Razed (Barnes Brothers #2) by Shiloh Walker-Review and Giveaway

Razed (Barnes Brothers #2) by Shiloh Walker-Review and Giveaway

Razed Banner

Razed
Barnes Brothers #2
by Shiloh Walker
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: December 2, 2014

Razed

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2014

Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: RAZED is the second installment in Shiloh Walker’s adult, contemporary Barnes Brothers series focusing on –what else-the Barnes brothers. This is photographer Zane Barnes and tattoo artist Keelie Jessup’s storyline.

Told from third person point of view, RAZED takes the reader back to Zach Barnes’s tattoo studio Steel Ink. At Zach’s wedding to the love of his life Abby, tattoo artist Keelie Jessup finds herself in the arms of Zach’s brother Zane-the wedding photographer and the man who will become an integral part of Keelie’s life. For three years Zane has crushed on Keelie but still three months after the wedding Keelie continues to say no to Zane’s attempts at dinner. It is not until a disastrous blind date for Keelie does the possibility of a future with Zane begin to take on a more positive outlook.

The relationship between Keelie and Zane is slow to develop as Keelie holds herself back. There are secrets from Keelie’s past that come back to the present and it is the memories of what has happened that keep Keelie hidden away from public eyes; and not to be out done, Zane’s past is buried amongst the photographs he keeps hidden from the people that he loves. The sex scenes are intimate, seductive and hot.

The colorful, realistic and emotional secondary characters include most of the previous storyline players including Zach and Abby from book 1 WRECKED, and the gang at Steel Ink. Zach’s love for both his brother and Keelie manifests into some awkward moments that are difficult to understand – but then again, the relationship between brothers is often fraught with jealousy and hurt. We are introduced to Zach and Zane’s brothers-Trey, Travis and Sebastian-each will have their story told in a future novel. Trey’s story is next- a single father and widower who is unable to let go of the past.

RAZED is a passionate story about family, betrayal, heartbreak and moving on. While Zane focuses on going forward, Keelie keeps to the shadows fearing recognition and being found. Shiloh’s characters will captivate your imagination and pull you in along their journeys of romance and love.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author beige

Shiloh WalkerFollow: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook/

Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more…ah…serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.

Giveaway beige

The Reading Cafe and Shiloh’s publisher are offering a paper copy of RAZED 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 LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

6. Please LIKE  Shiloh Walker on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from December 4 to 8, 2014

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One In A Million by Jill Shalvis -Review, Blog Tour and Q&A

One In A Million by Jill Shalvis -Review, Blog Tour and Q&A with the Author

One in a Million Blog Tour

One In A Million
Lucky Harbor #12
by Jill Shalvis
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 28, 2014

One In A Million

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

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2014

Add ONE IN A MILLION to your GOODREADS shelf.

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It’s that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she’s sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he’s still paying for his own mistakes? It’s hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there’s something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

 

REVIEW:

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12th book in her wonderful Lucky Harbor series. It is the 3rd book in her trilogy arc, which will end the Lucky Harbor series. All three books in this arc had hot swoonworthy men, who happen to be best friends; with each finding their mate.

This is Tanner and Callie’s story. We met Callie in the last book, when she returned to Lucky Harbor to stay for awhile and keep an eye out for her grandmother, Lucille. She is the crazy funny lady, who is the matchmaker throughout Lucky Harbor series.

Tanner, is another one of the wonderfully hot best friends that run the charter boat in Lucky Harbor. Tanner has been the one who gave up on some of his dreams to take care of others, and isn’t interested in any permanent relationship.

Callie runs an online wedding service, which she helps most brides to be to get over their own issues, and this also makes Callie very squeamish about ever getting married. Especially since her ex fiancée left her at the altar and bruised her heart.

One morning, Tanner sees Callie in the bakery, since it’s the only seat, he sits at her table and he will later recognize her from his school days. For the next few week, Tanner and Callie find themselves looking forward to seeing each other. Those moments were classic fun, that Jill Shalvis does so well. Callie would either choke on her donut, meet her ex fiancée, and forget she was dressed embarrassingly like she just got out of bed. Pretty funny stuff.

We knew right away that Tanner and Callie were meant for each other, as we began to root for them. Of course both have their own issues that convinces them to have a relationship that is friends with benefits only. Into this mix, is Tanner’s teenage son, Troy, who grew up with his mom. Now, Tanner finally gets a chance to love the son he hardly knew. What I loved was how Callie and Troy became close, with her helping him get closer to his father. Very heartwarming.

What follows is a very sexy and sizzling romance between a wonderful fun couple, as well as having quite a few humorous moments.. Tanner is so swoonworthy, and loyal to his friends and family. Callie is a fun, heartwarming heroine, even if she needs some pushing to move past her fears of getting hurt. They made a great couple, and I loved spending time with Becca/Sam and Olivia/Cole. Jill Shalvis has another winner in One in a Million, which is a lighthearted, sexy and fun series, not to mention fabulous characters we have met throughout Lucky Harbor.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Jill ShalvisA quick Q & A with the amazing Jill Shalvis

TRC:  Hi Jill and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ONE IN A MILLION. We would like to start with some background information.

TRC: For anyone who doesn’t know Jill Shalvis, would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jill: I like cookies, animals, hot guys, and romance novels, not necessarily in that order. For more: www.jillshalvis.com/blog

TRC: ONE IN A MILLION is the twelfth and final installment in your New York Times best selling LUCKY HARBOR SERIES. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Jill: I thought it would be fun to write a heroine who creates the ultimate romantic fantasy in that she’s a wedding planner, and yet she doesn’t believe in happily ever afters in real life. Add in one hot guy who knows love exists, stir don’t shake.

TRC: How does/did it feel saying goodbye to the people of Lucky Harbor? What plans do you have for a new series/storyline?

Jill: I’m still having trouble with that goodbye thing. I have a short Christmas Lucky Harbor story coming because I couldn’t say goodbye…

TRC: Thank you Jill for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success.

Jill: Thanks for having me!

FOLLOW Jill Shalvis: GOODREADS / Website / Facebook / Twitter
Excerpt

Click HERE to read  chapter 7  from ONE IN A MILLION by Jill Shalvis

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Long Way Home (Hanover Brothers #3) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

LONG WAY HOME (Hanover Brothers #3) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Long Way Home

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2014

The Hanover brothers are trying to live down the con-man reputation of their late father. But they can’t blame their father for all their problems in life—or in love…

Callen Hanover has led a tough life. But after years of roaming, he’s finally settled back home in Sweetwater to reunite with his brothers, and rebuild Shadow Hill, his grandmother’s crumbling home. The last person he expected to see at his door was Grace Pruitt—ex-girlfriend and partner to the FBI agent who’s determined to put Callen away.

Grace Pruitt is in town to save the two men she cares about the most—her former partner who seems to be on a downward spiral, and Callen, the man who ran before she could explain who she really was…or tell him some shocking news. Can the secrets of the Hanover family’s past be just the thing to save them all? Or is it already too late?

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LONG WAY HOME is the third instalment in HelenKay Dimon’s adult, contemporary Hanover Brothers romance series focusing on the Hanover family and the fall out from their father’s years of scamming an entire town out of their life savings and personal belongings. This is Callen Hanover and Grace Pruitt’s storyline. LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and the entire history, it is best to read the series in order.

The focus of the storyline is twofold: As the Hanover family continues to be ostracized and shut out for the sins of their father, the family (including brothers Declan, Beck and Callen) have had to deal with finger pointing, gossip, accusations and hostility from the town in which they now live. As information begins to fall into place, the family is thrown for another loop when the truth about Charlie Hanover’s past continues to slice away at their already fragile existence. Meanwhile, Grace Pruitt, Callen’s ex girlfriend has come to town to get Callen back. But Callen isn’t willing to forgive Grace for the lies and betrayal he faced following their four month relationship that ended with Callen walking out. Now Grace is back and she has more information that will throw Callen and the Hanover family into further turmoil.

The relationship between Callen and Grace is acrimonious and hot. Callen is in a world of hurt-not only because of the perceived betrayal by the woman with whom he had fallen in love-but by the truth about his connection to his father and the Hanover family. Callen’s need for Grace is stronger than his hatred for the information she held back, but trust must be earned and it is one thing that Callen does not give easily.

LONG WAY HOME and the Hanover Brothers is a romantic and emotional series filled with family, love, betrayal, history, anger, hate and love. This is a family who has been destroyed by the man they all considered father and husband-his legacy has turned an entire town against them and in doing so has set up his family to take the fall for everything that he had done in the past.

HelenKay Dimon pulls the reader into a dramatic and addicting series in which each successive storyline digs deeper into the life and legacy of Charlie Hanover-a man with many secrets, many sins and too many cons to count. The Hanover Brothers must shoulder the responsibility of their father’s past but it is a past that runs deeper and farther than anyone could have imagined. There are moments of humor, love, anxiety and doubt but in the end, each brother will discover a little more about themselves and about the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

Reading Order
No Turning Back
A Simple Twist of Fate
Long Way Home

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Home For Christmas by Kristin Holt-a review

Home for Christmas by Kristin Holt-a review

Christmas Banner 2

Home for Christmas
by Kristin Holt
Release Date: September 20, 2013
Genre: historical, romance

Home for christmas

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2013

ebook only .99cents: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Miranda sneaks home after a long absence, determined to avoid her former fiance. But Hunter wants far more than his old role as brother-in-law-to-be. Abundant Christmas spirit, matchmaking mothers, and hometown holiday celebrations conspire against Miranda’s plans for a quiet, at-home Christmas. Her heart doesn’t stand a chance.

••••••••••••••••

When I was a kid, I loved reading Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on the Prairie books. This Christmas story reminded me of that time. This was a very romantic Christmas story, complete with horse and buggy rides in the snow, playing secret Santa to deserving families and the type of love story that will weather any storm.

When Miranda thought she had found her happy ever after with Warren, she is stunned when he ends their relationship on their wedding day. She leaves town for three years, trying to recover from the embarrassment and the lose of her love. She decides to come home for the holidays although she is apprehensive about seeing Warren. What she didn’t expect was Warren’s brother would be the one to show her what love really is. Hunter has loved Miranda for years but never told Miranda out of respect of his brother. But now that Miranda is back and he has a chance to love her, he refuses to let her get away.

This is a very sweet and romantic story. It’s perfect for Christmas time and has the happy ending that we all love to read about.

Reviewed by Tricia

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Anne Elizabeth – Once a Seal – Interview, Review and Giveaway

Anne Elizabeth – Once a Seal – Interview and Review

Once a Seal
Navy Seals (Book 2)
by Anne Elizabeth
Released: November 5, 2013Once a SealLinks to order Once a Seal: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

 

Review

Description:
It’s going to take a SEAL’s strength to make this marriage work

Every woman dreams of marrying the perfect man-handsome, thoughtful, strong, and sensitive -and Aria Kavanagh believes she’s found the ultimate hero in Chief Petty Officer Daniel McCullum. But being a U.S. Navy SEAL wife is a serious challenge, especially when the missions are putting more than their love in the line of fire. Can they jump the hurdles and handle the daily rigors without falling apart? Or will the pressures attached to the handsome uniform have them both questioning if their dedication is worth it? Every moment matters when the only thing that truly lasts is love.

 

Review:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Once A Seal by Anne Elizabeth can be classified as a contemporary romance.  This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I have to say she shows promise.  Her story held absolute realistic characters and a extremely realistic storyline.  I totally related to this story on a personal level having served many years in the Canadian Forces myself, and I often found myself nodding in agreement, cringing as I read about a civilian trying to adapt to the regimented life of military members and praying that this marriage between our main characters will survive all the stress.

Our story starts off with a bang.  Our leading lady Aria is on a beach, in her wedding gown, eager for her soon to be hubby (that would be our main man Dan) to arrive via helicopter.  As much as I would of loved to believe this was romantic, it was far from it.  Dan is a Navy SEAL who is time crunched after completing a mission.  Though he was late to his own wedding he marries Aria and off they go to start their life together.

While honeymooning near the base, Dan is called away to tackle some military tasks and immediately Aria is thrown into life as a military wife.  After only having known Dan a few weeks prior to marriage, she is shocked to find all the things she needs to know to be a successful military wife.  It seems Dan explains things on the fly just expecting Aria to comply and accept her new life.  I was completely overwhelmed for her.

While trying to adjust to military life, Aria begins to get upset at how little Dan is home and how she is required to do all on her own (all meaning set up house, adapt to military life and even attend military wives functions).  Throw in unplanned guardianship of her younger brother who after much lose is rebelling, Aria is scarcely keeping it together and often is  questioning if she should of married Dan.  Dan on the other hand seems to think that Aria will conform without complaint like a good little military wife.  Add present dangers for them both due to Dan’s occupation, and both healing from troubled pasts, it’s no surprise when things start to fall apart between these two.

Okay … so as I mentioned earlier, this is an absolute realistic story.  I was impressed with the little details that Anne Elizabeth included with regards to military protocol.  Clearly she has either served, has been a spouse of a service member and/or has friends who serve.  She also dove into some action scenes of Dan and his fellow SEAL’s engaged in dangerous missions.  The camaraderie of SEAL brother’s and SEAL wives was evident as well.  I will say though that this book tended to drag a little.  I became bored a few times while reading prolonged descriptions that really could of been edited out.  I think that disturbed the natural flow of the story.

So, the big question is.  Does Aria have what it takes to be a SEAL wife?  Can she adjust and will Dan understand that she needs time to understand all the protocols, rules and his frequent absence?  What is Dan willing to risk to keep Aria?  You’ll have to check it out for yourself …LOL

HAPPY READING!

Review by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

Interview-RED

Anne, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. 

TRC:  Can you please tell us about yourself?

Anne:  I’m a Navy wife, a step-mother, a grandmother, a romance writer, a columnist, and a comic creator. I have a BS in Business and A MS in Communications from Boston University. I am a member of the Author’s Guild and RWA as well as a regular presenter at RT Book Lovers Convention. My contemporary romance is for adults and focuses on Spec Ops and Navy SEALS, and my paranormal comics are geared toward teens. I like the outdoors and we have an exuberant yellow Lab.

TRC:  When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Anne:  Books have intrigued from the time I was a child. My mother tells a story about me…that I learned to read at age three so I could put my own stories into books. Unfortunately, it took me a little longer to learn to write.

TRC:  Once a Seal, which was released last week, is your second book about Navy Seals.  Is this a series about Navy Seals, or are they standalones?

Anne:  Each book is about a different Team, but several of the characters are reoccuring. For those that enjoy continuity, I believe they’ll enjoy the link; and those that prefer standalones, readers can pick up a book and start from anywhere.

Once a SealTRC:  Can you please give us a brief description of Once a Seal?

Anne:  Book Blurb: Every woman dreams of marrying the perfect man-handsome, thoughtful, strong, and sensitive -and Aria Kavanagh believes she’s found the ultimate hero in Petty Officer Second Class Daniel McCullum. But being a U.S. Navy SEAL wife is a serious challenge, especially when the missions are putting more than their love in the line of fire. Can they jump the hurdles and handle the daily rigors without falling apart? Or will the pressures attached to the handsome uniform have them both questioning if their dedication is worth it? Every moment matters when the only thing that truly lasts is love.

TRC: As a Navy wife, did you find it easier to use your life experience for the background of this premise?  Did you still find yourself still having to do research on Navy Seals?

Anne: I always do research. Even if I am pulling information from my own life, I want to make sure I am not making generalizations that are unfounded. So, I conduct interviews with other wives and SEALS. I will even check secondary research such as military case histories, if they are de-classified. My main goal is to represent and support the SEAL community in a positive light.

TRC:  You write Military Romance, Contemporary Romance and Spicy Romance.  Do you have a preference?   Is there any other genre you have a desire to write?

Anne: I love it all! If I could, I would write in all of the genres. Each time I change from spicy to contemporary, it stretches me to think in new directions.

TRC:  Can you please tell us what you working on now?

Anne: I am editing the third book of my SEAL series and editing my script for the fourth graphic novel of the PULSE series as well as two short comics. I enjoy having a job that lets me bring my dog to the office each day and no one minds if I wear pajamas or jeans or a business suit.

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you have a favorite place or time you like to write? What are the challenges or difficulties that you found in your writing career?

Anne: Since I am a monthly columnist for RT Book Reviews magazine on comics, manga, and graphic novels as well as a romance writer and comic creator, I have to write every day. My deadlines are mapped out on a giant calendar and to stay on-time, I work each day until I achieve my goal. There are times this schedule can be grueling and there are times that I’m so fulfilled that I cannot stop smiling.

TRC:  You have created a number of Teen Comics.  Can you please tell us about this other part of your career, and how you came to do this?

Anne: I’ve always adored comics. I began the PULSE OF POWER project when I was in high school and kept adding novel-length manuscripts and short stories to the series. When…years ago, I won a contest that Laurell K Hamilton was running and won an opportunity to be in a comic book. I met the publishers and when they found out I was a writer they asked me to pitch a project…and the rest is history. 🙂

TRC:  On your Website, I see that you enjoy doing dangerous sports such as jumping out of an airplane or flying a glider.  Have you always been this adventurous?

Anne: Yes. I was always the child with scrapped knees and elbows from all of my daredevil activities. As an adult, I have more opportunities to experience things. It’s a serious bummer when I end up on crutches!

TRC: Do you make your heroines the same?

Anne: Heavens, no! Each heroine and hero is different. They are well-rounded individuals with different tastes in food, music, clothes, etc. I like mixing things up, because it keeps me intrigued with them, too.

LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD Bananas

FAVORITE DESSERT Chocolate 🙂

MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE  Both!

FAVORITE ACTOR (TV OR MOVIES)  John Lithgow

FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTER (not your own) The Cat (from The Cat in The Hat)

DOG OR CAT?  Dog.

TRC:  Thank you, Anne for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with ONCE A SEAL.  Keep us informed about your upcoming releases. We look forward to working with you again.

Anne:  Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to chat with your readers on The Reading Café! HOOYAH!!!~AE

About the authoranne elizabethAnne Elizabeth is a published author, comic creator, and the monthly columnist for RT BOOK REVIEWS on the topic of comics, manga, and graphic novels. She was awarded the LA Banks Warrior Woman Award at the RT Book Lovers Convention in 2013. She has a BS in Business and a MS in Communications from Boston University and is a member of the Author’s Guild; Romance Writers of America; and a regular presenter at the RT BOOK LOVERS Convention. AE has published multicultural and romantic fiction with Atria/Simon & Schuster, Highland Press, and Sourcebooks and graphic novels with Dynamite Entertainment and Sea Lion Books LLC. AE grew up in Greenwich, CT, and currently lives in the mountains above San Diego with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL. In her free time, she is also a serious Amelia Earhart who is always on the hunt for a new adventure. Most recently, she jumped from an airplane and flew a glider. Her motto is “Live boldly.”

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

 

giveaway

Anne and her publisher have graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a paper copy of Once a Seal.

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open U.S. Only

4.  Contests runs from November 14, to November 17, 2013

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Game for Trouble (Game For It #2) by Karen Erickson-a review

GAME FOR TROUBLE (Game for It #2) by Karen Erickson-a review

Game for Trouble

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2013

He’ll play dirty to get what he wants… Willow Cavanaugh would be happy if she never saw cocky football star Nick Hamilton again. Sure, their fling was the hottest she’d had, but he’s way too much of a playboy to settle down with one woman. Plus, she’s got her heart set on a piece of real estate for her catering business—and Nick owns that property.

Nick may be at the top of his game, but all he wants is a second chance with Willow. When he offers to sell her his commercial space if she agrees to a series of dates with him, their chemistry is so scintillating that jumping back into bed seems like an inevitability. But Willow’s decided all’s fair in sex and blackmail. Little does she know, Nick’s playing to win…and she’s the prize.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: GAME FOR TROUBLE is the second instalment in Karen Erickson’s Game For It contemporary romance series. This is Willow and Nick’s storyline. Nick is a player for the San Jose Hawks professional football team and we were first introduced to the players in Game for Marriage-book one-Jared and Sheridan’s story.

The premise of Game for Trouble follows Nick as he tries to win back Willow’s heart. Years before Nick and Willow were in a relationship when Nick abruptly ended the couple. Not knowing the ‘what or the why’, Willow has had a difficult time forgiving Nick for abandoning her. Fast forward several years later and Nick wants a second chance but Willow remembers the hurt and the pain.

The relationship between Willow and Nick begins acrimonious at best. Nick offers a deal-Willow wants something from Nick and Nick wants Willow. 8 dates and they call it even. If Willow does not want Nick after the 8 dates, he won’t bother her again. As the storyline unfolds, so too does the relationship until Nick tells her the truth about why he left years before.

The world building continues from the previous storyline in that Sheridan and Jared play a small role in this particular premise. We watch as a second chance at love is destroyed when the truth is finally revealed.

My only complaint is Willow’s almost bi-polar personality. I know I use this term in many reviews, but she pulls and pushes the man that she loves in every direction. She is aggressive and determined, which at times comes across as too strong.

Game for Trouble is another interesting and sweet romantic storyline by Karen Erickson. There is a little bit of football where we are introduced to a fellow player and publicist. It looks like Karen may be setting up for her next story. If you like an uncomplicated story about second chances, Game for Trouble is a wonderful read.

Reading Order
1. Game for Marriage
2. Game for Trouble

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Friends To Lovers by Christi Barth – a Review

Friends To Lovers by Christi Barth – a Review

Friends to LoversLinks to order Friends To Lovers: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
As florist and co-owner of a successful Chicago wedding planning business, Daphne Lovell has been there for the happiest days of other people’s lives. As for her own life? Well, it’s hard to be perfectly happy when you’re carrying a torch for your sexy, womanizing and oblivious best friend. So when the lights go out on New Year’s Eve, she seizes the opportunity to kiss him senseless.

British expat Gibson Moore has a lot on his plate. The hotel he manages is being bought out, his family is crazy and someone just kissed him in the dark. When the lights go on, he searches the room, trying to find the mystery pair of lips. Only, he never thinks to ask the woman standing by his side. He’s shocked when he discovers that Daphne is the woman he’s been searching for. But Gib’s also eager to act upon the attraction for her he’s always fought to ignore.

It takes trust to move from friends to lovers, and as Gib’s work situation worsens, he is no longer sure he can risk the friendship he relies on most. It’s up to Daphne to convince him that some things are worth fighting for…

 

Review:

Friends to Lovers is the 3rd book in Christi Barth’s wonderful Aisle Bound series.  Not sure why I thought that this would not be as good as the first two books, but I was very wrong.  Friends to Lovers was such a fun and sexy story, with two super leading characters.  This book belongs to Daphne and Gib, and what a couple they made.

Daphne is a partner with Ivy, our heroine in book 1 of this series.  She has secretly had the hots for Gib, but they were also best of friends, not allowing anything to ruin their wonderful friendship.  All this changes on New Year’s Eve, when Daphne decides to kiss Gib when the lights go out.   Of course, whatever she imagined kissing Gib would be like, it was 10 times better for her.  When the lights come back on, Gib is bewildered, trying to see who kissed him; since this kiss was like no other.  This is something for the biggest playboy in all of Chicago.

One night, a few days later, Mira, the heroine of the second book, plots to help the couple along with an aphrodisiac food testing survey.  During that test, Daphne and Gib kiss, and he now knows who his mysterious benefactor was on New Year’s Eve.   They both decide to take a chance and see where this possible relationship will take them, without ruining their friendship. 

What follows is a fun romance with mistakes along the way, some very funny, and others very sad.  But most important, when they decide to take it to the next level, that is one hot steamy, long sex scene.  I loved Daphne and Gib together, as they made a fun and fabulous couple.  Another wonderful thing about the Aisle Bound series is that we get to see all the other couples or secondary characters throughout the book, such as Ivy, Mira, Ben, Sam.  Their friendship and love for one another makes this series so special and fun.

Daphne and Gib are meant for each other, but even though they are in love, things sadly happen in the last quarter of the book that forces one to possibly hurt the other one, in order not to see them get hurt in the long run.  But this is romance, and Christi Barth’s wonderfully written stories are pure romance, with HEA.  If you want to read an enjoyable series, with wonderful couples, then Aisle Bound series is for you.  Friends to Lovers is a wonderful addition to this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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All Fired Up by Kate Meader- Review and Q&A with the characters

All Fired Up by Kate Meader-Review and Q&A with the characters

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All Fired Up
Hot In The Kitchen #2
by Kate Meader
Release Date: November 5, 2013

All Fired Up

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

ALL FIRED UP (Hot in the Kitchen #2) by Kate Meader

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2013

Her sweetest mistake . . .

Cool as a Chicago winter, private events planner Cara DeLuca is a model of self-control . . . until she meets the one temptation she can’t resist: Shane Doyle. The sexy, Irish pastry chef is too hot, too sure, too young, and after a crazy night in Vegas-her new husband. While at first Cara wants nothing more than a way out of her sham marriage to Shane, she soon finds that beneath his farm boy demeanor lies a man who can match her drive, both in and out of the bedroom. How can the wrong guy feel so deliciously right?

. . . Tastes so, so good

Shane has carefully structured his career and life around one goal: connecting with the family that doesn’t know he exists. Marrying a woman with more issues than a magazine stand wasn’t part of the plan, but melting Cara’s icy exterior is so worth the detour. Now as the annulment date nears and long-buried secrets are revealed, Shane will have to fight for the one thing guaranteeing the perfect life he craves . . . the current Mrs. Shane Doyle.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL FIRED UP is the second storyline in Kate Meader’s contemporary romance Hot in the Kitchen series focusing on the lives and loves of the DeLuca family. This is Cara and Shane’s story and follows approximately one year after Feel The Heat in which we were first introduced to the DeLuca clan. As Lili and Jack prepare for their upcoming wedding, Cara sets into motion an annulment that will see her soon disconnected from the man she married in Las Vegas. The world building continues from the first novel and we get another look at the DeLuca family as their prepare for another celebration.

The premise focuses on Cara DeLuca and her attempts to steer clear of her new ‘Vegas husband’ Shane Doyle-the sexy Irishman who is now the new pastry chef for her future brother’s-in-law restaurant. But luck is not on her side when she discovers that her new neighbor is none other than the man himself-Shane Doyle- and her emotions and body are betraying her with every encounter.

As the storyline develops so too do the romantic and sexual feelings between our leading couple. But Cara believes that Shane was a mistake and she ensures that no matter how she feels their secret marriage will never be revealed.

Shane is a man with a past-although everyone has a secret or two-Shane’s secret will affect everyone in the DeLuca family including his boss Jack Kilroy. His dark past and secrets will force Shane to push away the woman with whom he is falling in love and when the truth is finally revealed, everyone will believe that Shane has manipulated them all.

ALL FIRED UP is a heartwarming storyline about two people from opposites side of the track but two people who probably have more in common than not. Both have strived to be the perfect children and siblings but in the end, found themselves alone with their inner turmoil and demons. The reader is pulled into a story of how one man has affected two young boys and the results were completely different yet similar in many ways.

If you are a fan of contemporary romance storylines with a little bit of heat and a whole lot of heart than All Fired Up is the perfect read.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lightning round Q&A with Cara DeLuca:

Caraa. I’d never be caught dead in…Gah! I’m trying not to limit myself.
Line-dancing, rugby matches, terrifying motorcycle rides – bring it on!

b. On a Friday night you can find me…mulling over my Lean Cuisine options
with a glass of Montepulciano

c. One thing my family and friends would be surprised to know about me is…I
want marriage and children more than anything despite all my snarky, defensive
comments to the contrary.

d. What happens in Las Vegas…follows you home!

e. My favorite Italian word is…amore. What else?

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Lighting round Q&A with Shane Doyle:

Shanea. Boxers or briefs? Can I go commando?

b. No matter what I always…leave the ladies laughing and wanting more

c. On a Friday night you can find me…fantasizing about my neighbor-wife,
Cara, who lives across the hall

d. What happens in Las Vegas…is the start of the most exciting, frustrating,
and sexy six weeks of my life

e. My favorite dessert is…Bella Donna. Chocolate devilry with a basil-lemon
filling. Decadent, sweet, tart, and Italian. Just like my woman.

about the author

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Kate MeaderKate writes contemporary romance that serves up delicious food, to-die-for heroes, and heroines with a dash of sass. FEEL THE HEAT, the first in her Hot in the Kitchen series from Forever/Grand Central is now available, with Book 2 in the series, ALL FIRED UP, following in November 2013.

Originally from Ireland, she cut her romance reader teeth on Catherine Cookson and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Mills and Boons thrown in for variety. Her stories are set in her adopted home town of Chicago, a city made for food, romance, and laughter – and where she met her own sexy hero.

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