Monthly Archives: November 2016

Poet of the Wrong Generation by Lonnie Ostrow-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION by Lonnie Ostrow-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION
by Lonnie Ostrow
Release Date: November 10, 2016
Genre: fiction, contemporary romance

Poet of the Wrong Generation

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

RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2016

“It’s not that I don’t love you, and my tears are yet to dry. But you can’t go back and forth forever and we’ve already said goodbye.”

Through these words, a young poet unearths his musical soul while severing ties with the woman he loves after her stunning betrayal. Unknowingly, in writing this ballad of liberation, he will soon evolve as one of the fastest rising stars on the pop music landscape.

The year is 1991; the place, New York City. Here we meet Johnny Elias, a college student from Brooklyn with boundless adoration for two things in life: timeless popular music, and the heart of a sweet, complicated young woman who is clearly out of his league.

Megan Price not only is the object of Johnny’s affection, but also the only daughter of New York’s most powerful PR woman: the indomitable Katherine Price.

Projecting that her daughter’s boyfriend will never live up to the family standard, Katherine cleverly perpetrates a series of duplicitous schemes to rid Johnny from her high-class world. But in her callous disregard, she inadvertently sets him on a determined course to his improbable musical destiny – while sending her own daughter spiraling down a path of devastation.

Poet of the Wrong Generation tells the symmetrical story of a lovable underdog and his meteoric rise to stardom, his humiliating downfall and his unprecedented attempt to reclaim his place as the unlikely musical spokesman for his generation. At the heart of Poet is a tale of star-crossed lovers and their struggle with unforeseen success and disillusionment, in an attempt to rediscover lasting harmony.

Uniquely integrating a variety of original song compositions, Poet projects the epic clash between true contentment and the fable of stardom’s rewards; a nostalgic journey through the major events of the 1990s, with a cherished cast of characters and a stunningly unpredictable conclusion.

•••••

REVIEW: POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION by Lonnie Ostrow is an amazing and cleverly written, contemporary romance story of fiction following musician Johnny Elias, and the woman he loves Megan Price.

Told from several third person points of view, POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION covers approximately six years in the life, beginning in 1991, of contemporary singer/song writer and poet Johnny Elias –from his early days in college to his meteoric rise to fame and fortune, and the eventual downfall, not of his making. The reader is front and center as twenty one year old Johnny Elias enters into the world of an upstart musician working his way to the top. Before Johnny’s life begins its quick ascent he will lose the one person who keeps his heart beating and his soul alive. Megan’s rejection of the boy that she loves is the perfect muse for our story line hero, and with it comes the fame and notoriety of celebrity status and the fortunes of success…but jealousy, revenge and betrayal are accomplices to Johnny’s fall from grace- a fall that is triggered by someone from his past.

POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION is an astonishing and profound story; a unique look at one man’s climb to the top only to be destroyed by someone else’s greed, ambition, and need for retribution and revenge; a story of forbidden love between two people whose lives will be destroyed by resentment, the hunger for power, and a need to control. Lonnie Ostrow’s POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION is a masterpiece of literary fiction for today’s generation and the next.Make POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION your next go to read and enjoy

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

TRC: Hi Lonnie and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Lonnie: Goodreads / Website . Facebook Twitter /

Lonnie OstrowLonnie: I guess you could say that I have been an innovator, storyteller, promoter and celebrity-insider for more than two decades. With Poet Of The Wrong Generation, I combined all of my unique experiences to create a novel of love & betrayal, music & fanfare, downfall & redemption — a fable of stardom’s rewards, set in New York City during the 1990s. It’s been hailed as “the ultimate rock & roll love story.” Since 2001, I have been the publicity/marketing director & researcher for the iconic best-selling novelist Barbara T. Bradford. I also serve as an editorial and marketing consultant for a collection of first-time authors through The Editorial Department in Tucson, AZ. Previously I worked as a PR executive, promoting an assortment of first-time celebrity authors including Ray Manzarek of The Doors.

From 1995 – 2001, I was widely credited with inventing the “living celebrity postal phenomenon.” In all, I worked with more than 40 legendary personalities from the Bee Gees to Bob Dylan, Sylvester Stallone to Jackie Chan, creating media events to celebrate their postal recognition by an assortment of foreign nations.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Lonnie: Writing has been my backbone throughout my life. I recall my struggles in math and some science classes back in the middle years in grade-school. Out of need to impress my English teacher, I decided to sit down and write a handful of short-stories, which I turned in for extra credit. Mrs. Birnbaum, my 5th grade teacher, was particularly encouraging for me to continue focusing on creative writing. My college English professor in my freshman year was another great influence. Professor William Hochman pushed me to expand my skills in storytelling and in researching my subjects to create dynamic writing projects. It was my great thrill to recently present an advance copy of my debut novel to each of them.

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

Lonnie: The writing itself went rather smoothly. It took me four months of round-the-clock writing to complete the initial draft. I spent eight months working with a wonderful editor, whipping the manuscript into shape. When it was “publication-ready” I submitted query letters to more than a hundred agents. I researched the process extensively, then sent out 10 – 15 targeted letters every week for several months. It took a lot of patience and endurance of rejection before I drew interest from a trio a literary agents. I selected one based upon her enthusiasm for my project and her track record of placements for contemporary fiction. My literary agent who I signed with in 2007 became insistent on me changing my novel from a PG-rated story into something more hardcore and explicit. She insisted that it needed to be that way in order to sell my book as “adult fiction.” I tried to meet her halfway, but she was not willing to compromise her position. And I was not prepared to compromise my personal values. We reached an impasse and parted ways. I probably could have landed another agent if I had wanted to. Instead, I tucked away the project until recently when I was approached by Harmony River Press. They were perfectly comfortable with the content of my story.

Poet of the Wrong GenerationTRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION?

Lonnie: The great, late, Harry Chapin was sang that “sometimes life is better when we don’t get to touch our dreams.” If my story has a primary theme, this is it. Johnny Elias is a college student from Brooklyn with boundless adoration for two things in life: timeless popular music, and the heart of a sweet, complicated young woman who is clearly out of his league. Megan Price not only is the object of Johnny’s affection, but also the only daughter of New York’s most powerful PR woman: the indomitable Katherine Price. Projecting that her daughter’s boyfriend will never live up to the family standard, Katherine cleverly perpetrates a series of duplicitous schemes to rid Johnny from her high-class world. But in her callous disregard, she inadvertently sets him on a determined course to his improbable musical destiny – while sending her own daughter spiraling down a path of despair. “Poet” tells the story of a lovable underdog and his meteoric rise to stardom, his humiliating downfall and his unprecedented attempt to reclaim his place as the unlikely musical spokesman for his generation. At the heart of Poet is a tale of star-crossed lovers and their struggle with unforeseen success and disillusionment, in an attempt to rediscover lasting harmony.

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

Lonnie: Before I wrote a single page of this novel, I got to know my characters exceptionally well. They needed to feel “real” to me before I could convince readers of their authenticity. The story is rooted in some real-life incidents, and takes place in New York City in 1991 against a series of notable events. I think that using real history is essential in keeping the fiction “believable.” So much of what happens in the story has an element of reality to it, although there are a few rather sensational incidents that are eye-opening to the readers. Just not in a jarring way.

TRC: Are any of the characters or scenarios based in reality or from people you know or met?

Lonnie: There are elements in some of my characters that I find in myself and some other individuals who I know, or once knew. Johnny Elias is my protagonist. He isn’t me, but he is the fictional songwriter credited with writing and performing my song compositions. He’s the rock star who I never attempted to become. Howard Greffen is Johnny’s musical mentor. I based him loosely on a student who I went to Adelphi University with back in the early 90s. This too was a much older student with terrific musical ability. There’s a character called Larry Jacobs who is one of New York’s treasured FM radio personalities. I created him as a composite of several popular radio hosts including the legendary Cousin Brucie, whom I have had the pleasure of working with on several events.

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?

Lonnie: Absolutely. An eye-catching cover is essential, although perhaps less so today because so many readers purchase their books online, where the cover art appears smaller than a printed cover on a bookstore shelf. In my opinion, a strong cover is colorful, tells an element of the story, and best of all, it frames the title in a way that will visually resonate with readers.

TRC: When writing a story line, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Lonnie: The characters are my story. Yes there is a story arc which I had fleshed out in a detailed outline before writing the book. But when I sat down to write it, the characters came alive and elements of their personalities dictated the direction of secondary story lines. So many new wrinkles were worked in along the way because of how these characters influenced the pace.

TRC: Many writers bounce ideas with friends or other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Lonnie: My wife, Simona, was my first sounding board. I would share ideas and scenes with her as the story developed. A childhood friend, Ben Wulfsohn, was actually the first person to read the rough manuscript. Ben was helpful in the naming of a supporting character, and in helping me to catch errors like missing hyphens, quotation marks, etc. Eventually, I worked closely with an excellent editor on polishing the writing until it was ready for circulation to agents.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the story line so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Lonnie: I happen to work with many first-time authors in editing their novels. One thing they all have in common is that they tend to make the same mistake in their first draft. That is: they compose too much narrative summary and not enough scenes with action and dialog. The reader wants to feel like they are part of the drama with the characters. They don’t want to read about it after the fact in a wrap-up show. I’ve read entire novels that were done in this fashion and had to be completely re-written. Thankfully, if these are my clients, I make sure to point out every place where a real-time scene needs to replace the epilogue-like summary. However, there are some books out there that have been published by mainstream authors that fall into this trap. It’s quite frustrating as the reader to be “told” the story instead of being inside the minds and hearts of the characters.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Lonnie: My musical tastes are eclectic and range from classic rock to folk to 1970s/80s pop. But when I’m working, I strongly prefer to have on music without lyrics. Film scores are my primary choice. I have a few favorites including the soundtrack to the film Awakenings and The Last Of The Mohegans. Sad, expressive music can help me to squeeze out a more emotional scene. I also had my original song demos for the songs that are included in the story. I listened carefully to them during the time when I was ready to insert the song lyrics into my story.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Lonnie: To me, the most notable misconception is that just because an author writes one good book does not mean they will be able to duplicate this success, or creativity a second time. I happen to have a client author who had unprecedented exposure and sales for her first novel. Unfortunately for her, she has never been able to approach the quality of the story, or the strength of her characters in her subsequent work. Some writers really only have one good story in them. Those who are prolific at turning out a book a year are the ones who have both the skills and the deep imagination to keep on coming up with the next great protagonist and plot. But these are the rare and few.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Lonnie: I’m currently in the heart of promoting Poet Of The Wrong Generation. I’m fortunate in that I am a professional book marketer, so I’ve put together an extensive blueprint for spreading word for my debut novel. The campaign will keep me busy well into February of next year (2017). This includes my weekly blog articles, a pair of music videos, and a series of book commercials that I am producing. Beyond that, I plan to go back next spring and finish that second novel which I started long ago, but never completed. Mind you, this is not due to a lack of story, or ideas. I shelved it because I put all my focus into getting my first novel published. I’m now excited to revisit that second project with a fresh pair of eyes.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Lonnie: For readers who wish to hear the original songs contained in Poet Of The Wrong Generation, I have a page on my website where one can view a pair of music videos containing two of the more important songs from the story. The link is HERE: I know that readers will appreciate the concept of a book with an audio soundtrack.

TRC: Thank you Lonnie for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION.

Giveaway-Black and Deep Blue

Lonnie’s publisher is graciously offering a’Greatest Hits of the 80s’ compilation CD to one commenter; and a paper copy of POET OF THE WRONG GENERATION to one commenter.

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8. Giveaway runs from November 10-14, 2016

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Tru Blue by Melissa Foster-Review, Book Tour and Giveway

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TRU BLUE by Melissa Foster-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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TRU BLUE
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: November 9, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romance

Tru Blue

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2016

Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer…TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women’s fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover…

There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman’s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: TRU BLUE by Melissa Foster is a stand alone, erotic, romance story line focusing on mechanic and former inmate Truman Gritt, and children’s party planner Gemma Wright. Although TRU BLUE is a stand alone story, some of the characters from Melissa’s other series cross over as secondary and supporting characters including Bear Whiskey first introduced in River of Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gemma and Tru) TRU BLUE focuses on family, friendship and love. Following the overdose death of his mother, Truman Gritt becomes father and guardian to two younger siblings (Kennedy and Lincoln) he knew nothing about. A late night run to the local department store for supplies finds our hero out of his element except for the help of a young woman who offers suggestions and a list of necessary items for two children under three years of age. Enter Gemma Wright, the woman who will call to Truman’s heart.

TRU BLUE is an emotional and heartbreaking story of one man’s struggle to protect his family but in the end believes he has failed every step of the way. His mother’s death, his younger brother’s (Quincy) addiction, and Truman’s subsequent time in jail for a crime he did not commit finds our hero reflecting on a future, raising a family with the woman he loves.

The relationship between Truman and Gemma is one of immediate attraction. Tru struggles to be both father and guardian to his younger siblings but gets plenty of help from friends and the new woman in his life. Truman and Quincy’s dark and painful past reveals a long history of neglect and abuse; Gemma’s pampered upbringing reveals a young woman raised to be seen and not heard. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top graphic text.

TRU BLUE is a dramatic and intense story of addiction and abandonment, recovery and rebirth, acceptance and falling in love. The premise is both heartbreaking and heartwarming; the characters are damaged, passionate and sensitive; the romance is wondrous and beautiful.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Book Trailer-You Tube link:   https://youtu.be/d_etxqca1is

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excerpt

TRUMAN GRITT LOCKED the door to Whiskey Automotive and stepped into the stormy September night. Sheets of rain blurred his vision, instantly drenching his jeans and T-shirt. A slow smile crept across his face as he tipped his chin up, soaking in the shower of freedom. He made his way around the dark building and climbed the wooden stairs to the deck outside his apartment. He could have used the interior door, but after being behind bars for six long years, Truman took advantage of the small pleasures he’d missed out on, like determining his own schedule, deciding when to eat and drink, and standing in the f**king rain if he wanted to. He leaned on the rough wooden railing, ignoring the splinters of wood piercing his tattooed forearms, squinted against the wetness, and scanned the cars in the junkyard they used for parts—and he used to rid himself of frustrations. He rested his leather boot on the metal box where he kept his painting supplies. Truman didn’t have much—his old extended-cab truck, which his friend Bear Whiskey had held on to for him while he was in prison, this apartment, and a solid job, both of which were compliments of the Whiskey family. The only family he had anymore.
Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.
“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.
He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.
“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.
“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.
Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.
Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”

About The Author

Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Take My Dare (Stark International Trilogy 4) by J. Kenner-Review and Book Tour

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TAKE MY DARE (Stark International Trilogy #4) by J.Kenner-Review and Book Tour

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TAKE MY DARE
Stark International Trilogy
by J. Kenner
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Take My Dare

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2016

I’ve never been happier than I am with Jackson Steele. But I should know better than anyone that happiness always comes at a price…

My life with Jackson is nothing short of perfection. He is my love, my husband, the one man in all the world who makes me feel alive and whole. Our careers are on track. Our family is growing. And the ghosts of our past have been vanquished – or so I believed.

When a wonderful night of sensuality and passion following a masquerade ball turns dark with the news that haunting, horrible photographs of me have surfaced, my old fears and insecurities threaten to knock me down, and it is only within Jackson’s arms that I find the strength to endure.

But even Jackson’s protection may not be able to save us, because I know my husband well. And he will do whatever it takes—even if it means risking himself—in order to protect our family…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: TAKE MY DARE is the fourth installment in J. Kenner’s STARK INTERNATIONAL series focusing on Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks-Steele. The Stark International series is a spin off from J. Kenner’s Stark Trilogy (Damien and Nikki Stark). TAKE MY DARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the STARK INTERNATIONAL series in order for cohesion and back story as each installment builds upon the previous story lines.

Told from first person point of view (Sylvia) and third person (Jackson) TAKE MY DARE focuses on the days leading up to and after the release of Sylvia’s father from prison. Sylvia’s father killed the man that all but destroyed Sylvia’s life but with his release, old photographs resurface reminding Sylvia about her shameful and heartbreaking past.

TAKE MY DARE is an erotic story line; a quick read; a novella length story that ‘teases’ the reader but never actually reveals the source of the release. TAKE MY DARE builds up the tension and possible source of the threat with two to three potential guilty parties at the helm. There is suspense and mystery; spicy scenes of romance and $ex; family, friendships and love. The premise is intriguing; the characters are passionate; the romance is provocative and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Take My Dare Teaser

about the author

J.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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Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

Someone to LoveAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune that will forever alter the lives of everyone in his family—including the daughter no one knew he had…
 
Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl’s guardian is interested in Anna…
 
Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, keeps others at a distance. Yet something prompts him to aid Anna in her transition from orphan to lady. As London society and her newfound relatives threaten to overwhelm Anna, Avery steps in to rescue her and finds himself vulnerable to feelings and desires he has hidden so well and for so long.

 

 

Review:

Someone to Love by Mary Balogh is the 1st book in her new Westcott series.   This was a very well written Historical romance by Balogh, with a great premise.  Anna Snow is our heroine, whom we meet early on.  Anna is an orphan, who has spent all of her life at the orphanage, and is now a teacher.  She receives a letter summoning her to attend a meeting, and discovers that she is has inherited the fortune of the Earl of Riverdale, who was her father and the man who dropped her off at the orphanage.  Anna finally has siblings, which she always wanted, but they want nothing to do with her; but she is welcomed by her family (grandmother, aunts, cousins, etc) who feel the need to train our Anna, how to act and dress as a titled lady of society.

Avery Archer, our hero, is the Duke of Netherby and the guardian of the now disposed heir to the Earl of Riverdale.  Avery has always been the person whom both families relied on to oversee everything.  He is not only gorgeous, but he in his own right is wealthy and an aristocrat. 

What follows is an amazing story of how Anna must change her life style, learn all about her relatives and become part of what she is expected to be; she also must attend balls for her coming out. Avery finds himself interested in everything Anna does, and slowly discovers that is beginning to have feelings for her.   Anna from the start found Avery attractive, but his standoffish demeanor kept her at a distance.   She soon began to rely on Avery’s assistance, and slowly their romance was inevitable. 

I really liked many of the secondary characters, whom I am sure will be featured in future stories of this series. I hope to find out more about Elizabeth, Alex, and even her siblings, who want nothing to do with Anna.   I did enjoy this book, but I also felt that some parts were a bit tedious, giving us too much details.  Overall it was a great story, with wonderful characters.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Blow (Virtuous Paradox #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-a review

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BLOW (Virtuous Paradox #1) by Heidi McLaughlin-a review

Blow

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

About the book: Release Date November 8, 2016

Meet the complicated men behind the sexiest boy band in America! In Blow, the start of an emotionally charged series from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, an insatiable heartthrob gets blinded by the spotlight—and learns to fight for love.

Bodhi McKnight has always had everything handed to him on a silver platter: fame, success, money, girls. The raven-haired, blue-eyed hottie is the son of Hollywood A-listers, and when he’s asked to join the boy band Virtuous Paradox, his star shoots even higher. But so do expectations, leading Bodhi down a destructive path of addiction—until a drop-dead gorgeous guardian angel shows him her sizzling brand of tough love.

When Bodhi ends up in rehab, he doesn’t expect to meet someone as cool and down-to-earth as Kimberly Gordon. Although he’s enjoyed the company of beautiful, charming women before, none of them have tried to get to know the “real” Bodhi. But Kimberly isn’t fazed by his stardom. She’d rather go horseback riding, teach Bodhi to play guitar, or ask him about his feelings. Soon Bodhi realizes he’s fallen head over heels for her. He just hopes that he’s strong enough to protect what they have from all the pressures and temptations of the outside world.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BLOW is the first installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, adult VIRTUOUS PARADOX erotic, rocker romance series focusing on the boy band Virtuous Paradox. This is front man Bodhi McKnight, and psychologist/rehab counselor Kimberly Gordon’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bodhi and Kimberly) BLOW is a story of forbidden romance. Bodhi McKnight is an addict and has thirty days to clean up or he is out of the band. Rehab finds our hero withdrawn and unable to trust including the woman who calls to his heart-psychologist and counselor Kimberly Gordon. What ensues is the building relationship between Bodhi and Kimberly, and the reality of life as Bodhi returns to world of rock and roll.

BLOW is a story of insta lust/love ; a forbidden relationship between patient and mentor. Bodhi is struggling to get clean but finds himself attracted to the woman assigned to his care. Kimberly is a woman who refuses to let Bodhi’s fame and stardom enter into the equation but is also a woman who has fallen for the man who is battling more than one outside demon. The $ex scenes are erotic and graphic. Bodhi likes to talk dirty both in and out of the bedroom. Although the attraction between the couple is immediate I did not feel the connection-the palpable energy was missing, and the lack of build up made for a less than explosive coupling.

We are introduced to the other members of the band including their manager Rebel Van Zandt, Brayden Copeland, and Carson Monroe, as well as Brayden’s best friend Natalie and her young daughter Maggie. Kimberly’s father Dr. Gordon heads the San Diego treatment center where Brodhi meets the love of his life; Dr. Rosenberg who handles Brodhi’s group, and one on one sessions; and Bodhi’s repentant and equally famous parents Hollywood director Roger McKnight and actress Gabriela Laura. Aspen Lawrence is Brodhi’s ‘friend’ and the woman who sets out to destroy our hero’s life.

The world building focuses on Brodhi’s treatment for addiction-the withdrawal, the hallucinations, and the steps in his recovery. We are also witness to the strained friendships between the members of the band including a manager who pushes the boys to be perfect in an imperfect world.

BLOW is a story about addiction and recovery; love and misunderstanding; friendship and family. The over the top insta-lust/love premise is a little disconcerting considering our hero is a train wreck in his personal and professional life, and the actions of Kimberly Gordon are questionable under the circumstance-but BLOW is a fictional story line with fictional characters meant to entertain. The premise is dramatic; the characters are passionate and broken but immature; the romance and Bodhi’s need for Kimberly Gordon is akin to switching from one addiction to another.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Review by Sandy

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Leopard’s Fury (Leopard Series #9) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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LEOPARD’S FURY (Leopard Series #9) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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LEOPARD’S FURY
Leopard Series #9
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance

Leopard's Fury

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository /

About the book: Release Date November 8, 2016

Passion melts the will of an ice-cold criminal when he meets the one woman who can tame the beast inside him.

With her own bakery in San Antonio, Evangeline Tregre made a new life far from the brutal lair of shifters she was born into. Though she is all too aware of her leopard-shifter blood, she never felt the sensation of a wild animal stirring inside her. Not until Alonzo Massi walked into her bakery. The powerful shifter is as irresistible as he is terrifying, but his icy demeanor tells her to keep her distance.

Alonzo knows better than to let himself get involved with someone like Evangeline. She doesn’t deserve the type of danger that follows him, or the threat of his Amur leopard. But even with his lean muscle and iron will, Alonzo isn’t strong enough to stay away from the one woman who can make him feel at peace. And when their secret lives draw a mortal threat, Alonzo unleashes the feral passion he keeps pent up inside himself.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:  LEOPARD’S FURY is the ninth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD SERIES paranormal, romance series focusing on the supernatural world of the Leopard shifter. This is baker Evangeline Tregre, and businessman and Mafia Don Alonzo Massi’s story line. LEOPOARD’S FURY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles including Jake and Emma, Eli and Cat, Elijah and Siena, Drake and Saria, as well as Joshua Tregre, Evangeline’s first cousin.

Told from several third person perspectives LEOPARD’S FURY focuses on Mafia Don Alonzo Mazzi’s need and draw towards baker Evangeline Tregre. For close to one year Alonzo has been drawn to Evangeline, visiting her bakery, ensuring her safety and making sure no other male comes close to the woman that calms the beast within. Alonzo knows that to begin a relationship with Evangeline Tregre could place our heroine in the direct line of fire when the illegal side of his business world seeks revenge. What ensues is Alonzo’s slow seduction of Evangline, and the search for the person responsible for the threats against Evangeline’s life.

Abandoned as a small child in the Louisiana swamps, Evangeline is a woman who left the Bayou in search of peace and an escape from a life of abuse and neglect. Alonzo’s backstory is heartbreaking and rife with death and destruction. Growing up in an abusive world set Alonzo’s leopard on a path of darkness and revenge. Our hero’s quiet demeanor hides a dark and lonely existence for a dangerous leopard shifter-baring his heart and his soul to Evangeline Tregre places Alonzo in a position to lose it all.

LEOPARD’S FURY is a passionate story line of fated mates. I am pleased that Christine Feehan has returned to her original style of romance writing without the need for copious amounts of graphic violence and abuse against women and children. The premise is entertaining, engrossing, and compelling; the characters are charismatic, spirited but flawed. We are introduced to several new Leopard shifters including Jeremiah Wheating as well as Alonzo’s brothers and cousins-Gorya, Timur and Mitya. The romance is sensual and seductive without the need for abusive power and control.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt beige

Alonzo didn’t smile. He rarely, if ever smiled. His gaze was restless, scanning the streets, the sidewalks and most of all, looking through the plate-glass windows of the Small Sweet Shoppe. She was there, just as she always was. Working. Beautiful. Breath-taking. He shouldn’t be there. He was the last man that should ever go into that bakery and put his gaze on that woman, but he couldn’t stop himself. Timur was right. She was his Achilles’ heel.
He sighed and put his hand to the door, shoving it open because he couldn’t stop himself. He was a disciplined man in every area of his life, he had to be, yet for eight months he’d come to the bakery at least three times a week. That was him being disciplined. He’d wanted to go every damn day. He’d stayed away over a month, nearly two. He could count the weeks, days, hours and minutes since he’d last seen her.
“Bad idea, boss,” Timur muttered. He was deadly serious and when he pushed past Alonzo to take a sweep of the small interior, his body in front of his brother’s, he scowled at the woman behind the counter—the one who eventually was going to be the death of his brother if Fyodor kept this madness up.
Alonzo paused inside the door, taking a moment to drink her in. Savor her. Just for that moment before she looked up. He found he was holding his breath. A part of him almost wished she had a man. That she wouldn’t look up, see him and smile that innocent, shy smile that told him she was interested in a monster. On the other hand, if she didn’t smile at him that way, he’d be crushed. Shattered. It had been so damned long since he’d laid eyes on her, and he couldn’t take it one more minute. More, if she was smiling that way for another man, he might commit murder and it would have nothing to do with his leopard.
Her name was Evangeline Bouvier. She was small and curvy with beautiful breasts that called to him. Her hair was a thick, dark silky mass that cascaded over her shoulders nearly to her waist. She wore it pulled back from her face in a thick intricate braid that always made him want to run his hand down it to the very end where it rested in the sweet curve of her ass. And she had a very nice ass. He spent far too much time thinking about it, just as he did every single part of her.
Evangeline glanced up, and instantly it was there. That smile she reserved solely for him. He’d seen countless customers come in over the last few months. She always smiled at them, but not like that. That smile was reserved for him alone and that told him she didn’t have a man. No one had come in and tried to steal her out from under him.
She had a fantasy mouth—one he’d dreamt of many times. He’d woken up every one of those times with his fist on his cock and the dream of her mouth tight around him. Her eyes were a true emerald, startling green, rich and warm and he wanted her looking up at him when he fucked her mouth. He always dreamt of her that way. If she had any idea of the dirty things he wanted to do to her, she’d order him out and lock the door behind him. Yeah, and if any other man ever had the same thoughts about her and he knew it, that man would be dead within the hour.
“Alonzo, I haven’t seen you in a while.”
Even her voice got to him. Low. Sexy. So damned sweet he wanted to take a bite out of her. He stepped up to the counter.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin
Random House Company. Copyright © Christine Feehan, 2016.

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Christine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of WILD CAT (Book 8) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9.. Giveaway runs from November 8-12, 2016

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Bedwrecker by Kim Karr-Review and Book Tour

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BEDWRECKER by Kim Karr-Review and Book Tour

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BEDWRECKER
by Kim Karr
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: November 3, 2016

Bedwrecker

Amazon.com / Paper back /Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2016

Every girl has had a broken heart.
Every girl knows love hurts.
Every girl has a story.

This is mine…

My name is Maggie May and I met him under a haze of purple lights. As cliché as it sounds he was tall, dark, and handsome as hell, and I had fireworks in my eyes…literally.

It was New Year’s Eve and beneath the magic of all that glitters and shines, I fell for him and his wicked ways. The way he moved, the way he touched me, the way he brought me to orgasm over and over.

You should know that I don’t believe in love. Fairytales and happily-ever-afters are never anything I’ve dreamed of…until him.

Something changed the moment our eyes met. It wasn’t insta-lust or insta-love, it was simply him and me, and the dance floor at our feet.

The problem is our story ended three days after it started.
But now he’s back.
And he says he’s sorry.

Can I believe him?
Do I want to believe him?

He calls me his bedwrecker…but what if he wrecks me?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BEDWRECKER is a sexy, stand alone, erotic romance story line from author Kim Karr focusing on former Wall Street trader Keen Masters, and fashion assistant Maggie May. BEDWRECKER is part of a series by Kim Karr that includes NO PANTS REQUIRED focusing on a group of friends in Laguna Beach, California. Maggie is Makayla’s best friend from No Pants Required.

Told from dual first person points of view (Maggie and Keen) BEDWRECKER follows the building relationship between Maggie May and Keen Masters. New Years Eve found our couple promising one another more than a one-night stand but like all of the men in Maggie’s life, Keen Masters didn’t stay true to his promise. Six weeks would pass, Maggie’s anger and hurt continued to grow, before Keen Masters showed his face in Laguna Beach-half brother to Maggie’s roommate Brooklyn-and a man angry at the world and himself. Keen has left New York City behind and is re-establishing himself in the world of men’s fashion. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Maggie and Keen, and the journey of discovery for our leading couple.

BEDWRECKER has moments of humor, sexting, heartbreak and forgiveness. The texting between Keen and Maggie is fun and flirty; their times together filled with erotic $ex and steamy love. We are witness to their backstory reveals-the sorrow and pain; their issues of abandonment and loss; their need to keep people and loved ones at a distance. BEDWRECKER is a story of seduction, romance, and acceptance. The premise is sexy; the characters are spirited and energetic; the romance is passionate and intense.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of NO PANTS REQUIRED

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Bedwrecker Teaser

About-the-Author

Kim Karr 2I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

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Ruled (Outlaws #3) by Elle Kennedy-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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RULED (Outlaws #3) by Elle Kennedy-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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RULED
Outlaws #3
by Elle Kennedy
Genre: adult, post-apocalyptic, dystopian, erotic, romance
Release Date November 1, 2016

Ruled

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE November 1, 2016

Despite his magnetic personality, Rylan can’t seem to seduce Reese, the deadly leader of their town of outlaws. Winning her over is a welcome challenge, but her indifference isn’t the only thing standing in his way. If he wants Reese, Rylan must also win over Sloan, her stoic protector…

Sloan has always loved Reese, but their painful past has stolen his chances of a future with her. Rylan’s interest in Reese only intensifies the tension—until Sloan begins to wonder if the reckless man might be the one person who can bridge the distance…

The last time Reese fell for the wrong man, she had no choice but to kill him. Now, she desperately wants to take what both Rylan and Sloan are offering. But if she makes the wrong call again, she risks losing them both.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  RULED is the third installment in Elle Kennedy’s adult , post-apocalyptic/dystopian Outlaws erotic, romance series. This is Rylan, Reese, and Sloan’s story line. RULED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history.

NOTE: RULED contains graphic and explicit scenes of M/M/, M/F and M/F/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: The OUTLAW series by Elle Kennedy focuses on the post-apocalyptic USA where the country is now divided into a number of respective territories without government control. There are various factions of bandits, enforcers, outlaws, and the people from the city. Life on the outside is hard; there are no laws, no law enforcement, and death is often the better option. Several groups of outlaws have banded together in gated communities for protection and control.

Told from several third person points of view including Rylan, Reese, and Sloan RULED focuses on survival. Reese is determined to end the suffering of the people in her ‘town’ and gathers together the leaders of the outlying camps in an attempt to take down the Enforcers patrolling the area. With one woman pregnant and about to give birth, and a number of under-aged children under her care, Reese’s settlement has been targeted by the people who claim to be in charge. Meanwhile Reese battles her attraction and the emotional fall out for the two men who call to her heart-Rylan and Sloan-both strong, alpha males whose attraction to one another adds fuel to the fire that is already burning. What ensues is the building relationship between Rylan, Reese and Sloan, and dangerous battle for power and control in a war between the Enforcers and the Outlaws.

RULED is a graphically, erotic story line of ménage between three people whose lives will be changed when the potential loss of one means the loss of their hearts. Sloan has been in love with Reese since the first day they met five years earlier; and Rylan’s need for his ‘fearless leader’ is compounded with his need for her second in command. The $ex scenes are intense, seductive and energetic with M/M, M/F, and M/F/M sexual situations.

The world building continues to focus on survival in a post-apocalyptic world where life expectancy is short; food and supplies are scarce; and security and safety is never guaranteed.

Elle Kennedy’s RULED and the OUTLAWS series is a gritty and graphic look at survival of the fittest. The premise is imaginative and clever; the characters are heartbreaking, vivacious, and heroic; the romance is real and raw.

Reading Order and previous reviews
CLAIMED
ADDICTED
RULED

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

Rylan didn’t waste time. He strode to the two-story brownstone on Main Street and entered behind her. He didn’t bother to knock. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission and all that.
He found her upstairs in her small kitchen, arms braced against the counter as she stared out the window at the unkempt yard behind the building. It was empty, save for a decrepit playset in the back corner. The slide was long gone, but a single swing hung from a rusted bar.
“When you die,” she said without turning around, “I’m going to dub you Saint Rylan, patron of lost causes.”
Rylan stepped close enough that he could feel the heat from her body, but far enough away that there was room for her to escape. “How’d you know it was me instead of Sloan?”
“Your footsteps are different.”
“Huh.” He chewed on that piece of information a bit. He was probably reading too much into it, but the fact that she could distinguish his footsteps from someone else’s? That was all the encouragement he needed to stay. “You’re a damn impressive woman, Reese.”
“Is that right? Because I can tell you and Sloan apart?” She sounded tired, almost resigned. Rylan experienced a pang of concern. Connor had never sounded like this before, but then again, Rylan’s leader had never been in charge of eighty-plus people before either. Con kept his camp small. Even Hudson, his woman, had been an interloper he hadn’t wanted to take in.
Reese, on the other hand, threw her doors open to any misfits, wanderers, and beggars that rattled on her gates.
Rylan briefly pondered what it would’ve been like growing up if there’d been a Reese around when he was young. Maybe then every night wouldn’t have been filled with his mother’s tears and his father’s angry shouts, followed by mournful pleas for forgiveness and hollow exchanges of I love you.
“That, and because you’ve got a vision for the future that few people would ever try to make a reality,” he said frankly.
“You and Connor think I’m nuts, don’t you?”
“Nah, brave.”
And maybe a little foolish, but hell, if it wasn’t for Reese’s foot in their asses, they’d still be holed up in their isolated camp, avoiding Enforcers and scavenging for supplies. Reese’s plan was big and bold and possibly suicidal, but the alternative was to cower, and Rylan had had enough of that.
She sighed and finally turned to look at him. “Did Sloan send you in here to cheer me up?”
Was that a dig? It kinda felt like one. But it was also true—Sloan had sent him. Or at least given him the signal that he wasn’t totally barking up the wrong tree by running after Reese.
He searched her eyes for traces of derision, but he only saw fatigue with a side of melancholy. He wanted to scoop this tough woman into his arms and pleasure her until she was too satisfied to frown.
“I’m here because last night was the best sex I’ve ever had. Because walking away from you isn’t an option for me.”
She made a strangled sound—half laugh, half groan—and rubbed the back of her hand across her forehead. Is that all you can think about?”
“Around you? Yup. I fuck and I fight. Don’t scratch too deep because there’s nothing there.”
She snorted in disbelief. “Tell that to someone who’ll believe you.”
Rylan’s brow furrowed. He’d always skated on the surface of intimacy, enjoying the physical nature of sex—the hot embrace, the rough friction, the sharp desire. What he’d just told Reese was absolutely true. He didn’t feel deeply. He could appreciate it in others, but he’d witnessed firsthand the emptiness of love. What he wanted, and what he could give, was pleasure and nothing more.
“What’re you talking about?” he finally asked, feeling slightly off-center that Reese saw something in him that didn’t exist.
She studied him for a moment before waving her hand carelessly. “It’s nothing. Look, last night was hot, but there’s nothing left here for you.” She presented her back to him and stared out the window again.
Was that a challenge? Sure sounded like one.

 

 

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The Reading Cafe and Elle’s publisher are offering a paper copy of RULED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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