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

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Sandy

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

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

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

RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2017

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

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

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

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

••••••••

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

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

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

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

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

Copy supplied for review (Netgalley)

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest post-Black and White

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you’ll enjoy reading the book!

About The Author Black and White

Follow: Website / Facebook / Goodreads/ Instagram

From the website:

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

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

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

Giveaway -black and white

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

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

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

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

3. LIKE Nichols Nash on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

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

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

Releasing the Demons / Black Bullet by L.D. Rose-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Sandy

Releasing The Demons / Black Bullet by L. D. Rose-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Black Bullet
The Order of the Senary #2
by L.D. Rose
Release Date: November 9, 2016
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2016

Fledgling vampire Jonathan Kerr has just met his match.

Not even his past life as a former Marine and FBI agent could prepare him for the battle against the monster inside him, struggling to take hold. After an old nemesis of the Senary surfaces in Brooklyn, unleashing chaos and terror in the battered borough, Jon sets out to take him down. Instead, he ends up with far more than he bargained for when he clashes with the beautiful half-vampire hybrid, Lawan Knight.

After escaping near death and suffering unspeakable horror at the hands of vampires, Lawan trusts no one, regardless of species. In between bouts of drunken stupor, her only goal is to exterminate all those who’ve wronged her, including every member of Jon’s vampire bloodline. But Jon’s soulful eyes and quick smile crawls under her skin, transforming her black and white world into a hazy shade of gray.

As the days rapidly grow darker, Jon and Lawan turn to one another, but their inner demons threaten to tear them apart. The only way either of them will survive is if they overcome their greatest fear–

••••••••••

REVIEW:

The second book to what’s turning out to be a really good series.

JJ was a marine, then FBI agent, now he’s a human turned vampire (against his will) and holds a lot of resentment still, but he puts his skills to good use.
He was saved by the Knights (his sister is marrying one) after saving one of the hybrids life.
(There aren’t many good vamps, and JJ finds it hard to come to terms with what he is)

Lawan is a knight, (the hybrids that all live in the same place, have the same father) a hybrid, but she works alone. Something really bad happened in the past, and it shaped her into the killing machine she is today.

Their first meeting is explosive, she literally kicks JJ’s butt, and after leaving him coughing up blood, their next meeting should be just as explosive.

One of the hybrids (Rome) explains that although females were once made into hybrids, they were quickly eradicated. But not all of them, how Lawna slipped through the net gets revealed in the book. But he knows Lawna, and she certainly knows Rome !

The story remains at a fast pace, and like the first book in the series, it’s a graphic but gripping read.
The characters slowly dance around their attraction for each other, JJ feels he doesn’t deserve anyone (who could love a vampire, right?) and Lawna can’t get close to anyone, and certainly not a leech. It would hurt too much to lose anyone else.

There is a sub-plot going on as well, and it’s interesting how the two move along together.

I’m totally hooked on this series, and can’t wait for more.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B.

_____________

Releasing The Demons
The Order of the Senary Series #1
by L.D. Rose
Release Date: August 19, 2015
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

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

Back cover ……

Blaze Knight has been through hell and back, but the nightmares aren’t over yet.

Five years after Blaze was maimed by Cyrus Chimola, a powerful vampire with a penchant for torture, he’s still trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. As a genetically engineered mercenary with the ability to bend fire to his will and to see in infrared, Blaze’s mission is to protect what’s left of humanity. When Chimola and his crew return to the Bronx gunning for Blaze’s blood, Blaze is forced to face the demons of his past. Hell-bent on revenge, he seeks the help of Valerie Medeiros, an NYPD detective who manages to steal his heart and save his life in more ways than one.

Motivated by her sister’s gruesome death, Valerie has made it her life’s goal to bury every vampire in the ground where they belong. When she brings in Blaze Knight for suspected murder, she discovers he’s not only innocent, he isn’t a man at all–he’s a half-vampire hybrid working with a band of brothers for the U.S. military. Valerie has a hard time trusting anything with fangs, yet she quickly falls headlong into Blaze’s life, a life full of darkness and horror she can’t even begin to fathom. The bodies are stacking up, but Valerie can’t seem to let go of this hybrid, a beautiful monster filled with pain, rage, and passion unlike anything she’s ever known.

In a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, Blaze and Valerie will find danger at every turn, risking everything they’ve come to know and love, including one another.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:

G-Fusion project ……

Human embryos were fertilised with vampire DNA, then placed back in human women to gestate.

The experiments were deemed wrong, and the hybrids were eradicated. (Or so humanity thought) Blaze and his group of “brothers” (different mothers, same father) protect their world, the only only way they know how …..

The hybrids all have hidden talents, fire makers, healers, ice makers and telepathy, to name a few of their talents.

Blaze can generate his own heat internally and from his hands he can produce flames. A film of opal colours covers his eyes and he can only see in infrared, which is great for tracking the vampires, but otherwise useless in everyday life, so he has to wear sunglasses all the time. Tortured until he wished for death, he was rescued by one of his brothers. And now he seeks revenge on the master vampire who captured and tortured him.

Valerie is a cop with a grudge, after losing her little sister to vampires, she’s made it her duty to protect the people of her town against these things, but it’s a battle they aren’t winning.

The vampire came out to the world (years ago) and now they rule the night, the humans live in fear, populations of cities were wiped out, and vampires claimed the cities as their own. Even daylight isn’t safe, as they can use minions to do their bidding during the day.

Blaze and Valerie meet up after she arrests him for the murder of a girl he was sleeping with. But after meeting him, she knows he didn’t do it, but there is something about him that isn’t right. He smokes (but no visible lighter) and he won’t take off his sunglasses, and all those tats, it means he’s either a gang member or something else. And Valerie wants to find out more……

At first she is very wary and doesn’t trust Blaze, and once she meets his brothers, her fears aren’t laid to rest.

Blaze is intrigued with the female detective, and after he is released, he realises she maybe able to help him find his lovers killer, but he already has an idea who it might be.

And as the story goes along, we have a sub-plot (don’t want to give too much away) but it’s one of the reasons Blaze is targeted by his old adversary, and I have a feeling it could be in a few other stories that come along.

The story doesn’t stop, lots of action, and very well written, it flows smoothly from one scene to another.

Blaze is a hybrid trying to redeem his past, and Valerie wants justice. Will she run when she truly knows what a monster he is ? Or will she through him and see the hybrid that hides behind the scars and sunglasses ?

Hoping all the hybrids get a book and can’t wait to dive into the next one …..

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

Jon only had time to take a single breath before a dark boot materialized in front of his face, the heel aiming straight for his throat. He snatched it before it made contact and twisted hard, thrusting it away from him. The limb yielded beneath his grip as his attacker collapsed beside him, metal clattering nearby. He levered to his feet, pulling a KA-BAR from his boot as pain lit up his nerves, setting his teeth on edge. His attacker was already standing, the blade of a gorgeous double-edged Kris sword pointed at his throat.
Holy shit.His opponent was female, wearing a slim-fitting black battle uniform and carrying enough artillery to outfit a small army. Her jet-black hair was tied in a long braid and a black mask covered the lower half of her face. Her dark, almond-shaped eyes revealed her Asian heritage, her skin the color of caramel. A scabbard stretched across her back, strapped to her chest, along with the M16 she’d used to tear up the warehouse.

Jon took a step back, but she didn’t hesitate, launching at him with the blade. Metal clashed and sparks flew as he parried the long sword’s quicksilver arcs with his dagger. Although she limped from her injured leg, her strikes were hard, fast, and precise, each blow intended to kill. He nearly tripped over the pirate’s body as she backed him against the wall of the refinery, and he ducked as the blade screeched along the brick.

Before Jon straightened, he jabbed the butt of his KA-BAR into her knee and she yelped, stumbling backward. He slashed at her and caught nothing but air as she lurched away from him. She swung the Kris at his head and he raised the KA-BAR to engage and bind the sword. Both of their weapons trembled as their eyes locked on one another across the tangle of deadly metal.

And as her smoldering gaze drilled into him, he smelled it.

Dama de Noche.

The Lady of the Night, a nocturnal blooming flower he’d first smelled years ago in Nepal, when he was a human soldier. The scent was unmistakable, underlying the incense of vampire. The stench of leech didn’t belong to her, but the floral aroma was all her own.

She’s not a vampire.

Stunned by the revelation, Jon wavered, and she quickly took advantage of him. She sidestepped and lunged at him, sinking the blade in his shoulder. He shouted, dropping his KA-BAR as pain erupted from his dominant limb. Moving lightning fast, she yanked the blade out and sliced an arc across his chest. Luckily, she only scored his Kevlar, and as the sword swooped around again, Jon caught it with his gloved hands, silver biting into leather.

“You’re a hybrid,” he ground out. “I’m on your side!”

She pushed hard against him, drawing blood. “Bullshit.” Her voice was a rich contralto, edged with a growl. “You reek of Temhota.”

The Dama drew back and chopped at his belly, but Jon blocked her with his forearms, metal jarring against his bones. Finally, he managed to kick the blade out of her grip and it spun away, clattering to the ground. She somersaulted backward to retrieve it, but Jon caught hold of her braid in mid-air and wrenched on it. She cried out and landed face-first on the pavement, her breath audibly whooshing from her throat.

Jon wound her braid around his hand like a rope and straddled her, pinning her down. He tore the M16 off and tossed it as she writhed beneath him, fighting hard. Yanking her head up, he leaned close to her ear. “I’m not your enemy,” he hissed.

Her already shallow breath quickened and her struggles intensified, her sweet scent pumping from her pores in cloying waves. Panic. Fear. Restraining her like this completely terrified her.

Jon let up, knowing it was a mistake, but the shred of humanity still left in him couldn’t resist. The Dama slammed the crown of her head into his face and his retinas exploded in a staggering palette of reds, whites, and grays. His nose caved in, but not so far as to bury the bony shards into his brain. Blood poured out of him like a leaky faucet as he fell back, propping himself up on the wall of the refinery.

She was on him in an instant, chopping the edge of a flat hand into his trachea before smashing a fist in his ear. She wobbled to her feet as he struggled desperately to breathe—remember Jon, you don’t have to—and she gave him a vicious kick to his solar plexus, doubling him over. The pain was terrific, a cacophony of agony echoing from every corner of his body.

Jesus Christ, she was beating the shit out of him.

The Dama stood there, shaking, the fabric of her fallen mask fluttering to the ground. Jon blinked, trying to clear his blurred vision as she picked up her sword. He stole a glimpse of her face as she flung the mask up with the blade and caught it. A tattoo marked her cheek, the black symbol unmistakable but jagged, as if she’d thrashed during the process.

The same mark he’d painted on his chest lay branded on her face—the emblem of the Temhota.

Jon yanked down the neckline of his shirt, much like he had with the pirate, but this time he wiped at the mark, smearing it. The Dama paused in front of him, eyes narrowed, a gash marring her forehead. Even with the mark of his enemy on her face, she was breathtaking, and he didn’t have much breath left to spare.

“Not real,” he said past swollen lips, lifting trembling fingers stained with both paint and blood. “No mark.”

“But you are a leech.” She pointed the serpentine blade at the hollow of his throat.

He nodded, swallowing iron. “I work with the Senary. I used to . . . I used to be human. I’m not what you think I am.”

“You stink of them.” Her lip curled in a snarl.

He nodded again, every muscle in his body screaming. “Because I’m one of them. Yet I’m not.”

Brilliant. Maybe a few of those bony shards made their way into his brain after all.

She flipped the sword deftly and held it in a two-handed grip, the sin qua non of impending decapitation. Her dark eyes didn’t have the cat-like gleam signature to vampires, but hate and anger bled through them anyway.

“Makes no difference to me.”

A Gritty Gotham by L.D. Rose

First, I’d like to say thank you for featuring me on your blog!

My name is Linda (writing as L.D. Rose) and I’m a doctor by day and author of dark PNR/UF by night. Today I’ll be talking about the world I created in The Order of The Senary series and my inspiration for the setting in the current books, RELEASING THE DEMONS and BLACK BULLET.

Although both novels are dark paranormal romances, they’re very heavy on urban fantasy, likely influenced for my love of all things gritty and metropolitan. This series takes place in the alternate present, in a dystopian New York City. I adore NYC and lived just north of the Big Apple during my medical school training. The sights and sounds of 469 square miles of concrete populated by 8.5 million people inspired me in so many ways, from the gothic architecture to the people watching to the visions of “what if?” What if vampires finally rose out of the darkness and attacked all of the major cities in the world? Where would humans run, hide, and would they fight back? How would they handle this evolutionary shift in power?

And hence, the premise for these crazy stories bloomed.

The Order of The Senary is one of a few groups of hybrid mercenaries genetically engineered by the U.S. government to exterminate vampires. Being half vampire themselves, they all undergo a constant battle between the monster and human inside them. Although they were socialized with humans as children, they grew up on military bases, trained to hone their powers (or the “side effects” of their hybridization, like pyrokinesis, telekinesis, and shapeshifting to name a few) and to become lethal killers. The psychological and physical trauma they endure is intense, but it’s all for the “greater good” of the human race. Taught to despise all things fanged (besides their own brothers), their love for their fellow man knows no bounds, but they’re banned from developing intimate relationships with others.

Until they each meet their own illicit partner, whether human, vampire, or something else entirely. 😉

Want to learn more? Check out the first novel, RELEASING THE DEMONS, available at all Amazon stores in both print and eBook. The second novel, BLACK BULLET, just released last month and I’m thrilled to share this vision of a dark world where love, brotherhood, and loyalty is the best means of survival.

Hope you enjoyed this post and thank you for stopping by!

L.D. Rose is a neurotic physician by day, crazed writer by night, and all around wannabe superhero. She writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but she’s been known to delve into horror, sci-fi, and medical suspense on occasion. L.D. Rose is a PAN member of the RWA, FF&P, NEC-RWA and CoLoNY. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her studly hubby, her hyperactive boxer, and her two devious cats.

Sign up for her newsletter for the latest on the Senary, sneak peeks, giveaways, and other fun stuff: http://eepurl.com/bKvuXD. You’ll receive a free horror short story with sign-up!

You can also join her street team on FB for more shenanigans. 😉 DEVOUR THE NIGHT: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15447…

Where else to find her:

Website: www.writerldrose.com
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/ldrose
Facebook: www.facebook.com/writerldrose
Author page: www.facebook.com/ldroseauthorpage
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ld_rose
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ldrose
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/writerldrose
Tumblr: www.writerdoc.tumblr.com
Book Bub: www.bookbub.com/authors/l-d-rose

L.D. Rose is offering an ecopy of book one RELEASING THE DEMONS in The Order of the Senary Series to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

3. LIKE L.D. Rose on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9.. Giveaway runs from December 27-31, 2016

Legacy of Lies by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Posted on November 13, 2016 by Barb

Legacy of Lies by Jillian David – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Legacy of Lies Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Garrison Taggart doesn’t have time to deal with touchy-feely junk like “trust issues” or “feelings.” His dad’s health is waning and the family’s Wyoming ranch is being sabotaged. Too bad his supernatural ability to tell when someone is lying has been exactly zero help in ferreting out the betrayer so far. So, when sweet schoolteacher Sara Lopez raises concerns about his son being bullied, who can blame a guy for getting a little testy?

The last thing Sara needs is any more attention or gossip after her recent breakup with big-shot rancher Hank Brand. So her attraction to surly but sexy Garrison, Hank’s rival, is entirely unwanted. When she uncovers an insane plot to kidnap the Taggart boy and throws herself in harm’s way to protect him, Garrison must risk his deepest secret and his own life to save the people he cares for the most. But will his heroics cost him everything?

Review:

Legacy of Lies by Jillian David is a new series, and an author I’ve read before. So I eagerly said yes to this book. And I wasn’t disappointed…..

Sara is trying to forget her past, but coming back to her small town life isn’t going to be easy, people have long memories, and once a trouble maker, always a trouble maker. But Sara is now a teacher, she wants to make a difference, and if she can stick it here for a while, then once this job is done, Sara is out of there and she’ll look for a teaching post where no one knows her past.

Garrison is a single dad and a rancher, no time to meet women, and after being taken for every penny by the last woman he trusted, he won’t be in a hurry to trust another one.
His family, except his father, have abilities, he can sense the truth in people, his sister can find people and can feel their emotions, and her twin brother, he had an internal sat nav, he never gets lost, and had the ability to blend into the background. And a big brother who upped and left the family without an explanation (but something is mentioned in the book, that may shed some light on his reason for leaving) we don’t know his ability yet.
The ranch is a family owned ranch, but it’s not doing too well at the moment, and he really doesn’t have time to worry about bullies, and missing family members and his ailing father.
but there is just something about Sara that pulls Garrison in.

Their relationship is full of misunderstandings and distrust. But also filled with passionate kisses and tender moments.
Sara is warned by her ex to stay away from the “Taggart scum”, her boss (her ex’s brother,) also tells her to keep her nose clean, and not to interfere in the bullying of the Taggart “brat” otherwise she will lose her job, and Garrison is warned to stay away from Sara.

There is also a secondary storyline running through, and I’m sure this will be the string that keeps the stories linked.

It’s a great start to what I’m hoping is at least a four possibly five book series ?
Oh, did I forget to mention there is a missing big brother ?

I’d recommend this book to anyone who has read this author, or to anyone that likes their stories with a mystery to solve.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplies for review

Guest post-White and Red

The Birth of Hell’s Valley!

Thanks for having me on The Reading Café, talking about my new paranormal western series, Hell’s Valley. The topic tonight is: How in the world did I come up with the idea for this series?

Let me start by saying, I’m still not sure what a “paranormal western” is, but wow, do I like it!

Here’s the rough and ready recipe:

Start with hot ranchers, sexy cowboys, leather, lassos, horses, and log houses

Mix in psychic/supernatural powers, dark dealings with strange neighbors, and a vendetta from the lord of the underworld.

What do you get? A Hell of a ride!

Each of the four books in the Hell’s Valley series is a standalone novel, but they are all connected together.

And the Hell’s Valley series? It’s a very loose spin-off from my first paranormal series, Hell to Pay. You definitely do NOT have to read the Hell to Pay series to enjoy Hell’s Valley, but if you do, you’ll find a bunch of fun “Easter eggs” in each book.

See, I was thinking about the last couple from my original Hell to Pay series, Ruth and Odie (she was a Civil War nurse and he was a Cajun rogue). They talked a lot about genealogy and their legacies and great-great-great grandchildren. Then at the end of the book, there was that massive threat from the big bad guy who promised to destroy their “legacy”. (I can’t get into much more detail without spoiling my entire first series and spilling all the beans on my current series — sorry!)

So I started thinking, what kind of legacy would Ruth have? Would her own strange powers flowed, even now, in her distant relatives?

Of course the answer was “yes,” and that’s how Hell’s Valley popped into being. I envisioned a ranching family in rugged western Wyoming. I imagined the ultimate evil returning and threatening the entire family. Would that family survive such an attack? How would the siblings work together to defeat such an overwhelmingly evil force?

Then I got to create a special power or two for each Taggart. And even more fun? Figuring out what made the powers — well now, I can’t go spilling all the secrets, can I?

Let’s just say Hell’s Valley is like riding a bucking bronco – the adrenaline rush blows you away, the twists and turns have you guessing the next move, and if you don’t hang on tight it’ll throw you for a loop!

Check out Legacy of Lies, Book #1 in the Hell’s Valley series! Order here: Legacy of Lies

giveaway

Jillian is offering e-copies of Legacy of Lies (Book #1 of Hell’s Valley series) to Three (3) 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.

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

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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

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

6. Giveaway is open to Internationally.

7. Giveaway runs from November 13th to 17th, 2016

Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Barb

Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Picture Perfect Wedding
Magnolia Brides series – Book #3
by Lynnette Austin
Release Date: November 1, 2016

Picture Perfect Wedding Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
One mistake can change everything…forever

Beck Elliot and Tansy Calhoun were inseparable-until Tansy left Misty Bottoms, Georgia, promising to come back after she finished school. Beck stayed behind to save the family business, dreaming of the day when Tansy would return. Instead, his trust and his heart were broken when she inexplicably married another man and bore his child.

Five years later, Tansy comes home, a sadder and wiser woman. Despite his anger, Beck finds it hard to avoid her and her adorable little daughter-especially with all the busybodies of Misty Bottoms going out of their way to throw him and Tansy together, hoping a lingering spark will reignite their enduring flame…

Review:

Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin is the 3^rd book in her wonderful Magnolia Brides series. I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and once again, Lynnette Austin gives us another wonderful sweet romance, with a great couple. In the last book, we knew that Beck and Tansy would be the leads in this book, and from the start, I was hooked again.

In Picture Perfect Wedding, Tansy Cahoun returns home after 5 years, to Misty Bottoms, leaving behind an ex husband who gambled away all their money, and later on we learn more about Tansy’s miserable marriage. Tansy will join her friend Jenni Beth, to help with future weddings at Magnolia Brides. Tansy plans to find a place to build her new Sweet Dreams bakery, and she has her heart set on her former fiancée, Beck’s grandfather’s house.

Beck Elliot has a successful contracting business, but Beck has never forgotten his true love, Tansy, who left him years before. In fact, when Tansy returns home, Beck is a bit cold and tries to avoid her; he has never been able to forget her, nor move on. But much to their dismay, both Beck and Tansy find themselves being pushed together by family, friends, and the whole town. Beck is a true gentleman, and forces himself to have his men help fix up Tansy’s new place, which brings him closer to her. Tansy has a beautiful precious 4 year little girl, Gracie Bell, and she is determined not to let her daughter lose another man in their loves, even if her ex didn’t care about either of them.

Tansy is excited to be working closely with Jenni Beth and Cricket, as we watch them plan the weddings. This was a fun part, with Tansy doing the fabulous different wedding cakes, and Cricket doing the flowers. Jenni Beth’s Magnolia Brides business is just what Misty Bottoms needs to help rejuvenate the town.

What follows is a sweet lovable romance that will find Beck slowly trying to convince Tansy to give their love another chance. They both needed to overcome their fears of the past, and the addition of Gracie was another perfect choice to bring them together. I loved every moment of this book; loved the small town atmosphere; loved all the characters; and adored the wonderful couple. Lynnette Austin has done a masterful job in each book to make us fall in love with the leading characters. Needless to say, I love this series, and Austin is fast becoming one of my favorite romance authors.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Guest post-Black and White

Songs for the Bride and Groom’s First Dance

Is anything more romantic than that first dance as husband and wife? It’s unforgettable. Some bride and grooms already have “their” song, one that’s part of their journey together, the one they’ll dance to for their first spin on the dance floor as a married couple. For those who don’t, it’s important to choose the right song. One that has meaning. One that encapsulates their relationship. One they can sing to each other on the dance floor and in the years to come. For the rest of their lives, when they hear this song, they’ll be transported back to their wedding day. To new beginnings. To the start of their forever.

Unless both are extroverts, the first dance can be nerve-wracking. All eyes are on the new Mr. and Mrs. It doesn’t hurt to practice beforehand, to take an evening, push back the furniture, kick off those shoes, and enjoy the moment wrapped in each others’ arms. Hmmm…That sounds like a scene right out of a romance novel!

Then, when the bride and groom find themselves in front of friends and family, they can close their eyes or gaze into their new husband’s or wife’s eyes, and pretend it’s only the two of them. Together. In love.

In Picture Perfect Wedding, the third book in my Magnolia Brides series, Tansy Calhoun and Beck Elliot generate a lot of heat! I don’t think it’ll be long before they’re searching for their own perfect song. Because this is a second-chance romance, they’ll go for one that’s a little out of the ordinary, Back in Baby’s Arms, by Patsy Cline.

I’m back in baby’s arms,

How I missed those loving arms.

I’m back where I belong,

Back in baby’s arms.

Here’s my eclectic mix of favorite first dance songs—some old, some new:

Keeper of the Stars by Tracy Byrd. I heard Tracy perform this incredible song in the North Georgia mountains, and its poignant message has haunted me ever since. Released by Byrd in 1995, it’s timeless.

He sure knew what he was doin’

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

All of Me by John Legend. <sigh> Can I just say that Chrissy Teigen is one lucky lady? This song melts my bones!

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran A promise of forever love regardless of future circumstances, for better or worse. It’s sheer“an” genius.

Amazed by Lone Star. A classic. The words and the message will never lose their meaning. The smell of your skin, The taste of your kiss, The way you whisper in the dark.

Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra. Dance to this one, and he’ll definitely love you to the moon and back.

So there are my top five. But wait…I have more! I love, love music, and I love, love LOVE! I just can’t stop at five.

The runners-up that I can’t leave out:

Love of My Life by Jim Buckman. Listen to these lyrics, and see if you don’t agree this is one great song!

Grow Old With Me by John Lennon. I know. The irony of this one hurts. I stood in Strawberry Fields, Central Park, a few weeks ago and wished John had been granted the gift of growing old.

At Last by Etta James. What a phenomenal song! And then the spell was cast, and here we are in Heaven, for you are mine at last. Don’t those lyrics say it all?

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis. It had to show up on this list, didn’t it? I mean, come on, he’s the King!

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli. As the bride, you’ll be the center of your new husband’s world…and everyone else’s as you dance.

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor. And it will be sweet as you and your love start your life together.

I know I’ve missed a lot of great ones! What’s your favorite? What did you choose for your first dance?

Giveaway -black and white

Lynnette’s publisher is offering a paper copy of PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Sandy

DEADLY SILENCE (Blood Brothers #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

DEADLY SILENCE
Blood Brothers #1
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary,paranormal, romantic suspense

Deadly Silence

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /Google Play / iBooks / Indiebound

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 4, 2016

DON’T LOOK BACK

Under siege. That’s how Ryker Jones feels. The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency he opened up with his blood brothers has lost a client in a brutal way. The past he can’t outrun is resurfacing, threatening to drag him down in the undertow. And the beautiful woman he’s been trying to keep at arm’s length is in danger…and he’ll destroy anything and anyone to keep her safe.

Paralegal Zara Remington is in over her head. She’s making risky moves at work by day and indulging in an affair with a darkly dangerous PI by night. There’s a lot Ryker isn’t telling her and the more she uncovers, the less she wants to know. But when all hell breaks loose, Ryker may be the only one to save her. If his past doesn’t catch up to them first…

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DEADLY SILENCE is the first installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS paranormal, romantic suspense series-a spin off from her SIN Brothers series. This is brooding investigator Ryker Jones, and paralegal Zara Remington’s story line. You do not have to have read the original series to enjoy DEADLY SILENCE but for cohesion, backstory and connection I recommend reading The Sin Brothers series as several of the characters cross over, and the ongoing conflict continues from the original series.

Told from several third person points of view DEADLY SILENCE follows several paths: Ryker Jones and The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency are searching for a serial killer-the FBI is struggling with the investigation and the Jones brothers are running a side investigation of their own. Meanwhile paralegal Zara Remington has found herself caught in a legal conundrum between friendship and professional ethics; Ryker and Zara’s friends with benefits relationship becomes something more when Zara finds herself threatened by an unknown source; and the past is catching up with the Jones brothers who have been targeted for extinction along with their youngest charge.

Ryker is an over protective, dominant alpha male who has issues of control. His overwhelming need to ‘protect’ the woman with whom he is falling in love comes with some questionable actions and aggression. Zara is a woman who struggles with a relationship that has no potential future; and a friend is struggling with an impending divorce and is desperate for some financial help. Together Ryker and Zara must traverse a minefield of threats, as well as any threat to their possible future. The $ex scenes are numerous, graphic and provocative.

For fans and followers of Rebecca Zanetti’s SIN BROTHERS series you will recognize the ongoing conflict as the Jones brothers try to stay under the radar as it pertains to Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels, and the covert government agency using experimental DNA to make the perfect super soldier. The continuing trope ventures into another direction as two more ‘family of brothers’ are brought into the fold. All of the brothers are ‘created’ in one way or another; they are experiments of Dr. Isobel Madison-a woman who is determined to destroy that which she made.

We are introduced to Ryker’s ‘brothers’-Heath and Denver Jones; and welcome the return of Jory, Shane, Nate and Matt Dean (Sin Brothers series), as well as the next generation of super soldiers Chance, Wade, Kyle and Greg who were introduced in the Sin Brothers series as well. Zara’s friend and lawyer Brock Hurst knows that his friend and co-worker is in some kind of trouble; and Sheriff Cobb- a abusive b*astard who wants retribution against the Jones brothers for sins of the past. Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels returns with bigger plans for the soldiers she created.

There is quite a bit happening throughout DEADLY SILENCE with a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters that cross over between the two series. As an introductory story line DEADLY SILENCE follows several subplots where much of the conflict has yet to be resolved.

DEADLY SILENCE is a suspense filled tale with plenty of action, chaos, twist and turns but a familiar story line as Rebecca continues to focus on the genetically engineered super soldiers of Dr. Isobel Madison aka Sylvia Daniels. The premise is engaging; the characters are spirited and intense; the romance is passionate and emotional.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Deadly Silence Teaser

excerpt

Heat from his body washed over her, but she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “We don’t have a relationship.”
He smiled then, and the curve of his lips held more determination than amusement. “I’m not letting you run, and I’m certainly not letting you hide, baby. Although neither of us has been in this for the long haul, I’m staying in Wyoming for the moment. The first thing that’s going to happen is I’m going to figure out who dared put a hand on you and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
For the first time, she saw a side of him that gave her true pause. In the long haul, he’d be unbearably possessive. Why did that give her an intriguing sense of safety? “Knock it off,” she snapped in his face. “Get out of my business.”
That quickly, she found her back against the door and her front pinned by hard male. His hands planted on either side of her neck, his thumbs at her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “Something you need to understand and pretty damn quick is that your business is my business right now.” His thumb swept up and over the offensive bruise on her face.
“Step back.” Her voice trembled.
He ignored the very calm order. “No. You don’t want to tell me who did this? Fine. I’ll find out on my own, and I’ll have the name by the time I pick you up for supper. What you don’t want to do is deal with him or his case until I have that name. Kicking him in the balls might’ve just pissed him off more, and now you’ve let a bully stew on it for a while, which might be dangerous for you. Got it?”
“You have no right to interfere,” she whispered.
“Baby, I’ve been fuckin’ you for months. That gives me every right.” Anger glowed dark in his eyes.
“We’re done. Get out.”
His eyes softened. “You shouldn’t make statements you can’t back up.”
She shoved against his ripped abs.
He didn’t move a millimeter.
And then he did.
His head dipped, and his mouth found her neck and wandered up to her ear. His teeth scraped, and then his tongue licked the slight wound.
Of its own volition, her body did a full tremble.
He leaned back. “That.”
Her mind fuzzed.
His mouth slammed down on hers. She knew his kiss—often dreamed about it. Not soft and sweet . . . not even lustful. It was dangerous. From day one, she’d tasted danger on his tongue, and it burned her hotter than she’d ever been.
Never had she dated a bad boy, but after living her desired routine-driven life for years, she’d craved adventure, and he filled that need. He drew out a wildness she hadn’t realized she possessed.
He held her flush against the door, kissing her hard, sending a craving along her nerves that almost hurt. His tongue went to work, his left hand keeping her jaw open for him. His right hand found her hip and dragged her against the obvious bulge in his jeans. By the time he released her, she’d stopped thinking completely.
“What time are you finished today?” he asked, his breath heating her face.
“Fi-five,” she stuttered.
He leaned back and gently put her to the side. “Stay in the office until I come for you at five, Zara.” He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “Cross me on this, baby, and I ain’t gonna be gentle.” He had already shut the door behind himself before she could take a whole breath.
She blinked several times, her fingers going to her still-tingling mouth. What had just happened?

Guest post-White and Red

Deadly Silence Top 5 List

Top 5 Actors to play main characters

1) Hugh Jackman would make a wonderful Ryker Jones from Deadly Silence. He’s intense, smart, dangerous, and sexy. Very, very, very, sexy. There’s a picture of him next to a motorcycle on Pinterest, and it’s perfect.

2) Jason Momoa is one of my favorite actors of all time. He’s sexy and smart…and he looks amazing without his shirt. He’s also tall, dark, and so intense. Great hero material here.

3) Emily Rose is the actress who played the lead on Haven. She’s smart and spunky, and I think she’d make a great heroine in any of the books.

4) Salli Richardson-Whitfield is beautiful, intelligent, and so graceful. She played Dr. Blake on the Eureka series, and I thought she was fantastic.

5) Chris Pratt makes for a great hero as well. It’s not only his looks (which are very nice), but his obvious sense of humor. It’d be a lot of fun to cast him.

About The Author

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

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

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Forever romance

Lyric and Lingerie (The Fort Worth Wranglers #1) by Tracy Wolff & Katie Graykowski-Review & Book Tour

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Sandy

LYRIC AND LINGERIE (The Fort Worth Wranglers #1) by Tracy Wolff and Katie Graykowski-Review.Guest Post & Book Tour

LYRIC AND LINGERIE
The Fort Worth Wranglers
by Tracy Wolff and Katie Graykowski
Release Date: September 27 , 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Lyric and Lingerie

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2016

Lyric Wright is an off-beat astrophysicist whose life is falling apart around her. After losing her fiancé to a hula dancing astrologer and losing her dress to an ill-fated leap of faith, she’s sure there’s nowhere for her life to go but up. At least until she sits down on a trans-Pacific flight next to the one man she never wanted to see again—the boy she’d lost her heart and her virginity too back before she’d learned that friendship and football don’t equal true love.

Broken down quarterback Heath Montgomery is on a plane ride to nowhere. Dodging the phone call he’s certain will end his professional football career for good, he might be Texas bound, but he knows there’s nowhere for him to go but down. But that’s before his childhood best friend and confidante plops back into his life wearing nothing but duct tape and a bad attitude. Determined not to lose her again (especially since he isn’t sure why he lost her the first time) and desperate to outrun his own shadowy future, Heath sets out to take Lyric on the ride of her life. Too bad she only dates men who actually know what her butterfly nebula is … and can find it without the help of a star chart.

Add in one passive-aggressive flight attendant with delusions of couture, a cherry red car with a crush on Neil Diamond, an over-protective sister with a black belt in Krav Maga, two parents determined to marry their spinster daughter off to the hometown hero no matter the cost, and a whole lot of lingerie popping up in all the right places at all the wrong times and you’ve got an unforgettable love story.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: LYRIC AND LINGERIE is the first instalment in the contemporary adult THE FORT WORTH WRANGLERS romance series co-authored by Tracy Wolff and Katie Graykowsi. This is astrophysicist Lyric Wright, and professional football player Heath Montgomery’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lyric and Heath) LYRIC AND LINGERIE is a romantic comedy that follows the rekindling relationship/ second chance (of sorts) for former childhood friends astrophysicist Lyric Wright, and quarterback for the Fort Worth Wranglers professional football team Heath Montgomery. While at a convention in Hawaii, Lyric gets a call to return home following the news of her father’s heart attack but a wardrobe malfunction finds our heroine wrapped in ‘duct tape’ lest her significant ‘assets’ be exposed to the entire plane. Enter Heath Montgomery, Lyric’s seatmate and the man she has detested for a number of years. What ensues is a comedy of errors, a humorous seduction of Lyric Wright by the man who has loved her for most of his life.

Heath Montgomery has suffered a career-ending injury and finds himself contemplating a future without the sport that he has loved but rekindling his friendship with Lyric puts a different spin on his life when to appease her father’s anxiety Heath announces his plans to marry his scientist daughter much to the annoyance of Lyric herself. Their ‘fake engagement’ becomes real when Heath realizes that the woman he pretends to love is the one with whom he wants to spend the rest of his life-now only if he can convince Lyric of the same.

Lyric is a scientist with a brain for numbers, and a body that doesn’t stop but Heath Montgomery broke her heart years before, and in the ensuing time she has never forgiven her best friend for destroying her soul. Her last relationship ended when her fiance of 2 years announced that ‘Mercury was in retrograde, and it was time for a new direction’-with a hula dancing astrologer.

We are introduced to Lyric’s parents, and to Lyric’s sister Harmony-a rough around the edges woman who takes no crap from Heath Montgomery and sees right through Lyric and Heath’s deception. After Lyric’s wardrobe malfunction aboard the return flight home, Tre the steward is a snarky breath of fresh air as he continues to command the ‘runway’ with his over the top attitude and designer ‘Luminous Steel’ duct tape invention.

LYRIC AND LINGERIE is a lighthearted, fun read; an entertaining and enjoyable story about two people lost and looking for a direction in life. The premise is amusing and delightful with ‘laugh out loud’ moments; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are colorful, animated and energetic. Give yourself a break from the over the top angst-ridden romances and pick up a copy of LYRIC AND LINGERIE.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Lyric and Lingerie Teaser

guest post

One book—Two Authors: How Does that Work?

I’m so happy to be here writing about, well … writing. Tracy Wolff and I just published Lyric and Lingerie and it was so much fun writing a book with her. She’s the deep one and I’m the shallow one. She added the emotional depth and I added the humor and duct tape … lots and lots of duct tape. It was surprisingly easy (mainly because she did it) to mesh our two voices together. I would say the hardest part of writing a book together is staying on task at our weekly lunches.

For example today, we spent 3 hours at lunch “plotting” the next book in the series, Harmony and High Heels and got exactly—um—nothing done. Just for fun we recorded 47 minutes of our “plotting” session. We covered the brilliance of Kurt Sutter, the creative genius of romance writer Liz Tally, how I drank way too much lemonade, the wonderfulness of cheesecake, how thigh-high biker bitch boots make me look like a pirate, and that the woman in Jurassic World wears high heels and a white suit that never seems to get dirty.

Co-writing a book is so much fun, sometimes too much fun, but it’s also rewarding. My shortcomings are her strongest skills and visa versa, I hope.

(Note from Tracy) Katie forgot to mention that she would make one kick ass pirate and I would looooove to see her in those bitch boots. But also, she’s an incredible writing partner and one of the most fun people in the world to be around. And while I did do the meshing, she’s responsible for a lot (read all) of the fun that is Lyric and Lingerie. And yes, our skill sets are so different that together we make one really good writer, lolol.

About The Author Black and Blue

New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff lives in Texas and teaches writing at her local community college. She is married and the mother of three young sons.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.tracywolffbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracyWolffAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracywolff

Tracy Wolff also writes as Tessa Adams

Katie Graykowski likes sassy heroines, Mexican food, movies where lots of stuff gets blown up, and glitter nail polish.

She finished her first novel in the parking lot right before her first Romance Writers of America meeting. Since then, she’s finaled in or won almost every romance writing competition in the United States.

Katie has been married for over 19 years to a very loving, patient, and tolerant man. She has one human kid and three K-9 kids. She lives on a hilltop outside of Austin, Texas where her home office has an excellent view of the Texas Hill Country. When she’s not writing, she’s scuba diving.

Follow: Goodreads/Website/Twitter/Facebook/

Break of Day by Mari Madison – Review & Giveaway

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Barb

Break of Day by Mari Madison – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Break of Day Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
There’s a chance of a heat wave for the crew at News 9 San Diego…

Asher Anderson is an amazing surfer—with a body to match—but he’s pretty much the world’s worst weatherman. He’d prefer to catch the perfect swells in the morning so he tapes his forecasts in advance—it never rains much in San Diego anyway. The suits at News 9, however, would love to fire him, but since he’s the son of the station owner, they’ll just have to get creative…

Piper Strong thinks she’s scored her dream job when she’s promoted to weather producer. Glorified babysitter is more like it—she’s now responsible for bringing Asher back to shore. The problem is she’s afraid of the water, and she wasn’t counting on her growing attraction to Asher. But if Piper can just weather this storm, she’ll be able to carve out a career to be proud of—and maybe even a place in her heart for love….

Review:

Break of Day by Mari Madison is the 2^nd book in her Exclusive Romance series. Having read the first book in this series, Just This Night, I wasn’t sure how this book would continue with the TV News background theme. Gladly, I loved Break of Day and the wonderful characters Mari Madison has created.

Piper Strong is our heroine, and a good friend of Beth (our previous heroine). Piper is counting on a promotion at News 9 to give her career a boost, and is devastated when someone less deserving is given the promotion. Piper also has a phobia of the ocean, and at Beth’s wedding on the beach with the ocean so close, it will be Asher Anderson, who will come to her rescue. Asher is our hero, and the News 9 weatherman. Asher is also the playboy son of the TV station’s owner. Asher finds himself attracted to Piper, not to mention curious as to why she has a fear of the ocean, since he is a surfer. Piper tries to stay clear of Asher, as his reputation precedes itself. Asher learns about Piper losing the job she counted on and the following day, she is called to the producer’s office with a promotion to be a producer for the weather, and writing scripts for Asher.

What follows is a friendship that will turn into a sweet romance. It was a slow build romance, since each of them had their own issues. Asher’s mom is demanding and wants him to be with a high society girl, and will stop at nothing to ensure Asher does not become serious with Piper. Piper comes from a poor family, with a mother who is a drug addict, not to mention uses her daughter for money. Despite each of their issues and different backgrounds, both Asher and Piper find themselves falling in love, with each willing to do whatever is necessary to help the other, even if it means pulling away.

Besides this sweet fun romance, the story was very well written by Madison, with a number of different and interesting subjects. Piper worked off hours helping homeless children, especially a young troubled boy. Asher, having met the children, will train the boy how to surf, which leads to something that he enjoys as a possible change to the better for his future. Piper’s phobia of the Ocean; Asher’s mother; and Piper’s mother are also subjects that make this story fun to read. Most of all, I loved Asher and Piper together, as they were a wonderful couple. If you enjoy a sweet romance, great couple, TV News theme, and family turmoil, than I suggest you read Break of Day.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

guest post

Ever since I was a teen myself I’ve been a fan of John Hughes films. From Breakfast Club to Some Kind of Wonderful, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to Sixteen Candles.

But it’s Pretty in Pink that gets me every time. A simple story about a poor girl and a rich boy – and how their class differences make it almost impossible to get together, despite how much they like one another.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. She should have chosen Duckie. Jon Cryer really stole the show with his loveable dork character that’s stood the test of time.

But let’s put Duckie on the back burner for a moment. Cool as he is, he’s also kind of a distraction to the real issue Hughes was trying to explore in the film. Namely whether two people can overcome class differences and have a chance at a real relationship.

It would have been easy to make Andie a bit of a loser. But she’s actually not if you watch the film closely. She’s poor. She has a lot of family issues. But she’s cool in her own way, even if she doesn’t quite realize it. She works in a record store. She goes clubbing with her friends. She’s just as cool in her circle as Blaine is in his.

And what I think Hughes does really well, though people miss it because they’re so focused on Duckie, is that Andie’s friends are just as mean to Blaine – if not more so – than Blaine’s friends are to Andie. The rich kids don’t want him to date a poor girl. But the poor kids really don’t like this rich dude encroaching on their territory either.

With Break of Day, I wanted to explore this trope – rich boy, poor girl – in much the same way. Piper has had all the disadvantages in life. Her mother is an addict, she’s grown up in foster care, she’s had to deal with the tragic death of her brother—which may or may not have been her fault. Any one of those things could destroy a person. But Piper refuses to let them crush her. If anything it only makes her more determined to break free of her past and become her own person. And Asher can’t help but admire this, even if he can’t personally relate to her problems, having grown up rich and privileged.

But Asher has issues of his own. Which he disparagingly dismisses as “First World Problems” even though they are anything but. Even though he’s suffered just as much as Piper in different ways, it’s hard for anyone to sympathize, due to his economic advantage. It takes someone like Piper to see the true pain in his heart. Pain that can’t be solved by writing a check.

We don’t know what happened to Blaine and Andie after the prom. Whether their class differences eventually became too much or if they stayed together for the long haul. But I like to think of them having a happy ending, just as Piper and Asher are able to do in Break of Day. Shutting out the noise and staying true to their feelings. Realizing love is far better than gold.

Giveaway beige

Mari’s publisher is offering a paper copy of BREAK OF DAY 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.

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For The Win ( Perfect Play #1) by Sara Rider-Review,Guest Post & Giveaway

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Sandy

For the Win (Perfect Play #1) by Sara Rider-Review,Guest Post & Giveaway

FOR THE WIN
The Perfect Play #1
by Sara Rider
Genre: adult, contemporary, sports, romance
Release Date: June 6, 2016

For the Win

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

About the book: Release Date June 6, 2016

Lainey Lukas has sacrificed everything—sleep, family, carbs, a life—to earn her spot as the top player and captain of the Seattle Falcons women’s soccer team. She’s determined to lead her team to a national championship and finally earn the sport the respect it deserves—and nothing will throw her off her game. When Lainey’s hero Gabe Havelak, star of the Seattle Surge, crashes her team’s first press conference—making the Falcons look like a joke to the local media and humiliating Lainey in the process—she’s hell-bent on revenge.

Charming, confident Gabe is practically a god to Seattle soccer fans, but he doesn’t mind a little friendly competition from tough-as-nails Lainey, with her top-notch athletic skills, her mile-long legs, and her girl-next-door freckles. But when he learns the Falcons are booting the Surge from their coveted practice space to the notoriously cursed Cricket Field, those warm feelings give way to crippling superstition. With his contract up for renewal and his thirty-fourth birthday just weeks away, Gabe will risk anything to protect his position with the Surge.

The rivals agree to settle their differences in a Battle of the Sexes competition—a test of skills, fitness, and willpower. At first the situation seems win-win: Gabe gets the chance to earn back the Surge’s practice space, and Lainey’s team will finally get some much-deserved media attention. But as the friction between them becomes hot enough to spark and smolder, Lainey and Gabe are entering new territory—and with both of their careers on the line, love might just be the toughest opponent of all.

•••••••••

REVIEW: As the blurb states, Lainey has sacrificed a lot for her love of soccer. She was on the team that won the World Cup, but a devastating injury left her battling her way back and into top form. When she and her new team hold their first press conference, things don’t go quite as planned. She hates talking to the press and that is exacerbated when Gabe crashes the press conference. He’s a media darling and has the smooth charm that immediately wins anyone and everyone over, except for Lainey. Even though she’s a huge fan of his, she’s determined to bring him and his team down a notch…..or three.

When the owner of both teams (yes, the same man owns both teams) does not like what he saw on the news, he calls them both in. However, when Lainey arrives, she had no idea Gabe had been called in as well. Her heart sinks but she’s not going to take the tongue lashing lightly. As Gabe tries to soothe things over, she stands up for herself and her team, much to everyone’s surprise. The resulting plan that is a battle of the sexes, which both are determined to win. What follows is something neither ever expected. With careers on the line, will they be able fight their growing attraction to each other and do what’s best for their respective teams? Will their feelings for each other be enough for them to conquer old superstitions and forge a path that is beneficial for them all? Well, of course they will. This is a romance, after all. But, oh, what a read it is!

For the Win is a nicely written story by Sara Rider. Lainey is as strong and determined as she is stubborn. The way she leads her team and conducts herself makes her a worthy young woman. The way she guards her heart, or tries to, not only makes her believable, it makes her vulnerable. But, not in a bad way. Then, there’s Gabe. He has to work very hard to overcome his woman-chasing reputation in order to get Lainey to give him a chance. He’s very protective of everyone around him, but his interaction with his family, as well as Lainey, will make you swoon. When I first started this book, I was like….meh… But, a funny thing happened on my way to the end of the book. I absolutely fell in love with these characters. The way Rider lets you see their thoughts (told from dual POVs) was intriguing. I found myself not being able to turn the pages fast enough. No, it’s not a pulse pounding thriller, but it IS a wonderfully written romance about a boy and a girl who decide to throw caution to the wind, give in to their desires and see what can be. The secondary characters were well written as well. This book was funny, sexy and left you feeling like you actually knew the main characters. This was the first I’ve read by Sara Rider, but it will NOT be the last. If you’re looking for a fast, smart and sexy read, you cannot go wrong with this one! Well done, Sara Rider! Very well done!

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M

Guest Post beige

Developing the Heroine

You can follow Sara at : Website / Goodreads/ Twitter/

Hello and thank you for having me on your blog today!

Soccer is one of the few sports in North America where the top female are arguably much more successful than their male counterparts – the US Women’s National Team have won the World Cup and Olympics multiple times – yet receive a fraction of the prestige, income and media attention. The financial rewards and glory are substantial for male soccer players, but some of the best female soccer players in the country can’t afford to play pro soccer without taking on second jobs or making huge financial sacrifices. This is a dynamic that has always captivated me and what inspired the character of Lainey Lukas in my novel For The Win.

Lainey is a character who pushes herself to the extreme in order to achieve her dreams simply because she loves the game more than anything else in the world. She is stubborn, fiercely independent and driven to a fault, to the point where even her own teammates sometimes find it difficult to relate to her. As a writer, her character fascinated me, but it also challenged me to find a way to make her sympathetic. The easy road would have been to soften her edges, but it was important to me to make her as honest and authentic as possible.

Rather than portray Lainey’s single-minded drive simply as a flaw, I wanted it to be the very thing that makes Gabe Havelak, the hero, fall in love with her. As a successful athlete himself, Gabe deeply respects her work ethic and determination but finds her curious at the same time. In many ways, they are opposite sides of the same coin – Lainey is adamant that hard work is the only variable she can control whereas Gabe believes that luck has played a huge role in his success. Matching Lainey with someone as laid-back and charming as Gabe was a way for me as writer to peel back her layers and find out what really makes her tick.

The fun part of writing a character like Lainey is that her journey isn’t just about falling love. Her struggle to connect with her new teammates on the Seattle Falcons is a huge part of the book, and allowed for the lighter moments in the story. Having to build a brand new team in a new league from the ground up means Lainey can’t just rely on herself anymore. She has to find a way to work with a group of women who have been her opponents and competitors in the past. Ultimately, developing a bond with her teammates is what gives Lainey the confidence to open herself up to love.

That’s the story of how Lainey Lukas came to be. I hope you enjoy reading about her as much as I enjoyed writing her!

~~Sara~~

Giveaway beige

Sara’s publisher is offering an ecopy of FOR THE WIN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

IMPORTANT: The ebook download will NOT work with a Kindle e-reader

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only. The download will NOT work with Kindle e-reader.

9. Giveaway runs from June 4 to June 8, 2016

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