The Girl in the Picture by Alexandra Monir – a Review

The Girl in the Picture  by Alexandra Monir – a Review

 

The Girl in the PictureAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Nicole Morgan has been labeled many things — the geeky music girl, the shy sidekick to Miss Popularity, and the girl with the scar. Now only one name haunts her through the halls of Oyster Bay Prep.

The Girl in the Picture.

After high school heartthrob Chace Porter is found dead in the woods near the school, the police are in search of the girl whose picture with Chace is the only clue found amongst his personal belongings. A girl who no one knew was even close to Chace–and whose dormmate, Lana Rivera, was Chace’s girlfriend.

Nicole is that girl and now she’s the primary suspect in his murder.

But what really happened that night? Were Nicole and Chace dating behind Lana’s back; were he and Lana over? Could either of them have killed him?

Told in alternating points of view, that of our suspect, Nicole Morgan, and her former best friend and roommate, Lana Rivera, readers will piece together the story of a starcrossed love, a fractured friendship–and what really happened the night Chace was killed.

 

Review:

The Girl in the Picture by Alexandra Monir is a standalone YA mystery suspense novel.  This story is told in two pov’s, Nicole and Lana; with some from the boy in the middle, Chace, which will cover a year.  The story actually begins in current time, with the news of Chace’s murder. A picture is revealed, with Nicole and Chace together, and everyone is on Lana’s side as she was the one they felt was betrayed.  Hence the title, The Girl in the Picture.

In various snippets, where we go back and forth between the past and the present, we get to meet Nicole, the new girl at school, who is training to be an elite violinist and meets her roommate, Lana, who is Miss Popularity.  Nicole is quiet and sweet, while Lana is her opposite.  Lana, because of Nicole’s bright future, decides to accept her as a friend.

It is Lana, who will meet the new boy, Chace, and flirt with him to start a relationship. Nicole helps Lana, and is supportive of her dating Chace.  Along the way, Chace, who loves Nicole’s music, begins to fall hard for her.  Nicole, at first has no intention of getting in the middle, for fear of losing her friend.  Chace is persistent and Nicole finds herself falling for him.

In current time, Nicole is the main suspect, as everyone is willing to condemn her, including her now fierce enemy, Lana.  We also learn along the way, who was responsible for the terrible scar Nicole suffered.  This is a real murder mystery, which has us concentrating on any clues that will tell us who killed Chace.  We know Nicole is not the real culprit, but who is? I felt sorry for Nicole, as she truly did not want to fall for Chace, and wanted to tell Lana the truth.  In a major twist, the answers will be discovered that was a surprise, not to mention who was able to discover the truth.

To tell too much more would be spoilers.  What follows is a very nicely done mystery revolving around the two narrators of the story, with the unusual voice of Chace in the background.  Everything in the past, is laid out nicely, which leads to the present and the resolution.  It was very well written by Monir.  If you enjoy a YA themed background, with a murder mystery, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Love Addicts Anonymous Part 1 by JC Reed and Jackie Steele-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS Part 1 by JC Reed and Jackie Steele-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS Part 1
by JC Reed and Jackie Steele
Release Date: November 7, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Love Addicts Anonymous

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

About the book: Release Date November 7, 2016

Kade Wright is an expert in rocking any woman’s world.

Sexy, rich, and the type you don’t bring home to meet your mother, he has broken more hearts than he can remember, and there is no end in sight. Until one mistake lands him in boiling hot waters. When his company orders him to the LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS Rehab Center, he better get his affairs in order or else he loses his seat on the company board.

Love isn’t supposed to be addictive. But for Vicky Sullivan it is.

A true romantic at heart, she comes with a bit of a stalking tendency, and is completely not adverse to commitment. But who’s Kade to judge? As someone who’s seeking commitment and afraid of never finding love, she’s the type of woman he wouldn’t usually hit on. Except, she’s hot and keeps avoiding him…yes, even after seeing his private parts naked in all their glory.

Kade isn’t known as the tall, dark and ruthless businessman for no reason. Romance isn’t in the air, more like wild between the sheets action with no expectations. Vicky’s convinced she can resist, but Kade has other plans for her.

Can Vicky stay away from the one man who seems so easy to get and so hard to keep?

•••••••••

REVIEW: LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS Part 1 by JC Reed and Jackie Steele focuses on a six week stint at a rehab center for ‘love addict’ Vicky Sullivan, and ‘sex addict’ Kade Wright.

Told from dual first person points of view (Vicky and Kade) LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS part one focuses on the introduction of our leading couple, and the center’s questionable and controversial mode of therapy pairing sex addicts with love addicts in adjoining suites. What ensues is the back and forth banter between Vicky and Kade, and the possibility that this form of therapy may not be what the doctor has ordered.

Throughout the story line we get up close and personal in the mind of our leading couple-their reasoning, excuses, and thoughts of denial in their attempts to justify their previous actions. Vicky is a woman obsessed with her ex-boyfriend; and Kade is a man determined to complete a year long challenge of a different woman every day. The maturity of both characters is in question; their lack of personal culpability is frightening. There are no $ex scenes or romantic interludes –only reflections of past indiscretions.

LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS part one is a revealing and lively look at two people whose ‘addictions’ pull one another together for a potential explosive union.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Love Addicts Anonymous Teaser

excerpt

“Changed your mind after all?” The voice is deep and husky. For a moment, I’m immobilized as he continues, “I think bedrooms are a bit overrated, but what the hell? If that’s your thing, I’m up for it.”
It’s the same guy.
I turn to face him, my gaze strangely drawn south, and find that a thin towel is wrapped around his hips, covering his junk.
I let out an exasperated snort.
It’s really tiny. The towel, that is.
Not his tool.
That one’s about the biggest I’ve ever seen, counting TV and Internet pop-ups.
I don’t want to gawk, and yet I find my gaze glued to the clearly defined bulge beneath that towel.
In the bright light spilling in through the large bay windows, I can see everything. There’s no denying he still has a raging erection, as though pleasuring himself wasn’t nearly enough to still his sexual appetite.
“Seriously?” I ask, pointing to the towel. “Can’t you put something on?” My voice sounds strangled, breathy, which I attribute to the fact that I’m highly uncomfortable standing in front of a hot guy built like a Greek god and hung like a donkey.
“What’s so important that you had to interrupt?”
“I interrupted?” My jaw drops, and white hot flashes of anger begin to cloud my vision. “Oh, you’re talking about your date with your right hand. Sorry about that.” I smirk. “What are you doing here?”
His brows shoot up. “Here?”
“Yes, here in my apartment.”
Ignoring my question, he squeezes past me, his erection coming dangerously close to my abdomen. From up close, he smells of sandalwood and raw manliness.
My breath catches in my throat.
It takes all my willpower not to jump a few steps back to put some distance between us.
He retrieves another white towel from his suitcase and wipes his face with it.
Every fiber of my body is heating up at the sight of his naked back. Bruce is tall and a bit skinny. This guy is built like a boxer: tall with broad shoulders and hard muscles in places I didn’t know existed.
As he turns to regard me, I notice the color of his eyes.
Deep brown and broody with long, dark lashes.
They’re the sort of eyes that make you feel like you’re the only woman in his world.

About The Author

J.C. Reed is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She writes steamy contemporary romance with a touch of mystery and suspense. When she’s not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, you can find her chatting with her readers on Facebook.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Jackie Steele is a USA Today Bestselling author and a true romantic at heart. By day she works a boring job as a scientist, at night she lets her creative side roam free. Whether reading or writing, Jackie loves dark, emotional stories that twist with your head and take you on a journey. As an ever romantic, she believes in happy endings and true love in all forms, which is reflected in all of her books.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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Nic (Rossi Brothers #2) by J. M. Stewart-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

NIC (Rossi Brothers #2) by J.M. Stewart-Review, Book Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

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NIC
Rossi Brothers #2
by J.M. Stewart
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: November 14, 2016

Nic

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2016

Single father Nic Rossi’s only desire is to raise his little girl with the same love and security his grandparents gave him and his siblings. That is, until Anna Thompson and her frightened daughter walk into his family restaurant, looking for employment, and turn his carefully ordered world upside down.

On the run from her abusive ex, Anna wants one thing: a quiet place like Angel Bay to raise her daughter. But she needs a job to pay for that dream, even if her new boss is a man whose sheer size makes her tremble. Yet Nic’s capacity for kindness leaves her feeling safe for the first time in years, and the gentle giant slowly awakens her long-dormant passion.

Then her ex-husband turns up like a bad penny, threatening not only Anna’s safe haven but Nic’s daughter in the bargain, forcing them to choose between love and family.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: NIC is the second installment in J. M. Stewart’s contemporary, adult, romance series. This is single father/ restaurateur Nic Rossi, and single mother Anna Thompson’s story line. NIC can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nic and Anna) NIC focuses on the building relationship between Nic Rossi, and Anna Thompson. Anna and her young daughter Lacey are on the run. Three years since her divorce and Anna fears her ex-husband will make good on a promise to destroy her life. Abused and battered, Anna sought solace at a women’s shelter, and has been on the run ever since. Landing in Angel Bay, Washington Anna finds a job, a temporary home, and a man who calls to her heart. Enter single father Nic Rossi- a man whose own heart was shattered years before.

NIC is a story of ‘second chances’. As a single father Nic’s sole responsibility has been his daughter Ella but with the arrival of Anna Thompson Nic’s idea of family now came with the possibility of a future with Anna and her daughter Lacey. Anna is determined to stay one step ahead of her abusive ex but complacency finds Anna facing down her greatest fear.

The relationship between Anna and Nic is one of immediate attraction but Nic suspects Anna is running from a dangerous past. When Nic offers up his home to Anna and her daughter temptation is at hand. The sex scenes are intimate and romantic.

We are introduced to Anna’s co-worker Beth whose own past is mired in abuse. Nic’s brother Luc and his wife Liz, as well as their daughter Alyssa and nine month old Sam round out the family setting.

NIC is a story of family and friendship; betrayal and revenge; heartbreak and moving forward. NIC is also a story of one woman’s struggle to free herself from an abusive ex-an ex who is determined to take back what he believes is his. The premise is sensitive and dramatic; the characters are passionate and intense; the romance is emotional and intimate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of LUC (book 1)

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

She blew out her held breath, pushed her plate away, and offered him a smile. “Thanks for the meal. I will repay you. I need to get her to bed. What time would you like me to be here tomorrow?”

She scooted out of the booth, but his hand caught her arm before she could turn to pick up Lacey. Blood whooshed in her ears, and breathing became impossible as panic clawed its way through her chest. Tony’s face lodged itself in her mind. Eyes narrowed and staring her down. The way he looked right before his fist came down on her …

He’s not Tony. He’s not Tony. She repeated the long-held mantra over and over and drew slow, deep breaths in an effort to put a lid back on the panic. Still the room around her spun as the past closed in on her.

“The meal’s on me, remember? You can pay me back by letting me help you.”

Nic’s voice jerked her back to the present. She lifted her head to find him watching her, gentle concern in his searching eyes. Was he really this nice? Or was this just a ruse, the way it had been for Tony? She didn’t know, but she had no desire to find out. She didn’t need his help. She just needed a job.

She glared at Nic. “What is it with you? Do you have a thing for taking in strays or something, Mr. Rossi?”

“My name is Nic, and yes, actually I do. My nonna used to roll her eyes every time I brought home a stray cat or dog.” Amusement laced his tone, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

God, did nothing faze the man?

His expression sobered. “Let me help. Because I can.”

She blew out a defeated breath. “Why do you even care?”

“Why do I scare you so much?”

Touché.

Nic released her arm and folded his hands on the table instead. “You want the God’s honest truth? That’s why I give a damn. Because I terrify the both of you, and I hate it. Every time I look at your daughter, I see my own.”

She wrapped her arms around herself. The man left her feeling open and exposed. He offered her something she didn’t know if she could ever repay: human decency. “I can’t ask you to do that for me.”

“Then do it for her.” He nodded in Lacey’s direction.

About the author

J.M. Stewart is a coffee and chocolate addict who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily ever after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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Endurance (The Sin Trilogy Series #4) by Georgia Cates-Review, Excerpt and Book Tour

ENDURANCE (The Sin Trilogy #4) by Georgia Cates-Review, Excerpt and Book Tour

ENDURANCE
The Sin Trilogy #4
by Georgia Cates
Release Date: November 11, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Endurance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2016

I’m a doctor. Mobster. Killer.
My hands are covered in filth. I don’t have the right to touch anything as clean and pure as Ellison MacAllister.

I distance myself … always remaining obscure, composed, restrained.
Careful to never allow my eyes to linger too long.
Careful to hide my interest.
Careful to keep my burning desire buried beneath the surface.

I do it for her–suffer in silence–because it’s what is best for the woman I love.
And she has no idea.

She’ll be initiated as a Fellowship member soon. One of my mafia brothers will go through endurance so he’ll earn the right to claim her. Make her his wife. Kill. Me. Slowly.

I’m running out of time. Only a month remains before she’s beyond my reach forever. I want to taste her. Share sleepless nights. Ride out her storm.
I want to give her the kind of nights she will still feel between her legs the next morning. I want us to share the kind of passion that forms on our skin and drips down to saturate the sheets. Between the sweat and the moans and the messy hair, I want her to know how hard she’s been loved.

To have her is to taint her. I should stay away. But I won’t. I can’t. I’m a selfish bastard. A selfish bastard in love.

***Intended for readers ages 18+ due to sexual content, adult situations, and language.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: ENDURANCE is the fourth installment in Georgia Cates’ contemporary, adult THE SIN TRILOGY focusing on the men and women of the Scottish Mafia known as the Fellowship. This is American nurse Ellison MacAllister, and physician Jamie Breckenridge’s story line. Jamie is the cousin of Sinclair Breckenridge (heir to the Scottish Fellowship crime syndicate), and Ellison is the sister of Sinclair’s wife Bleu, both of whom were the focus of the original Sin Trilogy. ENDURANCE is a standalone story line in Georgia’s THE SIN TRILOGY SERIES but I recommend reading the original trilogy for backstory, cohesion, and an understanding of the world of the Fellowship.

Told from dual first person points of view (Jamie and Ellison) ENDURANCE follows the building relationship between Jamie Breckenridge and Ellison MacAllister. Jamie is a high ranking member of the Scottish Fellowship crime syndicate but has chosen a different path than that of his Fellowship brothers. He is their much needed doctor, and a man who is just as capable of killing the same as his brothers. Ellison came to Scotland to be close to her sister, who married into the Fellowship ranks, but has found herself falling in love with a man who is unable to claim the woman he loves. To enter into a relationship with a member of the Fellowship, a woman must be claimed, and her mate must suffer the ‘Endurance’ to prove both are worthy. What ensues are Jamie’s attempts to keep Ellison close by his side while ensuring no other member of the Fellowship lays claim to the woman he loves, and The Fellowship’s preparations for a war against a rival syndicate known as The Order.

ENDURANCE is a story of family, honor and love. Jamie was groomed to be a leader but has chosen to be a healer within the ranks of the Fellowship. A disappointment to both his father and mother, Jamie believes the path he has chosen is honorable and worthy. His attraction to Ellison is complicated by the fact that Jamie is unwilling to claim the woman with whom he has fallen in love in order to protect her from the life he has chosen. Working together as the Fellowship’s medical team is one way to keep Ellison by his side.

The relationship between Ellison and Jamie is one of immediate attraction-a friends to lovers story line of forbidden love for a man whose need to protect is paramount. Ellison has lusted and loved Jamie from afar, and refuses to accept that Jamie is willing to watch her be claimed by another man. Throughout the story we watch as Jamie denies his love for Ellison forcing a potential claiming by a Fellowship brother or a member of a rival syndicate. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble of secondary and supporting characters including Sin and Bleu from the original Sin Series Trilogy, as well as Jamie’s sister Westlyn who will sacrifice herself to save the woman that Jamie loves. Kieran and Westlyn’s story is next.

The world building continues to focus on the Scottish crime syndicates, and the laws that govern their survival and existence. The ‘Endurance’ is a time honored, brutal tradition with the Fellowship when a man lays claim to the woman he loves.

ENDURANCE is a passionate and electric story. The premise is energetic; the characters are animated and courageous; the romance is provocative and fated.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Necessary Sin
The Next Sin
One Last Sin
Endurance

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

“I don’t mind your stuff being all over our bedroom. And our bathroom. And the hallway leading from the staircase.” Trust me. Her shite is every-fucking-where. “I knew what I was getting into when I asked a high-maintenance lass like yourself to move in with me.”
Ellison giggles. “You did not. You knew zero about what it would be like living with me. And I can guarantee that whatever you’re thinking you’ve gotten yourself into with me ain’t even close to the reality of it.”
“Then why don’t you tell me?”
“I was thinking I would show you.” She grins and I’ve come to know in a short while that it’s a sure sign of mischief. “That is if you think you can handle it.”
“I promise I won’t be the one who can’t handle it.” I already know what kind of lover she likes and wants.
And I very much want to be the alpha she wants.
I pick Ellison up and throw her over my shoulder to carry her to the bed. Well, to the mattress on the floor.
I was planning to wait until bedtime to fuck her—after the work was done and everything was in place—but she’s made it impossible for me to wait another minute.
I toss her on the mattress and stand over her while I pull my T-shirt over my head and start working to get my jeans off. “I’m done waiting to have you.”
She smiles as her eyes survey my body. “I’ve been wondering what you look like underneath your shirt.”
“And?”
“I approve one hundred percent.”
“Take off your clothes, Mac. I want to watch you get naked.” My voice is stern. I’ll be the one in control. The one taking what I want. The one who’ll be completely unapologetic. Exactly what she said she wanted.
It’s November, that time of year where Scotland experiences more darkness than light. The sun is long gone, so the room is illuminated only by the soft lamp on the bedside table. It’s actually sort of perfect.
Ellison sits up and pulls her shirt over her head. Black and hot-pink lace covers what I already know is a beautiful pair of tits that fit my hands perfectly. And I can’t wait to get my hands on them again.
Her lovely breasts tumble out of her bra and she tosses it on the mattress before pushing her thumbs into the waistband of her yoga pants to drag them down her legs. A tiny black and hot-pink lace triangle barely covers the mound between her thighs.
She’s completely naked when she falls backward on the mattress, her feet apart and knees pressed together. Waiting. “No, Mac. You don’t get to close your legs on me. I want to see you. All. Of. You.” I put my palms together and then pull them apart to widen the space between my hands. “Spread them.”
She bites her bottom lip—an attempt to mask her grin—as her knees slowly fall apart. “Is this what you want to look at?”
My underwear is tight. My cock is straining hard against the fabric so I push them down and out of the way. “I think this is a sure sign I want to do more than look at it.”
Ellison grins. “Mmm. Someone’s eager.”
“You have no idea.”
I go to my knees and crawl over Ellison. “I’ve imagined us like this no less than a million times. I’ve seen it happen in my head over and over.”
Ellison brings my hand to her mouth to kiss my palm. “I’ve imagined us together too. I can’t tell you how many times.”
My mouth connects with hers and she opens wide to invite my tongue inside to play. Silky. Slippery. Seductive. I like this game very much.
A little taunting. A little tickling. A lot of teasing. This woman knows how a man likes to be kissed.
I drag my mouth away from her lips and kiss that spot below her ear before moving down the side of her neck. My hands similarly mimic the downward motion beginning at her ribcage and moving lower on her sides, waist, and hips.
She pushes her fingers into the top of my hair and arches her back when I move lower to suck her nipple into my mouth. A soft gasp/moan expels from her chest when my tongue licks the erect point.
I know she’s going to squirm so I grasp her bum hard and hold her in place as I move lower to kiss the top of her pubic bone. “Doc, this teasing . . . it’s torture.”
“Do you want my mouth on you?”
She lifts her hips and squirms. “Yesss. So badly.”
She jolts when my tongue darts out and licks the top of her slit. “Ohhh.”
I tickle her clit with my tongue and then lick once. Twice. Three times. “I love the way you taste. And smell.”
She rocks her hips in a back and forth motion against my mouth. Her body shudders and a moan is released when my tongue works her in a circular motion. “More?”
“Please. Feels so good.”
Pleasing Ellison. Hearing her moans. Licking her until she comes. I’m going to enjoy this.

About The Author beige

 

Georgia CatesGeorgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Cates/213130102082500?ref=br_tf
NEWSLETTER: http://goo.gl/ILvz8L
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GeorgiaCates
WEBSITE: http://www.georgiacates.com/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5228869.Georgia_Cates
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Georgia-Cates/e/B005RQM69U/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1412959384&sr=8-2-ent

 

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Legacy of Lies by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Legacy of Lies by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

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Legacy of LiesAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Garrison Taggart doesn’t have time to deal with touchy-feely junk like “trust issues” or “feelings.” His dad’s health is waning and the family’s Wyoming ranch is being sabotaged. Too bad his supernatural ability to tell when someone is lying has been exactly zero help in ferreting out the betrayer so far. So, when sweet schoolteacher Sara Lopez raises concerns about his son being bullied, who can blame a guy for getting a little testy?

The last thing Sara needs is any more attention or gossip after her recent breakup with big-shot rancher Hank Brand. So her attraction to surly but sexy Garrison, Hank’s rival, is entirely unwanted. When she uncovers an insane plot to kidnap the Taggart boy and throws herself in harm’s way to protect him, Garrison must risk his deepest secret and his own life to save the people he cares for the most. But will his heroics cost him everything?

Review:

Legacy of Lies by Jillian David is a new series, and an author I’ve read before. So I eagerly said yes to this book. And I wasn’t disappointed…..

Sara is trying to forget her past, but coming back to her small town life isn’t going to be easy, people have long memories, and once a trouble maker, always a trouble maker. But Sara is now a teacher, she wants to make a difference, and if she can stick it here for a while, then once this job is done, Sara is out of there and she’ll look for a teaching post where no one knows her past.

Garrison is a single dad and a rancher, no time to meet women, and after being taken for every penny by the last woman he trusted, he won’t be in a hurry to trust another one.
His family, except his father, have abilities, he can sense the truth in people, his sister can find people and can feel their emotions, and her twin brother, he had an internal sat nav, he never gets lost, and had the ability to blend into the background. And a big brother who upped and left the family without an explanation (but something is mentioned in the book, that may shed some light on his reason for leaving) we don’t know his ability yet.
The ranch is a family owned ranch, but it’s not doing too well at the moment, and he really doesn’t have time to worry about bullies, and missing family members and his ailing father.
but there is just something about Sara that pulls Garrison in.

Their relationship is full of misunderstandings and distrust. But also filled with passionate kisses and tender moments.
Sara is warned by her ex to stay away from the “Taggart scum”, her boss (her ex’s brother,) also tells her to keep her nose clean, and not to interfere in the bullying of the Taggart “brat” otherwise she will lose her job, and Garrison is warned to stay away from Sara.

There is also a secondary storyline running through, and I’m sure this will be the string that keeps the stories linked.

It’s a great start to what I’m hoping is at least a four possibly five book series ?
Oh, did I forget to mention there is a missing big brother ?

I’d recommend this book to anyone who has read this author, or to anyone that likes their stories with a mystery to solve.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplies for review

 

Guest post-White and Red

 

The Birth of Hell’s Valley!

Thanks for having me on The Reading Café, talking about my new paranormal western series, Hell’s Valley. The topic tonight is: How in the world did I come up with the idea for this series?

Let me start by saying, I’m still not sure what a “paranormal western” is, but wow, do I like it!

Here’s the rough and ready recipe:

            Start with hot ranchers, sexy cowboys, leather, lassos, horses, and log houses

            Mix in psychic/supernatural powers, dark dealings with strange neighbors, and a vendetta from the lord of the underworld.

What do you get? A Hell of a ride!

Each of the four books in the Hell’s Valley series is a standalone novel, but they are all connected together.

And the Hell’s Valley series? It’s a very loose spin-off from my first paranormal series, Hell to Pay. You definitely do NOT have to read the Hell to Pay series to enjoy Hell’s Valley, but if you do, you’ll find a bunch of fun “Easter eggs” in each book.

See, I was thinking about the last couple from my original Hell to Pay series, Ruth and Odie (she was a Civil War nurse and he was a Cajun rogue). They talked a lot about genealogy and their legacies and great-great-great grandchildren. Then at the end of the book, there was that massive threat from the big bad guy who promised to destroy their “legacy”. (I can’t get into much more detail without spoiling my entire first series and spilling all the beans on my current series — sorry!)

So I started thinking, what kind of legacy would Ruth have? Would her own strange powers flowed, even now, in her distant relatives?

Of course the answer was “yes,” and that’s how Hell’s Valley popped into being. I envisioned a ranching family in rugged western Wyoming. I imagined the ultimate evil returning and threatening the entire family. Would that family survive such an attack? How would the siblings work together to defeat such an overwhelmingly evil force?

Then I got to create a special power or two for each Taggart. And even more fun? Figuring out what made the powers — well now, I can’t go spilling all the secrets, can I?

Let’s just say Hell’s Valley is like riding a bucking bronco – the adrenaline rush blows you away, the twists and turns have you guessing the next move, and if you don’t hang on tight it’ll throw you for a loop!

Check out Legacy of Lies, Book #1 in the Hell’s Valley series! Order here: Legacy of Lies

 

giveaway

Jillian is offering e-copies of Legacy of Lies (Book #1  of Hell’s Valley series) to Three (3) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

6. Giveaway is open to Internationally.

7. Giveaway runs from November 13th to 17th, 2016

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Snowbound with Mr. Wrong by Barbara White Daille – a Review

Snowbound with Mr. Wrong by Barbara White Daille – a Review

 

Snowbound with Mr. WrongAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description
Worst. Day. Ever. After Lyssa Barnett’s sister tricks her into reprising her role at Snowflake Valley’s annual children’s party, she doesn’t think anything can be worse than squeezing into her too-small elf costume. Then tall, dark, and way too handsome Nick Tavlock shows up to play Santa…and an unexpected storm leaves them snowbound in the isolated lodge.

The last thing Nick wants is to spend a cozy Christmas Eve with a trio of kids and the woman who dumped him. But as much as Lyssa frustrates him, he can’t stop thinking about her. And soon, he’s fighting very un-Santa-like thoughts of kissing a certain sexy Miss Elf under the mistletoe. As Nick starts to fall for Lyssa all over again, he knows it will take nothing short of a miracle to have Lyssa in his arms on Christmas 

 

Review:

Snowbound with Mr. Wrong by Barbara White Daille is a short but fun Christmas story. 

Nick is a hard working, but money orientated man (according to Lyssa). He puts the job before everything; he doesn’t take holidays, and he certainly doesn’t want to be stuck in a small town. Coming from a wealthy but cold background, it’s the only life he knows. Nick shows his affections with lavish gifts and fancy restaurants, 

Lyssa is also a hard working character. She’s come from a family that helps each other, and after her mom got sick, Lyssa steps up and runs the home for the family. She takes that into her adult life and works hard to make a success of her business. 

Nick and Lyssa were a couple, but things ended when Nick made it clear that he thought Lyssa could do better, aim higher, and get out of the small town that she has always lived in. But both never expected to be thrown together over the festive season. 

Lyssa promised her sister to help give gifts to the kids in the town, so again she dons the elf costume and prepares to help Santa spread a little cheer, that is until she realizes who is playing Santa again this year.  And Nick isn’t too keen on getting his heart stamped on again. So their first meeting after their break up is a frosty one. 

A snow storm traps Lyssa and Nick in the lodge that held the Christmas party. (Lyssa stayed behind to clear up, and Nick couldn’t get a ride down the mountain) and a trio of kids complete the trapped couple. 

After trying and failing to get off the mountain, they return to the lodge and wait to be rescued. After clearing the air between them, will they get their wishes and get their happy ending ? 

It’s a fun short read, full of laughter and Christmas spirit 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Her Last Breath (Detective Kerri Blasco #2) by J.A. Schneider-a review

Her Last Breath (Detective Kerri Blasco #2) by J. A. Schneider-a review

Her Last Breath

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

About the book: Release Date October 21, 2016

A chilling psychological thriller about a woman caught between two men…

Mari Gill wakes to horror in a strange apartment next to a murdered man, and can’t remember the night before. Accused of murder, she feels torn between her husband, a successful defense attorney, and a mysterious, kind man who wants to help. Can she trust either of them – or even her friends? Detective Kerri Blasco battles her police bosses believing Mari is innocent…but is she?

Review:
As the blurb says, Mari Gill wakes up in a strange bed next to a murdered man who is a complete stranger. She sees a knife that has been plunged into his chest and screams bloody murder (literally) as she stumbles out of the bed and attempts to run for her life. She slips and falls into broken glass cutting her hands terribly and promptly has a life threatening asthma attack. Not knowing where her purse is, she has no hope of finding her inhaler as she starts to black out knowing she is about to die. Just then, a stranger appears just in time and calls the police. Once the police and paramedics arrive, Mari knows she’s going to need help from the one person she does not want to call…her estranged husband, who just happens to be a high profile defense attorney.

As the police try to ascertain what happened, something does not sit well with Detective Kerri Blasco and her partner, Detective Alex Brand. The murdered man ends up being an in demand photographer and their captain is being pressured to get the case wrapped up and the murderer charged. When Kerri tells her captain she’s not convinced that Mari is the murderer, he knows she won’t stop until she has things figured out in her own time. He still gives her a timeframe and tells her to get it figured out. Kerri soon discovers that things are not quite as they seem. After speaking with Mari, she’s even more sure that she’s missing something…but what?

Mari doesn’t know who to trust. Her estranged husband is a master at handling the press and high profile cases, but she doesn’t want to rely too much on him. Once she meets the mysterious man who saved her life, she feels a connection with him, only to end up questioning his reasons. She has friends who seem to be a little too curious about what happened and seem to be a step ahead of her as she tries to figure things out. Mari’s life soon becomes so upended that she doesn’t know who she can trust. What follows is a story that will leave you guessing until almost the very end.

Her Last Breath is a nice addition to the Detective Kerri Blasco series. Schneider does a masterful job of weaving her suspense filled story in this one. The characters are relatable and the premise is a good one. I’ve liked Kerri and Alex since I first read about them in the Embryo series and love seeing them move forward in their lives and their careers. I also liked Mari. However, the one sticking point for me was the way the author wrote Mari’s thoughts. There were so many broken thoughts and fragmented sentences that it was almost like reading a screenplay where she was concerned. The supporting characters weren’t as developed as Schneider normally writes them, but they were relatable nonetheless. With all of that said, Her Last Breath was a good read. If you’re a fan of the suspense genres, you won’t go wrong with J.A. Schneider. I look forward to the next installment.

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of book one-FEAR DREAMS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie M

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Dirty Sexy Sinner (Dirty Sexy #4) by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde-Review and Book Tour

DIRTY SEXY SINNER (Dirty Sexy #4) by Carly Phillips / Erika Wilde-Review and Book Tour

Dirty Sexy Sinner

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

Add to your GOODREADS shelf.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2016

DIRTY SEXY SINNER . . . The surprise fourth book in the DIRTY SEXY SERIES!
All books in the DIRTY SEXY Series are stand-alone novels!

New York Times bestselling authors Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde bring you a dirty, sexy, smoking hot SERIES featuring four bad boy heroes who are bonded by shocking secrets and their damaged past. Sinful, addicting, and unapologetically alpha, these men are every woman’s erotic daydream … And your ultimate dirty fantasy.

ALL BOOKS IN THE DIRTY SEXY SERIES can be read on its own, or as a companion to the other book in the series:
Dirty Sexy Saint (Clay)
Dirty Sexy Inked (Mason)
Dirty Sexy Cuffed (Levi)
Dirty Sexy Sinner (Jackson)

•••••••••

REVIEW:

DIRTY SEXY SINNER is the fourth installment in the Dirty Sexy contemporary, adult, erotic, romance series co-authored by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde. This is bartender Tara Kent, and Jackson Stone’s story line. DIRTY SEXY SINNER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and the family history between the Kincaid brothers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tara and Jackson) DIRTY SEXY SINNER focuses on the unknown Kincaid brother-Jackson Stone- Clay’s identical twin and a man none of the Kincaid brothers knew anything about. Jackson was adopted as a baby and only recently discovered that his adoption was illegal. His birth mother was a crack addict and life in the Stone household was anything but pleasant for Jackson Stone. With the recent reveal of his true identity Jackson goes in search of the brothers he never knew. Enter Tara Kent, Clay’s friend and co-worker, and the woman that would call to Jackson’s heart.

DIRTY SEXY SINNER is a story line focusing on betrayal, family and acceptance. Both Tara and Jackson’s lives are mired in neglect, dark secrets, and broken dreams. Jackson’s attraction to Tara is immediate but Tara’s relationship with Clay may be an obstacle that stands in their way. What ensues is the building relationship between Tara and Jackson, and Jackson’s less than warm welcome in the Kincaid clan. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense. Jackson likes to spank in the bedroom.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters. Clay has been caught unaware that he had another brother let alone a twin who is identical in every way.

DIRTY SEXY SINNER is a provocative and energetic read; a heartwarming story about family and friendships, second chances, and finding your soul mate when you least expect it. The premise is moving; the characters are passionate; the romance is sexy and intimate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Dirty Sexy Saint
Dirty Sexy Inked
Dirty Sexy Cuffed
Dirty Sexy Sinner

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Dirty Sexy Teaser

About the Author Black and Green

Carly Phillips Erika Wilde

Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels featuring hot men, strong women and the emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. Carly’s career spans over a decade and a half with various New York publishing houses, and she is now an Indie author who runs her own business and loves every exciting minute of her publishing journey. Carly is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs (two wheaten terriers and one mutant Havanese) who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.

Website: www.carlyphillips.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsFanPage
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carly-Phillips/e/B001I9W0MS

Erika Wilde:

Erika Wilde is the author of the sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit website at www.erikawilde.com.

Website: http://www.erikawilde.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5357264.Erika_Wilde
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/erikawildeauthorfanpage
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/erikawilde1

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