Just One Touch (Slow Burn #5) by Maya Banks-Review, Excerpt, Book Tour & Giveaway

JUST ONE TOUCH (Slow Burn #5) by Maya Banks-Review, Excerpt, Book Tour & Giveaway

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JUST ONE TOUCH
Slow Burn #5
by Maya Banks
Release Date: May 23, 2017
Genre: Adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Just One Touch

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About the book: Release Date May 23, 2017

#1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks continues her suspenseful and sizzling Slow Burn series with the fifth book featuring the men and women of Devereaux Security Services.

Abducted as a young girl and raised in a strict religious cult, Jenna has no connection to the outside world beyond vague flashes of memory that seem to be from another life. Memories she clings to when the cult leaders discover her extraordinary ability to heal—and punish her. Years held captive and forced to do the cult’s bidding have turned Jenna into a meek, timid woman…or so they think. In truth, she is merely biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment to escape.

When a terrified young woman stumbles across Isaac’s path, Devereaux Security’s toughest recruit is intrigued by the beautiful, sheltered stranger. Jenna seems to know nothing of the world around her and refuses to tell him what danger haunts her, but Isaac will do whatever it takes to gain her trust. When it becomes clear that very powerful, dangerous people are after her, he vows to protect her at all costs… because with just one touch Issac knows he wants Jenna to be his—forever.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Just One Touch begins with Jenna running for her life and running as far away from the cult that has imprisoned her for the last twenty years. Just when she’s about to give up hope, she stumbles out of the woods and makes it to a gas station and steals away in the back of a truck heading to Houston and prays that she isn’t discovered….

Isaac stops by to grab some coffee and bagels before heading to the office. As he approaches his vehicle, he sees the door ajar with someone trying to steal it. He draws his weapon and stealthily approaches the thug trying to steal from him and demands that they turn around. Two things became evident in that moment: 1. This was no thug. 2. This woman had been through hell and was covered in bruises. Both of which kick his protective instinct into overdrive. When he tries to see if he can help this obviously terrified young woman, shots ring out and he goes into defense mode. However, his body isn’t working the way it should be, and to his horror, he knows he has been hit and he knows his time is limited. As he feels himself dying, he tries to convince the young woman to flee and save herself. She surprises him with her vehement denial of that request and says she can’t let him die because of her. Once she lays her hands on him, they both somehow know that their lives will never be the same…

Just One Touch is a great addition to the Slow Burn series. I absolutely love the premise of the entire series. The paranormal aspects, as well as the agents of Devereaux Security Services, keep me wanting more. Jenna is a likeable character and her back story will break your heart. She has been left and/or betrayed by everyone she’s ever known and finds it hard to believe in Isaac’s declarations that he’ll keep her safe. Isaac is your typical alpha who will stop at nothing to keep not only Jenna, but everyone he holds dear safe and well. Once he discovers that the cult is the absolute least of his worries, he and his DSS comrades have to call in every marker they’ve accumulated over the years to keep them all from falling into the hands of a ruthless cartel whose leader vows to have Jenna, no matter the cost. We are also privileged with the presence of all the characters that we’ve come to know since the beginning of this series. We get to know a little more about some of them, and that only whets my appetite. I think I know whose book will be next, but if I’ve learned anything from Maya Banks over the years, is that what you think you know can be an epic fail. One thing that did disappoint me a little was redundancy in relation the two main characters’ inner turmoil and having to repeatedly read the same thing. However, with that said, I LOVED THIS BOOK AND I LOVE THIS SERIES! I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment! Well done, Maya Banks! Very well done!

Copy supplied for review through Edelweiss

Reviewed by Vickie M

excerpt

“She’s mine, Dane. No one else’s. I told you I’d ask if and when I need backup or help. Until then, it’s better that none of you are associated with her or are seen anywhere near her. She risked everything to save me when I could have been no better than the assholes trying to get to her. She sealed her fate in that moment because I’m not going anywhere. I need time to hear her side and I have a feeling she’s not just going to volunteer any information about herself, so I’m also going to need time to gain her trust and I’m going to prove to her that she can trust me. I appreciate the offer. More than you know. But she isn’t a DSS client or assignment. She’s mine, and I’ll protect her with my life.”

Q & A

Tasty Q&A with Maya Banks

Describe yourself in five words or less.

Unorganized, melt-down prone, laid back, despise drama & conflict!

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

My Give A Damn is Broken

Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

A cup of crushed ice

What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

I’m a complete homebody & enjoy hanging out at home with my family every chance I get. It’s rare for me to leave my house!

What types of scenes are your most favorite to write?

I love revealing information about various characters personalities and the closeness between them through dialogue. I also always look forward to writing the dark moment as I love me some angst!

What are your favorite types of stories to read?

I love stories that don’t feature a couple who spend the entire book apart or that focus on internal conflict. I much prefer to see the hero and heroine together on the page and to see them working together to overcome external conflict.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I absolutely love following up with characters from a previous story whether it’s including them as secondary characters in a newer book or writing a short novella that revisits them so readers can see them after the HEA

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I absolutely credit my readers with my success and my career. They

about The author

Maya BanksWEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Maya Banks is a multiple #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, Scottish historical romances. She is the author of the Breathless Trilogy, the Surrender Trilogy, the KGI novels, the Sweet series, and the Colters Legacy novels. She lives in Southeast Texas.

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The List by Chantal Fernando-Review and Book Tour

THE LIST by Chantal Fernando-Review and Book Tour

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THE LIST
by Chantal Fernando
Release Date: May 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, stand alone

The List

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2017

On a random night out with her girlfriends, Taye experiences something she hasn’t before.

Instant attraction.

Between vodkas and dance moves she probably shouldn’t be doing in public, never mind on a podium, she meets him.

She’s never had a one night stand before, and to have one is on her list of things to experience in her life.

Not only that, but the chemistry is off the charts.

Decision made.

She’s going home with this man, and she’s not going to regret it when she leaves him in the morning.

Or at least that’s what she thinks

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE LIST by Chantal Fernando is a stand alone, erotic romance story line that follows a few years in the life of our leading couple –Taye and Eli.

Told from first person point of view (Taye) Taye wants to be a romance author but our heroine is a bit of an introvert when it comes to men and relationships. A night out with friends finds Taye focusing on the sexy Eli, a man who is only in town for a short time, but a man who is everything that Taye has been looking (for). Hoping to check off her sexual bucket list of things to do, Taye opts for a one night stand that turns into something more. What ensues is the on again, off again relationship between two people on differing paths, and with different expectations in life.

THE LIST follows our heroine as she struggles to keep her feelings in check when it comes to the man that calls to her heart. Eli never promised forever, in fact, he never promised more than a one-night stand, but attraction is what it is, and our transient and world traveling hero continues to make an occasional appearance in our heroine’s life rendering Taye pining for a man who isn’t capable of anything more. The $ex scenes are intimate; the attraction is immediate but something felt off in the story line presentation-a story that was ‘told without an invitation to come inside’

The first person perspective faltered with THE LIST. The presentation felt more like a series of journal entries; a recounting of events such that the emotion was absent, and the reader is but a remote viewer of events. There are too many details missing; we know very little about the leading characters; the lack of information left me wanting….more.

I am a big fan of the author’s Wind Dragon MC series but THE LIST missed the mark. Chantal Fernando states that some of the events in the book are fictional although loosely based on a real story. I always have difficulty with books based on real-life events because the ‘background information’ and the colorful events are likely to be altered such that they are no longer recognizable and the real emotion is missing. I am hoping the real-life heroine did find her HEA with or without her Eli.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

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Lethal Lies (Blood Brothers #2) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

LETHAL LIES (Blood Brothers #2) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review,Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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LETHAL LIES
Blood Brothers 2
byRelease Date: May 16, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, paranormal, romantic, suspense

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•••••••••••

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 16, 2017

A deadly secret can’t stay buried forever . . .

Revenge. It’s the only thing that will help Anya Best sleep at night. The serial killer who murdered her sister is on the loose, and Anya will stop at nothing to put him behind bars-even use herself as bait to lure him out of hiding. But she can’t do this alone.

Private investigator Heath Jones’s job is to bring bastards to justice. This time it’s personal. He knew the Copper Killer’s latest victim so when her sister asks for his help, he’s all in. But when Anya uses the media to taunt the killer, she exposes Heath’s identity, putting them both in jeopardy. Now, secrets buried long ago are coming to light and the forces determined to destroy him are watching Heath’s every move, waiting to exact their own revenge. And they’ll use anything and anyone to get to Heath.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: LETHAL LIES is the second installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS slightly paranormal, romantic suspense series focusing on three blood brothers-Heath, Ryker and Denver Jones- who own and operate The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency. LETHAL LIES is private investigator Heath Jones and criminal psychologist Anya Best’s story line. The Blood Brothers is a spin off from Zanetti’s SIN Brothers series. You do not have to have read the original series to enjoy LETHAL LIES but for cohesion, backstory and connection I recommend reading The Sin Brothers series as several of the characters cross over, and the ongoing conflict continues from the original series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels, and a covert government agency used experimental DNA to make the perfect super soldier. The continuing trope ventures into another direction as two more ‘family of brothers’ are brought into the fold. All of the brothers are ‘created’ in one way or another; they are experiments of Dr. Isobel Madison-a woman who is determined to destroy that which she made. On the run, these super soldiers and their blood brothers, stay one step ahead of Dr. Madison, and Sheriff Elton Cobb, Madison’s lover and the man seeking revenge for the death of his brother.

Told from several third person perspectives including Heath and Anya, LETHAL LIES  focuses on the hunt for a serial killer who is targeting young women with red hair. Heath Jones and The Lost Bastards have been contracted by one of the victim’s family but find themselves pulled into an FBI operation where everything goes wrong. Enter Anya Best whose sister-an FBI agent-is the latest victim of the Copper Killer-and the woman with whom Heath Jones will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is some light BDSM including spanking.

LETHAL LIES follows two paths: the search for a serial killer, and the brothers’ struggle to remain off the grid as Madison and Cobb continue their hunt for the creations they made. When the FBI lose one of their own, Heath Jones becomes suspect number one exposing our story line hero to some unwanted media scrutiny, and the reveal of their whereabouts to Madison and Cobb. From safe house to safe house, the brothers battle the FBI, the local police, and the super soldiers sent to take them down. Anya Best is the killer’s ultimate target, and a woman who is willing to place herself in danger to get the man that killer her sister.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Heath’s brothers Ryker and his fiancé Zara, and Denver Jones; Dr. Isobel Madison, Sheriff Elton Cobb, FBI special agent Frederick Reese, local police Detective Malloy, and the return of Shane Dean-Heath’s biological brother. The requisite evil is tri-fold with a twist to the killer’s identity.

The world building continues to focus on the brothers fight for freedom. Dr. Isobel Madison is desperate for the return of ALL of her creations, and will do everything in her power to see it done. Like book one-Deadly Silence-the search for a serial killer places the Jones Brothers in the direct line of fire, and back on Madison’s radar.

LETHAL LIES is a story of suspense, romance, action and twists. There are moments of heartbreak and pain; romance and love; anxiety, doubt and threats against all of their lives. The premise is fast paced, engaging and thrilling; the characters are colorful, passionate and heroic; the romance is emotional and intense. LETHAL LIES will seduce your mind.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-DEADLY SILENCE

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Lethal Lies Teaser

Excerpt

 

 

t She swallowed and met his gaze. “All right. Let me get this straight. We’re going undercover to flush out a killer who’s obsessed with me, and you’re offering to play at being my man for real with no strings or future?” She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder. “That’s some ego. Are you that good in bed?”
“Yes.” And that was definite interest in her eyes.
She clicked her tongue. “I’ll keep your offer in mind.”
“You do that.” He maintained a low and calm voice. “While you’re considering, let’s look at the situation. You have publicly made me your fiancé in order to draw out a killer, which means I have to act as such. Any halfway intelligent law enforcement officer or private investigator would keep his redheaded fiancée very close after the stunt you just pulled. If you’re not with me, the killer is going to be very suspicious.”
She stilled, expressions crossing her face rapidly. “That’s a good point,” she said slowly.
Yeah. Sometimes reality helped him out a little. Plus, the killer had a hard-on for her, and he must already have plans to take her at some point. She’d just upped the timeline. “In addition, you need protection around the clock now, and I’m willing to provide that. So while you’re keeping my offer in mind, we’ll be staying in the same hotel room or same apartment.” He made sure he had her full attention. “While we plan the wedding, of course.”
Her challenging smile thrilled something inside him. “That’s fair.”
He stepped back to give her some space. “Good. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” She looked around the room. “I do have to ask. What if I didn’t agree with you about your keeping secrets from me? Considering people shoot at you, and I’m going to be at your side, it seems fair that you tell me who these people are.” She cocked her head to the side and focused back on him.
“I have more immediate concerns than being fair,” he said smoothly. “You brought me into this mess.”
A frown drew down her eyebrows. “Listen. I want an answer about you.”
“I just gave you one.” At her mulish expression, he searched for better words that wouldn’t end in an argument.
Suddenly, the door blew wide open and bounced loudly off the table. “Anya!” he yelled, jumping for her.

 

 

About The author

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

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

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Gabe (Silicon Valley Billionaires #2) by Leigh James-Review and Book Tour

GABE (Silicon Valley Billionaire #2) by Leigh James-Review and Book Tour

Gabe

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2017

His Woman. His Family. His Company.
When the going gets tough, the tough get Alpha.

Silicon Valley billionaire CEO Gabriel Betts has finally found the happiness he’s been searching for—in gorgeous, brilliant fellow billionaire Lauren Taylor, the so-called reigning queen of the biotech industry. But when Chinese healthcare mogul Li Na Zhao kidnaps Lauren’s sister in a high-stakes game of corporate espionage, the world they’ve worked so hard to protect comes crashing down. Li Na agrees to trade Hannah for Lauren’s Paragon Laboratories and her help—onsite and in person. In an attempt to keep Lauren safe, Gabe calls in his security-industry professional brothers to help get Hannah back. But when the rescue effort stumbles, Gabe must pick up the pieces to protect the woman he loves…before she makes the ultimate sacrifice.

••••••

REVIEW: GABE is the second installment in Leigh James’ contemporary, adult SILICON VALLEY BILLIONAIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. GABE is the continuing story of Silicon Valley billionaire CEO Gabriel Betts, and biotech CEO of Paragon Laboratories Lauren Taylor. GABE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for background, history and cohesion as the events of GABE pick up immediately upon, and are directly affected by the events of book one LAUREN.

Told from dual first person points of view (Gabe and Lauren) GABE follows the search and rescue of Hannah Taylor. Lauren’s biggest competitor in the biotech industry wants what Lauren has-Paragon Laboratories-and to ensure her take over Li Na Zhao resorts to kidnapping Lauren’s younger sister forcing our heroine to hand over Paragon in exchange for her sister’s life. What ensues is the back and forth ‘negotiations’ and set up as Gabe Betts and his brothers’ security firm search for the people responsible for the kidnapping of Hannah Taylor.

GABE focuses on corporate espionage, betrayal and revenge; power and control; romance and love. Throughout the story Gabe and Lauren’s relationship continues to flourish in spite of our heroine’s need to place herself in danger to save the life of her younger sister. For a billionaire genius, Lauren is very immature when it comes to the reality of what is going on. I struggled with her emotional behavior, outbursts and personality quarks on too many occasions.

The relationship between Gabe and Lauren has already been established (LAUREN #1) but Gabe is hoping to make it permanent in the future-if only the woman he loved would stop trying to make a martyr of herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. There is some light BDSM play including spanking.

We are introduced to Gabe’s brothers Levi and Asher; Hannah’s bodyguard and boyfriend Wesley Eden; as well as Lauren’s bodyguard Timmy, and her PA Bethany O’Donnell. There are a number of additional secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Board of Directors of Paragon Laboratories, as well as medical and police force personnel. Wesley and Hannah’s story line is next in HANNAH.

GABE is a fast paced, exciting and suspense filled story line but I had to question some of the logistics and events that transpired. I am not sure the events would have played out quite so cleanly as presented, or without more government, international and legal interference and ramifications. With Li Na Zhao still in the wind, the Chinese corporate Nationalist will continue to cause trouble for the billionaires of Silicon Valley. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is seductive and provocative.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Sandy

Gabe Teaser

theauthor

Leigh JamesLeigh James is an author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She is a vocal lover of strapping alpha males in movies, books and real life, which makes her three kids roll their eyes and makes her husband feel appreciated.

When she’s not writing, you can usually find her reading or watching Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Vikings (see penchant for alpha males, above). She has a degree in journalism from the University of New Hampshire, which is good for deadlines and word counts, and a law degree from Suffolk University with a Concentration in High Technology Law, which is helpful when writing about sexy tech billionaires with legal woes.

For more information about Leigh, please visit her website, “Like” Leigh on Facebook and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads. Join Leigh’s newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming releases. She’s loves hearing from her readers. Email her directly at leighjames@leighjamesbooks.com.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website:  http://www.leighjamesbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighjames19author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeighJames19

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighjames_author/

Newsletter: http://www.leighjamesbooks.com/form

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7231254.Leigh_James

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Tangled (Dark Protectors 7.8) 1001 Dark Nights by Rebecca Zanetti-Review & Excerpt Tour

TANGLED (Dark Protectors 7.8 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review and Excerpt Tour

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TANGLED
Dark Protectors 7.8
1001 Dark Nights
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: May 9,2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Tangled

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2017

Now that her mask has finally slipped…

Ginny O’Toole has spent a lifetime repaying her family’s debt, and she’s finally at the end of her servitude with one last job. Of course, it couldn’t be easy. After stealing the computer files that will free her once and for all, she finds herself on the run from a pissed off vampire who has never fallen for her helpless act. A deadly predator too sexy for his own good. If he doesn’t knock it off, he’s going to see just how powerful she can really be.

He won’t be satisfied until she’s completely bare.

Theo Reese had been more than irritated at the beautiful yet helpless witch he’d known a century ago, thinking she was just useless fluff who enjoyed messing with men’s heads. The second he discovers she’s a ruthless thief determined to bring down his family, his blood burns and his interest peaks, sending his true nature into hunting mode. When he finds her, and he will, she’ll understand the real meaning of helpless.

••••••

REVIEW: TANGLED by Rebecca Zanetti is installment 7.8 in her contemporary, adult Dark Protectors paranormal, romance series, and the latest novella in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights. This is witch and professional thief Ginny O’Toole, and vampire Theo Reese’s story line. TANGLED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ginny and Theo) TANGLED focuses on the recovery of a stolen hard drive that threatens to expose important information about the Reese family history. Enter Ginny O’Toole, witch, thief and currently in possession of the hard drive in question. Theo is determined to destroy Ginny O’Toole, unaware that there is already a price on her head. What ensues is the enemies to lovers, quick building relationship between our leading couple, and the Reese family battle with a familiar enemy who has targeted the Reese’s in a centuries old vendetta.

The secondary and supporting characters include Theo’s brother Chalton ( Teased 7.5) and Jared Reese (Tricked 7.75), as well as the requisite evil shifter Saul Libscombe. The vampire and shifter families have been at war for years, and now Saul is determined to seek justice for sins of long ago. There are also several cameo appearances by the King and his Queen.

The relationship between Theo and Ginny is an enemies to lovers romance that sees another vampire find his mate. Ginny O’Toole has been the bane of Theo’s existence for a number of years but his attraction to Ginny can only be explained as fated mates. Ginny and Theo’s story line progresses through the three 1001 Dark Nights/Dark Protector novellas-Teased, Tricked and Tangled.

TANGLED is a fast paced, engaging story line where a centuries old vampire finally claims the woman that calls to his heart. The premise is intriguing; the characters are charismatic; the romance is fated and passionate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

BOOK TRAILER:

Direct Link: https://video214.com/play/pZD96nTrUVgxRi6FZ1KXHA/s/dark

Tangled teaser

excerpt

“I’m sick.” She looked down at her ankle. “The planekite has infected me. There’s no going back.” She shrugged, her jaw firming with the stubborn tilt he somehow knew well. “This is my last chance to save my father, and I’m taking it. You have to step down.”
“I think you’re right about the planekite poisoning,” Theo said, gesturing toward the laptop he’d pushed to the side. “The queen sent me all the research data she has on the mineral, and long-term exposure seems to be fatal. It also explains why you can’t create fire or even heal the bruise on your face.” Every time he looked at the dark mark, he got pissed off.
She cut him a look. “Don’t sugarcoat it.”
“Not going to.” He leaned back and clasped his hands behind his neck, stretching his torso. “I said no lying between us, remember?”
She shoved curls out of her face. “You surely did. So yes. I’m dying. Yay for the truth.”
Wasn’t she cute when she was dramatic? If he told her that, she’d no doubt punch him in the face. So he went for more truth. “So we need to get mated, then.”
She reared up to argue more, stopping suddenly. Her pink lips opened in an O. She closed them, her mouth moved again, and nothing came out.
He bit back a grin. So much for the woman leaping into his arms with gratitude. “Gin?”
Her lids half-lowered, and she pressed her hands against her hips. “You are not funny.”
“I am not kidding.” He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted another woman in his long life. He liked her. Hell. He wanted to be with her. It made sense on so many levels. A voice in the back of his head laughed wildly, and he banished it.
She shook her head in an odd convulsion of denial. “You’ve lost your damn mind, then.”
“Probably,” he agreed.
She swung her arms out. “We can’t get mated. That’s crazy. We can barely get along.”
“We get along just fine,” he countered. “At least we will after you give me back the information that could destroy my entire family.”
“I’m a thief,” she snapped, very nice color filling her face.
He nodded. “I’d very much like for you to find another profession after we mate. Definitely after we procreate.” There were plenty of legal ways to help other people.
“Procreate?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Theo, you’re an old-fashioned guy.”

About the Author Black and Green

Rebecca ZanettiNew York Times and USA Today Bestseller Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

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One Little Kiss by Maggie Kelley – a Review

One Little Kiss by Maggie Kelley – a Review

 

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Description:
Love blogger Kate Bell is finished with men—especially the hot ones. Of course her only chance to save her career requires snagging an interview with the man who literally wrote the book on love, reclusive and super-sexy relationship expert Jake Wright. Who happens to be her boss’s brother.

The last thing Jake Wright wants is to be dragged back into the spotlight as a bachelor for his sister’s dating website. But when a sweet and sexy blogger crashes onto his island in the middle of a storm worse than his love life, keeping his hands off proves to be a challenge—especially when they’re stuck sharing the same bungalow. 

Review;

One Little Kiss by Maggie Kelley is a fast, fun, charming and sexy read.  Jake and Kate are fun characters with different takes on love and relationships. Poor Jake doesn’t know what hits him when Kate arrives a little on the tipsy side thanks to her three martinis on the plane.  I was LOL’ing at this scene and Kate’s un-guarded comments regarding Jake and his looks thanks to her self-induced booze haze.  This whole scene sets the stage for the rest of the story, and the chemistry that sparks between the two of them jumps off the pages at every turn. 

Kate and Jake are both well developed characters and we can see why both have their different perspectives and takes on what love and relationships mean to them.   Poor Jake had his heart shattered by his ex-wife; she had an affair with is agent, and poor the girl next door Kate just keeps falling for the wrong guy.  Together they make quite the pair and their sexy, flirtatious witty banter just keeps the story moving along at a pace that makes you wonder just where the time went as you’re reading. It’s an easy story to get into and stay in thanks to Jake and Kate.  Their chemistry is sizzling, but the friendly, at ease nature they have with each other is a breath of fresh air.  It allows their conversations to flow and their relationship to blossom without feeling rushed or forced like some shorter stories do at times.   

One Little Kiss by Maggie Kelley is the third installment in her Smart Cupid series. Like I said it’s a fun, fast read, with plenty of humor and sizzling chemistry. Maggie Kelley’s writing is witty, flirtatious, and with a carefree attitude that allowed me, the reader to sit a back and enjoy Kate and Jake’s story.  It’s the perfect book to take to the beach, or have a lazy Sunday afternoon with.  After reading this one and enjoying it as much as I did, I wish I had read the previous two in the series first.  Guess I’ll be going back to read those now, because I have a feeling they will be just as entertaining as One Little Kiss.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Watching You (Detective Kerry Blasco #3) by J. A. Schneider-a review

Watching You (Detective Kerri Blasco #3) by J.A. Schneider- a review

Watching You

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

About the book: Release Date: April 25, 2017

A serial killer texts his victims first. A detective vows revenge. He comes after her.

In the chill of an October night, Detective Kerri Blasco is called to a bizarre murder scene. Leda Winfield, a young volunteer for the homeless, has been shot. Her cell phone displays the frightening text, WATCHING YOU, and into her back, hideously pushed with a hat pin, is a note with the same awful message. Leda’s socialite family and friends insist that no one would have wanted to harm her, but Detective Kerri isn’t convinced.

Until another random young woman is killed in exactly the same way. Kerri and her team profile a monstrous killer who enjoys terrifying his victims before stalking and killing them. But how does he get their phone numbers?

Kerri soon finds that the killer is after her, too, and that the key to finding him may just be in the homeless shelter. When the body count rises, she vows to stop the madman – even if it means battling her own personal trauma, risking her job, her love relationship with her boss Alex Brand, and her life.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: Watching You begins with the internal ramblings of a psychotic murder, and it doesn’t take long for him to hone in on his seemingly first target: Leda Winfield. When Kerri and Alex make the scene, Kerri is sickened by what greets them. As their investigation begins, they discover that Leda was a person whom everyone loved and had a heart as big as the sprawling city in which she lived. It also doesn’t take long for the killer to strike again. As things escalate, Kerri soon finds herself the target of the crazed killer. She knows that they are running out of time and as they search desperately for any and all clues, Kerri finds herself face to face with the killer……….and time is running out.

Watching You is another nice addition to the Detective Kerri Blasco series. In this installment, we get to find out a little more of her back story and see a little more of her relationship with Alex. Schneider ramped up the suspense factor in this one and I loved seeing how it all played out. The characters were well written and as the scenes played out, I felt that the world she is building with this series is coming into its own. I love Kerri’s heart and determination to not bend when she knows something isn’t right and stands her ground. Alex is a great partner for her, both personally and professionally. The characters who make up the suspect list were well written as well. So well written that when I “knew” who the killer was, I was proved very wrong! Once again, if you’re a fan of suspense, you can’t go wrong with this series. Well done, J.A. Schneider!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fear Dreams
Her Last Breath
Watching You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie M

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The Bridal Squad (Enchanted Bridal #2) by Samantha Chase-Review, Interview & Giveaway

THE BRIDAL SQUAD (Enchanted Bridal #2) by Samantha Chase-Review, Interview & Giveaway

The Bridal Squad Banner

THE BRIDAL SQUAD
Enchanted Bridal #2
by Samantha Chase
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: May 10, 2017

The Bridal Squad

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

About the book: Release Date May 10, 2017

Click HERE for more details about Samantha Chase and the Enchanted Bridal series

The Friday Night Brides are back! And this time, it’s their first season running the business! It was one thing to just model in a weekly fashion show, it’s quite another to be the ones calling the shots and making future brides’ dreams come true. Their first client has them wondering if they’re really prepared for their new roles!

The Bride: Julianne is big on fitness, small on patience. And planning her wedding is grating on her every last nerve. As a Zumba instructor, she loves the freedom to create and choreograph her routines and help others achieve their goals, but having to stand back and let others choreograph her big day has her wanting to hip-hop toward eloping!

The Matron of Honor: As the only married member of the bridal party, Natalie considers herself the aficionado on all-things weddings. And even though her time in the spotlight is over, that doesn’t mean she isn’t full of ideas on how her best friend’s wedding should look and feel and be! And it doesn’t take long for her to realize that maybe it’s not so much that she’s wanting to help as it is that she’s afraid of her own honeymoon ending.

The Bride’s Sister: Nothing screams unwanted relationship advice than when your younger sister gets married before you. It’s not that Harper doesn’t want to get married, after three failed engagements she really does! But finding the right man to walk down the aisle with is proving harder than she thought. And it gets even harder when constantly being compared to the perfect couple!

The Reluctant Bridesmaid: There is nothing Kayla wants more than to see one of her best friend’s get married…if only the whole process wasn’t so exhausting! Travel and adventure and being on the go fuels her. Having to stay in one place for an extended period of time while wearing taffeta? Not so much. Her job tends to take her away on a moment’s notice and this is one time she may have to pass up the trip of a lifetime in the name of friendship.

•••••••••

REVIEW:  THE BRIDAL SQUAD is the second installment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult ENCHANTED BRIDAL romance series. Like the first book Friday Night Brides, THE BRIDAL SQUAD focuses on four women-Julianne, Natalie, Harper and Kayla-four friends whose personal lives implode as they make preparations for Julianne’s wedding.

Told from several third person points of view THE BRIDAL SQUAD follows the four friends as they traverse a minefield of relationship hiccups and disasters-misunderstandings, new love, fear of commitment, meddling mothers, and being taken for granted. While Julianne makes plans for her upcoming nuptials, everyone’s life begins to spiral out of control until the bride-to-be announces she was done with it all.

THE BRIDAL SQUAD looks at four women whose personal struggles are not unlike the reality of relationships and love but for each their battles loom larger through a lack of communication, issues of trust, secrets and the sheer exhaustion of their friend’s impending wedding.

Samantha Chase writes a heartwarming, realistic and poignant story of romance, and love, heartbreak and pain, perception and emotional withdrawal for four women who love hard, and work hard for love. Julianne battles for control of her wedding; Harper can never measure up to her mother’s ideals; Kayla receives an ultimatum; and Natalie realizes she may had made the biggest mistake of her life. THE BRIDAL SQUAD is an enjoyable, animated and lighthearted look at life. The premise is playful and energetic, and the characters are vivacious and passionate.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book 1-FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

CATCHING UP with Samantha Chase

TRC: Hi Samantha and welcome back to The Reading Café.

Congratulations on the release of THE BRIDAL SQUAD-the second installment in your Enchanted Bridal Series.SamanthaChase

For anyone new to Samantha Chase, please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

Samantha: Thanks for having me back! I write contemporary romance – some call it sweet, but I like to just mention that most of the sexy stuff happens behind closed doors!

 

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Samantha: I started reading romances in the 7th grade when my science lab partner introduced me to Harlequin romances. I was instantly hooked. I always knew that I loved writing stories, but it wasn’t until I got serious about reading romances that I knew that’s what I wanted to write. Sandra Brown was a huge influence on me wanting to do it.

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

Samantha: There are so many amazing authors out there that it’s hard to stand out and find readers! I am fortunate in that I am a full-time writer so I can set my own schedule and really write the books that I want to, but finding and keeping an audience is a constant challenge.

The Bridal SquadTRC: Would you please tell us something about THE BRIDAL SQUAD and Enchanted Bridal Series?

Samantha: There was never really going to be a series! Whew…it’s good to finally admit that! I had originally published THE WEDDING SEASON as a standalone. FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES was a story that I always wanted to write because growing up, I knew a family who owned a bridal shop and they did those fashion shows and I was always intrigued by them. As I started to plan it, I was talking to a friend about it and she mentioned using some of the characters from WEDDING SEASON and I thought “Why not?” So we sort of considered that the prequel. Readers seemed to really enjoy FRIDAY NIGHT BRIDES and I knew I could totally do more with the girls from that story but bring them back in supporting roles.

I wrote THE BRIDAL SQUAD in a very short amount of time. I won’t say how short, but trust me, it was! And the interesting thing was that I didn’t really know what I wanted these girls to be dealing with. I knew the dynamic that I wanted but this story was truly a by-the-seat-of-my-pants event. As the story progressed, I have to admit that even I was surprised at where some of the stories went but in the end, I felt like these were women who I would want to be friends with and the response from readers has confirmed that they would as well!

TRC: Are any of the characters based in reality?

Samantha: The character of Angie is based on a friend of mine. I mean like solidly based on her personality, not the life situation that the character in the book finds herself in. But most of my characters end up being a combination of people that I’ve known in my life.

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

Friday Night BridesSamantha: While I’m physically writing, the only sound I usually hear is my dog snoring or I put on a Sounds of the Ocean CD. However, almost all of my books have at least one song that has either inspired a particular scene or even the entire book. I tend to turn to music when I have writers block and that’s how I’ll find that perfect song to help me out.

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

Samantha: That writing is easy. I get so upset when people get flippant about what I do and then say “Oh maybe I’ll write a book!” It’s not easy. And it doesn’t get any easier. Each book takes more hours that I think it will and it means that I sit at my desk for fourteen hours a day or I don’t go out of my house for days on end.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Samantha: I’m actually kind of an introvert. Online I don’t seem that way, but most times if given the choice, I will gladly stay home with my husband and son and just hang out and watch TV.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Samantha: I am currently working on two books. The first is a new book in my Montgomery Brothers series. No title yet and I’m about 40K into it. And the other is book three in the Preston’s Mill series that I am co-writing with Noelle Adams called Complicating.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Steak

Favorite Dessert – chocolate milkshake

Favorite TV Show – Modern Family

Last Movie You Saw – Beauty and the Beast

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush – Jeffery Dean Morgan

Last Vacation Destination – San Diego

Do you have any pets? – Yes! My sassy pug Maylene

Last book you read – An ARC of GOING IN DEEP by Carly Phillips. And I LOVED it!!

TRC: Thank you Samantha for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your new release

Giveaway

Samantha and her publicist are offering an ecopy of THE BRIDAL SQUAD to THREE (3) commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

3. Please follow Samantha Chase on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Giveaway is open to  international entries.

8. Giveaway runs from May 12-16, 2017

Trident Media Group

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