Monthly Archives: April 2018

The Highlander’s Norse Bride (Hardy Heroines #3.5) by Cathy MacRae-Review & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE (Hardy Heroines #3.5) by Cathy MacRae-Review and Giveaway

THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE
Hardy Heroines #3.5
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date: March 17,2018
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

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

About the book: Release Date March 17, 2018

Caught between two kings vying for sovereignty of the Isles and Western Scotland, Hanna of Hällstein has lost everything—and vows to repay the Scots for the deaths of her husband and children. Fleeing the smoldering ruins of her village, Hanna crosses the Strait of Mull and chooses the Laird of Clan MacLean as the object of her revenge.

Alex MacLean has buried a wife and three children. Ignoring the clamors for him to wed again and produce an heir, he finds himself drawn to a Norse refugee who defies him and tests the limits of his patience—and his power as Laird.

Torn between revenge and honor, Hanna fears setting aside her vow of vengeance means she has lost her reason for living. Alex is determined to save her, even if it means defying the king.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDERS NORSE BRIDE is instalment 3.5 (and novella) in Cathy MacRae’s historical HARDY HEROINES Highland romance series. This is Hanna of Hallstein, and Laird Alex MacLean’s story line. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For followers of this series, THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE bridges the gap between The Highlander’s Crusader Bride (Book #3) and The Highlander’s Welsh Bride (releasing sometime in 2018).

Told from dual third person perspectives THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE follows Hanna of Hallstein in the aftermath of an attack by the Scots, on her Norse village, that killed her children, and left her a widow. Hoping for revenge against the Scottish King, Hanna finds herself a willing captive, working for Clan MacLean, and their Laird. Enter Alex MacLean, Scottish Laird, and the man with whom Hanna will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Hanna and Alex, and the potential fall-out as Hanna is unable to accept the love of a man, she once deemed the enemy.

Hanna is a strong woman with the ability to defend and protect but there comes a time when strength and determination are unequal to the conflict of war and the abuse of power. Laird Alex MacLean struggles in the aftermath of his wife’s death; raising his daughter, Alex never consider remarriage but the sight of the Norse ‘Valkyrie’ finds our hero longing for a woman, and the potential for a new heir.

The relationship between Hanna and Alex is quick to develop. Alex’s attraction to Hanna is immediate but Hanna struggles with the recent death of her husband, and murder of her three children. The $ex scenes are intimate but mostly implied.

THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is a quick read; a sweet romance between two people who are caught in a war not of their making. Some of the premise is loosely based in historical fact as the author adds a history lesson at the end of the story line epilogue. The premise is a well-rounded, intelligent and charming look at the thirteenth century, fictionalized history, and the war between the Scottish and the Norse. The characters are strong, and inspiring ; the romance is tender and passionate. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is the perfect read for lovers of historical Highland romance.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Highlander’s Viking Bride
The Highlander’s Crusader Bride
The Highlander’s Norse Bride

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow Cathy: Twitter / Goodreads /Website / Facebook

Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course.

You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!

Cathy MacRae is gracious offering a  $20 Amazon Gift Card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

3. Follow Cathy MacRae on Facebook.

4. Add THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE to your GOODREADS mountain.

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

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from April 15-20, 2018

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Barshan (Bratva Blood Brothers #3) by KJ Dahlen-a review

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BARSHAN (Bratva Blood Brothers #3) by KJ Dahlen-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2018

Barshan
There’s a war coming and they want blood…from my family.
But that won’t stop me from protecting her.
She doesn’t care who I am.
The mobster. The killer. The devil with a twisted sense of justice.
There’s no room for weakness in my world.
No one leaves the mob unscathed.
But I break rules.
And I will break those who seek to hurt her.

Talli
I know he’s a mobster, a killer, a devil with his own twisted sense of justice.
I never should have got involved with the Bratva, but I can’t help it.
He sparked something inside me.
Something I thought I’d forgotten.
My heart. My feelings. My desires.

Note: All books in the Bratva Blood Brother series are standalone, full length super sexy, raw mobster romance novels. They can be read in any order and do NOT contain cliffhangers. It includes lots of steamy scenes, slang, cursing, some violence, dark themes, and elements about a fictional Russian mafia. HEA guaranteed.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: BARSHAN is the third instalment in KJ Dahlen’s contemporary adult BRATVA BLOOD BROTHERS erotic, romance, Russian Mafia series focusing on a tight knit group of friends, Blood Brothers, originally from Russia. This is Red Star Security owner Barshan Stanikoff, and jeweller Talli Janick’s story line. BARSHAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: BARSHAN is the re-release of the authors October 2017 BLOOD TAINTED DIAMONDS

SOME BACKGROUND: Several years earlier, five young boys and childhood friends (Yuri, Sazon, Barshan, Mikial and Roman) survived the mean-streets of Russia only to be rescued and reared by a local gym owner Ivan Russo, who would meet his death by a local gang. Seeking revenge against the gang, local Russian Bratva member and soon to be New York Russian mafia leader Nikoli Silvanic would mentor the five young men until they were ready to take on the world, with the approval of Russian Bratva leader Sergi Constantine. When the time came Nikoli Silvanic would take over the New York territory, while the five ‘blood brothers’ would take over New Orleans. The Bratva Blood Brothers are their stories.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Barshan and Talli) BARSHAN follows the quick building relationship between Red Star Security owner Barshan Stanikoff, and jeweller Talli Janick. Several months earlier Barshan loaned businessman Russell Jerome a quarter of a million dollars, a loan that came due shortly after the death of his beloved wife Claudette Janick-Jerome. Unable to make restitution Jerome offers his late wife’s share of Christophe’s Jewellers, a family owned business currently run by the owner’s daughter, shares Russell had no authorization to offer. Enter Talli Janick, sole owner of Christophe’s Jewellers, and the woman with whom Barshan will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building romance between Barshan and Talli as Talli is targeted by an unknown source.

Barshan Stanikoff suspects he has been conned especially with the appearance of the Ukranian mob. With threats against our heroine’s life including several break and enters, assault and a fire that almost destroys Christophe’s Jewellers, Barshan claims Talli as his own in order to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Talli is a strong-willed, talented heroine but the on-going intimidation and threats place our heroine in a life-threatening situation. All evidence points to something to hide, something that is far more precious than anyone could have imagined.

Like the two previous story lines, the relationship between Barshan and Talli is very quick to develop. Barshan’s attraction to Talli is immediate, and within hours our hero claims Talli as his own, much to the bewilderment and objection of the Ukrainian mob. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of Barshan’s Bratva Blood Brothers play secondary and supporting characters. The Ukrainian and Russian mobsters must work together to solve the mystery that is Russell Jerome, a mystery that could affect the history of the Russian families.

BARSHAN takes liberty with some of the history of the Russian Imperial Romanov family- a history fictionalized and fantasized by many authors and historians throughout the years.

BARSHAN is a quick read; an edgy, insta-lust/love romance between two people thrown together by betrayal and vengeance, greed and power. The premise is thrilling; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is provocative and tender.

On the down side, BARSHAN does require another round of editing in that there are missing words, and several errors that should have been caught before publication. And, as this is the re-release, there is no excuse for the publication of a book without a second attempt at proof-reading.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Yuri
Mikial
Barshan

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Madam Tulip and The Bones of Chance (Madam Tulip #3) by David Ahern-Review and Interview

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MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE (Madam Tulip #3) by David Ahern-Review and Interview

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 12, 2018

A surprise role in a movie takes actress Derry O’Donnell to a romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands. But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion. Someone means to kill, and Derry, moonlighting as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip, is snared in a net of greed, conspiracy and betrayal.

A millionaire banker, a film producer with a mysterious past, a gun-loving wife, a PA with her eyes on Hollywood, a handsome and charming estate manager—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip.

As Derry and her friend Bruce race to prevent a murder, she learns to her dismay that the one future Tulip can’t predict is her own.

Madame Tulip is the third in a series of thrilling and hilarious Tulip adventures in which Derry O’Donnell, celebrity fortune-teller and reluctant amateur detective, plays the most exciting and perilous roles of her acting life, drinks borage tea, and fails to understand her parents.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE is the third instalment in David Ahern’s contemporary, adult MADAM TULIP slightly paranormal, mystery series focusing on the adventures of Irish American actress and celebrity fortune-teller Derry O’Donnell aka Madam Tulip. MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Derry O’Donnell is the daughter of American-born mother PR representative Vanessa, and her Irish-born father, eccentric artist and gambling addict Jack O’Donnell but Derry is also an amateur detective with psychic powers and visions of the future she employs in her role as the celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip.

Told from third person perspective (Derry O’Donnell) MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE follows actress Derry O’Donnell as she reluctantly accepts the role of a gypsy fortune-teller in a Scottish time-travel movie shooting in the Highlands of Scotland. Along with her best friend, fellow actor and former Navy SEAL Bruce, Derry embarks on a cross-country journey through Scotland where the sights and sounds hide centuries of secrets and sins. As the filming begins, Derry must come to terms with a group of obnoxious film professionals, a number who apparently, have something to hide. Several requests to ‘read’ the future find our heroine the target of a potential killer, a killer whose secrets do not want to be revealed.

MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE is a slow building, detailed story line that takes the reader through Edinburg and Glasgow, and the rolling hills and crumbling castles of the Highlands of Scotland. Derry’s parents continue their slightly acrimonious relationship pulling our heroine into the middle of an uphill struggle with their own fortune and fame. The large ensemble cast of spirited secondary and supporting characters pushes the envelope of liability and collaboration as it pertains to the who-dunnit aspect of the mystery and suspense. The premise is entertaining and engaging-captivating the reader’s attention with the slow reveal of possibilities; the characters are animated and energetic. MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and greed; with the added humor of the O’Donnell’s ongoing triumphs and failures.

I will add there are some Scottish/Irish expressions and words that may be unfamiliar to North American readers.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi David and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of MADAM TULIP and THE BONES OF CHANCE.

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

Follow David: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

David: I’m Irish, although I lived for many years in Scotland and love the place. I live on the West coast. Like most writers, I’ve had a bunch of careers, varying from the wildly successful to the unmitigated disaster.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

David: No doubt about it, my mother. She’s a marvellous actress, a fine writer and an inspiration to everyone who meets her.

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

David: It’s the same for most writers, I think. Finding your voice and gaining confidence in that voice takes time.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of MADAM TULIP and THE BONES OF CHANCE and the MADAM TULIP series?

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

David: Derry O’Donnell is an actress who moonlights as a fortune teller. She’s a teeny bit psychic, but when it comes to solving mysteries that’s no help at all. The thing about fortune telling for the wealthy is that where you’ve got money and secrets, you’ve got trouble. In ‘Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance,’Derry gets to act in a movie being shot in Scotland. And someone is determined to kill.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning MADAM TULIP and THE BONES OF CHANCE?

David: I’m one of those writers whose greatest fear is getting lost in the fun of research. So I impose strict limits. I’d say a max of ten percent of the time is spent on research, and I wish it were less.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series? Will they all be set in the UK?

David: I’ll keep on writing them as long as readers want me to. So far I’ve set one in each of Ireland, England and Scotland. I guess Wales should figure next, but in fact the fourth book is set back in Ireland. I do see Madam Tulip spreading her wings to more exotic climes as time goes on (and research budgets get more generous).

TRC: How did publishing your first book affect your writing style going forward?

David: I don’t think publishing affected anything much in the writing.

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?

David: Definitely. I’m lucky to have a wonderful cover designer in Natalie of Kisscutdesign. It really makes a difference.

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

David: For me characters come first. They decide.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline 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?

David: I like to feel I’m telling a story as I would if we had a power cut and were sitting around the fire entertaining ourselves with tall tales. As for writers failing, I don’t like playing the guru where writing is concerned – everyone has to find their own way. But sometimes the best advice is ‘just tell the story.’

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

David: I’d have a breakdown. Some kind of fuse in my brain would go pop if I tried to listen and write at the same time.

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

David: That it’s somehow better than being paid lots of money.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

David: That I’m a wonderfully talented musician. Unfortunately, the reason they don’t know is because they’ve heard me play.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

David: Madam Tulip book #4!

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

David: Just a thank you.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Anything Thai

Favorite Dessert
Don’t care as long as it’s got cream on.

Favorite TV Show
Black Books

Last Movie You Saw
The Producers (on TV)

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Any.

Secret Celebrity Crush
Jennifer L. because she’s got a sense of humour.

Last Vacation Destination
Vacation?

Do you have any pets?
Cats X 2.

Last book you read
Suetonius – The Twelve Caesars (talk about tabloid!)

TRC: Thank you David for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your the release of MADAM TULIP and THE BONES OF CHANCE. We wish you much success.

David: Thanks for having me. 🙂

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Misadventures With a Rookie (Misadventures #11) by Toni Aleo-a review

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MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE (Misadventures #11) by Toni Aleo

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

***MISADVENTURES ARE STANDALONE ROMANCES THAT CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER***

Winning has always come naturally for stud ice hockey defenseman Gus “the Bus” Persson. On the ice or off, he’s never had any trouble scoring, racking up goals—and girls. As the best player in his rookie class and the number-one draft pick of the Malibu Suns, he’s taking his game to the next level and is justifiably full of swagger.

So why does one of the Suns’ ice girls treat him like he’s invisible?

Bo St. James doesn’t have time for rookie hotshots who think their gloves don’t stink. She knows them, she works with them, she trains them. It doesn’t matter that Gus Persson is the hottest newbie she’s ever seen. She knows his type. She’s got big plans of her own, and she’s not going to let some cocky rich kid athlete keep her from her goals.

But there’s a chemistry between them they cannot deny. A lust that burns so hot, it threatens to melt the very ice on which they make their livings. The game has changed for both of them. Together, can these two play to win?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE by Toni Aleo is a stand-alone, contemporary, new adult, erotic, sports romance story line, a part of the multi-authored MISADVENTURES series. This is twenty-two year old AHL’s Malibu Suns hockey defenseman Gus ‘The Bus’ Persson, and twenty-one year old Sun’s ice girl/college student Bo St. James’ story line.

NOTE: I have seen this cover and title in two formats including Misadventures of a Rookie.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gus and Bo) MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE follows the acrimonious relationship between AHL’s Malibu Suns hockey defenseman Gus ‘The Bus’ Persson, and twenty-one year old Sun’s ice girl/college student Bo St. James. Bo wants nothing to do with a man like Gus Persson. She knows his type only too well-a love’em and leave’em kinda guy whose reputation with the ladies, and his arrogant and cocky personality precedes his introduction to our story line heroine but a persistent Gus Persson slowly begins to break down Bo’s no-hockey player policy. With secrets in her past, Bo struggles with her attraction and reactions to our story line hero. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bo and Gus, and the potential break-down when Gus is called up to the professional league.

Throughout the story line our couple find themselves caught up in a series of misadventures that land one or the other in the hospital ER. From a sprained ankle and dog bites, to a hilarious but painful allergic reaction, our couple find themselves participants in a comedy of errors as their relationship continues to grow and build. Bo’s preconceived notions about Gus are quickly blown out of the water with the revelation that his privileged upbringing was anything but. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense; Gus likes to talk dirty both in and out of the bedroom.

We are introduced to Gus’ parents, a couple whose humor, and love and support of their son hides an earlier failure that left Gus and his mother struggling to survive. The opposite end of the spectrum finds Bo’s parents struggling with our heroine’s sins of the past, as their constant reminders push our heroine further out of their life.

MISADVENTURES WITH A ROOKIE is both humorous and heart breaking as our couple navigate through a series of screw-ups, and secrets. The premise is engaging and enjoyable; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are colorful, fun and entertaining.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Maybe Someone Like You by Stacy Wise – a Review

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Maybe Someone Like You by Stacy Wise – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Katie Capwell is a bright and accomplished recent law school graduate, and she has her shiny future all mapped out. It’s brimming with courtroom victories and creating change. Ryan Brincatt is a tattooed and impossibly cool martial artist, and he’s mastered a fierce roundhouse kick.

Their paths never should have crossed.

But when Katie lurks outside the kickboxing gym where Ryan works as a trainer, she’s immediately drawn to his casual confidence and playful green eyes. Without making her usual list of pros and cons, she impulsively signs up to train with him.

She never imagined that one decision would change. Absolutely. Everything.

 

Review:

Maybe Someone Like You by Stacey Wise is a fun, charming, slow burn romantic read.  I’m really glad I had the chance to read this one.  I enjoyed the way Ms. Wise kept a slow burn on the romance running between Katie and Ryan.  It kept me turning page after page to see just when either one of them would make a move.  They actually were driving me crazy at times, and I just wanted to yell; ‘would you two just kiss, or get a room and get it over with already’, lol!! 

I found this was a book I was able to get into right away thanks to the flow of the story and it’s main couple Katie and Ryan. I enjoyed both characters and it was nice to see two characters with different personalities and backgrounds come together.  Katie is an intelligent career oriented woman who has always tried to do what her mother wanted her to do.  That is to be successful and marry someone successful. However, when Katie sees Ryan standing outside the kickboxing gym, likes what she sees and decides to follow him inside to get a better look, I knew right then we’d be in for a fun adventure with these two.  He’s so not the type of man Katie’s momma had in mind for her daughter, careful there Katie, lol!!  Ryan, oh Ryan what can I say about him besides….swooooon!!!!  Yes you can see I really liked his character.  He’s sexy, charming, witty, strong, athletic, the epitome of masculinity.  Put it this way, who wouldn’t want someone like Ryan to be their trainer, heck sign me up now if I had Ryan for my trainer too, lol!! 

Ryan and Katie hit if off from the start. Their banter is fun, sexy and flirty.  Ms. Wise makes it clear from the get go these two are attracted to each other but are trying very hard to keep things professional between each other.  It was fun to watch them dance around each other and pretend there’s no sexual chemistry burning between them, or feelings starting to bloom.  Just loved the last chapter, yes the last chapter is where Ms. Wise finally decides to have Katie and Ryan come clean with each other and get down to business.  Told you it was a slow burn romance.  Katie and Ryan finally tell each other how they feel, and this is also why Ryan had to stop being her trainer.  I pretty much guessed at that move on Ryan’s part, he didn’t want to date a client and you can ‘t blame him for that.  Once the finally open up and admit they like each other then the fireworks ensue.  I just wish we had a little more post ‘I like you’ with Katie and Ryan as they are a fun couple to read about. 

I really enjoyed Maybe Someone Like you by Stacy Wise, and if anyone likes a slow burn style romance with a fun and adventurous couple then this one’s for you.

Until next time, happy reading everyone! 

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Pecker Briefs by Sawyer Bennett-ebook giveaway

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The Pecker Briefs by Sawyer Bennett-ebook giveaway

THE PECKER BRIEFS
Legal Affairs Series
by Sawyer Bennett
Release Date :April 17, 2018

“Get your pecker to nesting, baby.”

THE PECKER BRIEFS by Sawyer Bennett releases April 17! A smart, sexy, and fun contemporary romance from Sawyer Bennett, THE PECKER BRIEFS is a standalone novel within the Legal Affairs series. You can see the rest of the Legal Affairs series here: https://sawyerbennett.com/bookstore/legal-affairs-series/

You can get this pecker in your hands early! Enter to win an e-ARC of THE PECKER BRIEFS now!

➡️ Add THE PECKER BRIEFS to your GOODREADS TBR: HERE

➡️ TAG a friend and/or SHARE this Facebook post HERE (not required to enter, but appreciated)

➡️ COMMENT  below when you’re done!

➡️ GIVEAWAY runs from April 12-15, 2018

* e-ARC will be delivered direct-to-kindle

* Facebook is not affiliated with this giveaway

IMPORTANT
 
With increasing frequency, many potential giveaway recipients have not been responding to our winner’s email notifications, and we suspect that our emails are going to spam.
 
After 72 hours, and several attempts to contact the potential winners, in all fairness to the authors, publishers and other entrants, we are forced to choose another name, and the original intended recipient forfeits their chance for the particular prize.
 
To protect yourself against a possible loss of prize notification, please add the following emails to your ‘safe’ and approved list of senders in your email address books:
 
Please check your junk and spam emails often before sending anything to trash.
 
barb@thereadingcafe.com
 
sandy@thereadingcafe.com
 
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#preorder THE PECKER BRIEFS:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BPm1wV
B&N: http://bit.ly/2EetPdc
iBooks: https://apple.co/2Ei6CTp
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2CfnXdG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2EiwOgv

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17, 2018

I never thought a pecker would get me in so much trouble.

I mean, sure… if you’re talking about a certain anatomical feature of mine that the ladies just love. Given my bachelor status and appreciation for all things curvy and feminine, I could absolutely see that. But a different pecker is making my life much harder than it needs to be.

My name is Ford Daniels, partner at the law firm of Knight & Payne, and my latest case has me wading through the finer points of peckers—woodpeckers that is. Specifically, the red-cockaded woodpecker. I swear, I can’t make this stuff up but that’s what the sexy-as-hell blonde chained to a tree told me this morning.

Her name is Viveka Jones and she is so much more than a pretty face. She’s got wit, charm, and razor-sharp smarts. Turns out my client is looking to bulldoze the red-cockaded woodpecker’s natural habitat in favor of a multimillion-dollar subdivision and the sexy attorney with legs for days (and days), just happens to be counsel for an animal rights group looking to put a halt to construction.

My client’s pissed, but all I can think about is getting Viveka across the table from me. And then on the table underneath me. Perhaps up against the wall. And then—

Well, let’s just say when it’s all said and done, I’m hoping the red-cockaded woodpecker isn’t the only pecker that gets some attention from Miss Viveka Jones.

 

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Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Will “Mad Dog” Madigan is making his second trip to the Winter Games, and he couldn’t be happier. Hockey is his life and playing for the U.S. team is a privilege. Then he meets U.S. figure skater Amber Sloane. She’s beautiful, ambitious and driven–everything Will desires in a woman. He would love to show Amber how hot life off the ice can be.

Amber has skated her entire life, sacrificing everything in the hopes of one day winning gold. Now she’s competing for the third and final time. She intends to win, and nothing’s going to get in her way–until she meets Will. He’s an irresistible charmer, and before long Amber is wondering if this sexy hockey player is the perfect guy to show her some moves outside the rink.

But after all the medals have been awarded, Will and Amber will have to decide if what they have together is just a fling or a real shot at true love.

 

Review:

I loved Shot on Gold by Jaci Burton.  For the sports fan in me it had a little of everything as it centered around the Olympics.  Plus, with the Olympics and Para Olympics having taken place this year it was a double whammy of sports for me, and very easy to get caught up with the storyline in this one.  Of course it also helped that the hero in this one was a hockey player as I love hockey, and the heroine was a figure skater and that’s one Olympic sport I love to watch.  So needless to say this was an added bonus of a read for me, and with it being a Burton novel I knew I was in for a fun adventure with a hot romance.

Shot on Gold featured Will Madigan a hockey player on the U.S. hockey team, and Amber who was going for gold in her sport of figure skating.  Two very opposite people in terms of personalities yet equal in their competitive nature due to their sports, and being able to understand each others crazy schedules and daily demands. I found Will and Amber very easy to like and associate with.  They made for a fun and exciting couple who were able to keep the story moving forward, while providing the steamy sexual chemistry one comes to associate with a Burton novel.  These two not only burned things up on the ice, but they did so in the bedroom too. 

Along with the romance between Will and Amber Jaci provided us with a stellar cast of secondary characters, some whom we’ve met in previous books and some new ones.  She brought fourth the whole Olympic atmosphere with all these characters by showcasing the various sports, the stress, tension, dedication, commitment, excitement of winning and the disappointment of loosing that these athletes go through on a daily basis to be the best they can be in their respective sports, and what it means to represent their country on the world stage.  She also showed the camaraderie between the athletes and how they become friends traveling on their respective circuits competing and cheering each other on, even though they are representing their respective countries. It was a lot of fun reading those parts of the story because it made me feel like I was there in the Olympic village with all the athletes going through the emotions, and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see if they were going to win or not.  

Jaci Burton has a knack for writing sports themed romances.  You can tell she’s a sports fan and it shows through in her action scenes. You actually feel like you are there playing the sport or cheering the hero or heroine on.  The characters always manage to carry the story with ease and get the reader involved from the get go and Will and Amber where no different. They made you get invested in them as a couple and stay with them every step of the way to see if they’d get their win the gold for their sport and get their HEA.  For a sports junkie like me Shot on Gold was a great read, and must read for anyone who loves their sports as much as I do. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!

Reviewed by Marcie

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of SHOT ON GOLD to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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My Unexpected Love (Beaumont-Next Generation #2) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review Tour & Giveaway

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MY UNEXPECTED LOVE (Beaumont-Next Generation #2) by Heidi McLaughlin-Review Tour & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 12, 2018

Ben Miller met the love of his life the day he crossed paths with Elle James in their high school cafeteria. New to Beaumont, he took a chance when he approached her. Their first encounter was everything his mother ever read to him about fairy tales. He saw the girl who would be his forever.

From the moment Elle James met Ben Miller they’ve been best friends. Everything they did, they did it together, from late night study sessions, family vacations, throwing bottles off the water tower, going to prom and finally moving to California for college.

However, after the almost tragic accident where she nearly lost her twin sister, Elle’s life hasn’t been the same, and neither has her relationship with Ben.

One fateful decision changes the scope of Ben and Elle’s relationship. For one, it means a new beginning. For the other, it means change.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MY UNEXPECTED LOVE is the second installment in Heidi McLaughlin’s contemporary, new adult BEAUMONT-NEXT GENERATION romance series- a spin off from the authors Beaumont Series. This is university students and best friends Elle Powell- James and Ben Miller’s story line. MY UNEXPECTED LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading HOLDING ONTO FOREVER for backstory and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Elle and Ben) MY UNEXPECTED LOVE focuses on Elle James as she spirals out of control in the months following the near fatal accident of her twin Peyton James (Holding Onto Forever). Unable to come to terms with the idea of losing her twin, Elle James life becomes a non-stop adventure of drinking and partying affecting both her grades and the close relationships in her life. Enter best friend and the man who is hopelessly in love with our story line heroine, Ben Miller. What ensues are the family’s attempts to seek help for Elle, and the fall-out when Ben, unable to bear the constant pain and rejection by the woman he loves, heads to New York in an effort to begin anew.

Ben Miller has been in love with his best friend since the day that they met but Elle has been oblivious to Ben’s feelings forcing Ben to remain in the friend zone for close to eight years. Elle James’s knows loss first hand and the near death of her twin has affected our heroine more than she could have imagined.

The relationship between Elle and Ben is a friends to lovers that is almost destroyed by Elle’s drinking and refusal to admit that she has a problem. When Ben is offered an internship in New York, his only hesitation is leaving behind the woman he loves. Elle’s immaturity and lack of responsibility threatens everything for which she has worked including her friendship with our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are familiar and dynamic: Noah and Peyton, Elle and Peyton’s step-brother Quinn, their parents Harrison and Katelyn, Ben’s brother Brad, and fellow New York intern Talia.

MY UNEXPECTED LOVE is a story of family and friendship, heartbreak and loss. There is a distinct lack of communication between our leading couple that leads to alienation and a loss of support –a support system that is no longer strong but fragile and broken. The premise is heartbreaking; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and driven.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of HOLDING ONTO FOREVER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Heidi McLaughlin: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter /Instagram /Pinterest

Heidi McLaughlinHeidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she’s isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

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