Monthly Archives: December 2015

The Queen B* and the Homecoming King by Crista McHugh – a Review

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The Queen B* and the Homecoming King by Crista McHugh – a Review

 

Queen B and the Homecoming KingAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
The Queen B*, Alexis Wyndham, has only three rules when it comes to dating that star quarterback, Brett Pederson:

1. No obligations to spend every waking moment with each other.
2. No public displays of affection while at Eastline High.
3. And absolutely, under no circumstances, will she ever go to the Homecoming dance.
But as her life is completely upended time and time again, she begins to wonder if some rules are meant to be broken.

 

Review:

The Queen B* and the Homecoming King picks up right where book number two ended….with Alexis and Brett officially dating. Of course, as the blurb says, she has three rules and she is determined that they both stick to said rules. Uh huh…….

As Alexis and Brett go about figuring out their relationship, one thing becomes abundantly clear. Brett is having a hard time with the no PDA rule. Alexis reprimands him, only to be secretly flattered that he has no problem with it and people knowing they are an official couple.

Brett is a little preoccupied with finishing out his high school football career and making it to the state playoffs, which may or may not have a direct impact on what college he decides to attend. It then hits Alexis that they could be going in different directions when it came time to leave for college and that, surprisingly for her, does not sit well. But first, she has other things on the front burner..

One of Alexis’ best friends, Morgan, is still upset with her over a situation with a guy that we learned about in the last book. Her other best friend, Richard, agrees to try and talk to Morgan to help her out, but he has so much on his plate. He’s trying out for the debate team and someone is leaving threatening homophobic messages on his locker, which does NOT sit well with Alexis. She thinks she knows who’s doing it, but Brett tells her she is wrong. That in itself makes Alexis wonder if he’s already picking his friends over her. Or, could she actually BE wrong?

As they continue to navigate their new relationship, potential colleges and typical high school stuff, Alexis has also made it her mission to make Morgan understand what really happened, as well as find out who is bullying Richard. However, when a horrific accident leaves one of our beloved high schoolers in a bad way, what follows is both heart wrenching and heartwarming.

The Queen B* and the Homecoming King was another great story by Crista McHugh. I have to tell you once again that the relevance of this story was not lost on me, but Mrs. McHugh has a way of doing that with everything she writes. Alexis may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but when you find out her back story, it just makes her that much more of a great character. Brett is the guy that EVERYONE wants their daughter to meet. Has a huge heart and is good down to his core. I am having a hard time dealing with the fact that Crista is saying this is the last one in this series and am hoping that we may at some point get to visit with these great characters again. Their future is so bright that I’m hoping she has a hard time shielding herself from them! Ha! Once again…… Well done, Crista McHugh! Very, very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

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Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz – Review & Giveaway

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Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves.

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother’s hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn’t be bothering them anymore…ever. Still their lives would never be the same. 

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother’s mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts…and wants. 

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack’s brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth….

 

 

Review:

Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz is a wonderful romance suspense story. I have not read a Jayne Ann Krentz book in a very long time, and after reading Secret Sisters, I know I have missed some great books.

Madeline Chase is our heroine, who is still grieving the recent death of her grandmother. Now, having inherited all the hotels she runs, is summoned by the caretaker of their abandoned hotel in Cooper Island, where she has not been back since she was young girl 18 years earlier. When Madeline arrives at the old broken down hotel, she finds the caretaker dying, after being attacked. She summons her security chief, Jack Rayner, to help her solve his murder, and find the truth that made Madeline and her grandmother leave Cooper Island all those years ago.

As Madeline explains to Jack, she was attacked by a hotel guest, but thanks to her best friend, Daphne, she was rescued before she was raped. All the secrets from that night was hidden; what happened to the attacker; a briefcase was found with damaging information about a powerful person? Now 18 years later the caretaker and her grandmother are dead, which Madeline suspects were suspicious. The hidden briefcase, which both of them looked for was missing, bringing both of them to the conclusion that past has come back to haunt all of them.

Daphne, who has not seen Madeline in those 18 years, is told to quickly leave her home and come to Cooper Island, since her life was also in danger. It was really nice to see old friends, who were secret sisters, reunite and help each other with Jack and his brother Abe work to solve the murders and the mystery of what was in that briefcase.

What follows is an exciting story with so many twists and turns that it kept us on the edge of our seat, unable to look away in fear of missing anything. Madeline was a very strong heroine, and had her own issues of not being touched, from her bad experience. I really liked her. Jack had his own issues from his experiences as a profiler, which still haunts him. Together, Madeline and Jack bonded and helped each other,   as a slow built romance began.  However, as sweet as their romance was, the brunt of the story was the mystery and suspense.   The four of them made a great team, as Daphne and Abe were also great.

Without giving up any spoilers, from the beginning, we knew the powerful Webster family controlled Cooper Island. As the mystery begins to unravel, the sins of the father will involve the entire family, some with political aspirations. As I said before, just when you think you know who the murderer is, something happens to change it, with so many surprises.

Secret Sisters was a wonderful suspenseful story, with fantastic characters, including the villains. The pace of the story was so well done, allowing us to learn more about the characters and the mystery. Jayne Ann Krentz wrote a great story that was exciting, intense, action packed, great characters, with a little bit of romance and friendship to lighten the story. I suggest you not miss this book, as it was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

about the author

The author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.

She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.

Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.

You can learn more about Jayne Ann Krentz at the following links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

giveaway

Jayne Ann and her Publisher are offering a hardcover copy of SECRET SISTERS 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 Jayne Ann Krentz 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 USA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 4-7, 2015

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The Corset Maker: Volume 1 by K.T. Frederick-a review

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THE CORSET MAKER Volume 1 by K. T. Frederick-a review

 

99¢ ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 17, 2015

Most girls love wearing elaborate costumes and sultry corsets, but twenty-one-year-old Amelia Jacobs prefers cinching waists and creating perfect hourglass figures for her models and actresses. Jobs for costume designers in New York City are few and far between, so Amelia waits tables to pay her bills.

Everyone wants the elusive Julien Wolfe to direct their film, but he refuses to speak to anyone about his troubled past in Hollywood royalty. Wolfe’s next blockbuster is Amelia’s dream commission: a bodice-ripping time-travel film. But a lot of designers are vying for the job, and they’d be only too happy to see Amelia come apart at the seams.

Three days before her pitch, a perilous mistake forces Amelia to take desperate (and indecent) measures to land the deal and avoid eviction. And that’s just one of her problems.

Just when things can’t possibly get worse, Amelia does the worst thing of all and falls for the emotionally unreachable director.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE CORSET MAKER volume one is the first installment in K. T. Frederick’s contemporary, new adult, romance serial focusing on costume designer Amelia Jacobs, and film director Julien Wolfe.

Told from first person point of view (Amelia) volume one introduces the players and some of the background of K.T. Frederick’s THE CORSET MAKER. Amelia is a costume designer who, along with her best friend Chloe, is struggling to make ends meet. An accidental meeting with the elusive director Julien Wolfe, at his latest movie premier finds Amelia literally falling for her childhood crush, and the man who could make or break her costuming career. Her upcoming appointment with Julien’s team, to show off her latest designs, finds our heroine caught between a possible scandal and the prospect of losing her young company to someone from her past.

THE CORSET MAKER is an intriguing storyline with relatable characters, a building romance, and the requisite evil with ties to Amelia’s past. We are introduced to Julien Wolfe whose reputation precedes his meeting with Amelia; and Chloe, who is Amelia’s best friend, and fellow designer who pushes Amelia to go for what she wants. Amelia is no stranger to the Hollywood lifestyle, and we get some information about her earlier years as she reflects upon her own mother’s success and failures behind the screens.

K. T. Frederick reveals just enough information to make you sit up and take notice; wanting more.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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In Search of Scandal by Susanne Lord-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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In Search of Scandal by Susanne Lord-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

 

IN SEARCH OF SCANDAL
London Explorers #1
by Susanne Lord
Genre:adult, historical romance
Release Date: December 1, 2015

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2015

A DARING EXPLORER

All of London is abuzz with the tale of Will Repton. The lone survivor of a massacre in Tibet has returned to England a hero, but the traumatized explorer has no time for glory. Another dangerous expedition awaits. Nothing will deter him from his quest, and no one will unearth his secret—until Will meets Charlotte Baker.

IS NO MATCH FOR AN ADVENTUROUS HEART

Vivacious Charlotte Baker also has a mission—to find a man whose bold spirit matches her own. When she meets Will Repton, she immediately recognizes him as her soul mate, and she’s naively willing to turn her back on the rules of propriety to ensnare him. Will is torn between his fascination with Charlotte and his vow to finish his quest. He knows what it is to risk life and limb—but what if his most perilous adventure doesn’t lie across an ocean, but within his own lost heart?

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW .. that was one fantastic read! 🙂

In Search of Scandal by Susanne Lord is the first book of her historical romance series named London Explorers and it sure did deliver. Susanne is a new author to me, and there is nothing better that finding an author that hits all the marks that I favour in historical romance novels.

Having returned home to England after a disaster that would your know what with anyone’s head, Will Repton certainly is a damaged man. He is a well known adventurer that is being welcomed home as a hero despite the fact that he feels anything but. He is raw in his emotions and pain, dark and broody without being obnoxious and generally a character that one cannot wait to learn about.

Charlotte Baker is a woman who needs to get her family out of scandal by marrying well. She is a light hearted, a welcomed breath of fresh air who has a glass that seems to remain half full all the time. She is kind and sweet but NOT annoyingly so and she knows the minute she meets Will, she has found her soul mate.

Together these two manage to set off on an adventure of truth, denial, healing and ultimately love and trust. Charlotte knows there is something wrong with Will but never in her wildest dreams would she guess what it is that plagues him. Will feels drawn to Charlotte despite his adamant “I don’t want or need a wife, I have things I need to do!”. However he cannot seem to stop looking out for this young lady who he finds captivating.

So much good to say about this book that I could write pages. First off let’s acknowledge that this is Susanne Lord’s debut novel .. WHAT???? NO WAY! I have never encountered a debut novel that was this amazing. There was so much complexity surrounding her characters and story line that I was literally stuck to my e-reader. An engaging build up that delivered when the climax hit. She also managed to take two characters that have my “ummm .. yah .. not my fave” characteristics and make me fall in love with them. My absolute fave part of this book though, was the heart break. What a sad and beautiful story line of Will’s past. OH ME OH MY!

So there you have it. I dare say if you love the genre of historical romance as much as I do, you will love this novel.

HAPPY READING 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

excerpt

 

 

Charlotte caught her breath and unclenched the grip she had taken upon his hand. “You cannot pretend to like me, Mr. Repton. I just wonder—I have always wondered what I have done to offend you.”
His arm tightened and his lips were right back to hovering over her ear. “Wait…”
More silence. Honestly! She would not stand here and let him trample her heart.
She ripped herself from his arms. “It is fine. I hardly require every man to like me, Mr. Repton. Be assured I am aware of your feelings and you will not have to suffer my attentions anymore.”
She whirled to leave but a steel hand gripped her arm.
“God! Blast it! Now what have I done?” he growled, his blue eyes wintry in the moonlight. “I thought we were getting on. I wouldn’t mind being your friend, as long as you understand that’s where it ends.”
“Wouldn’t mind? I have more friends than I can count, I hardly need—”
He yanked her hard against him. “Then what do you want?”
“I…I will not argue—”
His hands gripped her waist. “What do you want, Charlotte?” He growled. “What do you want me to do?”
Her words died in the face of his rising frustration. What did she want? What had she ever wanted but him? She wanted him still. From the first sight, the first instant. Every day, every hour, she wanted him. In a deep, tender, precious place she could not touch with reason. And all he did was sneer and push her way.
“Why didn’t you ignore me as you normally do?” she asked hollowly. “Why did you talk to me at all tonight?”
He said nothing. He didn’t move. Something furious and wild thundered through her breast. “You don’t belong here!” Her fist clenched, wanting to slap that frozen look off his face. “Say something!” She launched against him, gripping him about his hard neck. “Say anything!”
But his stubborn lips were sealed, and before she could stop herself, she mashed her mouth against them.
Instantly, she regretted it. Their chins knocked, their teeth scraped, and a grunt of surprise sounded from his throat.
Oh God, what was she doing? She didn’t know how to give a kiss and he certainly didn’t want hers. His hands dropped off her and she sobbed sharply against his mouth. Mortified, she crumpled against his neck.
Oh God, oh God, how will I face him?
A hard hand seized her neck and forced her head up. Blue eyes blazed into hers. “Damn it all!”
Warm lips clamped to hers expertly. Shocked, she sank to her heels but his arm tightened and locked her against the hard wall of his body.
His deep groan shook her.
But it was a sound of surrender.

 

 

About the Author pink

Follow Susanne: Goodreads/ Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

Susanne Lord is a writer of Victorian-era romance and author of the London Explorer series published by Sourcebooks.

Originally from Okinawa, off-base and on, she now makes her home in Chicago where she is an active member of Chicago North RWA. When not writing, attending theater or reading, she enjoys hiking the English countryside and visiting historic homes and gardens.

IN SEARCH OF SCANDAL is Susanne’s debut novel.

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Make Me Stay by Jaci Burton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Make Me Stay by Jaci Burton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

Make Me Stay
Hope series – Book #5
by Jaci Burton
Release Date: December 1, 2015

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Reid McCormack is back in Hope to renovate the old mercantile. Then he plans to go back to Boston, where he’s built a successful career. But beautiful florist Samantha Reasor is a distraction Reid hadn’t counted on. Samantha intends to convince Reid that Hope is where his heart has always been, and coming home might be the best choice he could ever make.

 

Review:

Make Me Stay by Jaci Burton is the 5th book in her fabulous Hope series. I always enjoy visiting everyone in Hope, as meet our new couple, who were two people we met before that seemed destined to be together, but they were separated by their work. Reid McCormack is the 3rd brother who will meet the woman destined for him, if only he would leave Boston, where is a successful architect. Samantha Reasor is the resident florist in Hope, and Sam has always had a crush on Reid. Now that he is back in Hope working to design and renovate the old mercantile, she allows herself to be swept off her feet by Reid, even if he will eventually go back to Boston, and thereby break her heart. Sam is also concerned about her grandmother who is beginning to show the early symptoms of Alzheimer.

Reid during his stay, enjoys being around his family and friends, and now begins to spend even more time with Sam. He also is adopted by a stray dog, who due to his denial, is name Not My Dog. Reid and Sam’s relationship becomes a sizzling affair, which also brings Reid into Sam’s home life with her grandmother. As time goes on, with the mercantile coming along nicely, Reid starts thinking about what it should be like to stay and live in Hope with his family. But will Reid give up Boston and his business to stay in Hope? Will he act on his growing feelings for Sam?

What I love about this wonderful series is that it all takes place in a small town called Hope, and all the people we meet along the way that have become our friends too. It is always fun to go back to Hope. This was a nice story, though at times I felt it was a bit too long. As much as I liked Reid and Sam, for much of the book I did not feel their connection, probably due to both of them constantly avoiding what was right in front of them. As in most romances, there is a happy ever after, as in the end I did begin to like them together.   I loved Not My Dog (Nutty), who in Reid’s mind would talk to him. Cute. I am a fan of Jaci Burton’s Hope series, and I suggest you start this series from the beginning as they are fun sweet romances. They do read well as standalones, but to get the enjoyment of knowing the town and family, you should start on the first book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

excerpt

 

 

Sam had never experienced the kind of kiss that took her breath away.

Until now.

There was something so exponentially hot about a man who knew how to kiss, who wasn’t tentative about it and kissed with authority. Reid was that kind of man. He had one hand on her hip and the other on her neck, and his mouth moved over hers with an eager passion that told her he was as much into this as she was.

A definitely heady feeling.

Sam lifted into him, her lips and tongue doing a desperate dance with his. As he pressed into her, his body all hard planes and angles, she tried to memorize this moment, to feel every moving part of him, from his mouth to where his hands were. Her senses went haywire, like electrical zings pulsing through her, her body crying out for more, more, more.

And when he moved his hand underneath her to cup her butt, she moaned against his mouth, arching toward him. It was almost embarrassing how close she was to an orgasm already. It had been sort of a dry spell for her in the sex department, and Reid was supremely hot and sexy, and the way he rubbed against her hit all those hot, delicious parts that hadn’t been . . . serviced lately.

He lifted his head. “You’re shaking. Everything okay?”

She managed a smile. “Everything is definitely okay. More than okay. Like, I could come really soon if you keep moving that way kind of okay.”

His lips curved. “So what you’re saying is you’d like to stay in this position?”

He surged against her, and she gasped as tingles of pleasure shivered through her.

She wrapped her legs around his hips. “Yes, this could definitely work for me. Or, we could get naked.”

“I like the naked idea a lot. Hold on.”

He pushed off the sofa and stood, his hands cradling her behind.

“Can I just say I like your hands on my butt?”

He grinned. “I’m making a mental note of that.”

He held her so easily as he headed toward the hallway, as if she weighed nothing.

“Which door?” he asked.

“Last one on the right.”

He shifted her, holding her with one hand while he turned the knob on her bedroom door.

So. Impressive.

He pushed the door open, walked in, and flipped the light switch on, and at that moment she really hoped she hadn’t flung her bra and underwear on the floor before her shower earlier.

Not that he would notice her underwear on the floor, since his gaze was most definitely fixed on her, which only heated her insides more. He laid her on the bed, then leaned over her.

“Now. How about we take some clothes off?”

If it were possible to go up in flames spontaneously, this would be the time. The man just oozed sex appeal with his bedroom eyes and the way his voice lowered when he suggested they get naked. And they hadn’t even gotten to all the actual sex stuff yet.

She could well imagine just how good he was at the actual sex stuff, and she couldn’t wait to get there. She pulled off her shirt and wriggled out of her yoga pants, watching intently as Reid kicked off his boots and undid the buckle of his jeans. When he drew his shirt over his head, she had to pause, because, oh, his chest and those abs. Rock-hard didn’t even begin to describe him.

Wow.

This was about to get really interesting, and she didn’t want to miss a thing.

 

About The author

 

 

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 50 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, her blog and contest information.

You can find out more information on Jaci at the following links.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads  / Tumblr

 

giveaway

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of MAKE ME STAY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

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

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from December 3 – December 6, 2015

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Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward-review

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BLOOD KISS (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2015

Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  BLOOD KISS is the first installment in J. R. Ward’s adult, contemporary Black Dagger Legacy paranormal, romance series- a spin off from her number one selling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. BLOOD KISS focuses Butch and Marissa (from the original BDB) and newcomers/warriors in training Paradise and Craeg. BLOOD KISS should not be read as a stand alone- too much back story and history is missing in regards to the BDB, the Lessers and the aristocratic vampires-all of which are addressed in the current storyline.

Told from several third person points of view BLOOD KISS follows the Black Dagger Brotherhood training program and the acceptance of seven new recruits (from a field of sixty) for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Paradise, blooded daughter of the King’s First Advisor Abalone, is one of only two females who passed the initial testing phase, and has found herself drawn to classmate Craeg-a common civilian-and a vampire who has no idea about Paradise’s legacy or family history. What ensues is a slow building relationship between Paradise and Craeg while they endeavor to remain in the BDB program.

Meanwhile Butch and Marissa have hit a rough patch in their relationship wherein Butch’s nature to protect finds Marissa on the outside looking in-Butch’s Catholic upbringing plays a significant role in his attitude towards women and sex, and with it comes the potential to push away the woman that he loves. When an abused female vampire dies under Marissa and Haver’s care, Butch embarks upon an investigation that leads to the dark and seedy underworld of sex clubs and BDSM.

A number of the Black Dagger brothers play secondary and supporting roles including Vishous (V) and his mate Doc Jane, with cameos by several of the BDB (but not all) and their shellans, as well as our favorite fallen angel Lassiter, whose comedic timing is perfect when everything is about to go to h*ll. We are introduced to five more potential Black Dagger brothers in training: Paradise’s best friend Peyton; Novo-the only other female who passed the grueling initial marathon of tests; Anslam-Paradise’s distant cousin; troubled Axe; and Boone. As per many young adults, our BDB trainees have issues with sex and drugs, but most of all with the loss of so many family members to the raids, years before.

With the release of BLOOD KISS JR Ward has brought back the familiar, the loved, the swoon-worthy; the original Black Dagger brothers and what we loved best about the early installments in the series. Although most of the Brothers do not play significant roles, the feel of, and recognizable familiar atmosphere is present-something that had been missing from the last few installments. With the storyline focusing on only two couples, as well as the introduction of several new ‘potential brothers’, JR Ward has reigned in the number of supplementary and nonessential plotline introductions that have engulfed the latest BDB installments.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Final Debt (Indebted #6) by Pepper Winters-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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FINAL DEBT (Indebted #6) by Pepper Winters-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

 

FINAL DEBT
Indebted #6
by Pepper Winters
Release Date: November 30, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark, erotic romance

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play/ ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2015

“I’m in love with her, but it might not be enough to stop her from becoming the latest victim of the Debt Inheritance. I know who I am now. I know what I must do. We will be together—I just hope it’s on Earth rather than in heaven.”

It all comes down to this.

Love versus life.

Debts versus death.

Who will win?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FINAL DEBT is the sixth installment in Pepper Winters’s contemporary, adult INDEBTED dark, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a six hundred year old debt the Hawk family believes comes due with the first born Weaver daughter, and Nila Weaver is this generation’s payment. FINAL DEBT is the continuing story of Nila Weaver and Jethro Hawk as they struggle to break free of a dark and demonic cycle of torture and death. With each debt payment, a little more of Jet’s soul dies as he tries to free the woman with whom he has fallen in love. FINAL DEBT should not be read as a stand alone as too much information and backstory is revealed throughout the series.

Told from several first person points of view, as well as memories from the past, from beyond the grave, and the thoughts of a dying man FINAL DEBT is the darkest installment of the series and begins immediately after the events of FOURTH DEBT wherein Nila is once again held captive by the Hawk family, on her way, to meet her end. While Jet and his brother Kes struggle for their lives, the Hawk family take Nila half way across the world to teach her about the debt that she owes and the history of the Hawk Diamond mines.

FINAL DEBT and the INDEBTED series is a soul shattering experience; one that will leave the reader with pain, anger, heartbreak and fear that such a thing could happen in the modern world. Pepper Winters preys on your worst fears; the gut wrenching abuse, torture and panic that follows the threats and promises made by a mad man and his psychotic family. There is no freedom from the terror, the anticipation, and the suspense of the what-ifs and hows. At no point did I comprehend the deep seated vengeance and retaliation for something that happened so many years before, but the Hawk family had been born, bred and reared to understand the need for retribution and reprisal-it was ingrained into their DNA that wrath upon which each first born Weaver daughter would suffer.

Pepper Winters reveals the backstory; the history of the Weaver debt-six hundred years of hatred, retribution and malevolence passed from one generation to the next such that the Hawk men craved justice and punishment for the sins of long ago. The sick and twisted focus directed at the Weaver women is in direct contrast to Jet’s love for the woman he once considered nothing more than a means to an end. The unimaginable becomes real; the deviant nature of the act is callous and cold.

FINAL DEBT and the INDEBTED series is a controversial and arguably one of the darkest contemporary romance series I have read. The tension, suspense and intense storyline will destroy your soul then slowly begin to let it heal. In the end freedom comes at a cost; forgiveness brings with it a happily ever after; redemption is not an act of God but is administered by the blood of the first born child. I need something lighthearted to pick up the pieces of my anxious heart.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

 

______________

INDEBTED EPILOGUE (Indebted #7) by Pepper Winters

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / /Google Play/ibooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 30, 2015

INDEBTED EPILOGUE is a bonus book to be read after:
Debt Inheritance
First Debt
Second Debt
Third Debt
Fourth Debt
Final Debt

••••••••••

INDEBTED EPILOGUE is a bonus novella in Pepper Winters’s dark, erotic romance series that focuses on the future. So as not to give away any spoilers, INDEBTED EPILOGUE looks forward-three months, six months, one year, three years, and five years in which the surviving members of the Hawk and Weaver family come to grips with the events of the past and a little hope for the future.

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight

FREE ebook: Debt Inheritance :: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /iTunes

First Debt:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / iTunes

Second Debt: Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Third Debt: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iTunes

Fourth Debt: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / Google Play

Final Debt: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play/ ibooks

Indebted Epilogue: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / /Google Play/ibooks

 

Excerpt beige

 

 

“READY TO DIE, Nila?”
Cut’s voice physically hurt me as he forced me to my knees. The ballroom splendour mocked me as I bowed unwillingly at the feet of my executioner.
Velvet and hand-stitched crewel on the walls glittered like the diamonds the Hawks smuggled—a direct contrast to the roughly sawn wood and crude craftsmanship of the guillotine dais. No finesse. No pride. Just a raised podium, framework cushioning a large tarnished blade, and a rope dangling to the side.
“Don’t do this. Cut…think about what you’ve become. You can stop this.” My voice mimicked a beg but I’d vowed not to beg. I’d seen things, understood things, and suffered things I never thought I would be able to endure. I refused to cry or grovel. I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.
“In five minutes, this will all be over, Weaver.” Cut bent to the side and collected a wicker basket.
The wicker basket.
I didn’t want to think about what its contents would be.
He placed it on the other side of the wooden block.
My lungs demanded more oxygen. My brain demanded more time. And my heart…it demanded more hope, more life, more love.
I’m not ready.
Not like this.
“Cut—”
“No. No more talking. Not after everything you’ve done.” Ripping a black hood from his pocket, he didn’t hesitate. No fanfare. No second guesses.
I cried out as the scratchy blackness engulfed my face, tightening by a cord around my throat.
The Weaver Wailer chilled me. The diamond collar that’d seen what I’d seen and whispered with phantoms of my slain family prepared to revoke its claim and detach from around my neck.
This was it.
The Final Debt.
Cut pushed my shoulders forward.
A heavy yoke settled over the top of my spine.
I closed my eyes.
I said goodbye.
…
I waited to die.

 

 

About The Author beige

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

Her Dark Erotica books include:
Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1)
Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2)

Her Grey Romance books include:
Destroyed

Her Indebted Series include
Debt Inheritance
First Debt
Second Debt
Third Debt
Fourth Debt
Final Debt
Indebted Epilogue

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Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

Shadow’s End
Elder Races series – Book #9
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: December 1, 2015

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…

Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

 

Barb’s Review:

Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison is the 9th book in her wonderful Elder Races series. I love this series, and Thea Harrison never fails to deliver a terrific story with a great couple. We have all been waiting a long time for Graydon’s story, and to watch this fierce loyal warrior show us his heart and passion was wonderful. I always liked Graydon, being Dragos 1st Sentinel, but now he has become one of my favorites.

Beluviel is our heroine, and we knew her from previous books. I think I need to go back to Lord’s Fall to look for the clues that would show Graydon and Beluviel as a couple. Beluviel is considered forbidden to Graydon, as she is the Elven High Lord’s stepmother and he is a Gryphon. But what we learn early on is that two hundred years ago, a strong love began for Graydon and Bel ,but she was married to the then Elven High Lord. Graydon came to her rescue to help save her stepson, Ferion, and during this adventure, they fell in love. But a villain, Malphas, a Djinn, had already controlled her son’s soul to do his bidding. Malpas forced an agreement that he wouldn’t kill the son, as long as Graydon & Bel never have anything to do with each other.

Two hundreds later, things have changed, especially with the death of the Elven High Lord, and Ferion, now the new High Lord, being controlled by Malpas. Graydon goes to Beluviel and together they must devise a plan to stop Malpas.

This is covered early on, and what follows is an exciting and wild adventure that will bring back so many of our favorites from previous books. I loved seeing them all work together to find a way to break the ultra powerful Malpas. During the planning, Graydon and Bel’s love grew and they were so great together. The big question was will they and the others survive the battle that puts all their lives in extreme danger.

The last half of the book was not only action packed with us on the edge of our seat, as well as being an emotional ride straight to the end. The ending was so well done, spending more time with our favorites; enjoying Graydon & Bel, and watching the start of future possibilities. Thea Harrison has another winner in Shadow’s End.

 

Sandy’s Review:

SHADOW’S END is the ninth full length installment in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult ELDER RACES paranormal, romance series. This is gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr demesne Graydon, and consort to the Elven High Lord, Beluviel’s (Bel) storyline. SHADOW’S END should not be read as a stand alone; for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order; for fans of the Novels of the Elder Races, a quick re-read of Lord’s Fall may be advisable to bring you up to date on what happened before. Several of the characters and couples from previous storylines, including Dragos, Pia and Liam, Sentinel Constantine, Djinns Soren and Khalil play secondary and supporting roles.

Told from dual third person perspectives, using present day and a prologue from the past, SHADOW’S END focuses on second chances for Graydon and Bel, and freeing Beluviel’s stepson Ferion, from a two hundred year old debt to the evil Djinn Malphas.

Bel’s stepson was a notorious gambler and found himself owing more than he could ever repay. Enter Graydon and Bel, who sold their souls to the devil in return for sparing Ferion’s life. Fast forward to present day where Bel and Graydon reunite in the hopes of destroying the first generation Djinn pariah Malphas, and ending a two hundred year old strangle hold over their souls. Another potential war is on the horizon, and Gray’s second sight shows that blood will be spilled, and lives will be lost.

The relationship between Bel and Gray is one of second chances. Two hundred years earlier, at the annual gala celebration known as the Masque of the Gods, Gray believed he had found his mate- the consort to the Elven High Lord-and a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a philandering Elf. Agreeing to aid Bel in her attempts to free her stepson from eternal servitude, Bel and Gray found themselves making a pact with the devil himself. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative; limited in number, although not as erotic in nature as the relationship and storylines involving Pia and Dragos.

SHADOW’S END has a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters including former Wyr sentinel Rune and his mate the ancient vampyre Carling, harpy Aryal and her mate Quentin, Djinn Khalil and Oracle Grace Andreas, Wyr sentinel Constantine, Djinn Soren, vampire Julian and his mate Melly, as well as wolf shifter Luis and Claudia whom we met in one of the earlier Elder Races ‘Tarot Card’ novellas. It was a pleasure getting reacquainted with many of the characters we have grown to love.

Thea’s world building is a flight into the fantastic as each storyline focuses on the supernatural; the paranormal; and the different species whose lives intersect between worlds and demesne. There is action and suspense; romance and love; heartbreak and loss. Lives will be lost; the next generation continues to grow; and the proclamation of love and a happily ever after is never far behind.

SHADOW’S END feels like the end of a relationship. There is a party to say good bye; a hint at what’s next for the younger generation; and the potential for the series to set off in another direction. SHADOW’S END is the culmination of several storylines, premises and plots that focus on power, control and survival of the fittest. The Wyr Demesne and Lord Dragos continue to reign strong, but there is always someone or something else vying for position.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

Giveaway

Thea’s publisher is offering a papercopy of SHADOW’S END to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 2 – December 6, 2015

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