Monthly Archives: July 2019

Devoted to Love by Shayla Black-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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DEVOTED TO LOVE (Devoted Lovers #2) by Shayla Black-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

DEVOTED TO LOVE
Devoted Lovers #2
by Shayla Black
Release Date: July 2, 2019.
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

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

He was sent to guard her body… he didn’t expect her to steal his heart.

Her sister’s wedding was hardly the place to find a hook up, but after one look at friend-of-the-groom and special operative Josiah Grant, small-town Texas beauty Magnolia West immediately fell in lust. After a stunningly sensual night together, Maggie is prepared for the two of them to go their separate ways. After all, she’s not a happily-ever-after kind of girl. But Josiah—and danger—change her plans.

Josiah isn’t looking for love…but Maggie rouses his body and stirs his heart like no other woman. She’s got a rocky romantic past, and a smart man would steer clear. But when the murder quotient in Kendall County rises and all signs point to a mysterious group nearby who have been harassing Maggie’s family, he can’t leave her unprotected—especially when he realizes he’s fallen hard for her.

As tension mounts and the menace closes in, Josiah will do anything to prove to Maggie that their love is real…but can they stay alive long enough to share it?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: DEVOTED TO LOVE is the second full-length instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary, adult DEVOTED LOVERS erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former CIA agent and EM Security special operative Josiah Grant, and rancher Magnolia ‘Maggie’ West’s story line. DEVOTED TO LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Maggie and Josiah) DEVOTED TO LOVE follows the building relationship between former CIA agent and EM Security special operative Josiah Grant, and rancher Magnolia ‘Maggie’ West. Josiah and Maggie met at the wedding of Maggie’s sister Shealyn West and Josiah’s friend Cutter Bryant. A one-night stand leads to something more when the suspicious murder of a neighbor leads to the investigation of a cult known as the Enlightenment Fields and its’ leader Adam Coleman. Enlightenment Fields is amassing land in and around Comfort, Texas, and the West Family ranch stands in their way. What ensues is the growing love and relationship between Maggie and Josiah, and the potential fall-out as Enlightenment Fields targets Josiah and Maggie, and Maggie’s family ranch.

Maggie West struggles to accept that Josiah wants anything beyond a one-night stand. Prickly, petulant, defensive and stubborn Maggie’s attitude reflects her fear of abandonment and never finding love. Josiah Grant doesn’t waste any time pushing all of Maggie’s buttons but our hero is determined to claim Maggie as his own. With the Enlightenment Fields cult threatening anyone who refuses to cede, Josiah and the security specialists from EM Security must take precautions to take down the people involved.

The relationship between Josiah and Maggie is one of immediate attraction but Maggie is headstrong and refuses to accept that their is a happily ever after in her future. Josiah Grant is a Dominant in the bedroom but Maggie refuses to give up control. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate, and erotic with some mild scenes of spanking and discipline.

There is a large ensemble case of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Shealyn West and Cutter Bryant; EM Security co-owner Logan Edgington; security agents Zyron and Trees; Pierce ‘One-Mile’ Walker and Brea Bell; Maggie and Shealyn’s grandparents Glenda and Jim West; deputy Kane Preston; 911 operator Dixie Hill; ranch foreman Sawyer; and several members of the Enlightenment Fields including Mercy, Marcus, Michael and Adam Coleman.

DEVOTED TO LOVE is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love. The fast paced premise is engaging, entertaining, and captivating; the characters are numerous, dynamic and determined; the romance is seductive and steamy. DEVOTED TO LOVE is a suspense filled that is sure to catch your attention.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Devoted to Pleasure
Devoted to Wicked
Devoted to Love

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Maggie was shocked to feel her hand tremble when she put her fingers in Josiah Grant’s massive palm. He’d been more than nice to look at, and she’d already entertained more than one fantasy about how hot he might look out of that sharp charcoal-gray suit. But now that she was actually going to touch him, her brain felt in eminent danger of short-circuiting. How the devil would she manage if he actually kissed her? Peeled off her clothes? Thrust his hard cock—which should be large, given the size of his hands—inside her?
She’d combust on the spot.
“Sure,” she managed to murmur while seeming somewhere between cool and detached. It was her signature move.
As they reached the dance floor, the party tune faded away, replaced by Ed Sheeran crooning that he’d love the woman in his arms until he was seventy. As Josiah pulled her close and began to sway to the slow beat, she peered up at him. Her lashes fluttered, along with her heart. She sucked in a breath. God, she had to stop being such a nervous idiot. He was a man. She was a woman. This would probably be nothing more than a fling she’d enjoy the hell out of.
But looking into his eyes, she wasn’t so sure. They weren’t blue or green or brown or even hazel. They were more unusual. They were a glinting gray with a thick fringe of lashes against tanned skin. That gaze, along with the buzz of his brown hair, made him look somewhere between exotic and dangerous. And he was staring right at her, looking entirely serious.
Mercy, what was it about this man?
He swallowed like maybe she got to him, too.
“So . . .” She searched for a conversational topic to cut her nerves.
“So . . .” He smirked in return.
“You actually can dance. I’m impressed.”
He let loose a laugh. “See? I’m a lot of things, but a liar isn’t one of them.”
Josiah glided them around the floor effortlessly, turning her under his arm, reeling her in closer, then settling his hot fingertips in the middle of her bare back before he caressed his way down her spine and placed his palm close to her ass.
Lord, he felt good. Maggie tried not to imagine how his fingers would feel skimming her whole body with that soft, unhurried stroke. “Tell me . . . Were you in the service, like Cutter?”
Josiah shook his head. “CIA.”
Wow. “That sounds dangerous.”
“The mortality rate was higher than, say, for an accountant.”
“Why do I get the feeling that’s an understatement?”
He simply shrugged. Okay, he didn’t want to talk about it. Or couldn’t. She respected that.
“How long have you worked for EM Security?”
“About a year. I signed on because I wanted to learn from the best. Then a few months later, Caleb Edgington retired. Thankfully, his sons have proven anything but amateur. What about you?”
Since he’d done important things like save the world, he would laugh a million times at what she’d chosen to do with her life. At least he’d never guess. It wasn’t as if a guy like him would ever read an Azalea North novel. In fact, no one had figured her secret out yet, not even her sister.
“I’m . . . on hold right now. Shealyn has this big life to lead, and now she’s married. My grandparents are needing more help as they get older. Papa fell last week. Thankfully, he wasn’t hurt, but Granna can’t lift him. I barely can. And she can’t remember to take her medicine half the time. They’re little issues, at least right now. But they’re going to require more care in the coming years.”
“What about your mom? Can she help?”
Maggie bit back something pointless he wouldn’t understand and she’d probably regret. “She lives in Costa Rica with her husband and my ten-year-old half brother. Up until the last few months, she really hasn’t been in my life. We’re, um . . . getting to know each other.”
“You didn’t grow up with her?”
She shook her head. “Long story.”
Hopefully, he’d read between the lines. In her book, it was a closed subject. She still wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about her mom. A few conversations didn’t erase a whole childhood of resentment, but Maggie wasn’t the sort to hold on to hate. And it wasn’t as if her youth in Comfort had been terrible.
“What about your parents?” she said to fill what could become an awkward silence.
“Long story, as well.”
In other words, he had secrets he’d rather keep, too. Fine by her.
The silence she’d been trying to avoid fell between them. Surprisingly, it wasn’t awkward at all. But it was tight, full of awareness. She could feel herself yearning to be closer to him. But what blindsided her was his desire for her. It hung so thick in the air it was almost tangible. Like a blanket, it wrapped around her, warmed her from the January chill that blew in under the tent. It left her no doubt what he thought or wanted.
The song ended. Neither one of them moved, simply stared. Those wicked fingertips of his prowled their way up her bare back again, making her shiver, before gliding down in a barely there caress.
“Josiah?”
“How much longer do you have to stay at the reception?”
Half dazed, she scanned the room. Her sister was wrapped in her husband’s arms on the opposite corner of the dance floor. Granna and Papa had already retired. Brea, bless her, had finally managed to calm her stomach enough to enjoy the festivities. The rest of the guests had either left or kicked off their shoes, started their third drink, and gotten ready to party.
“Not another minute. Are you planning to take me to bed?”
He cupped her cheek, looking like he wanted to kiss her. Instead, he backed away, teeth gritted in restraint—for now. She had a feeling that moderation wouldn’t last.
Josiah took her hand. “Yes, I am.”


 

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

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The Reading Cafe and Penguin Random House are offering a paper copy of DEVOTED TO LOVE  by Shayla Black to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 9-14, 2019

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Bootyversary by Frankie Love & CM Seabrook-Review & Excerpt Tour

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Bootyversary by Frankie Love & CM Seabrook-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 6, 2019

Bootyversary [boo-tee-ver–sa-ry] noun: when someone has had the same booty call for a year.

The issue: Peyton’s sworn off military men.
The compromise: A booty call when I’m on leave.
The reason tonight changes everything: It’s our one-year BOOTYVERSARY.

It’s supposed to be magic – me telling her she’s the one.
But Peyton has other ideas.
And she sure as hell isn’t prepared to wear a ring.
Yet.
I’m not giving up on her.
Not now, not ever … not even when she totally drops a bomb I never expected!

•••••••••

REVIEW: The second in the Booty call series, Bootyversary is a sexy, hot and sweet story that will grab you by the kindle cord and drag you on a steamy journey!

Peyton grew up with a military father that was gone most of the time, she saw the stress and sadness her mother went through while always waiting to hear news and never having him around and she doesn’t want that for herself.

When a certain Seal returns from a mission, she tells herself that she will treat this “relationship” as nothing more than a booty call, but her Seal as other plans. The feelings she starts to develop for him scare her, using this as a excuse she pushes him again, but what happens when the unexpected happens? Will she face her fears and tell him how she feels? Will she risk it all on a man who may or may not always be there for her?

Enter Lance, the Navy Seal, born to be a hero. Now Lance was orphaned as a child, and because of that the military has become his new family. Until Peyton. She has changed everything in his world, after coming home from a mission he needs her more than the very air he breathes. There’s a catch though, Payton doesn’t want anything long term, or at least that’s what she says. Can he break down her defense and reach her? What happens when he has to leave again, and they don’t part on good terms?

What starts as a booty call leads Lance and Peyton on a journey of love, hope and a little surprise they weren’t expecting. C.M Seabrook as always leaves us wanting more, and this is for sure, the next book is on my TBR!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

 

 

Lance
Three months of unopened mail is scattered on the floor when I walk through the front door of my house. I kick it aside, placing my duffle bag down and flicking on the lights.
“It’s good to be home,” I mutter, unbuttoning my uniform as I head to my bedroom to do the one thing I’ve been dreaming about doing for the last ninety-two days.
Text Peyton.
Me: Hey beautiful. I just got in. You busy?
This last mission was brutal. Three months with no contact with the outside world, not being able to see my girl’s smile, hear her voice…like I said, brutal.
Being a Navy Seal has its perks. But the one downfall is having no chance at anything close to a normal relationship.
And until a year ago, that hadn’t mattered to me. I’d been more than happy with random hook-ups…until I met her.
She was teaching a cooking class downtown in one of those underground culinary studios that are usually exclusive invite-only. My sister had given me her spot, insisting I learn how to make something other than hard-boiled eggs and protein shakes.
One look at the sexy little chef and I knew I had to have her. One night in my bed, and I knew there was no way I was letting her go. But as soon as she found out that I was military, she’d bolted.
Took me a week to track her down, and by then I was already preparing for my next mission.
“Look, Lance,” she’d said, not making eye contact. “It was fun, but I’m not looking for a boyfriend, especially one who’s gone three quarters of the year.”
“I get it,” I told her, brushing my knuckles across her cheek and feeling her tremble beneath my touch. When I cupped her jaw and forced her to look at me, there was no denying the connection between us.
My sergeant, who’d been married for almost thirty years liked to tell us that when you know, you know. It’s like a volt of electricity straight to the heart. I hadn’t believed him until that moment.
“I ship out tomorrow morning.” I pulled her close, wrapping one arm around her waist, and despite the denial of her words, her body melted against mine. “Let me call you when I get back.”
Her palms rested on my chest, and I could feel the hesitancy before she answered. “You want a booty call?”
I’d chuckled, and lowered my face to hers, my lips so close to her own that I could almost taste her kiss. “I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give me.”
She held my gaze, those gorgeous hazel eyes searching mine. She wanted me, or at least the pleasure that she knew I could give her. Our night together had been the best fucking night of my life. And I needed more.
“Okay,” she finally said. “But it’s just sex. Nothing else.”
I’d kissed her then, taking it as a win. And when I’d come back home a month later, she was the first person I called. Our week together was just as electric as the first time we’d been together. More so. Because the anticipation of seeing her again was like a drug.
But there’s also this fear inside me every time I’m called away that when I come back, she’ll have found somebody else.
I swallow over the lump in my throat, waiting for Peyton’s response. Finally a message pops up on the screen.
Peyton: I’m just closing up at the Rink. I’ll stop by in an hour.
I let out the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding in and text her back.
Me: I can’t wait to see you. You know what today is? Our Bootyversary.
Peyton: Our what?
Me: Our Bootyversary. The first time we hooked up was a year ago today.
Peyton: I don’t think that’s a thing, but if it involves presents, I’m in.
I chuckle.
Me: Sweetheart, I’ve got a huge present for you.
Peyton: That’s the only kind I like! 😉
God, I love her.
My heart starts to pound as the thought goes through my head. But it’s the truth. I love everything about the woman…except the fact that she still refuses to be mine.
I clean up the house and order delivery before stepping in the shower. My cock is already hard, my balls aching with the thought of seeing her. I jerk myself off to the memory of her sweet pussy, knowing I won’t last two seconds with her tonight if I don’t.
I’m just pulling on a pair of sweats when there’s a knock on the door. Thinking it’s the delivery guy, I grab my wallet and answer.
Peyton stands there, her eyes widening, pupils expanding when her gaze lands on my bare chest. It’s less than a second, the moment when we take each other in, a carnal hunger so intense it denies all other thoughts. And then she’s in my arms, and her mouth is on mine, her legs wrap around my waist, and I’m slamming the door behind us – one purpose only – burying myself inside her.
There’s nothing gentle, nothing soft about the way our hands roam each other’s bodies. It’s ravenous. Feral. Needy.
She’s wearing a sundress, and it bunches around her waist, giving me easy access to her pussy. I push her thong aside and bury two fingers in her warmth. Peyton moans, her mouth parting as my tongue mimics the same movement as my fingers.
“Lance,” she whimpers, her pussy dripping for me, her hands pushing my sweats down over my hips until my thick cock is free. “I need you inside me.”
I groan, thanking God that I came earlier, because her words are enough to undo me. I grip my thick shaft and ease the head inside her snug little pussy, her liquid heat wrapping around me like a vise.
“You feel so fucking good,” I tell her, gripping her ass with one hand, my other palm against the wall, steadying me.
I begin to thrust, the movement urgent, desperate, needy, the fire between us building until I wonder if it will scorch us both.
Peyton cries out and I feel her walls pulse around my cock as her pleasure rakes through her. I come inside her, hot spurts of my release filling her, my legs barely holding us up as I’m taken to the height of pure ecstasy.
My god, the woman undoes me.
She’s limp in my arms, our bodies coated in sweat, and I carry her to the shower, and turn it on, before helping her out of her dress, bra, and panties.
We don’t speak, our eyes do the talking. Her gaze never leaves mine as I help her into the shower and begin to wash her.
I kiss her, this time gently.
I see the fear in her eyes when she looks at me, and I know she’s terrified of what this is becoming. Hell, I wish I could erase those fears. Make her believe that I can be the man she needs.
“Peyton—”
The doorbell rings.
Her brows lift, and she teases, “Expecting another booty call?”
I grunt, and kiss the tip of her nose, wishing I could tell her that she’s the only woman in my life. The only woman I’ll ever want. But I know I’ll just scare her away.
“It’s probably dinner. I ordered your favorite Chinese.”
A smile spreads across her face. “Great. I’m starving.”
I get out of the shower and pull my sweats back on.
“Lance,” she says before I leave the bathroom.
“Yeah.”
“It’s good to have you home.”


 

Frankie Love: writes filthy-sweet stories about bad boys and mountain men. As a thirty-something mom to six who is ridiculously in love with her own bearded hottie, she believes in love-at-first-sight and happily-ever-afters. She also believes in the power of a quickie.

❤️Get ready to fall in love … you deserve it!❤️

Website –http://bit.ly/2ra5I7t
Amazon Author Page –http://amzn.to/2r9ZVhS
Facebook –http://bit.ly/2plUQ6R
Instagram –http://bit.ly/2r3u1ld
Pinterest –http://bit.ly/2scHurz

_____________

CM Seabrook: When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s most likely spending time with her family, cooking, singing, or racing between soccer, hockey and karate practices. She’s living her own happily ever after with her husband of fifteen years and their two daughters.

She loves creating new exciting characters – from sexy, bad boy alphas, to the passionate, fiery women who love them.

Canadian born and bred, she started life in Edmonton, Alberta, and now resides in London, Ontario. She attended Western University where she graduated with an Honors degree in Anthropology.

Her guilty pleasures include red wine, pasta, binge watching Starz originals, and hanging out with her rescue pup, Jaxx.

Follow:  Website/Goodreads/Facebook/Twitter/

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Tangle (Dogwood Lane #2) by Adriana Locke-Review & Giveaway Tour

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Tangle (Dogwood Lane #2) by Adriana Locke-Review & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2019.

That cream-filled, caramel-topped doughnut should have been hers. Still, Haley Raynor can’t deny that the pastry thief with the dreamy blue eyes looks even more delicious. But moving in on a handsome devil like Trevor Kelly is bad news for a die-hard romantic like Haley. Trevor doesn’t believe in love. She does. Giving in to a fling and Trevor’s irresistible charms can’t end well. Can it? What can it hurt to give it a shot?

Girls always fall for Trevor, and in the end, he always ends up looking like a bad-boy cad. Still, spending some time with Haley and her smart-talking, kissable mouth sounds pretty perfect. Besides, he’s only going to be in Dogwood Lane for one week. How much trouble could they possibly get into?

The only answer? A “no falling in love” contract. All Trevor and Haley have to do is follow the rules and resist the attraction sizzling between them…before their hearts get completely tangled up in temptation.

••••••

REVIEW: Tangle is book two in the Dogwood Lane book series by Adriana Locke. We met Haley Raynor in Tumble, book one in the Dogwood Lane series. Haley is a small town girl, who is a hopeless romantic that has a horrible history of picking the wrong guys. Not only does she pick the wrong guys she also falls in love with them. Which always leads her to a broken heart.

Her cousin we met in book one – Dane Madden, bets her that she can’t date for six months. Haley decides to work on herself and agrees to the dating ban. When everything seems to be going wrong, Haley heads to the one place she knows she will find comfort – the Dogwood Cafe. They have doughnuts! Delicious cream filled doughnuts. Haley is eyeing the last doughnut, only to find out that its already sold.

It’s been sold to ruggedly handsome Trevor Kelly. Trevor is on the exact polar opposite of the romance spectrum as Haley. He is a serial single guy, that does not believe in love and has no desire what so ever for a relationship. After countless random run ins with each other, the two of them decide to make them not so coincidental.

Haley has a heart of gold, the girl next door, the one that you want to be best friends with. She sees the world through love stained glasses and just wants the ultimate romance. She is so funny and sweet that you only want the best for her. Trevor, not going to lie, had to grow on me. I wasn’t feeling him at all in the beginning. But he definitely redeemed himself. This book will leave you flushed and wanting more. The chemistry between the two characters is wonderful, witty and hot!

This author can paint a picture of small town America that you want to visit and eventually move to! She takes the meaning of family seriously and that comes through with every story. I highly recommend this series  if you are looking to fall in love with both characters, and are rooting for the happily ever after. I am so hoping that Penn gets his story soon,. Because I can not wait!!! Must add to your summer reading list.

Click HERE for Erin’s review of book one TUMBLE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

 

I stand under the soft glow of a string of lights. My arm slides against a slick, waxy leaf as I back away slowly from Trevor.

He’s eating me alive with his eyes. Sizzling the sides of my face where his thumbs gently stroke my skin. Setting my body ablaze with the look that he just might break.

I ache. Every piece of my body demanding contact from this ridiculously good-looking man. With every press of the pad of his thumb, another ripple of want shoots through my veins.

I’m not sure if the humming sound pulsing around me is coming from the greenhouse or inside my body, but the continuous pressure quickens my thoughts.

I want him. I want him here and now and whatever happens after, I’ll deal.

And that’s it.

“I’m warning you,” I tell him. The lines around his eyes bend as he narrows them. “If you start kissing me this time, you better not stop.”

USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys dreamed up by other authors, she decided to create her own. She is the author of Tumble, the first novel in her Dogwood Lane series; the Exception series; the Gibson Brothers series; and the Landry Family series.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, her sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Look for her at www.adrianalocke.com.

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NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the giveaway, If you have any questions please contact the author.

Tangle Release Giveaway

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Delayed Satisfaction by Lauren Blakely-a review

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DELAYED SATISFACTION by Lauren Blakely

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 22, 2019

I’m not looking for love. I’m definitely not even interested in dating. But when I first see the handsome stranger singing on stage and our eyes lock, it feels like kismet. For seven blissful days, we fall into an intoxicating romance. Until one night when I learn just how forbidden we are…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: DELAYED SATISFACTION by Lauren Blakely is the prequel novella to the author’s SATISFACTION GUARANTEED focusing on twenty-eight year old, veterinarian Malone Goodman, and twenty-two year old, college graduate Sloan Elizabeth.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Malone and Sloane) DELAYED SATISFACTION follows the quick building relationship between twenty-eight year old, veterinarian Malone Goodman, and twenty-two year old, college graduate Sloan Elizabeth. Sloan Elizabeth is looking for a job, and an evening of networking with a group of veterinarians and executives at animal rescues finds our heroine entranced by a man whose voice is that of an angel. Enter veterinarian Malone Goodman, and the two embark on a week of dates that ends when everything comes crashing down.

DELAYED SATISFACTION is a very quick read that introduces some of the back story and history between Malone Goodman and Sloane Elizabeth whose story will continue in SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. But saying that, the prequel is more of a tease that should have been included in Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Faith Hunter-Jane Yellowrock series 10th Anniversary Celebration GW

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Faith Hunter – Jane Yellowrock series 10th Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway

 

 

The Reading Cafe is happy to join the Celebration of 10 years of Jane Yellowrock!

Enter for your chance to win the entire New York Times bestselling Jane Yellowrock series (so far), plus cool Jane swag!

Jane Yellowrock is the last of her kind—a skinwalker of Cherokee descent who can turn into any creature she desires and fights vampires, demons, and everything in between in the city of New Orleans. Enter today for your chance to win all of Jane’s adventures:

LINK TO ENTER JANE YELLOWROCK GIVEAWAY

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for this giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the publisher.

For this special celebration, Ace Books, is giving three winners a set of the entire series, plus an advance copy of the next book, Shattered Bonds, and some special swag.

 

Coming October 29th, 2019

Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker, and vampire killer-for-hire, but her last battle with an ancient arcane enemy has brought her low. She seeks retreat in the Appalachian Mountains to grieve the loss of her friends, and to heal–or to die–from the disease brought on by her magic.

But malevolent elements in the paranormal community still seek to destroy Jane, and the younger Son of Darkness stalks her, even into the safety of the hills. With nowhere to run and her body failing, the rogue-vampire hunter and her inner Beast must discover a way to defeat this new threat, and find a form that gives her a chance to fight another day.

 

 


Faith Hunter is the New York Times bestselling author of the Jane Yellowrock series, the Soulwood series, set in the world of Jane Yellowrock, and the Rogue Mage series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reel Love by Julie A Richman-a review

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Reel Love by Julie A Richman-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 26, 2019.

Is it Reel Love or Real Love?

Hollywood

The moment I laid eyes on Finn Parker’s headshot, I knew that if this guy could act, I wanted him for the hero role in the film being made from my book, Fleeing an August Moon .

The tall, blond, and ruggedly handsome actor looked exactly like the picture I’d seen in my head the entire time I was writing the book.

The studio, however, had different thoughts on a leading man.

Box Office crusher, Maverick Dailey, made it clear that he wanted the role. The producers, studio, and everyone involved were thrilled to score such a celebrity. Well, everyone except me.

And it’s my vote that counts since, according to my contract, I get final say on casting. Maverick is amazing, yet I’m just not sure…

It certainly didn’t help that Finn Parker and I seemed destined to cross paths. We ran into each other all over Hollywood. And the more time we spent together, the more the sparks between us flew. We had an intense chemistry, something I’d only ever read about in books like mine.

Which made me wonder, was I really falling for Finn or just living out a fantasy with a red-blooded, live version of my hot hero character?

It’s easy to confuse fiction for reality in Hollywood. Everything is not as it seems in this town.

Not to mention, Finn’s life would forever change if he landed the role. Which made me question how good of an actor he really was? Was he interested in me, or the role I had the power to give him?

Is this Real Love or just Reel Love?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: This was a first time read for this author, and I was pleasantly surprised.

A heartwarming story that I think many people will like, Reel Love brings attention to not only what authors can deal with but also actors. I found the connection between the two main characters was steady and moving, something everyone will like.

Frankie (love the name!) was once an unknown author, she published her works, but while she did well she wasn’t a household name. Well now she is with her new book; Fleeing an August Moon that is taking the world by store. Being made into a movie, Frankie is thrust into the limelight of Hollywood, A-listers and drama.

Enter Finn Parker, a not so well known B-list actor who is trying to connect. Finn wants the park of lead in Frankie’s movie, Griffin Chase and is willing to work himself to the bone to get it. Finn looks the part, but will his acting make the cut of the steamy book boyfriend to be.

A chance encounter set Frankie and Finn on a adventure of self exploration, love, loss and love found again.

What I love the most out of this book, was the fact that Finn comes into his own, he learns what he needs in order to grow and become a better person. As for Frankie, Frankie is near and dear to my heart for more than one reason.

Get ready to fall in love, and wish for more!

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sarah L.

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In Moonlight and Memories 1-3 by Julie Ann Walker-Reviews and Giveaway

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In Moonlight and Memories 1-3 by Julie Ann Walker-Reviews and Giveaways

IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES
Volume 1-3
by Julie Ann Walker
Genre: adult, contemporary, fiction

ABOUT THE BOOKS: Release Date July 1, 2019

Volume #1: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play/ iBooks

MOST LOVE STORIES HAVE ONE BEGINNING AND ONE ENDING. THIS LOVE STORY HAS MANY.

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker comes an epic story about sacrifice, friendship, and the awe-inspiring power of love.

Maggie: Ten years ago, Cash Armstrong stole my heart. Then he promptly joined the army—dragging my best friend with him—and left me crying on the front porch in a red sequined prom dress. Now he’s back. They’re both back. Cash, the one who still has my heart. And Luc, the one who saved my life.

Cash: How do you know if you’re at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out since a traumatic brain injury made me “unfit to serve.” I’m back in New Orleans, and picking up the shattered pieces of my past means I must confront where my life’s journey began… and where it all might end.

Luc: Long ago, Maggie May was mine. Not mine in the way you might think. She was mine because she was my only friend. Then Cash came along and we became brothers by something stronger than blood. We became brothers by choice. When tragedy struck, I was forced to make a decision that changed all our lives. I thought, after ten years, it was safe to come back home. I was wrong.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Volume 1 by Julie Ann Walker introduces some of the back story, history and present day struggle of three friends in New Orleans, Louisiana: twenty six year old, Magnolia ‘Maggie’ May Carter, and twenty-eight year olds, Cassius ‘Cash’ Armstrong, and Lucien ‘Luc’ Dubois.

Told from three first person points of view (Maggie, Cash and Luc) IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES follows twenty six year old, Magnolia ‘Maggie’ May Carter, and twenty-eight year olds, Cassius ‘Cash’ Armstrong, and Lucien ‘Luc’ Dubois as they reconnect in the aftermath of ten years of silence in which Maggie Carter never stopped wondering what happened and why. Ten years earlier, Maggie and Cash were high school sweethearts but on the night of the prom, Cash disappeared without a trace leaving Luc Dubois to pick up the pieces of Maggie’s heart. Fast forward to present day wherein Green Berets Luc and Cash return from serving several tours in the Middle East but Cash is but a shell of his former self. What ensues is the rekindling but fragile friendship between Cash, Maggie and Luc, as they meander a minefield of memories, past betrayals, and the possibility of losing one another, all over again.

IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES is an emotional, raw, heart breaking and angst filled story of friendship, forgiveness, secrets and lies. Having just touched on the some of the dark and explosive backstory, Volume One sets into motion the potential for destruction of everyone’s heart.

A love triangle of sorts, the relationship between Luc, Maggie and Cash is real, startling, profound and calamitous. Cash Armstrong’s daily battle is a fight between life and death, the present and the past; pain, grief, guilt and love. Luc Dubois battles his attraction to the woman he has always loved but a woman who is in love with someone else; and Maggie Carter, a twenty-six year old business owner who has yet to discover the truth; the secrets, and the horrific possibility that everything is about to come crashing down as the man that she has never stopped loving has stopped loving himself.

Julie Ann Walker pulls the readers into a tragic story of a friendship forged by tragedy, loss, betrayal and love.

_________________

Volume #2: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play/ iBooks

IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Volume 2 by Julie Ann Walker continues to focus on the contemptuous relationship between three friends whose lives were destroyed ten years earlier: twenty-six year old Magnolia ‘Maggie’ May ; and twenty-eight year old Cassius ‘Cash’ Armstong, and Lucien ‘Luc’ Dubois.

Some background: Ten years earlier Maggie Carter’s life spiralled out of control when the boy that she loved disappeared on the night of her prom, never to be heard from until present day. His best friend Luc volunteered to take Maggie to prom but life as they knew it was about to come crashing down. Fast forward to present day wherein Luc and Cash have returned home from their years in the US Army, only to find themselves back in the past facing the same threats, secrets and lies as so many years before.

Told from three first person perspectives (Maggie, Cash, Luc) using present day and memories from the past, IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES continues to focus on the fragile and battered reunion of former high school best friends, best friends whose secrets run dangerous and dark. Cash is losing his battle with both the bottle and his pain, and in doing so pushes away the people who love him the most.

Meanwhile Maggie learns that not all is as it seems when Luc turns her less than well-ordered life into a hurricane of epic proportions. The love she has for Cash begins to deteriorate as he continues to pick at the never ending scab forcing our heroine to rethink what and who it is she wants.

IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Julie Ann Walker reveals the fragile bond and love between friends who have weathered h*ll, and lived to tell about it. From the horrors of war, to the battle back home, Maggie, Luc and Cash must face the reality that has become their lives. Determined to take down the people in charge, our trio set out to cull the herd of those trying to destroy their lives. Another heart breaking and impassioned instalment from Julie Ann Walker.

_________________

Volume #3: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iBooks

IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Volume 3 by Julie Ann Walker concludes the three part serial focusing on back story, history and present day struggle of three friends in New Orleans, Louisiana: twenty six year old, Magnolia ‘Maggie’ May Carter, and twenty-eight year olds, Cassius ‘Cash’ Armstrong, and Lucien ‘Luc’ Dubois.

Told from three first person perspectives (Maggie, Cash and Luc) IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES Volume 3 follows the culmination of a lifetime of friendship, love, secrets and lies. Cash Armstrong continues to fight the battle of his life, as he, Maggie and Luc put a plan into action to take down the men who have and continue to destroy so many lives. Secrets are revealed; hearts will be broken; betrayal and vengeance will seek retribution and more. As Maggie and Luc move forward with their plans, Cash struggles to remain in the here and now.

IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES is a heart breaking, emotional and passionate three part serial focusing on three friends who live hard but love harder. An impassioned, raw and dramatic tale, IN MOONLIGHT AND MEMORIES will stay with you long after the story has ended.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

FOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie grew up in a house full of women – she has three older sisters. As you can imagine, there was no lack of drama… or romance. Her mother enrolled her in a book club as soon as she began to read and it was the small spark that ignited her voracious appetite for the written word.

Because of Julie’s early immersion in literature, she found writing came quite naturally. In high school, she won multiple writing contests and was the proud senior editor of The Tiger’s Tale – her school newspaper.

During her college years, however, she longed for a challenge. “Reading and writing felt like second nature to me, so I looked for a way to flex my mental muscles,” she recalls. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Julie began teaching advanced high school mathematics.

“I loved working with the students and facing the challenges of the classroom, but I longed for the occasional snow day when I could race to the local book store, buy two or three new novels, and curl up in front of the fire to read.”

It wasn’t until a fortuitous move to Chicago that Julie once more returned to her first passion.

Now Julie loves to travel the world looking for views to compete with her deadlines. When she’s not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, cooking, petting every dog that walks by her, and… reading, of course!

Be sure to sign up for Julie’s occasional newsletter at: http://julieannwalker.com

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the give-aways. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

There are two (2) ways to WIN

GIVEAWAY #1: Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card by posting about the In Moonlight and Memories trilogy on one of your social media accounts. Be sure to tag Julie Ann on Facebook or on Twitter, or on Instagram @julieannwalker_author. (The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, July 12th, and contacted via the social media post.)

 

GIVEAWAY #2: Enter to win a $200 Amazon gift card by leaving reviews for the In Moonlight and Memories trilogy at any of the major retail sites like Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iBooks, etc. All honest reviews count, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Simply take a screenshot of your reviews or grab the links and email them to julie.ann.walker@gmail.com by Friday, July 21st. (The winner will be randomly selected on that day and contacted via email.)

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Lock Every Door by Riley Sager – a Review

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Lock Every Door by Riley Sager – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
No visitors. No nights spent away from the apartment. No disturbing the other residents, all of whom are rich or famous or both. These are the only rules for Jules Larsen’s new job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan’s most high-profile and mysterious buildings. Recently heartbroken and just plain broke, Jules is taken in by the splendor of her surroundings and accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind.

As she gets to know the residents and staff of the Bartholomew, Jules finds herself drawn to fellow apartment sitter Ingrid, who comfortingly, disturbingly reminds her of the sister she lost eight years ago. When Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her, Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story . . . until the next day, when Ingrid disappears.

Searching for the truth about Ingrid’s disappearance, Jules digs deeper into the Bartholomew’s dark past and into the secrets kept within its walls. Her discovery that Ingrid is not the first apartment sitter to go missing at the Bartholomew pits Jules against the clock as she races to unmask a killer, expose the building’s hidden past, and escape the Bartholomew before her temporary status becomes permanent.

 

 

Review:

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager is the 2nd book I have read by this author, and once again it is a fantastic exciting thriller.  I will be reading whatever stories that Sager writes.

Jules Larsen, our heroine, has recently been dumped by her boyfriend, has no job, has been staying at her friend’s house, and is in dire straits financially.  When she sees an ad in the paper for an apartment sitter at the famed Bartholomew building on the upper west side, near Central Park, she jumps at the chance, especially as she will earn $4000 a month for three months work. What could go wrong? Is this too good to be true?

When Jules accepts the job, she is told the rules….no visitors, no social media, do not talk to residents, must sleep in room every night; despite the strict rules Jules is in no shape to turn it down.  As she begins her tenure, she does meet many of the wealthy and famous residents, who keep their distance.  When Jules runs into another apartment sitter, Ingrid, whom she befriends; who also tells her about the missing people who were in those apartment’s previously. Jules also begins her own investigation, try to learn more about the residents as well as those who have disappeared.  When Ingrid disappears, Jules becomes desperate to find her. At this point, the story becomes a bit dark and creepy, as Jules starts fearing for her own life; and it is now an edge of your seat suspense thriller.  Can Jules trust anyone?

What follows is an intense, exciting story that had us holding our breaths, as so many surprising twists that I never guessed.  Sager certainly kept us in the dark until the last ¼ of the book which certainly threw us for a loop.  I will not give spoilers, as it would ruin the story for you. Lock Every Door is a dark, macabre, suspenseful story that kept you engrossed until the very end.   If you love suspense thrillers, I suggest you read Lock Every Door, which was well written by Riley Sager.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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