Snared (Jaded Regret #2) by L.L.Collins-a review

SNARED (Jaded Regret #2) by L.L. Collins-a review

Snared

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

About the book: Release Date March 1, 2016

BEAU has never known a good life, only the torment that lives inside his head every day. The only way to block out the darkness that shrouds him is through the rhythmic beat of his drums. Knowing what happens when he opens up to anyone, Beau buries his pain deep inside, keeping it all to himself.

APRIL has lived a life of wealth and privilege, full of love and support. Her only insight into what it’s like to have a rough life is through her work with foster children. When she meets Beau, it starts as a challenge to get through to him but quickly turns into much more than either of them bargained for.

TOGETHER, they are mismatched, ill-fated, and COMBUSTIBLE. But when their connection is challenged by the collision of past, present, and future, will they be snared by love…or circumstances?

•••••••

REVIEW: SNARED is the second installment in L.L.Collins contemporary, adult JADED REGRET romance series focusing on the members of the rock band Jaded Regret. This is drummer Beau Anderson, and social worker April Knight’s story line. SNARED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is imparted where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Beau and April) SNARED follows the building relationship between April and Beau, and Beau’s destructive fall into the abyss. SNARED begins with a look back at Beau’s earlier years-his father’s suicide, his mother’s rejection of her only son, and the mental breakdown of a young boy who would have a difficult time forgetting about the past. Beau is a broken man whose mental and emotional health is a house of cards waiting to fall.

Throughout the story line the reader is up front and personal with Beau’s slow descent into hell. The voices in his head are a constant reminder that he is worthless and imperfect, and in this Beau’s pattern of self-degradation and low self-esteem is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg of psychological problems. But meeting April Knight finds our hero looking forward to a possible future until, once again, the proverbial rug is ripped from beneath his feet.

SNARED is an emotional story line filled with angst ridden inner turmoil and demons from the past. Beau is a man on the cusp of self-destruction, and it is only with the help of his band mates does our hero not implode on a daily basis. April’s introduction into his life keeps some of the demons at bay, but when the past, once again, begins to weave another path of destruction, Beau will be lost to an emotional and psychological fall out from where he may never return.

For those who take issue with story lines heavy on the angst, anxiety and despair, this story may not be for you. The hero’s constant negative outlook, his very low self esteem and inability to see any good in the world, and the turmoil about his past, is as depressing as the character’s mental health. Our hero has been destroyed; he is broken; and his mind is fractured in too many directions.

All of the previous story line characters (including the members of the band) play secondary and supporting roles. We are also introduced to April’s mother and father who know a thing or two about dark demons and emotional break downs.

The world building focuses on family dynamics, the foster care system, and mental health. Music and the band are secondary to Beau’s struggles with reality, and April’s battle to keep safe the man that she loves.

SNARED is a story about one man’s struggle with issues of mental health, emotional abuse, and the possible familial predisposition to pass on the affected genes. The premise is emotional, sensitive and gripping; the characters are heartbreaking and dramatic; the romance is impassioned and tortured.

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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.

________________________

COME UNDONE
(Rock Hard #1)
by Madelynne Ellis

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

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

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)

_________________

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.

______________________

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

___________________

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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Ripped (Real #5) by Katy Evans-Review and Blog Tour

Ripped (Real #5) by Katy Evans-Review and Blog Tour

RIPPEDdec9yes

RIPPED
Real #5
by Katy Evans
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Genre: new adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Ripped

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RIPPED (Real #5) by Katy Evans

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 9, 2014

The fifth book in the New York Times new adult series that began with Real. When an angry, heartbroken girl is forced to be near her rocker ex-boyfriend, only time will tell if the fire between them will consume them both.

Pandora, the gothic friend of Brooke (Real, Mine, Remy) and Melanie, thought that getting her heart broken by her bad boy rocker ex could only happen once. But now, he’s back in town with the biggest concert of the year. Pandora hates him so much that she gets Melanie to come with her and play a prank on him at his gig. But when they are caught by security, and her ex himself is summoned, he decides not to press charges if she’ll follow certain conditions. Pandora likes none of his rules, or that he’s in charge of her, especially since they seem designed to make sure she’s in close contact with him again. But the closeness reignites the passion they once shared, and soon no matter how much she wants to hate him, it’s clear she’s still hung up on him. And worse: he knows it too.

Every woman wants me–except the one I sing for.

Seattle shakes with anticipation: they call it the concert of the year. They say girls are getting pregnant just thinking about my band being in town.

But when you love a girl, you don’t leave her with nothing but a ring and a promise. Any man with half a brain should know.

So what did I expect my girl would do when she saw me again?

Well, for starters, she loathes our music. Particularly the song I wrote about her.

When I sing it, the stadium is in an uproar. Thousands of fans scream my name like I’m a god–but yeah, not her. Crystal clear: the girl’s not happy to see me.

Black hair, black boots, a bad attitude, that’s her — Pandora Stone is a freaking man-eater and she’s out for my blood.

That’s alright.

Let her come at me. Because I’m out for her heart and, this time, there’s no way she can stop me.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  RIPPED is the fifth storyline in Katy Evans’s contemporary, new adult Real erotic, romance series. This is rock musician Mackenna (Kenna) Jones and Pandora Stone’s (friend of Melanie and Brooke-Real, Mine, Remy and Rogue) storyline- a second chance at love for two people ripped apart and destroyed by the past.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Mackenna and Pandora) the storyline focuses on Pandora’s need for revenge. When she learns the rock group Crack Bikini (yep, that’s the name) and their lead singer Mackenna Jones have come to town, our heroine is hell bent on destroying Mackenna’s life. Six years earlier Mackenna dropped out of Pandora’s life without so much as a goodbye and Pandora has lived with the betrayal and hatred ever since.

History will show that Pandora and Mackenna were once in love. High school sweethearts who promised one another a happily ever after but life and everything it had to offer was ripped from their future. Now six years later, Pandora’s immaturity and hatred for
Mackenna finds our heroine in need of legal help when she retaliates with rotten tomatoes during the concert. To avoid further embarrassment, management makes Pandora an offer she cannot refuse-three weeks with the band or they press charges for assault. For the next twenty one days Pandora is determined to make life on the road miserable for everyone, including the camera man following her around, but soon realizes she has never stopped loving the man who ripped out her heart.

Pandora is an angry, immature, dark and vulnerable young woman who has never been able to let go of the past and in this her actions, behavior and attitude leaves something to be desired. She is not an easy person to like; she continues to berate and belittle the man that she loves hoping to embarrass and destroy the rock-god’s ego. But Mackenna has never stopped loving Pandora-his muse, his heart and his soul-and he will ensure the Pandora will never leave his side again. There is anger, vulnerability, betrayal and heartbreak for two people whose lives were destroyed by those that they loved. The sex scenes are imaginative and emotional; passionate and real.

The secondary characters include Melanie, Brooke and Remy from the previous storylines. Remy’s appearance and page time is limited as the story focuses on Mackenna, Pandora and the members of Crack Bikini. The band mates are colorful, determined and a little bit bad but had no idea about the woman who made their lead singer tick.

RIPPED is provocative storyline about two people whose love for one another has been buried beneath the pain and anguish of heartbreak and loss. There are moments of intimate revelations and reflections about the past; a peak into what was and what could have been. Katy Evans writes from the heart where passion and seduction begin to mend a broken heart.

READING ORDER
REAL
MINE
REMY
ROGUE
RIPPED

Copy supplied by the tour promoter through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

WRITING RIPPED
By Katy Evans

RIPPED – I’m so excited to be sharing with everyone RIPPED, Real series book #5! ☺

RIPPED began with Pandora, Brooke (Real, Mine and Remy) and Melanie’s (Rogue) goth friend. She’s such a wounded warrior and so bitter that I was completely hooked wanting to know—what happened? What made her like this? Why does she hate men so much?

And that’s how I met her man, Mackenna Jones.

He’s back in Seattle for the concert of the year, and Pandora hates him so much, she is still so stuck in the past for having loved (and lost) him when she was young, she’s determined to go pay him a visit and give him a little something to remember her by. Nothing nice, I assure you.

And that’s where RIPPED totally exploded for me. It’s one of those books where I couldn’t stop writing even for a second. It seemed like I just opened Pandora’s box of secrets and they came spilling out, one after the other. Memories, what truly happened in her eyes, in his eyes, their first kiss (sigh) and so much more. Their past is tumultuous and passionate and their present, when they reunite again, is just as passionate and rocky. They have a long way to go to their HEA but, though Pandora doesn’t feel she deserves it and has never let herself want it, Mackenna has another plan to conquer back his girl.

What I love about this couple in particular is how equal they seem—the push and the pull always kept me guessing as to who had control of the situation, sometimes Pandora had Mackenna by the pants, and plenty of others it was Mackenna who kept getting the upper hand, knowing each and every one of Pandora’s weaknesses (including that he is the main one.)

He is the boy she could never forget.

She is the girl no other girl has ever compared.

Things are about to get RIPPED during Mackenna’s concert tour when his manager thinks it brilliant to force Pandora to tag along. ☺

~~Katy ~~

Blog tour Schedule

Click HERE for the complete RIPPED tour schedule

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About The author

Katy EvansKaty Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

Website / Facebook / Twitter

 

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Reckless/Fearless by Priscilla West-reviews

Reckless / Fearless by Priscilla West-review

Forever Duology

RECKLESS
(Forever #1)
by Priscilla West
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance, rock muscian

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 4, 2014

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

RecklessEverything about him warned me to stay away.

I’d seen bad boys before, but he had it all and more. The rippling muscles covered in tatts, the piercing eyes hiding dark secrets, the silky voice that could make a girl come with just a whisper . . .

He was exactly the type of guy that would get me in trouble, but when he jumped off the stage, inked skin glistening with sweat and breathed his seductive words into my ear, I couldn’t resist the temptation.

It was supposed to be the best one-night stand of my life, but fate didn’t let it play out that way. Things happened. I got upset. I got hasty. And worst of all, I got reckless.

After that disaster, I thought it was the last I’d see of him. But what I didn’t know was that I’d started something.

Something that could shatter the very thing I had worked so hard to protect.

I should have known back then that the most seductive things in life are also the most dangerous.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: RECKLESS is the first instalment in Priscilla West’s contemporary, new adult RECKLESS series focusing on Jax- the front man and lead singer- for the rock group ‘The Hitchcocks’ and accountant Riley Hewitt.

Hired as a tour accountant for an up and coming rock band whose finances are a mess, Riley finds herself travelling and working for the very man-Jax- (and group) who had previously pulled her into a maelstrom of groupies, wanna-bees and backstage parties at a local concert several days before.

Making it more difficult is the mutual attraction between Jax and Riley-one that grows with each encounter. Hoping to keep the relationship purely professional, Riley makes it known to Jax that she is hired to do a job and when it is over, she will be returning home. As Jax tries to keep his distance, Riley is pulled to the sexual aura and heat that is rock and roll. But something about Jax tugs at Riley’s heart as she suspects there is darkness and a history about the man whose façade hides a painful emotional well.

The relationship between Jax and Riley is quick to develop but begins accidently when the two meet at a local bar. Riley is a strong willed, feisty woman with a slight wild child persona who hides behind the starched collar of a certified accountant. She is a bit of an enigma-strong and aggressive one moment then fears and anxieties begin to pull her under. She has a habit of pushing too far and in this she provokes Jax at different times along the tour.

Jax is a man with a troubled past-the scars on the surface hide a multitude of anger and pain-and when Riley tries to get Jax to open up, the pain only intensifies. The sex scenes are hot and steamy but Jax is a bit of a loner and prefers to spend time writing and making music.

The other members of the band like to have a good time with alcohol, sex and drugs but usually leave Jax to his own devices-Jax’s demons are dark and tormented, and there are times when the band knows to leave well enough alone. We are introduced to Riley’s bff and friends back home, who only play a minor part in the storyline, as well as get an up close and personal look at both of their pasts. Riley suffers with issues of anxiety but it is nothing compared to what Jax had to suffer when he was young.

Priscilla West takes the reader onto the stage and behind the scenes of life on the road with a famous star. It isn’t always pretty; someone is always waiting in the wings to cut you down even someone who should have protected you but destroyed the very heart and soul of a young boy who only wanted to be loved. Some of the scenes are raw and gritty with graphic violence and heartbreaking pain.

Just a heads up, RECKLESS ends on a bit of a cliffhanger when Riley takes matters into her own hands but have patience, this is a duology and the second instalment is due out in the Fall of 2014.

Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley

_________________________________

FEARLESS
(Forever Book 2)
by Priscilla West
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance, rock musician

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 17, 2014

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

FearlessBeaten, bruised, and broken, I made a desperate move that would change our lives forever.

Just when I thought the worst was behind us, cracks appeared, secrets surfaced, and lies unraveled.

With threats closing in from all sides and our very lives hanging in the balance, I was faced with the most difficult decision of my life.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FEARLESS is the second installment in Priscilla West’s contemporary, new adult Reckless romance series focusing on Jax, singer and front man for the rock band The Hitchcocks, and accountant Riley Hewitt. This is not a stand alone storyline but one that must be read after Reckless book one. Told from Riley’s point of view (as well as a couple of chapters from Jax) the storyline continues immediately from the events of Reckless.

Jax is a mess. From nightmares to night terrors, flashbacks and more, our hero struggles with his past-a past that controls his present –and a past that has come back seeking revenge. Jax’s fellow band mates know very little about his past but Riley is determined to uncover the truth. When Riley pushes Jax for more information, Jax begins to withdraw, determined to protect Riley from himself-at all costs-even if it means losing the woman with whom he has fallen in love. As Jax’s life spins out of control, everyone will be affected by the fall out.

There are moments of heartbreak and pain for a young man whose earlier years have all but destroyed any semblance of a normal life. Priscilla West brings the reader up close and personal with Jax’s history through flashbacks, memories and dreams that will shatter your heart. Riley is a woman who is driven to save the man that she loves but sometimes it is impossible to save someone-who doesn’t want to be saved.

At this point, I would like to point out, that someone behind the scenes is helping Jax in his recovery and the information or recommendations imparted are questionable on a professional level. I am not sure if the reasoning is accurate but for me it was a bit of a contentious point.

The relationship between Jax and Riley is tested on many levels but none more so than Jax’s continued withdrawal from Riley. The sex scenes are limited; there are issues of trust, fear and letting go.

The world building continues as we follow The Hitchcocks on tour. From backstage to center stage the band members party like there is no tomorrow as they take in the sights and sounds of California. The secondary characters include all of the band members, their manager, and via phone, Riley’s BFF.

FEARLESS is a quick and easy read that ends on a happily ever after, for now. I am looking forward to reading about the other band members if Priscilla is so inclined to bring about their stories. Everyone has some sort of demon in their past but Jax’s demon still has control.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviews by Sandy

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Rock My Body (Black Falcon #4) by Michelle A.Valentine-Review and Blog Tour

Rock My Body (Black Falcon #4) by Michelle A.Valentine-Review and Blog Tour

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Rock My Body
Black Falcon #4
by Michelle A Valentine
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, rock stars
Release Date:November 11, 2014

Rock My Body

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2014

Tyke Douglas is tired of being the glue that holds the hottest band in the world together. If the rest of the guys are out doing their own thing, then why shouldn’t he? He’s about to turn things up a notch and bring a whole new level of crazy into Black Falcon’s world.

Francine Mead is putting her sordid past behind and is determined to help others overcome their demons along side her. The first step in her new life is taking a job as an addiction counselor, where she can mentor others through their struggles. Francine never expected to be lured back into temptation when her first sexy celebrity client, Tyke Douglas walks through her door. The moment she lays eyes on him, she’s in trouble.

Both Tyke and Francine know a relationship between them would be a disaster, but with each session, things continue to heat up, making it impossible to deny the connection they share. Boundaries cross, attractions heighten and both of their willpowers will be tested to the very limit.

Novel centers around Tyke Douglas, bassist of Black Falcon, and is the final book in the series.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCK MY BODY is the fourth full length and final installment in Michelle A. Valentine’s adult, contemporary Black Falcon erotic romance series focusing on the members of the rock group Black Falcon. This is guitarist and song writer Tyke Douglas, and addiction counselor Dr. Francine Mead’s storyline.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Tyke and Frannie) the premise of ROCK MY BODY focuses on Tyke’s spiral into addiction. Feeling ‘left out’ and going nowhere fast, Tyke’s jealousy of his band mate’s happiness turns inward and Tyke finds himself behind bars without any memory of what happened or why. When his fellow musicians send him packing, he decides to take matters into his own hand but winding up in rehab wasn’t on his list of things to do. Enter Dr. Francine Mead-an addiction counselor whose own addiction will be tested when she meets the gorgeous rock star.

The relationship between Tyke and Frannie is very quick to develop-in fact-so quickly that love at first sight is exactly what occurs between our storyline couple. Frannie knows that to get involved with a patient is ethically wrong but their attraction to one another cannot be denied. Not only does Frannie find herself falling in love but it is Tyke who begins to push for something more permanent. That is until someone at the rehab centre has proof that there is more between Tyke and Frannie than a professional relationship. The sex scenes are not romantic or seductive; in fact the sex is spur of the moment and intense because our couple are testing the ethical values of patient and doctor relationship, and time is of the essence so they don’t get caught.

ROCK MY BODY is a fast paced, quick developing storyline that focuses on the relationship between two addicts whose lives begin to spiral out of control. There are moments of heartbreak, anger and painful realization but in the end there is a happily ever after for the last single member of the Black Falcon band. The epilogue fast forwards the series approximately one year where we will get a glimpse into the lives of the members of Black Falcon.

The secondary characters include the members of Black Falcon for cohesion and familiarity, some of the rehab centre employees and patients, as well as a look into Dr. Mead’s family dynamics. Each chapter begins with a reference to a ‘real life’ song and singer; and throughout we find Tyke writing lyrics as they pertain to his life and his growing love for Francine Mead.

Great series. Wonderful characters. Amazing author.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Black Falcon 6 books

Rock the Heart
Rock the Band
Rock my Bed
Rock my World
Rock the Beat
Rock My Body

excerpt

 

 

 

 

I flip through the rest of the links, studying more pictures of Tyke. He’s very easy on the eyes with his tall frame, tan complexion, and light hair. Even though he and Trip are twins, their hair sets them apart, making it very easy to tell the difference between them. The more I stare at the man on my screen, the more addicted I become to his profile. He’s devastatingly handsome, and the thought of how attracted I am to just his mere picture scares the shit out of me.
How am I ever supposed to concentrate on helping this man when he’s my own personal brand of tattooed man-flavored candy? This will prove to be a very difficult task, for sure. The best I can hope for is to find that he’s simply photogenic and absolutely hideous in person.
I close my laptop and set it on my nightstand before I tug my glasses from my face and set them on top of it. I double-check my alarm clock and then snuggle down in my bed after offering up a little prayer that I’ll be able to contain myself tomorrow. If Tyke is the stereotypical bad-boy rocker that he appears to be, I’ll need all the help I can get to keep from jumping his bones and jeopardizing the job I’ve worked so hard to get.

About the Author Black and Orange

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Facebook/ Twitter

Michelle Valentine

 

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

 

 

 

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Rock, Rattle and Roll (Lost in Oblivion 1.5) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Rock, Rattle and Roll (Lost in Oblivion 1.5) by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott-a review

Rock Rattle and Roll

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1 , 2014

Loving in fast forward…

Love on the fast track has been the definition of Harper and Deacon McCoy’s relationship. In between studio sessions with Deacon’s band, Oblivion, and building a new clientele for Harper’s catering business, the newlyweds haven’t had time to sleep let alone have a honeymoon.

Deacon convinces Harper that they need a week alone together before her business as well as a new album and tour swallows them whole. Since Texas has always held special meaning for them, they head to Galveston to recharge and remember what it’s like to just be a couple.

A beachfront cottage, hours of alone time, and plenty of skin on skin action is just what the rock star ordered. Until the future once again comes much quicker than they expected, threatening to crumble not only their perfect honeymoon but also their brand new marriage.

REVIEW: ROCK, RATTLE AND ROLL is the latest novella in Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott’s contemporary, adult, Lost in Oblivion erotic romance series focusing on the band members of the rock band Oblivion. This is the continuing story of Harper Pruitt and bass guitarist Deacon McCoy.

The premise follows Harper and Deacon as they set out on their delayed honeymoon. Harper’s catering business leaves little time for her new husband and Deacon is a man who knows life on the road is about to get much busier.

The continuing relationship between Harper and Deacon is one of sensuality, steamy sex and arousal. There is no stopping Harper while on her honeymoon-her libido is in overdrive and there can only be one explanation-one that she isn’t too happy to find out.

ROCK, RATTLE AND ROLL is a realistic look at two people unprepared for everything life has to offer. Quinn and Elliott pull the reader into a seductive, provocative and emotional storyline. There are moments of intense pleasure and intense anxiety, but through it all Deacon McCoy is a man who loves Harper Pruitt above everything else.

Reading Order
Seduced
Rocked
Rock, Rattle and Roll
Twisted (October 2014)
Destroyed (2015)
Shattered (2015)

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rock Me, Gently by M.J. Schiller-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Rock Me, Gently by M.J. Schiller-Review,Interview and Giveaway

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Rock Me, Gently
Rocking Romance #4
by MJ Schiller
Genre: adult, contemporary, rock stars
Release Date: April 24, 2014

Rock Me Gently

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Like so many others, their romance started in Las Vegas…

He’s a rock star. She’s an ad exec. After almost having a one night affair in Sin City, Josh can’t get Cassie out of his mind. Why had she run out on him?

Like so many others, their romance started with a shot of tequila…

When the Josh Dunningham of Money Back Guaranteed tries to seduce her, Cassie is taken aback. Sure, he’s hot. And he could definitely rock her world. But can she have a fling with a man she doesn’t even know?

Like so many others, their romance turned rocky…

When Cassie returns to Chicago and finds a ten-foot tall Josh Dunningham on a radio station’s banner across from her office, she is tortured by memories of their short time together. When they meet again, things explode—in a bad way—and Josh has to prove himself to Cassie to earn her trust. But will he succeed when outside forces also want to tear them apart? When Cassie receives threatening letters and is attacked in her home, Josh is determined to find out who is behind it. But will the stalker’s encore performance bring an end to their show once and for all?

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ROCK ME, GENTLY is the latest release in M.J. Schiller’s contemporary, adult, Rocking Romance series about the bad boys of rock and roll. Every story is a stand alone and not interconnected. This is Josh Dunningham-front man for the rock group Money Back Guaranteed and advertising executive Cassie McCallister’s storyline.

Told from alternating close third person POV the premise follows the building relationship between Josh and Cassie, and the eventual discovery that someone is targeting Cassie for destruction. Josh and Cassie first met in Las Vegas where Cassie and her friend were in town for a little R&R. Josh is a bit of a man-whore and Cassie was his next intended conquest but Cassie ran before anything could happen. Josh could not get Cassie out of his mind and sets into motion a plan to make Cassie his own.

Josh is the epitome of a rock and roll god-alcohol, drugs and women but something about Cassie pulls at Josh and he intends to discover the who and what of Cassie McCallister. As one band mate considers retirement another considers revenge and uses everything and everyone to get what he wants. Money Back Guaranteed, for all of their success, is a band on the verge of falling apart.

Cassie and Josh’s relationship is tumultuous in the beginning. Cassie has a difficult time trusting anyone with her heart and Josh has a past that considers Cassie expendable and that past sees Cassie as standing in the way. When threatening letters turn to physical violence, Cassie’s safety is compromised by the lifestyle of the man who has stolen her heart.

MJ Schiller pulls the reader into a fast paced, emotional and sometimes humorous storyline of one couple’s journey towards a happily ever after. The secondary characters including friends, family and wanna be’s are colorful, dangerous, and drive a portion of the premise. We get a revealing look at both Josh and Cassie’s background: from emotional childhood drama to their adult successes and failures. No one’s past is without a few skeletons in the closet.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview-Gold

TRC: Hi MJ and welcome to The Reading Café.

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

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MJ SchillerMJ: When not diligently working on honing my craft, I am a lunch lady! No, really! I enjoy it immensely. I get to work with kids and take a nap every day when I get home. What’s not to like? I have been married for over 26 years this June, and have a nineteen-year-old (it pains me to write that number) and three seventeen-year-olds. That’s right, triplets! They will be seniors next year and then off to college at our alma mater, the University of Missouri-Columbia, affectionately known as Mizzou. I’m in a pre-mourning stage for my babies. We will be up frequently for football games. I’m consoling myself with that.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

MJ: Oh, man! So many… I think my dad was a big influence. He was a great storyteller and he always encouraged me no matter what I did in life. I worried that he would be disappointed when I left teaching because he paid for my degree, but he told me that whatever made me happy made him happy. Author Laurie Larsen was also a big influence. She invited me to my first Romance Writers of America meeting and is now my editor!

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

MJ: Umm…I like to karaoke. Yes, I’m one of those. So when I’m not writing about rock stars I’m up on stage pretending to be one!

Rock Me GentlyTRC: ROCK ME, GENTLY is your April 2014 release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

MJ: I had fun with this one! Rocker Josh Dunningham is out for the usual evening of drinking and easy sex. What he doesn’t count on is meeting Midwest advertising exec Cassie McCallister. Downing a shot of tequila he watches a second shot of the golden liquor as it travels down the bar to this beautiful blonde. After that, the poor guy doesn’t know what hits him!

 

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters of ROCK ME, GENTLY which actors, models or musicians best fit your ideal image?

MJ: I would cast the gorgeous Colin O’Donoghue, that hotty Hook (from Once Upon a Time) as Josh. Though tempted to cast his love interest on the show,Jennifer Morrison, since they have great chemistry, she’s not quite right for Cassie. And I’m sure a dead woman would have great chemistry with Colin O’Donoghue. A young Cameron Diaz would be my choice.

TRC: You have written (to date) four non-interconnected storylines focusing on the life and love of a rock musician/musical star. What was behind the decision to not concentrate on one particular group of musicians but a series of unrelated storylines?

Rocking Romance Series

MJ: I’m not sure it was a conscious decision. I wrote TRAPPED UNDER ICE, and then I just couldn’t get the rock star out of my system, and ABANDON ALL HOPE came next. It is a much different book, Chad and Chase are as dissimilar as ketchup and mustard (both condiments, but totally different tastes). All I can say for the next two is I’m a glutton for rock stars. For BETWEEN ROCK AND A HARD PLACE I mixed things up and made the heroine the rock star. I really like how that story turned out. I don’t even know where ROCK ME, GENTLY came from!

TRAPPED UNDER ICE ebook is currently FREE :

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

Click HERE for our review of TRAPPED UNDER ICE

TRC: How many books do you have planned focusing on musicians and their loves?

MJ: Interesting question. My next book out, DAMAGE DONE, is about a musician as well, but he’s not a rock star. He’s a small time rocker playing the bar scene, and it is set in Ireland. It has a whole different flavor to it. It is from my REAL ROMANCE COLLECTION which centers on characters with more standard positions, waitresses, construction workers, EMTs… Another book that I’ll have out next year stars a roadie, so I do seem to lean toward the music scene.

TRC: Are any of the characters or the premise based in reality or a combination of reality and fiction?

MJ: Not this particular book. TRAPPED UNDER ICE was inspired a lot by Nickelback and their music, but ROCK ME, GENTLY is entirely fictional. I guess the closest scene to my real life is the one where they karaoke.

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

MJ: I often have challenges because people tend to look at rock stars with certain stereotypical traits. My rock stars have some of those traits, but they are real people. Josh is no different. He has a family, a childhood, like other people (those might be glossed over in other rock books that concentrate strictly on the rock scene), vulnerabilities… It is also always hard to do the reformed bad boy theme as you risk making them come off so poorly at the beginning that they turn your reader off.

TRC: What are your thoughts on writing a series and ending an installment with a major cliff hanger?

MJ: The only real series I have is coming out later this year. At the close of the first book, there is a definite ending, but just a hint of a problem brewing in the background. The close of the second is similar. It is definitely the end of an era, but still a question of what is to come next. As a reader I guess I’m not very discerning. I like to sit back and let the writer take me where they want to go. I don’t look for flaws and something would have to be blaringly wrong with the book for me not to like it. I might be annoyed with a cliffhanger ending, but not enough for it to leave a bad taste in my mouth. And if the first book was good, I’d look forward to the next for sure.

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

MJ: I think it is pretty much the characters steering the car and I’m just along for the ride.

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?

MJ: As a beginning writer, I struggled with point of view switches. I was heavily influenced by Nora Roberts, who is able to pull them off seamlessly. I’ve come to realize that for the reader to really experience the physical feelings, as well as the emotions of your character, you need to strive for a deeper point of view, stay inside one character’s head longer. I hope that answers your question.

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

MJ: Okay, please don’t tell anybody this, but I haven’t really experienced writer’s block yet. It sounds awful and I dread the day it happens. But I did things a little differently than most. I wrote twelve books, then decided to get serious about my writing and learn more about my craft. As a result, I’ve spent the last several years revising those first twelve and so I haven’t really written anything new in quite some time. To be honest, that worries me a little. Will I be able to get my mojo back when the time comes? It will be interesting…

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

MJ: With my hubby and kids, friends, co-workers, and members of my Romance Writers of America group. I like lots of input.

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

MJ: I’d like to become what I consider a legitimate best-selling author. I’ve hit the list, but only for a couple of hours, so I don’t really consider that being a best-selling author, though some would.

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

MJ: I was a synchronized swimmer when growing up. I competed at the Junior Olympic level, which was the highest level at the time. Since that time, it has become an Olympic event. I have a number of medals in a box high on a shelf in my bedroom closet.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

MJ: I’m just beginning my first round of edits on DAMAGE DONE, the Irish story I mentioned earlier. It is a little bit different than most as it opens with one story, and then jumps to seventeen years later. The first part of the book comes back to tie in at the end.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

MJ: Just that it has been a pleasure to be here. I enjoy The Reading Café and was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk about my work here today!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- cannelloni

Favorite Dessert- chocolate cake

Favorite TV Show- currently, Once Upon a Time. All time, Breaking Bad.

Last Movie You Saw- “Heaven is for Real,” but I really want to see that “The Other Woman” movie. It looks cute!

Favorite Musical Group/Song- Too hard! I’m going to go with Seether, “Fine Again.”

Dark or Milk Chocolate- both! In large quantities!

Secret Celebrity Crush- there is nothing secret about them, I love most of the boys from Once Upon a Time, especially the roguish Hook. And Matthew McFadyen, Mr. Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice.” Oh, and Sawyer, from Lost.

Last Vacation Destination- Panama City Beach, FL

Pet Peeve- just one? Captcha codes, motion sensors on sinks and paper towel holders, people that wait until the last second when lanes are merging and then expect to be let in. Man! That burns me!

TRC: Thank you MJ for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of ROCK ME, GENTLY. We wish you continued success and look forward to many more storylines.

 

giveaway

MJ Schiller is offering the following 3 ebooks (3 winners)

1 Winner-BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

1 Winner-ABANDON ALL HOPE

1 Winner-ROCK ME, GENTLY

TRAPPED UNDER ICE (book 1) ebook is currently FREE :

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

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. LIKE MJ Schiller on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open internationally.

7. Giveaway runs from June 26  to June 30 , 2014

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