEGAL AFFAIRS erotic, romance series. This is attorney(s) Leary Michaels, and Reeve Holloway’s storyline. Reeve and Leary are opposing attorneys in a malpractice lawsuit that finds our leading couple straddling the ethical line when they find themselves in a sexual relationship- a ‘sleeping with the enemy/ forbidden love storyline. The storyline takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Told from dual first person points of view (Leary and Reeve) FRICTION follows the building relationship between Leary and Reeve-a friends with benefits relationship that turns into something more. But Leary and Reeve are the opposing counsels in a civil suit against a physician who all but destroyed a woman’s life with a botched surgery that has left her scarred and damaged. While Reeve represents the doctor, Leary represents the woman at the heart of the lawsuit; no information is exchanged but when Reeve pulls a surprise witness, Leary believes, she has been betrayed by the man with whom she is falling in love.

Throughout the storyline we learn that Leary has been ‘groomed’ to be the best, by the best, and with it comes the ability and knowledge that she will use everything at her disposal, including her sexuality and assets as a means to an end. But her blatant attempts to upset Reeve are matched by a man who isn’t willing to take no for an answer. The relationship is one of immediate attraction between two intelligent and powerful attorneys-the $ex scenes are erotic, provocative and seductive Leary is a strong, alpha female who goes for what she wants. The chemistry and sexual energy is palpable. Nowhere is off limits for our leading couple including the office, the boardroom and a men’s private washroom.

For cohesion between the storylines we get a quick glimpse via mention at Matt and McKayla (Legal Affairs: Series 1), and Cal and Macy-friends of Reeve who is a transplanted attorney from New York. We are introduced to Leary’s boss and mentor Midge Payne: Leary’s best friend and sometime friend-with-benefits Ford, who is also good friends with Reeve Holloway; as well as the woman Leary represents Jenna LaPietra, and the physician at the center of the civil suit Dr. Summerland. Oh, and we can’t forget about Dr. Chico Taco-Reeve’s oversized Great Dane !!

FRICTION is a fantastic addition to Sawyer Bennett’s Legal Affairs series. The premise is engaging, entertaining and suggestive: the characters are addicting, emotional and intense: the romance is explosive and forbidden with plenty of flirty, sexual energy. The happily ever after finds our couple together both in and out of the boardroom, bedroom and the law firm.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Friction Teaser

About The Author beige

Sawyer BennettUSA Today and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

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Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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One Moonlit Night / Duke of Scandal by Gaelen Foley-reviews

One Moonlit Night / Duke of Scandal by Gaelen Foley-reviews

moolinght square series

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH how I love me a great historical romance! 🙂 Oh how I adore Gaelen Foley and her writing! Oh how I am looking forward to more books in the this series to be released. OH … well you get the picture! LOL

The Moonlight series by Gaelen Foley is about a neighbourhood of rakes, spinsters, sassy ladies, pompous men and love matches left right and centre that all happen to surround a gated garden park that is open to the public during the day and only accessed by the residents with a key after hours. In the middle stands a gazebo that has seen it’s share of scandal.

Intrigued are you?? Read on and let’s see if this review can light your historical romance fire! 😉

_____________

One Moonlit NightBOOK 0.5 – One Moonlit Night
Moonight Square .5
Release Date: September 11, 2015
Genre: adult, historical romance

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WELCOME TO MOONLIGHT SQUARE ~ REGENCY LONDON’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS!

At the ripe old age of two-and-twenty, Lady Katrina Glendon just can’t seem to snare a husband. Whether her frank tongue or slightly eccentric ways bear the blame, she faces a houseful of younger sisters clamoring for her, the eldest, to marry and move aside before they all end up as spinsters. When her latest suitor defects and proposes to another girl, Trinny throws up her hands in despair of ever finding a fiancé. But sometimes destiny waits just around the corner…and love lives right across the square!

Gable Winston-McCray, the charming, understated Viscount Roland saunters through life as a wealthy, sophisticated rakehell and man-about-town. Heir to an earldom, the handsome hedonist would rather dally with bored Society wives than acquire a bride of his own, much to his father’s dismay. Until, one moonlit night, fate strikes! Unsuspecting neighbors meet and become flirtatious allies. So when Gable receives his father’s ultimatum to wed or go penniless, he offers Trinny a marriage of convenience. Alas, the pretty redhead cannot possibly accept such an unfeeling proposal—even if her dear “Lord Sweet Cheeks” might be the man of her dreams…

REVIEW

This is a prequel to the series that gives us a good storyline to fall in love with and introduce us to characters that I am hoping will receive their own story.

Lady Katrina feels hopeless when it comes to landing a husband. Insanely awkward, and the eldest daughter of many she is left to feel like she is holding up her sisters’s futures by not being able to land her own. Once again losing another chance at marriage, she finds herself sobbing away at night in the infamous gazebo when she is interrupted by the notorious rake Viscount Roland (who is there on his own scandalous mission), something strange happens. An easy friendship blooms. Katrina does not become tongue tied with this man and certainly feels she can just be herself. After much conversation and a shared moment, Roland gives advice that changes Katrina’s life.

Viscount Roland is a a naughty naughty man. Happy to live his life of debauchery, he takes nothing too seriously. Nothing until an ultimatum from his father makes him realize that he has no choice but to marry and settle down. Having come to the conclusion that Katrina just may be his perfect mate he suddenly remembers the advice he gave her and how now, that piece of advice is the one thing that stands in the way of his own future.

These two are a riot together. A true friendship, brutal honesty and a potential love that completely blind sides both of them. I loved everything about these two, but it was her banter that actually made me giggle at times.

Wonderful set up for the first novel of the series.

_____________________

Duke of ScandalBOOK 1 – Duke of Scandal
Moonlight Square #1
Release Date: October 13, 2015
Genre: adult, historical romance

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DESCRIPTION

Romance is in the air at Moonlight Square ~ Regency London’s most exclusive address!

Jason Hawthorne, the Duke of Netherford, made it clear to the young, lovesick Felicity Carvel long ago that nothing could ever happen between them. He has earned his reputation as the Duke of Scandal–and she’s his best friend’s little sister. For honor’s sake, he vows to stay away from the lovely innocent. But six years of the wealthy libertine’s life have left Jason empty and jaded, while Felicity has blossomed into a strong, beautiful woman, ripe for love and marriage.

When a sudden windfall makes her one of the most sought-after heiresses in London, chased all over Town by fortune-hunters, Jason knows he must keep the rogues at bay until her brother returns from his dangerous mission abroad. Unfortunately, the scandalous attraction between them has only grown to a searing intensity. Deep down, Felicity still wants Jason for her own. But after getting her heart broken once before by Naughty Netherford, does she dare attempt to play with fire again–and this time, can Jason resist?

REVIEW

We first meet our leading couple in the prequel of this series and you know something big is brewing. Well, brewing was putting it mildly .. LOL

Felicity Carvel has been in love with her brother’s best friend Jason Hawthorne since she was a little girl. One bold move at a young age goes horribly wrong and she decides that it is best to let it be before she is certain to humiliate herself once again. Many years go by and Jason is now a Duke and a scandalous one at that. After Felicity comes into an inheritance, she turns to Jason for advice on how to handle her future knowing that she is stirring a hornets nest .. EXCEPT .. Felicity is no longer a little girl and it’s time she sets HER Duke straight about who he belongs to.

Jason Hawthorne is tiring of living like a rake. He has everything at the tip of his fingers but never feels complete. Always aware of Felicity through the years but too damn stubborn to face what he knows to be true, he is completely surprised when she turns to him for advice. This Felicity is frisky, beautiful, honest and in a whole new league of her own and quite frankly it scares the &%% out of him. When Felicity boldly starts the clock on his chance with her, Jason is completely panicked knowing that he may lose her completely.

Oh my heart … these two were incredible together. I have to say though, it was Felicity that I adored. I wanted to high 5 her a few times while reading this book. The banter, laughable moments and utter surrender was so well timed and written. So well matched, but it is Felicity’s utter acceptance of Jason and his scandalous past that really pulled my heart strings. What an incredible woman she is.

Both these books were an absolute treasure to read. When a historical romance authors hits so many marks that I covet in this genre, it makes me so happy. Not only can I say that all those marks were hit, but that Gaelen Foley has now moved onto my list of authors that I want to read everything that they have ever written, and no questions asked when a new release is on it’s way, I just want it. LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the publisher

About The Author beige

Goodreads/Website/Facebook

Gaelen FoleyGaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller’s Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader’s Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.

A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley.

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The Queen B* Strikes Back by Crista McHugh – a Review

The Queen B* Strikes Back by Crista McHugh – a Review

 

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Description:
Alexis Wyndham isn’t quite sure what to think about her “friendship” with star quarterback, Brett Pederson. Sure, he has more intelligence than the entire football team combined. Not to mention that fact he’s a great kisser. When he asks her to help him with his college admission essays, she isn’t sure if he’s doing it to spend more time with her or if he’s just using her for her brains. But after her nemesis, Summer Hoyt, makes it clear she’s not finished chasing after Brett, Alexis begins realize how hard she’s fallen for Brett. Now the war is on, and the head cheerleader will find out why she should never take on a Queen B*.

Review:

The Queen B* Strikes Back picks up right where the previous book ended. Alexis and Brett have finished their joint school project and she readies herself for the fact that Brett will no longer feel the need to put himself out there and be her “friend”. She could not have been more wrong. Brett asks Alexis for help in writing an essay for his college applications, which she initially refuses. Brett is nothing if not persistent, and eventually she comes around and agrees to help him. Brett even insists that she participate with extracurricular activities and whisks her away to a carwash the school is having one Saturday morning. She finds herself eventually having fun until Brett publicly becomes affectionate (GASP!) and she runs for the hills.

Brett apologizes and she reluctantly accepts. After all, she’s the only girl to ever be invited to his home to have breakfast with his family. Even though she tries hard to keep him at arm’s length, Brett steadily breaks down her defenses and Alexis knows she’s falling for him…….hard. But when she’s invited to a party at her nemesis’ house, a nemesis who wants Brett with everything she is, a series of events unfold that not only break Alexis’ heart but ends up putting her in grave danger. Will Alexis be able to forgive Brett and listen to what really happened, or is she doomed to forever be the prickly, defensive Queen B* that everyone expects her to be? Well, my friends, you’ll just have to read to find out….and, oh, what a read it is.

The Queen B* Strikes Back is another wonderful story from the brilliant mind of Crista McHugh. We found out in the first installment why Alexis is so reluctant to let anyone in, and you can totally understand why it is so hard for her to open herself up and really trust someone again. Brett is just that guy. He has a huge heart and just will not give up on Alexis. He sees the softer side of her and is bound and determined to get her to let others see it too. This story really strikes a chord with me. My youngest graduated high school in May and I can’t tell you the times that I’ve seen her and a few of her friends upset over the very things portrayed in these books. Trying to find your way at such an impressionable age is hard, and trying to figure out who your real friends are can be even harder. The Queen B* Strikes Back is ultimately a story about learning from prior life lessons, but also figuring out that just because you were horribly hurt by one so-called friend, doesn’t mean that everyone is out to get you. Alexis and Brett are the perfect team to prove just that. Well done, Crista McHugh! Very, very, very well done!!!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Blossoming Flower (Wildflowers #1) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Book Tour

Blossoming Flower (Wildflowers #1) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Book Tour

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BLOSSOMING FLOWER
Wildflowers #1
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: October 19, 2015

Blossoming Flower

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In the wake of the collapse of her father’s business empire, Flor, the gorgeous twenty-one year-old daughter of disgraced former Brazillionaire Gustavo de Lima, is forced to forge her own path in life. Flor decides that none of it—the private jets, the vacation homes and the luxury cars—were real. Or at least they really didn’t matter. The only thing that’s real for Flor is her love of horses and her desire to go to veterinary school. Heading into her final year of college, Flor seeks out the help of an unlikely benefactor to secure a summer internship working with horses. Arriving at the secluded Belo Horizonte ranch, Flor is awed not only by the majestic beauty of the place, but also by handsome cowboy and skilled horse trainer, Collin Taylor. Yet nothing is quite as it appears on the surface. When the hidden past is revealed, will love end up blossoming for Flor?

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Blossoming Flower by Vivian Winslow is the first book in her Wildflowers series which is a spin off of her Gilded Flower series. A wonderful contemporary romance with more mystery and lies that blends in with the previous series beautifully. Bringing back a character that one loves to hate, Vivian allows us to to become reacquainted with familiar characters and story lines while introducing us to a whole other branch of the story.

Flor is the daughter of Gustavo de Lima (he is the man we love to hate and hate to love from the previous series). Trying to hide from the scandal that is unfolding by her fathers incarceration and ruin, Flor is determined to move on with her life without all the privileges money enabled her to have. After seeing Poppy (remember Lily and Dahlia’s bad mommy?? LOL), Flor decides to spend her summer on a ranch where she knows she’ll feel more free with the horses she connects to so easily.

Collin Taylor is one moody dude. Having been brought up on this ranch and having quite the past himself, he does all he can to fight off his attraction to this Brazilian beauty that has come to the ranch. When he realizes that there is more to Flor than meets the eye he decides a friendship is possible. Having secrets of his own, Collin finds it way to bask in Flor’s company and before we know it the inevitable happens.

With secrets, mystery and betrayal blanketing the entire ranch, Flor comes to realize that not all is as it seems. Is the love that Collin and Flor share enough to allow then to ponder a future, or will her name de Lima once again make her run for the hills?

Another solid book by Vivian Winslow. A little slow at times, but her love scenes certainly make up for any of that. The chemistry between Flor and Collin was HOT and so believable and I absolutely loved all the secondary characters. I enjoyed meeting Gustavo and Poppy once again and I dare say that I am not thinking this story is done just quite yet. I would recommend reading The Gilded Flower series first as it’ll add to your understanding of where Flor comes from and how she became to be the person she is. I do suppose you could read this as a stand alone but you would miss out on so much if you did!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel

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The 5 books my HEROINE loves best and why …

Flor is a lover of classic literature, and her love of books is peppered in throughout the story (probably because I’m such a booklover as well).

1. Daisy Miller by Henry James – Flor loves the story of the naïve Daisy’s adventures in Europe. She can relate to the young woman’s desire for fun and freedom while ignoring the societal rules she’s expected to follow.

2. Nana by Emile Zola – Flor studied French Literature at her Swiss boarding school. Sex and prostitution in 19th century Paris fascinated Flor, who grew up sheltered by her parents.

3. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – Flor is no stranger to life’s ups and downs, much like Pip, the main character. The humor, passion and humility with which he learns to navigate his world serves as an escape to Flor as she attempts to ignore her own family issues.

4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – Flor defines herself as a feminist. This dystopian tale was an awakening for Flor who found it offered a new perspective on the double standard of living in a male-dominated world, such as living in Brazil.

5. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez – Beautifully written story of the Buendía family over several generations. It made Flor aware of how history tends to repeat itself and question how and when she may be subject to her own family’s destiny of misfortune.

About The Author beige

Vivian WinslowVivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job and her incurable wanderlust. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years.

New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of fashion, the arts and especially food. If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her eating at the newest restaurant in her beloved Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach.

Website: http://www.vivianwinslow.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8183361.Vivian_Winslow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivianwinslowauthor?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VivWinslow
Blog: http://www.vivianwinslow.com/blog

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Playing With Seduction (The Players Club #3) by Erika Wilde-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

PLAYING WITH SEDUCTION (The Players Club #3) by Erika Wilde-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Playing with Seduction

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 19, 2015

SEDUCTION HAS NEVER BEEN SO SCANDALOUS . . .

Kendall Shaw loves her job as a boudoir photographer. When she enlists hot, gorgeous, 100% alpha male, Jase Burns for a custom photo shoot for a romance novel cover, she quickly discovers that he only took the job to get close to her. But her painful divorce has made her wary of men, and especially one who is eight years younger than she is.

The moment Jase sets his sights on beautiful, sexy Kendall, he wants her. Despite their mutual attraction, she’s rejected his every advance. But Jase loves a good challenge, and one steamy, seductive night at The Players Club changes everything between them.

Kendall has never experienced such overwhelming passion, or been pursued so tenaciously. Jase is addicting, in every way, and she soon finds herself falling for a man who doesn’t fit into her ideal future.

Can Jase convince Kendall to let go of her past and take a risk on a second chance at love—with him?

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REVIEW: PLAYING WITH SEDUCTION is the third full-length installment in Erika Wilde’s contemporary, adult The Players Club erotic, romance series. This is security specialist Jase Burns, and professional photographer Kendall Shaw’s storyline. The Players Club is an invitation only, exclusive sex club in the San Diego area. THE PLAYERS CLUB series is a spinoff from Erika’s erotic romance THE MARRIAGE DIARIES series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jase and Kendall) PLAYING WITH SEDUCTION follows the slow seduction of Kendall Shaw by Jase Burns. For several photography sessions Jase (who is eight years younger than Kendall) has been one of Kendall’s models for a romance cover shoot and has figured prominently in all of Kendall’s fantasies. Jase has been desperately trying to get Kendall to acknowledge their attraction to one another but Kendall has turned down Jase at every opportunity. Following a ten year marriage that ended in divorce, Kendall is ready to settle down and start a family but Jase isn’t ready for a future with a family and kids. What ensues is Jase’s seduction of Kendall for a friends with benefits /casual arrangement that soon turns into something more.

The relationship between Kendall and Jase is one of immediate attraction; a sexually palpable energy with plenty of insta-lust, sexual situations, and an invitation to the Players Club where Kendall discovers that the man who stars in all of her fantasies is the man who will bring out the sexual side she thought lost and dormant. The $ex scenes are passionate and sensual although tame in comparison to some of Erika’s previous storylines. The Players Club does not figure prominently in the series or storyline but is a point (and place) where all of the stories connect. The secondary characters include the previous storyline couples as well as the introduction of a man whom Kendall met on-line and believes could possibly be her future husband and mate.

The world building focuses on Kendall’s boudoir photography business, as well as the sexual awakening of our leading heroine. Kendall’s dreams of a husband, children and family finds our heroine placing a time frame on her relationship with Jase believing at some point, he too, will get bored and pushing her away. Kendall’s doubts and anxiety about their age difference plays a significant factor in the relationship dynamics for our heroine.

PLAYING WITH SEDUCTION is a quick and enjoyable read; a story of insta-lust/love where two people with different objectives find a future with one another. The premise is engaging, promising and enjoyable; the characters are impassioned, cleverly written, and inspiring; the romance is seductive. The happily ever after is not unexpected but I will add that the rush to the finish is a little disappointing and too predictable. I wanted a little more angst and drama.

Copy supplied by the promoter through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

 

“HOLY SHIT. DID the temperature just rise in here, or am I having a premature hot flash?”
Kendall Shaw laughed at her friend’s tongue-in-cheek comment, along with the dramatic way she fanned her face with her hand. She knew Stephanie Randall wasn’t alluding to menopause but rather the gorgeous, sexy guy who’d just walked into Pure Bliss Boudoir Photography.
Yes, Jase Burns was the epitome of hot. Everything about him radiated the kind of sweltering heat that made a woman—Kendall especially—soften and melt in all the right places. And that was with him fully dressed. Once he peeled away his shirt and jeans and she had free access to stare at his perfectly sculpted body, it was difficult to keep her mouth from watering and her sorely neglected female parts from perking up, as well.
He was heading their way, where Kendall was getting her equipment ready for the photo shoot Jase had arrived for—which was why Stephanie was there in the first place. Her friend’s business in creating fantasy bedrooms for clients came in handy for Kendall’s various boudoir displays. And in this case, today she’d helped set up a seductive setting for the romance novel cover shoot a bestselling author had hired Kendall to do.
Jase’s stride was confident as he approached them, his dark, chocolate-brown eyes solely focused on Kendall. The light stubble along his jawline and chin, which Kendall’s client had requested for this particular series of photographs, was distracting as hell, because it made her wonder how it would feel to have that light dusting of facial hair abrading her neck, across her breasts, between her thighs…
She swallowed back a moan at the thought, even as her inner hussy responded to the erotic images filling her head. Yeah, let the melting commence.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Jase drawled, greeting her with the pet name he’d given her and a smile that hinted at all kinds of sin. “This is the third time you’ve had me back. If you can’t get enough, all you have to do is say yes to going out on a date with me, and I’m all yours.”
Kendall bit the inside of her cheek to keep from returning his smile. The man was absolutely shameless. A charming, gorgeous, persistent flirt who wasn’t the least bit deterred by her many rejections, despite her excuse that she didn’t mix business with pleasure. No, her reasons for turning down Jase in particular ran much deeper and were based on her personal hang-ups, courtesy of the way her ex-husband, Drew, had blind-sided her with the end to their marriage.
“It’s all about what the client wants,” she said in a light, teasing voice, aware of the fact that Stephanie was watching the exchange with interest. “You know that.”
He tipped his head slightly and arched a light brown eyebrow. “But what about what you want?”
Kendall tried not to think about what she wanted with a guy like Jase, because it was all x-rated and belonged in her bedroom—when she was alone at night and could indulge in those wicked fantasies that, lately, always starred him.
When she didn’t reply, Jase shifted his gaze to Stephanie. The two had never met before, and he flashed her a dazzling grin before introducing himself. “I’m Jase Burns.”
“Nice to meet you.” Stephanie’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she slid her hand into the bigger one he’d extended her way. “I’m Kendall’s very good friend, Stephanie.”
“As Kendall’s very good friend, don’t you think she ought to give me a chance?” he said without missing a beat. “I’m really a nice guy. I’m former military and I work for Noble and Associates as a security analyst, so you know I’m not some crazy stalker.”
Kendall’s jaw nearly dropped open. She couldn’t believe he was enlisting Stephanie’s help in persuading her, and she so didn’t trust the sudden look of commiseration on her friend’s face.
“I absolutely agree she should give you a chance,” Stephanie said, laughter in her voice. “She desperately needs to loosen up and have some fun.”
Before Jase could respond to the fact that Stephanie had just unintentionally labeled her as boring and mundane, which was something that still had the ability to make her stomach twist with stupid insecurities, Kendall changed the subject.
“Nicole is already in one of the dressing rooms getting ready,” she said, her tone all business, which she decided was the best way to handle Jase. “You can do the same. I need you to strip down to just your black briefs for today’s photo shoot, per the author’s request.”
“You got it,” he replied, then turned his friendly gaze to Stephanie. “I hope to see you again.”

 

 

Series Spotlight

PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION
(The Players Club #1)
by Erika Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, BDSM

Playing with TemptationABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 6, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of PLAYING WITH TEMPTATION

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

When Raina Beck is given an invitation to The Players Club, all she wants is a night of decadence with a gorgeous, sexy stranger. The seductive, mysterious man she meets fulfills her deepest desires and most erotic fantasies, giving her a night she’ll never forget. But forgetting him isn’t quite so easy.

Logan Cruz prefers his women submissive and compliant in the bedroom . . . everything the independent Raina is not. Yet from the first moment he lays eyes on her, he’s determined to make Raina his. Despite her resistance.

When Logan is assigned to protect Raina from a stalker, everything between them changes. Sex becomes more than just physical, and emotions run deep. Falling in love was never on Raina’s agenda, but can she let go of the past and surrender the one thing he wants the most . . . her heart?

___________

PLAYING WITH PLEASURE
The Players Club #2
by Erika Wilde
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Release Date: July 13, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of PLAYING WITH PLEASURE

Playing with PleasureAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 13, 2015

***Full length, stand-alone novel. No cliffhangers!***

PLEASURE HAS NEVER BEEN SO DECADENT . . .

Paige Moore has a fulfilling business designing couture corsets for her high profile clientele, but her love life is sorely lacking. Being burned in the worst way possible by Sawyer Burrows has left her guarded and wary when it comes to men and their motives. When her best friend presents her with an invitation to The Players Club, she embraces the chance to enjoy a hot night with a stranger, and finally put her past heartbreak, and Sawyer, behind her.

Sawyer knows he devastated Paige with his careless actions a year and a half ago, and he’s lived every day since with those regrets. Now, seeing Paige at The Players Club, he knows this is his chance to make amends and prove that there is still something between them worth pursuing. If sensual pleasure is what Paige is looking for, then he intends to be the man to spend the night seducing every part of her.

Paige’s surrender is Sawyer’s ultimate goal, but once her desires are sated, will she give them the second chance they deserve?

About The Author beige

follow: Website/ Twitter/ Facebook /Goodreads

Erika WildeErika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.
So, why the new pen name?

As Janelle Denison I’ve always written sexy books, but lately my writing has taken on more erotic elements that I wanted to keep separate for readers because not everyone likes their reading material on the spicier, kinkier side of romance. However, please be assured that even as Erika Wilde, you will still get an emotionally layered story with characters you’ll care about and fall in love with. That is always my goal, whether I’m writing straight contemporary romances, or more erotically charged stories.

Currently, I’m working on The Marriage Diaries and making sure that Dean and Jillian enjoy exploring the more erotic side to their marriage. The series will be on-going, with no foreseeable ending as of right now, for as long as readers want to be voyeurs to Dean and Jillian’s sizzling new relationship.
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Duchess Decadence by Wendy LaCapra – a Review

Duchess Decadence by Wendy LaCapra – a Review

 

Dutchess DecadenceAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Thea Worthington, Duchess of Wynchester divides her time between social engagements and playing her luck against fickle fortune. Yet every gamble is only a bluff—a means to hide from the pain deep within her, and the loss of a babe she never held in her arms. Now Thea’s luck is about to run out. Her estranged husband has returned and seeks a reunion…

Plagued with guilt over what happened to his wife three years ago, the Duke of Wynchester has kept his distance. The duke is resolved to piece his family back together, especially now that he’s discovered his beloved brother—long thought dead—still lives. But Thea’s lovely, porcelain facade is on the verge of cracking…spurred on by the duke’s brother’s secretive, malevolent animosity.

With everything riding on her future, Thea plays a daring game of chance for love and her marriage…and this time, the dice are most certainly rigged.


Review;

Duchess Decadence by Wendy LaCapra is book three of her Furies Series. This is the first book by Wendy LaCapra that I’ve read, and I wish I had read the first two books in this series before having read Duchess Decadence. There were times I felt a little lost regarding characters and back stories as I read this one. Right off the mark it’s made clear that Thea and Wyn have a history together, as well as a history with her Furies. From what I learned reading this book, the Furies are comprised of a group of women who to me seemed a head of their time. They weren’t the type of women to sit back and be dictated to by their husbands and men in general. They preferred to make their own ways, own decisions and pretty much do what they wanted whenever they wanted. I like these Furies.

As I said, there is much back story that I lacked having not read the entire series, so I tried to piece things together as best I could. Wendy did a good job at filling in the blanks for me as the story went along, but in my opinion I highly recommend that this series be read in order. I feel events, relationships and general storyline are tied together and carried on from book to book, and would’ve made more sense to me had I read the previous two books. However, that being said, I just plugged along and found the more I read, the more I enjoyed Thea and Wyn’s story. Their story is one of heartache, love lost, tragedy, angst, and second chances. Thea was a breath of fresh air in comparison to Wyn’s stuffy uptight personality. Wyn perfectly excuded the typical male of that time period where women are concerned. He constantly saw Thea as some delicate wall flower that could break at any moment if handled wrong, or worse, turn into some kind of hussy if exposed to too much ‘intimate relations’. No wonder poor Thea thought Wyn to be cold and without feeling in the beginning of their relationship. Wyn made me chuckle a few times as well was wanting to cuff him upside the head and tell him to wake up and really see his Thea Marie. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Thea would turn sly and flirty and ask Wyn to misbehave for her. I could see the look of shock on his face perfectly in my mind’s eye and chuckled every time. I really enjoyed their scenes together and getting to know this couple.

Ms. LaCapra has a writing style that’s easy to read, and has the story flowing effortlessly from one scene to the other. Her characters were well developed, and I could easily see and feel the tight bond of friendship the Furies have for one another. As well, the angst and feeling of time and love lost is real and palpable between Thea and Wyn. Ms. LaCapra seems to have a talent for bringing such feelings to the forefront and letting them pour off the pages as the story unfolds. The overall story and plot line are entertaining and have a little bit of suspense and danger surrounding our couple thanks to Wyn’s no longer dead brother Eustace. Now there’s a character I didn’t like from the get go. He gave me the creeps from his first moment on the scene, and I knew he was up to no good. How his brother Wyn was blind to this side of his brother is beyond me, but thankfully by books end Wyn grows a brain a figures things out. Yay for Wyn!!

In the end I did enjoy Duchess Decadence and getting to meet Thea and Wyn, along with her fellow Furies. I only wish I had met them sooner and read the first two books in this series. I may just have to go backwards now and read the first two books. I can plainly see why The Furies series is a hit for Wendy LaCapra. Looking forward to more from this author.

Until next time, Happy Reading everyone.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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