Monthly Archives: March 2016

Just This Night by Mari Madison – Review, Interview & Giveaway

Posted on by
30

Just This Night by Mari Madison – Review, Interview & Giveaway

Just This Night Banner

 

Just This NightAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
At News 9 San Diego, the hottest stories happen off camera.

Betrayed and abandoned by his wife and left to raise their young daughter on his own, TV news photographer Jake “Mac” MacDonald has moved to San Diego for a fresh start. He’s sworn off women forever and devoted his life to his little girl. But when his brother-in-law drags him out to a night club, Mac can’t help but be drawn to the cute blonde who asks him to dance. Maybe he can make an exception…for just one night.

A hot fling is exactly what news reporter Elizabeth White had in mind when she brought Mac home. A quick cure to help her get over her ex-boyfriend. But things get awkward when her anonymous hookup turns out to be her newest colleague. Now they must put their attraction behind them and find a way to work together. But when someone starts sabotaging Beth’s career, she realizes Mac is the only one she can trust. And maybe their one night has the makings of an exclusive after all.

 

Review:

Just This Night by Marii Madison is the 1st book in her new Exclusive Romance series. Jack Macdonald (Mac) is our hero, who has just moved to San Diego with his young baby daughter, Ashley. Jake’s wife walked out on both of them, forcing him to move close to his sister, who can help with Ashley . This has also caused Jake to swear off women and only concentrate on his new job and his daughter.

Elizabeth White (Beth) is our heroine, and she is an early morning news reporter for the News 9 TV show. With Beth depressed that her ex fiancée is now marrying her sister, her roommate forces her to out to a club and get herself laid for a one night stand. At the same time, Mac’s brother in law forces him to go to a club to relax and get drunk.

Beth and Mac do meet at the bar, where their banter with the bartender was cute. It did open the door for them to head back to Beth’s place and what they both thought would be a one night of fun for both of them.   When Beth wakes up, Mac is gone and she isn’t too happy that he didn’t even say goodbye. But in a short time, Beth will come across Mac again, but this time at News 9, as he is starting his new job and where they find themselves working together.

Despite Mac’s determination to not become involved, his attraction for Beth is strong. Beth at the same time knows she likes him, but is hurt by his attitude. What follows is a slow build romance that despite issues on both sides becomes a hot steamy relationship. I really liked Mac and Beth together, especially the friendship they developed, and the camaraderie Beth had with Ashley. It was nice to see how they helped each other professionally too. The story besides the romance also had a nice mystery that had someone sabotaging Beth at every turn on her job.   As she gets promoted, her best friend becomes her enemy. The mystery and suspense added a nice element to this story. There were some twists and surprises that showed not all was what it seemed.   Just when you think Mac and Beth are finally coming together, things will get more complicated as Mac’s ex returns,

Just This Night was very well written by Mari Madison. This romance had a bit of everything, which included a great couple; lovers to friendship to lovers again; family dynamics, steamy sex, mystery, and dire moments. I recommend that you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview blue

Hi, Mari. Thank you for taking the time today, to answer some questions for our members at The Reading Café. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

Mari:  Thank you for having me! I’m excited to join you guys!

TRC:  Please tell us something about yourself?

Mari:  I’m a former Emmy award winning TV news producer and now full time author, writing books for adults and teens. (The teen stuff is under the name Mari Mancusi.) I live in Austin, Texas and I’m mom to a very enthusiastic four-year-old girl. I love traveling, wine tasting, Disney, and, my favorite guilty pleasure, videogames.

TRC:  Have you always been interested in writing? When and how did you first start writing?

Mari:  I feel like I’ve always been a storyteller. Before I was old enough to pick up a pen I’m told I would dictate stories for my mother to transcribe and I’d draw the pictures to accompany them. When I was in high school I used to write fan fiction about my friends and the rock stars who loved them! But it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I started getting serious about writing. I sold my first book—a time travel romance—eleven years ago and never looked back since!

TRC: Can you please tell us the premise of your new Exclusive Romance series? Also, how many books do you anticipate for this series?

Mari:  The Exclusive Romance series is set at a fictional TV newsroom in San Diego and follows the lives of the reporters and videographer and others who work there. As a former TV news producer myself I know first hand just how much drama can go on once the cameras stop rolling! There will be at least three books in the series and if readers like the stories I can see myself doing more. There’s just so much potential with that backdrop.

Just This NightTRC:  Just This Night is the first book in this series. Can you please give us a brief description of this book?

Mari:  Two people who have given up on love connect and end up having a one-night stand that ends badly. Unfortunately the next day they find out they’re new coworkers and will be forced to work together day in and day out at News 9. While Mac is still attracted to Beth—and feels terrible about walking out of her the morning after—he knows he can’t give her what she wants. His little girl, who he’s raising on his own, takes first priority. But Beth—who only meant the night to be a quick fix to get over her ex—can’t move past her growing feelings for this hot, single dad. And when someone starts sabotaging her career, she realizes he may be the only one she can trust.

TRC:  You write Young Adult as Mari Mancusi. Which genre do you find more challenging? Are you interested in writing any other genre?

Mari:  I think both YA and romance have their own challenges, but I enjoy writing both. Many of my YAs are fantasy or paranormal so there’s a lot of world building involved versus a contemporary romance that takes place in a town I used to live in. But with romance, you really have to dig deep—almost play psychologist—as you help your two characters get over their hang-ups and work to find and accept new love. So that can be a challenge all its own—especially since you want it to feel real to the reader and not over-the-top.

TRC: Can you please tell us what are you currently working on, for Mari Madison and Mari Mancusi?

Mari:  I am currently finishing up a middle grade novel about a group of girls who start a princess babysitting club to get a leg up on the neighborhood competition and earn money to go see their favorite YouTube star at a comic book convention. The working title on that one is “If the Shoes Fits” and sort of loosely follows the Cinderella story.

Once I am finished with that, I will be moving on to the third book in the Exclusive Romance series, which doesn’t have a title yet. It’s about a war-torn foreign correspondent who has returned home to San Diego after reporting in the middle east and is suffering from extreme PTSD which prevents him from doing his job. (He has panic attacks every time he goes live.).

TRC: What is your writing process? Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write?

Mari:  I do like to have an outline, though often I end up straying from that outline before I’m done writing the book. I also like to get the main plot down, then layer as I go, discovering things about the characters more organically, just as a reader would.

As far as “where” to write, I’m not one of those social writers that can easily plop down in a café with friends and get to it. I prefer the solitude of my office and the quiet. When I really need to get a lot of work done, I’ll even book myself into a hotel for a night and get away. Order room service and write all night. As much as I love my family, it’s a bit heavenly to get away once in a while, too!

TRC: Many authors have friends or family, that they bounce ideas and information back and forth. Do you have anyone you like to discuss your story with?

Mari:  My husband is great for plotting. He’s a big movie junkie so any plot problem I have he can bring up a movie that’s dealt with it and talk about how they handled it to help brainstorm. Also—don’t tell him but I stole a lot of good material to use in JUST THIS NIGHT from interactions between him and our daughter! I think that might be one of the reasons I love the hero, Mac, in this book so much. He’s such a good dad, just like my husband. And he really cares about doing what’s right for his daughter, even at the expense of his own happiness.

TRC: When you are not writing, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

Mari:  I am a total Disney freak so I’m usually planning a trip to Walt Disney World if I’m not already there! Last year we got to go on a Disney cruise, which was amazing. I also love reading and watching movies and TV. And I love playing videogames. Right now I’m deeply immersed in Fallout 4.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Mari:  If you enjoy this series, you might also want to check out News Blues, a book I wrote back in 2009 (under the name Mari Mancusi) that is also set at the fictional TV station, News 9 San Diego. It’s currently available in e-book form on Amazon.


LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Mashed Potatoes

Favorite Dessert: Cake and ice cream

Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones or the Walking Dead

Last Book You Read: Red Queen

Favorite Fictional Character (not your own): Guinevere

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate

Dog or Cat: Dogs (I have two of them!)

TRC: Thank you Mari for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you the best of luck with Just This Night. Please keep us informed about your upcoming new releases, as we look forward to working with you again.

Mari:  Thank you for letting me stop by!!

 

About the Author

Mari Madison 2

Mari Madison is a multiple Emmy Award-winning television news producer and author of novels for adults and teens. She’s worked at television news stations in Boston, San Diego, and Orlando and helped launch the nationally syndicated morning show Better in New York City. Under the name Mari Mancusi, she writes young adult books, including the Blood Coven Vampire novels, the Scorched series, and Gamer Girl. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, young daughter and their two dogs.

Mari is pronounced like Mary.

 

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog / Mari Mancusi Website

Giveaway blue

Mari’s publisher is offering a paper copy of JUST THIS NIGHT 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 us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Mari Madison on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from March 4 to March 8, 2016

Share

Dark Perception (Corde Noire #1) by Alexandrea Weis-Review and Book Tour

Posted on by
8

DARK PERCEPTION (Corde Noire 1) by Alexandrea Weis-Review and Book Tour

Dark Perception Banner

Dark Perception
Corde Noire #1
by Alexandrea Weis
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: February 22, 2016

Dark Perception

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /itunes / Smashwords

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 22, 2016

Born with a gift, Melinda Harris can see visions of the future.

Nathan Cole is the man who wants to possess her and her power.

A member of the elite Corde Noire Society, Nathan introduces Melinda to his dark world of pleasure and pain. At first, Melinda likes what Nathan teaches her, but then she discovers the terrible secret her handsome Dom is hiding.

Nathan has plans for her beyond his bedtime adventure. He wants her to make her his … completely.

•••••

REVIEW: DARK PERCEPTION is the first installment in Alexandrea Weis’s adult, contemporary, CORDE NOIRE dark erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the members of the elite and dangerous BDSM Corde Noire Society. This is wealthy businessman Nathan Cole, and pianist/psychic Melinda Harris’s story line.

NOTE: The story line contains questionable sexual situations and triggers that may not be suitable for some readers.

Told from close third person perspective (Melinda) DARK PERCEPTION follows the building relationship between psychic Melinda Harris, and the man who would destroy her heart-Nathan Cole. Melinda is a psychic who ‘sees’ the future (and ghosts), and Nathan is a regular customer who wants Melinda for himself. As a wealthy businessman in New Orleans, Nathan ventures into the property game where he believes Melinda can ‘foresee’ his successes and failures. What ensues is Nathan’s seduction of Melinda-a woman who is about to lose control of her life.

The relationship between Nathan and Melinda is quick to develop. Nathan is a Dominant and he demands submission from Melinda in every aspect of his life, and herein lies the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’. Melinda quickly learns that Nathan is not the man she presumed him to be, and in this, our heroine finds herself in a dark and dangerous situation as it pertains to her safety with the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are graphic, intense, and not without some questionable acts of power and control. Nathan’s temper pushes the envelope of consent.

DARK PERCEPTION is a dark, erotic romance where one man’s obsession with power and control is ill-fated, ruinous and tragic. The premise is fascinating but alarming; the characters are controversial including a heroine with questionable desires and a lack of self-preservation. The romance is dark, destructive, and doomed. DARK PERCEPTION is a dramatic look at the ultimate cost of power and control.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

Nathan gently removed a stray strand of hair from her face and placed it behind her ear. As he
stared into her green eyes, the images of the two of them came blazing back to life, even more

powerful than before.

“You’re doing that on purpose!” she shouted, and slammed her flute down on the bar.

“What?” Nathan seemed astonished by her reaction.

She backed away from him. “You’re thinking those thoughts.”

“What thoughts?”

Melinda searched his eyes while he inched closer.

Nathan’s mouth pressed into a thin line, adding to the tension in the air. “I think I should go.

You’ve had a long day. We can talk again tomorrow after you get settled in. We will need to go

over my agenda.”

What’s wrong with me? Get a grip.

Running her fingertips over her forehead, she tried to clear her mind. “What agenda?”

Nathan picked up his glass of champagne and downed the contents. “I have meetings

scheduled this week and next about that property development we spoke of the other day.” He

turned his eyes to her. “There’s a formal cocktail party at the home of a New Orleans socialite

next weekend. She’s interested in my plans for that property and wants to talk to me about

funding the project. You’re to accompany me to the party and all my meetings, then you can tell

me what you feel about these people.” His eyes traveled over her T­shirt and torn jeans. “You’ll

need to dress professionally for the meetings, and you’ll need a formal gown for the party. I’ll

have Bob take you to Canal Place for some new clothes.”

“I can’t afford new clothes, Nathan.”

He raised his brown eyes to her. “I’ll take care of that, not to worry.”

“You’ve given me this apartment, furniture, a new television. I can’t have you buying me clothes,

too.”

“Melinda, you’re my assistant now. I can’t have you escorting me places dressed like that.” He

motioned to her clothes. “You need to look the part.”

Melinda wanted to argue with him, but she thought better of it. He wanted to buy her some new

outfits, what of it? After all, this is what she had always wanted, to be taken care of.

“Yes, Nathan.” She gave him a weak smile.

“Good girl.” He abruptly headed for the door. “I’ll come by tomorrow evening and we can go over

my itinerary in detail. I have a new cell phone coming for you tomorrow, as well as a credit card.

Use the card to buy your clothes and anything you may need for your job.”

“A credit card? Are you sure you want to trust me with that?”

Nathan smirked with amusement. “Just make sure you don’t go too crazy. I still have to justify it

all to my accountant at the end of the month as a business expense.”

“Is that why you’re telling everyone I’m your assistant?”

He frowned at her. “What do you mean?”

“If you tell people I’m your assistant, even though you already have a secretary, don’t you think

that will look funny?”

He squinted his eyes, appearing interested in her reasoning. “Funny, in what way?”

“Perhaps everyone thinks I’m not here as an assistant, but as something else.”

“What else?” he questioned with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

“You know what else, Nathan.” She turned away, but he held her arm.

“What else, Melinda?”

Melinda gazed into his dark eyes and then she knew. The images she had seen earlier of them

together were his. She could feel it as sure as she could feel the warmth of his hand.

Nathan let her go. “I hired you to be my psychic, that’s all. If others read more into the

relationship than that, it’s their problem.”

Despite what he told her, Melinda knew Nathan wanted her, but something was holding him

back, something she could not see. In her mind’s eye, she searched for an answer, but only

foggy images came through.

“I’m very happy you’re here,” he said, and then he leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

Melinda almost grabbed for the doorframe to keep from falling to her knees. The unexpected

wave of electricity from the caress of his lips was catastrophic.

“Get some rest,” he told her. “We have a big week ahead, and you have your work cut out for

you.”

Confused, Melinda watched him make his way back to his penthouse. Perhaps he didn’t send

those images to her.

Was it me?

Melinda quickly shut the door and threw her body against it. “Oh, I’m in trouble.”

Right after Melinda spoke the words, a wave of fear enveloped her. She turned to her living

room, and as quickly as it had come, the feeling departed. She gazed about the room, reaching

out with her mind to whatever entity had called to her, but nothing came.

Shaking it off, Melinda picked up a box and carried it to her bedroom. When she stepped into

the hall, the doorway to the storage room was wide open and the light inside was on. Setting the

box on the floor, she went to the room and looked around. Nothing appeared to her, and there

were no moans or rattling of chains. But as she stood in the stark square room, the hairs on her

arms stood up. In her mouth, the acrid taste of dread. Melinda fought her instinct to flee, and

instead opened her mind.

“I feel your fear,” she pronounced.

Then a woman’s soft voice whispered in her ear, “Run.”

Melinda’s eyes flew open. She backed out of the room, flipped off the lights, and shut the door.

She stood in the hall staring at the handle on the door as her trepidation faded. There was no

lock on the door, no way to secure it. She had a sudden urge to make sure this door stayed

closed, because what was inside of that room scared her.

 

About The Author Black and Red

alexandrea-weis1FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.

rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enticing Journey

Share

All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
17

All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim – Review & Giveaway

 

All They Ever Wanted Banner

 

All They Ever WantedAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
All he ever fought for…

Aspiring congressman Miles McAlister has dreamed of representing his hometown of Chances Inlet, North Carolina, since he was a boy. So when he’s asked to help run his mother’s bed and breakfast he moves home and rolls out his campaign at the same time. But political stardom isn’t a given, especially when he’s expected to compromise the very ideals he’s trying to uphold. Making matters worse is the inn’s stubborn, and distractingly beautiful cook. He’s loved and lost before, so falling for Lori Buchman is not part of his plan.

All she ever feared…

Lori just wants to do her job and be left alone until she can safely move on. The last thing she needs is to get involved with her boss’s son. Miles proves to be too sexy to ignore, however. Their heated fling elicits feelings deeper than either anticipated. But everything about Lori is a lie. She’s harboring a secret that’ll destroy Miles’s career, and when the truth gets out it’s going to shock Chances Inlet to its core, forcing Miles to make the hardest decision of his life.

 

Review:

All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim is the 2nd book in her Second Chances series. In All They Ever Wanted, Miles McAlister is our hero, and we had already met him in the first book of this, as he was Gavin’s (previous hero) brother. Miles is the politician in the family, have planned since he was a child to become the President one day. Now that Miles is older, he still plans on his political career, running for congressman in his hometown in Chances Inlet, North Carolina. Miles is well respected, and has the support of the governor politically, he is also the almost perfect good guy.   He is in the middle of his campaign, when his mother gets hurt. Miles puts his campaign in the hands of his associates, while he goes home to help run his mother’s B & B.

Lori is our heroine, she works in the B & B, as the cook and baker, not to mention being Mrs. McAlister’s right hand. We know that Lori is in hiding, living in Chances Inlet for a short time, and only planning to stay until Mile’s mom is back on her feet. What or who is Lori running from? This is a mystery throughout most of the book, which answers will be found closer to the end.

Early on, Miles who rarely deviates from his overall plan, finds himself becoming very attracted to Lori. Miles had fiancée years before, who had died in an accident, and he swore he would never get seriously involved; concentrating solely on his political career. We know what happens to best laid plans. However, Miles did come across as arrogant at times, which kind of annoyed me. Though he was interested in Lori, he gave her a hard time. He knew she was running from something, and was determined to find out what it was. When various items in the B & B became missing, Miles automatically thought of Lori being the culprit. He also put some pressure to seduce Lori, who also felt the attraction but did not want to become involved, since she was leaving soon.

The political scene in town becomes a major topic as a popular local resident decides to oppose Miles. Miles team, which includes the Governor’s daughter play major roles in this story. We also get to spend time with the McAlister family, which includes Gavin and Ginger (the couple in the first book).

In the last 1/3 of the book, as the political pressure builds, the romance between Miles and Lori heats up. Just when Lori realizes she needs to leave fast, all hell breaks loose. Miles becomes his original negative self, which fortunately is short termed, and everyone will work together to try to discover the truth about Lori, and how to help her. Will Miles accept Lori about her past? Will Lori be able to prove her innocence? Will Miles political career survive the scandal?

Tracy Solheim has written another wonderful story in her Second Chances series.   I enjoyed this story, and have come to like most of the characters in Chances Inlet. If you are looking for romance, a little bit of mystery, good characters, with a wonderful small town atmosphere, then you should give this series a try.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Tracy’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ALL THEY EVER WANTED 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 Tracy Solheim  on Facebook

4. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

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 March 3 – 7, 2016

Share

Her Fierce Warrior by Paige Tyler – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on by
10

Her Fierce Warrior by Paige Tyler – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Her Fierce Warrior
X-Ops series – Book #4
by Paige Tyler
Release Date: March 1, 2016

Her Fierce WarriorAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository /

Description:
The woman tensed. As anger and fear ricocheted across her face, her eyes changed from red to green to brown in a dizzying display like nothing he’d ever seen.

Every instinct in Angelo’s body screamed at him to lunge for his weapon. Instead he set his feet for impact, blocking her slashing claws. Unbelievably, after a few moments of struggling, she went still, all the fight gone…

Minka isn’t sure she should trust the sexy Special Forces soldier who found her. Subjected to horrors, on the run from scientists set on locking her in a cage, Minka is terrified of the monster she’s becoming…and somehow, Angelo is the only one who can calm the beast inside her and make her feel safe.

But can she trust the way he makes her feel when she’s not even sure she can trust herself?

 

Review:

Her Fierce Warrior by Paige Tyler is the 4th book in her X-Ops series. Angelo Rios is our hero, whom we got to meet previously, being a good friend to Ivy and Landon. While in Southern Tajikistan during their covert operations, Angelo and his Special Forces team comes across a wild woman, who is running for her life. The team kills her attackers, and capture her, Angelo sees the signs he discovered when he helped rescue Ivy; the red eyes, the claws on her hands; he knew they found another shifter hybrid.

Minka, our heroine, is out of her mind with terror. She cannot control the beast inside her, and sees the men in front of her as enemies, until Angelo grabs hold of her and holds on. Minka slowly calms down, feeling safe with Angelo. But the minute he lets, the beast threatens to rise. Angelo has to leave his team, and head home to bring Minka to the DCO headquarters, since he is the only thing that will keep Minka calm.

When ivy meets Minka, she is shocked and without a word she walks away. Ivy and Landon have kept Ivy’s kidnapping a secret to the X-Ops leaders, and now Ivy knows that the blood that was taken from her is being used to create shifter hybrids, just like her. It will be the team that she trusts, Landon, Angelo, Layla, Tanner, John and others who will end up working with Minka to find the scientists who are horribly changing people into hybrids.

Saying too much more will be spoilers. But this was a very exciting, and romantic storyline. The slow build romance that will build between Minka and Angelo was wonderful, as well as steamy.   I really loved how Minka learned to keep her beast under control, and step up to take an active role in helping find the villains. The adventure back to Tajikistan with many of team, was intense, exciting, and pulse pounding action.

We learn a lot more about the DCO (Department of Covert Ops), as well as learning who the villains behind the making of hybrids. Paige Tyler does a fabulous job in giving us exciting thrilling stories in each book in this series, as well as wonderful couples. I loved Ivy and Landon, and now add Angelo and Minka to this great X-Ops team. Her Fierce Warrior was an edge of your seat story, with a bit of everything. If you have not read this series, I suggest you do so.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Paige Tyler’s latest X-Ops title, Her Fierce Warrior, came out yesterday! To celebrate the release, Paige Tyler stopped by to share with us a fun factoid about one of her X-Ops agents.

X-Ops Factoid: Danica Beckett (Her Lone Wolf) has a somewhat unusual connection with Clayne. Wolves mate for life, and apparently so do wolf shifters. The two of them can be twenty miles apart, and all Danica has to do is close her eyes and she can point toward Clayne wherever he is. They are always connected, even when they were stupid enough to be apart.

 

excerpt

 

“So what did you and Landon do this afternoon?” Minka asked, her soft voice dragging him back to the present.

Angelo looked up to see that Minka had already polished off two fajitas. Damn, the girl could eat.

“Landon gave me a tour of the DCO complex. I did some target shooting and blew up a few things. He even let me play with the expensive surveillance toys. I swear, it felt more like a recruiting pitch to get me to work there than anything.”

Minka’s eyes flashed green, her full lips curving slightly. Damn, why the hell had he said it like that? Now she probably thought he was going to come work for the DCO. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t, not after just reenlisting for another five years. The army wasn’t the kind of job where you could walk into the boss’s office and say, “I quit.”

Thinking it would be a good idea to steer the conversation back to safer ground, he reached for another fajita and asked Minka a question instead.

“What do you think you’ll work on next with Ivy and Tanner? You going to practice with the claws for a while or move on to something else?”

Angelo felt a little crappy about changing the subject, but if Minka noticed, she didn’t seem to mind. And it wasn’t like he had to fake interest in what she was saying. Anything that involved Minka was important to him. Besides, he didn’t know much about shifters or hybrids, so the whole thing was pretty damn fascinating.

“What do you visualize when you see the beast in your mind?” he asked.

“Before today, I thought of it as a giant, blurry monster. But after learning that the beast is a cat, that’s how I picture it now.” She smiled. “Not a little house cat, of course. They aren’t scary enough. More like a big cat that roams the mountains.”

“Makes sense,” he said.

Minka set the other half of her fourth fajita on her plate and gave him a curious look. “Would you mind if I ask you a personal question?”

His mouth twitched as he prepared another fajita. He wasn’t used to Minka being so reserved. She usually said whatever was on her mind, regardless of whether it was personal or not.

“Go ahead,” he said.

“The first time we met, I had claws, fangs, glowing red eyes, and I tried to kill you. Since then, I’ve spent most of the time telling you about an imaginary creature that lives inside my head and makes me act like a monster. How are you so calm about that? Most people would have run away already.”

Angelo chuckled. Not exactly the personal question he’d expected, but then again Minka rarely did the expected.

“Well, my mom was full-blooded Cherokee, and I grew up around all kinds of Indian folktales and legends.
My dad was in the army, and whenever he was deployed, Mom would take my sisters and me back to the reservation where she grew up in Oklahoma. I’d stay up half the night listening to the old men tell stories about shape-shifters, animal spirits, skin-walkers, and trickster spirits.” He grinned. “I’m not saying I necessarily believed in all that stuff back then, but after meeting Ivy, Tanner, and the other shifters at the DCO, it just didn’t faze me that much.”

Minka looked at him with wide eyes. “You’re a real American Indian? Like in the movies? With horses and everything?”

He laughed again. The expression of wonder on her face was adorable. “First, I’m only half-Indian. My dad is Mexican, so there’s that. And second, Native Americans are almost nothing like you see in the movies. We don’t all live in tepees and ride horses. In fact, I don’t even own a horse.”

Minka was a little disappointed about the no-horse thing, but she was fascinated with what it was like growing up on an Indian reservation and being surrounded by all those legends. She immediately asked him to tell her some Indian stories. It had been a long time since he’d thought about them, but to make her happy, he dug through his head and tried to remember every tale he’d heard as a kid.

 

 

rafflecopter giveaway
 

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

Come on Closer by Kendra Leigh Castle – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
19

Come on Closer by Kendra Leigh Castle – Review & Giveaway

Come on Closer Banner

Come On Closer
Harvest Cove series – Book #4
by Kendra Leigh Castle
Release Date: March 1, 2016

Come on CloserAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Nothing’s sweeter than a chance at true love…

Larkin O’Neill refuses to let anything stand in her way. Despite a troubled upbringing, she’s created the life she always wanted, surrounding herself with close friends and opening the bakery of her dreams. But the free-spirited baker is blindsided when she falls hard for the local bad boy. She knows that she should stay away, but the sizzling attraction between them is just too tempting…

Shane’s love ’em and leave ’em ways have left him a persona non grata in Harvest Cove. But when Larkin bursts into his life, the handsome lawyer can’t think of anywhere he’d rather be than by her side. She’s the first person in a long time who believes there could be more to him than meets the eye. Now he’s determined to prove to Larkin that he’s worth taking a chance on—and prove to himself that he’s the kind of man she deserves.

 

 

Review:

Come on Closer by Kendra Leigh Castle is the 4th book in her Harvest Cove series. This was a sweet romance, with a small town atmosphere. We have come to love the town of Harvest Cove, and the wonderful characters we get to spend time with.

Larkin runs the local bakery, where everyone raves about her wonderful delights. Larkin has found a home in Harvest Cove, having great friends, a successful business and is a very happy go lucky young lady. Years before, when she arrived in Harvest Cove to start fresh, Larkin left her unhappy childhood in the past.

Shane has lived all his life in Harvest Cove, and we remember him in the first book of this series when he was one of those who gave Sam a hard time in high school, not to mention trying to convince his best friend Jake to dump Sam.   But Shane, who has a reputation as a playboy, has changed. He is a constant visitor at Larkin’s Bakery, enjoying her chocolate delights. The two of them have become friends, with a lot of fun teasing between them. Shane begins to see Larkin in another light, as her carefree fun loving attitude is perfect for him. He wants Larkin to give him a chance, as he looks forward to seeing her every chance he can.

Larkin enjoys Shane’s visits, not to mention his looks. But she knows of his reputation, as her friends who grew up with him, tell her all the time. She is determined no matter how attractive and fun he is, to steer clear. So we get to enjoy their banter, and slowly see Shane getting through her defenses, which we find ourselves rooting for. Both Shane and Larkin were a sweet fun couple, and I really liked them together.

As their relationship heats up, we learn more about the issues each has with their families.   Shane comes from a wealthy family, and works for his father, as a lawyer. He does not like his job, but his father is very controlling and not a nice man. Larkin is from a poor home, and wants nothing to do with her mother and sister, who treated her badly. It will be Larkin who will help Shane rise up and do what will make him happy. At the same time, Larkin’s family will find her, shattering her life a bit. But all her friends in Harvest Cove and Shane will be there to help her.

This was a sweet delightful story, with a great couple and fun all the way around. If you like sweet fun romances, small towns, great friends, then you need to visit Harvest Cove. Come on Closer is another wonderful book by Kendra Leigh Castle.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway pink

Kendra’s publisher is offering a papercopy of COME ON CLOSER 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 Kendra Leigh Castle  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 March 2 – 6, 2016

Share

Fight to The Finish (First to Fight #3) by Jeanette Murray-Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
19

FIGHT TO THE FINISH (First to Fight #3) by Jeanette Murray-Review and Giveaway

Fight to The Finish Banner

FIGHT TO THE FINISH
First To Fight 3
by Jeanette Murray
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

Fight to the Finish

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 1, 2016

Kara is a single mom working hard to keep life running smoothly for herself and her son, but a custody battle is wearing her down. When her friend suggests asking a JAG officer for some unofficial advice, Kara agrees—and soon finds herself officially head over heels…

As a Judge Advocate, Graham has seen his share of nasty custody disputes—and he plans on keeping his distance from this one. But this purposeful, passionate woman has a way of drawing him ever closer to the edge. And when Kara’s ex starts to throw his weight around, Graham will have to choose between toeing the line or stepping into the ring.

•••••••

REVIEW: FIGHT TO THE FINISH is the third and final installment in Jeanette Murray’s contemporary, adult FIRST TO FIGHT romance series focusing on a group of US Marines’ boxing team. This is Judge Advocate Graham Sweeney, and single mom/yoga instructor Kara Smith’s story line. FIGHT TO THE FINISH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing story line of attack against the Marines that runs through each of the installments.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kara and Graham) FIGHT TO THE FINISH is the culmination of three stories; three couples, and the increase in vandalism against the Marines in question. Graham Sweeney is a Judge Advocate with the Marines, and a member of their boxing team whose attraction to yoga instructor Kara Smith does not go unnoticed by everyone around. Kara is a single mother to ten year old Zach-a young boy with multiple food allergies that forces our heroine into a rigid lifestyle when it comes to protecting her son. What ensues is Graham’s seduction of Kara Smith, and Kara’s struggle to keep Zach’s father from destroying their lives.

The relationship between Kara and Graham is one of immediate attraction but Kara knows that their time together is limited. Graham will one day be shipped out of state, and Kara does not have the ability to move at will. The $ex scenes are impassioned and intense.

There is a secondary story line running through the series following a number of minor vandalism cases that have been increasing in damage and danger. The Marine’s appear to be the target of these attacks but the attacks have become more personal and dangerous. The person(s) responsible is becoming obvious, but the twist, is the reason why.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The world building continues to focus on the boxing team, their friendships, their loves, the struggles both in and out of the ring. The action takes place behind the scenes, outside the ring, and of course, during their tournament play.

FIGHT TO THE FINISH is an emotional story line about friendship and family; betrayal and revenge; moving forward and letting go of the past. The premise is revealing, entertaining, and heart warming especially as it pertains to Kara’s son Zach and his relationship with Graham. The characters are charismatic, energetic, fun and animated; the romance is passionate and alive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway Gold and Black

The Reading Cafe and Jeanette’s publisher are offering a paper copy of FIGHT TO THE FINISH 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Please tell us to enter you into the giveaway.

4. Please follow Jeanette Murray on Facebook.

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. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from March 1-5, 2016

Share

A Covert Affair (Deadly Ops #5) by Katie Reus-Review and Giveaway

Posted on by
34

A COVERT AFFAIR (Deadly Ops #5) by Katie Reus-Review and Giveaway

A Covert Affair Banner

A Covert Affair
Deadly Ops #5
by Katie Reus
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense
Release Date: March 1, 2016

A Covert Affair

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 1, 2016

After being wounded in action, NSA agent Nathan Ortiz comes home to Miami, eager to return to duty. But he doesn’t expect his newest mission to lead him straight to the one woman he loved, lost, and has never gotten over.

A beautiful, successful restaurateur, Amelia Rios enjoys giving back to her community, especially to struggling women. Then a woman she recently hired stops showing up for work, and, unfortunately, she isn’t the first to go missing.

Soon Amelia finds herself thrust into a shadowy, dark world, working side by side with Nathan, the only man she’s ever loved. They must confront old feelings as they battle a ruthless enemy preying on the poor and weak. The heat simmering between Nathan and Amelia could mean a second chance for them—but first they have to survive.

••••••••

REVIEW: A COVERT AFFAIR is the fifth installment in Katie Reus’s contemporary, adult DEADLY OPS romantic, suspense series. This is NSA agent Nathan Ortiz, and restaurateur Amelia Rios’s story line. A COVERT AFFAIR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from several third person perspectives A COVERT AFFAIR follows the investigation into a series of missing women in the Miami area-most of the women with a connection to a women’s shelter or one of the restaurants owned by Amelia Rios. What ensues is the search for the people responsible, and the horrendous discovery of the truth behind the discovery of the missing bodies.

The relationship between Nathan and Amelia is one of second chances. At seventeen and eighteen years old respectively, Amelia and Nathan had been high school lovers but life and a possible career in the military called Nathan away, and Amelia was forced to push away the only man she would ever love to keep his dreams alive. Fast forward to present day where our couple rekindle what they once had but Amelia kept secret the real reason for pushing Nathan away. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting cast including several of Amelia’s employees, as well as Nathan’s Special Ops agents and friends-Cade and Maria (Bound To Danger #2); Hannah and Dax (Chasing Danger 2.5).Levi and Selene (Shattered Duty 3) , and Karen Stafford (Edge of Danger 4). We are introduced to several of Miami’s players in the import/export trade, as well as the requisite evil whose own connections to Amelia are too close to home.

A COVERT AFFAIR is a fast paced, exciting story of suspense, mystery, romance and a second chance at love. The premise is exhilarating and intense: the characters are imaginative and charismatic; the romance is provocative and sensual. The happily ever after fast forwards the story line a couple of months where we are witness to the start of Nathan and Amelia’s new life together. Katie Reus DEADLY OPS series is intriguing, realistic and seductive.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Katie’s publisher are offering a paper copy of A COVERT AFFAIR 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. LIKE Katie Reus on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs March 1-5, 2016

Share