Tag Archives: NA

The Pacifist by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Pacifist by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The PacifistAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
She’s done holding her peace…

Laraline Reynolds has spent her entire life as a certified Good Girl. The perpetual peacemaker in her volatile, conservative family, Laraline promises herself that she’ll spend her last year of grad school getting in touch with her inner rebel before she settles down and marries her family-approved long-distance boyfriend. But Laraline’s Year of Fun quickly turns into something more complicated, and she finds herself at the forefront of a movement to change her college’s sexual assault policy.

It’s the Year of No Fun for Tony Bianchi. A fifth-year senior, he needs to graduate, so he’s put a moratorium on his two favorite distractions: girls and photography. But when Laraline comes calling, needing some photos for her cause–and for her campaign for a seat on the college board of governors–Tony’s resistance comes crashing down.

They both fall hard. But while Tony is ready to give it everything he’s got, Laraline is afraid. She wasn’t prepared for her one-year rebellion to lead her to the life she truly wants. In order to break free from her family, she’ll need to do the scariest thing of all–follow her heart.

 

Review:

I love the juxtaposition of two college students on very different paths.  Laraline’s “Summer of Fun” is brought to ruination by Tony’s “Summer of No Fun”.  The irony escapes the stymied Laraline, but it sparks conflict that creates dialogue, that flies in the face of expectations, grating Laraline relief from her gilded cage.  This sounds so awesome, tell you, tell you now what I’m reading?!  It’s obviously Jenny Holiday and her fabulous New Wave Newsroom series!  The Pacifist is book 3 out of three, and I couldn’t be more distressed.  🙁  I adore this series and insist that you start it right away.  The writing, it’s engaging and interesting.  Her characters, arresting and delicious.  All three books are available, time to feast!

Tony is on self-imposed sabbatical from fun if he’s to finally graduate after 5 years (slacker, I was on the 6 year plan, lol!)  Being productive and proactive in academia is not as gruesome as Tony imagined, but banning girls does create a different kind of strain.  No one’s gotten to Tony quite like Laraline.  When Tony gets to know Laraline, when she unravels her past and present before him, his resolve weakens.  Tony is hypnotized by Laraline’s approach to life, but she’s tangled up in appearances befitting that of a harmonious family and she’s strangled by a modern-day “arranged marriage” that is too near for her (and Tony’s) comfort.  What fuels Laraline is rallying and lobbying for women’s rights on the Allenhurst campus, but that’s met with friction and displeasure.  Capricious and chaotic though Laraline may be, Tony is smitten and all too willing to rid Laraline of the anchors dragging her down.

Laraline and Tony weren’t looking to change, not in any profound way at any rate, but the ease of their friendship, the unconditional support offered…those things add up, mean something…become everything.

“What was it about this guy?  It was like we were mirroring each other, like we didn’t need words to be tuned into what was happening.”

Ms. Holiday makes you root and swoon for this couple.  She’s done this consistently for every book in the series.  I mentioned this was totally worth reading?!

The Pacifist introduces you to characters that have an immediate, lingering effect.  In just a few pages, Laraline and Tony (Art/Dawn, Jenny/Matthew) get in your head and you don’t want to stop reading; you certainly can’t stop thinking about them.  There’s a quality of light, but I don’t mean that in terms of substance.  It comes with spirit and joy, just like a…Holiday.  😉  A fitting finale for a fabulous series.  Siouxsie Sioux, The Cure, Tab soda, the holes of a rotary phone…you nailed the 80’s.  Don’t go too far, Ms. Holiday — we fans clamor for your return!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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Climax by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Climax by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

Climax Banner

 

Climax
Her British Stepbrother #3
by Lauren Smith
Release Date: May 3, 2016

ClimaxAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

DESCRIPTION
A love so forbidden. A passion so undeniable . . .

It’s time for Kat to face the truth. She can’t resist sexy playboy Tristan–he’s too deliciously seductive, and much too good at making her melt, body and soul. With photographic proof plastered all over London, the whole world now knows she’s fallen for this British bad boy.

There’s just one problem. Their parents got married and now Tristan is her stepbrother. They shouldn’t be together, but Tristan always gets what he wants, and he wants her more than anything. Behind closed doors, this only makes every moment they spend together hotter, every kiss deeper, as the passion between them blazes higher . . .

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Amazing way to conclude another fantastic serial series.  Climax, by Lauren Smith is the third and final novella in her serial series “Her British Stepbrother“.  We finally get to see what the future holds for Tristen and Kat.

This story picks up right where the Seduction ended.  Their parents have officially wed, the smoldering heat between Tristen and Kat is still full flame, and they are totally caught and called out as forbiden lovers.  Not having any of it, Tristen’s father decides to lay down the law .. keep the love affair going with his stepsister, and lose your title, wealth and future.  However, to Tristen, Kat is not just another notch on the bedpost, she is the one .. THE ONE.

The question remains, do they choose the future filled with wealth and title, or the future that has them claiming the one true love.  Maybe there is another choice??!  LOL

I love serials because usually it’s a one sitting consumption of story, leaving you wanting for more.  Lauren Smith is really really good at picking the right moments to end a part of her her serials.  This part is the conclusion, so while there was much story to be wrapped up, she still dazzled by adding the sexual heat and fierce love, suspenseful angst and a rocking finish,

You absolutely need to read the first two books in this serial.  I can’t imagine the story making much sense without that.  I would also like to remind readers, that while this may come across as taboo, they are step siblings, no blood relation, who met prior to the reveal that their parents are to wed.  Not so much taboo in my eyes.

Thanks for wrapping this serial up perfectly Lauren.  Always looking forward to your next creation.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

 

Giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from May 1 – 6, 2016

 

 

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Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Flirting with FameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Elise Jameson is the secret author behind the bestselling, cult hit Viking Moon series. But when a stranger poses as Elise, the painfully shy, deaf nineteen-year-old starts to see how much she’s missing. Can she really hide in the shadows forever? This clever, coming-of-age debut is for anyone who has ever felt unsure in their own skin.

After a freak childhood accident leaves her deaf and physically scarred, nineteen-year-old Elise Jameson retreats into a world of vibrant characters she creates on her laptop. She is shocked when her coping mechanism turns into a career as a phenomenal bestselling novelist. Fans are obsessed with Elise’s Viking Moon series and its author—a striking girl with zero resemblance to Elise who appears on the back covers. Elise sent the randomly Googled photo to her editor following a minor panic attack. Now, horrified to learn she is expected on set of the television pilot based on her novels, Elise tracks down her anonymous stand-in. To Elise’s surprise, Veronica Wilde has been taking credit for Viking Moon for years. She eagerly agrees to keep up the charade if Elise will pose as her assistant.

It’s hard for Elise to watch a stranger take credit for her work and get all the perks she desires, including admiration from the show’s heartthrob star. Edged onto the sidelines of her own life, Elise reconsiders her choice to stay anonymous. Is she ready to come to terms with her true identity—and with the long-buried secrets that could cost her her career, her fans, and the few precious friendships she’s made?

 

 

Review:

Flirting with Fame by Samantha Joyce is her debut novel, which is a very good start to a bright career. Flirting with Fame is considered New Adult genre, but I felt this type of story fits for everyone, young and old. We meet our heroine, Elise Jameson, who is deaf, from a childhood accident. Elise is a very shy freshman at college; has anxiety around crowds, caused by a scar on her face, and her being deaf. This has caused Elise to not feel good about herself. We also learn that Elise has a big secret that only a friend and her family know: she is Aubrey Lynch, the author of the Viking Moon series, which has become a major bestseller and cult favorite. There will also TV series on Viking Moon. Elise, who is now 19, wrote the first book at the ripe age of 16, and even her agent doesn’t know who she really is, nor what she looks like.

Having been forced to submit a picture of herself, a couple of years ago, Elise pulled one off the internet of a pretty girl. But that is about to be blown up in her face, as Elise sees the girl she used is now masquerading as her. With the upcoming TV series, she is being told to help be on the set, and in panic investigates who the girl pretending to be her is. Elise will then offer Veronica money to continue to act as her.

Elise will be on the set acting as Veronica’s assistant to be able to answer questions. What follows is an interesting coming of age for Elise. Elise is a wonderful character, as you feel for her throughout, and root for her to gain confidence in herself. She will slowly come out of her shell, especially with a possible romance on the horizon.   What will help Elise are the friends she finds at college, such as Reggie, and Clint, as well as her old friend, Jin; who were great characters developed by Joyce. But it is the star of the TV show, Gavin, who will win her heart, and change everything . Gavin may be a star, but he finds himself falling for the sweet innocent and pretty Elise. Having had a sister with a hearing problem, Gavin knew sign language, and was able to communicate well with Elise. But as normal, there are obstacles in the way.

Veronica was a bitch, and we couldn’t wait for Elise to become more confident to stand up to her. Elise’s anxiety and fears were a major obstacle for both her telling the truth and any possible romance with Gavin. She must also face her friends , Gavin, her agent, editor, etc, when the truth is revealed.

Flirting with Fame was a nice and fun read, as well as a light sweet romance.   Very well done by Samantha Joyce.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Guest Post beige

Writing a Heroine

It’s funny because, when you hear the word heroine, the first image that usually pops into your head is a woman who kicks physical butt. Like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who is probably my favorite heroine off all time, it’s easy to imagine a heroine as someone who saves the world, and maybe even gets the boy while she’s at it.

But there are those women who hold their power internally, and whose strength will not win them any physical competitions, but it is what keeps them going in the face of adversity and is what pushes them to survive even the darkest of times.

Elise, in my book Flirting with Fame, is such a heroine. She’s overcome a lot in her life. She was deafened and scarred in an accident when she was younger, and thrust into a new world of silence and ridicule at thirteen. Her way of combatting this was to create a world where she felt safe and powerful—a Viking world in the novels that eventually get her best-seller status, titled Viking Moon. Elise finds a way to heal through her writing. As her Vikings battle it out on the pages of her books, she battles through a world where she is ostracized for the scars on her face.

The moment she’s forced into college by her parents, and her best friend leaves for his own school, her instinct is to run and hide in her dorm room. But her roommate will have none of that, and Elise has to visit the set of the TV show based on her books as part of her author deal. To make matters worse, she has to face the most perfect-looking man she’s even seen (and her celebrity crush) on set, Gavin Hartley.

Elise isn’t the most graceful of women, and she often makes poor decisions that land her in hot water. She frequently acts before thinking, and sometimes, as a result, just makes things worse for herself. But, as much as she wants to give up, she doesn’t. She still goes to classes, she still visits the Viking Moon set, and she still loses herself in her characters.

Writing a character like Elise, who is not an obvious heroine, was a challenge. She doesn’t get to throw punches and dropkick the bad guy (or bad girl, in this case). She must dig down and find what it is that makes her special and deserving of the same kind of love she believes everyone else is entitled to. When it comes to battling her own self-image, she is the only one who can give herself the acceptance she needs. In order to do that, she needs to make mistakes and take the wrong path once in a while, because it’s the only way she’ll be able to find her way back to herself. And she will carry what she learned with her like newly minted Viking armor.

The one thing I knew when writing this book was that Elise’s scars are not a symbol of her weakness, but of her strength. They are proof she survived something terrible, and that if she can survive that, she can survive anything.

And, in that way, she totally stands next to the Buffy’s of the world and kicks some butt of her own.

 

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Samantha’s publisher is offering an e-copy of Flirting With Fame to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Unruly (Knights in Black Leather #2) by Ronnie Douglas-a review

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UNRULY (Knights in Black Leather 2) by Ronnie Douglas-a review

Unruly

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 23, 2016

When the daughter of one of the Southern Wolves gets a flat in the middle of a thunderstorm, there’s only one thing to do—strip down to her underwear and get a little muddy. But when Alamo, the sexy biker shows up to rescue Ellen yet again, things are bound to get a whole lot dirtier.

Between the trouble he left behind and club rules, Alamo knows he needs to stay clear of Ellen. He’s not looking for a woman or complications—even when that woman is everything a man could want. Unfortunately, Ellen isn’t playing by anyone’s rules but her own these days, and a Southern woman who’s been raised by Wolves is awfully hard to deny.

So when they give in to their raging attraction, both get much more than they bargained for

••••••

REVIEW: UNRULY is the second installment in Ronnie Douglas’ (aka Melissa Marr) contemporary, new adult/adult KNIGHTS IN BLACK LEATHER romance series focusing on the members of the Southern Wolves MC, This is fashion design student/singer Ellie, and Alejandro ‘Alamo’ Diaz’s story line. UNRULY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the premise of UNRULY runs parallel and overlaps with the premise of book one-UNDAUNTED.

Told from first person point of view (Ellie), and third person (Alamo) UNRULY follows Alamo as he heads to the Tennessee chapter of the Southern Wolves. Following the brutal beating of a man not worthy to breathe, Alamo knows to protect his family and stay out of prison, he must head out of town before the police come looking. What ensues is Alamo’s acclimation into the Tennessee Chapter of the Wolves MC, and his building relationship with a woman from whom he has been warned to stay away. Enter Ellie-the daughter of a deceased member of the MC, and the woman who calls to Alamo’s heart.

The relationship between Ellie and Alamo is very,very slow to build as weeks to months will pass without our leading couple having any interaction with one another. There is a slight ‘love triangle’ vibe throughout the story as Ellie’s previous ‘friends with benefits’ is unwilling to let go of what was never his. Alamo’s past seeks and finds our story line hero, dragging Ellie into a dangerous situation. Once again, as in the previous installment, the character building is limited-we know and learn very little about Alejandro Diaz.

There is a definite Young Adult (YA) feel to the story line : the violence is behind the scenes; the $ex scenes are all implied; there is no graphic conflict or text; the leading couple are rarely in one another company without a third party or several other people around. The ‘love triangle’ trope adds another hint to the stylizing of the YA story line but given the author Ronnie Douglas is YA author Melissa Marr I am going to presume that the jump from YA to adult has not come full circle. There are too many young adult (YA) story line missives to overlook.

Knights in Black Leather is a vanilla version of the MC (Motorcycle Club) series. Most if not all of the violence is behind the scenes and rarely brought directly into the story line. The $ex scenes are mostly implied or fade to black-the lack of chemistry between the characters is disappointing. If you are a fan of YA story lines then UNRULY may be for you.

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

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Power Play (Pilots Hockey #2) by Sophia Henry-a review

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POWER PLAY (Pilots Hockey #2) by Sophia Henry-a review

Power Play

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 16, 2016

Beneath her innocent facade, Gabriella Bertucci has her reasons to be standoffish with guys. Especially guys like Landon Taylor, a star defenseman on the minor-league Detroit Pilots and the object of a serious crush since he first walked into her family’s market. But when Landon comes through for her in a moment of crisis, Gaby starts to wonder if there might be more to Landon than hard muscles and fast skates.

Landon isn’t afraid of telling Gaby that he’s got it for her bad. The problem is, she seems unwilling to believe it. And though Landon enjoys his reputation as a cool-headed athlete, he hates losing—both on the rink and off. It’s his competitiveness that makes him so damn good at what he does . . . but it also makes him just a little bit complicated.

One minute Gaby’s tempted to give in; the next, she’s getting cold feet. How can she trust a guy who’s destined for bigger and better things to stick around? Then again, when Landon pulls her close with those powerful arms, the only thing that matters is right now.

••••••

REVIEW: POWER PLAY is the second installment in Sophia Henry’s new adult, contemporary PILOTS HOCKEY romance series focusing on the members of the AHL Hockey team the Detroit Pilots. This is Pilots player Landon Taylor, and Gabriella Bertucci’s story line. POWER PLAY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from first person point of view (Gabriella) POWER PLAY follows the building relationship from friends to lovers of Landon Taylor and Gabriella Bertucci. Landon is a semi-pro hockey player whose star is about to rise; Gabriella is the only daughter of an Italian-American businessman who appears to have misplaced his faith in the wrong member of the family. What ensues is Landon’s attempts to woo the young woman he has loved for most of his life, and Gaby’s attempts get the recognition she deserves from the family she believes doesn’t know she exists.

POWER PLAY looks behind the scenes of a successful business family, and their attempts to protect the daughter they believe may be broken beyond repair. Gabriella has worked beside her father since she was a little girl but three years earlier our heroine faced the fight of her life. But to be honest, hockey and any ice time are secondary to the story line.

Landon Taylor comes from a well respected, and well to do family but believes he has been pushed aside to make way for the younger heirs. Landon has worked hard to achieve his success in hockey, and is hoping to one day make it to the NHL While his other teams members are called up to the big leagues, Landon bides his time playing one game at a time.

POWER PLAY is a sweet story but reads more like a young adult (YA) story line than a new adult romance. Most of the $ex scenes are implied or skim the surface. There are no graphic $ex scenes, or graphic sexual language. The leading characters, although 19 and 21+, act more like younger teens when it comes to their emotions and family interactions; for two people who have loved one another for years, I did not feel the emotional need or connection. The use of ‘hoes’ and ‘buck bunnies’ is reflective of the YA nature of the story-many adults would walk away without a backwards glance. And the heroines continued need to deny her friendship with the leading hero pushed one too many of my buttons. If it were not for the ages of the leading characters ( and one slightly sexual love scene) I would think this series would be more successful in the YA category.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Undaunted (Knights in Black Leather #1) by Ronnie Douglas-Review and Book Tour

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UNDAUNTED (Knights in Black Leather #1) by Ronnie Douglas -Review and Book Tour

BS_Unduanted

UNDAUNTED
Knights in Black Leather 1
by Ronnie Douglas
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance, MC
Release Date: September 15, 2015

Undaunted

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 15, 2015

Being fearless has never looked so good . . .

Aubrey Evans needs to get her life back on track after her father is indicted for embezzlement. All she has to do to hightail it out of small-town Tennessee is save up money for college tuition and steer clear of hard-muscled boys on motorcycles. Yet there’s no ignoring someone like Zion. A knight in black leather, Zion looks like every bad idea she’s been told to avoid, but she can’t resist him. Whenever she’s in trouble, he’s there. Appealing as his rough exterior may be, it’s the protective, principled man beneath who tempts her like crazy.

Zion knows Aubrey doesn’t intend to stick around. She claims to want only friendship, but he senses there’s a naughty girl hiding on the inside—one whose intense desires match his own. For now, he’ll be patient and play by her rules. But he knows it’s just a matter of time before he weakens her resolve.

As they join forces to figure out who’s behind a local crime spree, it’s clear that the danger goes deeper than Aubrey guessed. And when she needs someone tall, dark, and undaunted to keep her safe, Zion intends to be there—now and always.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNDAUNTED is the first installment in Ronnie Douglas’s (aka Melissa Marr) contemporary, new adult Knights in Black Leather MC romance series. This is college student/bartender Aubrey Evans, and Zion aka Killer’s storyline.

Told from first person point of view (Aubrey) and some third person perspective from Zion UNDAUNTED focuses on Aubrey and Zion’s growing but forbidden relationship. Aubrey is new in town from Portland, Oregon, living with her grandmother, attending Williamsville college in Tennessee and looking for a job when a fellow student Ellen suggested she go check out the local biker bar Wolves and apply for a job. There she will find her ‘knight in black leather’ –Zion-who aided in her rescue a few weeks before when she ended up drunk at a local fair. What ensues is a forbidden relationship between Zion and Aubrey-one that goes against the Wolves MC and biker bar laws.

Throughout the story there are several incidences of property abuse and attacks against Aubrey’s grandmother’s home and neighborhood but Grandma Maureen has some deep connections to the Wolves MC, and with it comes years of familiarity and a friendship wherein Aubrey and Grandma have the promise of protection from MC President Echo, Zion and the Club.

The relationship between Aubrey and Zion is one of immediate attraction but Aubrey has a multi-year plan that doesn’t include dating or getting involved with any man. Zion continues to pursue Aubrey who is constantly sending out mixed signals and in this I had some difficult times with Aubrey’s characters and her wishy-washy attempts to stay away from Zion. There is also the potential for a love triangle with Zion’s cousin Noah, and throughout the story my anxiety continued to build as Aubrey played one cousin against the other. Not only is Aubrey the new girl in town, but she has caught the eye of every eligible young man. I thought I was reading a YA storyline-the build up, lack of romance and one lone (mostly implied) sexual encounter did not read like a new adult or adult storyline but a premise directed at the young adult or teen reader. Aubrey’s ‘no dating policy’, her attitudes towards her ‘virginity or lack thereof’ and the parents as representations of all things corrupt and the epitome of dysfunctional parenting, all screamed young adult and not NA. When I looked further into the author, I discovered Ronnie Douglas is the alter ego of prolific and number one selling young adult author Melissa Marr and thusly my thoughts about the YA connections were confirmed.

There are several charismatic and colorful secondary and supporting characters throughout the storyline that are the backbone of the story and kept everything on track: Uncle Karl, Echo, Nash, Ellen, Grandma Maureen and all of Grandma’s neighbors and friends. Grandma’s connections to the Wolves MC and especially Club president Echo were touched upon briefly but I wish there was more background and history revealed between a number of these characters-in fact, there is very little background and history revealed about most of the storyline characters including our leading couple. For me, or any reader, to be pulled into a story we need history and background to understand the mindsets and emotions of the characters.

UNDAUNTED is not your typical MC storyline but a much tamer and vanilla version.
If you are a die-hard MC series fan, UNDAUNTED will probably be a disappointment as it is missing most of the MC dark and dangerous habits and storyline tropes, but if you are a fan of YA type storylines, then UNDAUNTED may be for you.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

When Beau looked her way, she gestured toward a cluster of senior citizens. “Tell the girls to meet me in the kitchen. Might as well have tea if we’re already up.”
Then my grandmother walked toward the bikers, who were leaning on their motorcycles watching everything. They gave her the sort of look that made me think that they were watching approaching royalty. It was a mix between Southern gentlemanliness and the way a fighter acknowledges an equal.”
“If I were the sheriff I’d be sweating like a hussy in the Good Lord’s house right now,” Beau murmured from beside me.
When I looked his way, my confusion must’ve been obvious because Beau added, “Miz Maureen has influential friends. She doesn’t like to call on them, but she’s about fed up waiting on the sheriff. That man couldn’t find his ass with both hands and a map. Those boys there”—he nodded toward the street—“they get things done. Maybe not the way the law likes, but they get results.”
“So they’re not the ones doing this?”
Beau laughed. “Echo would dip a man in honey and stake him out for the bears to find if any one of them boys touched Miz Maureen.” Beau inclined his head toward the bikers who were talking to her. “Your grandmother has the ear of one of the most powerful men in the state. She doesn’t call on Echo for anything, so people forget that she could do so.”
“Oh.”
“Not a bad thing.” Beau patted my hand. “Eddie Echo would steal the stars out from under the angels themselves if Miz Maureen so much as hinted that her yard wasn’t bright enough.”
I followed his gaze. I couldn’t make out many details about the two men standing with my grandmother. They were both, obviously, riding Harleys. I didn’t know enough about bikes to be more specific than that. One of the guys lifted his gaze and looked my way. Dark hair brushed the edge of a black leather jacket. Strong jaw, sharp cheekbones, and a mouth that looked made for sin, he was the sort of contrast in beauty and danger that made me think there had to be a trick of light. No man looked that good. Even as I argued with my own perception, I could tell that he was near my age, fit, and held himself with the kind of restrained energy that made sane girls look away and unhappy girls want to step a bit closer. I told myself that I was sane, that I was going to look away any moment now, that I didn’t want to find an excuse to go check on Grandma Maureen.
I was lying.
“Ask your gran about Echo before you go staring at the likes of those boys,” Beau paused and then added, “I’m going to head inside.”

 

 

Guest post-Black and White

Ronnie Douglas talks about music and writing

Music is how I get into any mood. Writing romance is part of writing most of my books, so I have a few years of trying out different strategies. Often, though, I just turn on my music and let go. I don’t need a special room. In fact, for the sequel to Undaunted, I wrote the sexiest scene in the book while I was at a layover in Iceland. It made me giggle out loud at one point to realize that I was in a lounge with all these businessmen in their suits, and I was curled up in a chair sipping my tea and writing a sex scene.

My default was Lana Del Rey, but I use music to tweak my moods, so depending on what mood I needed, I’d swap out to a specific song and just play that song on repeat for the emotion I needed to call up. A few of the ones I used were:

a. Beyoncé “Crazy in Love”
b. Rihanna “Pour it Up”
c. Rihanna “Rude boy”
d. Missy Elliot “Get Ur Freak on”
e. Leon Else “Cheap Hotel”
f. Train “Bruises”
g. Charlie Worsham “How I Learned to Pray”

About The Author Black and White

Follow: Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook-Melissa Marr

Ronnie Douglas is the writing name for a multiple New York Times bestselling author. Drawing on a lifetime love of romance novels and a few years running a biker bar, she decided to write what she knew—dangerous men with Harleys and tattoos. Her debut “Ronnie book” was indie-published as part of a series she created and wrote with friends in 2014.

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Black Halo / Rock Hard by Madelynne Ellis-A Series Review

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Black Halo / Rock Hard by Madelynne Ellis-A Series Review

Black Halo

Author Madelynne Ellis has penned a series of books focusing on the goth rock band Black Halo. The two companion series run parallel to one another and include Black Halo and Rock Hard. These are their stories.

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COME UNDONE
(Rock Hard #1)
by Madelynne Ellis

Come UndoneABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: August 29, 2013

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On stage he’s dynamite. Off stage he rocks her world.

When red-hot, Goth-metal band, Black Halo, split live on stage, fate throws Daniella Fosbrook into the path of sexy vocalist Xane Geist. Initially, Xane’s only looking for a ride home, but Dani tempts him in a way a thousand other women haven’t. Determined to explore their heady chemistry and avoid hashing things out with the band, Xane whisks Dani off to Monaco for a steamy weekend.

There, Dani tries her best to hang onto her heart and some clothing, while Xane soon loses both. However, Xane isn’t being entirely honest about the reason for the band’s demise. When the truth comes out, can Dani accept the facts, or will everything come undone.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: COME UNDONE is the first installment in Madelynne Ellis’s adult, contemporary ROCK HARD erotic romance series focusing on Xane Geist, front man and lead singer of the goth rock band Black Halo and Daniella Fosbrook- a reluctant groupie whose life is about to change when she meets Xane Geist- a larger than life persona whom Dani had come to depend upon in her darkest hours. ROCK HARD is the companion series to BLACK HALO featuring Black Halo’s lead guitarist Ash Gore. COME UNDONE is a story of insta-love, heartbreak and loss.

Told from two distinct third party points of view, the focus of the storyline is the break up of the band Black Halo. As the founder and front man for the band Xane feels he has been betrayed by the two people he loves most in the world. Enter Daniella Fosbrook, a fan and the woman who would show Xane that there is more to life than heartbreak and betrayal. Xane’s life has centered on the rise and success of Black Halo and his friendship with the band will be irrevocably strained when secrets and hidden feelings are revealed.

The relationship between Xane and Daniella begins as one of convenience. Xane needs to run; to get away from everything that has to do with Black Halo, and Dani is in the right place at the right time. While Xane strives for normalcy, Dani struggles with dark demons from the past and the unwelcome memories of abandonment and abuse.

Xane is a man who likes to tempt fate; nothing is off limits and he is willing to throw caution to the wind, any and every time sex is involved. He uses sex as a means to escape –an addiction- and Xane likes to escape at every opportunity, no matter where or how. Dani is the quiet, less experienced female whose earlier years have resulted in too many emotional and physical scars. Their time together will reveal a world that is all too familiar and one that Dani has a difficult time accepting. Abandoned by her father, and raised in a religious commune by her mother, Dani’s introduction into Xane’s world is both an escape and a fall into the abyss.

The backstory of what led to the disintegration of the band is slow to reveal as the majority of the storyline concentrates on Dani and Xane’s building relationship. There is a slight twist to the premise; one that reveals the bonds between friendship and love, and a twist that will affect Dani’s perception of Xane and the band.

The supporting and secondary characters include the members of the band-Ash Gore, Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen, Elspeth Shriik, drummer Steve Matlock, and Paul ‘Rock Giant’ Reed. The world building concentrates on Xane’s troubled family, his relationship with the band, and the fall out of betrayal, stalker paparazzi and rabid fans.

Madelynne Ellis pulls the reader into the world of goth rock, addiction, sex and betrayal. There are moments of passion laced with need, want and seduction. The storyline does not end on a happily ever after but a bit of a cliffhanger that will expose an even uglier side of fame and fortune.

READING ORDER:

Come Undone (Rock Hard #1)
All Night Long (Black Halo #1)
Remastered (Black Halo #1.5 )
Come Together (Rock Hard #2)
All Fired Up (Black Halo #2)

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ALL NIGHT LONG
(Black Halo #1)
by Madelynne Ellis

All Night LongABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2014

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One night of rampant passion with a rock star, that’s all it’s supposed to be. Ginny Walters isn’t looking for love, only some sexy fun with an amazingly hot guy, that is, until she hooks up with Black Halo’s lead guitarist, Ash Gore, on the night the band implodes. When vocalist Xane walks off stage bringing the gig to a premature end, Ash and the guys find themselves unable to reach their hotel due to the presence of an irate mob. Luckily, Ginny offers them the use of her room for the night.

Ginny does her best to be a good hostess. However, it’s not long before she discovers a side to womanizing, bad boy, Ash that she never imagined. Beneath his hard rock image, is a man so hung up on the possibility of being hurt by love that he’s unwilling to risk becoming emotionally involved. How can she convince him that the bond between them is worth exploring, given that she’s not sure dating a rock star is terribly bright idea?

Ash can’t seem to get Ginny out of his head. She’s totally unlike the groupies he normally beds; women who love to fan his ego, but ultimately leave him dismally unsatisfied. Ginny sees through all his bullshit and the media hype to the scarred man beneath. Given that instinctive understanding, does he really want to say goodbye forever coming daybreak?

Maybe it’s time they both gave love another chance

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL NIGHT LONG is the first installment in Madelynne Ellis’s new adult, contemporary BLACK HALO erotic romance series focusing on the goth rock group Black Halo. This is lead guitarist Ash Gore and rock groupie Ginny Walters storyline-a one night stand that turns into something more. The Black Halo series is the companion to Madelynne’s ROCK HARD series focusing on front man Xane Geist and Dani Fosbrook: ALL NIGHT LONG runs parallel to COME UNDONE (Rock Hard #1). Are you confused?—so was I but the author let me know the correct reading order.

Told from third person point of view, the storyline focuses on less than twenty four hours in the life of Black Halo members Ash Gore, Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen and ‘Rock Giant’ Reed. When front man Xane Geist walks off stage during a concert, purporting the end to the band, the remaining members are caught off guard with no place to run-enter Ginny Walters- a rock groupie who is determined to have a one night stand with Ash Gore but finds herself in the enviable position of roommates with the band. With paparazzi and fans stalking the band wherever they go, Ginny offers her less than five star hotel room as refuge. What ensues is a night of passion and wild sex between Ginny and Ash (with a little addition of Rock Giant and Spook), but one that reveals more about the band than Ginny had known.

The colorful and quirky supporting and secondary characters include fellow bandmates: rhythm guitarist Spook Mortensen; bassist (Paul) Rock Giant Reed and keyboardist Elspeth Shriik. Xane Geist, the band’s leading vocalist and front man, is MIA and his story is told in the companion series Rock Hard along with Ginny’s BFF Daniella Fosbrook.

The world building takes the reader behind the scenes and into the bedrooms and private lives of a rock band on the verge of imploding. Ash’s sexual exploits are explored revealing a painful past rife with betrayal and heartbreak; Ash doesn’t do relationships but something about Ginny could very well change his mind. Ginny is a woman who knows what she wants,; she is unapologetic with her sexual needs; and she wants something more than a one –night stand.

Madelynne Ellis invites the reader into the erotic world of rock bands, groupies and fishnet stockings. At present there are two interconnected series-Rock Hard and Black Halo-both focusing on different members of the band. ALL NIGHT LONG is a story of insta-lust, immediate attraction, sexual exploration and personal possessiveness between two people who should have been nothing more than passing ships in the night.

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COME TOGETHER
(Rock Hard #2)
by Madelynne Ellis

Come TogetherABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2014

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Daniella Fosbrook can’t believe she’s bagged a smoking hot rock star, now all she has to do is hold onto him.

Internationally famous, goth rockers, Black Halo have reunited and are about to hit the road on a six month requiem tour, following the shocking death of their drummer. Dani Fosbrook has never experienced life on the move, now she’s squashed onto a tour bus with five horny rock stars and her lover’s ex, and there’s no room for mistakes.

If death threats from jealous fans and warding off unwanted press attention isn’t difficult enough to handle, Dani has to battle her own personal insecurities. Xane says he’s committed, but with so much on offer to tempt him, can she trust he won’t stray?

When misunderstandings and sabotage put both the tour and everything Dani and Xane have built together under threat, can they and the band come together to make it work, or will everything fall apart?

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: COME TOGETHER is the second installment in Madelynne Ellis’s contemporary, new adult ROCK HARD erotic romance series focusing on the goth rock group Black Halo. COME TOGETHER is the continuing story of front man and lead singer for Black Halo- Xane Geist and Dani Fosbrook. The Rock Hard series is the companion to Madelynne Ellie’s Black Halo series; COME TOGETHER runs parallel to ALL FIRED UP (Black Halo #2).

Because there are two companion series that play off one another, I would highly suggest reading in order as information revealed in the previous storylines are important for cohesion and enjoyment.

NOTE: There are scenes of M/F, M/M and M/M/F. COME TOGETHER is intended for mature readers over 18 years of age.

If you have not read the previous storylines in both series, there may be some spoilers -so be forewarned.

COME TOGETHER is the continuing story of Xane and Dani-six weeks after the events of Come Undone where Xane receives some heartbreaking news that all but destroys what remains of the band. A previous betrayal sent Xane on the run but with it comes the knowledge that life is fleeting and no one is safe when rabid fans attack. Black Halo is in need of a new drummer, and lead guitarist Ash Gore offers up Iain Willows-a man who has been bad mouthing Xane throughout his career. As the band comes to terms with the loss of their previous drummer, tensions are high when Iain proves to be less than competent with the drums.

The relationship between Xane and Dani continues to be sexually adventurous and uninhibited. Xane is a sex addict whose need for Dani begins to interfere with his work and the band. The storyline begins with a prologue that reveals a dark moment in time that Xane has kept secret but the past will soon catch up and will force Xane to make choices he doesn’t want to make. Dani’s fragile self esteem will take a major blow when she catches Xane in the arms of someone else. The sex scenes are graphic, sensually erotic and continuous. There is no doubt that Dani and Xane love one another but Xane will begin to question if Dani is enough.

The engaging and colorful supporting characters include all of the Black Halo band members whose lives begin to spiral out of control with the loss of a friend and lover. As the band sets out on their latest tour, Dani will be targeted and the band will fall victim to malicious gossip, rumors and innuendo. We will be introduced to the road crew and new roadie Luthor-whose past will come full circle and send Dani on the run.

The world building continues to follow Black Halo on tour; behind the scenes, in the bedroom, tour bus and on the road. The anxiety and stress of loss and betrayal begin to eat away at the band’s tentative rebuilding but in the end, they will come together when the band falls victim to deception, deceit and attack.

If you are a fan of sexy, angst ridden rock stars then Madelynne Ellis’s BLACK HALO and ROCK HARD series are for you. What we see on the surface and on stage is not necessarily what we would see behind the scenes and on the road. There are moments of heartbreak, betrayal, romance and love. Dani and Xane’s relationship will step up to the next level ensuring that Xane’s needs and desires are kept under control.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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ALL FIRED UP
(Black Halo #2)
by Madelynne Ellis

All Fired UpABOUT THE BOOK: December 18, 2014

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

All Fired Up is the follow-up to New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Madelynne Ellis’ scorching rock star romance novel, All Night Long.

Ginny Walters always knew her weakness for bad boys would get her into trouble. Her one night stand with Black Halo’s lead guitarist, Ash Gore, was only supposed to be a fun, not the prelude to the sort of relationship that’d scorch holes in her heart as well as her bed sheets. She’d be the happiest woman in the world if Ash wasn’t so determined to keep their connection off radar.

Ash Gore knows girlfriends are bad news for bands, which is why he’s resolved to keep his attachment to Ginny a secret. He and the guys have enough on their stages as they try to piece themselves back together after the band’s split. But when new drummer, Iain Willows, starts taking an active interest in Ginny, tensions quickly mount. Soon, Ash is not only at risk of losing Ginny, but everything he holds dearest–including life itself.

••••••••••••••••••••••

NOTE: If you have not read the series, please be aware there may be some spoilers.

REVIEW: ALL FIRED UP is the second installment in Madelynne Ellis’s contemporary, new adult BLACK HALO erotic romance series focusing on Black Halo’s lead guitar Ash Gore and Ginny Walters. The BLACK HALO series is the companion to Madelynne’s ROCK HARD series. ALL FIRED UP runs parallel to COME TOGETHER (Rock Hard #2) –confused?-So was I but technically ALL FIRED UP is the fourth full line novel focusing on the members of the goth rock band BLACK HALO

ALL FIRED UP is the continuing story of Black Halo’s lead guitar player Ash Gore and the woman with whom he has fallen in love-Ginny Walters. Ginny is a rock groupie who targeted Ash for a night of wanton sex only to discover that the man she admired from afar was much more different than the public persona everyone saw on stage.

The storyline follows Ash and Ginny’s building relationship as well as Black Halo’s search for a new drummer-enter Iain Willows-a former band mate of Ash’s and a man whose need for revenge has seethed and grown for a number of years.

The sex scenes are erotic; oft times spontaneous; and always hot and steamy. Ash is the epitome of a rock star with women at every stop but something about Ginny will call to his heart.

The world building continues to focus on the band, their tour and behind the scenes where threats against their lives and their loves become all too personal. All of the band members play a secondary and supporting role.

ALL FIRED UP does not end on a happily ever after, but a happily ever after for now. Ash and Ginny’s continuing story will focus on recovery, forgiveness and moving forward. An attack against the band will have everyone reconsidering their choice of mates and friends.

Madelynne Ellis invites the reader into an engaging, thought provoking and revealing storyline about life on the road for a successful goth rock band. No one is safe when revenge and betrayal are foremost on the mind of a former friend and one time band mate.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviews by Sandy

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Raine by J.C. Valentine-Review and Blog Tour

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Raine by J.C.Valentine-Review and Blog Tour

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Raine
by J.C. Valentine
Genre: new adult, contemporary
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Raine

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Add to your GOODREADS shelf

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014

Shy.
Intelligent.
Naive.
Statistic.

Raine Forester was an average girl leading an average life. She slipped beneath everyone’s radar, until Camron Moss, the most popular guy in school, took interest in her and changed everything.

Some acts are unforgivable.

Raine thought she’d been accepted. She thought she was one of them. She thought she was in love… until one moment made her realize she’d trusted the wrong person. Lies are told, hearts get broken, secrets are revealed, and sometimes, true love is found in the least likely places.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: RAINE is a stand alone, contemporary, new adult storyline from author J.C. Valentine. The premise focuses on a year in the life of high school senior Raine Forester and the actions of a boy that almost destroyed that life.

The storyline follows Raine in the aftermath of an assault that not only destroyed her reputation but destroyed her family as well. Shy, introverted and unpopular Raine is as much surprised as anyone else when the most popular and rich boy at school, Camron Moss, asks her out. For two months, Raine’s life is sunshine and happiness until the night of their senior prom where not only will the truth be revealed but her life will be ruined in the process. Enter Jarret Moss, Camron’s older brother and the only person who will stand up for Raine when the going gets rough.

The relationship between Jarret and Raine is one born out of necessity. With no place to go, Jarret offers Raine a place to stay but accepting the invitation places Raine in direct contact with her ex-boyfriend’s family and friends. As the storyline builds, so too does the relationship between Jarret and Raine-one that could end disastrously if Jarret’s family has anything to say.

The premise outline and secondary characters are similar in context to many young adult (YA) storylines including the mean girl, the jealousy, the set up, the revenge, and the ever present vindictive parents and manipulating ex yet the storyline has been labeled new adult. This is a story about a young eighteen year old girl who is targeted by the school bullies and snobs, and in doing so, will destroy a young woman’s reputation before she has had a chance to blossom and grow. Raine must grow up rather quickly when life as she knows it changes in the blink of an eye. Jarret and Raine are likeable characters, if not heartbreakingly so, given the context of each of their lives. We never do learn why it is Raine is targeted by the school snobs-why she will become the pawn in a dare-and in this I was left wondering where it all began.

Overall, the story was an easy read with a familiar and interesting premise but there were moments where the storyline was choppy as though pieces of information were missing. I would have liked some more background information about both of the leading characters but the storyline focused on ‘one year in the life’ more than their history or what led up to the pivotal storyline moment. My major concern is the lack of development with the leading characters considering everything that happened in the story and the lack of resolution in some of the pivotal plot points (ie Jarret’s paintings and their significance to the overall story); weeks and months pass without a glimpse into Raine and Jarret’s growing relationship, or knowing what has happened to some of the other game players in the ensuing time.

RAINE is a heartbreaking tale of betrayal and hurt that will be all too familiar for some readers but it is a storyline with a happily ever after and in the end, it is the happily ever after that everyone wants.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

 

 

Raine’s thoughts were a swirl of sensation and emotion, all threatening to consume her. Jarret was kissing her. The act was so sudden, so unexpected, it wrenched a startled moan of pleasure from somewhere deep inside. Unbidden, her body leaned into his, and her fingers dug into the hard flesh of his solid triceps.
The man was built.
She knew Jarret must take good care of himself just by the perfect way in which his clothes hugged his body, as if they wanted to get closer and never let him go. Pretty much what she suspected most girls felt like when they set eyes on him.
Then he’d come down the stairs soaking wet from his shower and wrapped only in a towel, and he’d blown whatever lame ass fantasy she might have had about him right out the window.
Jarret was absolute perfection. He was all honed muscle that a man his age shouldn’t be able to have, and that only came with years of hard work and dedication.
Not that she was an expert in bodybuilding, but she’d seen the kind of constant, strenuous activity Camron and his teammates performed in order to get and stay in shape for the season.
Having her hands wrapped around all that muscle made her stomach flutter, and when Jarret tilted her head to the side and deepened the kiss, her legs threatened to give out. It was a good thing she was already sitting down.
Snaking one arm around her, Jarret crushed Raine against his chest. His other hand still cupping her face moved to the back of her head, closing in a fist around her hair, and held her tight as he plunged his tongue inside her mouth.
Holy crap, the man could kiss, too.
Raine wasn’t new to kissing. Camron had taught her much, but Jarret’s mouth felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Good Lord, she hoped it wasn’t.
His lips were a contradiction—soft but firm, hard but forgiving, demanding but cautious. The longer it went on, the more her body craved. Raine let out a whimper as he nipped her bottom lip with his teeth, and gripped him tighter, wanting more, wanting everything.
He’d turned something on inside of her, like a switch. Something she didn’t know she wanted, but now had to have. Desperately.
Instead of giving her body what it craved, Jarret pulled away. Her head still spinning from the amazing kiss, Raine fell forward. Grabbing her shoulders, Jarret steadied her.
His lips glistened from her kiss, and Raine couldn’t seem to take her eyes off them. Never taking his eyes from hers, Jarret wiped his lips dry with his fingertips. Taking a deep breath, he motioned to the living room.
“I’m going to get dressed then order a movie.”

 

Raine Teaser 6

 

About The Author

JC-Valentine-170x170USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.

She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms.

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