Hell or High Water (Deep Six #1) by Julie Ann Walker-Review & Book Tour

HELL OR HIGH WATER (Deep Six #1) by Julie Ann Walker-Review & Book Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2015

In a world on the brink…

Six men. One sunken Spanish galleon. Millions in gold and silver coins lying on the ocean floor. And a past that refuses to let the guys of Deep Six Salvage forget the Navy SEAL motto: the only easy day was yesterday…

There’s more than one kind of treasure…

The nation’s security has always been CIA agent Olivia Mortier’s top priority. But a mission-gone-wrong has begun to make her wonder if there’s more to life than risking hers.

And more than one secret at the bottom of the sea…

Only two things could make Leo Anderson abandon his hunt for the legendary lost ship, La Santa Christina, and return to the world of weapons and warfare he swore to leave behind: a capsule of enriched uranium, lost on the ocean floor, and a plea for assistance from the one woman he can’t seem to forget.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HELL OR HIGH WATER is the first full length installment in Julie Ann Walker’s adult, contemporary Deep Six military, action/suspense romance series focusing on a group of former Navy SEALs who currently own and operate a civilian marine salvage business. This is Lieutenant Leo ‘The Lion’ Anderson, and CIA operative Olivia Mortier’s storyline. The DEEP SIX series is a spinoff from Julie Ann’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC series. There is an introductory novella HOT AS HELL that can be found in the May 2015 anthology-WAY OF THE WARRIOR.

Told from several third person perspectives using present day and flashbacks, HELL OR HIGH WATER follows three intersecting paths. Along with his former team of fellow SEALs, Leo Anderson has retired from the Marines and has taken over his father’s marine salvage business on Wayfarer Island. Their latest quest finds our heroes searching the ocean depths for the lost ship La Santa Christina, where it is purported to have sunk to the ocean floor, close to five hundred years earlier, with a vast treasure of silver and gold. But a visit from CIA agent Olivia Mortier places the former SEALs back in the action when a powerful chemical weapon, ‘given’ to the enemy, is reported to have been lost at sea and the team is asked to help in the rescue and recovery. What ensues is the search for the missing weapon; a private yacht falling victim to terrorists; and betrayal from within the CIA aka The Company.

HELL OR HIGH WATER is a story of second chances for our leading couple. While on Middle East deployment eighteen months earlier, Olivia and Leo began a relationship that ended too soon when a double cross found Leo’s men in a fight for their lives. Olivia has shouldered the blame for the entire mission that went horribly wrong, and in this she has yet to come to terms with her role in the death of someone close. Working together to retrieve the missing weapon finds our leading couple rekindling their relationship and taking it to the next level. But guilt and grief continue to follow Olivia throughout the story, as we are witness to the events leading up to the present day. The $ex scenes are inventive and provocative. Our couple get caught with their ‘pants down’ on more than one occasion. 😉

We are introduced to Leo’s team of former Navy SEALs (Bran, Wolf, Doc, Romeo and Mason), as well as a cameo appearance by Michael ‘Mad Dog ‘ Wainwright- first introduced in Julie Ann’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC series: Michael and Harper’s story can be found in the novella HOT AS HELL (Way of the Warrior-May 2015). Leo’s Uncle John, a cross between a ‘crusty sea dog and slack –ass hippie’ –as per the storyline description-finds respite with the heroes under the auspices of helping Leo search for the missing treasure. Not sure if Uncle John has a story to tell, but he is a fount of information when needed. There is plenty of friendly teasing and ego bashing, along with the camaraderie found with a friendship forged through mutual understanding and loss. We watch as another potential romance builds between one of Leo’s team members and a woman they helped rescue from the unruly band of terrorists who had all but destroyed Leo’s salvage business. The requisite evil comes from two different but conspiring sources that could have been ripped from today’s newspaper headlines.

HELL OR HIGH WATER is an action packed and intriguing storyline that focuses on the secret mission to retrieve chemical weapons, and the ensuing struggle to stay one step ahead of a mangy group of terrorists that will eventually reveal a mole within the CIA. There are moments of friendship and betrayal, romance and love, adventure and a little bit of suspense. Julie Ann Walker’s use of ‘punny’ comments leads to a few groans and rolling of the eyes; I am not sure if some of the humor using military jargon was appropriate.

The DEEP SIX series follows a similar outline and genre-type to that of Julie Ann’s BLACK KNIGHTS INC series- former military or special ops agents who, upon retirement, set up their own business running secret missions behind the scenes.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

guest post

A Message From Julie Ann Walker

Hi everyone! My name is Julie Ann Walker and I’m tickled pink to be here today talking about my BRAND SPANKING NEW romantic suspense series, Deep Six! It revolves around six newly retired Navy SEALs who just can’t seem to shake their past and the Navy SEAL motto that “the only easy day was yesterday.” Set in the Florida Keys, the series is filled with sun, sand, danger, intrigue, adventure, and plenty of half-dressed alpha hotties. LOL! Sound like a good time? I guarantee it is! And I guarantee you’re going to fall in love with these six men.

Take Leo “The Lion” Anderson. With his sun-streaked, sandy blond hair and perpetual tan — not to mention those hazel eyes and beard stubble — he’s sure to win your heart. And that’s before you get to his no-bullshit, take-command-of-any-situation attitude and the fact that he’s trying to fulfill his father’s dying wish.

Then there’s Brando “Bran” Pallidino. A native New Jerseyan, Bran grew up on the mean streets of Newark. He’s rough. He’s tough. And his Italian-American heritage means he comes complete with soulful brown eyes, a face that belongs on billboards, and a love for good food and good wine. (That last part means his beer-loving teammates give him a lot of grief. *wink*)

You won’t be able to resist Mason “Monet” McCarthy. As a boy from Beantown, Mason learned to use the F-bomb in really colorful ways. He’s big. He’s burly. He’s not the kind of guy you’d like to meet in a dark alley. Yet his thick black hair and crystal blue eyes soften what would otherwise be an entirely intimidating appearance.

Who doesn’t love a country boy? Dalton “Doc” Simmons was born and raised in Montana. He’s a lean, mean, fighting machine, with a face that’s all angles as if it’s been carved down to its barest essentials by a hot, stinging prairie wind. Doc has a tragic past. And he’s fighting to come to terms with it.

Next up is Ray “Wolf” Roanhorse. Wolf’s Cherokee heritage makes him strikingly handsome, with a blade of a nose, high cheekbones, flashing black eyes, and a lush, beautifully-shaped mouth. Born into poverty on a reservation in Oklahoma, Wolf has more than himself to worry about. He has his whole family depending on him. But if anyone can shoulder that burden, it’s Wolf.

And last but certainly not least, we have Spiro “Romeo” Delgado. Romeo likes to play up that whole Latin-lover thing. And with his swarthy skin, precisely trimmed goatee, and honed physique, he does a pretty good job of it. But that’s just what’s on the surface. Underneath it all, Romeo is desperately trying to make up for the mistakes of his past.

See? What did I tell you? You love them already, don’t you? Read on for a bonus scene from HELL OR HIGH WATER where you get to meet all of the Deep Six heroes!

 

Family isn’t only determined by blood, but by those who stand by you, fightin’ for you. By those you stand beside and fight for… That was the thought that drifted through Leo “The Lion” Anderson’s head when he looked around the warped wooden table at his men. Correction-the minute those five wild-ass SEALs snapped their final salute to the Navy and followed him to the Florida Keys to join him on his quest for high seas adventure and the hunt for untold riches, they stopped being his men. But they would never stop being his family. If they all lived for a hundred years, the bonds of the blood, sweat, and tears they’d shed together would never come unbound. They were too strong, forged in the fiery crucible of too many wars and missions to count. “Yo, man!” Brando “Bran” Pallidino leaned close to be heard above the twanging voice and guitar licks of the singer on the stage. The six of them had spent the day in Key West, gathering supplies and finishing up some repairs on Wayfarer I-the leaking, rusty salvage boat Leo had inherited from his father. And now they were enjoying beers and dinner at Schooner Wharf bar, the open-air establishment that saw more than its fair share of revelers, crusty sea captains, and miscreants who’d come to the end of the road in a bid to fall off the map completely. “That brunette in the yellow bikini top and flowery skirt over by the taps keeps giving you come-and-get-me-big-boy looks.” Leo glanced at the woman and sure enough. Slam! Her gaze collided with his and there was a definite suggestion glowing in her big, dark eyes. “I think she wants you to poke her hontas,” Bran concluded. Leo scowled at his best friend as a subtle breeze drifted in from the water, mixing the smells of fish and marine fuel with the sweeter aromas of boat drinks and barley hops that continuously flowed from behind the bar. “How long have you been keeping that little gem in your pocket?” he asked Bran. “Came up with it just this minute.” Bran grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. “My mind,” he continued, “is as nimble and as fertile as a…” Leo held up a hand. “Don’t finish that analogy. I can already guess what your mind is as nimble and as fertile as.” “Personally,” Doc said from Leo’s opposite side, twirling the ever-present toothpick in his mouth in a wide circle, “I would have gone with, ‘I think she wants you to engage her in a little gland-to-gland combat.'” Dalton “Doc” Simmons had one of those tough Midwestern faces. But right now it was split in a gleeful grin that made him look almost boyish. It was damn good to see Doc smiling. For too many years he hadn’t. “She wants you to rock her casbah!” Spiro “Romeo” Delgado piped up from across the table, never one to miss an opportunity to toss in his two bits. “Churn her butter,” Ray “Wolf” Roanhorse added after plunking his Budweiser bottle down on the table. He turned and slow-winked at the bird in the yellow bikini. Leo watched the brunette’s eyes widen, her head cocking like a cat considering a canary. With his Cherokee heritage, Wolf was the embodiment of the original American warrior. His visage equally fierce and-according to the lady at the hardware store this morning-beautiful. She’d breathed the word while staring all googly-eyed at Wolf. “And you?” Leo turned to the last remaining man at the table. “What ridiculous euphemism have you come up with tonight?” Mason “Monet” McCarthy was as big as a mountain, and just as silent. Usually. But even he couldn’t resist joining in. “She wants you to rumble in her jungle,” he said. His south Boston accent making it sound more like rahmble inna jahngle. And that’s the thing about family, Leo thought with a shake of his head as he slid on his aviator sunglasses despite the fact that the sun had slipped beneath the western horizon. One minute they’re standin’ with you against the world. The next minute they’re bustin’ your balls. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially since the good-natured ribbing, immature as it might be, was proof positive they were all slowly crawling out from under the thick blanket of mourning that had descended over them, heavy as a death shroud when- “Yo, man,” Bran interrupted his thoughts. “You better stake your claim. If you don’t, Wolf’s gonna stake his.” “He’s welcome to it,” Leo said, leaning back in his chair and picking at the label on his Budweiser with the edge of his thumbnail. “‘Cause I’m takin’ a pass on this one.” Bran groaned and took a long slug of his beer. “What?” Leo demanded, frowning. “What’s that uuuugh for?” “Just that I coulda guessed as much.” Bran shrugged a shoulder, his holey tank-top accentuating the strength and sinew of his bare arms. According to Bran, if the sun’s out, the guns are out. Bran’s unending supply of tank tops had become a running joke between all of them. Leo’s balls weren’t the only ones that received a regular busting. Every man’s in the group were fair game. “And why would you have guessed as much?” he raised a brow. Bran leveled him with a look that called into question the validity of his IQ tests. “You’re kidding me, right?” “No,” Leo shook his head, feeling his temper flicker to life. What the hell was Bran getting at? Luckily-or unluckily?-he didn’t have to wait long to find out. “It’s just that this seems to be your new modus operandus,” Bran said. “What does?” “Eschewing the soft ministration and willing company of bar bunnies,” Doc interjected. Leo scowled over at him, then swung his gaze around to each man at the table. They all wore the same expression of agreement. Okay, and this is one of those times I wish these assholes weren’t my family. Because he could certainly do without them being all up in his goddamn business. “First off,” he said in his own defense, “after all that runnin’ around today, I’m too tired to sweat, much less do anything else. Secondly, when you start talkin’ bar bunnies, I only have one thought.” “What’s that?” Wolf asked, only giving him half his attention. The other half was securely focused on Miss Yellow Bikini Top who, having quickly picked up the disinterest Leo was laying down, was now giving Wolf all her come-and-get-me-big-boy looks. “Hippety hoppety herpes is on its way,” Leo said, his lips twitching when Wolf blanched and swung around to attempt to fry his eyebrows off with a look. “You really know how to spoil it for those of us not currently hung up on…” Wolf trailed to a stop. The hair on Leo’s head tried to crawl off his scalp. Wolf didn’t need to finish. Leo knew where he was heading. “I’m not hung up on anyone,” he insisted, disgusted to realize he was trying to convince himself more than the guys. An image of Special Agent Olivia Mortier flashed before his eyes. Black hair. Blue eyes. A slightly crooked front tooth that never failed to make his dick twitch. There was just something about that tooth. That tiny imperfection amidst so much beauty only seemed to enhance her appeal. Maybe because it made her real. A real, live, hot-blooded woman with a mind like a steel trap, a wit that was as sharp as a tack and- Fuck. Maybe he was hung up on her. The wall he’d built up in his mind, the one that was supposed to keep memories of her at bay, was proving frustratingly weak. “If that’s what you have to tell yourself, cabron,” Romeo said. Leo sat there, a muscle twitching in his jaw. He refused to respond for nearly thirty seconds. He knew it was thirty seconds because he calculated that for every two seconds that passed he came up with a new way to assassinate the men at the table. He’d totaled out at fifteen. “You should see your face,” Doc said, the salty sea breeze causing the ends of his shaggy hair to riot. “You look like someone shoved a cactus up your ass.” “And yo, man,” Bran slung an arm around his shoulders, “there’s no reason to get all hot under the collar.” “The only reason my collar is hot is ’cause your sweaty arm is around it,” Leo grumbled, shrugging off Bran’s brotherly embrace and taking a hasty swig of beer. Thoughts of Olivia always made him feel punchy. Talking about her, even obliquely, made him feel…something. It was like if horny and confused got together with uncomfortable and had a threesome his current emotional state would be the unholy offspring of the encounter. “I was born on a farm where we used lots of fertilizer,” Doc said, seemingly apropos of nothing. Leo turned to him. “And that’s relevant to this because…?” He made a rolling motion with his hand. “Because it means I know bullshit when I smell it.” Bran grabbed his belly, crowing like the idiot he was. “You shoulda known better than to ask, bro.” Leo was considering the most painful way to wipe the grin from Bran’s face when Mason said, “You fuckers need to back the fuck off and leave him the fuck alone.” The man rarely spoke, but when he did his sentences were littered with F-bombs. Mason once told them that was the Southie way. The word fuck could be used as every part of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs… “Of course you’re the one to jump to his defense when it comes to rebuffing the babes,” Bran scoffed. “Now what the fuck’s that supposed to mean?” Mason demanded, the vein running up the center of his forehead beginning to pulse. “How long has it been since-” Leo figured he better cut Bran off before he went any further. Number one, because Leo could see the bull’s eye was about to slide off his chest and attach itself to Mason’s. And since Mason had come to his rescue…well, then turn about was fair play. And number two, because Leo knew just how much talk of Mason’s past-and the effect Mason’s past was still having on his present-bothered him. “Gentleman,” he said, “I think it’s best of we table this topic of conversation.” To his great delight, right at that moment their waitress appeared with a tray laden with chicken wings and conch fritters, two of Key West’s official delicacies. “And speakin’ of tables, wait ’til you see what’s about to be laid on ours.” With a flourish the waitress unloaded the tray. She’d barely stepped back before the feeding frenzy began. As the flavor of buffalo sauce mixed with hops and barley on Leo’s tongue, he once again looked around at the five men who’d been with him through thick and thin. The five men who’d bugged out of the Navy with him after they all made that soul-shaking promise to a dying brother to start living life. Ones that weren’t filled with death and destruction. These meatheads might be a constant pain in Leo’s ass, but they also happened to be a constant comfort and an unending source of entertainment. Like family, his mind circled back to its original topic. And it gave him a sense of peace. A sense of contentment. A sense of…urgency. Because they were all depending on him to come through with the big score. He felt the weight of that responsibility as surely as an anchor chain around his shoulders. They’d all made that promise, and now it was up to him to help them make good on it. Letting his gaze skim out over the marina, he watched as the boats bobbed gently with the tide. Their metal fittings caught the rays of the full moon and glinted as sweetly as the treasure Leo and the guys were ready to start hunting. The Santa Cristina, that legendary ghost galleon, the holy grail of sunken Spanish shipwrecks…she was out there. Somewhere. And come hell or high water, we’re goin’ to find her… 

 

about the author

Julie Ann WalkerFOLLOW Julie: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

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

Rafflecopter Giveaway Black and Orange

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sourcebooks logo

Share

Yours All Along (Loving on the Edge 6.5) by Roni Loren-Review and Book Tour

YOURS ALL ALONG (Loving on the Edge # 6.5) by Roni Loren-Review and Book Tour

Yours All Along Tour Banner

Yours All Along
Loving on the Edge 6.5
by Roni Loren
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, M/M romance
Release Date: June 16, 2015

Yours all along

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iTunes / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 16, 2015

Four years after an accident tore their friendship apart, Hunter and Devon are living separate lives. Hunter is now the all-America hero—a congressman’s son and a pro pitcher in Houston preparing to marry his beauty-queen girlfriend. Devon is in Dallas running a new restaurant.

But when Hunter unexpectedly shows up in Devon’s bar, Devon can’t turn him away. Damn it if the man isn’t still gorgeous. But engaged? Hell no. All he’s doing for Devon is bringing back memories of their college-roommate days, and the night their relationship went too far. Turns out Hunter has never forgotten it either.

Now Devon can’t help but be drawn in all over again by the only guy who’s ever gotten close enough to break his heart. Maybe one more night together would be enough for both of them to finally move on. Or maybe one night will change everything…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: YOURS ALL ALONG is the latest novella in Roni Loren’s adult, contemporary Loving on the Edge erotic romance series. This is restaurateur Devon Crowe, and MLB baseball pitcher Hunter Riley-a friend to lovers, M/M romance storyline that can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Devon and Hunter) YOURS ALL ALONG looks at the history –college years to present day- between Devon and Hunter, and what transpired to end their tight knit friendship. Fraternity brothers whose lives couldn’t have been more different, Devon and Hunter had one another’s back but Devon’s gay lifestyle was not conducive to Hunter’s family plans.

Throughout the storyline we watch as a friendship leads to love, and a sexual relationship between roommates uncovers a need and want in Hunter Riley. But Hunter’s politically connected family had other plans, and following an accident that found Hunter in critical condition, Hunter was ripped from Devon’s life when Hunter’s father suspected the truth about his son’s roommate’s sexual behavior.

YOUR ALL ALONG is a story of a building romance and love connection between best friends and eventual lovers. It is a M/M storyline with some graphic sexual imagery and a hope for a happily ever after. Roni Loren pulls the reader into an uplifting, impassioned and sometimes heartbreaking story about two people whose friendship and love for one another were destroyed through discrimination, bigotry and homophobic ideals.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by Author’s Pal through Netgalley

Excerpt beige

 

“But first . . .” Phil said, wincing a bit. “I have one more customer who requested to see the manager.”
“Ah, fuck.” One more complaint tonight and Devon might lose it. “Where?”
Phil pointed to a booth near the front window. “Big guy in the baseball cap. He’s nearly polished off a bottle of cabernet, so be warned.”
Great. Only thing worse than an unhappy customer was a ranting, drunk one.
Devon swallowed another sip of his own drink, then headed toward the corner booth. The guy’s back was to him, and he seemed to be staring out the window at the cars passing by on the downtown street. The flatbread he’d ordered was sitting mostly untouched in the center of the table.
Damn, Bryce couldn’t have managed to screw up a simple pizza, could he? Devon squeezed between two empty tables and straightened his suit jacket before stepping around to face the man, an apology poised on his lips. “Sir, how can I help—?”
But the question died in the air as the man looked up from beneath the bill of his ball cap. Dark, soulful eyes stared back at Devon from a face he knew better than his own. Any cogent response melted right out of his ears. “Jesus Christ.”
Hunter looked Devon up and down, his brows knitting in that way that indicated alcohol-blurred thoughts. “Wow, you look . . . important.”
Devon couldn’t help taking his own eyeful. Shaggy black hair peeking out from beneath the cap, tight T-shirt spread over shoulders and pecs honed for top athletic performance—a body Devon had ogled way too many times when he and Hunter had shared a room in the frat house.
“And you look . . .” Fucking amazing. Perfect. Even better than on TV. “Drunk. What the hell are you doing here, Hunt?”
His grin was lazy, lopsided. “I’m on vacation.” He raised a finger to his mouth. “Shh, don’t tell anyone. Top secret.”
Devon braced his hands on the table and sank onto the bench seat on the other side of the booth, not sure his legs were going to continue to hold him up. “Vacation?”
Hunter lifted his glass. “You know I haven’t had alcohol in four years.”
Four years. Which was exactly how long it’d been since Devon had last seen him. He tried to take a breath, but the room seemed to have less air in it than a moment before. He ran through the reasons why Hunter could possibly be here right now. Drinking. In his bar.
The guy had become the poster child of clean living after college. And over the last few years, the sports media had nearly canonized him for the turnaround. The congressman’s son. The stellar pitcher. The all-American guy with the beauty queen girlfriend.
Not that Devon had been paying attention. Or recording every game he pitched.
God, he was pathetic.
He cleared his throat, trying to come up with something to say. “Why are you drinking now?”
Hunter pointed at him, his finger wavering. “Good question.”
He followed up with a sage nod like he’d explained everything.
Fuck. The guy was hammered. The waitress probably hadn’t blinked at letting Hunter order a few glasses. He was big and broad—a guy who looked able to handle his liquor. But Hunter’s tolerance had always been low, and if he’d been sober for four years, that would only have made it worse. Devon grabbed the stem of Hunter’s half-empty glass, moved it to the side, and then replaced the spot in front of him with the flatbread. “You need to eat something, big man.”
The old nickname rolled off of Dev’s tongue before he caught it, and Hunter stiffened. Sober awareness flickered in his dark eyes, as if the words had snapped him temporarily from the wine haze. He shook his head. “Need to go.”
He shifted as if to stand, but Devon jumped up and put a firm hand on Hunter’s shoulder, pushing him back down. Their gazes locked for a moment, Devon looming over Hunter, the position dragging him back to memories he didn’t want to access right now, fantasies he’d conjured since. He shook them off and cleared his throat. “No way. You’re not going anywhere.”

 


Guest Post beige

Favorite Experiences or…Worst experiences

Top 5 Favorite Experiences as a Writer

1. Seeing my book on the shelf of a bookstore – Even eight books in, this never ever gets old. Every time I walk through my Barnes and Noble and see one of my books sitting there, I get an inner squee. It never feels real. Maybe that’s because I grew up a reader, and bookstores and libraries have always been hallowed places for me. Now I’m on those shelves. Surreal.

2. Breaking through writer’s block – Some people say writer’s block doesn’t exist, it’s just fear or a sign that you’ve taken a wrong turn. My response—well if it’s fear or a wrong turn, it’s still a thing, which means it exists. And it definitely exists for me. I hit a block at least once in every book. The wrong turn this is usually the answer, but finding exactly what and where that wrong turn is can drive me up the wall (or into the fetal position.) Now I’ve learned to accept a block as part of my process. Doesn’t make it easier, but I at least know that I always get through them eventually. And that moment when the light bulb goes on—that’s the best.

3. When a reader goes fangirl/boy at an event/signing – This first few times this happened to me, I looked over my shoulder because I figured someone was getting that giddy look on their face because there was an important author behind me, lol. I still have the instinct to check behind me, but I can say that nothing is more flattering and thrilling than someone being excited about my books. It makes my day every damn time.

4. Having a story idea knock me over the head – You can’t really force story ideas. Well, at least I can’t. I’ve tried. So there is something so wonderful about that moment where an idea hits me. It’s usually when I’m not thinking about writing at all. Showers. Washing dishes. Going on vacation. Watching TV. The idea for YOURS ALL ALONG happened when I was watching last season of Big Brother (The Zankie bromance for those who watched it.) That’s one of the best parts of being a writer. Getting that idea that lights you up.

5. Giving characters happy endings – I write romance for a reason. I put my characters through hell, but there’s nothing more satisfying then giving them their happily ever after at the end. When I finish a book and write those last lines, I always have the biggest, goofiest smile on my face (and not just because I finally finished the damn book, lol.) Life can be grim. I get to write the happy. Best job ever.

About The Author beige

Roni LorenRoni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son.

If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that’s it. She is the National Bestselling Author of The Loving on the Edge series from Berkley Heat.

 

Places to find Roni Loren:
Site: www.roniloren.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoniLoren
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roniloren
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877863.Roni_Loren

rafflecopter giveaway

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

author's pal

Share

Redemption (Nashville Nights 3) by Robin Covington-Review and Book Tour

Redemption (Nashville Nights 3) by Robin Covington-Review and Book Tour

Redemption Banner

Redemption
Robin Covington
Nashville Nights #3
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: June 15, 2015
Publisher: Burning Up the Sheets, LLC

99¢ ebook : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / iTunes

Redemption

Add to your Goodreads shelf

Emory Cabell is leaving the lies behind her.

Finding out that huge chunk of your life has been a lie and that you’re the half-sister to America’s country music queen is game changer. Determined to meet the sibling she never knew and compelled to pursue the music career she’s always wanted, Emory leaves her small town and heads to Nashville. Thrown by the bustle of Music City and the cutthroat dealing of the business, she finds unexpected shelter in a musical partnership with country music’s baddest bad boy.

Zane has his eyes set on the prize.

Known as a man who never stays the night, Zane is reliable only when it comes to his music. Years of paying his dues has gained him the coveted lead guitarist spot on the “must see” music tour of the year. Hoping this gig will lead to his own single recording contract, he agrees to write a few songs with Emory but he’s blown away by the sexual chemistry sizzling between them and leveled by his feelings for this quiet woman with the beautiful soul.

Can love be more than just a line in a song?

Darkness and light…they should not work. But one night in her bed proves they’re hotter than the number one single they wrote together. When the spotlight sheds light on all of Zane’s past sins, Emory struggles with trusting him with her heart. When a duo-only recording contract threatens everything Zane has worked towards and challenges everything he thought he knew about himself, he recklessly betrays her trust. With his life at a crossroads, will he choose the music or the future with a woman whose love might just be his redemption?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  REDEMPTION is the third installment in Robin Covington’s new adult, contemporary Nashville Nights romance series. This is singer/song writer Zane Wyatt, and Emory Cabell’s storyline. Emory is Kit Landry’s (Temptation Book 1) nineteen year old half sister, and Zane is Kit’s lead guitarist and opening act on her sold-out summer tour. REDEMPTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Zane and Emory) REDEMPTION follows the quick building relationship of insta-lust between our leading couple. Emory and Zane click; their attraction to one another is palpable, and does not go unnoticed by fans or the members of the band, and as such Emory’s sister Kit let’s our couple know where she stands if Zane destroys Emory’s heart.

Zane is a bad boy; a man-whore who he likes both men and women, and has no problem expressing his sexual desires, wants and needs. But something about Emory pulls at Zane’s heart, and their connection and sexual energy is perfect; their ability to write songs together is nothing short of gold-record status. Emory is the virginal, girl next door whose own music star is about to rise.

REDEMPTION has an ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Emory’s sister Kit Landry. We are also introduced to several members of the band-bassist Aaron Rice, and keyboardist Mike Leonard, as well as drummer Mac Giles. Zane’s extended family whom he hasn’t seen in a number of years shows a different side to Zane’s rock and roll lifestyle.; and someone from Zane’s past will set into motion heartbreak and betrayal. Emory’s world will come crashing down when Zane is offered the chance to star on his own.

REDEMPTION is a quick read; a fast paced story of romance and love; heartbreak and betrayal; music and the bright lights of fame. The premise is lighthearted and engaging; the characters are animated, colorful, and passionate; the happily ever after is emotional and heartfelt. The world building refocuses on the music and the musicians-the series took a bit of a detour in book two.

Copy supplied by the tour operator.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

I feel a tug on my fingers and I shuffle to cover the two steps between me and Zane. He gazes down at me, his smirk less playful and more intense. Just that one look and my skin flashes hot all over. The sounds around us fade into the background. We might as well be alone here in this parking lot.
He’s right. It isn’t just the music.
He stares at me for a few seconds longer, his expression shielding whatever decision tree he’s scaling in his mind. But I don’t need him to make this decision for me. I know what I want to do.
Look. Leap. Live.
“Come with me.” I tug on his hand and weave my way through the crowd, making a beeline for what I hope is my empty tour bus. Kit is occupied with her makeup and I hope Sandra is busy doing something else for a while.
Zane follows behind me, his hand still clinging to mine and his smartass mouth unusually silent. We cross the lot and reach the bus without any interruption. I open the door and step inside, dragging him behind me. The interior is cool and darker with the window shades pulled shut against the harsh summer sun. I don’t hear anyone else here but I need to make sure.
“Sandra?” When no one responds I turn to brush past Zane and lock the door.
I don’t even get to turn around before he’s pressed along my back, his hands reaching around to slip my guitar over my head. His warmth is gone for the briefest second and I spin around and catch him placing my instrument on the table alongside his own. Zane turns back to around, walks slowly towards me and stops far enough away for me to wish he was closer and near enough that I can feel the heat of afternoon pouring his skin.
“I want to put my hands all over you,” he says and my mouth goes dry. He takes my silence as permission to close the distance between us and do exactly what he said. A whisper of a calloused finger over my collarbone and then the same shiver-inducing touch travels up my neck until his large hands are cradling my face.”Em, you say the word and I’ll let you go and walk out the door. We can just make great music together and that will be it. Otherwise, I’m not going to stop until I make you come.”
I tense the tiniest bit at his words and I try to hide it but he senses it and smiles.
“I won’t fuck you here. You deserve better for your first time than the couch in a tour bus. And just because we have some fun today doesn’t mean that it ever has to lead to anything else, anything more. You’re always in control of this ride, Little Bird.”
His words soothe my only worry and I take my immediate future in my hands and close the distance between our mouths.
I gasp at the first touch. He’s surprisingly gentle this time, completely different from the kiss in the club. Zane’s tongue pushes past my lips and teases me, entices me to take what I want. So I do.
I grab his shirt and drag him closer, pressing our mouths together in a clash of teeth and tongues and hot, wet possession. He groans, his fingers twisting in my hair and setting off sparks of almost-pain behind my eyelids. I dig my nails into the hard muscle of his shoulders, hungry to have him all over me as soon as possible.
Zane maneuvers us around until the edge of the couch hits the back of my knees. He breaks off the kiss at the resistance and lowers me to the cushioned seat. He remains standing, looking down at me with eyes dark and hot, his lips swollen from our kiss. Our breathing is harsh and heavy in the silence broken only by his voice, tinged dark with need.
“I’ve been hard since we sang that song.” He rubs a hand over the bulge of his cock behind his jeans and my eyes are drawn to that spot and I can’t look away. “You keep me hard all the time Emory. I want you so fucking much.”
I look up at the edge of pain in his voice. I know it’s the good kind of agony, the kind that has kept me up late in my bunk, my own hands touching me while I pretend it is him. But I don’t have to pretend anymore. All I have to do is be bold. He’s in front of me and he’s mine for the taking.


 

 

Series Spotlight Black and Gold

TemptationTemptation
by Robin Covington
Genre: adult, contemporary, musician, romance
Release Day: August 5, 2014

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / iTunes

Add TEMPTATION to your GOODREADS shelf.

About the book: Release Date August 5, 2014

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TEMPTATION

She needs to be good.

Five years ago, Kit Landry was homeless and alone at sixteen. Determined to ditch her crappy life, she moved to Nashville with only $200, her guitar, and a notebook full of songs. She hit it big as America’s country sweetheart, but a year of living like a rock star plus a stint in rehab has killed any good will she had with her label. The suits have ordered Kit to shape up or ship out of the limelight. The last thing she needs is a hot, sexy distraction with a sinful smile.

He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.

Max Butler is as far from a celebrity as you can get and he likes it that way. A Nashville firefighter, he’s living the single life with a revolving door of parties, friends, and a different woman in his bed every night. When his normal life suddenly collides with the girl on his favorite Rolling Stone cover, he sees the perfect chance to fulfill his ultimate fantasy and see just how bad Kit can be.

Sometimes bad is so very good.

With three weeks until Kit leaves for her big tour, Max promises to give her a break from being the good girl–no strings attached. But when hot days lead to sultry nights, the lines get blurred and suddenly three weeks of bad might not be good enough.

__________

SalvationSALVATION
Nashville Nights 2
by Robin Covington
Release Date: May 11, 2015
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of SALVATION

99¢ ebook deal: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 11, 2015

Letting go never felt so good.

Carlisle Queen is dying and no one knows it.

Burying the pain of losing her friends and her professional swimming career in a terrorist attack, America’s former sweetheart dulls her pain with drugs, pills and parties. The bomb left her with more than nightmares; shrapnel is lodged in her back and inching closer to her spinal cord. When the doctors tell her paralysis is inevitable, she decides to take her own life rather than face a lifetime in a wheelchair.

Mateo Butler isn’t anyone’s hero.

Reeling from the death of his little sister and his own cowardice, he spends his nights partying and his days ignoring the medical school acceptance letters and his parents’ concerned phone calls. Just a couple of months from graduation, he’s facing a future filled with shame and regret. The last thing he needs is to meet the woman who compels him to be a better man.

Can they save each other?

When Carlisle and Mateo meet, the chemistry between them is combustible. They play, party and hide their true selves until one night turns their lust into something more…something real. As secrets are revealed and walls collapse, what they were and what they might become doesn’t matter as much as who they are together. When the choice comes down to life or death, can love be their salvation?

About The Author

Robin CovingtonRobin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her bestselling books. A Night of Southern Comfort, her debut novel was nominated for the RT Book Reviewers Choice Awards for Small Press and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. Her books were also nominated for the Bookseller’s Best Award and the National Reader’s Choice Awards.
When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello. You can find Robin at her website (robincovingtonromance.com), Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!
Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!) and her beloved furbabies.

Website | Facebook | Twitter |GoodReads | Instagram | Pinterest|

Rafflecopter Giveaway Black and Gold

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Barclay Publicity

Share

London Bound (London Lovers #3) by Amy Daws-book tour and promotion

London Bound (London Lovers #3) by Amy Daws-book tour and promotion

LondonBound_banner

London Bound
London Lovers #3
by Amy Daws
Release Date:May 14, 2015
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000040_00006]

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / itunes

***After falling in love with “us” in the first two installments of the London Lovers Series, now…it’s Leslie’s turn in this spicy series stand alone.***

When Leslie Lincoln, a spunky, red-headed American, suffers an awkward moment with an arousingly-sexy British man—she thinks her life can’t get any more pathetic.

She’s done with men.
She doesn’t need them.
She especially doesn’t need their muscular thighs.
No siree, she’s going to forget all about the brooding, complicated, and seductive “Theo” who captivated her on the dance floor of a London nightclub.

Keep telling yourself that, Lez…..

Immersing herself into a new type of romantic cleanse, Leslie thinks she’ll never lay eyes on Theo again. But somehow, he’s managed to bulldoze his way back in—her cheetah-print onesie pajamas be damned.

He wants more.
She wants to run.
But he can’t seem to let her go.

Both of them have a past—and neither want to share.

How can love possibly survive in darkness?

Excerpt

 

“I think you need a spruce, Lez,” he states deadpan.
“A spruce? And what the hell does that entail?”
“Like a spa visit?” Angela asks excitedly.
“Not a spa exactly. More like…a cleanse.” Frank fixes a salacious grin on me as he appears excited for what he has in mind. I squirm, feeling nervous about where the hell this is going.
“I’ve done cleanses before, they are miserable,” Angela says, dramatically raising her glass and taking a drink.
“This is a different kind of cleanse. It could be miserable for Leslie, but I know many mates who would bloody love it.”
“What’s involved?” I ask warily. Why the hell would I agree to something that might make me miserable?
“It’s…what I would call…a seven-step program. You have to follow all of the steps in order to gain the maximum benefits and achieve full happiness. Do you agree to it?”
“Agree to what? To doing this crazy cleanse that I have no clue what’s even involved? Absolutely not! I can’t even drink black coffee, Frank. If this cleanse drink tastes disgusting, I can’t do it.”
“Nothing will taste disgusting on this cleanse, I assure you,” he replies cryptically.
“I don’t know.”
“You need this, Leslie. You’ve been in a funk ever since Finley got engaged to that sex monster, Brody.”
I blanch. Frank has a huge man-crush on Brody. It all started when he got a full-frontal Magic Mike image of Brody and Finley one morning at the house. Brody’s a good-looking guy, don’t get me wrong. But I see him more like a brother.
“So, this cleanse you’re suggesting will get me out of this funk?”
“Without question,” Frank says, and turns his wide brown eyes on me. He’s sincere. I can see it in his demeanor. He genuinely wants me to do this.
“I’m not interested in a boyfriend, Frank. I don’t want a relationship.”
“That’s not what this is about. I promise.”
I smirk sneakily and Frank jumps up thrusting his hands into the air in victory, knocking his chair down in the meantime. Several people gawk at his obnoxious display.
Holy balls. This is Frank. What have I gotten myself into?

 

 

 

Series Spotlight

London Bound Becoming UsBecoming Us
London Lovers # 1
by Amy Daws
Release Date: January 1, 2015

99¢ ebook from Amazon: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / itunes

The dreaded friend-zone… The last place I ever want to be with college basketball God, Jake LaShae. I am losing my mind trying to figure out what this gorgeous and confident man wants from me. I need to break through his walls. What is it about me that makes him not go there? What am I lacking? When a mind-blowing betrayal knocks the wind out of me, and I think I can’t feel any lower…Brody stumbles into my path-barefoot no less, and sexy as hell. His direct and mouth-watering swagger is a breath of fresh air. The feelings this man gives me are like nothing I’ve ever experienced. But Brody has a past. A past that makes it nearly impossible for him to trust me and let us become us in whatever capacity that may be. Just when Brody and I truly connect, just when I think that finding my soul-mate in college isn’t a total joke, Jake comes back into my life…and messes things up…possibly for good.

_____________

London Bound A Broken Us-1A Broken Us
London Lovers # 2
by Amy Daws
Release Date: November 20, 2014

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

The moment those words come out of the doctor’s mouth, I feel sick.
So sick.
The life I have dreamed of…obliterated.
And Brody.
God, Brody.
How will he look at me?
How can he accept me?
He’ll know what I hid from him.
He’ll know everything.
It’s over. It’s completely over. I can’t tell him “I love Us” anymore.
Even though I do.
Even though it will kill me.
I can’t tell him anything. Everything is ruined. Pummeled. Broken.
I have to leave him. I have to give up us.
I know he’ll come after me.
I just have to do something to make him not want to.

Q&A

Congratulations Amy  on the release of LONDON BOUND.

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

Amy:  I¹m a goof who stumbled into this writing endeavor because I had a tragic, true story to tell. I then ventured into romance and the rest is history!

TRC:   LONDON BOUND is the latest release in your London Lovers series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Amy:  London Bound is Book 3 in the series and follow the BFF, Leslie. It can be read as a stand alone. Leslie Lincoln is the fashionably crazy best friend that everyone wants. She¹s supportive and loving and wild and hilarious. But she¹s got secrets that she¹s been keeping from her best friend and it¹s a large reason why she¹s never opened herself up to love. When she meets the brooding and demanding Then all bets are off and things really escalate.

TRC:   What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

Amy:  I wrote all 3 of my London Lovers Series books before ever stepping foot in London! I¹ve since been there, so it¹ll be interesting to see how book 4 change as a result. I imagine not very much but I¹m very happy to report that London truly is just as amazing as I always pictured in my head. So with that said, I did a lot of London research! Lots of looking on trip advisor, neighborhoods, the works. I even chatted with some Air BnB hosts about various parts of the city. London feels like a second home to me now! It¹s pretty awesome.

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

Amy:  Characters direct the writing. 100%. I don¹t ever know how I¹m going to end my books until my characters tell me. In London Bound I can honestly say no one was more surprised by the ending than me. I never thought I¹d write that type of ending in a book, but it came to me in the shower one day and I knew I had to write it. I love love love the ending. One of my reviewers called it ³disgustingly beautiful.² J

TRC:   The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer¹s fail in this endeavor?

Amy:  I think readers have to have a strong connection to the character they are reading about in order to feel all the dang feels. You need to know the heroine (or hero) to have empathy for them or it just won¹t happen. It¹s hard to do! And not all readers will connect and some readers will totally connect! Reading is so subjective, so what one person may love, another may hate. It¹s a crazy crazy industry.

TRC:  Thank you Amy for taking the time to answer a few quick questions.

About The author

Amy DawsAmy Daws is a goof of epic proportions. She enjoys making dumb videos and laughing at herself…a lot. It gets awkward. She thinks she should have tried her hand at improv theater but figured she’d learn how life looks behind the lens of a camera first.

She also thinks talking about herself in the third person isn’t awkward at all.

Amy lives in South Dakota with her husband, Kevin, and their miracle daughter, Lorelei. The long-awaited birth of Lorelei is what inspired Amy’s first book, Chasing Hope, and her passion for writing.

Amy’s contemporary romance books are a part of the The London Lovers Series and currently have two installments out with more to come. Her writing style is emotional and self-deprecating with awkward humor sprinkled in. Basically, if she makes you cry happy and sad tears…she’s achieved her goal. Extra points if you have to blow your nose.

Amy’s inspiration for writing is and always will be her six precious angel babies and her daughter, Lorelei. On most nights, you can find Amy and her family dancing to Strawberry Shortcake’s theme song or stuffing themselves inside children’s-sized playhouses because there is nothing they wouldn’t do for their little miracle.

Website: http://amydawsauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amydawsauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amydawsauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8193655.Amy_Daws

 

 

Share

Deep (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott-Review and Book Tour

Deep (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott -Review and Book Tour

deep banner

Deep
Stage Dive #4
by Kylie Scott
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance, rock stars
Release Date: March 31, 2015

Deep Dec 14

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2015

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: 4.5 stars– DEEP is the fourth and final installment in Kylie Scott’s adult, contemporary Stage Dive erotic romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Stage Dive and the women that they love. This is bassist Ben Nicholson and psychology student Lizzy Rollin’s storyline. We were first introduced to Lizzy in PLAY (Stage Dive #2) –Mal and Anne’s story. Lizzy is Anne’s younger sister and Mal is very protective of those he considers family.

Told from first person POV (Lizzy) the focus of the storyline is Ben and Lizzy’s relationship- a friends to lovers story that finds our couple at odds with one another’s current direction in life. A one-night stand weeks earlier in Vegas has resulted in more than a broken heart for Lizzy, Ben doesn’t do relationships; doesn’t do love; in fact Ben wants nothing to do with anything permanent-at all. He is a bit of a manwhore whose reputation has preceded Lizzy and Ben’s one-night stand-a night that neither one will ever forget. Ben continues to offer friendship in lieu of everlasting love.

Ben has always been a bit of an enigma throughout the series. Very little information, background or history surrounding Ben’s relationship with the band or his sister was ever revealed. He was always watching and waiting; or going in another direction; working on something by himself . Ben’s involvement in the series has been limited and with that comes the unknown factor as to the who, how and why! His attraction to Lizzy is immediate; their futures are tied together but his disinterest was heartbreaking and at times, cruel. There is plenty of push and pull between out leading characters; a roller coaster relationship with not enough highs and too many lows.

The storyline initially travels between past and present using memories, flashbacks and text messages-texting that began in LEAD (Book 3) but it was never revealed with whom Ben was talking. The current story begins a couple of months after Mal and Anne’s Las Vegas wedding where Ben had hooked up with Mal’s new sister in law. Ben had already been warned by Mal not to make any advances towards Lizzy but for months Lizzy and Ben have had a virtual relationship through texts and emails. What ensues is a night of sexy fun that Lizzy will remember for a lifetime.

All of the previous storyline couples-David and Evelyn/Mal and Anne/Jimmy and Lena play a significant role throughout the novel where we get a glimpse at the band’s struggles to keep peace amongst themselves. Ben’s sister Martha (Lick #1) returns to wreak havoc on everyone’s lives and with it comes the possibility of a storyline of her own. The introduction of several potential new love interests has piqued this reader’s interest. We are also reintroduced to sexy bassist Vaughn whose own reputation with the women needs no further explanation-Vaughn is a member of the warm up band Down Fourth. Stage Dive’s quiet and unassuming security guard/driver Sam has revealed that there is someone he has been admiring from afar. Their stories and loves will be revealed in Kylie Scott’s spinoff series -DIVE BAR.

The world building continues to follow the band-behind the scenes, on stage, and on the road. Relationships are difficult; friendships are divided; lovers become jealous and unsure. Things are about to change for the members of Stage Dive and the epilogue fast forwards the series several months where we get a glimpse at what life has in store. Mal is still my favorite drummer !!

Kylie Scott’s storylines are passionate, intense and addicting. Her characters are real; heartbreaking; funny and insane….Mal Ericson anyone ?? DEEP may be the conclusion to Kylie’s STAGE DIVE series but the characters and their stories will remain forever as one of my favorite rock music series.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

deep teaser

Excerpt beige

 

“C’mon. How have you been, really? What’s been going on with you?” he pushed. I frowned at him and he frowned right back. “Liz, please.”
I groaned in defeat. “All right, I suck.”
“Why do you suck?”
“So very many reasons.” I pushed my hair back from my face—no more hiding. “Pregnancy sucks. It’s natural, my ass. I finally stop throwing up, but I’m tired all the time. Giving up coffee was horrendous. None of my clothes fit right because of these stupid breasts, and they ache constantly. I have to pee like every thirty seconds, and then to top it off, I cry every time the Healthy Hound ad comes on. It’s ridiculous”
Little wrinkles appeared either side of his nose. “You cry at a dog food ad?”
“Yes. The puppies jump all over each other to get to their mother and it’s just so beautiful, with their cute little tails wagging and everything.”
He just stared at me.
“I know its psycho, Ben. Believe me, I’m well aware of this.”
“Hey, it’s fine.” He covered a smile with his hand. Too late, the bastard.
“You try dealing with all these hormones going apeshit. Crap. Apeshoot.”
“Apeshoot?”
“I’m trying not to swear,” I explained. “You want the first word our child comes out with to be something bad?”
“No. Gotcha.” The man was incredibly bad at hiding a grin. “No swearing.”


 

Stage Dive

Series Spotlight

LickLICK
Stage Dive #1
by Kylie Scott
Genre: adult, contemporary, rock stars, erotic romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2013

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of LICK by Kylie Scott

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

__________________________

PlayPLAY
Stage Dive #2
by Kylie Scott
Genre: adult, contemporary, rock stars, erotic romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of PLAY by Kylie Scott

PLAY (Stage Dive 2) by Kylie Scott

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2014

Do you like to listen to audio books? Click HERE for a six minute PLAY audio clip from MacMillan Audio.

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl. Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?

________________

LEAD
Stage Dive #3
by Kylie Scott
Release Date: July 29, 2014
Genre: adult, contemporary, rock musicians, erotic romance
Publisher: St.Martin’s Griffin

Lead Nov 14Click HERE for Sandy’s review of LEAD

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 29, 2014

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it’s booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.  

Lena’s not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him

About The Author beige

Kylie ScottKylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

rafflecopter giveaway

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TRSOR logo

Share

Total Surrender (Sin Brothers #4) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

TOTAL SURRENDER (Sin Brothers #4) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Total-Surrender-Blog-Tour

Total Surrender (Sin Brothers #4) by Rebecca Zanetti

Total Surrender Banner

TOTAL SURRENDER
Sin Brothers #4
by Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: adult, contemporary, military romance, paranormal
Release Date: March 31, 2015

Total Surrender March 15

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository/ibooks / Google Play

About the book: Release Date March 31, 2015

A fight he must win…

Piper Oliver knows she can’t trust him. They warned her that the tall, dark, and sexy black-ops soldier Jory Dean would try to win her over with his steel-gray eyes and deadly charm, but she won’t be conned by this man they call a traitor. All she has to do is figure out the science necessary to save his life, and she’s done. Something isn’t adding up, though, and she won’t rest until she uncovers the truth-even if it’s buried in his deep, dangerous kiss.

A passion she can’t resist…

Jory will do anything to reunite with and save his brothers-even kidnap the gorgeous woman who’s working to deactivate the deadly chip in their spines. But the forces determined to destroy his family won’t let them go so easily. Keeping Piper alive is more than he bargained for-and so is his burning desire for her. But with every second bringing him closer to certain death, can he afford to lose himself in her hot and willing embrace?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: TOTAL SURRENDER is the fourth and final installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult SIN BROTHERS slightly paranormal, military, romantic suspense series focusing on Nate, Mattie, Shane and Jory Dean-four genetically engineered brothers who were created by The Commander to become the perfect super soldier and killing machine. Each of the brothers is a ticking time bomb-a chip implanted at the base of the spine will detonate within a matter of days, and the men are searching for the code to deactivate the bombs. This is youngest brother Jory Dean and computer geek/IT guru Piper Oliver’s storyline.

Throughout the series, the Dean brothers have been searching for their brother Jory-last known whereabouts unknown and presumed dead when a video surfaced revealing a woman shooting Jory in the chest. As the expiration date on their lives draws near, the hunt for Jory and the code takes on a renewed effort.

TOTAL SURRENDER follows Jory as he finds himself the subject of Piper Oliver’s search for the code. Piper is an IT guru who specializes in hacking and the Commander is pushing Piper to break the code but there is a twist to the story-Piper is the Commander’s daughter and is completely unaware of her father’s treachery and role in the brothers’ creation. When Jory finds the opportunity to escape, he abducts Piper in the hopes of her continued efforts to deactivate the coded chips.

Rebecca Zanetti pulls the reader into a roller coaster of a storyline where secrets will be revealed; the truth about Jory’s shooting hits too close to home; and where the brothers discover that the Commander’s experiments continued long after the Dean brothers creation. As Nate, Shane and Mattie discover their youngest brother is alive, their happiness is short lived when the truth about Jory’s spinal chip is something no one had anticipated.

The relationship between Jory and Piper begins combatively and antagonistically. Piper believes Jory has betrayed his country but she knows nothing about the truth behind Jory’s imprisonment and her father’s involvement. As the storyline builds, so too, does the attraction and need between our leading couple; when the truth is finally revealed, Piper discovers that there are many secrets that have yet to be revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and hot. Jory is not just a super soldier but a super lover, as well. 😉

All of the previous storyline couples play a supporting role throughout the novel. We are introduced to the next generation of super soldiers, and with it comes, heartbreak and more betrayal. Jory’s story has been building since the release of book one Forgotten Sins where three brothers try desperately to find the one who now stands alone.

TOTAL SURRENDER is the final chapter in the Dean Brothers’s stories but with it comes more questions and surprises leaving room for the possibility of a spin off series. Rebecca Zanetti’s SIN BROTHERS series is addicting, intense, and suspenseful; her characters are passionate, provocative and alluring. You will not be disappointed.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Review by Sandy

excerpt

 

A young mother with two toddlers hustled toward the entrance, their heads ducked to avoid the wind. Piper sucked in air.
If she screamed, they were screwed.
Jory pivoted and put her against the wall, covering her mouth with his before she could let out a sound.
Warmth and woman. An electric shock flared his entire nervous system alive. Soft and sweet, she breathed in as he pressed against her. He’d meant to subdue her, to throw her off balance, but shock ricocheted through him.
Need compelled him. He shot both hands into her hair, tilting her head so he could go deeper. So fucking deep he could get lost.
The second he tasted her, all cinnamon and woman, hunger slaked him. Devastating in its intensity, a demand he couldn’t deny. Her smooth, velvety lips softened under his, and for once, he lost himself.
Strands of her silky hair caressed his hands as he held her jaw, nearly lifting her up to meet his mouth. There was nothing but getting . . . more.
She stilled against him, her mouth parting. He swept his tongue against hers, taking in a primitive claim too powerful to deny.
Her gasp mingled with his low groan. She pressed harder against him, her mouth curving under his, and he forgot . . .everything. Who he was, where they were, the fire and danger. Only the woman against him, warm and willing, sweet and sexy, filled his mind.
He clasped her tight, forgetting any gentleness. Any seduction, any mission. Only this woman and this moment mattered. Letting go of himself, he allowed the creature inside, the one so rarely let loose, to take over. To push deep, to demand more. To take.
And give everything.
His mouth overtook hers, memorizing every groove, every small nuance. His free hand gripped her butt, hauling her up against his steel-hard erection. Heat from her core nearly dropped him to his knees. Pain and sparking pleasure flared along his skin, and he deepened the kiss, tightening his hold.
He needed to get inside her. Now.
A siren trilled on the lower street, and he jerked his head free.
Danger.
She blinked, her eyes the green of a rain-filled meadow. Desire burned there, hot and bright. Somehow sweet.
Possessiveness gripped him with a chokehold. One kiss. One kiss and she’d changed him. He had to get her out of the parking lot before guns fired again.
That quickly, realization crossed her face. Then shock, as she tried to take a step back. Her hands rose and shoved against his chest.
Denial gripped him to be quickly quashed with cold, hard training. So he grabbed her wrists and hauled her closer, his face lowering to hers. He wiped away any expression and shoved down all emotion. “Those men don’t care who they shoot. They’re scrambling and might kill you—or innocent bystanders.” He spoke low, commanding.
She blinked, her mouth opening but no sound coming out.
“If you fight me, they’ll find us, and they might shoot. Collateral damage doesn’t mean a thing to them.”
She shook her head and looked around.
He pulled her closer and lowered his voice to pure, no‑bullshit command. “We’re getting in that four-door Jeep, and we’re leaving here quietly. Your only choice is alert or unconscious? Decide now.” He let conviction ring in his tone. If he believed he could knock her out, then she’d believe it, too.
No fucking way could he knock her out. Scaring her held little appeal, but he didn’t have a choice if they were to both live through the night.
She quickly nodded. Gulping air, she relaxed her body as two teenagers giggled while walking by.
He knew full well she agreed to keep bystanders safe and not because the kiss had changed anything for her. She had no reason to trust him, and she’d never really know him. Why that pierced his chest with the cleanness of a sharpened dagger, he’d figure out later. For now, they had to run.

 


 

Series Spotlight

FORGOTTEN SINS
Sin Brothers #1
by Rebecca Zanetti

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Forgotten Sins July 2013ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2013

His Secrets Can Destroy Her

From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true . . . until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked by the hospital calls: Shane has been found . . . at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there.

Her Love Can Save Him

Shane can’t remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn’t right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he’s ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret?
__________________

SWEET REVENGE
Sin Brothers #2
by Rebecca Zanetti

 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Sweet Revenge Dec 13SWEET REVENGE (Sin Brothers #2) by Rebecca Zanetti

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2013

The One Man She Can’t Have

Matt Dean was born to fight…and kill. A member of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be the perfect soldiers with an expiration date. Now, with time running out, he’s gone rogue in a relentless quest for the one person who can save them. His mission leads him to Charmed, Idaho…and to a beautiful woman with eyes like emeralds and a body made for pleasure.

The One Woman He Can’t Resist

Laney Jacobs knows the mysterious, handsome stranger is trouble from the moment he walks into her bar, looking for a job. She’s spent years running from her own past—the last thing she needs is a romantic entanglement. But Matt’s strong arms offer her protection, and his gentle touch promises passion unlike anything she’s ever known. As lethal forces surround them, revealing explosive secrets about Matt’s past and putting everything—and everyone—he holds dear in danger, can he save them all before time runs out?

_______________

Blind Faith
Sin Brothers #3
by Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: adult, contemporary, suspense, paranormal
Release Date: May 6, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Blind FaithABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 6, 2014

A betrayal he couldn’t forget . . .

For Nate Dean, love is a four-letter word. As part of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be ruthless soldiers with an expiration date. They were loyal only to one another . . . until Nate laid eyes on the woman who stole his heart and blew his world apart. Now, years later, his family is still paying the price for his mistake. But as time runs out, there’s only one person who can save his family: the very woman Nate swore he’d never trust again.

A love she couldn’t deny . . .

The moment Audrey Madison spies Nate across a crowded ballroom, she can barely breathe. He’s just as undeniably sexy as she remembers, yet there’s an edge to him now that’s as irresistible as it is dangerous. When he asks for her help, Audrey can’t refuse. But she has secrets of her own-secrets that, if Nate ever discovers them, may cost them both their lives .

About The Author Black and Blue

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

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

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Giveaway-Black and Deep Blue

**There are TWO ways to WIN**

Giveaway #1:  Rebecca’s publisher is offering a paper copy of TOTAL SURRENDER 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 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. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow Rebecca Zanetti on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA and Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from April 2 to 7, 2015

Rafflecoptergiveaway

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter-Book Tour Promotion

The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter-Book Tour Promotion
CloserYouComeRD_banner

The Closer You Come
The Original Heartbreakers #1
by Gena Showalter
Release Date: March 31, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

The Closer You Come

Add THE CLOSER YOU COME to your GOODREADS shelf.

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

Just released from prison, Jase Hollister has a dark and twisted past. And now, he has only one goal: stay out of trouble. Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma, sounds like the perfect place for him and his two brothers-by-circumstance to settle down and live a nice, simple life. But model citizen isn’t exactly this rugged bachelor’s default setting—especially when it comes to a certain hot-blooded Southern beauty…

Brook Lynn Dillon has always been responsible. Not that it’s done her much good. The down-on-her-luck waitress is broke, single and fun-deprived. Until Jase comes along. He is dangerous, stunningly protective, breathtakingly sexy and as tempting as sin, and the passion sizzling between them is undeniable. But can it melt her resistance? After all, the right kind of trouble might be just what they both need.

Excerpt beige

 

She scanned the yard—and finally found the source of the banging. Jase, with a hammer. Shirtless Jase. Muscles honed from intense manual labor bulged as sweat glistened and trickled down tanned skin and more tattoos than she’d realized. One of his arms was fully sleeved, the colorful ink wrapping over his shoulder and covering his pectoral. On his other side, his ribcage and torso were etched with intricate designs. A handful of what looked to be letters rose above the waist of his shorts.
Am I drooling? I’m probably drooling. Wow. Just wow. He was major man-candy. Gourmet. The house specialty. He radiated the most sublime sex appeal, the kind that shattered the most ingrained resistance and battered the staunchest inhibitions, and he would definitely satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth. He worked the hammer with masterful expertise, like he could fix anything, anywhere, anytime, and she had to admit it was total girl porn.
How she longed to close the distance and study every inch of him more closely. Study, yes…
Perhaps touch…
He paused to wipe his face with a rag, and she almost moaned at the increased deliciousness of him. If almost was the new word for loudly.
He looked up and stilled.
“Brook Lynn.” His sunglasses were light enough that she was able to watch his gaze travel over her slowly, leisurely.
Her body reacted as though physically caressed, tingling and aching in her most intimate places. Heat flash? Maybe. Probably.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice a husky rasp just as sexy as the rest of him.
“Morning.” She gulped and wiped her hands on the side of her wrinkled shorts. Don’t gawk at his chest. Certainly don’t glance lower. “My phone. My keys. Shoes.” Making words should not be this difficult. “Do you know where they are?” Better.
“Phone and keys are in the kitchen. Shoes are in your car.”
She must have been too focused on the noise—and then the food—to notice the phone and keys. “Well, then. Thank you. For everything,” she added, only to hesitate. “But, uh…I’m a little confused about why you didn’t just take Jessie Kay and me to our home.”
“Two reasons.” He set the hammer aside. “I didn’t have permission to enter your residence, and Jessie Kay had had too much to drink. She needed to be monitored, so…” He shrugged.
So he’d acted like the gentleman he’d once claimed he wasn’t. “Well, thank you. Again,” she said, and turned to retreat inside. Only then, with her gaze off him and a little distance between them, was she able to breathe.
How did he affect her so strongly? And how could she make it stop?
“You didn’t eat,” he said, coming in behind her.
Her eyes widened as she rounded on him, her breath hitching when she discovered he was close enough to touch. Close enough to press against, male hardness to female softness, if only she leaned forward the slightest…little…bit. No! Bad Brook Lynn! Bad!
Then his words hit her. “That feast is for me?”
His nod was slow, and his gaze hot on her, as if he’d sensed the direction of her thoughts. “Your sister, too.”
Needing no further encouragement, she sat at the table and dug in, soon caught up in a whirlwind of different tastes and textures, moaning with rapturous delight. Yes, she would have added a few other spices to take the flavor to a whole new level, but all in all the meal rocked her socks.
When she finished, she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. Oh, now I’m ladylike? She looked up to find Jase had removed his sunglasses, but hadn’t pulled on a shirt…and he was staring at her as intently as she’d stared at him. It was disconcerting. Especially since his features were blank, and she couldn’t read him.
A blush burned her cheeks, and she cleared her throat. “Don’t judge me.” Or my new food baby.
He arched a brow. “Is that what I was doing?”
Surely. “Well.” She cleared her throat again. “Anyway. My compliments to the chef.”
“That would be Beck.”
Never would she have guessed the pretty boy had a skill that didn’t involve a mattress and a panting partner. “Did he train at the Institute of Divine Cuisine and Hellish Addiction?” Jessie Kay had often accused Brook Lynn of sneaking into classes.
“More like the Institute of That Was Fun, But Now It’s Time For You To Go.”
Nice. “You guys and your one-night stands,” she said, and rolled her eyes.
“Is that judgment I hear, angel?”
Angel? The endearment proved a thousand times more personal and tantalizing than “honey,” shocking her to the core. Of course, he’d meant nothing by it. She figured he probably used the words interchangeably with every female he encountered—even with her sister. But…
I’m still reeling.
“No judgment,” she said, and stood. “And now it’s time for me to jet.” Before I do or say something more stupid. “I’m late for work, so…this is goodbye.”
His gaze still locked on her, he stepped closer to her, too close for comfort. She should have backed up, if only out of a sense of propriety, but she remained in place. He crossed his arms over his massive chest, those green eyes heating, burning. A sign of…arousal?
The provocative scent of him filled the air between them; it was masculine, sultry and heady, and it fogged her thoughts. It must have. Why else would she have continued to gaze up at him instead of running away?
“Jase?”
“Brook Lynn.”
Her heart must have heard music her ears couldn’t pick up, because the treacherous organ whipped into a frenzied beat, perhaps even doing cartwheels. Her breaths began to come faster, and shallow. I’m panting. I’m freaking panting. She shifted from one side to the other. He took another step toward her, as if compelled, then another, the last whisper between them vanishing.
He’s the predator, and I’m the prey.


 

Series Spotlight

The One You WantTHE ONE YOU WANT
The Original Heartbreakers .05
by Gena Showalter
Release Date: March 1, 2015
First Date of Release: 2014 anthology, All For You.

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

In small-town Oklahoma, reputation is everything, and Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome hers. The supposed bad girl is determined to walk the straight and narrow, a seemingly impossible task when Tall, Dark and Sexy shows up…

Rich and powerful, Dane Michaelson is every woman’s dream. When he returns to Strawberry Valley after a sixteen-year absence, he is unprepared for the redheaded girl he’s never been able to forget. She’s all woman now—and he’s never wanted anyone more. But to have her, he’ll have to break through her defenses… and surrender his own.

* First published in the 2014 anthology, All For You.

About The Author beige

Follow: website/ Goodreads/ Facebook/ Twitter

Gena ShowalterGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.
Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories”, while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.

Share

Pocketful of Sand by M. Leighton-Review and Book Tour

Pocketful of Sand by M.Leighton-Review and Book Tour

PoS-MLeighton-LaunchGraphic600px
Pocketful of Sand

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / iTunes

Add to your Goodreads shelf.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2015

“She’s beauty for my ashes. And I’m hope for her heartache.”—Cole Danzer.

I don’t know what makes a great love story. Is it that instant attraction when boy meets girl? The passionate kisses and the fairy-tale ending? Or is it a lifetime of tragedy, paid in advance, for a few stolen moments of pure bliss? The pain and the suffering that, in the end, you can say are worth it for having found the missing piece of your soul?

The answer is: I don’t know. I don’t know what makes a great love story. I only know what makes my love story. I only know that finding Cole when I did, when Emmy and I were running from a nightmare, was the only thing that saved me. That saved us. He was more broken than I was, but somehow we took each other’s shattered pieces and made a whole. If that is what makes a great love story, if that is what makes an epic romance, then mine…ours is the greatest of them all.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: POCKETFUL OF SAND is the latest romantic, contemporary, adult storyline from author M. Leighton. This is former pro football star Cole Danzer and single mother Eden Taylor’s storyline.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Eden and Cole) the focus of the storyline is the building relationship between two people who believe they are broken beyond repair. Both with painful, heartbreaking backstories that have all but destroyed each of their lives, our hero and heroine have struggled with haunting memories, grief and guilt.

Eden and her daughter Emmy are new to Miller’s Pond-a shy, quiet seaside town of 2000 inhabitants. On the run, Eden is determined to keep Emmy safe and protected. Meeting Cole Danzer was never in the cards but Eden is drawn to the reclusive, former football player whose heart and soul are shattered by the past. Cole wants nothing to do with relationships or love but meeting Eden gives Cole a hope for the future.

The secondary and supporting characters include some of the people from Miller’s Pond including brother and sister duo Jordan and Jason Bailey as well as a few regulars at the local restaurant and café.

We are privy to Eden and Cole’s histories through reflection and memory-each relating their experiences and nightmares about the past and the present. Eden is determined to keep Emmy safe while Cole is determined never again to lose his heart.

M. Leighton pulls the reader into an intense, emotional and heartbreaking story where the trauma of the past continues to haunt the present. POCKETFUL OF SAND is captivating, compelling and seductive; the hero and heroine are passionate, broken and tragic. When fated lovers meet, anything is possible to overcome, including that which we believe is insurmountable and lost.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

PoS-MLeighton-LaunchMeme5

About The author

Follow: Goodreads/Twitter/Website/ Facebook

M.LeightonNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author M. Leighton is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

Badass Marketing

Share