Monthly Archives: November 2015

Heart Legacy by Robin D. Owens – Review & Giveaway

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Heart Legacy by Robin D. Owens – Review & Giveaway

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Heart Legacy
Celta series – Book #14
by Robin D. Owens
Release Date: November 3, 2015

Heart LegacyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
After the death of GrandLord Yew years ago, the Yews withdrew to their self-sustaining estate and disappeared from Celtan society. The current head of the household is believed to be eighteen-year-old Loridana. To find out, Draeg Blackthorn has been sent to the estate to spy, undercover as a stableman for the stridebeasts—beautiful creatures that hold a place in Lori’s heart no member of her family ever could.

Bullied by her family, Lori has decided to abandon her bloodline and live on her own with her true family—her animals. When Draeg discovers she’s rejecting her heritage, he’s appalled. He’s come to love the land as much as the woman, even spinning small fantasies of marrying Lori and becoming Lord and Lady of the manor. Draeg wants her to stay and fight her elders. For Lori, it’s an alternative that could render her absolutely powerless to pursue her own destiny, and drive her further away from her perfect dreams and the man she loves, Draeg.

Review:

Heart Legacy by Robin D. Owens is the 14th book in her wonderful Celta series. This story belongs to Draeg Blackthorn and Loridana (Lori) Yew. The Yew’s have been distant and separated from the rest of the first families in Celta for many years, not trusted or well liked due to their villainous past.  Lori is only 18, but she should have been given the title of D’Yew to run the estate. However, Lori has been bullied and ignored by the other Yew family members, as well as residence. They are mean to her, and she has no say as to the estate, which rightfully is hers to run.

Draeg has been sent to spy on the estate, as a stableman, to discover what is happening in the Yew household and uncover who is behind the villainous attacks against the first families. Draeg meets Lori’s famcat, Baccat, who fiercly protects her, and warns Draeg to stay away from the mean house. Once Draeg meets Lori, he knows immediately that she is not the one behind the attacks.

In a short time, both Draeg and Lori find themselves attracted to each other. Draeg tries to fight the attraction, but Lori is desperate to act on her feelings, which worries Draeg, as he knows she is a virgin. Slowly, there romance heats up and the chemistry becomes very hot. Draeg feels guilty that he cannot tell Lori the truth about him being a spy on the family, even if he knows she is innocent. Between Lori’s actions, and Baccat’s comments (in this series, fam’s do talk), Draeg discovers that the family treats Lori as a distant relative, not allowing her any control.

He finally realizes that Lori and Baccat are planning on leaving the estate, and take the horses with them. Lori is tired of being treated so badly, and just wants to give it all up. She plans to secretly escape to a small country estate that her father left her. Draeg tries to convince her that she should never give up the inheritance that rightfully belongs to her. What follows is not only a beautiful romance, some fun with Baccat, as well as Draeg’s new crow fam; and an exciting finish that will find the true culprits within the family, who are part of the attacks, and hurting Lori.

But before he can tell her the truth, Lori discovers that Draeg has been spying and pushes him away in anger, and mistrust. It was nice to see many of the Celta families that we have met from previous stories. Will Lori forgive Draeg or will she leave it all behind?   Will Draeg tell Lori she is his heartmate?

Once again Robin D. Owens gives us another wonderful story of two unlikely people, who find their true love. I am a big fan of this series, and cannot wait for the next one.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

giveaway

Robin’s publisher is offering a paper copy of HEART LEGACY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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9. Giveaway runs from November 2 – 6, 2015

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The Single Undead Moms Club by Molly Harper-a review

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THE SINGLE UNDEAD MOMS CLUB (Half Moon Hollow 4) by Molly Harper-a review

The Single Undead Moms Club

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 3015

Widow Libby Stratton arranged to be turned into a vampire after she was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. It wasn’t the best idea she’s ever had, but she was desperate—she’s not about to leave her seven-year-old son to be raised by her rigid, overbearing in-laws.

On top of post-turning transition issues, like being ignored at PTA meetings and other mothers rejecting her son’s invitations for sleepovers, Libby must deal with her father-in-law’s attempts to declare her an unfit mother, her growing feelings for Wade—a tattooed redneck single dad she met while hiding in a closet at Back to School Night—and the return of her sire, who hasn’t stopped thinking about brave, snarky Libby since he turned her.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SINGLE UNDEAD MOMS CLUB is the fourth installment in Molly Harper’s adult, contemporary Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series- spin off from Harper’s Jane Jameson series. This is widow/single mom Libby Stratton, and tattooed mechanic, single father Wade Tucker’s storyline. THE SINGLE UNDEAD MOMS CLUB can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from first person point of view (Libby) THE SINGLE UNDEAD MOMS CLUB follows Libby after her ‘transition’ to vampire by an unknown sire. As a single mom to six year old Danny, Libby was struggling to survive. Leukemia was slowly killing our heroine; her husband had been dead for a couple of years, and she refused to allow her anal-retentive inlaws total control of her son, so Libby did what she thought was best and placed a ‘Craigslist’ ad for a vampire sire-Libby wanted to raise her son and turning vampire was the only way she could ‘survive’. What ensues are the usual PTA grumblings about a vampire volunteer, hatred towards the supernatural species, and a love affair with a single dad whose son becomes best friends with Libby’s boy. Meanwhile, Libby continues to have haunting erotic dreams about the sire she knows nothing about-a man who will try to seduce the ‘childe’ he sired and left behind.

THE SINGLE UNDEAD MOMS CLUB is an ensemble storyline with several secondary and supporting characters including many of the couples from Harper’s Jane Jameson series-vampires Jane and Gabriel; Dick and Andrea; Nola and shifter Jed; werewolf Zeb and his mate Jolene; and Iris and Cal (The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires #1). We are also introduced to Libby’s former in-laws-Les and Marge-whose dislike of all things supernatural begins to fester like an open wound that refuses to heal.

Molly Harper adds her usual flare of the sarcastic banter, witty comebacks and one-liners that will have you grinning and giggling at the most inopportune times. Libby’s journey finds our heroine defending her ability to raise a human child against the PTA and her former inlaws who continue to add fuel to an already burning fire.

THE SINGLE UNDEAD MOMS CLUB is a fun, flirty and sexy read with an assortment of vampires, witches, werewolves and shifters who are brought together to celebrate the birthday of a six year old boy. Jane will take on the role of mentor to Libby’s newfound vampirism but it is the identity of Libby’s sire, and his connections to Libby’s past that will raise a few eyebrows in the supernatural community.

Molly Harper’s sense of humor and comedic timing merits a place on my ‘go-to’ list every time.

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses
Undead Sublet(Novella)
I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
The Dangers of Dating A Rebound Vampire
The Single Undead Moms Club (October 2015)
Fangs for the Memories (Novella-November 2015)

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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Revealed to Him (Kerr Chronicles #3) by Jen Frederick-a review

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REVEALED TO HIM (Kerr Chronicles #3) by Jen Frederick-a review

Revealed to HIm

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

Handsome and tough Jake Tanner, a veteran and the owner of a successful security firm, never lets his past hold him back. Despite his prosthetic hand and foot, women swoon over him—and with him between the sheets. Yet Jake feels bored and restless…until he’s hired to protect a beautiful writer whose life is in terrible danger.

Self-imprisoned by the fear of the anonymous stalkers who threaten her life, video-game writer Natalie Beck now only dreams of the world outside her pink-bedecked apartment. Trusting people again is off-limits. But the more time Jake spends with her, the more his professional commitment evolves from simple duty to scorching desire. While deeply sensual sparks ignite between the two, the danger outside circles closer. Will Jake’s intense devotion be enough to save Natalie? Or will she turn away from the one man willing to do anything to save her?

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: REVEALED TO HIM is the third installment in Jen Frederick’s contemporary, adult KERR CHRONICLES erotic, romance series. This is thirty five year old security expert and US Ranger amputee Jake Tanner, and twenty six year old author Natalie Beck’s storyline. REVEALED TO HIM is a stand alone, romantic suspense story but several of the characters from Frederick’s KERR CHRONICLES including Ian Kerr, and Tiny (aka Victoria) play secondary and supporting roles. REVEALED TO HIM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty; any important information from the previous storylines is imparted where necessary although I felt I was on the outside looking in as it pertained to Jake’s friendship and business relationship with Ian and the other members of his team- I was missing some ‘inside information’.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Jake and Natalie) REVEALED TO HIM focuses on the investigation into the threats against Natalie Beck by a stalker who has forced our heroine into a reclusive and agoraphobic lifestyle. Following a incident that almost claimed her life, Natalie refuses to leave her apartment when a threatening letter surfaces claiming to know about Natalie’s true identity. Natalie is currently living in the same condo building as her cousin Oliver, a man who hires Jake Tanner to investigate the threats against Natalie.

Jake Tanner is a double amputee (caused by an IED explosion in Afghanistan) who currently owns and works at Tanner Security. His latest assignment has found our hero falling for a woman he has never met in person but has an overwhelming need to protect against those that have threatened her life. Natalie remains housebound throughout most of the storyline but her introduction to Jake finds our couple making quick work of their building relationship via texts, emails, phone calls and late night visits where Jake remains behind closed doors. Natalie may not be able to leave her home, but that doesn’t mean Jake isn’t welcome into Natalie’s bed and her heart. The $ex scenes are intense, erotic and provocative.

We are introduced to Natalie’s best friend and editor Daphne; and Natalie’s psychiatrist Dr. Terrance-both of whom have questionable motives when it comes to Natalie’s recover. Oliver Graham is Natalie’s sexy cousin, a professional football player whose protection of Natalie reaches beyond familial duty; and Dr. Crist-Jake’s friend and a man called in to confirm Natalie’s current diagnosis. Jake’s sister Sabrina is a welcome addition to the storyline as she is the supporting factor in Jake’s life. Sabrina’s attraction to Japanese billionaire and Ian Kerr’s best friend Kaga continues to be a ‘bone of contention’ between the siblings.

As it pertains to the character of Natalie, our heroine’s agoraphobia is destructive and controlling. There are moments when she pushes herself to the edge and fears falling into the abyss, while other times she is afraid of her own shadow; strangers and knocks on her door become potential threats against her life. There is a fine line between enabling a disability and helping to find a modicum of control. Jen Frederick presents a heroine with a debilitating disorder that controls ever aspect of her life.

REVEALED TO HIM is an interesting, intriguing and thought-provoking storyline about a psychological disorder that is often misunderstood. The mystery and suspense surrounding the identity of the person(s) responsible for the threats against our heroine was easily deduced-the author drops little hints throughout the story. The premise is inspiring; the characters are engaging, colorful and intense. My only issue is the quick conflict resolution at the end of the story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rock Me Two Times (Rock Band #1) by Dawn Ryder-Review & Book Tour

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Rock Me Two Times (Rock Band #1) by Dawn Ryder-Review and Book Tour

Rock Me Two Times

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

Rock Me Two Times graphic

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

A partnership with the hottest new rock band, Toxsin, is a major opportunity for Kate’s small custom leather shop, but she’s determined to resist her burning attraction to the lead guitarist, Syon Braden. Sex is a commodity in his world, and that’s just not enough for her. Or so she thought.

With the multiplatinum success of his band, Syon thought he had everything he’d ever wanted…and then he met Kate. He knows that sleeping with her could distract him from his music and even interfere with his close bandmate friendships, but despite all this, Syon just can’t seem to keep his mind—or hands—off of her…

••••••••

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

HOLY HOT READ! This is the first book I have ever read by this author and I have to say I will be back for more.

Rock Me Two Times is the first book of Dawn Ryder’s Rock Band series. Set up so you know there is more coming with all the band characters, she manages to suck the reader in with the level of heat and wit that I personally enjoy in a contemporary erotica read.

Kate in our leading lady and a much coveted leather designer of the fashion world. Each piece she creates has her heart and soul imprinted and her professionalism is something she takes pride in! She has her own personal rules as well .. NO ROCK BANDS! When a rock band emergency calls for her services, her boss (love love love this character) Percy, does all he can to convince Kate it’s just this once.

Syon is the lead member of the band Toxsin, and most definitely one who enjoys the perks of being a rock star. When sexy Kate shows up to fix his “emergency”, he is completely drawn to her and knows he must have her. Soon Kate is convinced to travel on their tour with them and a full on yummy adventure starts with Kate and Syon.

Both are completely blown away by the attraction they hold for the other and just how connected they feel. When the band manager realizes that Kate’s presence can hinder the bands image, things start to get sticky and a real test of this relationship is faced. The thing is, Kate has now been accepted as a part of this group, but she is unsure if she can live the way a rocker needs to live. Is this just a fantasy or can Syon and Kate really take this farther down the road?

I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated and interested in the characters, teased and invested. My only complaint is that there was too much squeezed in that didn’t need to be. The band use to be soldiers, and their were elements of dominance, they are a rich, and now they are rock stars. In this genre, an author normally goes down one of these avenues so I felt it was a little far fetched for ALL of this to appear. That being said, it didn’t take away from ANY of the enjoyment of the actual story, it just kind of bugged me a little.

If you LOVE a steamy read with some hot rockers then this is a book for you! I am looking forward to the second book of this series and will continue to follow!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

excerpt

 

The Staples Center was roaring.
It sounded like a tsunami coming in, or a freight train passing three feet in front of her face. It was more than sound; there was a vibration that traveled through her body, all the way down to her bones. There
was a current in the air that practically crackled with excitement.
The bodyguard-slash-security guy showed Kate up to a private box. She followed because she didn’t want to squeal like a little girl and ask to be taken home.
She’d never lost her head like this before.
It was embarrassing on an epic scale. She was pissed at herself for rolling over so easily for a man who wouldn’t recall her name by the end of the night.
The box had plush seats and an open rail overlooking the stage. The lights went down, and the drummer started up. The beat was infectious, taking over her heart until she was sure the muscle was keeping the same
rhythm.
The crowd roared again, thrusting their hands up into the air as two guitars joined the drummer. Her nipples puckered again, her memory offering up an image of Syon arching back as he played those final chords.
It was like he was pushing the music out of himself, almost as if he were giving birth.
On stage, he was just as raw.
Syon took command of the space completely. The audience ate him up.
And were they screaming. Syon worked them just as skillfully as he did his guitar. He really was lord of all he surveyed. Kate discovered herself leaning forward, being drawn toward the spellbinding energy
pulsing on the stage. Sitting still was impossible; her body wanted to move in time with the notes Syon was wringing out of his instrument. She became fixated on his hands; the way he worked his fingers was downright dominant.
Her teeth were clenched by the time the last song finished, she was panting softly and felt wrung out.
But it was fucking wonderful. She was drifting on a high and collapsed back into her padded chair, her composure scattered around her like fall leaves. She felt spent but amped up at the same time.
Fangirls were definitely climbing the respect ladder in her book.
Okay, so she was drooling over a rock star like some high schooler, but at least B.O.B.—her battery-operated boyfriend —was waiting for her at home. All in all, the buzz was worth the slightly stinging blow to
her pride, because in some corner of her mind, she believed she should be grown-up enough to realize fantasies weren’t mature. So disappointment wouldn’t stalk her in the wee hours of the night.
A hollow feeling in her gut warned her she was hoping in vain.
As Syon and the rest of the band left the stage, Kate indulged herself in a long moment of reflection. Syon had worked that guitar until it wailed. He had to be hell in bed if he applied even half that effort
to pleasing his partner.
“So, what’d you think?”
She jumped, grabbing the armrests of the movie theater-style chair. Her eyes popped open wide, and her belly did a triple flip when she found Syon watching her.
“Ah…” Her tongue suddenly felt like a wad of cotton in her mouth as she scrambled to stand up and turn around to face him. “It was fantastic…”
He grinned at her, a huge, arrogantly pleased expression that showed off his perfect teeth.
God, she wondered if he knew how to bite…

 

 

Guest Post

Sexiest Rock Stars (And What Makes Them So Hot!) with Dawn Ryder

Rock Stars…some are just lick-able….

Let’s face it, there is something about a man in leather, who can bring a stadium to its feet. I know there are all sorts of different music out there but heavy metal in all its formats has a certain, gut-wrenching appeal that just gets girls wanting to squeal. So here’s one of my favorites:

Tim McGraw – Fine, he isn’t a heavy metal musician, but he is absolutely lick-able. There are a lot of reasons that I find this man fascinating, one of which is his music writing range. Everything from songs about ‘being a bad boy but a real good man’ to something soul wrenching like ‘Live like you were dying.’ The music moves something inside me and that was exactly what I wanted to come across in this book, Rock Me Two Times. I wanted to take readers to the person behind the fame, the one that struggles with self-esteem like every one of their fans and also has to contend with the fact that because they are at the top, they know everyone is going to judge what they come out with next. Sure, I wanted Syon to be a strong hero type, but I also wanted the reader to see that he had a need for a soul mate too.

There are so many types of passion, and music is one that the world stops and listens to. If I’m lucky, someday, one of my books will captivate a reader just as completely as some of the great songs out there that everyone knows.

Dawn Ryder
DawnRyder.com

About The Author

Dawn Ryder photo

 

Dawn Ryder is the erotic romance pen name of a bestselling author of historical romances. She has been publishing her stories for over eight years to a growing and appreciative audience. She is commercially
published in mass market and trade paper, and digi-first published with trade paper releases. She is hugely committed to her career as an author, as well as to other authors and to her readership. She resides in Southern California.

 

Website: http://www.dawnryder.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mary-Wine-133965836120
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawnryder_write
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/853496.Dawn_Ryder

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