Monthly Archives: April 2016

White Tiger / Wild Things (Shifters Unbound 8 & 7.75) by Jennifer Ashley-Reviews & Giveaway

Posted on by
30

White Tiger/ Wild Things (Shifters Unbound 8 & 7.75) by Jennifer Ashley-reviews and giveaway

White Tiger Banner

Shifters Unbound 7.75 and 8

WHITE TIGER
(Shifters Unbound #8)
by Jennifer Ashley
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance, shifters

White Tiger

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2-16

A woman is lured into the shadows of a dangerous manhunt…
Wanted and on the run…

For twenty years, Kendrick, a white tiger Shifter, has been the Guardian of un-Collared Shifters who spend their lives living in secret—and in fear of being shunted into Shiftertowns. When Kendrick’s group is discovered and forced to flee, Kendrick is more desperate than ever to protect them

His only salvation was in a beautiful stranger.

In a diner in the middle of nowhere, lonely waitress Addison Price has seen a lot of unusual drifters come and go, but none has ever captivated—and intimidated—her like the imposing fugitive who wields a broadsword with incredible skill. But when he risks all to protect her, Addison’s fear turns to empathy—and empathy to desire as she learns more about her savior. Soon she’s more than willing to help the crushingly sensual white tiger and his cubs in a passionate bid for freedom. Whatever the cost.

••••••

REVIEW: WHITE TIGER is the eight full length installment in Jennifer Ashley’s contemporary, adult SHIFTERS UNBOUND paranormal romance series. This is white tiger shifter and Guardian Kendrick Shaughnessy, and human/waitress Addison Price’s story line. WHITE TIGER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory, as well as familiarity with the other characters. Many of Jennifer’s novellas are ‘stepping stones’ to future installments.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years in the past, the Fae created the shifters-a cross between beast and man-and in the ensuing time the Fae lost control and power over the creatures they had created. Approximately twenty years ago shifters were exposed to the human population. Out of fear, discrimination and specieism, the shifters were collared in the belief that it would control aggression, then they were forced into segregated communities known as Shiftertowns. There are several Shiftertowns located throughout America where shifters live in a relative but strained peace amongst their own kind.

Told from several third person perspectives WHITE TIGER focuses on Kendrick’s need to protect his family-his three cubs- from the people hoping to take down the man they once called their leader. Kendrick is an ‘uncollared’ shifter who had great plans to bring together all of the other uncollared shifters in the hopes of creating a world of perceived freedom and comfort but on the run to protect his young cubs, Kendrick finds himself drawn to a human waitress who calls to his heart. What ensues is an attack against Kendrick that finds Addison Price protecting what our hero loves most-his cubs.

Addison is human; a waitress whose own love life is mired in betrayal and heartbreak but a woman who is determined to leave her old life behind. When Kendrick is attacked, Addison finds herself protecting his cubs, and promising she will be there for them in the future. What ensues is a building relationship between Addison and Kendrick, and the timely return of the shifters who owe Kendrick their lives.

WHITE TIGER is a story about betrayal; about a leader who believes he has failed his pack and clan; and a story where friends turn to enemies when there is no leader left to follow. Kendrick’s first mate died giving birth, and our hero is having a difficult time accepting that there is another woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are provocative without the over the top sexually graphic text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the characters previously introduced in earlier story lines such as the former alpha Dylan whose hold on many of the shifters is quite strong and deep. We are introduced to Kendrick’s family-his cubs Brett, Zane and Robbie- as well as the shifters who have long waited for their leader to return-Seamus McGuire, Jaycee Bordeaux and Dimitri Kashnikov. There is a slight love triangle vibe happening with Jaycee’s return and her love for the man that she follows. Zander Montcrieff, first introduced in WILD THINGS returns as the ‘crazy’ Healer. Zander’s story will be told next in GUARDIAN’S MATE (September 2016). Gil (Ben) returns as the intrepid ‘gnome’-the last of his kind, and a man without a home.

WHITE TIGER brings together many of the shifters that were scattered in an earlier story line. An eclectic mixture of uncollared shifters who thrown their allegiance to a White Tiger who promised them a future without bars. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the characters are charismatic; the romance is a slow build for two people from different worlds. Jennifer Ashley continues to write the story lines we enjoy ! If you are a fan of shifters, then check out SHIFTERS UNBOUND by Jennifer Ashley.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

__________________

Wild thingsWILD THINGS
(Shifters Unbound 7.75)
by Jennifer Ashley
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance, shifters

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 22, 2016

Wolf Shifter Mason McNaughton is tired of the crazy feral living in his house, endangering him, his brothers, and his sweet auntie Cora. Ferals are Shifters who’ve reverted to the wild stage, forgetting all about the joys of pizza and satellite TV. Not to mention, Mason is sick of waking up to the feral’s rampages in the bedroom next to his. The feral has been given sanctuary, so Mason can’t throw him out—the only thing to do is to find a way to cure him.

The problem is, Shifter healers—elusive, Goddess-touched Shifters who have the healing gift—are few and far between. Mason volunteers to go in search of one, and is sent to a psychic in New Orleans who might have an idea of where to start looking.

Mason doesn’t believe in psychics, but Jasmine, the psychic in question, seems to at least put on a good show. Jasmine believes in Shifters all right, but she vowed after her Shifter boyfriend dumped her to never have anything to do with them again.

The easiest way to get rid of the growly Lupine, Mason, is to help him, but Jasmine never dreams what that help will drag her into.

A short novel of the Shifters Unbound series.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WILD THINGS by Jennifer Ashley focuses on the hunt for a shifter healer who has the ability to cure the ‘feral’ rage without having to destroy a life in the process. This is human psychic Jasmine Samuelson, and wolf shifter Mason McNaughton’s (Broderick’s brother-Bad Wolf) story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twenty years ago shifters were exposed to the human population. Out of fear, discrimination and specieism, the shifters were collared, in the belief that it would control aggression, then they were forced into segregated communities known as Shiftertowns. There are several Shiftertowns located throughout the world where shifters live in a relative but strained peace amongst their own kind.

There is within the shifter a true animal that on occasion will surface and destroy the man within. In the case of Aleck (Broderick’s brother in law), a feral feline shifter given sanctuary in Shiftertown, there is no known cure except the possibility of the power of the reclusive shifter healer. WILD THINGS follows Mason McNaughton as he goes in search of the one person who may be able to help locate the healer- a woman who would call to Mason’s very soul. What ensues is the building relationship between Jasmine and Mason as they search for someone who may not exist.

The relationship between Mason and Jasmine is one of immediate attraction but Mason does not believe in psychics; and Jasmine has been burned by a shifter from her past. But the mate bond doesn’t lie and there is something about Mason that enhances Jasmine’s ability with magic. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate and intense.

WILD THINGS has a large ensemble cast of characters including an extensive and growing family tree, as well as the introduction of healer Zander Moncrieff-a rare shifter with a gift to heal. Zander is a rarity not only because of his ability but also because of type of shifter. Zander’s story will be told in Guardian’s Mate (September 2016). Oh, and we can’t forget Jasmine’s place of residence-a house with a mind of its own.

The world building continues to focus (in a limited capacity) on the discrimination against the shifters with reference to collars and segregation. The fear of reprisal, pain and imprisonment keeps the shifters virtual prisoners in their homes and towns. There is prejudice and specieism amongst the shifters themselves-some shifters are more welcome than others.

WILD THINGS is a quick read with fascinating characters and the beginning of a new journey for the Shiftertown shifters. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and animated; the romance was a little subdued but sexy none-the-less. If you are a fan of Jennifer’s SHIFTERS UNBOUND, you will want to check out WILD THINGS for a peak at the future.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway-Purple:Black

The Reading Cafe and Jennifer’s publisher are offering a paper copy of WHITE TIGER 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 follow Jennifer Ashley 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 open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from April 6-10, 2016

Share

Distant Thunder (Rising Storm) Mid Season Ep. 2 by Larissa Ione-Review and Book Tour

Posted on by
11

DISTANT THUNDER : Mid Season Episode 2 (Rising Storm) by Larissa Ione-Review and Book Tour

Rising Storm Banner

DISTANT THUNDER
Rising Storm
Mid Season Episode #2
by Larissa Ione
Genre: adult, contemporary,
Release Date: April 5, 2016

ABOUT THE SERIES:

*Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy…*

Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection. But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.

Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, *Rising Storm* is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.

With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Julie Kenner and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” for the Midseason Episodes of this serial opera are bestselling authors Lexi Blake and Larissa Ione who have brought their vision of Storm to life.

*So get ready. The storm is coming.*

Distant Thunder

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

As Sebastian and Marylee plot to cover up Sebastian’s sexual escapade, Ginny and Dakota continue to reel from the fallout of Dakota’s announcement. But it is the Rush family that’s left to pick up the pieces as Payton, Brittany and Jeffry each cope with Sebastian’s betrayal in their own way…

••••••••••

REVIEW: DISTANT THUNDER by Larissa Ione is the second installment in the multi-authored Mid Season RISING STORM serialized novella series focusing on the men and women of Storm, Texas. DISTANT THUNDER should not be read as a stand alone as it is part of a continuing series where each installment builds upon the previous installment.

DISTANT THUNDER focuses on the Rush family -Senator Sebastian Rush, his long-suffering wife Payton, and his powerful and controlling mother-the matriarch of the Rush family-Marylee, and the ensuing disaster following the very public reveal of the Senator’s sexual behavior and the possibility of fathering another child. What ensues are Marylee’s attempts to control the fall-out of her son’s numerous affairs, and place a spin on the media attention such that her son looks the victim in the eyes of the world. While Marylee undertakes to manage everyone involved, the threats against the people of Storm, continue to grow.

The reader is pulled into the dysfunctional family dynamics of a powerful, political family- a family controlled by power and wealth, and the drive to remain at the top of the heap. While Marylee scours for damaging information and people from the past, Sebastian places his own spin on the events while his wife and children bear the pain of their husband (and father’s) illicit affairs. Not only have the lives of the Rush family been destroyed, but so too, have the lives of everyone involved.

DISTANT THUNDER and Larissa Ione will captivate your attention, and keep you reading on the edge of your seat.

 Episode 1: AFTER THE STORM: Rising Storm (Mid Season)

Copy supplied by the promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

stunning sensual young couple in love posing in summer field, happy lifestyle concept

Excerpt

 

It had only been three days since the Great Founders’ Day Disaster, but it felt like a month. For the first twenty-four hours after Dakota’s revelation, the town had been mostly shell-shocked. Then the story started spreading through social media, and last night after Marcus dropped Brittany off after dinner at Murphy’s, she discovered that someone posted the Founders’ Day Disaster on YouTube. The media had descended on Storm like locusts this morning, and her father, whom she’d only seen in passing since Founders’ Day, had adopted a shelter-in-place stance. Brittany had given him suggestions on where he could shelter in places that were much, much hotter than Texas, and then she’d run out the front door toward her car, only to be swarmed by reporters. *“Ms. Rush, is it true that your best friend is pregnant with your father’s baby?”* *“Ms. Rush, how do you think this scandal will affect your father’s reelection campaign?”* *“Ms. Rush, did you know about the affairs your father was having with your friends?”* Ugh. She and her mother shouldn’t have left Francine’s cabin so soon, and Jeffry certainly should have remained with one of his buddies. But when Marylee snapped her fingers and went into crisis mode, everyone came running and fell in line like good little minions. “This blows,” Jeffry said, looking up from where he was lounging on the couch with his iPad. “What blows?” She sank onto the love seat across from her brother. “The game you’re playing? Or the fact that we’re trapped like animals? Or maybe the fact that our father is a lying, cheating bastard who slept with our friends? Or the fact that my best friend is going to give birth to our little brother or sister?” Yep, she might be a little bitter. And it was *ex*-best friend. He tucked his feet under him on the couch and sighed. “Yeah.” “I can’t believe Mom thinks we need to be here for him—” She broke off as their mother, Payton, came around the corner with a tray of finger sandwiches and a pitcher of lemonade. They hadn’t spoken much about any of this, and Brittany wasn’t sure how to go about it. As far as she could tell, her mother hadn’t so much as shed a tear over the fact that her husband had knocked up a girl young enough to be his daughter and had probably slept with a dozen more. “I brought you something to eat,” Payton said, and if she’d heard Brittany talking, she was choosing to ignore it. “Your father and grandmother are finished with their meeting with Mr. Stayton, and they’re on their way up to talk to you.” “This should be good.” Jeffry reached for a sandwich as their mother put them on the coffee table. “I was wondering how long it would be before we got the circle-the-wagons lecture. Five bucks says he tries to convince us that everything Dakota said was a lie.” “I know you two are angry and confused and you have a lot of questions,” Payton said as she took a seat next to Brittany, looking all prim and proper in a subdued green dress and gray scarf. “But we’ll get through this. I promise.”

 

 

About the author

Sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss a thing! http://risingstormbooks.com

Larissa IoneLarissa Ione is a *New York Times* and *USA Today* bestselling author. An Air Force veteran, she traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.

Website http://larissaione.com/blog/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLarissaIone?fref=ts

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/larissaione

1001 Dark Nights http://www.1001darknights.com/

Rising Storm on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/series/162172-rising-storm

Ink Slinger

 

Share

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
24

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle – Dual Review & Giveaway

Hold Your Breath Banner

HOLD YOUR BREATH
Search and Rescue #1
by Katie Ruggle
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: April 5, 2016

 

HOld your breathAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
As the captain of Field County’s ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook is driven to perfection. But when he meets new diver Louise “Lou” Sparks, all that hard-won order is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he’s never felt more alive…even if keeping her safe may just kill him.

Lou’s new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she’s determined to make it on her own terms…no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence Lou-and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

 

 

Barb’s Review:

Hold your Breath by Katie Ruggle is the 1st book in her Search and Rescue series.  What I enjoyed about this book was that it had a bit of everything;  romance, suspense, action, excitement and a mystery.  What can be better, especially if the author does it right, and Katie Ruggle did a wonderful job with this story.

In the prequel, we met Lou and Callum, and in Hold You Breath we get their full story.  Lou Sparks is our heroine, who recently moved to the Rockies and joins the Search and Resuce Ice Dive team.  Lou left her home to escape her demanding parents and an ex boyfriend for the freedom to live her life her way.  While in training, she finds herself attracted to the team captain, Callum Cook, who is our hero.

Callum is tough, no nonsense leader, and Lou is his opposite.  She is nervous learning the diving exercises, but she also is lots of fun, joking around with her teammates.  When she accidently comes across a dead body in the ice, it will be Callum who will step up and help her.  Callum will discover that Lou has had some incidents against her, such as tires slashed and he will begin to protect her against a possible stalker.  More incidents will happen that will raise the danger level, not to mention that Lou and Callum will be thrown together and a romance begins to blossom.

What follows is an exciting dual mystery.  Who is the dead headless man they found in the ice?  Who is stalking Lou? 

Callum and Lou take it upon themselves to try to find the clues to the identity of the victim, and as their relationship gets hotter, the stalker becomes more dangerous.  Callum will stay close to Lou, as the stakes escalate, with her life very much at risk.  The last third of the book was very suspenseful and exciting.  I could not put the book down, as I needed to know what would happen.  I really like Lou and Callum as a couple, as they were perfect for each other.  She was outgoing and lively; it was great to see him fall hard for Lou and enjoy her fun loving ways.  Hold Your Breath was a fun, exciting read, with lots of action, suspense, especially with some of the ice rescue scenes.  I wholly recommend you to read this series.

 

Rachel’s Review:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

That was a different read for me .. a really good kind of different that may have opened my eyes to a different kind of contemporary romance … mystery and suspense.

So a small disclaimer here .. I am an veteran Canadian army medic, so this book was extremely enticing and captivating from the first page.  I mean mix a hot guy with a hot girl, add in dashes of secondary characters that you know will get their own story, super mystery and suspense .. AND add rescue/medical/dive team .. ummmm …YES PLEASE!  LOL

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle is the first book of her new series called “Search and Rescue“.  I will say that this book revolves more on the mystery/suspense side than it did the romance, and do not get me wrong, I loved the mystery, but I am a fan of hot smut in my romance books and this one kind of fell short on the heat.  I am always a glass half full kind of reader though, so perhaps the lack of smut made me concentrate of what I would call a slow burn, fun and quirky moments and a heart racing climax.  So you see .. smut would of been the cherry on the sundae, but the sundae was still very yummy!  LOL

Louise Sparks (“Lou” to most) has just moved to the Rockies and joined the Search and Rescue Dive team stationed there.  She is starting a new life away from a past she really wants to forget.  She is a hot mess at times while still being really good at what she does (serious oxymoron there, but it made her absolutely endearing).  If she messes up, it’s seems to always be in front of the one man she wants to impress … her leader.

Callum Cook is one straight up, neat freak, OCD, serious all the time leader of this dive team.  He is intimidating, stand offish, but very good at what he does as well.  He also does not know that this mess of a new team mate is about to change his life.  While he is protective in nature, it is extremely amplified when he learns that Lou is being stalked and may be in danger.

These two start off as team mates trying to solve a case when a corpse in uncovered during a training exercise.  There is a friendship that does bloom, and while a mutual attraction is there, both take this case very serious and make it a priority.  As time passes and mystery and suspense heighten, feelings, attraction and ultimate love comes to surface.  There were many moments I found myself chuckling at their scenes of crazy .. these guys compliment each other so well which made the story in my opinion.

This story was fantastic.  As I am a self confessed smut reader, I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I loved the mystery and suspense here as opposed to the “let’s get it on” moments.  (GASP .. did I just admit that??  LOL) These two bloomed before us with every page flip and I admit I actually read the last chapters half way thru because I had to know what was what so I could enjoy the journey .. yes .. I’m strange!  LOL

Will absolutely read this entire series as it releases and I would recommend this book wholeheartedly!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

 

 

 

giveaway

Katie’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of HOLD YOUR BREATH to ONE (1) lucky commenters 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 KATIE RUGGLE on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to US / Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from April 5 – 9,  2016

Share

Brave Enough (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3) by M.Leighton-Review and Giveaway

Posted on by
26

BRAVE ENOUGH (Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3) by M. Leighton-Review and Giveaway

Brave Enough Banner

BRAVE ENOUGH
Tall, Dark and Dangerous #3
by M. Leighton
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Brave Enough

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

Is she brave enough to give her heart to a man she only thought she knew?

He was the most charismatic man I’d ever met. Strong, tough, brave. Bold as hell. Something told me Tag Barton could have anything—anyone—he wanted…and he wanted me. It didn’t matter that he was wrong for me in practically every way possible. It didn’t matter that my father would hate it.

I couldn’t resist him. Even if I’d known who he really was and what he was really capable of.

When he suggested we pretend to be engaged, I thought he was the answer to all my problems. He wasn’t. And, in his wake, he left nothing but scorched earth and me, just another casualty of my father’s war.

Can I believe him now when he tells me he loves me? Or is he nothing more than a beautiful, breathtaking lie?

••••••••••

REVIEW: BRAVE ENOUGH is the third installment in M.Leighton’s adult, contemporary TALL, DARK AND DANGEROUS erotic, romance series. This is former Special Ops soldier/ winery foreman Tag Barton, and heiress/philanthropist Weatherly O’Neal’s story line. BRAVE ENOUGH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual first person points of view (Weatherly and Tag) BRAVE ENOUGH is a fake fiancé/marriage of convenience trope that focuses on love and a lie from which there may be no return. Weatherly O’Neal is about to be forced into an arranged marriage by her family to keep her family’s billionaire dollar business afloat, and finds herself at the winery where she spent many of her summers growing up. Meeting sexy, handsome winery foreman Tag Barton throws all of Weatherly’s caution to the wind when her father’s plans for the future are interrupted by a man that Weatherly barely knows. What ensues is a story of insta lust/love that finds Tag harboring a secret that will destroy Weatherly’s heart. For this reader, Tag’s secret was easily deduced early on in the story.

The relationship between Tag and Weatherly begins upon a lie-a lie that Tag knows will break Weatherly’s heart and destroy any happiness that the future may bring. Weatherly is running from a forced marriage, and Tag is the perfect foil to prove to her father that she is not a business transaction for her father’s company. The $ex scenes are seductive, intense and hot. Tag knows how to please a woman both in and out of the bedroom.

The world building looks at family, betrayal, love and lies. Although Tag Barton is a former Special Ops soldier, there is little to no connection to the previous two story lines although Keifer Rogan and Katie Rydale (Tough Enough #2) make a cameo appearance both during and after Tag’s fall from grace. The story line focuses on one man’s need to protect his family and home-at all costs.

BRAVE ENOUGH is a sweet story line; a slow build to a happily ever after that sees two people finding love under difficult circumstances. The premise looks at promises of forever and betrayal of love; the characters are colorful, animated and heartbreaking; the romance is provocative and steamy. M.Leighton adds another wonderful story line to her library of go-to reads.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway-redandblack_zps8ff4dc4b

The Reading Cafe and M.Leighton’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of BRAVE ENOUGH 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 follow M.Leighton 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 from April 5-9, 2016

Share

Love Walks In (The Shaughnessy Brothers #2) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on by
13

LOVE WALKS IN (The Shaughnessy Brothers 2) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Love Walks In

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

About the book: Release Date April 5, 2016

The Shaughnessy Brothers are back

He lives by a schedule. Aubrey Burke is on the run from an about-to-be-disastrous mistake when resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy catches her climbing through his office window. Until Aubrey tumbled into his life, Hugh had relied on work and discipline to safeguard a heart damaged by family tragedy. Now his careful world will never be the same.

She lives for the moment. Hugh’s approach to life and love is the opposite of Aubrey’s, but she soon finds herself falling hard for the handsome hotel mogul. There’s a darker reason behind her “live for today” attitude than Hugh could possibly know, but for the first time Aubrey dares to hope this man’s love might make it worth taking a chance on the future.

••••••••••

REVIEW: LOVE WALKS IN is the second installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS romance series. This is resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy, and corporate planner Aubrey Burke’s story line. LOVE WALKS IN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Seventeen years earlier the Shaughnessy lost their mother to a drunk driving accident that left six siblings (including a one year old infant) without a mother. Fast forward to present day where each child continues to struggle with the loss but none more so than Hugh, who blames himself for his mother’s death.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Aubrey and Hugh) LOVE WALKS IN focuses on the building relationship between Aubrey and Hugh, as Aubrey begins a new chapter in her life. On the run from a last minute marriage, Aubrey finds herself the latest ‘organizer’ for Hugh Shaughnessy’s numerous resorts wherein our heroine is the lead designer for a series of executive wine promotions and exotic getaways. What ensues is forbidden relationship between Aubrey and Hugh, and Hugh’s struggle to let go of the past.

The relationship is one of immediate attraction but Hugh never saw himself in a committed relationship. Aubrey’s history with her parent’s failed marriage versus Hugh’s tight knit loving family finds our couple at opposite sides of the relationship fence. Like most of Samantha’s story lines, the $ex scenes are all implied, and fade to black.

Youngest sibling and only sister Darcy; brothers Aidan and his fiancée Zoe Made For Us (Book 1) , Quinn, Riley and Owen, as well as patriarch Ian Shaughnessy all play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story. We are introduced to Aubrey’s long suffering mother whose reputation is a case of mistaken belief where her only child is concerned. There is a possible story line set up for Owen with a long-time family friend who has been in love with the Shaughnessy brother for quite a long time.

LOVE WALKS IN is a sweet, romantic story. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are real; the romance is clean and ‘safe for work’.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

“Aubrey! I’m home!”
Looking up, she saw a very happy and relaxed-looking Hugh standing in the doorway. If she wasn’t mistaken, he might even be a little bit tipsy. She almost giggled at the thought. Men didn’t get tipsy, did they? “Hey, you,” she said, smiling up at him.
“Whatcha doin?” he asked, walking slowly across the room until he could plop down on the bed beside her.
“I was just going to read for a bit while I was waiting for you.” His hair was tousled, his shirt was untucked, and he looked completely adorable to her. Reaching out, she ran a hand through his hair. “How was your night?”
Hugh stretched out beside her as he kicked his shoes off. “I took fifty bucks from my brother. It was awesome.”
She chuckled. “Which brother?”
“Owen,” he said around a yawn. “Served him right. Trying to trick me up with math.”
Her brows furrowed. “Math?”
“Yeah. Such a smarty pants. Thinks he knows everything. But I beat him. He may know about angles and lines and spots but I know how to provide a good distraction,” he said with a silly grin.
“So you cheated.”
“Ha! That’s a good one! No, I did not cheat. I just happened to notice how Owen kept sneaking looks at this girl standing over by the jukebox. So while he was doing his geo…geolo…geomethology…”
“Geometry?”
“Yeah…so while he was doing that stuff in his head, I went over and introduced myself, then brought her over to meet Owen.” He laughed. “Then he forgot all about how to do…you know…and Riley and I were able to kick his and Aidan’s butts. It was fun.”
Yeah, he was definitely a little tipsy and it was adorable. It was nice to see he could unwind and have fun with his brothers. “I’m glad you had a good time.”
“How about you, darlin? Did you have fun tonight?”
“I did. Anna made burgers and…”
“Oh, man! And I missed it?” He sat up and looked around for his phone. Pulling it from his pocket, he began scrolling through his contacts.
“Hugh? What are you doing?”
“I’m starving. Do you think she’ll make some more?”
“Who?”
“Anna,” he said with a huff. “Sheesh.”
“Hugh Shaughnessy, you cannot call Anna now and ask her to make you a burger!” She tried to sound firm but couldn’t stop laughing at the confused look on his face. “Give me the phone.”
“But…do we have any burgers here?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Sorry. No burgers.”
“Well damn,” he muttered, flopping back down on the bed. Looking over at her, he smiled sleepily. “They were good, right?”
Nodding, she said, “Yup. They were.” Aubrey knew he was going to be asleep in a matter of minutes, but figured she’d humor him for a little bit longer. “Do you want me to make you something to eat? Or maybe just a little snack?”
“Mmm…”
Turning on her side to face him, she nudged him around until she got him undressed down to his boxers and even managed to get him under the blankets. He made several sloppy attempts to kiss her but she kept it playful to distract him. By the time he was settled, she was exhausted.
“Sweet dreams, wonderful man,” she whispered, kissing his cheek.
Hugh smiled sleepily. “Love you,” he murmured in response. Aubrey was glad his eyes were closed and he was already snoring softly, because she was certain the look of shock on her face would have been hard to explain.
Did he really mean what he’d said? Was it possible Hugh was really in love with her? It was hard for Aubrey to wrap her head around. No one had ever said it to her before. And to be honest, Hugh really hadn’t said it to her either—not consciously, anyway.
But now that it was out there, she had a feeling it was going to be pretty hard to forget.

About the Author

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

SamanthaChase

Samantha Chase, a creative writing teacher, released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in North Carolina.

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sourcebooks logo

Share

The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

Posted on by
56

THE BEAST (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

The Beast Banner

THE BEAST
The Black Dagger Brotherhood #14
By J.R. Ward
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

The Beast

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world…and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEAST is the fourteenth installment in J.R.Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal series focusing on an elite group of vampire warriors and their King. THE BEAST is the continuing story of the sexy vampire Rhage, and his shellan Mary Luce. For fans of the series, we are all well aware of Rhage’s alter ego-his other-and in this Rhage’s other makes an appearance or two throughout the story.

THE BEAST focuses on relationships and family-primarily Mary and Rhage’s- and their struggle as a couple together and apart. As the Black Dagger Brotherhood family continues to grow, Rhage will come full circle facing a future that is missing ‘something’ or ‘someone’ while Mary consoles with an orphaned child now under the care of the woman’s shelter known as ‘Safe Place’. Throughout the previous story lines Mary and Rhage have struggled with their relationship-growing further apart with each successive story.

We are witness to a battle with the lessers, the slayers, and the re-appearance of the Omega. Rhage will discover that running into battle without the support of his brothers means the likelihood of facing your immortality-head on.

As per JR Ward’s writing style, there are several ongoing and developing stories:

LAYLA: The Chosen known as Layla is currently on bed rest while she carries Qhuinn’s son and daughter. But Layla suspects a prisoner has been brought into the BDB household when she discovers that the man with whom she is falling love is in danger of going into the fade. The resulting anxiety finds Layla facing a crisis of her own.

ASSAIL: Our intrepid cocaine-addicted vampire is lost without the human woman that calls to his soul. Assail finds himself working for the Black Dagger Brotherhood, infiltrating into the Glymera, and discovering that there are dark and dangerous secrets hidden behind locked doors and secret walls. Assail will prove that he is worthy of a future- with whomever it will be.

XCOR: Hoping to catch some action in the battle with the slayers, Xcor will come face to face with the Brotherhood, and the resulting aftermath finds the ‘Bastard’ imprisoned while he struggles to recover after a life-threatening attack.

THROE: Here is another member of the Band of Bastards who is trying to secure a future, with or without the aid of the others. Throe’s infiltration of one of the Glymera households starts an investigation that finds Assail at the forefront of a rescue that doesn’t end too well for some of the others.

There is another side story developing that involves several human miscreants, drug addicts and reporters. A grainy video has been uplifted to You-Tube showing a ‘monster’ on the loose, and a female investigator finds herself facing a future she never knew she had.

Most of the members of the Brotherhood , their mates (and their household guests) play secondary and supporting roles although many by way of mention only including Trez and iAm. Payne, Jane, and Manny are all called into action for their skillset of medical, surgical and healing abilities; some will be injured, while others struggle to survive-not everyone will live to see another day, and in this there is another story line developing as to the who, when and why.

THE BEAST is an emotional story line about family, loss, and the future. JR Ward blends lighthearted moments with an imaginative story line about one couple’s desires, wants and their needs while facing a future, looking for something more. The premise is intense, intoxicating and uplifting; the characters are familiar and energetic; the romance is a rebuilding of a relationship that has struggled with insecurity and differing paths on a journey meant to bring two people back together. J. R. Ward will captivate your imagination; pull you into the story line; and never let go when the passion and emotions roll away with your soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

giveaway

JR Ward’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are graciously offering a HARD COVER copy of THE BEAST 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 follow JR Ward 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 from April 4 to 8, 2016

Share

Burnout (Legal Heat 2.5) by Sarah Castille-a review

Posted on by
10

BURNOUT (Legal Heat 2.5) by Sarah Castille-a review

BurnoutABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 3, 2016

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

She vowed to uphold the law.
He’s determined to break it.
Together, they just might bend the rules.

Rookie cop, Sophie Nichols knows the dangers of a one-night stand with a sexy stranger. Unable to resist the pull of cocky, badass biker, Ace Logan, she indulges in one steamy night of raw, unbridled passion.

At least, that was the plan…

As the new sergeant-at-arms for the Rogue Riders MC, Ace doesn’t need complications in his life—especially a curvy, captivating cop with a kick-ass attitude who has the power to wreak havoc on his club. So why can’t he stay away?

When Sophie’s brother is kidnapped by a ruthless criminal gang, Ace might be her only hope to find him. But once he has the rookie in his arms, he’ll never let her go. Now, Sophie must make a choice: break the law or break her heart?”

•••••••••

REVIEW: BURNOUT is the re-release of a contemporary, adult novella by Sarah Castille originally found in the February 2014 RIDING DESIRE anthology. BURNOUT is an erotic romance story line belonging to Sarah’s LEGAL HEAT series. This is Vancouver police officer Sophie Nichols, and Sargent at Arms/ Rogue Riders MC member Ace Logan’s story. BURNOUT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives BURNOUT follows the forbidden relationship between police officer Sophie Nichols, and MC member Ace Logan. Sophie’s transfer to Vancouver from the Toronto PD finds our heroine embroiled in a drug war where her younger brother is a major player and held for ransom by a local gang. What ensues is the building relationship between Ace and Sophie, and Sophie’s determination to rescue her brother-at all costs. Sophie finds herself asking for help from the local MC, and with it comes the man who calls to her heart.

BURNOUT is a quick read; a fast paced build to love; a story of insta-lust/love where our leading couple find themselves on both sides of the law. The rush to the finish is less than satisfying; and with it comes too many unanswered questions, missing details and information about the players in question, and unbelievable plot points that are hard to believe or accept especially as it pertained to the MC.

The world building is awash with graphic sexual situations and strong adult language. There is some violence although most of the action is behind the scenes.

BURNOUT is an entertaining read but one that left me frustrated due to the lack of information and resolution, and the questionable credibility of the MC trope and the resulting outcome of the story line premise.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Thrown Down (Made in Jersey 2) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Posted on by
7

THROWN DOWN (Made in Jersey #2) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Thrown Down

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2016

He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams…

Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her…and River is in danger of drowning a second time.

No one believed Hook’s resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he’ll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he’s worth their love in the process–even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.

But even as River’s body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THROWN DOWN is the second full length installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary, adult MADE IN JERSEY erotic, romance series. This is single mom River Purcell, and former US soldier Vaughn DeMatteo’s storyline. We were first introduced to River in book one CRASHED OUT. River is Sarge’s sister. THROWN DOWN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed when necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Vaughn and River) using present day and some memories from the past, THROWN DOWN is a second chance story line for our leading couple. Four years earlier Vaughn De Matteo walked away from the only woman he would ever love but the circumstances behind his disappearance are never known until present day. Enlisting in the army then working specialized security upon his return, Vaughn soon becomes aware that the life and the woman he left behind is everything he ever wanted, and so much more. What ensues is a quick rekindling of a relationship between two people who never stopped loving one another throughout the years.

The relationship between Vaughn and River is one of second chances; a love between two people that was interrupted by circumstance and threats to which only Vaughn De Matteo was willing to agree. River, a single mother to her three year old daughter, finds solace in the knowledge that she has done everything and protected the daughter Vaughn knew nothing about. The rekindling of the romance is sexually graphic with intense language and numerous $ex scenes. Vaughn likes to talk dirty both in and out of the bedroom.

We are introduced to Vaughn’s buddy Duke, and his four divorced sisters who are all about looking after Vaughn and River’s daughter. I am hoping for HEA for Duke.

The world building continues to focus on the blue collar jobs and the local factory of Hook, New Jersey-the people, the town, the night life and the color. Everyone is struggling to make a name and survive.

THROWN DOWN, like CRASHED OUT book one, is a story line with graphic sexual language and text. The numerous $ex scenes are somewhat distracting from the story line premise- the rebuilding of the relationship between Vaughn and River gets lost between the erotic language. For all of River’s independence and ability to be strong in the face of adversity, she is quick to accept Vaughn’s return with little to no over-arcing anxiety; easy to forgive and forget about the previous four years. The premise is quick to build although predictable; the characters are somewhat superficial and perfunctory-sadly I felt very little emotional attachment to the leading couple; the romance is a prelude to $ex, and a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share