Monthly Archives: November 2015

The Idea of You (Ribbon Ridge #4) by Darcy Burke-a review

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THE IDEA OF YOU (Ribbon Ridge #4) by Darcy Burke-a review

The Idea of You

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About the book: Release Date November 17, 2015

Evan Archer has always preferred peace and solitude to the loud antics of his large, hard-to-navigate family. But when Archer Enterprises needs a new creative director, Evan jumps at the chance to claim the job he’s always wanted. Moving home is easier than he expected, but Evan isn’t prepared for the stunning A-list celebrity hiding out in his family’s garage apartment.

Following a major tabloid scandal, movie star Alaina Pierce escapes to Ribbon Ridge. She’s immediately drawn to the quiet, picturesque town and the incredibly sexy—if a little quirky—Evan. He may be built like a Greek god, but he’s honest and straightforward… so different from the Hollywood types she normally dates.

Their attraction is undeniable, but Alaina can’t elude the paparazzi forever, and Evan has no interest in being in the limelight. When the secret she’s been keeping is exposed, the idea of Evan—of real love and a family like the Archers—could vanish in an instant.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE IDEA OF YOU is the fourth full length installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary adult Ribbon Ridge romance series focusing on the Archer family sextuplets (Evan, Sara, Alex, Tori, Kyle & Liam) of Ribbon Ridge and their younger brother Hayden. The Archer family owns several successful breweries and pubs, and most of the siblings currently play a role in the daily business operations at the request of Alex Archer, who took his own life after suffering years of physical and emotional disabilities. The Archer’s are a close knit family but due to the inherent and potential issues with multiple births-and in this case 6 babies at once-the now adult sextuplets are not without some emotional, mental and physical problems including OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), chronic lung disease, addiction and depression. This is IT specialist Evan Archer, and actress Alaina Pierce’s storyline. The series should be read in order as each timeline follows on the events of the previous book.

Told from alternating third person points of view THE IDEA OF YOU follows academy award winning actress Alaina Pierce as she escapes the Hollywood paparazzi and a major scandal, for the peace and solitude of Ribbon Ridge. Alaina, on the advice of friend and producer Sean Hennessey (When Love Happens #3) heads to the quiet town of Ribbon Ridge to take stock of her personal life and what it is she wants for the future. Alaina’s arrival at the Archer homestead finds our heroine falling for the shy, quiet and withdrawn Evan Archer-a man whose emotional and mental fragility takes the guise of Asperger’s syndrome. Asperger syndrome (AS) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of a distinct group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm). What ensues is a building relationship between Alaina – a woman who thrives on the stage and in the spotlight; and Evan –a man who becomes overwhelmed in social and crowded situations. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and hot.

Addressing Asperger’s Syndrome, Darcy Burke touches upon Evan’s sensory overload-the noise, the crowds, his inability to read social cues, as well as his issues with touch. THE IDEA OF YOU looks at the struggles of one couple as they navigate the potential minefield of a personal and sexual relationship. It is never easy entering into a new relationship, but for someone like Evan, the experience can set off a whole new level of difficulties and negative behavior.

THE IDEA OF YOU is an interesting and entertaining storyline about family; the characters are real; the romance is seductive; the happily ever after, although not unexpected, felt a little rushed.

Reading Order and reviews
Where The Heart Is
Only In My Dreams
Yours To Hold
When Love Happens
The Idea of You

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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I Do by A. J. Pine – a Review

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I Do by A. J. Pine – a Review

 

I doAmazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
Sometimes you have to trust your heart to find out what home really means.

Duncan McAllister is marrying Elaina Tripoli tomorrow. Except—he’s missing. Jordan, Noah, Griffin, Maggie, and Miles arrive in Greece for the festivities to find frantic messages from both the bride and groom. Noah and Griffin set off to find Duncan while Jordan, Maggie, and Miles try to salvage what should be a day of celebration before the wedding.

But the Americans have their own baggage. Noah’s got a surprise planned for Jordan that has to go perfectly. Griffin’s keeping life-changing news from Maggie. And Miles—well, he wasn’t looking for love on this trip until a Greek sous chef named Alex rocks his world.

The race is on for Duncan to make it back to Elaina before she decides not to take him back at all. For Noah to make sure his monumental plan goes off without a hitch. For Griffin to tell Maggie the truth without losing her. For Miles to admit that letting himself fall in love is worth the risk.

Happily Ever After waits at the finish line…if the four couples can make it on time.

 

Review:

I Do by A.J. Pine is book three in the If Only Series.  It follows the lives of four couples as they embark on the next stage of their lives.  Duncan McAllister is all set to     marry Elaina Tripoli in Greece.  The only problem is – he needs to get there.   Griffin is traveling to Greece with his girlfriend Maggie.  While he is concerned about her medical state he is also keeping a life changing secret from her.   Noah is on his way to Greece with his girlfriend Jordan, and he plans to have a perfectly timed and precise place to ask her to marry him.   Miles is so dead set against weddings and any form of commitment, yet he tags along to keep Maggie company. And the placement of a handsome stranger in the seat next to him on the plane proves much more than he was expecting.  While all of their friends are arriving in Greece for the nuptialsthey get a frantic message from the bride that Duncan is missing. And Duncan makes his one phone call to his friend Griffin – not his future wife.  Causing more strife with his bride to be.

While Noah and Griffin set off to find Duncan they leave behind Jordan, Maggie and Miles to console and comfort the bride.Elaina is dead set that Duncan has stood her up at the alter and she is bound and determined to show him what he is giving up once he does arrive, if heever arrives.   

Will Duncan make it in time to marry Elaina?  Will Maggie stay with Griffin after the life changing news he has for her?  Will Noah find the perfect time to ask Jordan to marry him, and will Milesrealize that its ok to let down his walls and love again?

This story was a fast paced drama that unfolded perfectly.  While I had not read the previous two books – this was perfect even as a stand alone.  Although I will go back and read the first two books now as I am completely hooked.  Duncan was my absolute favorite – who can deny a kilt wearing Scot?  And his relationship with Elaina has had its share of ups and downs and now was the perfect moment for them to make the commitment to become one.  But, as always, it seems that Duncan’s tendency to make a mess of a situation won out.  I loved the way he loves her. Absolute and completely.   And the epilogue – Perfection!!   Griffin and Maggie’s relationship actually had me on edge at first. I could not understand why he wouldn’t tell her up front about the life changing job – but in the end he made that absolutely clear.  He loves her and all of her flaws.  He wants nothing more than to protect her and love her.  Noah and Jordan’s relationship was playful and truthful.  Even though the road getting to where they are now was a rough one – Noah’s love for Jordan is real.  And his nervousness about the whole marriage proposal was wonderful to read.  But my favorite character of the entire book was Miles.  Its always the closed off, soft hearted guys that get you. I loved every moment of his and Alex’s relationship, from the airplane to the final scene.  They made me laugh and sweat and everything in between.   Each relationship was wonderful and unique but in the end it was all about the trust and the trust in their hearts. 

 I truly enjoyed this book and I will absolutely go back and read the first two books now. As I can not wait to delve deeper into each couples stories.  Wonderful read…

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Sweetest Scoundrel (Maiden Lane #9) by Elizabeth Hoyt-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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SWEETEST SCOUNDREL (Maiden Lane #9) by Elizabeth Hoyt-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Sweetest-Scoundrel-Banner

Sweetest Scoundrel
Maiden Lane #9
by Elizabeth Hoyt
Genre: historical, romance
Release Date: November 24, 2015

Sweetest Scoundrel

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date November 24, 2015

SHE’S TAKING CHARGE

Prim, proper, and thrifty, Eve Dinwoody is all business when it comes to protecting her brother’s investment. But when she agrees to control the purse strings of London’s premier pleasure garden, Harte’s Folly, she finds herself butting heads with an infuriating scoundrel who can’t be controlled.

HE’S RUNNING THE SHOW

Bawdy and bold, Asa Makepeace doesn’t have time for a penny-pinching prude like Eve. As the garden’s larger-than-life owner, he’s already dealing with self-centered sopranos and temperamental tenors. He’s not about to let an aristocratic woman boss him around . . . no matter how enticing she is.

BUT LOVE CONQUERS ALL

In spite of her lack of theatrical experience—and her fiery clashes with Asa—Eve is determined to turn Harte’s Folly into a smashing success. But the harder she tries to manage the stubborn rake, the harder it is to ignore his seductive charm and raw magnetism. There’s no denying the smoldering fire between them—and trying to put it out would be the greatest folly of all.

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: SWEETEST SCOUNDREL is the ninth installment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s MAIDEN LANE historical, romance series. This is Harte’s Folly owner Asa Makepeace, and Eve Dinwoody’s storyline. SWEETEST SCOUNDREL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the previous storyline characters and couples play secondary and supporting roles. Each chapter begins with a short excerpt from The Lion and The Dove that expertly parallels the events of SWEETEST SCOUNDREL.

Told from several third person points of view SWEETEST SCOUNDREL continues to focus on the rebuilding of London’s premier pleasure garden, Harte’s Folly. As the opening date draws closer Asa Makepeace finds himself in a financial predicament when his ‘benefactor’, the Duke of Montgomery, has suddenly decided to cease any further funding. Enter Eve Dinwoody, the Duke’s sister and the woman who handles all of the Duke’s business and the real reason Asa is about to lose his financial backing. What ensues is Asa’s seduction of Eve Dinwoody, in the hopes of re-negotiating her financial withdrawal. Meanwhile, Harte’s Folly becomes the target of chaos and destruction when one catastrophe after another befalls the reconstruction-catastrophes that are no accidents.

Eve Dinwoody is a prim and proper lady who lacks the physical beauty to which most men are attracted, but for Eve, the thought of any man’s touch, other than her brother or bodyguard, makes her physically and emotionally ill. Eve has a secret, one that she can barely remember, but one that will manifest itself, in the coming weeks.

Asa is a bit of a scoundrel, with a reputation for the ladies and a flamboyant lifestyle that doesn’t involve prudish women. Asa is a man who has been exiled from his family and we learn a little bit about his background and how he came into possession of the once-famous gardens. Asa is determined to bring Harte’s Folly back to its’ original glory, and to do so he needs the financial backing of the scandalized Duke of Montgomery aka Val. While the Duke is reported to be out of the country, Eve is in control of the Duke’s money.

The relationship between Asa and Eve is slow to build. Eve is an inexperienced woman who is tormented by demons from her past. Asa becomes all too aware that something dark controls the woman with whom he is falling in love, and our hero must slowly rebuild Eve’s trust and confidence. The $ex scenes are erotic, seductive and educational-especially when Eve naively wants to explore the differences between a man and woman-there is plenty of voyeuristic adventures for our leading couple.

SWEETEST SCOUNDREL has a large ensemble cast of characters. The secondary and supporting players include all of Asa’s extended family; Eve’s personal bodyguard Jean-Marie and his wife Tess; the Duke’s mysterious housekeeper Bridget Crumb, and by way of mention, the Duke himself. We are also reintroduced to Alf-the young street urchin who is more aware than most about what is happening in and around London; Mr. Macleish, Mr. Vogel as well as Apollo and Lily Greaves (Darling Beast #7); and the Ladies’ Syndicate. A number of the singers and dancers at Harte’s Folly including Polly Potts and Violetta play a small role throughout. The requisite evil is haunting and disturbing.

SWEETEST SCOUNDREL is an entertaining, fairytale-esque storyline with a little bit of mystery, suspense and romance. The world building continues to focus on Harte’s Folly-for those readers hoping for another look at the Ghost of St. Giles, there is no mention or reference to any of the earlier storylines. The premise of SWEETEST SCOUNDREL is intriguing; the characters are energetic and determined; the romance is unique and interesting. SWEETEST SCOUNDREL is another passionate romance from the pen of Elizabeth Hoyt.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and yellow

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter/ Pinterest

Elizabeth HoytElizabeth was born in New Orleans but grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was fortunate to be able to travel extensively as a child, visiting St. Andrews, Scotland; Germany; France; and Belgium. She spent a year in Oxford, England and was a summer exchange student to Kawasaki, Japan.

Elizabeth has a BA in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and, as a result of having no clue what to do with her life thereafter, a career history as a barista, a (terrible) sales clerk, a Wisconsin Revenue Service data entry slave, and an archeological field work grunt. Fortunately, Elizabeth married relatively young and produced two children who kept her busy until her mid-thirties. At about this time, when her youngest was entering Kindergarten, Elizabeth’s mother hinted that perhaps Elizabeth should get a Real Job.

But! Five years later, to everyone’s surprise, she actually sold that romance novel (The Raven Prince) and began a rather successful career as a Romance Novelist. This was most fortunate since Elizabeth is singularly unqualified to do anything else but Make Up Stories.

Since then Elizabeth has written nineteen books to critical acclaim: The Prince Trilogy (The Raven Prince, The Leopard Prince, and The Serpent Prince); the Legend of the Four Soldiers series (To Taste Temptation, To Seduce a Sinner, To Beguile a Beast, and To Desire a Devil); and the Maiden Lane series (Wicked Intentions, Notorious Pleasures, Scandalous Desires, Thief of Shadows, Lord of Darkness, Duke of Midnight, Darling Beast, Dearest Rogue, and the upcoming Sweetest Scoundrel). She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Julia Harper (Hot, For the Love of Pete, and Once and Always).

Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the ever faithful Mr. Hoyt.

Giveaway-Black and Yellow

There are TWO (2) ways to win !

Elizabeth and her publicist are offering a paper copy of SWEETEST SCOUNDREL 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. Follow Elizabeth Hoyt on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

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

8. Giveaway is open to US and CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from November 26-30, 2015

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Denial (Careless Whispers #1) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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DENIAL (Careless Whispers #1) by Lisa Renee Jones-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Denial Banner

DENIAL
Careless Whispers #1
by Lisa Renee Jones
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense
Release Date: November 24, 2015

Denial

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2105

Ella Ferguson awakes alone in Italy, unsure of who she is, and a gorgeous man has claimed her as his own. He’s tall, dark, and sexy, with money and power, the kind of man who makes a girl want to be possessed. And he does possess her, whispering wicked wonderful promises to her, stealing her trust and her heart. Soon though, the past finds her, yanking her from a cocoon of passion and safety. Everything is not how it seems. The truth will shatter her world, but it can set her free, if it doesn’t destroy her first.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: DENIAL is the first installment in Lisa Renee Jones’s contemporary adult CARELESS WHISPERS romantic suspense series focusing on Ella Ferguson. DENIAL is a spin off from Lisa’s INSIDE OUT SERIES. Ella is Sara McMillan’s (Inside Out Series) best friend and has gone missing following a trip to Europe. You do not have to have read the INSIDE OUT SERIES to follow the premise of DENIAL.

Told from first person point of view (Ella) DENIAL follows American citizen Ella Ferguson in the first few days following a back alley attack in Italy that left our heroine with a concussion and traumatic amnesia. Waking up in the hospital beside a beautiful stranger found Ella in a world of confusion with no memories including her own identity and the reasons for her present situation. Enter Kayden Wilkens, American billionaire and the man who claims to have saved Ella’s life. What ensues is the search for Ella’s identity and the truth behind the attack that left our heroine without her memories or any personal belongings, unable to understand the language, and in the care of a man with a dark and dangerous past.

DENIAL is a passionate and intriguing storyline about trust, secrets, lies and suspense; the search for the truth; and a woman who is caught in a world of unknowns. As Ella’s memories slowly return, she is confronted with too many unanswered questions, and bits and pieces of a life that she cannot remember. The dark images lead our heroine to believe that she has jumped from the frying pan into the proverbial fire, and into the arms of a man more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Trusting Kayden Wilkens may have been a mistake.

Lisa Renee Jones builds the suspense with twists and turns, and the introduction of Kayden’s team of ‘retrievers’ and ‘hunters’. Kayden and his men procure the unattainable, and Ella may be one his Kayden’s most prized possessions.

DENIAL is an unpredictable storyline that will seduce you into a web of mystery, intrigue and suspense; a compelling tale that will intoxicate and amaze with its’ secrets, lies and intensely passionate romance. Lisa Renee Jones has another hit with the release of DENIAL and the Careless Whispers Series.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Denial Teaser

 

excerpt

 

I couldn’t sleep. I meant to go to the kitchen and then I ended up here because I wanted . . .” His reaction cuts like his anger. “Just never mind.” I try to move around him but his hands press to the wall beside me, caging me, and now I’m angry. “Are we doing this again? Don’t bully me. My stupid flashbacks are doing a fine job of that on their own. I said I’m sorry. Just let me go back to my room.”
“You wanted what?”
“I wanted you to do what you swore you could,” I blurt, having nothing to lose when everything is already gone.
“Only I don’t want you to fuck me until I can’t remember my name. I want you to fuck me until I stop thinking about that man and the gun. Because you were right. Memories are the enemies that never die. But I know you don’t want—”
His hand slides under my hair and he drags me to him, my hand flattening on the hard wall of his chest. “I do want. So fucking bad it’s killing me.”
My palm is directly over his heart, and I can feel it racing, the air around us crackling with barely contained passion. “I don’t need a hero to save my virtue tonight. I need you. So please. Fuck me and then fuck with my head so no one else can. Let me choose my own sins.”
He is stone, unmoving, his body steel, his expression unreadable, the sexual tension crackling between us. “You want sin, sweetheart,” he says. “I’ll give you sin.” His mouth closes down on mine, his tongue licking into my mouth, wicked with demand, and I can taste his hunger, his need. A deep, aching need I want to fill.

 

 

About The Author Black and Red

Jones_Lisa_Renee-1ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES

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

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

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

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

STALK HER:  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

giveaway

There are TWO (2) ways to WIN

The Reading Cafe and Lisa’s publisher are offering a papercopy of DENIAL to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty posting a comment, please refresh the page once you have logged in

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 Lisa Renee Jones 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. FOLLOW 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 November 25-29, 2015

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Wild Cat (Leopard People #8) by Christine Feehan-a review

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WILD CAT (Leopard People #8) by Christine Feehan-a review

Wild Cat

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

A simple request for Siena Arnotto: deliver a gift to her grandfather’s friend. One look at Elijah Lospostos, hard-bodied and stripped to the waist, and Siena succumbs to a feline stirring she never felt before, and to Elijah’s reckless and pleasurable demands. But when that pulse-throbbing moment ends in the murder of an unexpected intruder, Elijah accuses the shaken and confused Siena of setting him up.

Then Siena discovers the truth of her Leopard heritage, of the secrets in her grandfather’s inner circle, and the sinister plot of revenge that has put her in jeopardy. When Siena’s grandfather is assassinated, she realizes the only man she can trust is Elijah. Now as her Leopard rises from within, Siena and Elijah share not only an animal instinct for survival—but a desire so raw and wild it may be the only thing that can save them.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WILD CAT is the eighth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD PEOPLE paranormal, erotic romance series. This is Elijah Lospostos, and Siena Arnotto’s storyline. WILD CAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the previous storyline couples and characters have secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Elijah and Siena) WILD CAT follows Siena’s introduction into the world of Leopard shifters. Raised by her elderly grandfather at the Arnotto winery estates, Siena has always had the protection of several of her grandfather’s guards, but every once in awhile Siena is sent on a solo mission to deliver wine to a few of her grandfather’s ‘close friends and associates’. What Siena never knew is that she was a distraction to her grandfather’s competition, and Siena played right into the hands of her grandfather’s games. When her latest mission finds Siena delivering a case of wine to the man who has called to her heart for over ten years, Siena soon discovers that entering into a relationship with Elijah Lospostos is one of the most dangerous and humiliating situations she could ever have imagined. Siena has also attracted the interest of her grandfather’s right hand man, and the danger to Siena is dark and fatal. There is a war between the Leopard families, and each ‘familia’ is willing to kill for power, control and territory.

All of Christine Feehan’s male characters (especially the Leopards) are dominant and controlling, and Elijah is more controlling than most. His relationship with his men, and Siena is aggressive, and Elijah will humiliate the woman who will one day be his mate-Siena will never forget the humiliation and hurtful words that spewed from Elijah’s mouth, and in this Elijah knows that he has far to go to earn the trust of his future mate.

Siena is unaware of her Leopard heritage, and enters into a world that promises death, pain and the possible loss of her individuality and freedom. A relationship with Elijah promises secrets and the fear of the unknown, especially as it pertains to Elijah’s business affairs and his role within the Leopard community. Siena easily accepts the existence of the Leopards without the usual denial and need to run from her life. The world building continues to focus on the Leopard’s struggle to survive in the human world; their need to dominate and control; and the search for a compatible female to carry on the shifter lines.

The relationship between Elijah and Siena is a constant push and pull. Elijah must be in charge at all times but Siena isn’t willing to acquiesce to Elijah’s demands-both in and out of the bedroom. The $ex scenes are numerous, aggressive, erotic and intense but there is no denying that Elijah has fallen in love with Siena Arnotto.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jake and Emma; Eli and Cat; Evan, Joaquin and Tomas Estrada, Drake Donovan, and Joshua Tregre. We are also introduced to several of Siena’s grandfather’s guards including Alonzo-a man who has promised to protect Siena with his life; and Paolo-a dangerous Leopard who wants Siena for himself.

WILD CAT is a sexually graphic and aggressive erotic storyline with abusive and violent situations especially as it pertains to the female characters. I have mentioned in several previous reviews that Christine Feehan’s storylines have become more violent towards the female characters-abuse, rape, torture, assault, and with WILD CAT the trend continues for both the leading heroine and a secondary character. Siena will suffer at the hands (paws) of another Leopard, and her emotional psyche will be assaulted by the man with whom she has fallen in love. Christine’s males have always been alpha and aggressive but it is the females who are suffering an uptake in violence and abuse. The real world is not perfect and neither are the world’s of Christine Feehan’s paranormal series. But not to focus on too much negativity, WILD CAT does brings with it some of Christine Feehan’s original writing style from the early days of the Leopard series-I found myself looking forward to revisiting old friends and familiar names. Welcome back to the world of the Leopards.

BONUS: WILD CAT contains a quick peek at the next Ghostwalker installment-SPIDER GAME #12-featuring Cayenne and Trap, and the backdrop of the NOLA Bayou. But I want to address the number of previous storyline characters who have yet to have their story told. So many GW Teams and male Ghostwalkers were introduced in the earlier novels, but Christine Feehan continues to add new names and characters, focusing on a different direction for the series. I am beginning to wonder if any of the original team members will ever have their stories told.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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From Russia with Fangs (From Russia…#2) by Jacey Conrad / Gia Corona-Review, Giveaway, and Release Day Blitz

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From Russia with Fangs (From Russia…#2) by Jacey Conrad/Gia Corona-Review, Giveaway & Release Day Blitz

From Russia

FROM RUSSIA WITH FANGS
From Russia…#2
by Jacey Conrad/Gia Corona
Release Date: November 24, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

From Russia with Fangs

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

Between her family’s drunken antics and vicious verbal attacks from her so-called friends, Irina Sudenko Volkov is having the worst night ever. And that’s before she’s widowed.

Volatile, cheating, no-good Sergei’s death-by-assassin unleashes chaos in the werewolf criminal underground. Irina’s panicked Papa assigns Beta wolf Viktor Zhukovsky to Irina’s security detail until her husband’s killer is found. As Irina’s world crumbles around her, the perfect princess mask falls away and Viktor meets the sharp, passionate woman underneath. Their initial chemistry gives way to a deeper attraction when Irina begins to see the decency underneath Viktor’s gruff, tattooed exterior, despite his insistence that it doesn’t exist.

Their tendency to find themselves semi-nude and in enclosed spaces is a source of amusement to her sister, Galina, but each of them knows of the deadly consequences if their relationship is brought to light. Things get even more complicated when Papa Sudenko begins to match-make Irina and Andrey Lupesco, who also happens to be in a secret relationship with Galina. Family dinners are awkward. With danger closing in on all sides, Irina has to find her claws and learn to howl.

In the much-anticipated sequel to From Russia with Claws, readers get a new perspective of the lusty exploits of the untameable Sudenko family. Gia Corona and Jacey Conrad craft a delightful tale of the anything-but-average human Irina and the libidinous lycanthropes in her life.

•••••••

REVIEW: FROM RUSSIA WITH FANGS is the second instalment in Jacey Conrad’s (aka Molly Harper) and Gia Corona’s contemporary, adult FROM RUSSIA paranormal, romance series focusing on the werewolves of the Russian Mob. This is beta wolf and security expert Viktor Zhukosvsky, and human female Irina Sudenko Volkov’s story line. FROM RUSSIA WITH FANGS runs parallel to, and crosses over with, the events of book one FROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS therefore, if you have read book one, there is plenty of duplication and repetition.

Told from third person point of view (Irina) FROM RUSSIA WITH FANGS follows Irina in the days following the murder of her abusive husband and werewolf Sergei Volkov. Irina is the adopted, human female daughter of Russian mobster Ilya Sudenko, and has become the bargaining chip in her father’s business dealings. When Irina’s husband is killed, Ilya assigns beta wolf Viktor Zhukovsky as Irina’s personal security guard in the hopes of protecting her from not only the probable repercussions upon her husband’s death, but from a potential threat from someone inside the Sudenko family. What ensues is the building and forbidden relationship between Viktor and Irina, and a takeover at the top of the Sudenko pack.

The relationship between Viktor and Irina is quick to build and begins during the funeral visitation and ceremony. Four years earlier Irina had been forced into a marriage, by her father, with a wolf she never loved, and she is having a difficult time grieving the loss of her late, abusive husband. Viktor’s protective nature found our heroine drawn to his strengths and need to protect; their attraction to one another is immediate and intense. The $ex scenes are seductive, entertaining and impulsive. Viktor and Irina are caught with their proverbial ‘pants down’ on several occasions, but they are not the only couple who get caught in a compromising position.

All of the Sudenko siblings play a secondary and supporting role including Irina’s sister and alpha female Galina Sudenko. Galina’s storyline begins in book one FROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS and continues into the second instalment- there is a cross over between books one and two.

If you are a fan of Molly Harper, be warned, that the writing style is different and Harper’s use of humour, wit, and sarcasm is not as prevalent, and the tone of the story(s) is altered and slightly darker, but that is not to say that different is less entertaining. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the characters are charismatic, aggressive and captivating; the romance is sensual and erotic.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

___________

From Russia with ClawsFROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS
From Russia…#1
by Jacey Conrad/Gia Corona
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 18, 2015

When Alpha female Galina Sudenko agreed to attend her distant cousin’s birthday party, she wasn’t counting on meeting the devastatingly handsome and powerful Rom Alpha, Andrey Lupesco, or having her sexy times with him interrupted by the murder of her idiot brother-in-law, Sergei. But such is life when your father is one of the most powerful werewolves within Seattle’s supernatural Russian organized crime syndicate.

Not content with being just a pretty face and good breeding stock, Galina sets out to make her mark within the family. But in doing so, she runs afoul of her eldest brother, Alexei, the heir apparent to the family dynasty. He has no intention of ceding his position without a fight.

Andrey and Galina’s burgeoning romance is threatened when she discovers that before his death, Irina’s husband, Sergei, hijacked Andrey’s shipment of the werewolf drug, Bullet, a synthetic drug that gives the supernatural creatures a cocaine-like high. Sergei’s theft means that Andrey had a reason to have Sergei killed, leaving Galina to decide whether to risk trusting Andrey even as her feelings for him deepen.

As her brother Alexei’s behavior becomes more erratic, Galina must find the missing shipment, prove to her family that she’ll be a capable leader, and decide whether her lover Andrey can be trusted before she can hope to challenge her brother for his position as head of the family.

A tale of sexy werewolves, forbidden love, family power struggles, and danger closing in, Gia Corona and Jacey Conrad’s From Russia With Claws will leave you howling for more!

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: FROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS is the first installment in Jacey Conrad (aka Molly Harper) /Gia Corona’s FROM RUSSIA adult, contemporary, paranormal romance series focusing on the werewolves of the Russian mob. This is mob daughter and Alpha female Galina Sudenko, and Rom Alpha male Andrey Lupesco’s storyline.

Told from third person perspective (Galina) FROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS introduces the Sudenko family of Seattle, Washington. Galina Sudenko is an alpha female but women are not allowed to serve at the ruling table. After the murder of her sister’s (Irina) husband, Galina goes in search of the evidence that will point the guilt at her brother in law’s own demise. Enter Andrey Lupesco, a Rom alpha werewolf, and the man who would steal Galina’s heart.

Andrey is a Romanian wolf, and as such is not respected within the Russian mob. When a shipment of a new designer drug for wolves known as Silver Bullet goes missing, Andrey suspects that someone from the Sudenko family may be behind the missing shipment. What ensues is Andrey and Galina’s search for the product, and the forbidden relationship between our leading couple.

FROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS is an entertaining paranormal storyline with moments of sexy fun, humor, and romance, along with some darker scenes of violence and death, and dysfunctional family relations. The large ensemble cast of characters includes our strong, sexy, alpha heroine who is willing to fight for what she wants- she wants Andrey Lupesco, and she wants the head seat at the family table. Andrey is an alpha male, whose positions sits on the fringes of the Russian mob, and with it comes the dark and dangerous world of importing and distributing a new, designer drug. These are not lawful citizens of the USA, but high ranking members of the US/Russian mob.

There are some moments of humor and sarcasm as per Molly Harper’s style of writing, but less prevalent then in her other series and story lines. The premise is entertaining; the characters, although colorful and dynamic, were not very well developed; the $ex scenes are numerous and provocative. There are several issues of repetition that felt like deja-vu, and in some cases almost word for word phrases and sentences.

FROM RUSSIA WITH CLAWS is a welcome addition to any library for fans of the paranormal romance genre. I love the Russian mob trope with shifter wolves.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author beige

Jacey Conrad (aka Molly Harper)  is a sushi­ loving, pop culture nerd living in the South with her high school sweetheart. She delights in horribly made mutant shark movies and watching Sean Bean die in his various cinematic incarnations. To keep up with Jacey on twitter, go to Jacey Conrad on Twitter

Gia Corona loves boots, boys, and bourbon, not necessarily in that order. When she’s not actively stalking Michael Fassbender and his abdominals, she’s watching questionable television or reading comics. You can find her at Gia Writes on Twitter

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The Bite of Winter by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Bite of Winter by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

The Bite of Winter Banner-Lauren Smith

 

The Bite of WinterAmazon / Barnes & Noble / BAM

DESCRIPTION
She is theirs to claim. They are hers to save.

Zoey Blake is about as far down on her luck as she can get. A car crash took her parents, leaving her destitute and on the street. When she’s attacked by another homeless person, her lifeblood drains away as her fading vision is filled with the face of a handsome stranger.

Ian Kennedy, a century old Irish vampire, never could resist rescuing a stray. As a few drops of his blood heals Zoey’s wounds, he realizes she’s a sweet, tempting, flesh-and-blood woman. But there’s one problem. Connor, who made Ian promise decades ago: no more mortal lovers.

After another vampire murdered his soulmate, Connor O’Shea swore never to let amortal woman pay the price for loving him. Until he feels Zoey’s skin and tastes her lips.She makes him want to break that vow.

Zoey finds herself caught in their web of seduction. But as Christmas draws near andher grief deepens, happiness seems far out of reach. And Ian and Connor join forces to prove their love is sacred, special…and forever.

Warning: This book contains two scorching-hot Irish vampires, one lady with plenty of pluck but zero luck, naughty lingerie, and enough Christmas cheer to redeem even the darkest creatures.

 

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks! 

That was a quick and yummy read!  

The Bite of Winter by Lauren Smith is the first book (novella) of her Love Bites series.  Featuring two Irish Vampires and one lucky lady who is about to experience life in a whole new way, I have to say I was completely engaged in the story the entire time.  

Zoey is a little more than down on her luck.  Living on the streets, feeling hopeless and struggling to make sense of what happened to her life, there is no surprise when she finds herself brutally attacked and left for dead.   

Ian cannot stand to see this small woman suffer.  Out on the streets to feed, he finds himself wanting to save this wee mortal and decides to intervene and feed her his blood, healing her wounds. One small problem .. he can’t seem to leave her be, so he scoops her up and takes her home knowing he’ll have to deal with his friend’s wrath.

Conner, harden with time of mourning and loss, is floored that Ian would bring home another mortal … especially after losing their mortal mate many years ago.  Something about Zoey is calling to him however, and before he knows it, he is doing things he’d never thought he’d do .. again.

Off we go in a menage romance full of fun scary vampires and one girl who seems to have hit the jackpot.  Add in a dash of Christmas, danger lurking, true mates and some hot smexy scenes, and you are left feeling quite satisfied.  I am interested to see where this series is going, and what is coming next.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

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Lauren is graciously offering a $15.00 Amazon gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

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

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8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from November 24 – November 28, 2015

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Unwrap Me (Stark Ever After Novella) by J. Kenner-Review and Release Day blitz

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Unwrap Me (Stark Ever After Novella) by J. Kenner-Review and Book Tour

Unwrap-Me-Stark-Ever-After-FB-Banner-2

UNWRAP ME
Stark Ever After Novella
by J. Kenner
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: November 24, 2105

Unwrap Me 2

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM / Google Play / itunes

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27204703-unwrap-me

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

From New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner comes an electrifying holiday eBook novella. In Unwrap Me, fan favorites Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild get ready for Christmas—and this year they’re both on the very naughty list.

Includes a special preview of Dirtiest Secret, the provocative first novel in J. Kenner’s highly anticipated new trilogy!

•••••••••••••••

Damien Stark is my greatest Christmas wish come true. Immensely powerful and devastatingly sexy, he can undo me with the slightest touch, and with just one glance, he can see straight into my soul.

We both have dark secrets, twisted pieces of our pasts that only the other one understands. Though our fierce love and passion keeps me alive, sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if Damien and I hadn’t met in exactly the way we did.

How would my life have been different? Would another man have laid claim to my body and my heart? Or were Damien and I destined to be together no matter the cost?

Unwrap Me is intended for mature audiences.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNWRAP ME is a holiday novella set in J. Kenner’s Stark Ever After erotic, romance series focusing on Damien and Nikki Stark. Their continuing story finds our couple preparing to celebrate the Christmas holidays with family and friends but an expected gift from Damien has Nikki wondering how things would have been different if the couple had never met. There is a slight ‘magical’ feel to the storyline.

The novella has a decidedly ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ feel without the disastrous results that befell George Bailey and friends in the alternate reality. As Nikki struggles with Damien’s early Christmas surprise, our heroine falls into a dreamscape of ‘what if’ and ‘maybe’, had she never taken the chance with Damien Stark.

UNWRAP ME is a sensual and sexually graphic, erotic novella that looks at family and friends; acceptance, and the strength of partnership and love. We revisit with Damien’s half brother Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks, and Jackson’s daughter Ronnie; Nikki’s best friend Jamie and the love of her life Ryan Hunter; and Ollie-Nikki’s oldest friend and Jamie’s former lover. UNWRAP ME focuses on preparations for the holidays, and the gift of love that is sparked by dreams and the imagination. There is a little bit of romance, love, $ex, humor, friendship and the magic of the holidays. J.Kenner turns up the heat with Nikki and Damien Stark.

Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

true gentleman is helping his woman to get her shoes on while sitting. sexy couple in studio

About The Author Black and Red

J.KennerThough known primarily for her award-winning and internationally bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A four time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Tumblr – Goodreads

Ink Slinger

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