Monthly Archives: October 2016

Bound To Submit (Blasphemy #1) by Laura Kaye-Review and Book Tour

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BOUND TO SUBMIT (Blasphemy #1) by Laura Kaye-Review and Book Tour

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BOUND TO SUBMIT
Blasphemy #1
by Laura Kaye
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM romance
Release Date: October 11, 2016

Bound to Submit

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 11, 2016

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

••••••••••

REVIEW: BOUND TO SUBMIT is the first full length installment in Laura Kaye’s contemporary, adult BLASPHEMY BDSM romance series focusing on the exclusive BDSM club Blasphemy. This is Master/Dominant Griffin Hudson, and former Marine/submissive Kenna Sloane’s story line. There is a prequel introductory novella –HARD TO SERVE-found in the 1001 Dark Nights multi-authored series, as well as part of Laura’s Hard Ink series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kenna and Griffin) BOUND TO SUBMIT follows the second chance romance between Master Griffin, co-owner and Dominant at the exclusive BDSM club Blasphemy, and former Marine Kenna Sloane. Five years earlier Kenna proclaimed her love to Master Griffin but was met with rejection and no hopes for the future. As her personal life began to unravel, our heroine enlisted into the Marines and found herself stationed in Afghanistan where everything went to h*ll. Upon her return to American soil,tTwo more years would pass before Kenna makes a decision to re-examine her life as a submissive because she knows that something is missing from her life. Enter Griffin Hudson, the man she has always loved, and the man who will give Kenna the control that she has been missing.

BOUND TO SUBMIT focuses on recovery and acceptance. Kenna’s return from Afghanistan brought with it memories of death and destruction, and she needed some stability and order in her life. As a submissive, she is expected to follow orders and her time in the Marines was perfect until the day she lost more than she could handle. Griffin is a man who made a mistake five years earlier but he was too late to make amends when the woman that he loved, walked away to places unknown. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. Griffin is a Dominant into rope play and bondage-the BDSM element is light and never crosses into hardcore territory. Laura Kaye takes the reader up close and personal with the various aspects of BDSM bondage.

There is very little conflict between our story line couple. Kenna is a woman willing to forgive and forget; Griffin is a man who knows that Kenna is the woman for the rest of his life. There is no outside interference, and the drama is limited to the rekindling romance, and Kenna’s need to confront the past.

BOUND TO SUBMIT is a quick and easy read; the premise is positive and moving; the characters are passionate and forgiving; the romance is sensual and energetic. Because of the lack of conflict I did feel that there was something missing in the telling of the story-the energy level was too even without the emotional highs and lows.

Copy supplied by the tour provider.

Reviewed by Sandy

Bound to Submit Teaser

HARD TO SERVE
Hard Ink 4.75 / Blasphemy .5
by Laura Kaye
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

Hard to ServeABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2016

To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction…

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

excerpt

Hey everyone! I’m so excited for the release of Bound to Submit, the first official book in my brand new and super-hot Blasphemy series! And today, I’m sharing an excerpt from the book, an erotic second-chance love story featuring a tormented Dom and a veteran amputee heroine – this is my first story with a female veteran and I adored writing Kenna’s character! I hope you’ll enjoy this taste and pick up your copy – and welcome to Blasphemy!

Now, here’s a peak at the emotion and connection between Griffin and Kenna in Bound to Submit – enjoy!

 

“You came for me,” Kenna whispered, peering up at Griffin standing at her front door. She hadn’t thought she wanted to see him tonight after their fight, but now she knew she was wrong. Because, God, his rugged face looked a whole lot like coming home.“I did,” he said, stepping closer. So close that his heat warmed her body. “And I’ll keep doing it until you tell me to stop.”

“Griffin,” she whispered, the intensity in his voice stirring so much inside her. Feelings, memories, desires.

“Aw, baby, come here,” he said, pulling her into a bear hug so comforting that she choked out a little cry from the sheer relief of it.

Kenna buried her face in his broad chest and breathed him in. Her arms circled his strong back, and then they stood there for a long time, just holding each other. How could he make her feel so much when they’d been apart for so long? Why did this feel so natural with Griffin despite those years? How could she find a moment like this one, of such peace and solace, after all they’d been through?

She didn’t know, but part of her wondered if the whys and hows mattered. Some people waited their wholes lives to find even a fraction of what she felt in that moment. Maybe that was what mattered. Maybe that was all that mattered.

“Can I please come in?” he asked, his lips against her hair.

She nodded, motioning for him to enter. “It’s, um, it’s not much.” She looked around the small studio—it looked like a dorm, only without any personality or color.

“It’s where you are,” he said. “That’s all that matters to me.”

He was killing her with his sweetness right now, he really was. “Um. Okay.” She grasped the end of her stump, shielding it with her hand. “Can I get you something to drink? I think I have—”

“Baby.” He got right up in her space again.

“What?”

“Baby,” he whispered, leaning in close. His lips brushed her cheek. “You don’t have to entertain me. You don’t have to hide from me.” Gently, he pulled her fingers from what was left of her forearm.

She released a shaky breath. “It’s not pretty.”

He shook his head and made a noise low in his throat. “No, it’s not. It’s fucking beautiful. Because it’s a part of you. A part of you that got injured in the service of your country, Kenna. Your arm is a damn badge of honor as far as I’m concerned. Come here.”

A warm pressure expanded within her chest. What was he doing to her? Because right now, his words were wrapping around her as tight as his ropes ever did.

 

 

About The Author

Laura Kaye NewLaura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp| HARD TO SERVE on Goodreads |BOUND TO SUBMIT on Goodreads

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The Gossip by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Gossip by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The GossipAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Dawn Hathaway is a realist. She’s not the smartest girl at Allenhurst College. She’s not the prettiest, either. So if she wants to be popular, she’ll need something else: power. What better way to get it than to start a gossip column in the campus newspaper? If she has to commit a few minor crimes in pursuit of the latest scoop, what’s the harm?

Arturo Perez loves being a campus cop. He knows Allenhurst’s nooks and crannies—and lately he’s been finding the campus gossip snooping into every one of them. He can’t deny that he enjoys bantering with the sassy schemer. But he also can’t shake the sense that there’s more going on with Dawn than meets the eye.

When tragedy strikes and Dawn needs help, how far will Arturo go to protect her?

 

Review:

Dawn wants to be seen, to be heard, so she starts writing a gossip column for Allenhurst’s college newspaper.  What she achieves is much more purposeful:  To be relevant.  Coming off of an awesome introduction (The Fixer review available here), I couldn’t wait to absorb all The Gossip, ;), aka book 2 of Jenny Holiday‘s wonderful New Wave Classroom series!  This is another short, but deliciously full story about time and patience making love even more profound.  Jenny Holiday knows how to capture the essence of the 80’s and continues to inspire us with her meaningful love stories.

Officer Art is not unhappy at his job as campus police, but his family, those of the “real” variety via Boston PD, can’t seem to fathom why he won’t move up into the “big league”.  Art makes a difference for college students living it up, living independent of their parents’ roofs. 

“Their lives were nothing like my own had been…It was my job to to care about them.  Which sometimes meant saving them from themselves.”

Dawn is one such student, a prime example of freedom unchecked.  Art maintains professional distance, but he is also there at pivotal times to soothe Dawn while she explores and ventures too close to the edge, securing “social power”.  Popularity has its perks, but Dawn was looking for more, the kind of more that only someone who truly cares would notice.   
 
“I’d gotten into this mindset where I needed to make sure she was okay.  She always was, of course.  But I had to check.  I always had to check.  Because something told me that she wasn’t actually okay, not really…I wasn’t sure why I was so compelled to look out for her, except it seemed like maybe no one else was.  She was at the center of everything, but she was also alone.”

Jenny Holiday gives us a bird’s eye view of college life, the joyous and perilous consequences of decision making when no one is around to hold your hand.  Art and Dawn influence each other’s choices and breathe life into a friendship that forgives and empowers bold choices.  I couldn’t get enough of this couple!  The ability to balance witty banter with sparring bouts grew the attraction, making themselves too irresistible to, well, resist!  You’re going to love Art and Dawn individually and root for them romantically.

Another lovely read to lift your spirits and remind you of a more carefree time.  Of coming into your own skin after trying on so many others.  The Pacifist is undoubtedly destined to conclude the series in fabulous fashion.  Book covers are to die for!  Well done, Ms. Holiday…you rock!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Promoter

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Sweetest Taboo (S.I.N. #3) by J. Kenner-Review & Book Tour

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SWEETEST TABOO (S.I.N. #3) by J.Kenner-Review and Book Tour

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SWEETEST TABOO
S.I.N. #3
by J. Kenner
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense
Release Date: October 4, 2016

Sweetest Taboo

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

About the book: Release Date October 4, 2016

All eyes are on us . . . and there’s nowhere to run.

Everyone has their own ideas about Dallas Sykes: He’s a reckless billionaire, a devilish playboy, a man who gets whatever he wants the minute he wants it. But I know the real Dallas behind the money, bravado, and power—and he’s completely, blissfully mine.

We carefully guarded our secrets, and in each other’s arms we sought refuge from our dark past. Our pain became our pleasure, our control within the chaos. But we could only hide from the truth for so long.

Now we’ve let loose our inhibitions and are ready to face the future. And no matter what people think or say, coming clean is its own sweet reward.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  SWEETEST TABOO is the third and final installment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult S.I.N. erotic, romance series focusing on adopted siblings Dallas Sykes and Jane Martin. Dallas is the heir to a billion dollar enterprise, and Jane is a child advocate, and author. The S.I.N. series is a spin off from J.Kenner’s STARK series. SWEETEST TABOO should not be read as a stand alone as the story line continues upon the events of the first two books, and picks up immediately after book two.

SOME BACKGROUND: Seventeen years earlier, Dallas and Jane were victims of a brutal kidnapping that left our couple emotionally and psychologically scarred but none more so than Dallas Sykes. In the hopes of capturing the people responsible, Dallas and his former SEAL buddies are the founding members of a vigilante organization known as Deliverance that uses alternative measures to exact revenge, and all information points to someone close.

Told from first person point of view (Jane) and third person perspective (Dallas) SWEETEST TABOO follows in the aftermath of Dallas’s reveal of who he believes was responsible for the abduction and torture seventeen years earlier. As Jane and Dallas begin to piece together all of the information leading to the same conclusion, threats of another nature target Jane in the hopes of destroying her relationship with the man that she loves.

Once again, SWEETEST TABOO and the S.I.N. series continues to be a sexually graphic story line about a taboo relationship between adopted siblings. The psychological and emotional damage inflicted upon on our story line couple continues to perpetuate through threats and the knowledge that their kidnapper and abuser is someone they know. The media and paparazzi hassle the couple taking aim at their ongoing relationship. The $ex scenes are numerous, graphic and erotic, although our hero is no longer in the same, dark place he once was because of the love he shares with the woman of his heart. Sadly, many of the $ex scenes felt like filler-I was more interested in the actual story and found myself skimming to get on with the plot. I was hoping for a little more meat to the story and in the end it felt like a rush to the finish.

For me, the person(s) responsible for the kidnapping was easily deduced (and predictable) from book one but for others the revelation may not be as obvious. The taboo of adopted siblings in a sexual relationship may be difficult for some readers but they are not blood relatives- only two people raised together due to tragic circumstances.

SWEETEST TABOO is the culmination of two people struggling with their love for one another under the public and private scrutiny of taboo relationships and forbidden love. The premise is suspense filled and entertaining but oft times melodramatic; the characters are passionate and memorable; the romance is heartbreaking and emotional; a struggle towards a happily ever after.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Dirtiest Secret
Hottest Mess
Sweetest Taboo

Copy supplied by Netgalley for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Sweetest Taboo Teaser

Excerpt

 

 

She stood before him, breathing hard. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
He frowned. “I hurt you.”
“No. No, I’m fine.” She shook her head, but he knew better. “Dallas, please. I don’t want—”
“What?”
“Distance.” She dragged her teeth over her lower lip as if she was unsure about how he felt.
“Oh, baby. No. Never.” He held out his hand. “Come here.”
She cocked her head, then narrowed her eyes. “Where?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
The speed of her reply sang in his heart. “Then let me take care of you.”
The corner of her mouth twitched. “If you’re thinking about putting me to bed, you can just stop that nonsense right now. I’ve been in a hospital for almost two days. Between boredom and sedatives, I’m all caught up on my sleep.”
“I promise, sleep is the last thing on my mind.”
That was a little bit of a lie. She’d protest, he knew, but she needed more sleep. Good sleep, not with nurses popping in and out and a sterile bed with the scent of hospital disinfectant permeating the room.
She’d sleep, all right. But he intended to make sure she was ready for it. That she would drift under, safe and warm and content in his arms.
Gently, he drew her into the bathroom, her favorite room in the apartment. The previous owners had knocked out a wall, turned the small second bedroom into a closet, and used part of that space to make room for a steam shower and an oversize whirlpool tub. The day they’d moved in, Jane had told him this bathroom was a little slice of heaven.
He turned the water on, cranking up the heat the way he knew she liked it, then he stood her on the dense, white rug that filled most of the space.
“Are you tending me?” Her voice was as teasing as her expression, and it was all he could do not to gather her close and sigh with contentment. Yes, he knew she was still aching and sore. No, they didn’t know who her attacker was. Yes, her birth father was locked in a cell, and Dallas was the one keeping him there.
But none of that mattered. Not then. All he cared about—all he could hold in his head—was Jane. That she was alive. That she was his.
That she’d come back to him.
“Damn right I’m tending you. Now put your hands up,” he added with mock sternness.
She complied, and he peeled off her scrub top, delighted to find that she wore nothing beneath it. Her breasts were perfect, round and firm, and as he watched, her nipples tightened and her areolae puckered. He wanted to roll her nipples between his fingers. He wanted to taste her breasts and feel her arch back and moan, her tits hard and hot in his hands as he licked and sucked, taking her so far that she came in his arms simply from the pressure of the desire building between her legs.
Not now. Not yet.
Instead, he met her eyes. Then he lowered his gaze to her chest, watching it rise and fall as her desire heightened to match his. Her pulse quickened in her throat, another spot that he wanted to lick and tease.
Slowly, he reached for the drawstring of her pants. His fingers brushed her abdomen as he did, the touch so light it was almost negligible. It was enough, though, and he felt the shock of that connection all the way down to his cock. He was rock hard and straining against his jeans. And when her pants slid over her hips to the floor—when she stood before him completely naked—he had to fight the battle of his life not to step forward, slide his hand between her thighs, and feel the creamy heat of her arousal.
Instead, he simply stood and stared and wanted, his gaze caressing her. Reviewing every curve, every nuance. He knew her body as well as he knew his own, and the bruises he saw on her thighs and hips started a slow burn inside him.
He was going to kill whoever did this. No doubt. No question.


 

 

About The authorJ.KennerJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Tumblr – Goodreads

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Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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DEADLY SILENCE (Blood Brothers #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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DEADLY SILENCE
Blood Brothers #1
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary,paranormal, romantic suspense

Deadly Silence

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /Google Play / iBooks / Indiebound

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

DON’T LOOK BACK

Under siege. That’s how Ryker Jones feels. The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency he opened up with his blood brothers has lost a client in a brutal way. The past he can’t outrun is resurfacing, threatening to drag him down in the undertow. And the beautiful woman he’s been trying to keep at arm’s length is in danger…and he’ll destroy anything and anyone to keep her safe.

Paralegal Zara Remington is in over her head. She’s making risky moves at work by day and indulging in an affair with a darkly dangerous PI by night. There’s a lot Ryker isn’t telling her and the more she uncovers, the less she wants to know. But when all hell breaks loose, Ryker may be the only one to save her. If his past doesn’t catch up to them first…

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DEADLY SILENCE is the first installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS paranormal, romantic suspense series-a spin off from her SIN Brothers series. This is brooding investigator Ryker Jones, and paralegal Zara Remington’s story line. You do not have to have read the original series to enjoy DEADLY SILENCE but for cohesion, backstory and connection I recommend reading The Sin Brothers series as several of the characters cross over, and the ongoing conflict continues from the original series.

Told from several third person points of view DEADLY SILENCE follows several paths: Ryker Jones and The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency are searching for a serial killer-the FBI is struggling with the investigation and the Jones brothers are running a side investigation of their own. Meanwhile paralegal Zara Remington has found herself caught in a legal conundrum between friendship and professional ethics; Ryker and Zara’s friends with benefits relationship becomes something more when Zara finds herself threatened by an unknown source; and the past is catching up with the Jones brothers who have been targeted for extinction along with their youngest charge.

Ryker is an over protective, dominant alpha male who has issues of control. His overwhelming need to ‘protect’ the woman with whom he is falling in love comes with some questionable actions and aggression. Zara is a woman who struggles with a relationship that has no potential future; and a friend is struggling with an impending divorce and is desperate for some financial help. Together Ryker and Zara must traverse a minefield of threats, as well as any threat to their possible future. The $ex scenes are numerous, graphic and provocative.

For fans and followers of Rebecca Zanetti’s SIN BROTHERS series you will recognize the ongoing conflict as the Jones brothers try to stay under the radar as it pertains to Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels, and the covert government agency using experimental DNA to make the perfect super soldier. The continuing trope ventures into another direction as two more ‘family of brothers’ are brought into the fold. All of the brothers are ‘created’ in one way or another; they are experiments of Dr. Isobel Madison-a woman who is determined to destroy that which she made.

We are introduced to Ryker’s ‘brothers’-Heath and Denver Jones; and welcome the return of Jory, Shane, Nate and Matt Dean (Sin Brothers series), as well as the next generation of super soldiers Chance, Wade, Kyle and Greg who were introduced in the Sin Brothers series as well. Zara’s friend and lawyer Brock Hurst knows that his friend and co-worker is in some kind of trouble; and Sheriff Cobb- a abusive b*astard who wants retribution against the Jones brothers for sins of the past. Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels returns with bigger plans for the soldiers she created.

There is quite a bit happening throughout DEADLY SILENCE with a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters that cross over between the two series. As an introductory story line DEADLY SILENCE follows several subplots where much of the conflict has yet to be resolved.

DEADLY SILENCE is a suspense filled tale with plenty of action, chaos, twist and turns but a familiar story line as Rebecca continues to focus on the genetically engineered super soldiers of Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels. The premise is engaging; the characters are spirited and intense; the romance is passionate and emotional.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Deadly Silence Teaser

excerpt

 

Heat from his body washed over her, but she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “We don’t have a relationship.”
He smiled then, and the curve of his lips held more determination than amusement. “I’m not letting you run, and I’m certainly not letting you hide, baby. Although neither of us has been in this for the long haul, I’m staying in Wyoming for the moment. The first thing that’s going to happen is I’m going to figure out who dared put a hand on you and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
For the first time, she saw a side of him that gave her true pause. In the long haul, he’d be unbearably possessive. Why did that give her an intriguing sense of safety? “Knock it off,” she snapped in his face. “Get out of my business.”
That quickly, she found her back against the door and her front pinned by hard male. His hands planted on either side of her neck, his thumbs at her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “Something you need to understand and pretty damn quick is that your business is my business right now.” His thumb swept up and over the offensive bruise on her face.
“Step back.” Her voice trembled.
He ignored the very calm order. “No. You don’t want to tell me who did this? Fine. I’ll find out on my own, and I’ll have the name by the time I pick you up for supper. What you don’t want to do is deal with him or his case until I have that name. Kicking him in the balls might’ve just pissed him off more, and now you’ve let a bully stew on it for a while, which might be dangerous for you. Got it?”
“You have no right to interfere,” she whispered.
“Baby, I’ve been fuckin’ you for months. That gives me every right.” Anger glowed dark in his eyes.
“We’re done. Get out.”
His eyes softened. “You shouldn’t make statements you can’t back up.”
She shoved against his ripped abs.
He didn’t move a millimeter.
And then he did.
His head dipped, and his mouth found her neck and wandered up to her ear. His teeth scraped, and then his tongue licked the slight wound.
Of its own volition, her body did a full tremble.
He leaned back. “That.”
Her mind fuzzed.
His mouth slammed down on hers. She knew his kiss—often dreamed about it. Not soft and sweet . . . not even lustful. It was dangerous. From day one, she’d tasted danger on his tongue, and it burned her hotter than she’d ever been.
Never had she dated a bad boy, but after living her desired routine-driven life for years, she’d craved adventure, and he filled that need. He drew out a wildness she hadn’t realized she possessed.
He held her flush against the door, kissing her hard, sending a craving along her nerves that almost hurt. His tongue went to work, his left hand keeping her jaw open for him. His right hand found her hip and dragged her against the obvious bulge in his jeans. By the time he released her, she’d stopped thinking completely.
“What time are you finished today?” he asked, his breath heating her face.
“Fi-five,” she stuttered.
He leaned back and gently put her to the side. “Stay in the office until I come for you at five, Zara.” He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “Cross me on this, baby, and I ain’t gonna be gentle.” He had already shut the door behind himself before she could take a whole breath.
She blinked several times, her fingers going to her still-tingling mouth. What had just happened?


 

Guest post-White and Red

Deadly Silence Top 5 List

Top 5 Actors to play main characters

1) Hugh Jackman would make a wonderful Ryker Jones from Deadly Silence. He’s intense, smart, dangerous, and sexy. Very, very, very, sexy. There’s a picture of him next to a motorcycle on Pinterest, and it’s perfect.

2) Jason Momoa is one of my favorite actors of all time. He’s sexy and smart…and he looks amazing without his shirt. He’s also tall, dark, and so intense. Great hero material here.

3) Emily Rose is the actress who played the lead on Haven. She’s smart and spunky, and I think she’d make a great heroine in any of the books.

4) Salli Richardson-Whitfield is beautiful, intelligent, and so graceful. She played Dr. Blake on the Eureka series, and I thought she was fantastic.

5) Chris Pratt makes for a great hero as well. It’s not only his looks (which are very nice), but his obvious sense of humor. It’d be a lot of fun to cast him.

About The Author

Rebecca ZanettiNew York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of
RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her
every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

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Dangerously Charming by Deborah Blake – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Dangerously Charming by Deborah Blake – Review & Interview, & Giveaway

 

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Description:
The Riders are three immortal brothers who protect the mythical Baba Yagas. But their time serving the witches has ended—and their new destinies are just beginning…
 
Ever since a near-fatal mistake stripped Mikhail Day and his brothers of their calling to be Riders, Day has hidden from his shame and his new, mortal life in a remote cabin in the Adirondack mountains. But when a desperate young woman appears on his doorstep, he cannot resist helping her—and cannot deny how strongly he’s drawn to her…
 
For generations, women in Jenna Quinlan’s family have been cursed to give up their first born child to the vengeful fairy Zilya. When Jenna finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she is determined to break her family’s curse and keep her baby, even if it means teaming up with a mysterious and charismatic man with demons of his own…
 
To unravel the curse, Jenna and Day will have to travel deep into the Otherworld. But the biggest challenge of the journey might not be solving an ancient puzzle but learning to heal their own broken hearts…

 

 

Review:

Dangerously Charming by Deborah Blake is the first book in her new Broken Riders series.  This is a spinoff from Blake’s successful Baba Yaga series.  I have not read that series, but this book read very well without having to read the previous series,  as the author gives us information along the way to make it easier.  However, with that being said; I enjoyed this book and Deborah Blake’s writing, and I will need to find time to read the Baba Yaga series (3 books and 2 novellas).

Mikhail Day, our hero, is a White Rider, who protected the Baba Yaga witches, and was immortal.  We learn at the start that Mikhail is a Broken Rider, after being tortured by a crazed witch in a previous story, losing his immortality.  When we meet Mikhail, he is still recovering but in seclusion.  On a stormy night a lost young lady knocks on his door to get into safety from the rains.  Mikhail’s life will once again change.

Jenna Quinlan is our heroine, and she is desperately trying to escape a fairy, who is determined to find Jenna.  It seems that Jenna is pregnant, and the fairy, Zilya has come to claim her first born child.  Jenna’s family has suffered this curse for generations, and Jenna is desperate to find a way out. 

Mikhail at first wants nothing to do with her.  All he wants is to be alone.  But he does take her to meet the fairy Queen, who would like to help Jenna, but this curse was created long before the rules changed.  As in the land of the Fae, the Queen gives a sly hint to Mikhail to help Jenna and warns Zilya to leave Jenna alone until after the baby is born.  This gives Jenna a chance to solve the curse riddle that will release Zilya’s claim. 

What follows is a fun and romantic story line, where Mikhail and Jenna will travel through the Otherworld to find the clues.  Barbara, one of the Baba Yaga witches, will offer some help in trying to unravel the riddle, but Mikhail and Jenna must do this on their own.  Despite his wanting to be alone, slowly Mikhail finds himself falling in love with Jenna, and she with him.  We also get to meet Mikhail’s brother, who is also a Broken Rider, and whose story will be next. 

The key to a good story is always to have characters you enjoy and care about.  Deborah Blake gives us this in Dangerously Charming.  I loved Mikhail and Jenna, as they made a great couple.  I loved the supporting characters, such as Barbara, the Baba Yaga witch; Gregori, Mikhail’s brother, Babs, the young daughter of Barbara, and even the Fairy Queen was nice.   This was an enjoyable read, exciting, action-filled, as they had to fight off those trying to stop Jenna; a sweet romance, great couple, as well as spending time in the land of the Fae.  Dangerously Charming is in fact a charming & fun story. I look forward to the next book in this series, and to find time to read Deborah Blake’s Baba Yaga series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Hi Deborah. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.  

TRC: Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Deborah Blake
Deborah: I live in rural upstate NY in a 130 year old farmhouse with three cats, my day job is running an artists’ cooperative shop a friend and I founded 17 years ago, and I am a practicing witch. Don’t worry…I’m a good witch, not a bad witch.  

 

 

 

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

Deborah: I’ve been writing since I was a kid. (I think I wrote my first “novel” sitting at the back of a sixth grade class.) I dabbled some when I was in my teens and early twenties, but the rejections scared me off. I didn’t get serious until I was about 45 and had my first nonfiction book published. I guess you could call me a late bloomer!

TRC: Dangerously Charming is the 1st book in your Broken Riders series. Can you please tell us about the premise of this series? How many books are you planning for this series?

Deborah: The Riders were side characters in the Baba Yaga series, companions and friends of the Baba Yagas. Something BAD happened to them in the third book (hence the “broken” in Broken Rider) and this series follows the three Riders as they try to figure out new lives…and their mysterious new abilities. The Baba Yagas do make appearance in these books, too. At the moment, the plan is for three books, one for each Rider, Day, Sun, and Knight.

Dangerously Charming
TRC: Can you please give us a brief description of Dangerously Charming?  

Deborah: Ever since a near-fatal mistake stripped Mikhail Day and his brothers of their calling to be Riders, Day has hidden from his shame and his new, mortal life in a remote cabin in the Adirondack mountains. But when a desperate young woman appears on his doorstep, he cannot resist helping her—and cannot deny how strongly he’s drawn to her…
 
For generations, women in Jenna Quinlan’s family have been cursed to give up their first born child to the vengeful fairy Zilya. When Jenna finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she is determined to break her family’s curse and keep her baby, even if it means teaming up with a mysterious and charismatic man with demons of his own…
 
To unravel the curse, Jenna and Day will have to travel deep into the Otherworld. But the biggest challenge of the journey might not be solving an ancient puzzle but learning to heal their own broken hearts… 

TRC: Broken Riders is a spin off from your Baba Yaga series.  For those who may not have read your Baba Yaga series, can you please give us a brief description of the series? 

Deborah: The Baba Yaga series is an updated version of the Russian fairy tales about a powerful witch. These days, Baba Yaga is more of a job title than an individual person, and the series features three different women—all powerful witches, but all very different—as they cope with magical challenges (and some pretty challenging non-magical men). Luckily, they have help from the Riders, and each has her own Chudo-Yudo, the Baba Yaga’s mythical dragon companion, disguised as a giant white pit bull, a huge black Newfoundland, and a massive Norwegian Forest Cat. (People would probably notice a dragon.)  

TRC: How did you come up with the idea of Baba Yaga? 

Deborah: My agent Elaine and I were talking one day about what I should write next. We agreed that we both liked my books that had witches as protagonists, and we both liked updated fairy tales. So I tried to figure out which fairy tales hadn’t been overused (and had witches in them that weren’t completely the bad guys) and ta da! Baba Yaga.

TRC: You write multiple genres, such as Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, etc .   Do you have a preference on writing a genre, and have you thought of writing a different genre?

Deborah: I love both Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy I’ve written for Berkley (plus the nonfiction books on witchcraft I write for Llewellyn), but right now I’m actually working on a humorous contemporary romance. I love books that make me laugh. And romance, of course.

TRC: Can you please tell us what you working on now, and what you have upcoming in 2016/2017?

Right now I’m working on the romantic comedy, a book of cat magic, another Baba Yaga novella, and revisions on the second Rider novel, which will be out in November 2017. There will also be a second novel in the Veiled Magic series come spring, the novella towards fall, and I have a tarot deck coming out from Llewellyn in January 2017. 

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write?  Is there a special time of day that works best for you?

Deborah: I do outline. I have since about the second book I wrote, but now that I am working with an editor, I always have to submit a synopsis for each book anyway. I actually do fairly extensive outlines, since they help when I get stuck or overwhelmed. I write sitting in a red recliner or on the couch (which also reclines) in my living room, since it seems to be the easiest on my back and arms, and it also makes it easy for the cats to supervise me. I usually work in the evenings, from about 6:30 until 10:30 (give or take), although on the weekends and days off, I sometimes also do another stint in the morning. And yes, that means I work seven days a week, most of the time. 

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

Deborah: Besides cats? (laugh) I make jewelry, have an extensive garden, and I like to cook. I also am the high priestess of a small coven, so I do some magical things with the gang on occasion.   

TRC: Would you like to add anything else? 

Deborah: I love my readers—they have been so supportive of my books and my writing. I hope people will come connect with me on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter. And I hope they read and enjoy Dangerously Charming! 

To learn more about Deborah Blake, you can find her at the following links:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

 

 LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Chocolate. No, lobster. No, chocolate. Okay, bacon.

Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu 

Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride 

Favorite TV Show: Firefly (yes, I know it is off the air—I’m still bitter) 

Favorite Movie or TV Celebrity: Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver) 

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark all the way 

Favorite literary character (not your own): Alanna (Tamora Pierce’s heroine) 

Dog or Cat: Cats (although I do like dogs too)   

Thank you, Deborah, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Dangerously Charming.

 

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Deborah’s publisher is offering a paper copy of DANGEROUSLY CHARMING 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 Deborah Blake 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.

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9. Giveaway runs from October 7-11, 2016

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A Fool For You (Foolproof #3) by Katee Robert-Review and Book Tour

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A FOOL FOR YOU (Foolproof Love #3) by Katee Robert-Review and Book Tour

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A FOOL FOR YOU
Foolproof #3
by Katee Robert
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 3, 2016

A Fool For Love

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE October 3, 3016

It’s been thirteen years since Hope Moore left Devil’s Falls, land of sexy cowboys and bad memories. Back for the weekend, she has no intention of seeing the man she never got over…or the two of them getting down and dirty. It’s just a belated goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.

Until six weeks later, when her pregnancy test comes back positive…

Daniel Rodriguez hasn’t forgiven himself for how things went down with Hope all those years ago. He knows she’s better off without him, but when she shows up on his doorstep, panicking because she’s pregnant with his baby, he can’t help seeing it as a chance to make up for the past.

Too bad Hope has no intention of going along with his plans.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: A FOOL FOR YOU is the third and final installment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult FOOLPROOF LOVE romance series focusing on the people of Devil’s Falls. This is Hope Moore, and Daniel Rodriguez’s story line. A FOOL FOR YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Hope and Daniel) A FOOL FOR YOU is a second chance romance between two people whose lives were destroyed thirteen years earlier and in the ensuing time Daniel Rodriguez walked away from the woman he loved to wallow in self-pity and guilt for an accident that wasn’t his fault. For thirteen years our hero has never forgiven himself for that fateful day but with his guilt comes the knowledge that he let go of the only woman he has ever loved. When Hope returns to Devil’s Falls Daniel is unable to walk away and our couple pick up immediately where they left off years before.

Hope Moore is a strong, independent woman whose life changed thirteen years earlier; a woman who had to make some major sacrifices but in the end became a success at what she chose to do. Daniel is a man whose guilt has affected every aspect of his life to the point he has closed himself off from family and friends-thirteen years is a long time to immerse oneself into the depths of despair and remorse.

The relationship is a second chance; a rekindling of old feelings that have never died; where passion gives way to a one night stand that results in an unplanned pregnancy and a renewed future. But not everyone is happy with the couple’s reunion including Hope’s parents who have some thoughts about the man who has reentered their daughter’s life. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles: Aubry and Quinn (Fool Me Once 2), and Adam and Jules (Foolproof Love 1).

A FOOL FOR YOU is the culmination of three stories where one accident sent three friends (and family) in different directions all to return home to Devil’s Falls where love is the balm to their broken souls. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful; the romance is hot and heavy.

I did have a couple of issues: the ending; the quick resolution that was too abrupt and kind of left me hanging-the story line needed an epilogue or at the very least a look into the future. And the characters felt like they were going through the motions; that $ex was the commonality between Hope and Daniel but there wasn’t much else- in my humble opinion.

Copy supplied through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

A Fool For You Teaser

excerpt

Excerpt intended for readers 18+

 

He turned to find Hope standing behind him. Again. “You sure move quiet when you want to.” Especially for a woman with a bum leg. Not that he could say as much without sounding like a jackass.
“You mean since I had my knee replaced.” Of course she knew what he meant anyway. Apparently damn near reading his mind was one annoying habit she hadn’t outgrown.
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.” She leveraged herself down next to him, the move not quiet as smooth as it’d been when she was eighteen.
Daniel almost cursed. He had to stop doing that. Comparing her now to how she was then wasn’t fair to either of them. It was another lifetime completely, and thinking about it was just fucking depressing. “Hope—”
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
He was so surprised by the question that he answered honestly, “Why the fuck would I bother?”
“Oh, I don’t know, because you don’t want to be a creepy old man who lives in the middle of nowhere and has to run off silly high school kids with his shotgun because they tell ghost stories about him?”
He looked at her, half sure that she was the one who’d lost her damn mind. “That’s not a thing.”
“It is most definitely a thing.” She leaned back on her hands and stared at the sky. The most move arched her back and pressed her breasts against the fancy tank top she wore. It was made of some kind of drapey fabric that looked soft and shiny, and it highlighted the fact that he seriously doubted she was wearing a bra. “You’re too young to just give up.”
“It’s not about giving up.” Though he didn’t expect Hope to understand that. He’d checked up on her a few times since the accident, and every single time he was amazed at the things she’d accomplished. Life had kicked her in the teeth and she’d come back swinging. She’d taken two years off and then attended the University of Texas and graduated with honors. She ran her own successful consulting business to work with companies that wanted to set up scholarships and nonprofits.
She shifted to look at him. “It looks like giving up from where I’m sitting.”

 

 

about the author

Katee RobertsNew 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.

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Shadow Silence (Whisper Hollow #2) by Yasmine Galenorn-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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 Shadow Silence (Whisper Hollow #2) by Yasmine Galenorn-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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SHADOW SILENCE
Whisper Hollow #2
by Yasmine Galenorn
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance
Release Date: September 27, 2016

Shadow Silence

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2016

Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and I’m a spirit shaman. It’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

My best friend Peggin finds herself under a curse after she is almost taken by the Lady of the Lake, and the Unliving are determined to drag her back to the hungry waters. As Bryan—my guardian and mate—and I work to break the hex, we uncover a dark and violent mystery from the past. One the Hounds of Cú Chulainn will do anything to guard—even if they must summon a legion of the dead to destroy Whisper Hollow.

••••••••

REVIEW:

Shadow Silence begins shortly after book one ends. Kerris is settling into Whisper Hollow after a 15 year absence and is finding her place among the town’s protectors. When Kerris’ best friend, Peggin, finds out that she has thirty days to find another place to live (due to her landlord needing the house she rents), Kerris is less than pleased to find out that Peggin has her sights set on fixer-upper down by Crescent Lake. Even though Peggin knows that’s one of the most dangerous areas in town, she assures Kerris that she will be careful and on guard because she feels that the house is calling to her. Against Kerris’better judgement, she decides to support her friend’s decision.

When moving day arrives, it doesn’t take long for things to go very, very wrong. When Peggin disappears, Kerris assumes the worst. As she, Bryan (Kerris’ mate and guardian) and Deev (Peggin’s boyfriend) race to find Peggin, Kerris’ nightmare appears to be coming true. They find Peggin on the pier being dragged into the water by the Lady of the Lake. The trio is able to rescue Peggin from the Lady’s grasp, saving her from imminent death, only to discover that the Lady has marked Peggin, which doesn’t bode well for anyone. Especially Peggin. Kerris vows to Peggin that they will find a way to remove the Lady’s curse, but as they all soon discover, that’s easier said than done. Dark forces are making a move on Whisper Hollow and its residents, and it’s up to Kerris and the rest of the town’s protectors to try and find a way to stop them. As their allies gather, a traitor is discovered. Is he the only one? Who can they trust? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out.

Shadow Silence is a great addition to this series. Yasmine Galenorn’s world building will grab you from the very beginning and have you turning the pages. Kerris is continuing to grow into her powers, discovering even more about herself as the days wear on. Bryan, her mate and guardian, continues to fascinate me. Peggin is the best friend whom everyone wishes they were lucky enough to have. However, it’s her boyfriend, Dr. Divine, aka Deev, that has me begging for more. He’s a steampunk artist type whom we know very little about, which adds to his draw. There’s a big story there and I can’t wait to know more about him. I said in my review of book one, Autumn Thorns, the secondary characters are multifaceted and complex. Shadow Silence has made me double down on that statement. I absolutely cannot wait to find out more about these intriguing characters and the dark forces that abound in this series. If you’re looking for a series that has wonderful world building, amazing characters, mystery and intrigue, as well as little romance thrown in, you will not go wrong with the Whisper Hollow series. Well done, Yasmine Galenorn. Very, very well done!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M

 

Interview-Black

CATCHING UP with Yasmine Galenorn

TRC: Hi Yasmine, and welcome back to The Reading Café.

Yasmine GalenornYG: Hi, and thank you for having me.
Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. For anyone who has never read your books, would you please tell us something about yourself?

YG: Well, I have around 50 books out at this point, plus novellas and short stories in a number of anthologies. I’ve been writing since before I could print my name—always knew I wanted to be a writer from the time I was three years old. I’m also a priestess in the Craft, and have been a shamanic witch since 1980, when I was 19. I’m one of the crazy cat ladies, and am married to a computer techie. I deal with multiple food allergies and intolerances which make it difficult to travel safely, and as a result, I cook everything I eat—I don’t have the choice, so it’s a good thing I learned to cook early on.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

YG: One of my biggest influences was Ray Bradbury—I call him one of my “mortal gods”…his work taught me that prose can sing, words can move the heart. I also think Daphne du Maurier was an influence, Richard Adams, Anne McCaffrey, Joan D. Vinge, Tanith Lee, and so many other authors.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

YG: The biggest hurdle was getting published in the first place. Back in 1996, by the time I got my first contract (for one of my nonfiction books), I had seven books in the closet already (that will never be published) and had accumulated over 600 rejection slips from agents and publishers. But so many were encouraging that I just kept gritting my teeth and submitting.

Shadow SilenceTRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of Shadow Silence, the second book in your Whisper Hollow series?

YG: Shadow Silence is the story of a curse, and a friendship. When the Lady of the Lake targets Peggin, Kerris and Bryan must do their best to break the curse and free her from a watery death. I actually recorded a video about Shadow Silence and the Whisper Hollow series, and you can find that on my Youtube Channel. Whisper Hollow haunts my dreams—the characters are so alive and vibrant to me, and the town so dark and shadowed.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the WHISPER HOLLOW series?

YG: At least four—and I really think I’ll write more than that. However, since Berkley has opted not to continue the series, I will be releasing the rest after Shadow Silence as an indie author. The next Whisper Hollow books will be titled: Crow Song, and Morrígan’s Blade. As soon as Shadow Silence releases, I’ll be posting the covers for them—they’re gorgeous.

TRC: Are you able to give us a hint about your next Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon installment?

YG: I will also be releasing these as an indie author (in fact, Shadow Silence is my last release with Berkley Books and then I’m moving over to the indie side for the foreseeable future). Moon Shimmers, book 19 in the Otherworld Series, will be available in January 2017. I’m planning to release Harvest Song in January 2018, and my last OW book—Blood Bonds—in January 2019. I will be doing a cover reveal on my blog for all three books on October 4th! In Moon Shimmers, Camille will be taking her place as the Queen of Dusk & Twilight.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

YG: *grinning* I dunno…I just write the stories that appear in my head. I guess by now, with over fifty books out, it’s second nature.

TRC: When writing (or outlining) a story line do your characters direct the writing, or do you direct the characters?

YG: The characters lead the way, definitely. I long ago stopped trying to force plotlines because it always comes out stilted. I give the characters their head and they lead me where they need to go.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors, or family and friends. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

YG: I bounce ideas off my husband and my assistants at times. Mostly, my subconscious does its little trick of mixing up everything and then spewing it out at me in one big lump. I stare at the creative hairball sitting at my feet, and then start trying to sculpt it. (Told you I’m the crazy cat lady).

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

YG: Covers are vital, which is why I’m so glad I’ve found incredible cover designers for my indie work. Wait till you see the covers for the next two Whisper Hollow books—brilliant and beautiful.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

YG: I’m finishing up Fury’s Magic, the second in my new indie series—the Fury Unbound Series. Book one—Fury Rising—came out in July and did very well, so I’m extremely pleased about that. I plan on releasing Fury’s Magic in November.

I’m also starting to promote two anthologies I’m in—Taming the Vampire will be coming out on October 31st, and it contains the prequel to a new series I’ll be introducing next year—the Bewitching Bedlam series. And Silver Belles will be coming out in late October as well, with one of the few contemporary romance short stories I’ve ever written in it—The Longest Night. Silver Belles is a winter-holiday themed anthology.

Actually, I have a number of surprises in the works. I’ll be re-releasing the entire Chintz ‘n China series this autumn with lovely new covers and a few additions. Really, it’s best to sign up for my newsletter if you want to keep informed, because there are going to be a lot of things going on in my various worlds over the next 18 months.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

YG: Just that I’m grateful for all my readers who have followed me on my adventures—and who are making the switch with me as I change over from the old guard to the new guard, so to speak. I appreciate it. I love that my readers love my worlds, and I really appreciate the support they give in return.

TRC: Thank you Yasmine for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of SHADOW SILENCE. We wish you all the best.

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Yasmine’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SHADOW SILENCE 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).

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3. Please follow Yasmine Galenorn 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

9. Giveaway runs from October 6-10, 2016

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Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds #1) by J. Daniels -a review

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FOUR LETTER WORD (Dirty Deeds #1) by J. Daniels-a review

Four Letter Word

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About the book: Release Date October 4, 2016

Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.
Which four letter word will change their lives forever?

Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words “wrong number” in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend’s heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line.

Brian Savage is living a life he’s quickly come to hate-until Sydney’s wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past .

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REVIEW: FOUR LETTER WORD is the first installment in J. Daniels’s contemporary, adult DIRTY DEEDS erotic, romance series. This is former surfer Brian ‘Dash’ Savage, and x-ray technologist Sydney Paige’s story line.

Told from dual first person points of view (Sydney and Brian) FOUR LETTER WORD follows the building relationship between Sydney Paige and Brian Savage. When her husband of seven years announces he wants a divorce our heroine packs her bags and heads to Dogwood Beach to move in with her best friend Tori but Tori’s personal life has also gone to h*ll and Sydney decides to confront the man that destroyed Tori’s life. A wrong number and a verbal tirade focusing on the stranger at the other end of the line finds Sydney mortified to learn she cussed out the wrong man. Enter former surfer Brian Savage, and the man who would begin a ‘virtual affair’ with our story line heroine. What ensues is the back and forth texting and phone calls in which our couple begin to fall in love before they ever meet.

Brian Savage is a broken man; racked with guilt and a need to repent for sins of the past Brian has too many secrets that are about to destroy the woman with whom he is falling in love. Sydney Paige is trying to put her life back together, and falling in love with Brian is the balm to her broken heart.

The relationship between Sydney and Brian begins accidentally when our heroine dials Brian’s number by mistake. Brian is so impressed with the ‘tirade’ on the other end of the line he texts back our heroine and thusly begins a romantic relationship with a woman he has never met. Meeting in person our couple are quick to consummate their relationship-a relationship that is mired by secrets and betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and provocative. Our couple like to talk dirty in the bedroom.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Brian’s friends Cole and Jamie McCade as well as Sydney’s co-workers at the Whitecaps diner Shay, Sean and Kali, and their boss Nate whose personal life is broken and sad. We are introduced to Sydney’s best friend Tori whose own life is a series of mismanaged relationships but there is some definite sexual attraction between Tori and Brian’s business partner and ‘local surfing legend’ Jamie McCade-a sexual attraction that finds Tori and Jamie bickering throughout the story.

The world building follows the friendships and relationships of two groups of friends, and the fall out of one couple when Brian’s secrets or ‘lies of omission’ threaten their building love.

FOUR LETTER WORD has a little bit of everything: humor, fun, romance, intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak and love. The premise is engaging, clever and emotional; the characters are passionate, broken and dynamic; the romance is captivating and intense. J. Daniels FOUR LETTER WORD is a moving story line with sympathetic characters and a wonderful happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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