Bedded Bliss (Found In Oblivion #1) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Sandy

Bedded Bliss (Found in Oblivion #1) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

BEDDED BLISS
Found in Oblivion #1
by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott
Release Date: August 22, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Bedded Bliss
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / itunes /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2016

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What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…until someone ends up married.

Michael Shawcross is living the dream, opening up for his idols, Oblivion, on his band Warning Sign’s first tour. Until an overzealous fan goes too far and his hard-partying ways catch up to him in the form of an ultimatum from his manager, Lila Crandall.

Clean up your image—or else.

Single mom Chloe Adams is in Vegas for a rare girls’ night out. She wasn’t ever supposed to be attracted to another rockstar. In fact, she’s in rockstar rehab, and the cure for her addiction definitely isn’t a sexy, smart-assed guitarist with wicked fingers.

She never expects to accidentally end up his wife. Or to have her new husband suddenly decide that she’s the solution to all his problems. And surprise…he’s happy to show his appreciation in a number of interesting, inventive ways.

Pretending their marriage is real might just be the hottest proposition she’s ever been given.

But what happens when a lie becomes the truth?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BEDDED BLISS is the first installment in the contemporary, adult, erotic, romance rock series FOUND IN OBLIVION co-authored by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. FOUND IN OBLIVION is a spin off from their LOST IN OBLIVION series and several characters from LIB and the authors’ HAMMERED series cross over and make cameo appearances for familiarity. This is lead guitarist for the upcoming rock band Warning Sign Michael Shawcross, and single mom/bartender Chloe Adams’s story line. Michael and Chloe were first introduced in Quinn and Elliott’s LOST IN OBLIVION series. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the spin off but for back story and enjoyment I recommend reading the authors LOST IN OBLIVION series as well.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Chloe and Michael) BEDDED BLISS focuses on the relationship between single mom Chloe Adams and guitarist Michael Shawcross. Following a drunken weekend in Vegas where Chloe and Michael wake up to find themselves married to one another with no recollection or memory of what has happened, our heroine runs home only to discover that her private life is now the stuff of tabloid fodder and paparazzi nightmares. What ensues are Michael’s attempts to persuade his new wife that remaining together will be better for everyone concerned, and Chloe’s struggle to regain control of her life.

Chloe is a single mother who was once engaged to Oblivion’s former drummer Snake (William)-a man whose demons destroyed his life when he died following a tempestuous relationship with his band and eventual drug over dose leaving a pregnant and struggling Chloe on her own. Nick Crandall, guitarist for Oblivion and one time best friend of Snake, took Chloe under his wing and offered up financial support for his best friend’s girl. Snake’s son Axl is close to two years old, and Chloe’s first girls weekend in Vegas ends in a marriage to a man she knows very little about.

Michael Shawcross is the step-son of Oblivion’s band manager Lila Shawcross, and a great guitarist in his own right. Now a member of the upcoming rock band Warning Sign, Michael has a colorful history with the ladies including a bad boy reputation and an ongoing affair with a senator’s fiancé. Waking up to a new wife, and a woman that calls to his heart, Michael is determined to make the best of the situation and offers up his home and his heart to Chloe and her son.

The attraction between Chloe and Michael is immediate but our couple has known of one another for a number of years through their mutual connection to the band Oblivion and Lila Shawcross. Michael is a man determined not to follow in his parent’s disastrous relationship history, and makes every effort to ensure that his marriage to Chloe is real and forever. Chloe’s life begins to implode when the paparazzi refuse to give her the benefit of the doubt, and the harassment destroys the life she began to build. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the rock bands Oblivion and Hammered, as well as the introduction of Warning Sign’s other musicians. There is a personality struggle within the band, and when their drummer Ryan Waters sprains his hand in a biking accident, Michael calls in a favor from his brother Malachi-a man who prefers to remain in the shadows and away from the dysfunction of the Shawcross family. We are introduced to Chloe’s friends, and sisters Jinx and Ivy Johnson, a couple of women whose own lives are turned upside down while partying in Vegas.

BEDDED BLISS is an enjoyable and fateful story with dynamic characters and a captivating romance. Quinn and Elliott vivid imaginations seamlessly blend three series together for an introductory tale that continues to look at the life and loves of an upcoming rock star. The premise is intoxicating; the characters are engaging and passionate; the romance is provocative and emotional. BEDDED BLISS is an intimate look behind the scenes, and into the life of Quinn and Elliot’s latest bad boy guitarist.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Bedded Bliss teaser

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7B1K5N7vMs&feature=youtu.be

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

Chloe moaned. Why couldn’t she move?
Had she ended up with another Johnson sleeping with her again? Jinx wasn’t usually the cuddling type, but Ivy liked to spoon sometimes. She grunted and tried to wiggle free.
Was Ivy groping her boob? Okay, that might require a conversation about personal space. And seriously when had Ivy become close to two tons? She opened her eyes and immediately slammed them shut. Too bright.
Not good.
So not good.
Just how much had she guzzled last night? And her mouth tasted like death. Thank God it was Sunday. Obviously, she didn’t know how to handle Vegas.
A groan dented her personal flogging. Not a girl groan.
“Oh, fuck.”
No. No. No.
She squeezed her eyes shut so tightly that sparklers started going off behind her eyelids. She didn’t. She wouldn’t.
Flashes of bodies grinding in a dark room tightened her throat.
You can do it. Open your eyes. Big girl panties, goddammit.
Was she wearing panties? She wiggled her legs.
Sweet peaches, she so wasn’t.
Chloe forced herself to open her eyes and look down. Definitely not the shirt she’d been wearing last night. Was that Dave Grohl? Why had her boobs had grown at least two sizes?
Because a male hand was cupping each of them like she was his own personal rock wall.
She suppressed another moan when the man’s hands tightened. His thumb flicked over her nipple and it responded instantly.
“Oh God.”
He groaned and pushed up her shirt. “Round two?” he asked in a fuzzy mumble.
“Round none!” She kicked out and connected with something before she scrambled up against the headboard.
“Fuck me.” The man curled into a fetal position.
Dark hair and naked shoulders. Was that a tattoo? Was he naked under the sheet?
She didn’t wait to find out. She leaped off the bed. Not her hotel room. This one was bigger with only one bed. A lake-sized mattress with tangled white sheets.
She was going to be sick. She lunged for the bathroom, slamming the door and locking it before she skidded in front of the toilet. Her stomach revolted until there was nothing but dry heaves shuddering through her.
“Are you all right?”
No, she wasn’t all right. She’d awakened in a strange hotel room with a strange man. She gripped the edge of the bowl, frowning as something clicked against the porcelain.
She pulled shaking fingers away and flushed, then stumbled to the sink.
Her eyes were bloodshot, her pupils absolutely huge. Blindly, she fumbled with the faucet, causing another clink of metal against metal. She stuck her head under the spray to rinse away the sick.
She needed eight toothbrushes and a magic eraser for her brain.
Actually, not so much on the erasing because she couldn’t remember a damn thing.
How had she ended up here?
Why couldn’t she remember?
Where the hell was her phone?
Auto-pilot kicked in as she pumped soap on her hands. Metal clicked against metal. She still had on Snake’s ring. She couldn’t seem to take it off, but she’d moved it to her right hand.
That was only one hand.
Something flashed on her left hand.
On her ring finger.

About the Author Black and rose

USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn likes music and men, so she figured why not write about both? When she’s not writing, she’s screaming at men’s college basketball games on TV, playing her music too loud or causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.

USA Today bestselling author Taryn Elliott is obsessed with rock stars, men, and her unending playlists–maximizing these things seemed like a very good idea. When she’s not writing, she’s losing hours to hot men on TV, and/or a graphic design project. Multitasking is her middle name.

They decided to combine forces and found that hey…this writing deal is even more awesome when you collaborate with your best friend.

And so Lost in Oblivion was born.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.rockerreads.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarynCariBooks/
Taryn’s Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tarynelliottfic
Cari’s Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cariquinn
Taryn’s GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5456168.Taryn_Elliott
Cari’s GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3372702.Cari_Quinn

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Break of Day by Mari Madison – Review & Giveaway

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Barb

Break of Day by Mari Madison – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Break of Day Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
There’s a chance of a heat wave for the crew at News 9 San Diego…

Asher Anderson is an amazing surfer—with a body to match—but he’s pretty much the world’s worst weatherman. He’d prefer to catch the perfect swells in the morning so he tapes his forecasts in advance—it never rains much in San Diego anyway. The suits at News 9, however, would love to fire him, but since he’s the son of the station owner, they’ll just have to get creative…

Piper Strong thinks she’s scored her dream job when she’s promoted to weather producer. Glorified babysitter is more like it—she’s now responsible for bringing Asher back to shore. The problem is she’s afraid of the water, and she wasn’t counting on her growing attraction to Asher. But if Piper can just weather this storm, she’ll be able to carve out a career to be proud of—and maybe even a place in her heart for love….

Review:

Break of Day by Mari Madison is the 2^nd book in her Exclusive Romance series. Having read the first book in this series, Just This Night, I wasn’t sure how this book would continue with the TV News background theme. Gladly, I loved Break of Day and the wonderful characters Mari Madison has created.

Piper Strong is our heroine, and a good friend of Beth (our previous heroine). Piper is counting on a promotion at News 9 to give her career a boost, and is devastated when someone less deserving is given the promotion. Piper also has a phobia of the ocean, and at Beth’s wedding on the beach with the ocean so close, it will be Asher Anderson, who will come to her rescue. Asher is our hero, and the News 9 weatherman. Asher is also the playboy son of the TV station’s owner. Asher finds himself attracted to Piper, not to mention curious as to why she has a fear of the ocean, since he is a surfer. Piper tries to stay clear of Asher, as his reputation precedes itself. Asher learns about Piper losing the job she counted on and the following day, she is called to the producer’s office with a promotion to be a producer for the weather, and writing scripts for Asher.

What follows is a friendship that will turn into a sweet romance. It was a slow build romance, since each of them had their own issues. Asher’s mom is demanding and wants him to be with a high society girl, and will stop at nothing to ensure Asher does not become serious with Piper. Piper comes from a poor family, with a mother who is a drug addict, not to mention uses her daughter for money. Despite each of their issues and different backgrounds, both Asher and Piper find themselves falling in love, with each willing to do whatever is necessary to help the other, even if it means pulling away.

Besides this sweet fun romance, the story was very well written by Madison, with a number of different and interesting subjects. Piper worked off hours helping homeless children, especially a young troubled boy. Asher, having met the children, will train the boy how to surf, which leads to something that he enjoys as a possible change to the better for his future. Piper’s phobia of the Ocean; Asher’s mother; and Piper’s mother are also subjects that make this story fun to read. Most of all, I loved Asher and Piper together, as they were a wonderful couple. If you enjoy a sweet romance, great couple, TV News theme, and family turmoil, than I suggest you read Break of Day.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

guest post

Ever since I was a teen myself I’ve been a fan of John Hughes films. From Breakfast Club to Some Kind of Wonderful, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to Sixteen Candles.

But it’s Pretty in Pink that gets me every time. A simple story about a poor girl and a rich boy – and how their class differences make it almost impossible to get together, despite how much they like one another.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. She should have chosen Duckie. Jon Cryer really stole the show with his loveable dork character that’s stood the test of time.

But let’s put Duckie on the back burner for a moment. Cool as he is, he’s also kind of a distraction to the real issue Hughes was trying to explore in the film. Namely whether two people can overcome class differences and have a chance at a real relationship.

It would have been easy to make Andie a bit of a loser. But she’s actually not if you watch the film closely. She’s poor. She has a lot of family issues. But she’s cool in her own way, even if she doesn’t quite realize it. She works in a record store. She goes clubbing with her friends. She’s just as cool in her circle as Blaine is in his.

And what I think Hughes does really well, though people miss it because they’re so focused on Duckie, is that Andie’s friends are just as mean to Blaine – if not more so – than Blaine’s friends are to Andie. The rich kids don’t want him to date a poor girl. But the poor kids really don’t like this rich dude encroaching on their territory either.

With Break of Day, I wanted to explore this trope – rich boy, poor girl – in much the same way. Piper has had all the disadvantages in life. Her mother is an addict, she’s grown up in foster care, she’s had to deal with the tragic death of her brother—which may or may not have been her fault. Any one of those things could destroy a person. But Piper refuses to let them crush her. If anything it only makes her more determined to break free of her past and become her own person. And Asher can’t help but admire this, even if he can’t personally relate to her problems, having grown up rich and privileged.

But Asher has issues of his own. Which he disparagingly dismisses as “First World Problems” even though they are anything but. Even though he’s suffered just as much as Piper in different ways, it’s hard for anyone to sympathize, due to his economic advantage. It takes someone like Piper to see the true pain in his heart. Pain that can’t be solved by writing a check.

We don’t know what happened to Blaine and Andie after the prom. Whether their class differences eventually became too much or if they stayed together for the long haul. But I like to think of them having a happy ending, just as Piper and Asher are able to do in Break of Day. Shutting out the noise and staying true to their feelings. Realizing love is far better than gold.

Giveaway beige

Mari’s publisher is offering a paper copy of BREAK OF DAY 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 August 26 to August 29, 2016

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Worked Up (Made in Jersey #3) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Sandy

WORKED UP (Made in Jersey #3) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Worked Up

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 1, 2016

Factory mechanic Duke Crawford just wants to watch SportsCenter in peace. Unfortunately, living with four divorcee sisters doesn’t provide much silence, nor does it change his stance on relationships. But when a fellow commitment-phobe stumbles into his life, getting him good and worked up, he can’t deny his protective instincts.

Samantha Waverly’s brother just put her in an impossible situation. The only way out? Marry huge, gruff, gladiator look-alike Duke—for show, of course. She doesn’t make promises—she knows too well how easily they can be broken—and this is no exception.

As the blistering attraction between them grows, the lines around the no-strings relationship blur. But Duke and Samantha’s marriage is only for show…or is it?

•••••

REVIEW: WORKED UP is the third installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary, adut MADE IN JERSEY erotic, romance series. This is factory mechanic Duke Crawford, and artist / children’s book illustrator Samantha Waverly’s story line. WORKED UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any information from previous story line is revealed where necessary. The reader was first introduced to Duke and his four ‘divorced’ sisters in book two-THROWN DOWN.

Told from dual third person perspectives WORKED UP focuses on the marriage of convenience between two commitment phobes -artist Samantha Waverly, and Duke Crawford. To appease her brother Renner, the owner of the factory where most of the town of Jersey is employed, Samantha needs to get married to present a unified front to the board of directors. When Samantha’s ‘fiance’ of three years has yet to return home from his trip abroad, Duke Crawford offers Samantha his hand in marriage for all the wrong reasons, and in doing so finds himself falling in love with the spunky artist who is his perfect match both in and out of the bedroom.

Duke Crawford is a bear of a man: he is tall, dark and brooding with a need to help those in trouble. Samantha is a woman torn between what it is she wants to do and the contract that ties her future to that of a promise made to her brother. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Duke and Samantha that ends disastrously when Samantha’s brother adds another caveat to his contract with his sister. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and aggressive. Duke is a dirty talker in the bedroom ; the sexual chemistry is hot and heavy.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including River and Vaughn (Thrown Down), Duke’s four divorced sisters who all live with their brother, and Samantha’s brother and factory owner Renner who is one of the most despised men in the town. The world building continues to look at the blue-collar town, and the people who work at the local factory in Hook, New Jersey.

WORKED UP is a fast paced story of insta-lust between two unlikely people in a town where everybody knows your name. The premise is enjoyable and fun; the characters are spirited and heartwarming; the romance is passionate and a quick build to forever with a couple of bumps along the way.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Crashed Out
Thrown Down
Worked Up

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

An Indecent Proposal (The O’Malley’s #3) by Katee Robert- Review and Book Tour

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Sandy

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL (The O’Malleys #3) by Katee Robert-Review and Book Tour

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL
The O’Malley’s #3
by Katee Robert
Release Date: August 30, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

An Indecent Proposal

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

Get More information at: Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30, 2016

Greed. Ambition. Violence. Those are the “values” Olivia Rashidi learned from her Russian mob family-and the values she must leave behind for the sake of her daughter. When she meets Cillian O’Malley, she recognizes the red flag of his family name . . . yet she still can’t stop herself from seeing the smoldering, tortured man. To save her family, Olivia sets out to discover Cillian’s own secrets, but the real revelation is how fast-and how hard-she’s falling for him.

Plagued by a violent past, Cillian is more vulnerable than anyone realizes. Anyone except Olivia, whose beauty, compassion, and pride have him at “hello,” even if she’s more inclined to say good-bye to an O’Malley. While his proposal of sex with no strings seems simple, what he feels for her isn’t, especially after he learns that she belongs to a rival crime family. Cillian knows that there is no escape from the life, but Olivia may be worth trying-and dying-for .

••••••••••

REVIEW: AN INDECENT PROPOSAL is the third installment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult THE O’MALLEY’S erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on three warring underground families of Boston’s Irish mob, and the Russian mafia run by the Romanov family. This is Cillian O’Malley, and single mother/bartender Olivia Rashidi’s story line. AN INDECENT PROPOSAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history between the characters.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cillian and Olivia) AN INDECENT PROPOSAL focuses on the forbidden relationship between bad boy Cillian O’Malley-the O’Malley clan prodigal son, and Olivia Rashidi-the half sister of Dimitri Romanov-the man in charge of the Russian mob. Olivia is on the run; a single mother to an eighteen month old child, whose father is a member of the Russian mob. When the Romanov family demand Olivia return to the family fold, our heroine seeks out Cillian O’Malley-the man who currently warms her bed, and a man whose history with the Romanov family is fueled by deceit and death. What ensues are Cillian’s attempts to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and the search for the people skimming from the O’Malley funds.

The relationship between Cillian and Olivia is one of forbidden romance between two families of the Boston mobs. The O’Malleys are still grieving the murder of Devlin O’Malley, and none more so than Cillian who takes the death more personally than the others. Olivia is a woman determined to protect her young daughter from a father whose life in the Russian mob is dark and dangerous, but in doing so jumps from the proverbial frying pan into the fire when she is dependent upon the Irish mob for protection. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the members of the O’Malley clan and the men who work for the family. We are reintroduced to Dimitri Romanov-Olivia’s half brother-and learn about some of Olivia’s history with the family who wanted nothing to do with her when she was young.

The world building focuses on the fractured relationship between the Irish mafia and the Russian mob. Cillian and Olivia’s romance should have brought the two sides together but too much bad blood has passed to make things right.

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL is a fast paced, intriguing story with deceit and betrayal; heartbreak and family; grief and retribution; falling in love and letting go of the past. The premise is imaginative and intoxicating. The characters are passionate and intense; the romance is forbidden but dynamic. Katee Robert’s THE O’MALLEYS is an engaging, wonderful and thrilling romantic suspense series focusing on power, control , and the families of the Boston Irish and Russian mobs.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Marriage Contract
The Wedding Pact
An Indecent Proposal

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

“Thanks.” There it was again, that look that threatened to curl her toes. He reached out and took the washcloth from her and tossed it onto the nightstand. “I’m going to kiss you now.”
She should object, move away, do something other than rest her hands on the top of his thighs and tilt her head up. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Didn’t the last few years teach you anything? Apparently not, because she wanted Cillian to kiss her again, and she wanted him to kiss her now.
Truth be told, she wanted him to do a whole lot more than that.
Olivia licked her lips. “Okay.”
His lips quirked up at the edges. “I can see I’m blowing your socks off. Let’s see if I can do better.” He cupped her face with one hand and then his mouth was on hers, soft and teasing, testing—nothing like the forceful kiss that started everything last night. She opened for him immediately, driven by the lightning dancing just beneath her skin. She wished she could blame it on being skin-starved, but the truth was that this man was doing more with a near-innocent kiss than Sergei had ever done with his entire body and hours at his disposal. I am in so much trouble.
Then Cillian’s tongue stroked hers and she was lost. She gripped his thighs as he explored her mouth, giving herself permission to do some exploring of her own. He was all lean muscle, as if he’d been melted down and stuck in a forge, only to come out new. She ran her hands up his legs, stopping just short of his hips.
He took it from there. He ran his fingers through her hair and down her back, inching her closer until there was nothing more than a breath of distance between them. It would have been so damn easy to lean forward and touch him, pressing her body against his, but the separation was almost unbearably erotic. She shivered again, tilting her head back to give him better access.
She’d never been kissed like this, like she was something to be savored…valued. Like he had all the time in the world and he’d still never get enough.
Common sense tried to rear up and remind her that it was a goddamn kiss, not a lifetime commitment, but then his thumb feathered across the underside of her breast, and all rational reasoning flew right out the window.
He rested his forehead against hers, and groaned. “You’re making it hard to be good, sweetheart.”

An Indecent Proposal teaser

About The Author beige

Katee Roberts New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Katee Robert, learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / GoodReads / Instagram /

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The Bachelor’s Promise (Bachelor Auction #3) by Naima Simone-a review

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Sandy

THE BACHELOR’S PROMISE ( Bachelor Auction #3) by Naima Simone-a review

The Bachelor's Promise

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2016

Aiden Kent never expected to see Noelle Rana again. He’s determined to keep his distance from the beautiful enigma wrapped in denim and leather. He can’t trust anyone with the last name Rana. But he made a promise to his dying mother, and it isn’t long before Noelle invades his personal space. He can’t stop thinking about the exotic beauty’s alluring curves.

He wants the daughter of his enemy, and he’s determined to have her…if only for one night.

If Noelle wants to move forward with her life, she must make a deal with the devastatingly gorgeous, broody millionaire Aiden. He made a promise years ago, and she’s come to collect—even if it means facing down the only man who ever broke her heart. And there’s a really good chance he’ll do it again.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE BACHELOR’S PROMISE is the third installment in Naima Simone’s contemporary, adult BACHELOR AUCTION romance series. This is CEO and billionaire businessman Aiden Kent, and college student/ artist Noelle Rana’s story line. THE BACHELOR’S PROMISE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person points of view (Aiden and Noelle) THE BACHELOR’S PROMISE follows the second chance relationship between billionaire Aiden Kent, and twenty five year old artist and college student Noelle Rana. Six years earlier Aiden pushed Noelle out of his life. Raised together when their parents met and presumably fell in love, Aiden and Noelle fast became best friends one day leading to love and a possible happily ever after. But upon the death of Aiden’s mother, Noelle’s father Frank destroyed what little was left of Aiden’s life and Noelle got caught up in the betrayal and mistrust. Fast forward to present day and Noelle will reluctantly ask Aiden to make good on a deathbed promise by his mother, and our hero is, once again, pushed to limits of his patience as it pertains to the woman who had previously broken his heart. Noelle is determined to get on with her life but circumstances have changed and she is desperate for Aiden’s help. What ensues is the rekindling of a romance and relationship that was destroyed by betrayal and lies, that will falter when Noelle’s past returns and makes more demands of the man that she loves.

The relationship between Noelle and Aiden is acrimonious at best. Noelle has never stopped loving Aiden but our hero’s life was destroyed when his mother passed away, and Noelle’s father and brother betrayed any love and friendship between our story line couple. Aiden is a man determined to rip apart our story line heroine but is caught between memories of the past and a potential future with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and animated including Aiden’s business partner Lucas Oliver and his wife Sydney Blake (Beauty and the Bachelor #1). We are also introduced to Noelle’s questionable brother Tony whose connection to Aiden goes much deeper than anyone could have imagined; and Noelle’s boss at the art gallery -Lo.

The world building looks at betrayal and broken promises; heartbreak and pain; anger and forgiveness. Aiden’s apprehension with Noelle’s return is understandable but his original reasons for pushing Noelle out of his life were as a result of deflecting his anger about what happened upon someone else.

THE BACHELOR’S PROMISE is a passionate story line. The premise is emotional and intense; the characters are dynamic and vibrant; the romance is captivating and energetic. Naima Simone adds another provocative and fascinating addition to her Bachelor Auction series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Beauty and the Bachelor
The Millionaire Makeover
The Bachelor’s Promise

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

The Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Barb

Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

Rebel's Return Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Natalia Puccini has spent her entire life playing by her overbearing but well-intentioned Italian family’s rules…except the one time she took a chance on a bad boy and fell hard. She’s worked to get her life back on track so when Aiden McCann comes sauntering back into town with his heart-stopping smile, Natalia vows not to fall for him again. There’s no way she’ll let him mess with her perfectly planned life…and there’s no way she’ll let him near her heart again…

Now reformed and a self-made success, Aiden is tormented by regrets and secrets. He left Red River years ago filled with anger and resentment and a promise to never come back. But when his ill father needs help, Aiden knows it’s time to face the mess he left behind, and face the one woman he never got over. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or intriguing she is, though, because he’ll never be able to give her what she needs. As soon as his father is healthy, Aiden is leaving Red River…for good.

Review:

Two thumbs up for The Rebels Return by Victoria James. I absolutely loved Aiden McCann, he just stole the story for me. As all of you know I love a good story where the hero is the town bad boy with a checkered past and Aiden fell into that category for me. From his first appearance in the story I knew I’d be a gonner for him and Ms. James proved me right. Aiden’s past broke my heart and made me want to make everything better for him. He’s the type of hero you can’t help but root for and want to see get his HEA that he’s denied himself all these years. Every time I learned a little bit more about Aiden and his brother Dylan’s past, and why he left Red River in the first place broke my heart even more for him. However, even though I was sympathetic to Aiden and wanted him to be happy, he caused me much frustration at times. I wanted to shake him silly and tell him to just spit it out, the whole reason as to why he lied to Natalia and broke her heart before leaving Red River. I had an idea about the why, I honestly thought it was going to be Nat’s brother who cheated on someone, or was having an affair with someone and Aiden to protect Nat’s brother took the downfall, but I was wrong. I was correct in that it did involve Natalia’s brother, only he told Aiden to never see his sister again and to leave town or else, so Aiden did just that, rather then face his screwed up life and figure out a way to fix it. Thankfully by books end he finally grows a pair and tells Natalia the truth in front of pretty much the whole town. That scene had me cheering and shedding a few tears at the same time. Yes Aiden and his brother’s life went to hell after their mother passed and their father couldn’t deal with it and raise his sons, but Aiden didn’t need to go down the wrong path either. If it hadn’t been for Natalia then he really would’ve been lost. She helped him stay somewhat on the straight and narrow, but it’s because of her that he leaves town to figure out his life and straighten it out, make something of himself and hopefully finally be worthy of her.

Natalia was a breath of fresh air in an emotionally and angst filled story. She brought light and laughter to Aiden’s life and to the story. She’s that quirky girl next door that’s sweet as pie and can charm the socks off the grumpiest senior in town. Natalia balances out Aiden’s bad boy persona and brings out another part of Aiden he’s never showed to anyone but her. With Natalia he can truly be Aiden, let his vulnerability and insecurities show and she never judges him for it. If anything she loves him all the more when he’s like this, able to let his guard down and just be Aiden. Their scenes are funny and sweet at times, while others are full of emotion that pours off the pages and makes your heart ache for this couple.

The Rebel’s Return is a fast paced read, packed full with emotional angst, regrets, lost love with the hope for future love, all set in the charming little town of Red River, with it’s cast of quirky fun characters that only add to the charm of this beautifully written story.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Gabi’s Secret by Sara Holland-a review

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Sandy

GABI’S SECRET by Sara Holland-a review

Gabi's Secret

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2016

A damaged and slightly broken rock star, Jace Carrigan is one of those rare species. He’s a good man, despite his broken marriage and failed relationships. His greatest joy is his young daughter but he’s about to find a new love who seems to be even more damaged than he is. Bruised and bleeding, Gabi lands on his doorstep and brings with her excitement, passion, love and just a few surprises. Jace suddenly finds himself looking into a bright future with his new lady by his side. But he probably should have known better because things aren’t always what they seem…

•••••••••

REVIEW: GABI’S SECRET by debut author Sara Holland is a contemporary, adult, paranormal, erotic romance story focusing on rock star Jace Carrigan, and a woman known only as Gabrielle (or Gabi).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gabi and Jace) GABI’S SECRET follows the building relationship between former bad boy, rock star Jason Carrigan, and Gabrielle. Our heroine Gabi (literally) landed on Jace’s door step, battered and bruised, claiming to have fallen with no place to go. Jace, unable to turn away what appears to be a woman from an abusive relationship, takes Gabi into his home, his heart and his soul. But Gabrielle has a secret; one that has placed our heroine in direct contact with our story line hero, and it is Gabi’s secret that will protect the most important person in Jace’s life-his ten year old daughter Summer.

GABI’S SECRET is a slow building story line that focuses on the building, highly sexual relationship between our leading couple but there is a simmering danger behind the scenes that is infinitely slower to reveal. Gabrielle is on assignment, and finds herself falling in love with the man she volunteered to protect while the danger to Jace and his daughter continues to build and grow stronger every day.

We are introduced to Jace’s daughter Summer, his ex Carla, and his housekeeper Meg. Jace’s best friend and band mate Mike has a couple of secrets of his own and recognizes Gabrielle for who and what she is.

The premise is imaginative but sluggish in spots as the author focuses on Gabi and Jace’s relationship keeping the reader in suspense (until the very end) about the reason why Gabi has volunteered to protect our hero. The characters are colorful and animated although Jace’s music career and life style are secondary to the main story. The romance is intense, provocative and erotic without the use of over the top graphic language and imagery. GABI’S SECRET is a passionate and enchanting tale about beautiful people and the danger that is about to enter their lives.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Barb

Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

Wild Embrace
Psy/Changeling series – Book 15.5
by Nalini Singh
Release Date: August 23, 2016

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

Description:
The “alpha author of paranormal romance”* presents a stunningly sensual collection of four all-new Psy-Changeling novellas, in which taboos are broken, boundaries are crossed, and instincts prove irresistible…

Echo of Silence
In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander…

Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play…

Partners in Persuasion
Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…

Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries…

Review:

Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh is book 15.5 of her fantastic Psy/Changeling series. Wild Embrace is a collection of 4 new novellas. Those of you who have followed my reviews, know that I am a huge fan of Nalini Singh, and this series is my all time favorite. It is always wonderful to review a psy/changeling story, but what I find amazing is how much I also enjoy every single short story or novella that Nalini gives during the course of every year. They are so much fun.

To do a review on novellas is difficult, so I will try to give you my thoughts, as the descriptions are above.

Echo of Silence: This was a very sweet story featuring a Psy and human, taking place in the earlier days. Tazia is our human heroine, who is an engineer at a deep sea station, and Stefan is our Psy hero. Tazia has been away from home for a long time, having left her family to do what she enjoys. But she still yearns to hear from them. Stefan senses Tazia’s emotions, everytime the mail comes and nothing is for her. Being a Psy, with silence, he does not truly understand those emotional feelings of Tazia. With the station having a month long break, Stefan is on his way to help an area hit by an earthquake. Since she is alone, he tells Tazia to come and help with the search and rescue, What follows is a nice slow build romance between two people totally different. As Tazia watches Stefan push himself over and beyond to savee, she realizes that he does have some emotions. They will both fall in love, as she is the perfect mate to bring Stefan out of silence and he will help bring her back to her long lost family. Very nicely written.

Dorian: I loved this one, even if it was the shortest of the four. Dorian has always been one of our favorites, and it was so great to see his story when he was a child who could not shift to his wolf form. In his book, Hostage to Pleasure, we see him finally find his mate, and his wolf. But Nalini has given us a wonderful look at the hours after he finally shifts for the first time, and we spend this time with his pack as they all join in the fun with Dorian. This was such a wonderful and fun story. Thank you, Nalini.

Partners in Persuasion: Desiree (Dezi) is the dominant femal e leopard from Dark River. She is attracted to Felix, who is submissive wolf from SnowDancer. Felix has had a bad relationship with another dominant female, and refuses to allow himself to act on Dezi’s advances. Dezi does her best to try to not intimidate Felix, and perhaps just be friends, though that is difficult for her, since she wants so much more. It is a slow build relationship, with two people whom we can to adore, and wanted them together. Another story that Nalini writes so well, allowing us to see Felix begin to fall for Dezi, and learn to build his confidence and trust. Nicely done.

Flirtation of Fate: It was great to see Kenji and Garnet’s (Jem) story. Garnet’s heart was broken 7 years ago by Kenji, who in those days was known for being a fun loving womanizer. But we see early on that he loves Garnet, and deep down, he is hiding a secret to the truth from years before. Both Kenji and Garnet are leaders of their pack within SnowDancer.

This is a slow build romance, but the main part of this story is a murder investigation that Garnet is in charge of. Kenji will join her to help resolved this difficult and puzzling case. It was a very nice mystery, which had us stumped almost to the end. I loved seeing both Kenji and Garnet eventually find their way to each other, especially when Kenji finally reveals the truth. Another great story in this anthology.

Wiid Embrace was a wonderful enjoyable anthology that held my attention throughout. I am not usually an anthology fan, but I loved every moment of this book. Once again, if you have not read this fantastic series, you are missing a gem. You need to go back and start with Slave to Sensation and see for yourself why Nalini Singh and her Psy/Changeling series are my all time favorites.
Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Nalini’s publisher is offering a paper copy of WILD EMBRACE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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8. Giveaway runs from August 23 to 27, 2016

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Monthly Archives: August 2016

Bedded Bliss (Found In Oblivion #1) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Bedded Bliss (Found in Oblivion #1) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

Break of Day by Mari Madison – Review & Giveaway

Break of Day by Mari Madison – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Worked Up (Made in Jersey #3) by Tessa Bailey-a review

WORKED UP (Made in Jersey #3) by Tessa Bailey-a review

An Indecent Proposal (The O’Malley’s #3) by Katee Robert- Review and Book Tour

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL (The O’Malleys #3) by Katee Robert-Review and Book Tour

The Bachelor’s Promise (Bachelor Auction #3) by Naima Simone-a review

THE BACHELOR’S PROMISE ( Bachelor Auction #3) by Naima Simone-a review

The Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

Gabi’s Secret by Sara Holland-a review

GABI’S SECRET by Sara Holland-a review

Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway