Tag Archives: Contemporary Romance

REFLECTED IN YOU (Crossfire #2) by Sylvia Day-a review

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REFLECTED IN YOU (Crossfire #2) by Sylvia Day- a review

REFLECTED IN YOU (Crossfire #2) by Sylvia Day

REFLECTED IN YOU is the second storyline (October 2012 release) in Sylvia Day’s erotic romance Crossfire series. Gideon and Eva’s relationship continues its’ sexually charged and frighteningly obsessive climb until there is no place left to go but into the abyss. The roller coaster of emotions is blatantly palpable but our hero’s frenetic change between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde will give you the same whiplash as the storyline’s heroine. Reflected in You continues at the same point in which we left off in Bared To You.

Gideon and Eva’s relationship is built on a mutual need. The sexual energy is highly charged and there is rarely a moment when the couple is not engaged is some sort of act. Their need for each other seems to overwhelm their daily lives so that at any moment they could be caught in the act. But great sex isn’t always enough and Eva will learn that first hand when Gideon begins to pull away. Even couple’s therapy isn’t working when one-half of the pair refuses to admit the truth.

Eva’s best friend and roommate Cary has sworn to Eva to clean up his act, but will find himself a victim of Eva’s past. Hoping to take Eva away for a weekend for two, Gideon all but kidnaps Eva for some R&R pledging himself to her for all eternity. But Gideon is hiding a secret and Eva begins to believe that whatever is pulling him away, has something to do with his past. His inability to confide the truth to Eva will plant the seeds of mistrust and jealousy will rear its’ head when Eva finds Gideon in pubic with his ex-fiance. Thinking two can play at that game, Eva embarks on a series of lunches that will push Gideon Cross over the edge.

Gideon’s nightmares once again play a major role in the development of mistrust between the couple. His refusal to open his heart to the woman who has fallen in love with him, will begin to form a barrier that will grow larger every time he withdraws and refuses to acknowledge his past. When Gideon is ready, Eva may not be around to hear the truth.

Eva’s past will eventually catch on two levels. A former flame will come to town hoping to reconnect, but a young age, she acted defiantly and stupid, and does not want to revisit the past. But Eva’s nightmares return as well, and in true thriller fashion, her nightmares will become real. As Gideon continues to pull away, Eva comes to the realization that perhaps her past was too difficult for Gideon and, that alone, would shatter the confidence she has been rebuilding for so many years. Perhaps she was meant to be alone after all.

REFLECTED IN YOU is an amazing ride of emotional ups and downs. Sylvia Day has taken two broken souls and thrown them together into what can only be called a tsunami of gut wrenching waves of sorrow and pain. This couple is utterly wrong for each other and yet utterly right. Eva grounds Gideon’s personality quirks as well as his heart. Reflected in You will leave you wondering when a secondary storyline draws attention to Eva’s past and the investigation lands on everyone’s front door.

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
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The Book Depository
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Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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BARED TO YOU (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day- a review

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BARED TO YOU by Sylvia Day -a review

This review is a repost from a previous review.  With the release of REFLECTED IN YOU, we are posting both reviews to keep the timeline balanced.

BARED TO YOU is the premiere novel and May 2012 release for Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Series. Sylvia introduces Gideon Cross a billionaire with multi-corporations and financial investments, and Eva Tramell, a 24 year old woman with a new job and a new outlook on life.

Eva Tramell was hoping to make an impression on her first day at Cross Industries, but landing hard on her ass in the foyer wasn’t how she had hoped to impress.  And worse, the beautiful sexy, dark and dangerous man who rescued her pride was none other than Gideon Cross, owner and financier. Eva’s position to a junior ad exec was just what she was hoping for to allow her to break free of her mother and step-father’s need to control.  But Eva was hiding a painful past, one that her mother was unable to forget and her step-father had paid to hide. 

Gideon Cross is a man of power and wealth.  Along with the money came responsibilities to him employees, his corporations and to the many charities he had chosen to support and back, including one specifically for abused and battered children.  But the sight of that beautiful blonde woman landing on the floor was something he would not forget.  She stirred something inside, he had long forgotten.  Along with his power and money, came the people, especially the women who wanted to know Gideon Cross, but Gideon was one to hold back secrets.  And like Eva, Gideon too, hid a horrible past that would haunt him night after night. 

Eva and her boss Mark worked well together.  They became quick friends and along with his boyfriend Steve, Mark tried to ensure that Eva was accepted.  The many layouts and presentations together were successful and caught the eye of Gideon Cross.  And there was a sexual tension growing between Eva and Gideon that was palpable by the many employees at Cross Industries.  Mark took it upon himself to not only chastise Eva but to warn her about the repercussions of becoming involved with an office romance.  Although Eva was quick to turn aside all of Gideon’s advances, the couple were heading into a relationship built on sexual attraction and need. On the night of the dinner for the Battered Children’s charity, Eva could no longer resist the desire and need growing between she and Gideon. But Gideon’s quick exit and disappearance from the function left Eva feeling cold and used.  She did not want to be his latest conquest.

But not all was what it seems.  Gideon’s need for Eva grows to an obsession.  He is unable to describe his desire and need, but only that he is growing jealous of her friendships with others including Mark and her roommate Cary.  Cary is a bisexual man and a model, with a dark history of drugs and abuse.  When Cary thinks he has finally found love with Trey, he goes about sabotaging his relationship with one-night stands and sexual games. And only Eva is willing to help Cary back from the brink.  But she may not be strong enough to save Cary from the disaster he is fast approaching.

Gideon and Eva’s relationship is filled with sexual encounters and daily affirmations.  And the lover’s are fragile.  There is a hunger for each other that is not easily quenched, but trust is hard to gain.  Both have been hurt, literally, and their trust in one another is slow to develop.  Gideon admits his need to control, but when he suggests that Eva willingly submit to his demands, she must admit something about her past that could end their relationship.  Surprised by his reaction, Eva was hoping Gideon was able to confide his secrets to her.  But the nightly terrors that ride Gideon in his sleep only grow until their relationship is threatened. Hoping to ease some of Gideon’s pain, Eva suggests couples therapy and is pleased when Gideon is willing to try.  But Gideon still is unable to talk about the many demons that ride him hard.  There is a family history of pain and suicide, depression and neglect, and Eva is only now discovering that the man she has fallen in love (with); the billionaire corporate CEO; the man desired by every woman; the man who looks more put together than anyone she has ever see is so fragile and in so much pain.

Eva’s past is hard for Gideon, and perhaps that is one reason he is unwilling to talk about his own.  But when Eva is finally introduced to a woman who was once a significant part of Gideon’s life, she is unable to control the hurt, anger and jealousy that engulf.  Eva feels betrayed with the knowledge that Gideon is keeping secret much of his past.  And it will take a much longer time to learn to forgive and forget, when everyone is ignoring the giant elephant standing in the room.

Bared to You is an erotic story that centers on the relationship between two dysfunctional people, who are both trying to swim in a sea of pain and sorrow. Eva’s past is revealed but Gideon’s history is one that we have yet to learn. There are many skeletons in the proverbial family closet and hopefully Sylvia will reveal more in her next Crossfire novel-Deeper In You.

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper Books
The Book Depository
KOBO
Books a Million

Bared to You was supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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J.M.Stewart-Interview with the Author

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J.M. Stewart – Interview with the Author

 

 

 

TRC:  Hi J.M. and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE PLAYBOY’S BABY.

J.M:  Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here.

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

J.M:  I’m a stay-at-home mom by trade, married for sixteen years now. We live in Washington state with our two teenage boys, and two very spoiled puppies.

TRC:  Many authors start their love of writing at an early age. What was the catalyst that sparked your love of writing?

J.M:  I’ve written down short stories since somewhere around high school. I don’t even remember what started it. But my love of writing really began about ten years ago. I had this dream. It was very vivid, and I was very drawn to it. One of those that just won’t leave you alone. It kept bugging me, demanding me to write it down, so one day I did. I fell in love with the process, and it took off from there.

TRC:  What is the name of your first novel published? Looking back, would you have made any changes to the storyline?

J.M:  Well, this is a convoluted answer at the moment, so forgive if I write you a book. lol My first novel published was titled Staking His Claim, published through The Wild Rose Press. It’s currently out of print, as I’ve gotten the rights back on it. I’m revising as we speak, with plans to find it and the sequel another home. That being said, as I revise this book, I have to almost cringe. I originally wrote it over seven years ago. I took a six year break from my writing, and when I came back, almost three years ago now, I picked this book up, and decided to take my chances by submitting it to a small press (The Wild Rose Press). Looking at it now, I’m frankly surprised they ever wanted it. lol There are general writing “no-no’s” all over the place, such as show-don’t-tell, and the story needs a lot more detail to round it out.

But…yeah. I have decided to take it in a slightly different direction. I’ve twisted the beginning a bit, but as I revise, I’m aware that there are a million other ways I could take the ending of this book. All in all though, I believe I did what I felt was best at the time for the story. So, if I could go back and do it over, I’m not sure I would.

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you faced as an author?

J.M:  Self-promotion. I’m naturally a very shy, very introverted person. Talking about myself is extremely difficult, so I’m having to learn to come out of my shell by a lot. I also have to remind myself not to compare myself with other writers. It plays on my self doubt. I read a terrific book and I think, “why can’t I do that?”

TRC:   THE PLAYBOY’S BABY is a romantic tale of heartbreak and love. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
KOBO
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J.M:  When an accident leaves her guardian to her six month old niece, Emma Stanton must find the one man she’s spent the last eight years trying to forget. She must risk the only family she has left as she tells him he’s the baby’s father. Can she stick to her resolve and resist the playboy’s charms this time?

All wealthy nightclub owner Dillon James has been used for his name and money one too many times in his life and has no desire to risk his heart to love again. Falling for Emma as they struggle to share the duties of raising a baby has Dillon thinking that perhaps it’s time he took a chance on love.

If only he can convince Emma to take a chance on him.

TRC:  Were any of the characters or the storyline based on fact or real-life?

J.M:  Well, most of my heroes and heroines have a lot of me in them. And I did realize recently that part of the storyline came from something my grandmother used to do. In the book, Emma and Dillon agree to share custody, but Emma still lives and works in Helena, which is an hour and a half drive from Hastings. I don’t want to give away too many details, but…it’s a long drive and Emma doesn’t want to commute every day. So, they compromise. Emma goes to the city for the week, then comes back on the weekends. In fact, it’s during the first time she does, that they make a sexy little bet. 😉

I’m getting ahead of myself. I’ve realized lately that this dynamic, of Emma coming back to Hastings on the weekends, is something I saw as a child. My whole family grew up in New York City. Eventually, my grandparents got tired of the city and bought a house in Pennsylvania, but my grandmother still worked in New York. So, she’d drive to the city for the week, then come home to Grandpa on the weekends.

Emma is also my grandmother’s name, though that’s where the similarities stop.

But, in general, in this book, pretty much everything is fictional. The characters took off with this one.

TRC:  If you could virtually cast the storyline using models and actors, with whom would you cast the characters in The Playboy’s Baby?

J.M:  Ah, now this one I have thought about. I always go looking for pictures of characters. This was a fun question!

Emma Stanton–Debra Messing

Dillon—romance novel cover model Jimmy Thomas with short hair. He’s exactly how I see Dillon.

Logan James (Dillon’s brother) –Eddie Cibrian

Camille James (Dillon’s mother)– Kathy Bates

Ethan James (Dillon’s father) — Walter Matthau

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas with other authors and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

J.M:  My critique partner. She loves bouncing ideas back and forth and I always find brainstorming with her tremendously helpful.

TRC:  Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the stress and anxiety of writer’s block?

J.M:  Oh, I can attest for that. lol I had a six year long bout of it. Though, to be fair, part of that block came from the stresses in my life I was having at the time. But… I’ve learned over the years not to let it get to me. It worries me for a few days, then I force myself to back off. I take it to mean that I need to go do something else for a while. usually a couple days or even a week of devouring other people’s books does the trick. Sometimes writer’s block just means that I’m burned out.

Sometimes it can mean that I’ve taken a story in the wrong direction and what I need to do is back track, find out where I veered off course, and change directions and it opens me up again.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

J.M:  I am currently writing the sequel to The Playboy’s Baby, involving Dillon’s brother, Logan. I’m having trouble getting into this one so far, but it’s got a working title of Blind Date, which is the premise for the story. It’s an older woman, younger man, set up on a blind date by mutual friends.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

J.M:  I welcome contact with readers. I’d love to know what they think of the story.

LIGHTINING ROUND

Favorite Food
Does coffee count?! lol I love Chinese and Italian is always a comfort food.

Favorite Dessert
chocolate brownies.

Favorite TV Show
Bones, also Supernatural

Favorite Movie
This one’s hard, as I don’t have just one favorite. The Color Purple, The Green Mile, City of Angels, Grease (1 and 2)

Last Movie you Saw
Safe

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Depends on my mood, but in general, dark.

Do you have any pets
Two dogs, a lab/shepherd mix and Chihuahua/French bulldog mix.

TRC:  Thank you Joanne for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to your future novels and books.

J.M:  Thank you very much for having me!

FOLLOW J.M.Stewart
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The Playboy’s Baby by J.M.Stewart-a review

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The Playboy’s Baby by J.M. Stewart-a review

THE PLAYBOY’S BABY by JM Stewart

THE PLAYBOY’S BABY is the August 2012 ebook release by author J.M. Stewart. A poignant tale that could very well be a reflection of many of today’s family dynamics, The Playboy’s Baby is a contemporary romance storyline that takes a look at one woman’s struggle to keep her family together after two tragic deaths in a matter of a few years.

30 year old Emma Stanton is a single mother and not by choice. Raising her sister Janey’s daughter Annie since the motorcycle accident that took her life one month earlier, Emma dreaded returning to her home town of Hastings Montana. Finding a letter written to Annie’s father, Emma knew that to return home and confront bad-boy Dillon James would force old memories to the surface. But Annie needed her father and Dillon was the man. And the animosity between Dillon and Emma would only add further hurt to a woman already in pain.

Dillon James lived the life of a care-free playboy. Descended from power and money, Dillon is a single 26year old night club owner surrounded by beautiful women and money skimming employees. But the sight of his childhood friend’s sister Emma, as she entered the bar, stirred up old desires he had long thought buried and gone. Dillon had always had a crush on Janey’s older sister Emma, but Emma had move away shortly after her mother died and it had been 8 years since he last saw the object of his dreams. But the message she brings to Dillon is both blessed and sad, when she reveals that he has a daughter that he knew nothing about.

The relationship between Emma and Dillon is tense. Thinking she will lose her niece and remaining family member to Dillon and his wealthy family, Emma is nervous and anxious about their intentions. Janey was never one of their favorite people, and with the unwelcome surprise of a grandchild, Emma must stay strong for the child she has grown to love as her own. And Dillon’s surprising acceptance of his daughter, aids Emma’s resolves when it comes time to leave Annie behind.

Dillon’s reputation as a badass and playboy had preceded him all of his life, but sometimes the façade is just that-a façade. Emma has always been under the mistaken belief that Dillon was Janey’s partner in crime, but Dillon reveals, that his relationship with Janey was strictly friendship and one of guardian and protector that had crossed the line  one night. And when he declares that he will never be relationship material, Emma knows that her growing love for Dillon will never be returned. And her past experiences will only add to her negative self-image when Dillon’s rejection forces her to take a stand and move on with her life.

There are many heartbreaking moments when Dillon’s actions negate his words. Tender and loving one moment, and then heart crushingly cold when he wants nothing but friendship the next day. But an empty bed is almost as painful as an empty heart, when the person with whom you have fallen in love, is a constant reminder of how alone you truly are.

THE PLAYBOY’S BABY is a heartwarming and sweet story of rejection and love. JM Stewart takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions that will give you the warm fuzzies one moment then leave you in tears the next. The sex scenes are sensual without the use of vulgar descriptive narrations and the character development is forthright and real. The Playboy’s Baby is a quick read for a lazy afternoon with a glass of wine and romance on the mind.

LINKS TO ORDER
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KOBO
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Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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INTIMATE ENEMIES (Covert Affairs #1) by Joan Swan-a review

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INTIMATE ENEMIES (Covert Affairs #1) by Joan Swan

INTIMATE ENEMIES is the first storyline (released June 2012) in Joan Swan’s contemporary romance/mystery Covert Affairs series.

Rio Santana is an under cover officer so deep in Saul Flores’ organization that he is now considered his number one man.  But it is the return of Saul’s step-daughter Cassie that will throw a major twist into the sting operation that has been in the works for over a year. On stress leave from her position as an emergency room physician, Cassie will embark on a series of investigations that will compromise Rio’s work and put both of them at risk.

 

Cassie Christo is Saul Flores’ step daughter.  Back in Baja Mexico to stand before the parole board to ensure that the man who, three years previous, had attempted to rape her, Cassie still grieves for the mother (Alejandra) she lost six months earlier in a fatal yacht fire that also claimed the life of her step-brother Santos. And Cassie has other reasons for her return-as the sole owner of her mother’s lands, house and financial assets, Cassie is working to prove that Saul’s is using her mother’s money for illegal operations.

When Saul suspects that Cassie is attracted to Rio, he demands that Rio make Cassie a part of his job.  As bodyguard and go-between for Saul’s current illegal operations, Rio must make a choice whether to pursue Cassie in the name of business or protect her from her step-father’s hatred in the name of love.

Rio and Cassie’s relationship faces many ups and downs, especially when Rio is unable to reveal his true identity and purpose within Saul’s business plans.  And Cassie’s proclamations that Rio’s affections resemble a case of bi-polar disorder due to his lies and mistruths will put Rio into a position that could compromise the sting that so many have risked a year of their lives to complete.

Throughout the story, we are introduced to many of Rio’s fellow agents and potential friends.  In the beginning, we are unsure as to the purpose of many of these characters throughout the novel, but as the operation begins to unfold, their intent and determination are woven tightly into the premise. But it is an investigation of another kind that will reveal to Rio that an attempted rape hits close to home.

Cassie is a heroine with a mind of her own.  She rarely listens to reason, ignores Rio’s hints and overt instructions regarding the various illegal elements gunning for her head, and compromises Rio’s life as well as the lives of many of the other agents in order to find out the truth about her mother’s death.  Even her best friend’s husband, who is also a policeman, is unable to persuade Cassie to cease and stand down.  At a minimum the character is aggravating and stressful, at the maximum…she is a pain in the ass. I had difficulty feeling sympathy for a woman who would never listen especially when the lives of so many were at stake. But that is what makes a storyline great-when the reader becomes emotionally involved. And of course, we all know people just like Cassie. The character of Cassie drove me nuts 😉

INTIMATE ENEMIES is an exciting storyline with rarely a slow moment to catch one’s breath.  The number of overlapping stories will coalesce into a final showdown, where once again, Cassie will force the agents to risk their lives to protect her from the plans she put into action.  The love that Rio feels for Cassie is continuously examined as she tests his true intent with innuendo and accusations of abuse and neglect.  The premise is interesting once you get past the heroine’s Type A obnoxious personality.  Previous history aside, Cassie would test any man’s patience and especially by the one man with whom she is in love.

And Jules……NO vampires!!!

Buy: Amazon | B & N | Smashwords

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

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