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Searching for Always by Jennifer Probst – Reviews & Giveaway

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Searching for Always by Jennifer Probst – Reviews and Giveaway

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Searching For Always
Searching For series – Book #4
by Jennifer ProbstRelease Date: June 30, 2015

Searching for AlwaysAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
She’s an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, she’s a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Right—but after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising asana, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Petty—radiating masculinity and bad-boy attitude—is sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But there’s no halting their sizzling flirtation—a red-hot, high-speed chase that’s breaking all the limits.

 

Review:
This is another winner! SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS is the 4th novel in the Searching For series by Jennifer Probst and it is the conclusion of our group of women who run Kinnections, a matchmaking agency in Verily, NY. I will no longer fear book covers with a happy bridal couple! They contain some great contemporary romance novels! Arilyn comes face to face with the cop who irritated her so much in Gen and Wolfe’s story. One word to describe Arilyn and Stone’s relationship: Combustible!

Arilyn Meadows is our very Zen like counselor and yoga teacher at the agency. She fosters abandoned dogs, meditates daily and teaches anger management classes. Stone Petty is our local policeman, who curses, is surly and has a bit of a temper. Well, a bad temper which lands him in Arilyn’s anger management class! She comes off as a little too perfect and he comes off as a jerk. I don’t know how it happens, but page by page I came to adore both of them! Now, that is writing talent! Arilyn has just dumped her Yoga teacher slash boyfriend who she found in a compromising position and she has some repressed anger that she is only too happy to unleash on Stone! He can take it and gives it right back at her! Stone is everything that Arilyn doesn’t want in a man, or so she thinks! He is a smoker, he eats meat, he has a bad boy attitude and he is very masculine! Opposites really do attract and as they get to know the other person behind the facade, they might have more in common than they think!

All of our favorite women from past novels make an appearance to help our couple see what is right in front of them, their soul mate! We also get to meet Poppy, the grandfather who helped raise Arilyn and is he a delight! It seems he doesn’t really like the nursing home and he escapes on a regular basis. He befriends our terror of a neighbor from previous books, Mrs. Blackfire and we learn her story. One of my favorite scenes is when Arilyn makes vegetarian lasagna for the group and let’s just say, it doesn’t go over well!

Our couple has some obstacles to overcome, but they are hilarious and hot together. We get to read the details of one of the weddings and the hilarious girls’ night out party, complete with a stripper. Did our women set up Stone for the job? Somehow, Stone gets a foster dog too, a little rat of a dog named Pinky! I laughed out loud during some of the action and learned that our Zen like yoga teacher really has fire in her and nicely complements our favorite local police officer! Their relationship is steamy hot! The writing will draw you in from page one, I could quote whole passages, but I will let you enjoy them on your own! I highly recommend this series and I’m off to read the earlier novels. Lucky me!

 

Searching for Beautiful
Searching For series – book #3
by Jennifer Probst
Release Date: May 26, 2015

Searching for Beautiful

 Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

 

Review:
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I’m talking about SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Probst. To be honest, I usually run from the romantic novels with the happy bride and groom on the cover. This is my first novel by this author and it will not be my last. It can be read as a stand along novel, but now I have to go back to read about other characters, so it’s up to the reader. Gen is our runaway bride who is about to marry her “dream man” when her gut tells her to “RUN”. She listens and escapes through the church window into the arms of her best friend, Wolfe.

Wolfe and Gen have been best friends since she was twenty. They went through school together and have a great bond. Wolfe is a former underwear model and Gen is an up and coming surgeon. Wolfe doesn’t question her escape, he just whisks Gen away to a safe place, Vera Wang dress and all! He gives her the space she needs and learns that her fiancé hasn’t been the nicest guy. David, the jilted fiancé, has been controlling Gen throughout their relationship, making her feel bad about herself, demeaning her sexually. He was emotionally abusing her and planting the seeds in her family and coworkers minds that Gen “had issues”. Gen has got a great group of girlfriends and they add some much needed support. I didn’t know any of these characters before this novel, but I would want them by my side! They are hilarious and fiercely loyal!

Wolfe and Gen soon find their feelings are more than platonic, but we see glimpses of Wolfe’s dark past and he “doesn’t do relationships”. Soon they can’t deny their attraction to each other and the pages turn scorching! David, the spurned fiancé tries to win back Gen and he is a master manipulator. The police are called several times due to threats and vandalism. I’m sorry this is just a basic summary, but the writing is so captivating, it’s something you need to experience for yourself! Gen is so darn cute. She doesn’t want to be the Disney Princess that needs rescuing! The novel is full of great one liners and “product placement”. The author has many references to TV programs and movies. I happen to agree with the assessment of all of the shows, so I loved it. The burning question behind this story is: Will Wolfe be able to trust Gen with his past and his heart and turn this relationship into true love?  I swooned over the ending and how Wolfe’s adopted family helped him heal. You will LOVE this novel. I can’t wait for Arilyn’s novel and I am going to backtrack and read Jennifer Probst’s whole back list! I need to learn more about this group of women and their lucky men!

Reviewed by Jules

Copies provided by Publisher

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Jennifer Probst’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of SEARCHING FOR ALWAYS to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Probst’s Fan Page on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

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

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from June 29-July 3, 2015

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The Gilded Cage by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cage by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cage
The Surrender Series #2
by Lauren Smith
Release Date:June 2, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

 

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Description:
Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . .

Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world—a place of erotic Passion that takes no prisoners, and love that tests the limits of ecstasy . . .

Fenn Lockwood comes alive in the shadows. Though he might have physically survived the kidnapping that stole his childhood, the trauma and pain he lived through have marked him forever. Now the only place where Fenn can be himself is within the walls of his private BDSM world—a place of erotic obsession, where desire isn’t just captured . . . it’s bound.

Hayden Thorne knows that behind Fenn’s hardened exterior is a man worth fighting for. Yet to save him from the past that still haunts him, Hayden will have to abandon every inhibition she’s ever had and venture into Fenn’s intoxicatingly sensual world. Each tantalizing second she spends in Fenn’s searing embrace is more delicious than the last and soon Hayden begins to think that she may never want to leave such torturous bliss . . .

 

Review:

I am going to gush throughout this review, but THE GILDED CAGE, book two of the Surrender Series by Lauren Smith is just that good! We finally have the story of Fenn, the lost Lockwood twin. I don’t think it’s a spoiler anymore that Fenn survived his childhood kidnapping. He just doesn’t remember who he is due to the torture from his kidnappers. Well, Fenn has been living in Colorado and is a bull rider. Yes, our Fenn is the exact opposite of his twin Emery. He works the land and loves roping a calf or woman or two! Hayden is our heroine from Long Island. She flew to Colorado to “save” Fenn and really did save him!! It seems that the twins have that magical connection and when Emery and Sophie were in danger he lost control of the bull he was riding and Hayden, wearing a red Valentino, jumped into the arena to distract the bull. You would think our hero would love being saved by a sexy redhead, but he is a Dominant and he doesn’t appreciate the “buckle bunny” who risked her own life. Yes, Fenn thinks our Hayden is a rodeo groupie!

I know that this novel is being promoted as BDSM, but I loved how Fenn has this Dominant side and isn’t ashamed of it and makes it work in his world. It seems very natural to him. Clubs are so passe’ after reading about the props a real man can use! Fenn meets our very dominant submissive and is going to teach her a thing or two! Hayden never was able to meet a Dominant at her club back home, she was viewed as too hard to handle! Fenn doesn’t mind her sassiness or spunk! As with THE GILDED CUFF, this is really a great mystery with a scorching hot love story! The man who hired the kidnappers is still at large and knows that Fenn is alive. Life in Colorado is just as dangerous as Long Island when a hired assassin arrives to kill our couple. His memories are slowly coming back, but does Fenn want to leave the only world that he knows and the family that basically adopted him?

Fenn and Hayden return to Long Island to meet the family that lost him so many years ago. I was crying when he was reunited with his family. The twins are still in danger, but can they unmask the person who kidnapped them as children? The ending is action packed with a large dose of steamy action. You will love this novel, I think I enjoyed it more than the first book and that’s saying something! I guess it’s that cowboy element. Fenn was so swoon-worthy and a true hero! He treasures Hayden and lets her become the woman she wants to be. The story really doesn’t get lost amidst the steamy love scenes! That’s a winner for me! I hope that everyone will love this novel! I can’t wait until the next one…..

Click HERE for Jules’s review of book one- THE GILDED CUFF

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25 Gift Card (Choice of Amazon or B&N) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

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

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from June 14 – June 18, 2015

 

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Forever Changed by Kimberley Hatch – a Review

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Forever Changed by Kimberley Hatch – a Review

 

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Description:
Life isn’t turning out quite as Sadie Ellis had planned. Becoming a widow at 25 leaves her life in ruins and has her asking the question, is love worth it? With her life seemingly beyond repair she turns to her brother-in-law/best friend for help building a new life that is until she meets her handsome neighbor and his overly friendly German shepherd. Ben quickly becomes the foundation for which Sadie rebuilds her life, but can she handle it when he professes his love for her? Is her heart able to love again? Sadie must learn that it’s okay to live after loss. That picking up the pieces left behind, and moving on doesn’t mean loving Oliver any less. She is forced to ask herself, can forever, ever really be forever?

 

 

Review:

FOREVER CHANGED by Kimberley Hatch is a beautiful love story of love and loss and opening yourself up to the possibility of finding love a second time.

Sadie Ellis hadn’t planned on becoming a widow at the age of 25 and we readers feel like we are mourning with her. Oliver was the love of her life and we get to experience their wedding day and first year of marriage. Then in a sudden accident, Oliver is dead. This novel shows Sadie’s darkest times in an honest way. Sadie is helped by her best friend/brother in law Leland who is hilarious. He adds the humor in this novel and I fell in love with this character. He is mourning the sudden death of his brother too but they keep each other going. This is a realistic view of grieving, some days Sadie can’t leave her bed and then Leland shows up to drag her butt out of the bed. Their banter will leave you smiling. Sadie feels like the best part of her life is behind her when she meets her next door neighbor and his friendly German shepherd! I think she fell in love with the dog at first sight! Ben quickly becomes a part of her life with “eyes that bore into her very soul”. She is comfortable around Ben and loves their friendship and the ease she feels around him.   Sadie has some important life lessons to learn, like what you are looking for is often right in front of you!

Sadie must decide if she can love again and trust this new love. Ben is very patient with her, but he needs to be reassured at times too! The author summed it up well with this saying, “Sometimes life gives you a person that you just click with, from the moment you meet them. It’s like you’ve known them your whole life, you don’t have to pretend to be anyone or anything other than who you are. Then, sometimes, if you’re really lucky and I mean really lucky, it happens twice.” Isn’t that beautiful?

This novel was a delight to read, I thought I would need a box of Kleenex for the tears, but they were tears of joy and laughter also, and knowing that love can win out in the end. It’s a beautiful love story! I loved Sadie, Ben and Leland and I felt a connection with these marvelous characters! This is a novel that you can read in one sitting and I look forward to reading more novels by Kimberley Hatch.

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

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The Gilded Cuff by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cuff by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Gilded Cuff
Surrender #1
by Lauren Smith
Release Date:February 10, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Gilded cuffAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Journalist Sophie Ryder has been following Emery Lockwood’s story since she was a little girl. There has always been something in his haunted eyes that she couldn’t resist and now, when she’s certain he holds the key to solving a string of kidnappings, she’ll do anything to speak to him. Even if it means venturing deep into the seductive world of the Gilded Cuff, a luxurious BDSM club on Long Island’s Gold Coast and Emery’s personal playground.

From the moment Sophie enters his shadowy, sensual domain, Emery Lockwood knows this tantalizing new little sub was meant to belong to him. However, Sophie wants more from Emery than just pleasure . . . she wants his past. And that is something he isn’t willing to give—no matter who is asking. But every moment he spends with Sophie, Emery feels his control slipping and he knows it’s only a matter of time before he surrenders to her heart, body, and soul.

 

Review:

THE GILDED CUFF is the first book in a new series by Lauren Smith. Investigative journalist, Sophie Ryder will do anything to meet Emery Lockwood. He and his twin were kidnapped as little boys and she feels that she can help him solve the mystery of his kidnapping and bring justice to his family. The problem is Emery is a reclusive billionaire. She goes undercover in a luxurious BDSM club to meet this recluse, but did Sophie bite off more than she can handle? Well, throwing her shoe at a Dom isn’t the wisest thing to do! Emery is fascinated with this new “sub” and promises her some exclusive information if she becomes his playmate for a time. Let the fun begin!

Sophie enters the amazing world of Long Island’s Gold Coast. Even though the novel starts in a BDSM club, I would describe the novel as more of a romance with a lot of steam! It touches on the erotic world of BDSM, but in a tasteful way. Sophie doesn’t know what she has signed up for and has some adjustments to Emery’s lifestyle which she readily embraces. She has solved many cold cases with the police and feels that she can help the Lockwood family. Emery is opening up for the first time in years and retells the horrific details of when he and his twin were kidnapped as boys and the loss of his brother.  He has a major case of PTSD, hence his reclusive nature. He is truly a tortured hero who is extremely vulnerable. I think the mystery behind the kidnapping was my favorite part of the novel and things are not neatly tied up at the end. I can’t what to read what happens in future installments! We only scratched the surface of why someone would kidnap little boys and not demand a ransom!

Lauren Smith creates the most intriguing secondary characters. They include Emery’s lifelong bodyguard, his tech geek and two other Doms from the club. My favorite was Hayden, Sophie’s new girlfriend who is the sister of one of the Dom’s. She plays a major part at the end of THE GILDED CUFF and is a true heroine! I can’t wait for her story!  

I can’t give away too much of the plot without spoilers, but if you love a great mystery with a giant dose of steam and a beautiful love story, you will swoon over this novel! I can’t wait for the next one!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $10.00 GIFT CARD (Amazon or B&N) 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 Lauren Smith on Twitter.

8. Giveaway is open to Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from February 19-22, 2015

 

 

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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His Wicked Seduction

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Description:
Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn’t frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

 

Review:

League Rule #2: “One must never seduce another member’s sister. Should this rule be broken, the member whose sister was seduced has the right to demand satisfaction”.

Alas, in HIS WICKED SEDUCTION by Lauren Smith, that rule is broken and put to a test!

Who knew a league of Rogues would have rules? These “Peers of the Realm” are all bad boys, rakehells and seriously fun men!! Poor Horatia has been in love with Lucien, Marquess of Rochester since she was a teenager. He did save her life after a tragic carriage accident, which took the lives of her parents. Lucien reacts by being cold towards her, because he knows she is a lady and an innocent. Plus, she is his friend Cedric’s little sister! Horatia tries countless ways to seduce him and make him hers, but he likes his women, should we say, a tad wanton? He likes control and pleasing his women with a little bit of bondage and fun. Red silk ties come to mind!

The League’s arch nemesis and enemy, Hugo Waverly is still on the loose and he soon threatens Horatia’s life. Lucien sweeps Horatia away to his family’s estate for safety. That’s when the action really begins. Who would guess that spending the Christmas Holidays in the quiet countryside would be so hot and fun! The men in the League of Rogues are all great characters and they make appearances throughout the novel, but Lucien and Cedric’s families take center stage!

Audrey is Horatia’s little sister and is so cunning and full of life. She wants to get married, but with Cedric as her guardian, her suitors are all scared off! In her quest to change her brother’s mind, she even scares some League members in her attempts to be “ravished”. I can’t wait to read her courtship! She is a master manipulator, but in a delightful and stylish way! My favorite secondary character is Lady Rochester! You don’t think she is a mother of four sons, who are all wild and a daughter without having a hand in their development? As the saying goes, the “fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”! She hides in cupboards to eavesdrop on her children and then jumps out at them. She is determined to get her brood married, because she wants grandchildren and lots of them! She admits that while her late husband was mild and good natured, she was a “hellion” and all of her children take after her! What’s a mother to do? She has some clever ways to get Lucien and Horatia together. Plus, she plans the greatest activities. They have a snow fort fight, men against the women and it was hilarious! I will reread this book for this chapter alone!

Horatia proves to Lucien throughout this novel, that she can keep up with him and that she enjoys his “wicked desires”, but they must keep their relationship a secret from Cedric, or else that Second Rule must be honored! The last chapters are action packed with danger, betrayal, villains, forgiveness and most of all, LOVE! I can’t wait to for the next Rogue to fall!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

 

about the author

Lauren_Smith_2014Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer.

She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

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Lauren is graciously offering a choice of either an e-copy or a pre-printed paper copy of  HIS WICKED SEDUCTION 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 Lauren Smith  on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open e-copy (International) or pre-printed paper copy (USA only)

8. Giveaway runs from November 12 – November 16, 2014, 2014

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The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid – Review & Giveaway

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The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid – Review & Giveaway

 

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The Irresistible Miss PeppiwellAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
With a longing for adventure, the last thing Phillipa Pippiwell wants is to marry. After a painful betrayal by a man she trusted, she is wary when she unwittingly catches the attention of roguishly handsome – and sinfully tempting – Lord Anthony Thornton. Forbidden desires she secretly yearns for threaten to crumble her icy facade and reveal a past scandal best kept buried…more With a longing for adventure, the last thing Phillipa Pippiwell wants is to marry. After a painful betrayal by a man she trusted, she is wary when she unwittingly catches the attention of roguishly handsome – and sinfully tempting – Lord Anthony Thornton. Forbidden desires she secretly yearns for threaten to crumble her icy facade and reveal a past scandal best kept buried.

Dissatisfied with his empty life, Lord Anthony seeks a deep and lasting connection… and finds himself intrigued by the Ice Maiden of the haute monde. Undaunted by Phillipa’s aloof nature and her distaste for the idea of matrimony, he sets out to thaw the bewitching beauty by enticing her with adventures of the most sensual type. But he, too, hides a scandalous secret… and if it’s discovered it could rip them apart

Review:

THE IRRESISTIBLE MISS PEPPIWELL by Stacy Reid is a Historical novel with a present day slant. This novel might take place in Victorian England times but the characters have a decidedly modern feel to them. Phillipa Pippiwell is known as the “Ice Maiden” by the haute monde. She is cold and distant with everyone, but draws the attention of Lord Anthony Thornton. We have the “Ice Maiden” and the “Bastard”! Wait, Lord Anthony really is a bastard! He recently found out that he is the illegitimate son of a Duke. The late Duke didn’t want him or his younger sister to inherit any of his money, so he wrote the secret down and that juicy gossip is just waiting to be revealed! All of our characters have secrets and more secrets!

Lord Anthony attempts to draw out the aloof beauty and thaw her out! She had an “unfortunate event” in the States (code word for sexual scandal) and just wants her freedom now to have some adventures. Well, Lord Anthony wants to have some sexual adventures with Phillipa and he likes his sex dirty and a tad rough! That’s what I mean about modern day sensibilities. Many rules of society are broken and scandals revealed in this novel. Will Lord Anthony be able to lure Phillipa to his dark side and is marriage part of the deal? You will have to read it for yourselves! Some secrets are revealed by a dastardly villain and some surprises are told concerning some secondary characters! I feel a sequel coming!

This novel is for you Historical romance buffs who like reading about the “ton” but who doesn’t mind when societal rules are broken. This is a very hot novel with some engaging and multi-dimensional characters. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Publisher.

 

Giveaway

Stacy is graciously offering an e-copy of  The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell & a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card  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 Stacy Reid on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from October 21-October 25, 2014, 2014

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No More Mr. Nice Guy by Amy Andrews – Review and Interview with the Author

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No More Mr. Nice Guy by Amy Andrews – Review and Interview with the Author

 

No More Mr. Nice GuyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description: Release Date September 29, 2014
He’s done playing the nice guy…

Newly single school counselor Josie Butler just made herself a Sexy To-Do list (featuring Bad Boys only). To her mortification, her best friend’s gorgeous older brother Mack finds it…and laughs. But when Josie goes looking for some sexy fun, Mack’s nice guy side turns all hot bad-assery, and suddenly she’s pinned against an alley wall. Hottest. Sex. Ever.

Veterinarian Mack Kennedy can’t believe Josie wants to ditch her sweet, girl-next-door lifestyle. Even worse, that she’d consider doing it with anyone but him. When she leaves for London they’ll go back to being ‘just friends’ but until then, he’s going to show her just how bad nice guys can be.

And it’s the perfect plan, as long as no one finds out… and no one falls in love.

Review:

We might have read similar storylines as NO MORE MR. NICE GUY by Amy Andrews. It’s the boy who  is attracted to his little sister’s best friend. It’s a tried and true formula for a simple reason: the characters have a history and know each other very well. In this case, it was fun reading their bantering when they see each other again. They both quote lines from “Anne of Green Gables”!

Josie has just ended a 5 year relationship that consisted of “beige sex”. She is visiting her best friend and after a night of drinking she writes a Sex “To Do” list! It’s a list of some activities and positions that she wants to try, never expecting anyone else would read it. Mack is the best friend’s big brother and finds the list and teases Josie about it. She gets a little sensitive, goes to a seedy side of town and nearly gets herself raped! That’s when Mack decides that he can be her bad boy and pins her against an alley wall for her best sex ever! Yes, public fornication is on Josie’s list! In that instance, he says, no more Mr. Nice Guy!

This novel is basically Josie and Mack on the sly deciding they will be each other’s “rebound” partner and they work at checking off the “to do” acts on her list. Yes, this novel is mostly the couple connecting through sex and discovering that there is something more to their relationship. Josie must decide if a fling is all she wants or if she should take a chance on love.

If you enjoy a lot of steam in your novels, you will enjoy NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! I connected more to the characters as they fell in love, not just their checking off the list scenes. Yes, I prefer the relationship building, but she had some fun activities on her list! All in all, it was a fun read! I hope you enjoy the good guy being bad!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Publisher

Interview

TRC: Hi Amy and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of NO MORE MR. NICE GUY.

Amy AndrewsAmy: Thanks for having me – I’m very excited about my sexy new book!

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

Follow Amy: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Amy: I’m an Aussie author who’s written over 40 contemporary romances. I married the guy I met when I was 16 and we have two teenagers. I’m also a part-time PICU nurse. I love books that make me laugh, cry and sigh as well as great food, good wine, old friends and traveling to far flung places.
And HEA’s. And cowboys. In tool belts.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Amy: I wouldn’t be published today without RWAustralia. The things I learned through them are invaluable. Also, Jennifer Crusie. Getting Rid Of Bradley was the first book of hers I ever read (through a recommendation) and it opened my eyes to a different type of romance and I knew that it was the kind of stuff that I wanted to write!

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Amy: Read. Of course ☺ Although drinking wine is another favourite past time. When I get to do the two together – bliss!

TRC: As a writer, have any of your experiences as a PICU nurse found their way into your storylines?

Amy: Hell yes! I’ve written 30 medical romances so a lot of my experiences end up in my books. They’re not often directly word-for-word representations but the way I give my characters and the setting an authentic feel is definitely drawn from being a nurse for 27 years.

TRC: Most, if not all, of your storylines are contemporary, romance love stories. Have you considered writing another genre? If so, what genre interests you the most?

Amy: You know, I’m such a contemporary gal and have so many more contemporary stories in my head I have to say I’m never really tempted to write anything else. Having said that the contemp I’m working on at the moment does have a slight paranormal bent…. And I would love to have a go at writing a script.

No More Mr. Nice GuyTRC: NO MORE MR. NICE GUY is your September 2014 release from Entangled Brazen. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Amy: NMMNG is a best-friends older brother story, a friends-to-lovers story. It revolves around Sal and Josie having a little too many fruity cocktails and Josie writing a sex list. But then Mack, Sal’s older brother finds it and starts to think he could help her out with that. And man – does he ever!

TRC: Is this a stand alone storyline or do you have plans for a series?

Amy: Sal, Mack’s sister, is getting her own story too!

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

Amy: Both Mack and Sal are vets so I had do some research on rabbits and talking Cockatoos and also on Hendra virus which is carried by bats and affects horses and can also be transmitted to humans. It has a very high mortality rate. See what I did there? Snuck in some of my research :- )

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

Amy: I’d say probably a little bit of both. I can write them in the direction I want them to go. Usually… but when they want to take off a good writer knows just to strap themselves in and let those characters fly!

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 writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Amy: I think writers have to bleed over the page too if they have any hope of getting their readers to feel that same emotional wrench. There’s a scene in NMMNG that I cried buckets writing and I cry every time I read it. Writers need to find that well of emotion and, more importantly, not be afraid to find it. Don’t shy away from it. I think that’s where writers fail – when they shy from it.

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

Amy: To be honest – I’ve never had writers block (yes, I have probably just cursed myself with the world’s most severe case!) Sure, there are days when the words are more difficult than others. There are times in your life when shit happens and the writing just goes on the backburner. My Mum died a few years ago and I didn’t write properly for a couple of months afterwards (and that’s perfectly okay too). But I’m a firm believer in putting my butt in the chair and just writing one word. Because I know if I can write just one word, another will follow. And that’s what I do on the days when the muse is being recalcitrant – I put my faith in one word.

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

Amy: It’s really important to have a tribe around you understand what it’s like to write. I would never, for example, chat with my husband about my WIP because it’s just not his thing. But my sister is a writer so I bounce ideas off her a lot. I also have a close bunch of writer friends who I can email and chat with about ideas or issues or just have a rant about something that is frustrating and it’s sooo very valuable.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Amy:

I’d like to get to 60 books.
I’d like to be able to truly support myself on my writing alone.
I’d freaking love to win a RITA :- )

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Amy: My office chair is a fit ball. Sitting for hours can be hard on the back and I’ve found the cushiony support of a fit ball is just right.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Amy: Sal’s book of course :- )

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Amy: For gossip, giveaways and new releases, sign up for Amy’s Newsletter

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Mac and cheese.

Favorite Dessert – treacle steamed pudding/sticky date pudding (I am a pudding girl!)

Favorite TV Show – ack! Too many…. Favourite TV show ever – West Wing. Fav current TV show – The Good Wife

Last Movie You Saw – The 100 foot Journey – freaking awesome!

Favorite Musical Group – lordy! I can’t decide. At the moment I’m loving Play It Again by Luke Bryan

Dark or Milk Chocolate – milk. But I usually eat dark because it’s lower in carbs.

Secret Celebrity Crush – Mark Ruffalo

Last Vacation Destination – Paris :- )

Pet Peeve – never having enough time to read!

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

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The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

The Shadows of Stormclyffe HallAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
To defeat a dark evil, they must face his family’s past…

Bastian Carlisle, the Earl of Weymouth, doesn’t believe in ghosts. Even though tragedy and mysterious hauntings have driven his family away from his ancestral home, Stormclyffe Hall, he is determined to restore the castle to its former glory. His plans are disrupted when a stubborn American shows up on his doorstep hoping to pry into his family’s tragic history.

Jane Seyton, an American graduate student, is convinced there’s more to the tragedy of Stormclyffe Hall than history claims. Ever the scholar, she is determined to discover the truth, even if it means putting up with the arrogant, yet sexy, Bastian.

Although Bastian wants nothing to do with the pushy American, it soon becomes clear that something evil is in the house—and that something is targeting both Jane and Bastian. The two must join forces to purge the ghosts of Stormclyffe Hall once and for all—even as they try to fight a physical attraction between them that grows more and more impossible to deny.

 

Review:

I had the pleasure of reading THE SHADOWS OF STORMCLYFFE HALL by Lauren Smith on a dark and stormy night. Lightning and thunder booming overhead greatly enhanced this reading experience! I would classify this novel as a modern gothic novel on par with the greats!

Bastian Carlisle, the Earl of Weymouth has returned to his family’s castle to restore it, even though the castle has only seen tragedy for the past two hundred years. Jane Seyton, an American graduate student has shown up on the castle’s doorsteps to finish her doctoral dissertation. She doesn’t admit to the arrogant Brit that she has been having nightmares about the castle for years.

Together, Bastian and Anya learn the secrets behind the evil that lurks in the hallways and the ghosts that appear to each of them! Bastian tries to make Jane leave, to protect her and his heart, but the castle needs both of them to defeat the curse.

I won’t give away too many spoilers, because everyone needs to experience the hair rising on their necks for themselves! I am a fan of this author and I love a good scare, but I have to say, I’m still questioning every noise I hear in the dark now! This novel is for the reader who loves the paranormal mixed with a hot romance!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

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