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To Tame The Wind by Regan Walker-Review and Guest Post

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To Tame The Wind (Agents of the Crown Prequel) by Regan Walker-Review and Guest Post

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About the book: Release Date May 9, 2015

France 1782…AN INNOCENT IS TAKEN

All Claire Donet knew was the world inside the convent walls in Saint-Denis. She had no idea her beloved papa was a pirate. But when he seized Simon Powell’s schooner, the English privateer decided to take the thing his enemy held most dear…her.

A BATTLE IS JOINED

The waters between France and England roil with the clashes of Claire’s father and her captor as the last year of the American Revolution rages on the sea, spies lurk in Paris and Claire’s passion for the English captain rises.

Review:
To Tame the Wind begins with Claire having sneaked out the convent in order to see for herself the masquerade ball that she’s heard so much about, only to discover that her young and frail friend, Elise, had followed her into the night. Even though Claire tries to convince Elise that she needs to return home, her young friend will not hear of it. Claire relents and allows Elise to tag along. Once the two girls near the grand estate where the ball is being held, the music floats through the air and Claire is immediately drawn in. She tells Elise to stay put as she seeks a spot closer in order to see the party for herself. Claire climbs a tree and the sight before her has her completely enthralled. She sees gloriously dressed men and women dancing and longs to maybe someday be a part of such a scene.

It’s not long before a man with golden hair, and a woman dressed as a hussar walk out into the night, and end up at the tree where Claire is perched. Things turn a bit amorous between the wayward partygoers and Claire can’t believe her eyes, nor the feelings that stir within her. Suddenly, a streak of lightning lights up the sky and things go a little haywire for Claire as she falls out of the tree and is discovered by the handsome Englishman with the golden hair and the amber eyes, who initially mistakes her for a party guest, but soon realizes she’s an innocent young woman and sends her on her way. As she and Elise frantically make their way back home, they are completely drenched by the storm. Little does she know how much her life will change due to her decisions made that night.

The story then fast forwards two years and finds Claire still in the convent. She has made the decision to take a vow to become a member of the Order, only to find out that her papa has arranged her marriage. The Reverend Mother doesn’t think that Claire is wanting to take her vows for the right reasons, and also doesn’t think that her papa will allow it, but she leaves it up to Claire to convince her papa. But, that convincing will never get the chance to come to fruition as Claire is awakened in the middle of the night and kidnapped from the convent. Once she sees her captor, she almost can’t believe her own eyes, because before her is the ever handsome golden haired Englishman that had unknowingly set her heart aflutter so long ago. Unfortunately, he tells her things that she just cannot believe. Her beloved papa was not a pirate, but a “man of business”. But, Captain Simon Powell assures her that there are things in motion that her beloved papa will have to address if she is to be freed. It doesn’t take Simon long to realize that Claire is not as meek as she first seemed, but more like a wild wind blowing through and determined to make her own place in the world. Claire soon realizes that Captain Simon Powell is a man of his word and realizes that he would never harm her. Along with the new found knowledge that privateers, pirates and spies abound, will Claire be able to resist the noble Captain who only wants to get his ship and his men back safely? And, will Simon be able to tame the wind? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out. And, oh, what a read it is!

Regan Walker has once again written a wonderful story that will have you hooked from the first page. Claire Donet is such a wonderfully written character. She is kind and compassionate, as well as fiercely loyal and loving. I love the rebellious streak that we are privy to, as does Simon. The chemistry between these two is palpable. He is just as loyal and compassionate and loving as Claire, but will move heaven and earth to make things right. And, once he decides on all of the things that need to be righted, nothing will stop him. I’d love to say more about what transpires between them, but do not want to spoil what is a great story.

I’ve told you before, but I feel I need to tell you again. No one writes like Regan Walker. She effortlessly weaves historical facts into her fictional stories so well that you will find yourself questioning your own history lessons. You can absolutely feel her passion for her craft as she tells her tales, whether on the high seas of the English Channel, or on the cobble stone streets of London or Paris. And, I don’t just mean her passion for writing a story. I mean her passion for making sure that her stories ring true, whether it’s the sound of the ocean, the smells in the air or the character’s feelings. Her world building is phenomenal. There is political intrigue and a bit of mystery and a beautifully developed romance, but I’ve come to expect nothing less from Regan Walker. The only problem I have with her stories is that I have to wait for the next one! I have it on good authority that the next installment will be Claire’s beloved papa, Jean Donet’s story. If you’re a fan of this genre, you are sorely missing out if you’ve not read any of Ms. Walker’s books. Well done, Regan Walker! Very very very very well done!!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Vickie M

Guest Post

Making Characters Endearing and Believable by Regan Walker

Vickie asked me to share how I develop my characters. And I will. But first, I thought to share what some reviewers have said about them:

For Racing with the Wind:

26 reviewers “I loved the characters and story.”
23 reviewers: “This author has researched and presented an historically accurate world for the actions of her characters.”

And from my first medieval, The Red Wolf’s Prize:

25 reviewers: “The plot was interesting, and the characters well written.”
And “very endearing characters.”

Vickie’s own review:

“Serena is absolutely my favorite heroine dreamed up by Regan Walker to date! Her loyalty, her fierceness and her heart will endear her to everyone who reads this story. Her understanding of what her people want and need is so touching. She is truly a force to be reckoned with. Renaud is a perfect match for her. He is as loyal and fierce as she is, and their chemistry is palpable. The cast of supporting characters is terrific in their own right.”

To me this just proves how important characters are to readers. They want to fall in love with the heroine as well as the hero. If you have endearing secondary characters, so much the better. I know that’s what I look for in a romance. Since I was a reader before an author, that is also how I think about my characters.

How do I do make my characters believable and endearing? For me, it’s all about the story. First I research the historical setting. Then I come up with the idea of the hero or heroine, sometimes both at once. I look for traits that would make them endearing in that time in history. All of my heroines are strong and the heroes who win them are stronger still. I let the history lead me to who they are. Would he be a British lord masquerading as a gallant spy on Napoleon like Lord Ormond in Racing with the Wind? Or, might he be a jaded sea captain sailing off to investigate a pirate for the Prince Regent as Captain Nick Powell in Wind Raven? Or, perhaps the hero might be a privateer spy for the Crown wrestling with a French pirate, and resisting the charms of the innocent heroine as in my latest work, To Tame the Wind?

Once I have my history and the lead characters I begin to write the opening scenes. Then, other characters come to me, companions and acquaintances of the hero and heroine. I move into their environment in my imagination, whether it’s a mansion, a schooner or a medieval castle. I get a feel for it visually, the daily life and who’s doing what. Since The Red Wolf’s Prize, I now use Pinterest for my image research for my characters and setting. Once I light on an image, I write to it.

When I found this image, I knew I’d found Elijah, the wizened old bosun on the Fairwinds in To Tame the Wind:
Elijah from To Tame the WindWhen I first conceived of Elijah he didn’t wear a knit cap or smoke a pipe. But once this image was in my head, ever thereafter he did. I could see him using his pipe to gesture and his hair blowing around his face when the wind captured a few strands. Being able to visually conceive of your characters adds details you might have overlooked otherwise. And it helps you make characters distinctive and endearing. Of course, I have always done this, even before I began using Pinterest.

Lord Ormond, the hero in Racing with the Wind looked like a young Clark Gable to me:

Clark Gable as Lord OrmondAnd he acted just like him, arrogant and sure of himself and what he wanted, including Lady Mary Campbell. So it was no surprise to me when he began ordering her around or when she informed him she would not do as he asked.

Once I have my main characters, it’s like watching a movie in my head. I put them int he setting and watch them interact. I learn about them as people. That’s how I knew that Claire Donet, the heroine in To Tame the Wind, would be a constant trial to the nuns in her convent school in France. It was no surprise to me when she snuck out to watch a masquerade ball. And I knew, notwithstanding her rebellious nature, she’d have a soft heart that would break more than once during the story.

I force my characters to act consistently. If my heroine would rebel but never whine, then she never whines. If my hero would not apologize, then he never does, at least not until something happens that changes him.

To me, my characters are real. Oh I don’t mean they are real people—though some are real historic figures—but my image of them is so real I see them as people I could have known if I’d lived in that time in history. I imagine some of them as friends, and some as evil miscreants. When I finish writing a book, I experience a sense of loss. It feels like a friend has moved away. I miss the world I’ve created and the characters in it. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and meet a whole slew of new characters. See if you don’t agree when you read my books!

about the author

Regan WalkerI didn’t start out as a writer of romance, oh no. Although I loved to write stories as a child, by the time I got to college, more serious pursuits were encouraged. So, naturally, I became a lawyer. Who needs adverbs as a lawyer? But after years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government, I decided it was time for a change. My work had given me a love of international travel (I’ve been to over 40 countries…) and a feel for the demands of the “Crown” on its subjects. Hence, my first novels are all about a demanding Prince Regent who thinks of his subjects as his private talent pool.

I promise my novels will always sweep you away to another time and another place. I want you to experience adventure as well as love.

I live in San Diego with my wonderful Golden Retriever “Link.” I have one son who is a young entrepreneur and, though he looks like a Highlander of old, he would never read a romance novel. So like a man, no?

Twitter: @RegansReview (https://twitter.com/RegansReview)
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Playing Knotty by Elia Winters-Review, Guest Post & Giveway

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Playing Knotty by Elia Winters-Review, Guest post & Giveaway

Playing Knotty Banner

Playing Knotty
by Elia Winters
Release Date: March 16, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, bondage, knot play, erotic romantic

Playing Knotty

 Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 16, 2015

Bondage meets bookworm in this sizzling erotic romance about a shy bookshop owner who discovers an exciting new side to herself when an old friend opens a bondage workshop in the back of her store!

Emma Green has never been very confident. When Ian Cooper, an old friend, asks to rent out the back room of her bookstore for a bondage workshop, she agrees because she needs the money. She isn’t expecting to participate, and she definitely isn’t expecting to enjoy it. But all of Emma’s expectations fly out the window when she tentatively agrees to be Ian’s bondage model for workshops and exhibitions—and her success in the role upends all previous notions she had about her body and her desirability.

Now, Emma must learn to reconcile these conflicting images of herself while dealing with another conflict: Is Ian just another playboy, or everything she’s been looking for?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: PLAYING KNOTTY is an adult, contemporary erotic romance storyline that focuses on rope and knot play-the ‘bondage’ part of BDSM. This is bookstore owner Emma Green, and accountant/bondage instructor Ian Cooper’s storyline. Most of the storyline takes place in and around Boston and Emma’s book store-PROLOGUE.

Told from alternating third person perspectives, the premise follows Ian Cooper as he endeavors to find a suitable location and model for his next bondage instruction class. Enter former high school acquaintance Emma Green, who has some available space at the back of her store. It just so happens that Emma is in need of a quick influx of cash and Ian offers room rental and modeling fees if Emma is willing to be his ‘bondage model’. What ensues is Emma’s introduction into rope and knot play, something she takes to like a duck to water.

Emma has some issues of self esteem; raised by a mother who was always concerned about physical beauty and image, Emma has always believed she is not quite good enough, pretty enough, slim enough or smart enough to make it on her own. Ian happens to be the man who sees a beautiful woman who has no problems with the kinky side of Ian’s life

Nine years earlier, Ian had a small crush on his high school friend and lab partner Emma Green. Fast forward to present day and all of Ian’s fantasies are about to come true. The sexual relationship is enhanced by their mutual arousal through rope and knot play, and in this their friendship and working relationship takes the next step forward.

The secondary and supporting characters include Emma’s employee and wanna be poet Bethany; Emma’s friends Alina and Margot whose expensive tastes are not conducive to Emma’s current financial situation : Ian’s best friend Brent who owns a small ‘gamers’ shop ; several members of Ian’s workshops and weekend bondage role players; and Emma’s slightly dysfunctional family including her younger sister Julia whose own life is now affected by their mother’s need for perfection and control.

Saying that, I did have some issues with the couple’s lack of communication outside of the ‘bondage scenes’. Most of the anxiety and uneasy situations in their relationship were caused by confusion and misinterpretation of body language and communication with one another in their daily lives. In this, my enjoyment level of the storyline was affected by the misunderstandings and heartbreaking beliefs that neither one was interested in a permanent relationship yet no one was willing to make the first move. I know this is where the storyline conflict arises, but it made for some awkward and frustrating moments.

There is also an enormous amount of detailed description and information about bondage play that shows the author’s research and personal experience with ropes and knots. At times, I found myself lost in the intricate explanation and information trying to imagine in my mind the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of the narration. I found myself struggling during the ‘how to’ and ‘play by play’ scenarios-I think my eyes glazed over a time or two.

Ella Winters puts her own spin on the BDSM writing genre-one where bondage and knot play are at the center of our couple’s sexual awakenings and arousal. If you are looking for something a little different; a little out of the ‘ordinary’ give Playing Knotty a try.

PLAYING KNOTTY is an interesting read; a detour from the usual BDSM storylines where the hero has a need to discipline the female. The rope/knot/and bondage play shows a different side to a lifestyle that many people are not wholly aware.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

Learning the Ropes: Research for Playing Knotty

The whole process of writing Playing Knotty has been an adventure. The first draft was much more about general BDSM, with rope play involved but not featured. As I planned my rewrites, the final draft of the book started to take shape, and I realized that I was basically going to be writing a book full of bondage. At that point, I knew I was in over my head.

Sure, I’m a kinkster. Once I started writing books like Playing Knotty and Purely Professional, there was no hiding my own status as a bit more “rocky road” than “vanilla.” But despite my own proclivities, I didn’t know enough about rope bondage to write this book from personal experience alone. I decided to delve into the often-fun and sometimes-overwhelming world of rope bondage instruction.

I’ve been accustomed to most of my book research being pretty neutral: maps of the public transportation system, Google street view of neighborhoods where my characters live, research on job descriptions, that sort of thing. Rope bondage research was much more fun.

Two books were instrumental in my research. The first one I read was Bondage for Sex by Chanta Rose. This book is gorgeous – diverse models, full-color photographs, clear instructions. This book taught me quite a bit, but it wasn’t quite enough on its own. The next book I read was Two Knotty Boys Showing You the Ropes. This book was a delight. Funny, informative, and thorough, by the time I’d finished, I felt much more prepared to write this book. (You should have seen my accountant’s face when I gave him the book receipts, but that’s another story.)

I don’t trust books alone, though: I’m the adventurous sort, so I did some “hands on” research as well. I’d have loved to take a class with a real rigger, but there were no rope classes in my area, so at-home amateur research sufficed. By prioritizing safety and being willing to laugh when our ropework went (disastrously) wrong, I gathered enough knowledge to complete my final draft.

Playing Knotty is finished, but my research won’t end just because the book is out. Rope bondage is beautiful, sexy, and fascinating, and I’ve only scratched the surface. A club near me is (finally) offering rope classes, so I’m going to continue learning. After all, I have a lot more books in my future, and at least a few of them will be as “knotty” as this one.

~~Elia Winters~~

about the author

Follow: Website/Facebook/Twitter/Goodreads

Elia Winters has always been a New England girl. Although she spent much of her childhood in Florida, she returned to her home state of Massachusetts as a teenager and has remained in New England ever since. She was blessed with an artsy, creative, somewhat quirky family that nurtured her eccentricities and helped shape her into the sassy woman she is today.

Elia holds a degree in English Literature and teaches at a small rural high school where she runs too many extracurricular activities. She balances her love of the outdoors with a bottomless well of geekiness; in her spare time, she is equally likely to be found skiing, camping, playing tabletop games, or watching Doctor Who.

A writer all her life, Elia likes to dabble in many genres, but erotic romance has been one of her favorites since she first began sneaking her mother’s romance novels. In high school, she kept her friends entertained with a steady stream of naughty stories and somehow never got caught passing them around. Her erotic fiction and poetry have been published online at Clean Sheets and Scarlet Letters under a different name. She loves BDSM erotica and men who can use semicolons.

Elia currently lives in New England with her loving husband and their odd assortment of pets.

giveaway

Elia’s publicist is graciously offering an ecopy of PLAYING KNOTTY to TWO (2) lucky 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Elia Winters Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

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

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from March 24-28, 2015

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Clarity (The Seductors 3.5) by B.L.Wilde-Review and Guest Post

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Clarity (The Seductors 3.5) by B.L.Wilde-Review and Guest Post

 

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When you find a love worth fighting for, nothing can stand in your way.
Jade Phillips is that love for me, and I’d follow her to the end. I’ll stop at nothing to make her happy, including doing everything in my power to make her mine for eternity.

She is my clarity.

You’ve read Jade’s side of the story, now Oliver gets his turn…

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

SMOKIN’ HOT! Yup these two words sum up this fabo series by B.L. Wilde. I am extremely in love with the leads of this series and it was absolutely wonderful to get a recap/continuation of this story, but from the other side. Clarity by B.L. Wilde (book 3.5) is a continuation of the story but with familiar scenes that we get in books one to three, but this time it’s from Oliver’s perspective as opposed to Jade’s.

I am not going to recap the entire series but just give a brief over view. Jade is a member of The Seductor’s which is a spy agency that specializes in seduction and Jade is the top agent. She is hot, intelligent, amazing at her job and known for getting said job completed without getting emotionally involved with her targets. Jade has been assigned to seduce Oliver, who is a hot nerd that has created some top spy science stuff that involves world domination .. yada yada (with all the yummy coming off Oliver I don’t think I paid much attention to the other stuff .. I know you’ll forgive me for that Bee … LOL). Jade must steal blue prints of this science stuff and in order to do this, she must seduce Oliver. Little problem with this though … she falls for her target. She gets the job done however, and in the process rips out Oliver’s heart (and her own), disappears and then has to reappear when more is required of her assignment. She is stuck between a rock and literally a hard place (TEEHEE) and has to decide if she is willing to break the contract and place herself and Oliver in danger all for the sake of love.

I love that we experience how Oliver felt when Jade left and understand all that he went through to discover what became of her. We experience how he helps Jade free herself from The Seductor’s and the dangers that are involved. The bond these two feel for one another is for certain despite who’s POV this story comes from, but I have to say, Oliver’s view gave this series so much more depth and this novella is a welcomed addition to this amazing series.

I adore these two characters and their ultimate fight they are enduring to get to their HEA. Many questions still are left unanswered but I have no doubt that B.L. Wilde will deliver in her next book!

You absolutely need to read the first three books of this series before devouring this one .. and you will devour it. If you like a hot couple, a little mystery, danger, hot smexy scenes, nerdy science and writing that flows from page to page then you should check this series out for sure!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Desire
Hunger
Devotion
Clarity

Desire
The Seductors #1
by B.L.Wilde

ebook only .99cents at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca:

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About the Book: Release Date December 2013

Click HERE for Rachel’s  review of DESIRE (Book 1)

Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too.

With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.

Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.

What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?

_____________________________

Hunger
The Seductors #2
by B.L Wilde
Cover Design: Jo Matthews
Genre: Romance/Erotica/Suspense
Expected Release Date: June 6, 2014

Click HERE for Rachel’s review of Hunger

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About the Book: Release Date June 6, 2014

When Jade walked out on Oliver six months ago, she left her heart behind. Little did she know her mission was far from over. Given a new mission—to secure a secret nuclear power core—she’s thrown back into his world and has to earn his trust once more. The only problem is that she’s competing directly with another Seductor that she despises, who has already been on the mission for two months.

Oliver was devastated when he discovered Jade had left him, so he closed himself off to the world, focusing solely on his job. Everything is thrown into chaos when she resurfaces, working for an old friend of his.

Will Jade be able to win Oliver back while fighting her jealously that another Seductor might steal the mission from her? Consumed with love, controlled by a hunger she has never known, can she protect her heart a second time around if Oliver takes her back?

__________________

Devotion
The Seductors #3
by BL Wilde
Release Date: September 12, 2014

Click HERE for Rachel’s review of DEVOTION

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About the Book: Release Date September 12,2014

Falling in love is never easy, but when you’re a Seductor who has fallen for your target, it’s impossible.

Now that Jade has learned the whereabouts of the powercore made by Oliver’s company, her mission is almost over. The chances of being able to stay with him at the end of her contract are slim and she knows that. Would her organization really keep their word? When has a Seductor ever been able to stay with their mark?

When disaster strikes near the end of her assignment, Jade is faced with the biggest decision of her life—she must choose between her heart’s desire and doing the right thing for the sake of the world. Her choice may just be the catalyst that sets her free.

What happens when the truth comes out? Will Oliver be able to let her go this time? Or will their love for each other be enough to finally bring The Seductors down?
One thing is for certain—devotion will seal their fate.

Erotic vs Romance Storylines-The Fine Line

Having written both erotic and romance stories it can get tricky mixing these two genres. For me, it’s my characters that define what I write, though.

The Seductors Series wouldn’t have worked as a romance series with Jade and Oliver being as sexy as they are. However, if I’d gone down my original route of having each book as a different seductor, romance may have worked, but Oliver took on a bigger role in this series as he developed, and four books later, here we are.

When I write romance, I find that my storylines tend to be softer, and my characters are usually a little younger, giving the story a more innocent approach.

However, when I write erotica, its more fast paced. My leads are a little more edgier, and in tune with their desires. I can also get deeper sexual emotion with this genre, which is sometimes needed.

Of course my erotic stories have romance too. I can’t have a book with no plot, and romance is the key for me, but it’s more difficult knowing how far sexual encounters should go in a romance book. I always play it safe and leave them as the bedroom door closes.
I know if anyone wants more spice they’ll read my erotic romance anyway. 😉

 

B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Supported fully by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.

Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Blog | Website

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Katie in Love by Chloe Thurlow-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Katie in Love by Chloe Thurlow-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Katie in Love
by Chloe Thurlow
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Release Date: March 21, 2015

Katie in Love

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2015

Katie Boyd has nothing in common with Tom Bridge, the volunteer doctor she meets at a party – except in bed she finds a passion to match her own. Tom is intense, puzzling, a man who cares about others and compels Katie to question her own life drifting through the hip clubs and London party scene.

When Tom returns to his post in a Sri Lanka orphanage, Katie isn’t sure if their passion was lit by its brevity, or if love, unexpected and not entirely wanted, has edged its way into her life. Should she go back to being who she always was? Or follow Tom into the unknown?

Katie in Love is a compelling erotic-romance that will grip readers as they follow Katie’s journey to an ending they may have expected – but not in the way they expected it.

••••••••

REVIEW: KATIE IN LOVE is a contemporary, adult storyline, written by Chloe Thurlow, focusing on erotic fiction author Katie Boyd and doctor Tom Bridge-a passionate and remarkable man who would turn Katie’s world upside down.

Told from first person point of view (Katie) the storyline journeys between the past and the present; memories and recollections; and flights into the fantastic. KATIE IN LOVE follows our heroine as she struggles in the here and now. We hear her thoughts and her worries as she searches for something or someone; an acknowledgement of who she is and what she has become. And in the end, it is Katie who must recognize and accede to the demands of her heart and her mind. Meeting Dr. Tom Bridge sets Katie onto a different path of self-actualization where comfort and hope are found in the arms of the man with whom she will fall in love. As Tom prepares to return to Sri Lanka where he works at an orphanage for lost and displaced children, Katie must look deep within her heart to make the choice that is right for her.

KATIE IN LOVE is awash in descriptive narration, colorful text and thought provoking ideas and concepts. The reader becomes one with the heroine; we are in her mind as she reflects on, and reminisces about past decisions, choices and opportunities that have shaped the woman, the writer and the person she has become. Discretion and opportunity do not always go hand in hand but have formed the building blocks of Katie’s lifestyle and personality. Katie’s ‘Bohemian’ friends and family wax philosophically about life, love, passion and war, but in the end, it is Katie’s acceptance of who she is, that sets into motion a journey of love.

The intensity with which Chloe Thurlow writes resonates with the reader as the heroine’s thoughts read like a poem. There are many references to authors, poets, novels and the psychology of the written word wherein our heroine makes comparisons to her own life; and yet I can’t help but wonder if some of the comparisons can be found with the author’s experiences as well.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post beige

Love, Porn, Erotica & What It Means To Be Human
Guest Post by Chloe Thurlow

Love enters us like a vague ailment. Your head spins. Your underarms tingle. Love hurts and love has consequences: marriage, babies, separation, longing, human complications.

Porn is dull. Repetitive. Porn is simulated sex removed from the human condition. Porn is addictive because, ultimately, it is unsatisfying. Like good art, good sex never repeats itself. Girls dream of romance, love, tenderness. Sex is like a clear pane of glass. Pornography is that pane of glass shattered into a million pieces.

Erotica is a journey to self-knowledge and sexual pleasure. A rubber doll with a microchip can imitate human flesh without human feeling. Porn leaves an emptiness inside. Erotica sets up a vibration in the mind that sends pulsing waves through the body. Porn is about orgasm. Erotica is about suspending orgasm.

In photography, images of girls with pert butts and melon breasts, the type that figure on calendars in auto-shops, are pornographic, poses that make the guys go oorah like Marines before battle.

An erotic photograph is like a still from an unfolding story that makes you wonder what has already happened and what is about to happen next. Porn shots expose genitalia, male and female. Erotica prefers costume, veils, shadows, masks. Nudity is selective, subtle, understated.

Porn is pulp, endless descriptions of naked entanglements peppered with obscenities and short on story. A lot of porn is composed from the male point of view: alpha cowboys and truckers trapping the bunny and bludgeoning the whimpering creature with its throbbing weapon.

Porn TELLS. Erotica SHOWS.

Erotic fiction is literate, a search for meaning and self; a psychological exploration into the hidden parts of our nature.

An experiment at Cambridge University showed that when numerous metronomes were placed on a stage and set off at different times, they quickly began to beat together. They are not individuals, but herd creatures connected by the rhythms and thoughts of those around them.

We all have a dark side, mysterious places hidden even from ourselves. Once you allow the erotic to sweep away the conditioning, you stop ticking along with all the other metronomes.

In Katie in Love, my new novel, Katie takes Tom to her bed the night they meet. They discover a connection, a frisson. The last thing Katie is looking for is love and, when she feels this curious affliction coming on, Tom has to leave to return to his job overseas. Should she follow him? Or go back to her old life? I won’t give away more, except to say that romance can be erotic and love is the antithesis of porn.

Katie in Love is available at (amazon universal link):

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00S1SMMIG

About The Author beige

Chloe ThurlowAfter uni, I started working in PR and got bored to tears. It was more fun being a waitress and writing in the dark silent hours from 2am to 6. I managed to complete a novel I called “Being A Girl” and fell over in the street after Nexus published it and the editor gave me a bottle of champagne I drank too quickly. Now, here we are, penning away night and day, five novels and three naughty-shorties on the shelf with a study of EL James called “The Fifty Shades of Grey Phenomena” just out.

My blog is about love, life, sex and me. Blogs are short, dynamic, controversial essays designed to make you angry, happy and eager to leave your views in the comments box. When I’m not writing blogs, I write erotic romance novels. Click on BOOKS and take a peep.

Follow Chloe: Goodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook

Giveaway beige

Chloe is graciously offering a paper copy of KATIE IN LOVE to THREE (3) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe-and the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL!

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.

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

3. Please Follow Chloe Thurlow on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

9. Giveaway runs from March 21-25, 2015

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Wolver’s Rescue (The Wolvers #6) by Jacqueline Rhoades-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Wolver’s Rescue (The Wolvers #5) by Jacqueline Rhoades-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Wolver's Rescue Banner

Wolver’s Rescue
The Wolvers #6
by Jacqueline Rhoades
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance, wolf shifters
Release Date: February 26, 2015

Wolver's Rescue

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / Smashwords

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 26, 205

Sometimes it’s not the wolves who pose the danger…

There’s a downside to living in a secret society. Someone has to ensure it remains that way. ‘Bull’ Bulworth is that someone. His current assignment: track a young man who has an unrecognized wolf inside him and eliminate the problem before the truth about Wolvers is exposed to the human world. It’s a simple and straightforward assignment until he meets a woman who makes him think crazy might be contagious.

In her own words, Tommie Bane is nuttier than a pecan tree. There’s a voice in her head telling her she is something other than human, and a creature she swears is running around inside her body. Just when she’s at the lowest point in her weird and nutty life, she meets a man who tells her it’s all real. Should she listen to the voice of reason or to the voice in her head that keeps shouting “Mate”?

What do you have to lose when you’ve already lost your mind? For Tommie, it could be her life

••••••••••••••••••

Wolver’s Rescue is book sixth in this popular shifter series (Rabbit Creek Santa being a novella). The setting begins in the office of the mysterious Mr. Begley, as he assigns a job to one of his pack, a hunter/enforcer named William “Bull” Bulworth. Bull has a dark and lonely job of hunting and either eliminating (killing) rogue wolvers or changing them to permanently wolf form.

We find our heroine at an asylum for the criminally insane. We find that not all things in this hospital are what they seem.

I don’t do spoilers and this is a marvelous read you’ll want to experience for yourself. Ms. Rhoades has outdone her usual fine job of intricate plotting and marvelous characters. She delves into the dark world of the insane and those who try to make others believe they are. However, it’s not all dark and spooky. The wonderful cast of characters are well written, with humor, sincerity, and even a bit of teen angst. These are people you love to read about and hate to leave them when the story ends.

The plot is intriguing and twisty. You get to discover, along with the cast, the circles within circles of fated meetings and rescues in this marvelously well told story. You learn more about the Wolver community as a whole as the story progresses and the issues of keeping your species a secret from the human community and at the same time trying to find a place to live peacefully with your differences.

I’m sure if you love shifter books, or maybe even if you’ve never read one, this book will thrill you with adventure, danger, humor, and emotion. The love scenes are not gratuitous sex, but natural, loving and very emotional.

Grab your favorite beverage, a box of tissues and settle in for a wonderful ride of fun and emotion!

Enjoy everyone, I certainly did!

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Guest Post beige

Write What You Know. Really?
by Jacqueline Rhoades

Let me begin by saying that I love teachers. I’ve worked with many over the years and the vast majority of them are dedicated to their profession. Why am I telling you this? Because I’m about to lodge a complaint against the dozen or more English teachers I’ve heard in my own career as a student, and through my work as an adult who have used the words, “Write what you know.”, without ever explaining what it means. I suspect it’s because many of them don’t know.

The average third grader will go cross-eyed at these words, instinctively knowing they don’t know much about anything and teenagers, of course, know everything. What about us as adults? I live a pretty boring life and frankly, I like it that way.

Are they saying I can’t write about a high fashion model because I’m short and rather round and spend most of my days in jeans and sweatshirts? How about a woman with expensive fashion taste? I wouldn’t know what to do with a pair of Jimmy Choos, first, because I don’t have the money to buy them and second, because I’d have absolutely nowhere to go in them. And let’s face it folks, what does anybody know about humans shifting into wolves? So, what is it I do know?

I know the peaceful quiet that descends on the woods after a snowfall. I know the eerie grey silence that comes with the eye of a hurricane. I know the embarrassment of giggling at a funeral. I know the profound and miraculous joy of holding a newborn in my arms and the heart stopping joy of having the guy I love look at me in the same way I look at him. I know about heartbreak and loss. The list goes on and on.

There are still things I don’t know. That’s where imagination comes in and a good book can make my imagination soar. What’s it like to not know who you are or where you come from? What’s it like to be drawn to another person without rhyme or reason? What’s it like to be responsible for another person’s death or to know that someone wants you dead? What’s it like to run with the wind? What’s it like to be a wolf?

You’ll notice that everything I’ve written here is not about acts, but about feelings. That’s where the very best fiction writers excel. Those books that remain with us long after the story is told are the ones that allow us to experience the emotions of the characters be it love, lust, anger, excitement, or fear. In the pages of a good book, we may be attracted to the way the characters look, but we become involved with them not because they’re cardboard cutouts of beautiful people, but because of what they carry inside. They touch the emotions we carry within ourselves.

So instead of telling those young, teenaged, or adult would-be writers out there to write what they know, I wish you’d start by saying “Write what you feel.”

About The Author beige

Follow: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

Jacqueline RhoadesA New Englander by birth and an Ohioan by choice, Jacqueline, known as Jackie by her friends, makes her home in a small, rural town with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. (The adjectives are often interchangeable). An avid reader from a very early age, Jackie has an eclectic taste for books and therefore has trouble naming a favorite genre or author, though she does admit that for pure personal fantasy and ‘take-me-away’ books, you just can’t beat a good romance.
Jackie believes in the beauty of all women and thinks most women don’t see themselves as they should (herself included). She tries to make the women in her books reflect the best of ‘average’ in a variety of shapes, sizes, personalities and backgrounds, and each is beautiful in her own way. Some of her heroes are movie star handsome, while others are not. All her characters are beautiful in the eyes of their lovers and that, to Jackie, is the most beautiful of all.

Giveaway beige

Jacqueline is graciously offering an ecopy of WOLVER’S RESCUE 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jacqueline Rhoades on Facebook

4. Please LIKE  Jacqueline Rhoades on Twitter

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 open INTERNATIONALLY

9. Giveaway runs from February 26-March 2, 2015

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Trail of Guilt (The Trail Series #2) by Rebecca Tust-Review and Giveaway

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Trail of Guilt (The Trail Series #2) by Rebecca Tust-Review and Giveaway

Trail of Guilt

Trail of Guilt
The Trail Series #2
by Rebecca Tust
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: January 30, 2015

Trail of Guilt

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2015

Chelsea Turner barely managed to survive at the hands of a psychotic stalker. She is still fighting inner demons when circumstances force her into hiding with the one man she’s desperately trying to avoid: sinfully handsome, confirmed bachelor, Blake Harrington.

As Blake Harrington’s boat explodes, killing two of his closest friends, he is certain it wasn’t an accident. Convinced he’s still in danger, Blake pulls Chelsea into hiding with him and turns to his old college friend, Special Agent Nicholas Braun, for help.
As Blake, Chelsea, and Nicholas search for answers, they find someone is ruthlessly determined to keep secrets buried. As they discover a trail of lies and deceit, will they be able to expose the truth before more lives are lost?

Trail of Guilt is a contemporary story with a tantalizing blend of romance, intrigue and suspense.

*******************

REVIEW: TRAIL OF GUILT is the second installment in Rebecca Tust’s contemporary, adult The Trail romantic, suspense series. This is radio personality Chelsea Turner and Blake Harrington’s storyline. We were first introduced to Chelsea and Blake in book one TRAIL OF OBSESSION-Megan Cartwright and Stephen Braun’s story. I strongly suggest reading the series in order as a number of characters, history and backstory overlap from book one to book two.

Told from several third person points of view, the storyline picks up after the events of book one. Chelsea had been savagely beaten by Raymond Overton-the psychotic killer who had originally targeted her best friend Megan in Trail of Obsession. While in recovery at home, Chelsea is quietly pursued by Blake Harrington-Stephen Braun’s best friend- in the hopes of a relationship. As Chelsea continues to pull away from friends and family, Blake finds himself struggling following an explosion and the death of his close friends Jen and Garrett. Believing he was the intended victim Blake pulls Chelsea into a cross-country run in the hopes of protecting the woman with whom he is falling in love. Blake is convinced that his connection to Chelsea places her life in danger.

Blake is a man who doesn’t do relationships. His reputation with the women precedes his attempts to seduce Chelsea and in this Chelsea is reluctant to have her heart broken. On the run, Chelsea and Blake will contact Stephen’s brother, ‘investigator’ Nicholas Braun, in the hopes of securing a place to stay. What ensues is the building relationship between Blake and Chelsea as they hide out waiting for Nicholas to uncover the truth behind the explosion and murders. The investigation will find Nicholas discovering a trail of missing money and the person responsible caught between two worlds and two lives.

The numerous secondary and supporting characters carry a good portion of the story. We get reacquainted with Megan and Stephen, and some of their extended family and friends; an assortment of law officials and FBI agents including Agent Lauren Leighton; Megan’s lawyer Sean Black (and Chelsea’s cousin); Raymond Overton; and Samantha-the woman responsible for Megan’s kidnapping in book one.

There are two side story developments that run parallel to Chelsea and Blake’s saga; both premises will intersect with the investigation resulting in the truth, more abductions and a missing FBI special agent.

TRAIL OF GUILT is a contemporary story of suspense, romance and loss but once again, like the first book, I found some questionable reality. The storyline is fast paced; the central characters likeable but fallible; their situations complicated and involved. There are moments of tension and guilt; romance and love; letting go and moving on. Rebecca Tust writes an intriguing storyline that ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that will introduce the potential players in the next installment.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TRAIL OF OBSESSION (Book 1) by Rebecca Tust

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post-White and Aqua

Developing the Hero: Trail of Guilt

When you first meet Blake Harrington, he has a cocky and arrogant personality. He’s a successful financial analyst. He’s ruggedly handsome and athletic. He has money, great friends, and a lot of material things. He’s just celebrated his thirty-second birthday and life is going great.

Blake cares about Chelsea and has been pursuing her. They have great chemistry together and she has the potential to be something more, but Blake is still in the mode of playing games and avoiding commitment. I felt if they connected too soon, Blake would end up sabotaging the relationship.

I knew I needed to do something to shake Blake’s world up in order to make him change. I started with him witnessing his friends’ deaths. He’s burdened with grief and thinks it’s his fault his friends died. As his friends and family assume he’s been killed as well, he finds himself stripped of everything and re-evaluating his life. He realizes he doesn’t want to be remembered as a selfish, fun-loving SOB and starts to make a change.

As Blake and Chelsea continue to spend time together, you see a softer, more vulnerable side to Blake. He cares about his friends and his family. When he discovers his father has had a heart attack, he pushes his welfare aside. He knows coming out of hiding is a risk, but he’s willing to risk his life in order to see his father again.
As Blake and Chelsea work together to overcome various adversities, they realize what or who is important in life. Blake comes to appreciate his family and friends even more. He realizes the relationship he has with Chelsea is special and opens his heart for love instead of trying to push it away. I hope you enjoy Blake’s transformation from shallow and selfish to a caring man worthy of love.

Developing the Heroine:

Chelsea Turner is a radio announcer with a vibrant personality and infectious laugh. She has a heart full of love, but finds herself unlucky when it comes to love. It seems she’s always falling for the wrong man, and Blake Harrington is no exception.

Because of a recent attack, Chelsea finds herself less carefree and more guarded. Even though Blake is trying to help pull her out of her funk, she’s trying to resist being with Blake alone. She’s at the point in her life where she’s tired of being in dead-end relationships.

Even though Chelsea has flaws, hates camping, and can be a little dramatic, she has a great heart. Her greatest strengths are her loyalty and support. When Chelsea realizes Blake needs her help, she’s willing to jeopardize her career and her life to help him.

~~Rebecca~~

About The Author

Rebecca TustDuring the day, Rebecca Tust work in the medical field helping the elderly get back to a good quality of life following a surgery or illness. She is married with two children and lives in MIddletown, CT. Life keeps her busy shuttling kids to practice, attending soccer games, and watching gymnastic meets. Rebecca loves reading and have always entertained the notion of writing a romantic suspense story. Rebecca is glad she’s had a chance to work in a field she loves, as well as chase her dreams.

Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

Giveaway

Rebecca is graciously offering a paper copy of TRAIL OF GUILT 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Rebecca Tust on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

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

8. Giveaway open to USA/ CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from February 14-18, 2015

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