Undiscovered (Amoveo Rising #1) by Sara Humphreys-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

UNDISCOVERED (Amoveo Rising #1) by Sara Humphreys-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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UNDISCOVERED
Amoveo Rising #1
by Sara Humphreys
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

Undiscovered

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2017

He’s the man of her dreams
A long time ago, Zander Lorens was cursed to walk the earth stripped of his Dragon Clan powers. Every night, trapped in a recurring nightmare, Zander relives his darkest moment. He can hardly believe it when the dream changes and a beautiful young woman appears. Zander believes she’s the key to ending his torment. Finding her in the real world is one thing, but how will he convince her of who-and what-she really is?

She’s the end to his nightmare
Rena McHale uses her unique sensitivity as a private investigator, touting herself as a “human divining rod” and finder of the lost. By day she struggles with sensory overload, and by night her sleep is haunted by a fiery dragon shifter. Nothing in her life makes sense, until the man from her dreams shows up at her door with a proposition..

••••••••••

REVIEW: UNDISCOVERED is the first installment in Sara Humphreys’ contemporary AMOVEO RISING paranormal romance series-a spin of from her AMOVEO LEGEND series. This is dragon shifter Zander Lorens, and private investigator Rena McHale’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand the story line premise. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Amoveo are an ancient race of telepathic, dream walking shape shifters who hide their identity behind a human façade. If a male Amoveo has not found his mate by the time he has turned thirty, he will begin to lose his ‘animal other’ and live out the rest of his life as human; if an Amoveo loses his or her mate, they will slowly lose the ability to shift and die a lonely death. The Amoveo’s continued war with the Purists finds the Amoveo and the newly discovered ‘hybrids’ seeking refuge at the Royal compound where shifters and their mates are protected from the outside world. Not all shape-shifters are considered Amoveo, some are ancient cousins thought to no longer exist.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Zander and Rena) using present day, dream walking and memories from the past, UNDISCOVERED is the story of family, brotherhood, betrayal and love. For close to 500 years Zander Lorens and his twin brother Zed have been living a nightmare. Cursed to walk the earth without the ability to shift Zander struggles with the reality that his twin is caught between life and death. Hoping to release his brother from a prison not of his making Zander approaches the woman who has starred in his dreams-the dreams he believes will answer his brother’s cries. What ensues is the building relationship between Zander and Rena, and Rena’s struggle to convince Zander that she is his mate.

Rena is somewhat of an anomaly in the human world. With the ability to ‘see’ the past through touch our heroine uses her abilities to as a private investigator. Orphaned at an early age Rena never found the love of a family until a ‘grifter’ from the street taught Rena how to survive. Zander and his brother Zed are the last of their kind but a 500 year old curse threatens to keep the brothers apart for all of eternity and Zander hopes that Rena McHale is the key to solving their problem.

The relationship between Zander and Rena begins as a business arrangement. Zander believes Rena is his brother’s mate, and her presence will bring back the brother with whom he battles in their nightly dreams. There is plenty of sexual tension and frustration, back and forth as Zander struggles with his attraction to the woman he believes is his brother’s mate. The $ex scenes are intimate but limited.

For fans and readers of Sara’s THE AMOVEO LEGEND series you will be happy to know that several characters cross over for familiarity and cohesion including Dante and Kerry, Prince Dominic and his mate Tatiana, William and Layla.

UNDISCOVERED is a story of heartbreak and loss; one family’s struggle to move forward from the past, and one brother’s mistaken belief that he is to blame for his brother’s trauma. The premise is imaginative and intriguing; the characters are colorful, confident and intelligent; the romance is passionate but struggles with our hero’s inability to see the truth. UNDISCOVERED is an engaging tale of destined mates.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Excerpt

When he reached Rena’s office door, he paused for a moment to steel his resolve. There was no denying he was attracted to her, but she wasn’t for him, and it was a fact he had to keep mind; otherwise, history would surely repeat itself.
“I know you’re out there! I heard you coming up the stairs.” Her voice was muffled but welcoming. “Come on in. We have paperwork to deal with.”
Zander balanced the coffee tray carefully and opened the door before quickly stepping inside. His secret hope that she would somehow be less attractive than yesterday was swiftly squelched when he got an eyeful of her. Wearing a well-fitted brown leather jacket, a clingy black blouse, jeans that seemed to be painted onto her rounded derriere, and a pair of tall, black boots, she looked even more desirable than the day before.
He must have stood there staring for longer than was socially acceptable because the look on her face quickly shifted to one of concern.
“What?” She brushed at her blouse and closed the file cabinet drawer. “Did I get something on my shirt?”
“No.” He looked away quickly and adjusted the tray of coffee in his hands.
“You look fine.”
“Gee, thanks,” Rena said with a sigh. “Just the level of awesome I was going for.”
He had insulted her. Perfect. Sure. This was exactly how he wanted to start their journey. Could he be a bigger asshat? Rena must have been asking herself the same question because she gave him the side eye before opening the folder in her hands.
“Please, sit down.” She slipped into the chair behind her desk and gestured to the seat across from her. “I have the forms you need to fill out a—”
“Black, right?” Zander placed the cardboard cup on the desk along with the bag and sat in the chair across from her. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted for breakfast, so I got a couple of options. There’s a chocolate doughnut, a bagel, and in case you’re one of those non-carb eaters, I threw in some beef jerky and a cheese stick.”
“Thank you,” Rena said slowly.
She stared at the coffee for a few seconds before finally picking it up. Her energy signature rippled as her fingers curled around the cup and those big, brown eyes widened slightly. He had obviously surprised her. Good. He liked knowing he could ruffle her tough exterior. This was a woman who tried to act like she had it all together, and for the most part, she probably did.
Zander blew on the steaming cup in his hands and tried to hide a satisfied smirk. Rena studied him warily and opened the lid, peeking at the liquid inside before closing it up again.
“You did say you take your coffee black, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” The word fell from her lips slowly. “Thank you.”
She glanced in the bag and, to his great delight, pulled out the chocolate doughnut and proceeded to take a big bite.
“That’s really flipping delicious,” she said around a mouthful the pastry.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It’s refreshing to meet a woman who isn’t afraid to indulge in something sweet or worried about getting fat.”
He liked women with curves. It gave a man something to hold on to, and Rena McHale certainly had a body he would—
What the hell was he thinking?
Zander cleared his throat and sat up straighter in the chair. Rena was about to take another bite, but the doughnut hovered in midair and she gave him yet another look that told him he was an idiot.
“I’m not saying you need to watch your weight. I just meant that—”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“I’m sorry if I offended you. I’m not great with people and I put my foot in my mouth a lot.”
Why was he bringing her coffee and breakfast anyway? He should stick to business and keep the pleasantries to a minimum. Trying to be nice was only making it awkward between them.
“Then you and I should get along great,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not one to beat around the bush. I prefer being direct.”
“Yeah, I noticed.”
Rena’s intelligent eyes peered at him above the rim of her cup and she took another sip. Zander stilled as she studied him wordlessly. A surge of heat flashed in his chest as he held her gaze, and even though he wanted to blame it on the hot coffee, he knew that would have been a lie. There was no denying that she stirred something inside him, a deep, primal urge to claim her and mark her as his, but he also knew it was not to be.
Not if he wanted to free his brother.

About The author

FOLLOW: Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/

Sara HumphreysSara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.

In 2013 Sara’s novel UNTAMED won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters.

Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in New York with their 4 boys. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Trouble Walks In (The McGuire Brothers 2) by Sara Humphreys-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

TROUBLE WALKS IN (The McGuire Brothers #2) by Sara Humphreys-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Trouble Walks In Banner

TROUBLE WALKS IN
The McGuire Brothers #2
by Sara Humphreys
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Trouble Walks In

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 2, 2016

Big city K-9 cop Ronan McGuire loves women, loves his dog, loves his job – but when old flame Maddy Morgan moves into his jurisdiction, he can’t think about anyone else.

Ronan knows she’s way out of his league, but he’s determined to help Maddy live life to the fullest.

Maddy has immersed herself in work and swiftly made a name for herself in the hot New York City real estate market. She’s looking for safety, not love, but Ronan McGuire is as persistent as he is sexy, and his crooked smile is hard to resist. But all other concerns are wiped away when Maddy goes missing and Ronan and his bloodhound K-9 partner are tasked with finding her and bringing her home.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TROUBLE WALKS IN is the second installment in Sara Humphreys’s contemporary, adult THE MCGUIRE BROTHERS romance series. This is K-9 unit police officer Ronan McGuire, and real estate agent Maddy Morgan’s story line TROUBLE WALKS IN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary although for backstory I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ronan and Maddy) TROUBLE WALKS IN is a friends to lovers trope that focuses on the building relationship between real estate agent Maddy Morgan, and police officer Ronan McGuire. One year earlier Maddy’s long-time boyfriend Rick was killed on the job (Brave the Heat), so our heroine took off for New York hoping to leave the memories and grief behind only to find herself getting reacquainted with Ronan McGuire-a friend from back home and a man who has loved Maddy from afar. What ensues is the slow build of a relationship between friends, and the investigation into a serial killer targeting high-end real estate agents.

For months the relationship between Maddy and Ronan has never gone beyond their weekly run and coffee but Ronan wants something more with Maddy as he has pined after our heroine for a number of years. Maddy believes to enter into a romantic relationship is a slap in the face to Rick, and isn’t willing to cross the ‘invisible’ line from friendship to love. As the holidays approach, Ronan convinces Maddy that to spend time alone is tragic, and makes plans to take the next step in their building relationship. Maddy Morgan is a successful, independent woman who struggles with the continuous mixed signals from the man with whom she is falling in love. Ronan’s love for Maddy never waivers in the face of her ongoing grief and inability to let go of the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic without the over the top graphic sexual imagery.

TROUBLE WALKS IN has a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gavin and Jordan (Brave The Heat #1), parents Carolyn and Charles McGuire, as well as the remaining McGuire siblings-Tristan, Dillon and Finn. We are introduced to several of Maddy’s co-workers and boss; Ronan’s K-9 partner Bowser, and his superior officer who is determined to help Ronan find a relationship interest.

The world building continues to focus on family and friendship as well as the search for a serial killer who is targeting real estate employees. Throughout the story, several suspects begin to emerge and Maddy’s self-imposed isolation makes her a perfect target. The perpetrator is easily deduced early in the story line.

TROUBLE WALKS IN is a story with a little bit of romance, intrigue, suspense and fun. The premise is entertaining, amusing and dramatic; the characters are passionate and confident; the romance is sensual and passionate. TROUBLE WALKS IN is an entertaining read with great family dynamics and palpable sexual energy.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-BRAVE THE HEAT

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

“If you don’t behave and stay off this ankle, you won’t get your ice cream. As fate would have it, you just happen to have my favorite flavor, and I might go in there and eat it all up.”
“Lots of people like mint chip,” Maddy said quickly. “Besides, you’re not the boss of me. It’s my life, Officer McGuire, and I’ll have ice cream for dinner if I want to. So there.”
“Your life, huh?” Ronan arched one eyebrow and loosened his hold on her calf, lightly trailing his fingers over the exposed flesh. “If you ask me, you haven’t been doing much living since you moved here.”
“What are you talking about?” Maddy stilled, and her cheeks turned pink.
“This apartment is more like a showroom than a home.” Ronan adjusted the bag of peas and leaned his elbows on the edge of the couch. He shrugged. “It looks like you’re never here, but I know that’s not true. If you aren’t working or out jogging with me on a Saturday morning, you’re holed up in here like a hermit. You’ve been here for over a year, but this place barely looks lived in.”
“Hey!” That feisty spirit was back, and fire burned in those blue eyes. “I am not a hermit. I am the top-performing real estate agent in the most successful real estate agency in this city despite having to deal with a staff of people who sometimes act more like children than functioning adults. Take last night, for example. I was supposed to be training one of our newest hires on how to run an open house, and the little blond dingbat never showed. No text. No phone call. Nothing. I have a full plate, McGuire.”
Ronan stilled. Blond? The girl they had found in the park this morning was blond. She had no ID on her, but she was likely in her early to midtwenties, and based on the clothing she had left on her body, she was corporate. Not a pro or party girl, but a woman who had been at work or planning to go to work.
A knot of dread curled in his gut. The detectives had said the crime scene looked eerily similar to Lucille Bowman’s. He must have been looking at Maddy funny because she had stopped talking and was staring at him with a puzzled expression.
“Hello?” She snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Are you listening to me? If you’re going to insult me, the least you could do is let me rant at you a little.”
“I’m sorry.” Ronan shook his head. “I was thinking about work.”
Damn it. He’d deliberately been avoiding any discussion of the woman in the park, but the topic was the undeniable elephant in the room. Silence settled between them, and Maddy folded her arms. Ronan let out a frustrated breath and looked past her to Bowser who was oblivious to it all, having fallen asleep on the floor in front of the door.
So much for guard-dog duty.
“Is that why you’re giving me a hard time about living? Because of the girl in the park?” Maddy’s voice shook. “Because don’t think for one second that I don’t know how fragile life is, okay? Believe me, I know. Life can change in an instant. One minute everything is normal and you’re arguing about what to watch on television or what to make for breakfast in the morning…and the next…”
When he turned his attention back to Maddy and saw one tear fall down her cheek, he cursed under his breath. Without thinking about it, Ronan reached out and cradled her face with one hand, then swiped the tear away. Her eyes were closed, a fan of dark lashes resting on fair skin beneath them, and those full pink lips quivered.
“Ah, Maddy,” Ronan whispered. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. His voice was gruff and strained, full of emotions he didn’t quite have a name for yet. “I’m sorry. Look, sometimes I can be an insensitive asshole. Chalk it up to growing up in a house full of boys. But I’m worried about you. It’s like you’re hiding from the whole world…but please, don’t hide from me.”
When Maddy didn’t open her eyes, Ronan settled his forehead against hers. She sucked in a shuddering breath and curled her hands around his wrists. For a second he thought she was going to push him away, but she didn’t; she held him closer instead. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed that way, nose to nose, heart to heart. No words were spoken, and yet he felt more connected to her than to anyone else in recent memory.
He flicked his tongue over his suddenly dry lips before brushing them over hers. A breathy sigh mingled with a needy whimper escaped her luscious mouth and the sound drove him wild. But Ronan fought for restraint. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.
Her lips reminded him of plums, soft and sweet, and he reveled in the sensation as they melded with his. Maddy tangled her fingers in his hair, and he groaned when her tongue sought entrance, pushing into his mouth gently but eagerly. Ronan tilted her head, taking control of the kiss, and dove deep. She sat up and he moved with her, wanting to savor every bit of contact while still being mindful of her ankle.
Maddy sighed into his mouth as her hands slipped beneath his jacket and shirt. When her fingers splayed over the flesh of his lower back and dipped beneath the band of his running pants, all of the blood rushed from his head to other parts of his anatomy. His body started screaming for more—more of her touch, more of her taste—but his brain told him to slow the hell down. Emotions were running high for both of them. If they took this too far too fast, whatever this thing was between them could get snuffed out before they had a chance to explore it.
She was vulnerable, so taking it any further right now would be a shitty move. Ronan broke the kiss and pulled back, her face cradled between his hands. Her heavily lidded eyes were glazed with the unmistakable air of lust, and her lips were swollen from his kisses. Maddy tried to kiss him again, but he held her mouth a mere inch from his.
Her brow furrowed and confusion flickered across her face.
“What’s wrong?” she said through heavy breaths. “I thought this was what you wanted.”
“It is,” he rasped. “But I don’t think—”
The shrill ring of the cell phone in her pocket cut him off. Even if it hadn’t, the annoyed look in Maddy’s eyes would have put an end to things. She let out a curt laugh and removed the phone from her jacket before pulling away from him.
“You surprise me, McGuire. I never thought that you, the big stud I’ve heard about all these years, wouldn’t close the deal.” She pressed her phone to her ear and leaned against the cushions. “Maddy Morgan speaking. How can I help you?”
Ronan rocked onto his heels before rising to his feet. She avoided looking at him, but he couldn’t miss the irritated expression on her face. Great. He was screwing things up at every turn.
He ran both of his hands over his face and strode to the windows while Maddy took her call. Something about an appointment tomorrow and scheduling or rescheduling. The woman even worked on Sundays. Did she ever stop and breathe, or even take a moment to enjoy in the view from her own apartment? He pulled aside the drapes with one hand and looked out. The city was beautiful from up here. The windows overlooked the West Side and gave a partial view of Central Park.
Yup. It was easy as hell for her to hide up here, and why wouldn’t she? Had anyone tried to stop her? Ronan glanced over his shoulder at her. The flush from their encounter still lingered on her cheeks, and in that moment, he decided enough was enough. She’d had the opportunity to grieve and regroup—plenty of it—but it was time to change things up.

About The author

FOLLOW: Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/ TSU

Sara HumphreysSara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.

In 2013 Sara’s novel UNTAMED won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters.

Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in New York with their 4 boys. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys-Promotion and Giveaway

Trouble Walks In by Sara Humphreys-Promotion and Giveaway

Trouble Walks In promo

TROUBLE WALKS IN
The McGuire Brothers #2
by Sara Humphreys
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Trouble Walks In

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

Big city K-9 cop Ronan McGuire loves women, loves his dog, loves his job – but when old flame Maddy Morgan moves into his jurisdiction, he can’t think about anyone else.
Ronan knows she’s way out of his league, but he’s determined to help Maddy live life to the fullest.

Maddy has immersed herself in work and swiftly made a name for herself in the hot New York City real estate market. She’s looking for safety, not love, but Ronan McGuire is as persistent as he is sexy, and his crooked smile is hard to resist. But all other concerns are wiped away when Maddy goes missing and Ronan and his bloodhound K-9 partner are tasked with finding her and bringing her home.

Trouble Walks In trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUZVuXZovYQ&feature=youtu.be

Excerpt

 

“I told you that I’d be there and I meant it.” Maddy Morgan pressed the iPhone harder against her ear. She attempted to block out the sounds outside her office door while her best friend pestered her to within an inch of her life. “I’m your maid of honor, for heaven’s sake. What? You think I’m gonna bail after everything you and Gavin have been through? Hell, no!”
“Okay, well you can’t blame me for double checking, can you?” Jordan hesitated, her voice on the other end of the line with concern. “We’ve hardly spoken and, I mean, you haven’t been home since…It’s been over a year and…”
Maddy stared out the window that overlooked the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and sucked in a deep breath, her friend’s unfinished thought hanging in the air. She nibbled her lower lip and fought the sudden unexpected swell of emotion. It had been fifteen months since Rick died, and a full year since she had been back to the town she had always called home.
At least she had until recently.
“I know,” Maddy said quietly.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and refused to cry. She’d cried enough at Rick’s funeral and the weeks following. No more tears. If Rick were here, he would tell her to put on her big girl panties and get on with life.
“I’m not missing your wedding,” she said firmly. “Jeez, Jordan. You and Gavin have waited sixteen years to finally get hitched. Hell, you two would have gotten married last Christmas if it weren’t for me.”
“That’s not true,” Jordan said firmly.
“Bull,” Maddy laughed.
“Okay, well it wasn’t the only reason,” Jordan laughed. “Gavin’s parents wanted to throw us a huge Christmas wedding and four months wouldn’t have been enough time to pull it all together. Deciding to wait a year has been a win-win. My future mother in law had plenty of time to do her thing and we all had time to properly grieve for Rick. But I’m still worried about you…”
“I’m fine, Jordan and I promise—I’m gonna be there to witness your dream coming true.”
“Okay, but—”
“No buts.”
“Yo, Maddy.” The increasingly irritating voice of Chris Drummond shot into the room as he barged in. “That blonde, the Brenda chick—are you gonna to take her out to an Open House this weekend or should I? And what about those newlyweds? I know you’ve been slammed. I could take them out to see the new listings if you want.”
“Hang on, Jordan,” Maddy said tightly.
She covered the phone with her hand and leveled an irritated gaze at her colleague. She knew that Terrence, the owner of the realty house, had hired Drummond because he had an amazing reputation for selling and one of the best portfolios in the business, but he was a letch. A letch that thought anyone with boobs wanted him. Maddy had learned a long time ago that big talent usually meant even bigger egos.
Unfortunately, this talent was also turning out to be an asshole. She had already reported him once to Terrence for inappropriate advances on the young women in the office. Big talent or not, she was getting tired of him and his misogynistic bullshit. And lately there had been attempts to steal her clients.
“Did you happen to notice that my door was closed?”
“Yeah.”
He leaned in the doorway with his casual arrogance. Tall, slim, well dressed, and always perfectly coiffed, he was considered good looking by most. But the air of entitlement he wore like a cloak was a turn-off as far as Maddy was concerned. Besides, she would never date a colleague.
“I’m on a call.”
“Right.” He jutted his thumb over his shoulder. “Anyway, should I take that Brenda chick out and uh…show her the ropes? We could take the newlyweds, the uh…”
“The Bartholemews,” Maddy finished for him. “No. I can handle my client list. Thank you.”
“Fine, then let me take Brenda out.”
The smarmy smile on his face gave Maddy pause. He’d been hitting on the assistants, who were savvy New Yorkers and more than capable of handling themselves, but now he was moving on to the young realtor. Brenda was a recent college grad from the mid-west. She was pretty, smart, and naive.
A prime target for a guy like Drummond.
“No,” Maddy said firmly. “Terrence asked me to handle her training. Thank you and please close the door on your way out.”
His smile faded and a hard cold look settled in his eyes. Maddy had moved up the ranks quickly since joining Cosmopolitan Realty House and her rise didn’t go unnoticed by Drummond. He hated not being number one but she suspected that being second to a woman was a bigger insult.
“Sure thing,” he murmured.
Drummond left but neglected to shut the door. Maddy crossed the room, pausing only to tell Sharon, her assistant, to hold her other calls before she closed her door once more.
“Sorry about that, Jordan.” She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window and grimaced before running one hand through her unruly brown curls. “I’m coming into town a week before the wedding so I can help you with whatever you need. Y’know…all that bridesmaidy kind of stuff. I mean, I’m not a real girly girl, but it’ll be fun to hang out. And tell Gavin he better not try to horn in on our girl’s night out. It might only be the two of us, but there’s a no-boys-allowed rule in effect for that event.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that,” Jordan said through a chuckle. “All four of his brothers are coming in early as well. From what I hear, Ronan has quite the bachelor party planned. Speaking of Ronan, why don’t you two ride back to Old Brookfield together? I mean, you’re both in the city and he is the best man.”
“Yeah, that’s not gonna happen. I’ll take my own car, thank you very much. I’m staying at the Old Brookfield Inn and Ronan will be at his parents’ house, obviously.” Maddy’s eyes narrowed and the smile on her face grew. “Your matchmaking scheme hasn’t worked, Jordan. But I’ll give you and Gavin an ‘A’ for effort.”
“What are you talking about?” Jordan asked with feigned innocence. “When you moved to the city last year, Gavin merely suggested that Ronan should look out for you. He’s been a cop there for over a decade. Besides. I heard through the McGuire brother grapevine that you two have been going running on the weekends, so Ronan can’t be all bad.”
Nope. That was half the problem. He was exactly the right kind of bad.
They had been going jogging in Central Park almost every weekend for the past several months but Maddy had made it clear from the start: she wasn’t interested in dating. Not him, nor anyone else. Friends? Sure? Romance? No way.
Her heart couldn’t take another turn through the shredder. Dating a cop, just because he also happened to be one of the sexiest men God ever put on this earth, would not be a smart move.
Besides, Ronan had a reputation as a total ladies’ man.
Not that she could blame any woman for taking a ride on that handsome train. When he flashed that lopsided grin and his bluish-green eyes crinkled at the corners, it took superwoman strength for Maddy to not drop her panties. He was a combination of mischievous little boy and irresistible alpha male—a deadly pairing.
Ronan McGuire was wickedly sexy. The worst part was, he knew it.
“Well, yeah,” Maddy said quickly. She sat at her desk and spun the chair so she could see the rest of the world. Living and working in this city made her feel like a rat in a cage sometimes. “Running around, getting sweaty and panting in the cold is not exactly dating, Jordan.”
“Sweaty and panting sounds promising,” Jordan teased.
Maddy’s face flushed. “That’s not what I meant.” She quickly added, “I was talking about Bowser.”
“Sure,” her friend said slowly. “Sure you were.”
“You know Ronan doesn’t go anywhere without that dog. Speaking of which, are you prepared to have a drooling animal at your wedding?”
“Oh fine, change the subject,” Jordan sighed. “Any chance I can talk you into coming for Thanksgiving?”
“Sorry, babe. I’m slammed.”
“Then how about staying for Christmas? The wedding is on the 23rd. Come on. Please? The girls would love it,” she said, referring to her two adorable daughters. “You’re going to be here for a week, so what’s a couple more days? You said they were closing your office between Christmas and New Year’s anyway.”
Maddy had never been part of big family holidays and that had been fine by her, but the pleading tone in Jordan’s voice was starting to make her rethink her decision.
“You know the holidays were never a big deal for me, Jordan. My mom hated celebrating it after my dad died and then once she was gone, I didn’t really want to. And besides,” she added quickly, “Rick and I never even got a tree or anything. He was always working and so was I.”
“I know but I hate to think of you alone in that big city on Christmas. Again. It’s bad enough you wouldn’t come last year. Please think about it?”
“I’m hosting a huge New Year’s Eve party for my clients—it’s at my apartment.”
“You could leave on the twenty sixth and still be back in plenty of time to be party ready,” Jordan persisted. “I’m sorry but I’ll have to call bullshit on that reason. You and I both know your assistant has got the whole shindig already tied up and ready to go.”
Jordan was right. The party was a lame excuse not to spend the holiday with them. Besides, it was all being catered and the invitations had been sent. What did Maddy really have to do other than show up and schmooze? And what was here for her on Christmas? She didn’t even have a cat or a fish to feed.
Ugh. She felt more pathetic by the second.
“Okay,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “I’ll think about it. Jeez. When did you become such a nudge?”
“Since I had two children and learned that being a nudge can sometimes be quite effective.”
A knock on Maddy’s door sent a flicker of irritation up her back. But when she spun around, Sharon’s tear-stained face stopped her cold.
“Girl, I have to go.” A knot of dread curled in her gut. “I’ll see you in a few weeks. Give Gracie and Lilly a kiss from Aunt Maddy.”
Maddy hit end and set the phone on her desk. Her legs felt like Jell-O as she rose to her feet. Sharon was still weeping while she closed the door behind her, and before it shut Maddy saw two of the other agents in the office crying.
“Sharon, what is it?”
“Th-they found her.”
“Who?” Maddy asked shakily, her fingertips pressing into the mahogany desk. But she knew the answer before Sharon said it.
“Lucille Bowman.” The young woman swiped at her eyes and let out a shuddering sob. “She’s dead.”

 

 

About the Author

FOLLOW: Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/ TSU

Sara HumphreysSara Humphreys is the award-winning author of the Amoveo Legend series. The third book in the series, Untamed, won two PRISM awards: Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. The first two novels from her Dead in the City series have been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award. Sara was also a professional actress. Some of her television credits include A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me. She loves writing hot heroes and heroines with moxie, but above all, Sara adores a satisfying happily-ever-after. She lives in New York with Mr. H., their four amazing sons, and two adorable pups. When she’s not writing or hanging out with the men in her life, she can be found working out with Shaun T in her living room or chatting with readers on Facebook. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Sara’s publisher is offering a paper copy of BRAVE THE HEAT book one in her McGuire Brothers series to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

Brave the Heat

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The Good, The Bad, and The Vampire by Sara Humphreys-Review

THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE VAMPIRE (Dead in the City #4) by Sara Humphreys-Review and Book Tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2016

He wants eternity?

Dakota Shelton is a vampire cowboy with a penchant for cinnamon lollipops and Johnny Cash. Though highly skilled and deadly dangerous to his enemies, he’s still a Texas good ol’ boy at heart. And he has that heart set on wooing Trixie LaRoux-the most badass punk rock chick in town-the old-fashioned way.

Over her undead body…

Trixie is tough as nails and sharp as a silver stake-the last thing she wants is a man to sit on a porch and not grow old with. So it’ll take going to hell and back fighting a new threat to vampires before she admits Dakota’s courtship makes her blood hum. Turns out chivalry’s not dead after all.

••••

REVIEW: THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE VAMPIRE is the fourth installment in Sara Humphreys’ contemporary, adult DEAD IN THE CITY paranormal romance series-a spin off from her Amoveo Legend series. This is vampire and Presidium sentry/ cowboy Dakota Shelton, and bartender/ snarky vampire Trixie LaRoux’s story line. Trixie is Maya’s sister, whom we met in book two-VAMPIRE TROUBLE. THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE VAMPIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dakota and Trixie) THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE VAMPIRE focuses on the building relationship between Dakota and Trixie, as well as the hunt for a missing child, and the re-emergence of a supernatural power long thought extinct. Dakota and Trixie are bloodmates unaware of their fated coupling. Although the attraction between them is immediate, Trixie continues to push Dakota in the opposite direction while she endeavors to keep secret a part of her past that is easily deduced by the reader. When Dakota discovers Trixie’s hidden agenda, our couple come together to search for the truth, and the whereabouts of a small child that is close to Trixie’s non-beating heart.

The relationship between Dakota and Trixie is one of immediate attraction but Trixie denies that any chemistry exists. Trixie is a woman who keeps too many secrets and doesn’t want anyone to know about her late night travels, and where it is she goes. Dakota is a cowboy; a former Texan whose vampire lifestyle and history of killing could very well place him in danger when his entire past is revealed. While Dakota and Trixie search for a missing child, Dakota’s past resurfaces from the grave seeking vengeance and retribution. Both Dakota and Trixie have pasts mired in secrets, sins, darkness and betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and erotic.

Most of the previous story line couples play a secondary and supporting role including Trixie’s sister Maya and her mate Shane, as well as the Presidium Czars Olivia and Doug. We are also introduced to a species not previously mentioned in the series-I am wondering if Sara plans another spin off or will entwine these new characters into the current series.

The world building continues to focus on the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, witches and more-a world that must be hidden from the human population, but a world that is growing with every installment and character introduction. THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE VAMPIRE ventures into new territory-Texas to be exact-and the possibility of a new paranormal series.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE VAMPIRE has a little bit of everything: love, lust, romance and $ex; heartbreak, betrayal and deceit; supernatural elements; and a happily every after. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are colorful, charismatic and animated; the romance is a push and pull between two people whose past lives have control over their present. Sara Humphreys adds another fascinating element to her paranormal series of stories and romances.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Reading Cafe
The Reading Cafe
The Reading Cafe
The Good, The Bad, and the Vampire

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

Dakota Shelton, the newest sentry for the Presidium, the vampire government, was not an easy man to ignore.
His six foot two inch broad shouldered frame towered over her easily but there was something else about him that set her on edge. It was the way he carried himself. He moved effortlessly and casually, as if he was just the good-old boy from Texas he claimed to be.
But Trixie knew better.
He was a sentry, a member of the elite vampire police force, and he was anything but good. Beneath that easy breezy charm lurked an executioner who could kill her, and anyone else nearby, in the blink of an eye. Dakota was deadly, stealthy, and full of swagger and that was probably why she found him undeniably attractive.
She never could steer clear of dangerous men.
If Trixie La Roux had one talent in this shitty crazy world, it was picking the wrong guy. As a human, her poor choices in men constantly got her into trouble. When Olivia had found her in the abandoned subway tunnels of Manhattan, Trixie had just had her heart stomped on by yet another guy. He’d betrayed her, thrown her away and tossed her aside like she was nothing.
Men lied.
They did and said anything to get what they wanted.
They made promises that were never kept.
In the end she was always alone.
Abandoned.
Worthless.
She was powerless…until she became a vampire.
Once Trixie was turned, she slipped easily into the strength and independence that came with immortality. Being a vamp was clear and uncomplicated. There was no guesswork about how to navigate the world and better yet, there was no addiction. She had finally been freed of the drugs that had kept her prisoner as a human.
She refused to be addicted to anyone or anything ever again.
“So what’s in the box, darlin’?” He inched closer. “I bet it’s real nice.”
“Quit calling me that, would ya?”
“Why?” His grin broadened. “What would you prefer? Sweetie pie? Honey bee? Or maybe, sugar?”
“As if!” Trixie snorted with a laugh. In spite of how sexist it was to call her or any woman by pet names, she was surprised to find herself amused. Coming from him it seemed kind of…appropriate. “How about if you try using my name? Like, I totally have one, thank you very much. Jeez, get with the program, cowboy. Don’t you know that it’s chauvinistic to refer to a woman with names like that?”
“Come on, now,” he sighed. “I’m just bein’ my normal self, is all, Miss Trixie.”
“Not Miss Trixie,” she said with waning patience. “Trixie. Okay? Like, just plain old Trixie.”
“Girl,” he said through a laugh, “you are anythin’ but plain.”
“And you are anything but normal.” She chuckled and sliced a sidelong glance in his direction. “Sally.”
“Why are you always lookin’ to pick a fight with me?” Dakota asked, stopping in front of the Czars’ apartment door. “Were you this feisty as a human?”
“I guess you’ll never know.” Trixie stuck her tongue out at him. “I’m all vampire and being feisty is totally my thing, man.”


 

About The Author

FOLLOW: Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/ TSU

Sara HumphreysSara Humphreys is the award-winning author of the Amoveo Legend series. The third book in the series, Untamed, won two PRISM awards: Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. The first two novels from her Dead in the City series have been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award. Sara was also a professional actress. Some of her television credits include A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me. She loves writing hot heroes and heroines with moxie, but above all, Sara adores a satisfying happily-ever-after. She lives in New York with Mr. H., their four amazing sons, and two adorable pups. When she’s not writing or hanging out with the men in her life, she can be found working out with Shaun T in her living room or chatting with readers on Facebook. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Brave The Heat (The McGuire Brothers 1) by Sara Humphreys-Review and Book Tour

BRAVE THE HEAT (The McGuire Brothers #1) by Sara Humphreys

Brave the Heat

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 1, 2015

The only fire he can’t put out…

Jordan McKenna is back in town, and Fire Chief Gavin McGuire’s feelings when he sees her after all these years are as raw as the day she left. Then he was just a kid wearing his heart on his sleeve. Now he spends every day trying to atone for the tragedy he couldn’t prevent.

Is the torch he carries for her…

Jordan’s life has not exactly worked out the way she expected. A divorced mother of two with a failed acting career, Jordan’s biggest concern about coming back to Old Brookfield was seeing her first love. But when a series of suspicious fires breaks out, Jordan and Gavin realize that dealing with the sparks between them may be the least dangerous of their problems.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BRAVE THE HEAT is the first installment in Sara Humphreys contemporary adult The McGuire Brothers romance series focusing on the McGuire brothers from the fictional town of Old Brookfield, New England. This is Fire Chief Gavin McGuire, and divorced mother Jordan McKenna’s second chance storyline.

Told from dual third person perspectives BRAVE THE HEAT focuses on the rebuilding of a relationship between Jordan and Gavin-two people whose lives were destroyed fifteen years earlier when Jordan walked away and never looked back. Following her divorce, with her two young daughters in tow, Jordan returns to Old Brookfield and the past that has all but haunted her life. Knowing Gavin is now the Fire Chief wasn’t a surprise, but the pain and hurt in his eyes, was more than Jordan could bear.

Gavin have never stopped loving Jordan McKenna. For fifteen years he has constantly thought about the one that got away; the whys and the what fors; never once coming close to understanding the reasons why Jordan ran without saying goodbye. Jordan’s return to Old Brookfield reawakens lost emotions and needs for Gavin but also for the woman he has never forgotten. But Gavin’s need to pursue Jordan will be placed on hold when an arsonist puts a plan into action forcing Gavin to walk away when yet, another loss, adds to Gavin’s already heightened sense of guilt and betrayal.

The relationship between Gavin and Jordan has already been established; BRAVE THE HEAT is a second chance romance for two people whose lives changed the day Jordan ran and never looked back. In fifteen years neither one took the opportunity to contact one another or rekindle the friendship, and it is the loss of time that hurts the most. The romance is seductive without the over the top graphic sexual content.

We are introduced to the secondary and supporting characters including Gavin’s brothers: Ronan, Tristan, Finn and Dillon; their mother Carolyn and father Charles who are about to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary; and Jordan’s best friend Maddie, along with her fire fighter boyfriend Rick. Several townsfolk play a role throughout the story including one that is both frightening and deadly. Jordan’s ex husband makes a cameo appearance but his storyline fizzles without resolution.

The world building focuses on the relationship between Jordan and Gavin, and Jordan’s return to her home town but it also looks at the fires threatening a small town and its people. The McGuire family is a well to do and well loved family in Old Brookfield, and it is their history that the local school principal likes to remember and reminisce.

BRAVE THE HEAT is an entertaining, engaging and fun read. The premise is intriguing and impassioned; the characters are colorful, family oriented and spirited; the romance is emotional and intense. Sara Humphreys writes a passionate tale of second chances, friendships and loss.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

BraveTheHeatQuoteGraphic

Guest Post

Men in Uniform by Sara Humphreys

Who loves a man in uniform? ME!!! I also love a band of brothers and that’s why I simply had to write The McGuire Brothers series. These five sexy bros are all men in uniform and they are as devoted to each other as they are to their jobs. When the guys introduced themselves to me (I know that sounds weird but that’s kind of how it feels when the characters come to life in my head) one of the first things they told me about themselves was which uniform they wore.

Gavin, the hero in Brave the Heat is the oldest and the fire chief in their hometown. Ronan, the second born, is a K9 officer in New York City and a die-hard ladies man. His longest relationship, outside of his family, is with his partner, a bloodhound named Bowser. Tristan is the middle son, and admitted bad-boy. A former Navy SEAL, he is now freelancing as a gun for hire and bodyguard. The twins, Finn and Dillon, are the youngest of the bunch. Finn is an armed first responder in Miami and Dillon is an Air Force pilot but is on leave due to PTSD.

What I love most about these heroes-and all men in uniform-is their unwavering commitment, fiercely protective nature, and a clear sense of right and wrong. They are devoted to family and their mission-whatever that may be. All uniforms are sexy, except for maybe the UPS or mailman gear. If you find a hot mailman or UPS guy…please share.

To celebrate the release of my McGuire Brother series, I’m here to count down my fave men in uniform from movies and television:

1. Ryan Kwanten in True Blood: I know his character was a hapless dope and the fact that he became a Deputy was…ironic. BUT he did look great in his cop uniform. And out of it.

2. Keanu Reeves in Speed: He didn’t exactly wear a uniform but he did play a cop. And a damn fine sexy one too.

3. Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon: What I loved most about Riggs was how damaged he was by the loss of his wife. The man was totally devastated and clung to the shredded remnants of his sanity. What saved him? Love. But not the love of a woman. It was the love of the Murtaugh family that brought him back from the brink.

4. Timothy Olyphant in Justified: One word. Sexy. Dead freaking sexy. The boy has a stride that will make a woman blush. Seriously. All he has to do is walk…and I’m hooked.

5. Russell Crowe in L.A. Confidential: Granted, Crowe’s character didn’t really wear a uniform but he did wear a badge. He might have taken some ethical liberties but it was all in the name of righting wrongs and getting the bad guys.

Gavin, and all of the McGuire brothers, wear their uniforms proudly and like most men in service, they are as devoted to their families as they are to their duties. I think it’s that quality which stands out above all the rest-devotion. Isn’t that what all of us want? We want to be loved, cherished, and protected and no one does that better than a man in uniform.

about the author

FOLLOW: Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/ TSU

Sara HumphreysSara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.

In 2013 Sara’s novel UNTAMED won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters.

Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in New York with their 4 boys. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Vampires Never Cry Wolf (Dead in the City 3) by Sara Humphreys-Review and Book Tour

Vampires Never Cry Wolf (Dead in the City 3) by Sara Humphreys-Review and Book Tour

VampiresNeverCryWolfTeaser

Vampires Never Cry Wolf
Dead in the City 3
by Sara Humphreys
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: March 3, 2015

Vampires Never Cry Wolf

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2015

Sadie Pemberton is the DJ at the hottest vampire club in New York City, and she loves her freedom almost as much as she hates werewolves. She has no desire to tie herself to anyone for eternity—even the deliciously sexy Killian Bane—werewolf prince and heir apparent who has been sent to patrol the city.

But Sadie bears the mark of the moon—the mark that Killian has been looking for, the mark that’s meant to reveal his perfect mate. How can the fates be so cruel? Even more importantly, how is he ever going to change her mind?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: VAMPIRES NEVER CRY WOLF is the third installment in Sara Humphreys’s adult, contemporary Dead in the City paranormal romance series. This is heir to the werewolf throne Prince Killian Bane, and vampire Sadie Pemberton’s-owner of the supernatural nightclub The Coven-storyline. We were first introduced to our leading couple in the previous storylines. Although VAMPIRES NEVER CRY WOLF is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information and history are revealed where necessary.

Told from alternating third person points of view the storyline follows Sadie and Killian’s building relationship as well as uncovering the identity of the person threatening Killian’s up and coming New York nightclub- The Loup Garou. As heir to the throne, thirty year old Killian must find a mate before his thirty fifth birthday but something about Sadie pulls at Killian’s heart. He has always dreamed about a beautiful woman with the ‘mark of the moon’ but mating with a vampire is forbidden-until the moment Killian sees a moon shaped scar on Sadie’s shoulder. What ensues is Killian’s pursuit of Sadie and Sadie’s need to push Killian away. Finding one’s bloodmate means losing the psychic connection with everyone in her family and coven. Sadie fears the loss of contact with her sire and progeny.

The relationship between Sadie and Killian is a story of forbidden love. Killian is immediately attracted to Sadie and pursues the woman under the guise of gathering information for his, as yet, unopened nightclub. Sadie knows that to drink from a werewolf is forbidden but her need increases with the bloodmate bond that ties our couple together. The sex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense.

Meanwhile, threatening letters against Killian and his club continue to pile up. When the latest note threatens physical violence, Killian and Sadie take matters up with the Presidium (ruling supernatural council) and an investigation unfolds into the who and why. It is not until Killian’s father goes missing does the need increase to put an end to the intimidation and menace.

The secondary and supporting cast includes the previous storyline couples -New York Coven Czars Doug and Olivia, and Maya and Shane, as well as Sadie’s friends and coworkers from ‘The Coven’. We are introduced to Killian’s guards Ivan and David, as well as a woman who believes she is Killian’s intended mate. Killian’s father is a bit of a surprise-not only is the man the most powerful in the werewolf kingdom but he knows a thing or two about love and finding one’s mate.

The world building continues to draw on the nightlife of The Coven; the vampires, the shifters and their tempestuous relationship. The waters are tepid; the alliance is on shaky grounds but the mating between Sadie and Killian may be the glue that holds everything together.

Sara Humphreys pulls the reader into a fascinating, complex and imaginative world of the supernatural.The writing style is engaging with a compelling and enjoyable plot-supernatural politics just became a little more confusing. Her stories will entertain, compel and arouse the curiosity in every lover of the paranormal romance. Sara’s stories are always a pleasure to read.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

Sadie forced herself to look Killian in the face, and the instant she did, she knew
it was a colossal mistake. His eyes looked like pools of liquid gold, and she could
swear he saw straight through to her very soul. A growl rumbled in his chest and
Sadie gasped. His eyes flickered and shifted into the glowing amber eyes of his
wolf. The sudden and instinctive change was a glaring reminder of who he was…who
they both were.

In a remarkably steady voice, Sadie whispered, “Last night should never have happened.”

“The only thing about last night that shouldn’t have happened was the way it ended,”
Killian rasped.

Sadie stilled when his large hand cradled her cheek. Despite her best efforts to
resist him, her body quivered uncontrollably as he surrounded her in every way a
person could be surrounded. When the heat of his palm seared against her skin, a
needy moan escaped her lips. She sagged against the stack of boxes. Desire curled
inside her like smoke, and regardless of the litany of warnings that ran through her
head, Sadie’s hands found their way to the front of Killian’s shirt. She grasped the
fabric, still warm from the heat of his body, and pulled him closer. The evidence of
his desire pressed against her hip, and images of him in all his naked glory came
roaring back into her mind. Sweet Jesus, the man had a body that looked like it had
been hand carved by the gods themselves.

“Is that so?” Sadie pulled his shirt loose from his jeans and slipped her fingers
underneath before trailing them along the hard planes of his stomach. Arching one
eyebrow, she held his heavy-lidded gaze and unsheathed her fangs. “How do you
suppose it should have ended?”

“The same way it should end every night from now on,” he growled. Killian slid both
hands into her long hair. Sadie shivered when his fingertips grazed her scalp. He
pressed his hips against her before slipping his thigh between her legs. Sadie
gasped with pleasure as he put pressure on just the right spot, and when a moan
escaped her parted lips, a cocky grin emerged on his. Killian tightened his grip on
her hair and leaned in so his mouth was just a breath away. “Every single night
should end with me buried deep inside you.”


 

 


series spotlight

Tall, Dark and Vampire
Dead in the City #1
by Sara Humphreys
Genre: paranormal, romance, adult, contemporary
Release Date: August 5, 2013

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

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TALL, DARK and VAMPIRE

RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2013

The last person Olivia Hollingsworth expected to see at her Greenwich Village vampire club was her one true love, Doug Paxton—whom she believed to be dead for centuries. Olivia thought she had moved on, but when Doug reappears, her heart knows she’d rather die than lose him again.

Ever since Doug can remember, a red-haired siren has haunted his dreams. He never thought she could be real until he goes to investigate a murder at Olivia’s night club. However, as the bodies keep piling up at her feet, he must fight to prove her innocence—even if it costs him his life…

_____________________

Vampire Trouble
Dead in the City #2
by Sara Humphreys
Genre: paranormal, romance, adult, contemporary
Release Date: July 1, 2014

Vampire TroubleClick HERE for Sandy’s review of VAMPIRE TROUBLE

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

Shane Quesada, a four-century old vampire sentry, is known for cold, unemotional precision when hunting rogue vampires.

Maya Robertson is a youngling vampire who will not be controlled—and to prove it, she rejects Shane’s protection—only to find herself in over her head with an alpha werewolf.

Soon, a war between the coven and the werewolf clan ignites, and Maya and Shane flee to Louisiana, where their passion for each other grows—as does Maya’s power. When she finds herself at the center of the conflict, will she finally trust Shane with her life—and her heart?

about the author

FOLLOW: Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/ TSU

Sara HumphreysSara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.

In 2013 Sara’s novel UNTAMED won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters.

Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in New York with their 4 boys. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Unbound (The Amoveo Legend 5.5) by Sara Humphreys-Review and Release Day Blitz

Unbound (The Amoveo Legend 5.5) by Sara Humphreys-Review and Release Day Blitz

Unbound

ebook ONLY .99¢ Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / itunes /

About the book: Release Date January 6, 2015

The forces that bind them can also tear them apart…

Zachary McKenna is a warrior shapeshifter from the Lion Clan, trying to catch a break in the sun and surf of Mexico. Mai Tais and scantily clad beach beauties are just what he needs after his last battle. But the fun doesn’t last long before a beautiful young woman is mugged on his doorstep and Zach is pulled right back into the fray.

Zach has no idea of the danger Annabelle has unwittingly brought to his doorstep, until he discovers that losing her will almost certainly destroy him.

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNBOUND is the latest installment and novella in Sara Humphreys’s adult, contemporary The Amoveo Legend paranormal romance series .

SOME BACKGROUND: The Amoveo are an ancient race of telepathic, dreamwalking shape shifters who hide their identity behind a human façade. If a male Amoveo has not found his mate by the time he has turned thirty, he will begin to lose his ‘animal other’ and live out the rest of his life as human. The Amoveo’s continued war with the Caedo family and the Purists finds the Amoveo seeking refuge at the Royal compound where shifters and their mates are protected from the outside world. This is Lion Clan shapeshifter Zachary McKenna and Annabelle’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ storyline.

Still in recovery from their recent battle with the Caedo family, twenty five year old Lion Clan shifter and guardian Zachary McKenna is in need of some R&R but dreams of what can only be described as his reluctant mate have Zachary hoping that the tales about Amoveo’s and their soul mates are untrue. Zachary is an Amoveo warrior and a man who loves many women, and in this he hopes to spend his down time in Mexico for a little sun and sex. What Zachary had never expected was to find his mate the victim of a robbery and a woman who hides her true identity and her past.

The attraction between Annabelle and Zachary is immediate. Our couple recognize one another from their dreams but Annabelle continues to keep Zachary at arm’s length. Annabelle has a secret; one that could harm her building relationship with Zachary, and in this Annabelle believes to keep Zachary safe, it is best if they separate for good. Zachary knows that Annabelle is his mate; their psychic connection is strong. Annabelle’s own powers are becoming stronger but she is a woman who refuses to accept the inevitable.

UNBOUND is a fast paced, erotic romance novella about two unlikely lovers that does not end on a happily ever after but a happily ever after-for now. The predominant focus of the storyline is Annabelle and Zachary’s building relationship, and the secret that Annabelle refuses to reveal. The reader is very much aware of Annabelle’s secret and the impending threat to the Amoveo, but it is Annabelle’s refusal to acknowledge the threat that places Zachary and the shape shifters in immediate danger. When the Caedo family track Zachary and Annabelle to Mexico, Annabelle will sacrifice herself to save the man with whom she has fallen in love. The secondary characters include a few of the previous storyline shifters as well as Annabelle’s father and controlling family.

The Amoveo Legend series is intense, provocative and emotional. The male shifter knows that his time is limited-without a mate, he will lose his ability to shift and spend his remaining years as a human male. There are moments of passion and staggering wonder in a world controlled by man-a world full of jealousy and hatred against a shapeshifting species whose only sin is to be different.

READING ORDER
Unleashed
Untouched
Undenied
Untamed
Undone
Unclaimed
Unbound

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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about the author

FOLLOW:  Website /Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads/ TSU

Sara HumphreysSara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.

In 2013 Sara’s novel UNTAMED won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters.

Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in New York with their 4 boys. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit her Website.

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Vampire Trouble by Sara Humphreys -Review, Interview and Giveaway

Vampire Trouble by Sara Humphreys-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Vampire Trouble
Dead in the City #2
by Sara Humphreys
Genre: paranormal, romance, adult, contemporary
Release Date: July 1, 2014

 

Vampire Trouble

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Shane Quesada, a four-century old vampire sentry, is known for cold, unemotional precision when hunting rogue vampires.

Maya Robertson is a youngling vampire who will not be controlled—and to prove it, she rejects Shane’s protection—only to find herself in over her head with an alpha werewolf.

Soon, a war between the coven and the werewolf clan ignites, and Maya and Shane flee to Louisiana, where their passion for each other grows—as does Maya’s power. When she finds herself at the center of the conflict, will she finally trust Shane with her life—and her heart?

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: VAMPIRE TROUBLE is the second instalment in Sara Humphreys’ contemporary, adult Dead in the City paranormal romance series that is a spinoff from her popular Amoveo Legend series. This is four hundred year old vampire Shane Quesada and youngling vampire Maya Robertson’s story. Maya was first introduced in book one Tall, Dark and Vampire. Because of the Amoveo Legend crossover, many of the secondary characters will be familiar to readers of Sara’s other series.

The focus of the storyline is on Shane and Maya’s building relationship as well as the slowly evolving war between the werewolves and the New York Coven. One werewolf in particular has targeted Maya for extermination and Shane has been ordered to guard Maya with his life. Finding themselves secluded in Louisiana, Maya will discover that she is much more than a youngling vampire and the wolves are determined to end her life. A gypsy woman will begin to uncover the truth about Maya’s past and it is a past that has followed her to the Bayou.

The relationship between Shane and Maya is tepid and volatile. Shane has been attracted to Maya in a way that can only be explained through DNA but Maya’s attitude, anxiety and acidic personality are something that only a bloodmate would find appealing. As the storyline builds, so too does the relationship that will find our couple fighting for their lives as well as their love. The sex is sensual, passionate and arousing but Shane’s love for Maya may not be enough to keep our couple safe or together.

The world building continues from book one with the inclusion of many of the previous storyline characters including the New York Coven czars Doug and Olivia and a number of the Amoveo Legend vampires, shifters and supernatural powers. Sara does an amazing job crossing over and the blending between the two series with the familiarity of many names, places and powers.

VAMPIRE TROUBLE is a seductive storyline where two vampires will find love and a happily ever after. Sara Humphreys writes an intelligent, inventive and spirited series where the impossible seems possible and the improbable has already began.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Interview
Sara HumphreysTRC: Hi Sara and welcome back to The Reading Café

Sara: Thank you! I’m so excited to be here 🙂

TRC: Congratulations on the release of VAMPIRE TROUBLE –the second book of your Dead in the City paranormal series.

Tall Dark and VampireWhen last we talked –August 2013-you had just released the first installment in the Dead in the City series- TALL, DARK AND VAMPIRE. How were the book and series received by the readers?

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Sara: I was thrilled to see so many of my Amoveo Legend readers go right to the new vamp series and welcome it with open arms. It was also a great way to connect with new readers. So far so good!

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of VAMPIRE TROUBLE?

Sara: Sure! Maya is a vamp bartender at The Coven, the hottest Goth nightclub in NYC that is run by a coven of vampires. Maya Robertson is a youngling vampire who was turned only five years ago. Her only clear memory of her human life is the night she was turned. Raped and beaten, her maker, Olivia, found her in an alley behind the nightclub and turned her. Maya relives the attack every day in her dreams. To mantain some sens of control, she hunts human men who look like her attacker but never kills them. She feeds on them and toys with them the way a cat would with a mouse. Let’s just say, the girl has some issues.

Vampire In Trouble July 2014Shane Quesada is a four hundred year old vampire sentry and an elite soldier for The Presidium, the vampire government. Nothing rattles him. Until he meets Maya and is unexpectedly pulled into her nightmares. Vampires stop dreaming about ten years after they are turned, so when Shane finds himself in the dreamscape after centuries of leaden slumber, he knows Maya is more than just a random youngling.

When a pack of werewolves comes to the city unannounced, Maya finds herself in over her head. The impulsive and tempestuous little vamp causes her share of trouble but let’s just say that Shane is there to help her navigate her increasingly dangerous future.

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

Sara: It was important to make Maya likable because in TALL, DARK, AND VAMPIRE (DIC #1), she wasn’t particularly popular. She’s kind of a pain in the ass and a bit of a spoiled brat but in this book readers get to find out why Maya is the way she is. Also, due to her violent past, I wanted to be sure she was empowered by Shane but not dependent upon him. It was challenging to find that balance.

UnclaimedTRC: UNCLAIMED was the December 2013 release in your Amoveo Legend series. What do you have planned next for the series?

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Sara: In February 2015 we will be releasing UNBOUND. It’s an Amoveo Legend novella featuring an Amoveo Guardian named Zachary. Readers met him in UNCLAIMED and his story is a bit different from all the others. I don’t want to give too much away but it has a Romeo and Juliet vibe…but with a happy ending. I also have two other Amoveo Legend novels planned, one of which is Steven’s story. He’s become a fan favorite and the poor guy got put through the ringer, so he definitely needs his HEA.

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

Sara: I’m okay with cliffhangers in romance as long as it’s not about the hero and the heroine. The readers deserve to see the hero and heroine get an HEA even if it’s an HEA “for now”. That being said, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to have background characters involved in cliffhangers.

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

Sara: I start with an overall path in mind but more often than not, the characters tell me where to take them.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Sara: My husband has been my biggest cheerleader from day one and if it weren’t for his support, I wouldn’t be doing this for a living.

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

Sara: I love to read and I’m a movie junkie. When I turn in a book, I treat myself and go to the movies alone in the middle of the day. It’s awesome.

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

Sara:
1. Improve my writing. Every book should be better than the last.
2. Make the NYT and/or USA Today Bestseller lists.
3. Publish my YA series–Daughters of Heaven and Hell.

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

Sara: I’m not telling. That’s why few people know about it 😉

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Sara: BRAVE THE HEAT. It’s book one in my first contemporary romance series, The McGuire Brothers. Look for it next July.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Sara: Just to say thank you…I’m so very lucky to do what I do for a living.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Song

At the moment….The Sound of Sunshine.

Favorite Musical Group

The Eagles

Last Movie You Saw

Constantine

Last Book You Read

Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler

Last Vacation Destination

New Orleans for #RT14.

Pet Peeve

Mean people. They suck.

TRC: Thank you Sara for taking the time to answer our questions. It is always a pleasure catching up with our favorite authors.

giveaway

Sara and her publisher are offering a paper copy of VAMPIRE TROUBLE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. 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 Sara Humphreys on Twitter

6. Giveaway is open to USA/Canada only.

7. Giveaway runs from July 17-July 22 , 2014

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