Monthly Archives: January 2017

5th Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway at The Reading Cafe

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5th Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway at The Reading Cafe

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On February 2, 2012 The Reading Cafe was born. From our love of books, an idea came to life and our adventure began. The success has been phenomenal-reviews, interviews, authors and cover models, giveaways, cover reveals to behind the scenes-we offer something for everyone. Surpassing our 5,000th member, we cannot contain our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made The Reading Cafe a great place to visit.

To show our appreciation and to celebrate our 5th Anniversary we are offering you a chance to WIN a number of anniversary prize packages, including a KINDLE FIRE HD tablet, throughout the month of February, as well as our regularly scheduled promotions and giveaways.

Many of your favorite authors and publishers have graciously donated books and prize packages to help us celebrate with you. Remember to drop by The Reading Cafe every day to enter for your chance to WIN.

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If you miss a daily giveaway, you may go back and enter until the giveaway deadline. All giveaways can be accessed through the side bar link or under ‘contest and giveaways-5th Anniversary Celebration

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RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. ALL GIVEAWAYS REQUIRE A COMMENT to be eligible. Please leave a comment under each giveaway you would like to enter. Nothing much-enter me in the giveaway- is fine. Please follow the giveaway instructions under each daily post.

NOTE: If you have not previously registered, please register at The Reading Cafe using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook etc, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter etc does not account for email contact.

2. The paper giveaways are open to USA only unless otherwise specified. (it will be highlighted)

3. The ebook giveaways are open INTERNATIONALLY unless otherwise specified. (it will be highlighted)

4. Winners of all giveaways will be notified by email at the end of the promotion. Winners will have 72 hours to respond to the email notification. If the winner does not respond to the email within 72 hours, another name will be drawn.

5. Giveaway promotions will run from February 1 to February 14, and February 15 to February 28, 2017. Read each giveaway for end dates.

Again, we want to thank you for making The Reading Cafe a success.

Sandy, Barb and The Reading Cafe Team
(Vickie, Georgianna, Rachel, Julie B, Erin, Carmen, Xtina, Marcie, and Tricia)

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Into the Firestorm by Kat Martin – a Review

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Into the Firestorm by Kat Martin – a Review

 

Into the FirestormAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
At Brodie Operations Security Service, Inc., following your instincts is company policy . . .
M. Cassidy—Luke Brodie had heard the name before, some novice bounty hunter working Seattle, catching tricky skips with more success than a newcomer should expect. But the dark curls, sparkly top, and impressive cleavage were not what Brodie had pictured.

Emma Cassidy is tough and smart and sexy as hell. She’s also popping up a step ahead of him every time he’s close to the capture he wants most . . . and there’s no room for learning on the trail of this monster.

Emma has idolized Luke Brodie, the bounty hunter who can bring anyone in. The big man in the soft shoes, with a face like a fallen angel and a reputation for breaking hearts. Watching him in action is intoxicating. But her fight with Rudy Vance is fiercely personal. If he gets too close, Brodie will find out just how ferocious she can be . . .

 

Review:

Into the Firestorm by Kat Martin is the 3rd book in her Boss Inc. series. Even though being the 3rd book in this series, This reads very well as a standalone, as we get to meet the previous members of Boss Inc. 

Emma Cassidy is our heroine, and we meet her at the start.  A flash from the past, shows Emma arriving home to find her housekeeper murdered and her niece, Ginny terrified.  In current time, Emma’s  sister and niece are now in the witness protection system, to protect them from the sister’s ex boyfriend, who is obsessed with her daughter, having raped her a few years before.  Emma is determined to find the culprit, Rudy Vance and stop him from hurting her family again.  Emma, is now a bounty hunter, privately searching for Vance;  her looks are to her advantage, as she is strong and tough, with the men she apprehends not take her seriously.

Luke Brodie, our hero, was an ex-military, who now one of the brothers who run BOSS, Inc. and he considered the toughest and best  bounty hunter.  When he sees Emma handle herself to complete the same assignment  that he was on, Luke will try to learn more about her.  They discover that they are both searching for the same man, Rudy Vance; though for different reasons.  Luke because the money is good, and knowing how Vance is evil; and Emma for her own personal reasons. 

What follows is an intense exciting action filled adventure where Luke and Emma join hands to work together to find Vance before he finds Ginny.  Emma is determined to help Luke every step of the way, and despite his fears for her safety, he knows he can’t stop her.  I loved how Emma was such a strong heroine, being able to stand beside Luke as they fought dangerous situations.  This was not only an exciting story line, with an evil villain, the FBI and the witness protection played a big part of the story.

Luke finds himself falling hard for Emma, as she does with him. The chemistry between them was scorching hot.  But Luke is determined despite his feeling for Emma to let her go when this case was over.  He has always thought that due to his violent years in his dark military life, he was too dangerous to ever have a serious relationship and have a normal life.  Will Emma be able to convince Luke of her love and to trust her?  Will they both survive the evil Vance and save Ginny?

This was a great story that had me turning the pages anxiously, as I could not put the book down.  Kat Martin did a great job with this fantastic thriller, and in creating a wonderful couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Planned Seduction by Jess Dee – a Review

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Planned Seduction by Jess Dee – a Review

 

Planned Seduction

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He has a offer she can’t refuse

Daniel Tanner’s been in love with Amy since they were teenagers, and he’s tired of being seen as the proverbial best friend. If she would only give him a chance to show her how good they could be together, that giving in to the fiery attraction between them won’t burn up and ruin their friendship.

Amy Morgan has had a front row seat to the parade of women coming in and out of Daniel’s life for years, and she’s not interested in risking their friendship for something that would eventually end in heartache. And that’s how it would end, because if Amy’s learned anything in life, it’s that men leave. She couldn’t handle having her heart broken by her best friend, even if the promise of untold passion is keeping her up nights.

But no one knows Amy better than Daniel, and he’s devised a plan to show her they can have it all.

 

Review:

Planned Seduction begins with Daniel and Amy catching up, just as best friends do.  Unknown to Amy, Daniel has been in love with her for a long time and has been working on a plan to make her see they would be good together…..as more than friends.  He knows that Amy will be a hard nut to crack.  She’s had her heart broken not only by an ex, but her father as well, so he knows he has his work cut out for him. 

When Amy finally realizes that Daniel is “interested” in her, she is bound and determined to deter him and steer him back into best friend mode.  However, after the two share a passionate kiss and things progress, Amy starts wondering “what if”.   They settle into a bit of a routine, only to have it interrupted by Daniel being offered a very prestigious shoot that will take him out of town for a month.  Scared out of her mind that he will revert back to his old womanizing ways, Amy does the only thing she can.  She puts that stone wall up around her heart and pushes him away.  After all, in her mind, everyone always leaves her……………

Planned Seduction had all of the earmarks for a great story, but fell a little short for me.  I loved Daniel.  I loved his seize the day mentality and the way he was willing to put forth so much effort into developing his relationship with Amy.  He was sensitive and caring and patient and has a big heart.  Amy, on the other hand, behaved like a fifteen year old.  I found her reactions to be, for lack of a better word, disturbing.  She had known Daniel for years, yet she wouldn’t listen to him….really listen.  She put him in the same category as everyone else who had disappointed her in her life.  She had absolutely no trust in him, which is not what you expect from best friends.  The end of the book still didn’t have me convinced that they have their happily-ever-after.  Yes, then ended up together, but she still didn’t seem sure.  That’s the vibe I got anyway.  With all of that said, I did like the story, even though the first two-thirds of the book seemed to drag a bit.  The last third of the book, however, had me turning the pages faster and faster.  The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts when Amy allowed things to happen naturally.  I just wish she’d opened up sooner.  This is the first I’ve read written by this Jess Dee, and do look forward to giving her books another go.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Call To Honor (SEAL Brotherhood #1) by Tawny Weber-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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CALL TO HONOR (SEAL Brotherhood #1) by Tawny Weber-Review, Book tour & Giveaway

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CALL TO HONOR
SEAL Brotherhood #1
by Tawny Weber
Release Date: January 30, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, romantic, suspense

Call To Honor

 Amazon | Amazon.ca | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2017

The Poseidon team are hard-bodied, fiercely competitive navy SEALs. But when a sensitive mission goes disastrously wrong, three of the team’s finest will have to trust their hearts and instincts to uncover the truth…

“No man left behind” is inscribed in the DNA of every SEAL and Lieutenant Diego Torres is no exception. But with a team member killed—and the body missing—Diego’s honor is sorely tested. Now his career and reputation are on the line, and a traitor is hiding among them. Diego wants answers…and only one woman has them.

Single mom Harper Maclean has two priorities—raising her son Nathan and starting a new life. Her mysterious new neighbor may be impossibly charming, but Diego asks too many questions about her past—and about the father of her child. Questions she fears will reveal her burning attraction for Diego, and ultimately put them all in danger’s path.

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REVIEW: CALL TO HONOR is the first installment in Tawny Weber’s contemporary, adult SEAL BROTHERHOOD military, romantic suspense series focusing on a Special Ops SEAL Team known as Poseidon. This is Lieutenant Diego Torres (aka El Gato), and interior designer/ single mother Harper Maclean’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Diego and Harper CALL TO HONOR focuses on the Poseidon Team member’s search for the truth. When their latest mission in Afghanistan goes horribly wrong, leaving one member injured and one man missing and presumed dead, the Team comes under suspicion when military secrets are discovered in the hands of the enemy. Enter Diego Torres, the man who has been assigned to ‘watch’ over one of his team member’s ex-lovers-a woman they suspect may be harboring a fugitive or government secrets. What ensues is the building relationship between Diego and Harper; the heartbreak of betrayal; and the Poseidon Team’s determination to prove their innocence when one of their own is the target of the investigation.

Harper Maclean is a single mother, an interior designer and a woman who hasn’t seen her son’s father since the day she announced she was pregnant. Brandon Ramsey walked out of her life, entered the military, and refused to accept any responsibility for Harper’s pregnancy. Fast forward to present day and Harper will learn that her son’s father is missing and presumed killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. Diego Torres has been ordered to go undercover to ferret out information about Harper Maclean but Diego never intended to fall in love with the woman and her son. Diego’s life in the military is not conducive to love or a relationship but that doesn’t stop our hero from seducing the woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of SEAL Team 7 and the Special Ops unit known as Poseidon: Commander Nic Savino, Chief Petty Officer Jared (MacGyver)Lansky, Lieutenant Elijah Prescott, Petty Officer Aaron Ward, and Petty Officer Dane Adams-Brandon Ramsey’s wing man and best friend. Harper’s best friend Andi Stamos is a rich socialite who may or may not have a relationship with Jared Lansky, and Nathan Maclean-Harper’s seven year old son who is wise beyond his years.

The world building looks at the fall out of secrets, lies, betrayal and war; the tight-knit brotherhood of Navy SEAL Team Poseidon, and the search for the truth. CALL TO HONOR does not end on a cliff hanger but the investigation is ongoing as more evidence mounts against a man Team Poseidon once called a brother and a friend.

CALL TO HONOR is a detailed and complex story of romance and suspense. The premise is intelligent, entertaining and creative; the characters are passionate, spirited and intense; the romance is captivating and sensual. Tawny Weber’s CALL TO HONOR is an exciting and tangible start to her SEAL BROTHERHOOD military, romantic suspense series.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

“You’re the best, mister.” The kid had to get his smile from his mother, Diego decided. Because not once could Diego remember Ramsey’s smile making him want to offer one in return.
“Diego,” he said after a second, figuring talking was better than standing here on the sidewalk, grinning like an idiot. “You can call me Diego.”
“Cool. I’m Nathan. I’m seven. I’m gonna be a stunt¬man when I grow up. Or a veterinarian. I’d rather be a Jedi warrior, but Mom says we’ll see about that one. She says that about a lot of stuff. We’ll see. What are you?”
Huh? Was that a question? The kid’s expression said it was, so Diego did a mental replay.
“I’m in security,” he said, using the cover Savino had decided on.
“Bet you’re good at it.” Grabbing the bike by the han¬dles, the kid gave it a good shake, then grinned when the chain stayed in place. “You’re good at fixing things, too. Maybe you could teach me to fix some things?”
Diego didn’t have much experience with kids—hell, he didn’t have any experience. Despite that, he had to figure this one was something special.
Before he could answer him, a delivery truck rum¬bled its way to a stop in front of the kid’s house. Some¬thing he’d noticed was a regular occurrence. At least once, sometimes twice a day.
“You sure get a lot of deliveries,” he observed, watching a guy in shorts carry a stack of boxes toward the door.
“Yeah. Mom gets tons of stuff. She decorates for peo¬ple’s houses. She orders pillows and bowls and things like that. Sometimes she gets material and things to help her decide colors.”
Convenient. Or it would be if Ramsey were run¬ning drugs or stolen goods—that’d be a solid cover. But unless he’d shipped himself home in an ash can, it probably wasn’t pertinent. Lansky would claim oth¬erwise, though, so Diego made a note to mention it in his next report.
He caught a flash of something out of the corner of his eye. All it took was a casual glance toward the house to send him rocking back on his heels.
Damn.
Not even signing for a slew of packages and fend¬ing off the flirtations of the delivery guy were enough to keep Harper Maclean from sending her son a pro¬tective frown.
So far his glimpses of her had been at a longer dis¬tance than the twenty feet currently separating them. Her photos didn’t do her justice. He’d known she was a looker, but no way he’d have thought fully dressed in person could trump that bikini shot, even if that bikini shot had been kind of blurry.
He’d have been wrong.

About The author

Tawny WeberThe New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 40 books, Tawny Weber writes sassy, emotional romances with a dash of humor, featuring hot alpha heroes. The recipient of numerous awards, she has also hit number one on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller lists. Readers can visit Tawny’s website www.tawnyweber.com for free reads, first chapters, insider story info and much more. . You can also find her on Facebook (Facebook.com/tawnyweber.romanceauthor), Twitter (Twitter.com/tawnyweber) and Goodreads (Goodreads.com/author/show/513828.TawnyWeber. Tawny lives in Northern California with her family.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

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One More Kiss (Shaughnessy: Band on the Run #1) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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ONE MORE KISS (Shaughnessy: Band on the Run #1) by Samantha Chase-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

One More Kiss

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 7, 2017

Matt Reed was living the dream until a bad career move sends him back to his hometown for much-needed privacy. Instead, he finds someone he never expected: the woman whose steamy kiss he remembers like it was yesterday.

Vivienne Forrester finally has her life in order… until Matt moves back to town. She doesn’t want to think about the time she threw caution to the wind with him, but running into him everywhere, it’s impossible not to.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ONE MORE KISS is the first installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult BAND ON THE RUN romance series- a spin off from her Shaughnessy Brothers Series. This is guitarist Matt Reed, and food blogger Vivienne Forrester’s story line. You do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow One More Kiss. Any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to Matt in THIS IS OUR SONG (Shaughnessy Brothers #4).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Matt and Vivienne) ONE MORE KISS is a story of forbidden romance between guitarist for the band Shaughnessy Matt Reed, and foodie blogger Vivienne Forrester. For years Vivienne has had a crush on her brother’s best friends, the now famous rock guitarist Matt Reed, and when she finally had the nerve to do something about it, Matt was whisked from her life without a backwards glance. Fast forward two years and Matt Reed comes back to his hometown following a disastrous Broadway debut and attempt at a solo career. Hiding out until the media frenzy died down, Matt would find refuge at the home of his childhood best friend Aaron Forrester, wherein a relationship will ignite with his best friend’s younger sister. What ensues is the growing love between two people who have no idea how the future will unfold.

The romantic relationship between Matt and Vivienne is slow to develop as our story line couple dance around one another while Matt adjusts to time alone. Vivienne works from home and Matt offers to be her ‘guinea pig’ and taste test the recipes Vivienne has to offer. The romance is passionate; the $ex scenes are implied.

Riley and Savannah Shaughnessy (This Is Our Song) play secondary and supporting roles, as well as several members of the band who are also struggling in their personal and professional lives- while the band is on hiatus, Riley finds success with a solo career, Matt will find love, Julian begins to manage the career of an up and coming female star, and Dylan all but implodes. We are introduced to Vivienne’s brother Aaron-an over protective older brother who isn’t happy about Matt’s interest in his younger sister; and Matt’s father-a man who made Matt’s younger life miserable as the memories continue to assault our story line hero.

ONE MORE KISS is a story of romance and love; of second chances, trial and error, and acceptance of what was and what will be. The premise is sweet and lighthearted; the romance is sensual and tender; the characters are colorful and inspiring. ONE MORE KISS is a heartwarming look at falling in love and a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

“What if I’m already too far gone?”
“You’re not,” she replied softly. “You’re sitting her and telling me what you see in yourself. If you were really too far gone, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” She paused. “Now you can be whatever kind of guy you want. It’s totally up to you.”
He straightened and looked her straight in the eye – his expression less angry and more pleading. “I’d like to be the kind of guy you don’t cringe away from.”
Well damn. “I didn’t cringe,” she said, going for light and teasing. She even forced herself to grin.
Rather than speak, he simply held out his hand to her again. His gaze held hers as he waited.
There wasn’t an option. Doing her best to have no reaction at all, Vivienne stood and walked toward him and placed her hand in his.
And felt more alive than she had in years.
His hand was large, his skin rough and warm. Her eyes met his and if she wasn’t mistaken, he looked just as shaken as she was. Her lips parted and she took a slow, shaky breath. Matt’s hand closed around hers and he gently tugged her down onto the sofa beside him. She sat stiffly for a moment and then – as if of one mind – they relaxed against each other. Vivienne’s head was on his shoulder, his arm around her and it felt…nice.
Natural.
Like everything she’d been waiting for.
Now what? How was she supposed to act? What was she supposed to say that didn’t come out as her begging Matt to kiss her? Touch her?
She should have stayed in the cottage and let him have his meltdown and recovery on his own. Now she was stuck here and had no way to get up and leave without it being completely obvious that she was no better than the hundreds of girls he’d been with over the years.
She visibly shivered even as the proverbial bucket of cold water was dumped on her in her mind.
“You okay?” he murmured, his voice low and gruff against her ear.
Not trusting her voice, she nodded.
They sat in somewhat companionable silence for several minutes. Vivienne’s mind wasn’t quiet for even one of them. When she noticed the sheet music out on the piano, she twisted slightly and looked up at him. “You play the piano?”
He chuckled softly and – if she wasn’t mistaken – placed a light kiss on her temple. “Sort of.”
“What does that mean?” she asked, forcing herself to laugh even though all she could think about was the fact that his lips had just touched her.
“I’ve tried it several times over the years, but while I was sitting here today doing nothing, I decided to give it a try. It was a little intimidating and I still basically suck at it, but I’m better at it than I was yesterday.”
“I was forced to take lessons for years. My mother was obsessed with me learning. I was relieved when I moved out on my own and didn’t have room for a piano in my apartment. Then Aaron went and built this house and bought one. Every time our parents come to visit I’m obligated to play a little. If I’m not mistaken, that’s their old sheet music you’re using.”
“That would explain why Aaron didn’t have anything from the last decade or two.”
She chuckled. “He really didn’t even need it. I think it was just something my parents passed on to him. Lord knows I didn’t want it.”
“Sounds like you hate it.”
She shrugged. “I think hate is a strong word for it, but it’s very different when you play for pleasure and when you’re doing it because you’re expected to. I used to love to play the popular songs – I have an ear for it now and can play a lot of them without sheet music – and it used to make my mother crazy!” She couldn’t help but laugh at the memory. “Whenever she was nearby, I’d be playing Mozart or Beethoven, but as soon as she would leave I would break into some N’Sync or Backstreet Boys.”
“Ugh! Not the boy bands!” he cried in mock disgust.
“What can I say?” she said, unable to control her laughter. “It’s the music I was listening to!”
“Please tell me you don’t still listen to it?” he begged. “If you could sit down and play anything right now, what would you play?’
“Oh…don’t do that…”
“Why not?”
“Because now I feel like I’m under the microscope. Like you’re going to criticize my choice in music – especially if I pick something that’s not one of your songs or something.”
Matt pulled back and shifted so they were fully facing one another. She immediately missed the heat of his body pressed up against hers.
“No pressure. Just honesty. I’m genuinely curious. If no one was here, what would you play?”
“Classic Elton John,” she said without hesitation. “I love his music. All of it. But his earlier stuff is my favorite.”
“I was working on one of his songs earlier, and I have to admit, it didn’t sound half bad.”
“Prove it,” she challenged, a grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
“No way,” he replied, shaking his head. “That’s not fair.”
“How is it not fair? You’re a musician. You play music in front of tens of thousands of people all the time. Why can’t you play one song on the piano for me?”
“Because I barely know how to play it.” Then he stopped, and Vivienne did not like the look on his face. Matt stood and held out his hand to her again. “Play it with me.” His voice was so soft as was his expression and, this time, she fit her hand into his without hesitation.
Together they sat on the piano bench and Matt set up the sheet music and started to play.
Only…he couldn’t.
At least, it’s how it seemed to Vivienne.

 

 

About the Author pinkFollow: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

Samantha ChaseNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in NorthCarolina.

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At Close Range by Laura Griffin – Review & Giveaway

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At Close Range by Laura Griffin – Review & Giveaway

 

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At Close Range
Tracers series – Book #11
by Laura Griffin
Release Date: January 31, 2017

At Close RangeAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When a lakeside tryst ends in a double murder, police detective Daniele Harper arrives on the scene determined to get answers. Clues are everywhere, but nothing adds up. Dani turns to the Delphi Center crime lab for help, but soon regrets it when her secret attraction to their chief firearms examiner threatens to distract her from the most important case of her career.

As a ballistics expert and former Navy SEAL, Scott Black knows firearms, and he knows he can help Dani unravel her case. Scott has managed to hide his interest in his best friend’s younger sister for years, but when her investigation brings them together, the sparks between them quickly get out of control. Scott resolves to keep his hands off Dani and his eyes on the goal—identifying a killer. But when that killer zeroes in on Dani, all bets are off. There isn’t a line Scott won’t cross to convince Dani to trust him so that he can help her take down a ruthless murderer who has her in his sights.

 

Review:

At Close Range by Laura Griffin is the 11th book in her fantastic Tracers series.  This series reads very well as a standalone, though in each book you get to see glimpses of some of the previous characters, especially those from Delphi Center.  One of those characters, Scott Black, who is a ballistics expert for Delphi, is the hero in this book.  Daniele (Dani) Harper is our heroine, and she is a local detective.  Dani knows Scott very well, as he is her brother’s best friend.  She has always had a crush on him, but he has never shown any interest.  

At Close Range begins with a double murder of a man and woman, who were in their car, in what was to be a romantic encounter.  When Dani arrives at the gruesome scene, she takes control, and eventually she will become the lead detective in the murder case.  Scott is also on the scene, representing Delphi, as he looks for ballistics clues.  A short time later, during their investigation, the murder weapon is discovered, and Scott fingerprints are all over the gun.  Needless to say, he is now a suspect.  Dani, now in control, has to prove that Scott couldn’t have done this, and together with Ric and other detectives they begin to discover there is a frame up and conspiracy.  But who and why is the major mystery that takes us on an exciting suspenseful wild adventure, which will have so many twists and turns.  There is no way we could figure out who is behind this, at least not until we reach the end of this fabulous story.

Dani is very good at her job, and besides her detectives, she works well with the many workers that work at Delphi.  A few times we worry, since Dani finds herself in a few dangerous life threatening situations.  When she is finally able to clear Scott, he will go out of his way to work with her, and also help protect her.  Within the mystery, a romance will develop between Scott and Dani.  He has been attracted to her, but because she is the younger sister of his friend, he has always stepped away.  But now with them working so closely together, the chemistry between them heats up. 

There were so many twists and revelations along the way that saying anything more would be spoilers.  What follows is an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge throughout the entire book.  What also makes this series so great is all wonderful dynamics of the Delphi Center (Tracers) that give us a look at the different ways to look for clues.  Laura Griffin does such an amazing job detailing all the aspects of looking for various things found at a murder scene….truly awesome.   If you enjoy a true murder mystery, with lots of action, suspense, intense situations and a touch of romance, then you should be reading the Tracers series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Laura’s publisher is offering a paper copy of AT CLOSE RANGE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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If I Dream (Corrupted Love #1) by K.M. Scott- a review

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IF I DREAM (Corrupted Love #1) by K.M.Scott-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2017

If I dream, will you dare?

All I wanted was my freedom. It’s all I’d dreamed of from the first time I stood in the ring. Until I entered Robert Erickson’s world. Until Serena. Cruelty and ugliness surrounded me, but she was beautiful and good. I wanted to protect her from her father’s world, even though I knew being with her could mean the end of me.

I wanted for nothing as the daughter of one of the richest men in the world. But all my father’s money couldn’t buy what I truly craved. Until Ryder. I wanted all he was, all he brought out in me. All he made me desire.

Our love was forbidden by the one person who had the power to harm us. We dreamed of more than living in that world, though. We dreamed of having it all, but did we dare?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: IF I DREAM is the first installment in KM Scott’s new adult, contemporary CORRUPTED LOVE romance series focusing on former underground MMA fighter Ryder Rhodes, and twenty year old Serena Erickson’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ryder and Serena) IF I DREAM focuses on the forbidden relationship between former underground MMA fighter Ryder Rhodes, and his boss’s daughter Serena Erickson. Two years earlier, at eighteen years old, our hero’s contract is bought by businessman Robert Erickson, and Ryder Rhodes was now beholding to the man in charge. Enter his youngest daughter, Serena Erickson, a woman off limits to the hired help. What ensues is the building relationship between Ryder and Serena that is destroyed when Robert Erickson sends our heroine away for getting too close to Ryder Rhodes. Fast forward two years when Serena returns to a household that has changed but not.

Ryder Rhodes has been fighting most of his life. His power and strength in the ring caught the eye of billionaire businessman Robert Erickson, a man whose power stretches into the seedy underbelly of abuse and control. Serena Erickson has struggled to gain her independence from her father but the disappearance of her mother years before has kept our heroine close to home in case the woman she loves should ever return. Serena’s defiance in the face of her father’s demands sets the stage for a heartbreaking story. Her father’s control extends beyond the kinship of family and blood when he uses his daughters as a bargaining tool to get what he wants in the world of business and financial success.

The relationship between Ryder and Serena is fraught with regret, heartbreak, and a forbidden love but the heart wants what it cannot have. Two years apart has not broken the desire or love although life continued in the absence of one another. The $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Serena’s sister Janelle, as well as Oliver Landon, a man who sets out to destroy the love between Serena and Ryder.

The world building focuses on the forbidden relationship between Ryder and Serena; the power and control of one man over his family; and one woman’s struggle to uncover the truth about the mother who disappeared years before. Serena is all but a prisoner in the house she once called a home, and Ryder will become a glimpse into freedom but not for very long.

IF I DREAM is an emotional, heartbreaking, angst-ridden story line of betrayal, love and deceit. The premise is dramatic and intense ; the characters are tragic and passionate; the romance is seductive and painful. IF I DREAM ends on a cliffhanger-so you have been forewarned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Girl at the Bar by Nicholas Nash-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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THE GIRL AT THE BAR by Nicholas Nash-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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THE GIRL AT THE BAR
by Nicholas Nash
Release Date: February 1, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, psychological, medical, thriller
The Girl at The Bar

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RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2017

Rebecca, a brilliant cancer researcher, disappears after a one-night stand with a neurotic man with a questionable past.

Her sudden disappearance in the midst of a high-stakes quest to cure cancer between two rival billionaires sets into motion an inexplicable chain of events as the bodies start to pile up.

No one knows why she disappeared. The race to find answers ensnares everyone around her, one of whom is a deeply disturbed psychopath lurking in the shadows.

Is Rebecca still alive? What happened to her? Who did it? And why? Questions about her vex everyone looking for answers. No one can be trusted and no one is above suspicion

••••••••

REVIEW: THE GIRL AT THE BAR by first time author Nicholas Nash is a stand alone,contemporary, adult, psychological, medical thriller that follows several paths culminating in a decades long vendetta for sins of the past.

Told from several third person points of view using flashbacks, memories, present day and the meanderings of a psychotic mind THE GIRL AT THE BAR is a story of research, hope, devastation, betrayal, murder and revenge. Rebecca Chase is a cancer specialist on the cusp of discovering a possible cure for cancer but hours before her symposium presentation Rebecca goes missing, and the last person to see her, Ragnar Johnson, is a man with a questionable past and Rebecca’s one-night stand. What ensues is a multi-layered investigation looking at several potential suspects that is hindered when a number of Rebecca’s colleagues are murdered within days of her disappearance.

THE GIRL AT THE BAR is a psychological thriller ; a story of intrigue that looks at the competitive side of cancer research; the probabilities of finding a cure; and the potential to save thousands of lives if a cure is to be found. There is an enormous amount of medical detail and technical terminology all relating to finding a cure for the big C but as to its’ authenticity I am not able to confirm the validity of the information presented. The story line also has some questionable means of investigation when a person of interest (aka suspect) is able to uncover more information and clues than the law enforcement or the forensic investigators combined. Similar to many thrillers THE GIRL AT THE BAR contains scenes of graphic violence, blood shed and murder.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the members of two competing research teams, the medical community, law enforcement and a host of witnesses, suspects, and a computer genius capable of breaking through any computer barrier.

THE GIRL AT THE BAR is an engaging and intriguing story line of suspense. The premise is thrilling; the characters are colorful and animated; the reveal is a surprise you will never see coming.

Copy supplied for review (Netgalley)

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest post-Black and White

Thank you Sandy for covering me on your blog and to all the readers who are taking the time to read this!

My upcoming book is called THE GIRL AT THE BAR. The official release date of the book is February 1, 2017. The book starts off with the disappearance of a top cancer researcher, Rebecca Chase, after she has a one-night stand with someone she meets in a bar. The book is a classic whodunit with a lot of twists and turns. I cover the topic of cancer as a disease and the latest developments in cancer research in the book in a manner that the reader can follow. That said, the book is about people, how they think and how they react in situations.

For the book, I drew inspiration from my own real life experiences in creating settings, characters or story lines. I have met some very interesting people in my life. The characters are composites of several people, borrowing interesting features and creating a character that is completely different from others but at the same time interesting and striking, someone you would like to read about and root for.

Writing a mystery book is a balancing act. I had to hide the facts and create the mystery just enough that the reader does not guess the climax. At the same time, I was leaving behind sufficient clues such that when the reader reaches the end, they feel like it was all there but did not guess it. The fun is to make the reader feel stumped, surprised and excited at the same time. Getting that right balance while writing the mystery is probably the most difficult part.

Overall, I wrote the book trying to keep the reader at the edge right up to the end. I hope readers feel the same way. I enjoyed all the research that went into the book. There are so many small facts and interesting tid bits that I found while doing my research and I strung them all together into the book, be it some obscure facts about cancer, the Chinese underworld in New York or some fancy computer programs that play a key role in the book.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading the book!

About The Author Black and White

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From the website:

Hi! I am Nicholas Nash, the author of The Girl At The Bar, a psychological thriller about the mysterious disappearance of a brilliant cancer researcher, Rebecca Chase, and the quest to find what happened to her. The Girl At The Bar has been influenced by numerous events in my life, people I’ve met, interesting stories I’ve heard and places I have traveled to.

I am a simple person at heart who loves reading (“Who doesn’t?”), traveling (“Again, who doesn’t?”), and listening to music (“That’s it Nick! You better write something interesting to bring in the readers. Something unique, like you are a retired Formula One driver who was once a stand-in for Jimmy Page during Led Zeppelin’s last concert.”). I live with this semi-nagging voice inside my head that always wants to talk to me, telling me things I should be doing, thinking about or writing. I don’t always listen to this voice, but I finally decided to give it a chance and we wrote The Girl At The Bar. The book is as much my creation as it is my alter ego’s. If you enjoy the book, my alter ego will very much like to take the credit, thank you. If you don’t, it will be entirely my fault. At least that’s what the voice in my head is telling me right now…

I live in Manhattan in New York City with my wife and three children.

Giveaway -black and white

Nicholas Nash is graciously offering a paper copy to ONE (1) lucky commenter and an ebook copy  to another lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE Nichols Nash on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. ebook giveaway open internationally / paper copy open to USA/Canada only

9.. Giveaway runs from January 29-February 2, 2017

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