Rumor Has It / Picture Perfect (Limelight Series 1 & 2) by Elisabeth Grace-reviews

Rumor Has It / Picture Perfect (Limelight Series 1 & 2) by Elisabeth Grace-review

Limelight Series

PICTURE PERFECT
(Limelight #2)
by Elisabeth Grace
Genre: contemporary, adult, erotic, romance
About the book: Release Date April 3, 2014

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

PIcture PerfectBeing the daughter of a big-city mayor, twenty-one year old Skye Summers has giant shoes to fill in her first real job out of college. With the public spotlight on her family, and her dad’s expectations running high, she jumps at the chance to work side-by-side on an important project with her sexy new boss.

Playboy entrepreneur Landon Steele has built a successful entertainment PR firm and broken more than a few hearts along the way. He’s counting on his enthusiastic new assistant to help him expand his business into LA… until he discovers she’s a pampered rich girl who’s in the public spotlight as much as his famous clients. Still, he agrees to give her a chance, and soon the two are heating up the bedroom as well as the boardroom.

But when Skye’s ex-boyfriend threatens to reveal a dangerous secret from her past, her job, relationship with Landon, and her father’s career are suddenly all on the line. Will she be forced to leave Landon? Or will she pursue her heart, regardless of the cost?

***Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: PICTURE PERFECT is the second instalment in Elisabeth Grace’s contemporary, adult Limelight erotic romance series. This is twenty one year old political socialite Skye Summers and billionaire entrepreneur Landon Steele’s storyline. Although it is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.

The premise of the storyline follows Skye Summers as she embarks on a new job in the prestigious PR firm owned by Landon Steele-a man she met once on a previous occasion and a man she could not forget. Working for the beautiful and sexy Landon Steele is the perfect position for Skye but their attraction to one another is palpable and forbidden. When Skye’s ex boyfriend demands a do over, Skye will be caught between what she knows is right and what she believes she has to do to protect everyone that she loves.

The relationship between Skye and Landon is one of forbidden love-Landon is Skye’s boss but their attraction and need for one another overrides their sense of right and wrong, and they agree to keep their relationship a secret. As the storyline builds, so too does their love but Skye’s ex has a plan that will ensure that Skye walks away leaving a heartbroken Landon to pick up the pieces of his heart and a business deal that is about to go horribly wrong.

The world building pulls together the business of public relations in world of entertainment and politics; social media and its’ poisonous touch; and a friendship between friends that is the only constant in a young woman’s life that is about to be turned upside down.

The secondary characters include Skye’s ex boyfriend; bad boy actor Calder Fox-the hero of book three in the Limelight series- Collateral Damage; Skye’s BFF Ellie and Mason from book one in Rumor Has It; Skye’s loving family and friend Katie; and Landon’s broken family and the mother for whom he has worked to get to where he is today. Each of these characters imparts a small bit of history and present day color.

Elisabeth Grace writes a sensual and seductive story where the reader will root for the forbidden love of a workplace romance; where the boss falls hard for his assistant knowing that to risk his heart also means to risk his soul. The reader is pulled into a wonderfully, sexy storyline that is intimate and provocative; emotional and intense; passionate and erotic.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

______________________

RUMOR HAS IT
(Limelight #1)
by Elisabeth Grace
Genre: contemporary, adult, erotic, romance
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2, 2013

***THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE***

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

Rumor Has ItAll publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one little problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.

The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason’s celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…

***Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: RUMOR HAS IT is the first instalment in Elisabeth Grace’s contemporary, new adult LIMELIGHT romance series. This is hip-hop star Mason Nash and media graduate Ellie Wagner’s story. Working a secretarial job at a local real estate office in Virginia, Ellie’s boss demands that she head over to the beach front mansion where the latest renter has misplaced the key. What Ellie never thought was to find herself falling through the bathroom window at the feet of a gorgeous man with beautiful eyes.

The focus of the storyline is on the building relationship between Ellie and Mason. Never having been a fan of hip-hop music, Ellie has no idea who or what is Mason Nash but a trip to Texas to visit Mason’s mother will show Ellie the truth. Along with Mason’s fame come the usual paparazzi, intrusive questions and a team of people who have no need for Ellie in Mason’s life.

The relationship between Ellie and Mason is one of instant attraction, romantic seduction and quick to develop. Mason is only in town for a month of R&R but as the end draws near Mason wants Ellie in his life for a much longer time. Behind the scenes there are people hoping to pull Mason and Ellie apart and with a few well placed clues, Ellie will find herself alone and wondering where it all went wrong.

The secondary characters are colorful and plenty including Ellie’s friend and co-worker Katie and her BFF Skye-Skye’s story will be told in the next instalment. We are introduced to Mason’s manager whose motives are questionable from the very start; and a few of the people who work behind the scenes in the music industry. Both Mason and Ellie’s dysfunctional families will play a role in their lives and we will see how their interaction has shaped the people they are today.

Elisabeth Grace pulls the reader into an emotional storyline-Ellie and Mason both had unstable childhoods –where betrayal and hurt were all a part of growing up; and where trust must be earned and never assumed. In this, trust is a major issue within the storyline where both Ellie and Mason must learn to let go of the past.

RUMOR HAS IT is a story where social media can either make or break a star; where the paparazzi and rumor mongers work hard to destroy what is left of one’s faith in humanity; and where love ever lasting may only be as real as the reality of TV and music.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Rumor Has It – Jill Shalvis Blog Tour, Review, Interview & Giveaway

Rumor Has It – Jill Shalvis Blog Tour, Review, interview & Giveaway

rumor has it banner
Rumor Has It
Animal Magnetism Novel
By Jill Shalvis
Release Date: November 5, 2013

9780425255827_large_Rumor_Has_ItLinks to order Rumor Has It:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

Review:

Kate Evans takes care of everyone’s needs, except her own.  Since her mother’s death, she has taken care of her dad, little sister and little brother.  Even though she doesn’t live in the same house as they do, she dutifully goes there every morning to make sure everyone has what they need to survive their day. Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis begins with her making an emergency stop at a store en route to her dad’s house early one morning.  Upon her exit, she trips and falls.  And who walks up to help?  Her best friend Holly’s brother, Griffin Reid.  Kate’s had a crush on him for years.  Maybe time helped that crush fade.  Nope, not a chance.
 
Griffin Reid came back to Sunshine for his sister’s wedding to his best friend, Adam.  He’d been back a few times over the years, but he honestly thought that Sunshine had nothing to offer him.  He and his dad, Donald, never say eye to eye and Grif couldn’t get out of Sunshine fast enough.  He enlisted when he turned 18 and never looked back, until now.  He’d been injured in an IED explosion and could no longer continue in the military that had become his life.  So, his plan was to come back, attend his sister’s wedding and head out.  Funny thing about plans. They don’t seem to always work out the way you expected………
 
This is the first book that I’ve read by Shalvis, but I can tell you that it will NOT be my last.  She does a masterful job of character building.  In a short time, you feel like you’ve known these characters forever.  And, Kate was spectacular!  Her love of her family was very endearing, but her love of science will have you rolling.  Seems that when Kate gets nervous, she starts spouting random science facts, at the most inopportune times.
 

The first contraceptive was crocodile dung,” she whispered.  “The Egyptians used it in 2000 BC.”

You say the sexiest things,” he said, and gently sank his teeth into her earlobe.
 
You also fall in love with her family, namely her little brother Tommy, who dresses in superhero costumes daily.  Grif and his family are well written as well.  Not only is Grif drawn to Kate, but he’s also drawn to Tommy, which will just make your heart melt.
 
And, just to make it interesting, there’s a huge revelation concerning Grif and his family that sends him reeling, and running.  Will he stop running long enough to figure out that he belongs with Kate?  Will he figure out that he does belong in Sunshine?  Well, of course he will.  This is, after all, a romance novel.  But the journey will cause you to shed a tear, or two……….or a hundred!!  When he and his father finally have a heart to heart?!  Good Lord!!
 

For me, Rumor Has It has just the right amount of family, romance and hotness.  If you’re looking for a great read, you’ll not go wrong with this one!!  I definitely look forward to the next installment!!


Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

about the author
Jill Shalvis

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jill Shalvis is the award winning author of over four dozen romance novels, including her sexy contemporary and award winning Lucky Harbor series (FOREVER AND A DAY was one of Amazon’s Top Romances for 2012). She won a Rita for SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE and is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner as well. Make sure to click on the blog button above for her daily blog where she recounts her Misplaced City Girl adventures.


interviewWe’d like to give Jill Shalvis a warm welcome to our blog today!  Jill is the bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including her upcoming sexy contemporary romance RUMOR HAS IT, book four in the Animal Magnetism series set in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho.  Jill is known for stories that are sexy, fun and full of heart.  The 4-time Rita nominee and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe.  Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog.

Q:  Can you tell our readers a little bit about the Animal Magnetism (Sunshine, Idaho) series, and where your inspiration came from? 

A:  I’ve always wanted to write a series where I could incorporate cute animals.  Cute animals and sexy heroes together, who can resist that.  So I came up with a series about a set of wildly alpha brothers running an animal center in Sunshine, Idaho at the base of the Bitteroot Mountains. 

Q:  What is your favorite thing about writing this series? The sexy men, the heroines, or the animals?

A:  All of the above, but okay, let me admit the truth – the combination of hot guys and adorable animals is pretty much irresistible for me.

Q:  What do you think makes romance readers and the romance community so strong?

A:  I think what makes the romance community so strong is that romance readers are awesome.  They’re loyal and dedicated and always so willing to help support our community by talking about the books and making it okay to read whatever you want, may that be straight contemporary, romantic suspense, erotica, whatever.  I love that.  As far as having a strong presence, that is an accidental cause of working alone most of the days out of the year.  Reaching out to romance readers and writers via social media is just a really great way to not always be alone.  🙂

Q:  Are contemporaries your favorite genre to read as well as to write? If so, can you give our readers some of your favorite recommendations? 

A:  Yes, though I love to read everything, across all genres.  Heck, I’m happy reading the back of a cereal box.  But as for my recommendations in the contemporary genre, you can’t go wrong with Robyn Carr, Kristan Higgins, Carly Phillips, Susan Mallery, Lori Foster, Rachel Gibson…

Q:  Do you think reading romance makes us expect more from our own romantic partners? What effect do you think romance has on those that read it?

A:  We’re writing fiction.  Not nonfiction.  But made up stories, fantasies really.  I’m not writing “How To Have A Hot Romance.”  Or “How To Train Your Significant Other Into Being A Perfect Mate.”  I’m writing a fictional tale.  I think our readers are sharp, and are well aware and capable of knowing the difference between a pat Happily Ever After and real life.  If I can provide someone with a fantasy, a little escape from her reality, then I am considering it a job well done. 

Q:  You write so many wonderful contemporaries, how do you keep each novel fresh and exciting?

A:  Keeping it fresh is a constant battle, and I struggle with that daily.  I just love writing, and this genre, and work hard to do the job so I can keep doing it and pleasing readers.  Also, I find that stalking neighbors and friends, and being extremely nosy about their personal lives and conflicts is very helpful.  🙂

Q:  What’s your advice for a first-time pet owner?

1. Read up on your pet, on the specific breed.
2. Be patient.
3. Be patient.
4. Be patient.  🙂
5. Oh, and if there’s training issues?  Chances are it’s you, so revisit #1.

Q:  The interactions shared between you and Alpha Man always entertain; what is a recent “He Said, She Said” between you and Alpha Man that we may not have heard yet?

Me:
What are you eating?

Him (mouth full):
Nothing

Me:
It smells like Oreos.

Him:

Me:
Are you … eating Oreos? I thought we were out of cookies!!

Him:
There’s only four left.

Me:
I need two.

Him:
I’ll give you one.

Me:
No! You can’t eat just one cookie!!! There’s a rule!!!

Him:
Show me the book where this rule lives.

Me:
I’LL WRITE YOU THE $%#!#$!@ book, give me a second cookie and no one gets hurt!

Him:
Is it possible that you need something to go with that cookie?

Me:
Milk?

Him:
I was thinking Midol…

Q:  Your friendship with Kristan Higgins and your friendly battle for “Man Wars” has become infamous.  Why do you two connect so well?

A: I think our chemistry translates well because it’s genuine.  You can’t fake a real friendship.   We connect on lots of levels, such as competing for readers (kiddin!), and because we’re both raising aliens—er, teenagers.

Q:  What’s next for Jill Shalvis?

A:  If you read RUMOR HAS IT, you may notice a new vet is working at Belle Haven. Dr. Wyatt Stone.  He and his two sisters, Darcy and Zoe,  are each going to get their own story next year. :

 



Giveaway-Purple-White

Jill and The Penquin Group have graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a copy of Jill’s new release, Rumor Has It.

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

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

3.  Giveaway open to U.S.Only

4.  Contests runs from October 30, to November 3, 2013

 

 

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