Misadventures of a Biker by Scott Hildreth-Review Tour

Misadventures of a Biker by Scott Hildreth-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 19, 2020

Devin “Bone” Wallace is fresh out of prison and under orders from his parole office to find employment or be re-incarcerated. He’s not exactly a “people person” and he’s got zero computer skills, but that doesn’t stop him from applying at one of the most prestigious real estate firms on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

High-end real estate broker Tedi Mack’s main focus is selling eight-figure beachfront mansions. In desperate need of an office receptionist, she interviews three bubblegum-chewing twenty-somethings and a stunningly handsome tattooed biker who wears his wallet on a chain. Tedi and her all-woman sales staff make a very quick decision: Devin the biker.

After Devin makes a recommendation about a listing that’s been a thorn in Tedi’s side, the property sells, and the celebration leads to an unexpected connection. The attraction is undeniable and hard to resist, but Tedi would be risking her social and professional status being with Devin, a tattooed biker saddled with debt and a surprising criminal past.

Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.

••••••••

REVIEW: Misadventures of a Biker begins with Devin Wallace fresh out of prison and needing a job desperately. If he fails to secure employment, he will head back to prison. Devin has also been ordered to stay away from his motorcycle club. He has applied for several but keeps getting turned down. He sees that a real estate firm is needing, of all things, a receptionist. He enters and finds one of the employees, Kate, and says he’s there to apply for the job. It only takes a minute for Kate to realize he’s serious and when she finds out he has experience in construction management, she pretty much hires him on the spot.

When Tedi Mack, the owner of the firm, comes into the office, she is not pleased about the new hire. Kate assures her that Devin is just what the firm needs. The attraction between Tedi and Devin is almost immediate, but Tedi holds herself in check. They hold a staff meeting a few days later and when Tedi dismisses Devin’s input, he shuts her down immediately. To his surprise, Tedi backs off.

Kate had an ulterior motive in hiring Devin: she knows that he is just what Tedi needs in her life. Having been played in her previous serious relationship, Tedi has guarded her heart ferociously. However, when Devin helps her sell a property that could make or break her, Devin lets his attraction be known, only to back off, which leaves Tedi confused, and frustrated, more than ever. The two of them eventually become a couple of sorts, only to wonder if this can really work. Add to that the fact that Devin wants to rejoin his MC and you’ve got a recipe for broken hearts.

Misadventures of a Biker is another nice addition to the Misadventures series. The characters are relatable and well written. Tedi’s backstory, once revealed, gives you the insight as to why she is so guarded at first. Devin’s imprisonment was a sham from the beginning and endears him to the reader. The secondary characters are well written for the most part. The banter between Devin and his roommate, Herb (who is also an old family friend) is funny at times, but if I’m being honest, it’s also a little over the top, but doesn’t take away from the story. If you’re a fan of the genre and this series, you’ll find this a good read. Well done, Scott Hildreth!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Scott Hildreth is an international bestselling author. He has published more than fifty novels (both traditionally and independently) and has every intention of writing many more.

His preferred careers of being a biker, military hero, mafia boss, boxer, vigilante, and tattoo artist will always be favorites, but as writing has become a full-time gig, he must live vicariously through the characters in his books who share his admiration for these professions.

He resides in Naples, Florida with his wife and children.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScottDHildreth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottDHildreth/

Website: http://www.scotthildreth.com/home/

Amazon Author page:https://www.amazon.com/Scott-Hildreth/e/B00EJNZICE

 

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I’d Give Anything by Marisa de los Santos-a review

I’d Give Anything by Marisa de los Santos-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 12, 2020

Ginny Beale is eighteen, irreverent, funny, and brave, with a brother she adores and a circle of friends for whom she would do anything. Because of one terrible night, she loses them all—and her adventurous spirit—seemingly forever. While the town cheers on the high school football team, someone sets the school’s auditorium ablaze. Ginny’s best friend Gray Marsden’s father, a fire fighter, dies in the blaze.

While many in the town believe Daniel York, a notoriously troubled local teen, set the fire, Ginny makes a shattering discovery that casts blame on the person she trusts most in the world. Ginny tells no one, but the secret isolates her, looming between her and her friends and ruining their friendship.

Over the next two decades, Ginny puts aside her wanderlust and her dreams. Moving back to her hometown, she distances herself from the past and from nearly everyone in it. She marries a quiet man, raises their daughter, Avery, and cares for her tyrannical, ailing mother, Adela. But when Ginny’s husband, Harris, becomes embroiled in a scandal, Ginny’s carefully controlled life crumbles, and, just when she believes she is regaining her bearings, the secret she’s kept for twenty years emerges and threatens to destroy her hopes for the future.

With the help of fifteen-year-old Avery and of friends both old and new, Ginny must summon the courage to confront old lies and hard truths and to free herself and the people she loves from the mistakes and regrets that have burdened them for so long.

••••••

REVIEW: I’d Give Anything starts off with an entry from Ginny Beale’s journal from 1997 about her and her best friends, Kirsten, CJ and Gray: the forever four. The passage shows how the group of kids were living their lives and how close they were. She and Gray were a couple and things were easy for them all. Or, as easy as things could be for kids in high school, until Gray makes a surprise admission which changes his life forever and directly impact’s Ginny’s.

However, one night, after a football game, a fire was set in the school’s auditorium and Gray’s father was killed in the blaze. Once Ginny makes it home, she overhears a conversation between her brother and her hard-lined mother that changes everything for Ginny.

Twenty years later, Ginny is at the grocery store where she encounters one of her husband’s co-workers and discovers that her husband has been fired due to some kind of scandal. Ginny is not convinced at first. But, when she confronts her husband about the supposed scandal, her world crumbles once again. She visits her mother, Adela, who is a fixer of sorts and also has cancer. She’s high-profile and even though Ginny doesn’t always agree with the things Adela has done, she knows that she has to talk to someone. When Adela starts strategizing out loud, Ginny puts a stop to it. Even though Ginny worries about her daughter Avery having to deal with the scandal, Adela’s plan does not set well with her.

Ginny is still best friends with Kirsten and eventually tells her what’s going on. As Ginny navigates her new reality, Kirsten asks her to host an engagement party for her and her fiancé. The only drawback is that she wants CJ and Gray there as well, whom Ginny hasn’t talked to in almost twenty years. Kirsten also wants Ginny’s brother there. Even though the two of them have been somewhat estranged for years, Ginny gives in as she will do anything for Kirsten and the party planning begins.

In the meantime, Ginny has made a couple of new friends at the dog park and has become close to Daniel. The two of them finally admit their attraction to each other and Ginny invites him to the party. He politely declines, but does offer to come over afterwards to help clean up.

They have the party and even though Ginny is a little uncomfortable, she does enjoy herself just like everyone else. When the party ends, Daniel and Ginny are cleaning up. Someone knocks on the door and Ginny sees it’s her brother. She lets him in and when Daniel enters the same room, her brother is not happy and Daniel leaves. When she and her brother talk, she finds out that everything she thought was true was the farthest thing from the truth. And, once she delves into what DID happen, to say their worlds are rocked would be an understatement.

I’d Give Anything is a brilliantly written book, although I have to be honest. I had a hard time with the first few chapters and thought about stopping. I’m so glad I didn’t. Once you get used to the journal passages from the past and then reading the story unfolding in the present, it all comes together so well. The characters are well written and the world building is phenomenal. The story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I’d Give Anything is ultimately a story of facing one’s past in order to face your future. There are twists that bring old friends back together and tear others apart. It’s a very emotional read and I couldn’t read it fast enough. This is the first I’ve read by this author, but it will not be the last. Well done, Marisa de los Santos! Very, very well done!!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

FOLLOW:  Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon Author page /

Marisa de los Santos is the New York Times bestselling author of LOVE WALKED IN, BELONG TO ME, FALLING TOGETHER, THE PRECIOUS ONE, and her newest novel, which continues with characters from the first two, I’LL BE YOUR BLUE SKY.

Marisa has also co-authored, with her husband David Teague, two novels for middle grade readers: SAVING LUCAS BIGGS and CONNECT THE STARS.

Marisa and David live in Wilmington, Delaware with their two children, Charles and Annabel, and their Yorkies, Finny and Huxley. Marisa is currently at work on her sixth novel for adults, I’D GIVE ANYTHING.

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Embraced in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

Embraced in Ink-Mongtomery Ink: Boulder #3 by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.UK /Amazon.AU / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo paper / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 12, 2020

The Montgomery Ink saga continues with an unforgettable romance where two best friends make a bet that could change their lives forever.

Bristol Montgomery and Marcus Stearn have been best friends for so long, they sometimes forget when they weren’t as close as they are now. While friends and family think there’s something beneath the surface of their friendship, the two have always been steadfast in their stance on no heated looks or deeper feelings.

The problem? Years ago, they promised each other that if neither of them was married by the time Bristol turned thirty, they’d marry each other.

Even though both have long since decided never to force the other into an arranged marriage, circumstances and sheer stubbornness force them to refuse to back out of their deal.

Now, they’re determined to get married—even as dangerous exes and feelings they deny, block their path.

••••••••

REVIEW:Embraced in Ink begins with everyone attending Bristol Montgomery’s 20th birthday party. She is preparing to move away to pursue her music education and career. Her best friend, Marcus Stearn is in attendance as well. Neither of them can imagine their lives without the other in it. As the party winds down, the two of them vow to stay close even though they will be miles apart. Then, Bristol comes up with a plan for their future: if neither are married in ten years, they will marry each other. Marcus is a little taken aback but decides to make the pact. After all, what could go wrong?

Flash forward ten years and the two of them are at another family get together. Both are still single and a little uneasy about the pact that was made. When they are leaving the party, the conversation about said pact is brought up and when Bristol is overheard saying they were engaged, the family hears and to say everyone is excited is an understatement. Not wanting to discuss it in front of everyone, they let them believe it’s true and leave.

Now, if either of them were to admit to the other that they were starting to have feelings of more than friendship, things would have gone smoothly. But they don’t. Instead they discuss it and for some really jacked up reasons, they decide to actually be engaged.

Of course, Marcus is questioned by the Montgomerys at a guys’ get together and Bristol is questioned by her girlfriends, but neither gives away their secret pact. Once things start playing out between Bristol and Marcus, a former boyfriend (and fellow performer) shows up just in time to stir up a little trouble….at first. The ex is not happy about Marcus and Marcus is not happy that this guy shows up and seems a little too interested in Bristol. Add to that the fact that Bristol doesn’t see what the problem is and Marcus ends it and storms out.

Bristol is heartbroken and is afraid to tell Marcus her true feelings, just as Marcus is afraid to do the same with her. What follows leaves Marcus reeling and Bristol’s life in danger.

Embraced in Ink is a nicely written story of friends to lovers. Bristol is a great character, albeit a little naïve in my humble opinion. Marcus is a great character as well. Once things start spinning out of control, neither one of them steps up to set things right until it’s almost too late. I love the protectiveness of the Montgomerys. However, the Stearns support of both Marcus and Bristol tugged at my heart. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers, you’ll certainly enjoy this one. Well done, Carrie Ann Ryan!

Copy suppled for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Facebook /Twtter /Instragram

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Shameless With Him (Less Than #3) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

Shameless With Him (Less Than #3) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: March 24, 2020

Caleb Carr might have once been ready for commitment, but when the unexpected slams into him with the force of a two-ton truck, he knows he has to run away from anything that might be important. Zoey might well be his final temptation, but to keep her whole, he’ll walk away.

Zoey Wager has loved Caleb since they were eight. And has had her heart broken from afar repeatedly ever since. It doesn’t help that every time she sees him—even when she’s running away halfway across the world—he’s with another woman. She’s watched him fall in lust her entire life. Now, she’s ready to watch him fall in love. With her.

•••••••

REVIEW:Shameless With Him begins with Zoey, at eight years old, and her father on the beach in Hawaii. Someone slams into Zoey and she loses her footing and can’t find ‘up’ when someone grabs her and saves her. To her shock, it’s none other than Caleb Carr. Even though they were from the same hometown, neither knew the other would be vacationing in Hawaii. Little did either of them know that the stage had been set for a series of unexpected encounters for years to come.

Zoey was finally living her dream, or at least, part of it. She owned her own flower shop and was doing well for herself. At work late one evening, someone knocks on the window to her shop. When she looks up, she sees none other than Caleb Carr. While they visit for a bit, she finds out that Caleb has moved back and was working locally now.

Caleb has kept his reasons for moving home a secret from his family. Even though he has never lacked female company, he finds himself cautiously wondering if he’s ready for something a little more serious. He and Zoey end up being thrown together due to Zoey being her little sister’s made of honor in her upcoming wedding and Caleb being the best man.

Neither can deny their mutual attraction and the two of them end up giving into their feelings. As the two of them become closer and Zoey’s sister’s wedding looms, they end up being scared for opposite reasons. Zoey, because she has loved Caleb since she was eight years old and Caleb, because his secret could change everything……

Shameless With him is another well written addition to the Less Than series. Zoey and her circle of friends, (whom we’ve met in previous installments), are what every woman needs. They are close and lean on each other in times of need and they have loads of fun together. Caleb and his brothers are very close and are there for each other in every way. When Caleb’s secret is revealed to his family, the depths of his fear of the unknown breaks your heart. However, misunderstandings abound at the wedding and the two of them have to decide, once and for all, if they are really meant to be together. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance, you will never go wrong with one of Ryan’s stories. Well done, Carrie Ann Ryan!

Reading Order and previous reviews
Falling with You
Reckless with You

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Follow: Goodreads /Website /Facebook /Twtter /Instragram

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Rogue Sentinel by Tom Wither-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Rogue Sentinel by Tom Wither-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 31, 2019

Lieutenant Commander Mathews’, an experienced Tier One Operator is sent on a solo mission to capture an American who has joined ISIS, planning operations that have killed hundreds. After an extended close surveillance while undercover in Jordan, Mathews and his trusted NCO, Senior Master Sergeant Simms attempt to capture the man known as ‘al-Amriki’ – The American. As they close in, weapons at the ready, they inexplicably receive orders to let al-Amriki go – from the President of the United States. Why is the President of the United States letting a known terrorist live, and what can be done by Mathews to stop The American from killing more innocents?

Supported by David Cain, chief of the Counter Terrorism Shop in Fort Meade, MD, Mathews locates and positively identifies Objective FULLBACK – called ‘al-Amriki’ (The American), and begins to surveil him to establish a pattern of life to enable a capture operation. After locating and tracking him for several days, Mathews, supported by trusted NCO, Senior Master Sergeant Simms, executes the operation to capture al-Amriki. Mathews and Simms stand toe-to-toe with al-Amriki in a deadly standoff when Mathews receives the order to abort the mission. After being recalled to the U.S. embassy in Jordan, Mathews is told why – ‘al-Amriki’ is a CIA deep cover operative, and Mathews is ordered to help him identify and eliminate the senior leadership of ISIS. Al-Amriki arranges a covert meeting with the heads of ISIS to enable the strike, but his cover has been blown – now Mathews and Simms need to save al-Amriki’s life – and their own!

••••••••

REVIEW:Rogue Sentinel begins with Lieutenant Commander Mathews, along with his girlfriend, on a trip to San Diego for some R&R. Mathews is still having a hard time with the fact that he lost a team member on a previous mission. When his girlfriend tries to get him to talk about the loss, it leads to Mathews losing his temper a bit and yelling at her. When Mathews is contacted and advised he’s been tagged for a mission to Jordan, they cut their trip short and head back to base. The trip back is tense between the two of them and only gets worse once they land.

Mathews is briefed on his mission: he is going in solo to capture an American who has joined ISIS, and is the mastermind behind some of their attacks. As Mathews readies for the mission, things between him and X go from bad to worse when she tells him he’ll have to find someone else to feed his fish while he’s gone. Mathews heads to Jordan, knowing that he has to keep his focus on the task at hand. But, he does hope that she’s waiting on him when, and if, he gets home.

al-Amriki (The American) has established himself as one of the top minds in ISIS. Even though some do not trust him, Akil, to whom al-Amriki reports to, trusts him almost implicitly. Once Mathews arrives in Jordan, it doesn’t take long, to his surprise, to run into al-Amriki face to face in a local shop. al-Amriki is suspicious of Mathews but stays the course. As Mathews reports back to his superiors, the decision is made for him and a fellow soldier, Simms, to go in under the cover of darkness to capture their target. Once they gain entrance to al-Amriki’s modest house, they are literally feet away when the mission is called off, which leaves Mathews furious and al-Amriki shaken. What follows leads Mathews and Simms down a covert path that will see them not only working with al-Amriki, but fighting against some of the top leaders of ISIS.

Rogue Sentinel is a story full of intrigue and surprises. The characters are well written and relatable. However, there is a lot going on in this book. Lots of secondary characters and lots of acronyms that lost me at times. Parts of the book almost read like a screenplay with it’s descriptive dialogue. Once I got used to the author’s way of telling his story, I really enjoyed the book. Mathews was a great character. HIs real life issues with losing a teammate on a mission makes him believable and relatable. His support team was great as well. I loved the action sequences and the interactions between the characters. Rogue Sentinel deals with real life, modern day life and death issues faced every day by members of our military. If you’re a fan of the intelligence and military world, you’ll enjoy this one. Well done, Tom Wither!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed By Vickie K


TRC: Hi Tom and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ROGUE SENTINEL.

Tom Wither: Thank you very much.

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

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Tom Wither: I’m originally from Connecticut, but reside in Maryland, outside of Baltimore. Professionally, I’ve worked for Air Force intelligence for more than 30-years, and while I’ve be a writer since 2002, my writing career was officially launched in 2012 when I signed my first contract. ROGUE SENTINEL is my third novel.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Tom Wither: I’ve always been a reader, and when I was in my teens, my mother introduced me to the novels of James Clavell and Robert Ludlum. As much as I enjoyed Clavell’s Asian Saga novels (Tai-Pan, Noble House, and Shogun especially) Ludlum’s thrillers, particularly the Bourne Identity and the Parsifal Mosaic really caught my attention. Later, as Tom Clancy began to find success with his Jack Ryan novels, I devoured those as well. After 9/11, as the intelligence community was being castigated in the media, I coupled my love of reading with a desire to give people an ‘insider’s view’ of intelligence and military operations, driven by characters reflective of the real world people I’ve had the privilege of working with and the realities of modern warfare.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Tom Wither: The biggest challenge is mapping everything in a story, so everything is synchronized – all the plot elements and activities across the global scale of my novels need to line up, especially in the massively interconnected world we enjoy. For instance, I can’t have a character sending an e-mail during a sunny late afternoon in Washington D.C. and then have another character reading that e-mail moments later in downtown Kabul in a setting I describe as a sunny day, when in fact, it’s 2 AM in the morning the following day. When it comes to publishing, the challenges vary. I’ve worked with two publishers so far and I do my very best to be responsive to their timelines, which can be challenging if a publisher needs a quick approval on a manuscript change or I’m having a disagreement with an editor – at the end of the day, it helps to keep in mind that the goal for both author and publisher is to see the book in print and deliver a story they both think readers will enjoy.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of ROGUE SENTINEL?

Tom Wither: Sure. Lieutenant Commander Mathews’, an experienced Tier One Operator is sent on a solo mission to capture an American who has joined ISIS, planning operations that have killed hundreds. After an extended close surveillance while undercover in Jordan, Mathews and his trusted NCO, Senior Master Sergeant Simms, attempt to find the man known as ‘al-Amriki’ (The American). Supported by David Cain, chief of the Counter Terrorism Shop in Fort Meade, MD, Mathews locates and positively identifies al-Amriki. Mathews begins to surveil him to establish a pattern of life to enable a capture operation, resolved to make al-Amriki pay after the recent death of one of Mathews’ men. After tracking him for several days, Mathews and Simms execute the operation to capture al-Amriki. As Mathews and Simms close in, weapons at the ready, the CIA intervenes – ‘abort immediately!’ Why does the CIA want them to stop and allow a known terrorist to escape only to kill more innocents? The mission has changed…but action only grows. How can Mathews stop al-Amriki and deal a death blow to the Islamic State?

TRC: Do you plan on writing any more story lines focusing on Lieutenant Commander Matthews, or any of the characters found in Rogue Sentinel?

Tom Wither: I’ve written two other novels featuring Mathews, THE INHERITOR and AUTUMN FIRE. They first two novels of a trilogy that will close out with the story called SWIFT JUSTICE. These three novels take place before ROGUE SENTINEL, and l’m still working on crafting SWIFT JUSTICE. I also have two other projects under development – my project names for them are PALADIN 6 and PROJECT JANUS.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning ROGUE SENTINEL?

Tom Wither: I’m a detailed researcher and plotter, but I do leave room for creative license. I gather as much information as I can about the technology, aircraft, military vehicles, weapons, skills, and locations that I want to use in my stories – I’ve even traveled to some of the locations; either during my military career or on my personal time, to experience first-hand the sights and smells of the environment. Where it’s possible and permitted, I also take photographs or use publicly available imagery. When it comes to fictional elements, I’ll hand draw building designs or floorplans, and make sketches of areas where combat scenes will take place, then build the assault or action plans for the scenes, all of which I overlay on the real-world location – not quite storyboards, but good references I can use when writing. I also create a detailed outline for each chapter in the book to help synchronize locations and timing, include the scenes I want to have in each chapter, and then use that as the guide as I draft and re-write each chapter. ROGUE SENTINEL’s outline was close to 30 pages long, while AUTUMN FIRE’s outline was closer to 80 pages (I’ve become more concise in my outlining over time).

TRC: Is any of the story line based in reality e.g. characters, events

Tom Wither: Yes. The story itself it set against the coalition fight against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, led by Combined Joint Task Force Inherent Resolve (https://www.inherentresolve.mil/), a coalition of military forces that are still working to eliminate the remnants of the Islamic State, even after the re-taking of the territory ISIS held in Iraq and Syria.

TRC: How do you manage to keep the military story line authentic without ‘over simplifying’ details, or inundating the reader with overwhelming or confusing military jargon?

Tom Wither: I try to strike that balance in a few ways. I do my best to use a limited amount of internal dialog by characters in specific situations to explain the military technology, weapons, etc., and sometimes the jargon. I also try to leverage context in the conversation between characters to explain military jargon or technology. Lastly, I like to create a situation where one character who is unfamiliar with a term or technology as another character explains it. The first character acts as a proxy for the reader, who receives the explanation as well, which I also feel draws the reader further into the story.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Tom Wither: I think so, yes. The cover image needs to give a potential reader a clear and focused ‘at a glance’ look at the story inside. If the cover does not represent the story, it effectively deceives a potential reader (or fan), souring them on your work. It’s a key element that publishers must focus on getting right for each book. Also, the imagery and the colors used can make a book stand out on a shelf, and promise adventure, romance, exotic locales, etc. If a cover doesn’t attract a reader and get them to read the flyleaf or the synopsis on the back, you have little chance of gaining a new fan.

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

Tom Wither: It’s my world, and I build plot first, and then characters to experience the story and react to the events I want to take place in the plot. Once I have the plot elements I want sketched out, then I can design the characters to experience that plot and let them feel the joy and the pain of the storyline. Horrific car bombings in San Antonio, Texas part of the plot? I need a police officer on patrol discovering one of the rigged cars parked on the side of the road, who stops to check a text from his wife to bring milk home for his kids, just before he looks in the cargo area of the car as the timer on the bomb inside reaches zero. I want you to want Mathews to catch the car bomber, and you’ll keep turning pages the moment the husband, father, and first responder dies without ever knowing why or who took his life.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavour?

Tom Wither: I think I might have partially answered this in the last question. I think a reader turns the page because they care about the characters and what’s happening to them. I think the challenge for any good writer is to make your reader identify with the characters by making them relatable – they need to be real and flawed and challenged by a plot that makes a reader want to turn the page, and another page, and so on.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Tom Wither: No, the background noise would be distracting. I re-read my outline for that scene, visualize it, and then use that image and the dialog I come up with to write – background noise would distract me from concentrating on the process of getting the creative image out of my head and onto the paper. I do usually have CNN on with the volume muted. It lets me keep an eye on world events that might inspire another book idea.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Tom Wither: The biggest misconception I’ve come across so far is that everyone I’ve spoken to at signings, etc. thinks that publishers pay for every author to go on actual book tours, traveling the country signing their books.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, knows about you?

Tom Wither: I’m a pretty open book to my friends and family. Certainly, the government knows a great deal – I’ve been vetted several times for security clearances. Once you fill out a form nearly 100 pages long that covers everything you’ve done since you were in your teens, there isn’t much left to tell people.

TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Tom Wither: Choosing just one is tough. I’m a fan of James Clavell, Robert Ludlum, Clive Cussler, Eric Van Lustbader, Tom Clancy, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Stackpole. If we go by longevity and number of times I’ve read his work, James Clavell wins hands down.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Tom Wither: I’m currently completing a series bible for a project I’m calling PALADIN 6. Once it’s complete, my agent plans to offer to the streaming services for consideration. I’ve also completed a synopsis for my next novel, a project I’m calling PROJECT JANUS, and I’ll start work on the chapter outline for it as soon as the series bible for PALADIN 6 is complete. At that point I’ll spend time working on JANUS and SWIFT JUSTICE.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Tom Wither: I’d just like to say thank you to Sandy and team at The Reading Café for taking the time to interview me; and my thanks to Vickie for reviewing ROGUE SENTINEL. I hope The Reading Café patrons enjoy the story and my other work. Best of luck to everyone who participates in the giveaway.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite FoodHow about meal? Filet Mignon w/twice-baked potatoes and broccoli.

Favorite DessertChocolate Mousse

Favorite TV ShowMission Impossible (the 1960s & 1970s series)

Last Movie You SawStar Wars – The Rise of Skywalker

Dark or Milk Chocolate Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush(Only one?) Salma Hayek

Last Vacation DestinationSouth Dakota

Do you have any pets?Not at the moment. I am a big fan of German Shepherds. Grew up with one, and raised one.

Last book you readClive Cussler’s SHADOW TYRANTS

TRC: Thank you Tom for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of ROGUE SENTINEL. We wish you all the best.

Tom Wither is graciously offering a hard cover copy of ROGUE SENTINEL to FIVE (5) lucky commenters 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Please LIKE Tom Wither on Facebook

4. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 15-20, 2020

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Wildfire (Men of Inked: Heatwave #3) by Chelle Bliss-Review Tour

Wildfire (Men of Inked: Heatwave #3) by Chelle Bliss-Review Tour

WILDFIRE
Men of Inked: Heatwave #3
by Chelle Bliss
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2020

Can a bossy biker tame the wild child?

Tamara Gallo knew she was missing something in life. Looking for adventure, she takes off, searching for a hot biker who can deliver more than a good time. But once inside the Disciples Compound, she may get more than she bargained for.

The badass biker thought he had everything he wanted. He had his freedom, the open road, and the brotherhood. But after being tasked with protecting an innocent, he realizes he’s missing the most important thing of all…the love of a good woman.

But can the bossy biker tame the wild child, or will she be too much for even him to handle?

Wildfire is the third book in the new steamy MC romance Men of Inked: Heatwave series by Chelle Bliss

•••••••

REVIEW: Wildfire begins with Tamara Gallo showing up at the Disciples compound to see one of the members, Crow, whom she met in the previous book. She did not get the reception she thought she would. When he sees Tamara, he blows her off in spectacular fashion. As he tells her to leave, Morris, the Disciples’ leader, appears at the door and informs Tamara that her family is worried sick about her and the she will not leave on her own. He brings her into the compound to see about getting her home safely. Tamara sits at the bar, where a very good looking member, Mammoth, gets her a drink. Morris tells Mammoth to look after her as he attends to Club business.

While Tamara sips her drink, she and Mammoth talk, and flirt. It doesn’t take long for the Club to go on lockdown and Mammoth is tasked with keeping her safe. Of course, sparks fly and they share some intimate moments together during said lockdown. Once the all-clear is given, Mammoth is the one who decides that he will be the one to get her home safely. Even though he has been told to keep his hands off of her by Morris, Mammoth finds himself wondering, for the first time, what if he can settle down and have someone for himself.

Once Mammoth and Tamara arrive at her grandparents’ place, things go a little awry when James sees Mammoth. Seems the two of them know each other from a club that they have frequented…..and not a motorcycle club. As for the rest of the Gallo family, especially the women, they welcomed Mammoth with open arms. When Mammoth and Tamara decide that they will be together, as in long term, they know it’ll be hard for a little while. Tamara is still in college and he has to deal with the fact that he is a full member of the Disciples. There are a few bumps along the way, but the two of them know what they want………and that’s each other.

Wildfire is another awesome story by Bliss. The chemistry between Tamara and Mammoth jumps off the page. I love the fact that Tamara is feisty and knows what she wants, and what she doesn’t. (She is a Gallo through and through!) Mammoth is a character that I didn’t see coming. I love his backstory and his willingness to do anything for those he loves. All of the Gallos show up in this one, which is always a good thing. The interactions are real and leave you wanting more. If you’ve not read Bliss, you are truly missing out. Her world building is second to none. I may have said this before, but I’ll say it again: I was hooked after one book and am so glad that I get to read what she writes and shares with us. I haven’t been this excited about a “new to me” author in a very long time. If you like your stories with a little humor, a lot of hotness and amazing characters, this is the series for you. Well done, Chelle Bliss!!! Very, very well done!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Flame
Burn

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

 

USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She’s written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.

Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  NEWSLETTER  TWITTER  INSTAGRAM

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Misadventures in the Cage by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour

Misadventures in the Cage by Sarah Robinson-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date February 4, 2020.

Callan Walsh kicks ass. In fact, he’s famous for it. As one of the brightest up-and-coming stars on the MMA scene, he’s an absolute beast in the cage…and out. Everything he’s trained for has brought him to this moment. Going toe-to-toe with reigning champ Xavier Gray will make or break his career. Nothing can distract him from his lifelong goal. Nothing. Until he meets…his opponent’s little sister.

Josie Gray is hell on wheels, gorgeous AF, and has a mouth that doesn’t stop. The reluctant reality-television star is every man’s dream, but she’s about to become Callan’s nightmare. Tired of being in her brother’s fight-club entourage, Josie desperately desires her own life out of the limelight. Her loyalty to family keeps her tangled in faux fame, but what she feels for Callan is the realest thing she’s ever known.

Sparks fly when Callan comes to Josie’s rescue, leading to an all-consuming fire after a single night together. Forever is right at their fingertips, if only everything—and everyone—wasn’t working to keep them apart. Will Callan and Josie fight through family ties to come out on top? Or are they both caged into lives they never wanted?

•••••••

REVIEW:Misadventures in the Cage begins with Josie Gray having a drink in a bar off the Las Vegas strip. She is a reluctant reality-television star and just needed to get away from everything, if just for a little while. When she leaves the bar, a man approaches her and attempts to mug her. Thankfully, another man, Callan, takes care of the assailant and makes sure Josie is okay. He then offers her a ride home, which turns into a steamy one night stand.

The next morning, Josie has to head out and be with her family for her brother’s press conference. She finds herself not being able to get last night and Callan out of her head. But, she has bigger fish to fry: namely her mother’s behavior towards her and her brother’s presser. He is an MMA fighter and the reason Josie is doing reality-television and not pursing her passion of cooking. As they arrive at the event, Josie wonders why Callan is there. Imagine her, and his, surprise when they realize who each other is: Callan is Josie’s brother’s opponent.

Josie and Callan speak after the event and decide it would best if they just forgot about what happened between them, but the attraction between the two of them cannot be denied. Josie knows that her family will have a conniption fit when they find out whom she is seeing. Callan needs to focus on his fight, but can’t help but wonder if Josie is the one. What follows is a series of events that tear the two apart just when they thought they had everything figured out.

Misadventures in the Cage is a great story. Josie’s loyalty to her family has prevented her from living her own life. Her mother is a twit and her brother is demanding and a bit of a loose cannon in the way that he lives his life. It’s when Josie has finally had enough that she truly shines. Callan is driven and focused on his career, until Josie enters. The chemistry between the two of them palpable and their feelings are raw. However, when secrets are revealed and Callan is caught up in a real life drama that plays out on television, Josie leaves both her family and the television show, and Callan. When Josie is offered her dream job back in Las Vegas, the two eventually see each other and decide to give it a go again, only to have things crash and burn one more time. Of course, true love wins out in the end, but the trials and tribulations they endure will break your heart at one point and make your heart smile at another. Even though there was instant attraction, it takes almost two years for their romance to find footing and for them to work out all of their issues. I loved their story and the two of them together. If you’re a romance fan, you’ll not go wrong with this latest addition to the Misadventures series. Well done, Sarah Robinson! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelancing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally was picked up by Penguin Random House two years later.

She most recently contracted with Loveswept for a contemporary romance series, KAVANAGH LEGENDSthat surrounds a tight-knit Irish family of MMA fighters in the Bronx. She is also exploring the arena of women’s fiction and has a lot of exciting things planned for the next few years!

Follow Sarah on any of the social media sites below to keep up to date with what she’s doing! She loves talking with readers, and is an open book…literally! Subscribe to her newsletter for info on upcoming releases, sales, and other news!

Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Instagram | PinterestGoogle Plus | Goodreads | Tumblr | Snapchat: @booksbysarahrob

Join Sarah’s Reader Groups!
#RobinsonRamblings Reader Group | Goodreads Reader Group  

 

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Taken With You (Fractured Connections) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review tour

TAKEN WITH YOU (Fractured Connections) by Carrie Ann Ryan-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 28, 2020

It all started at a wedding. Beckham didn’t mean to dance with Meadow. And he really didn’t mean to kiss her. But now, she’s the only thing on his mind. And when it all comes down to it, she’s the only person he can’t have.

He’ll just have to stay away from her, no matter how hard they’re pulled together.

Running away from her friend’s wedding isn’t the best way to keep the gossip at bay. But falling for the mysterious and gorgeous bartender at her friends’ bar will only make it worse. Beckham has his secrets, and she refuses to pry.

Once burned, twice kicked down, and never allowed to get up again. Yet taking a chance with him might be the only choice she has. And the only one she wants.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Taken With You begins with everyone from the Fractured Connections series attending Brendon and Harmony’s wedding. Beckham finds himself trying to not look at Meadow, but finds himself almost helpless when it comes to her. Meadow is in the same boat. She tries to keep her distance, but when Beckham asks her to dance, she plans to say no, but accepts much to her surprise. As the two of them dance, their attraction to each other can’t be denied by either of them. Both have solid reasons why to stay away from each other, but when Beckham suddenly kisses her, and she kisses him back and immediately runs away, they both vow to themselves to stay away.

A few days later, Beckham sees Meadow in the bar with their mutual friends. Again, he is not going to approach her, nor she him. However, when she goes to the restroom and runs into Beckham, the sparks fly. Even though they are both wary of the other for various reasons, they start down the path of seeing where this thing between them will go. When closely held secrets come to light, on both sides, each of them thinks that there is no going back and that they can’t be together. Until they both realize how truly ‘taken’ they are with each other.

Taken With You is a great addition to the series. Both characters have been in the background throughout the entire series. Beckham is the bartender at the Connolly’s bar and Meadow is friends with the Connolly women. We find out very early in Taken With You that Beckham knows who Meadow is, but she doesn’t know him. They both have backstories that intertwined and they both broke free from that life. Once the truth came out, you truly felt for both of them, but Meadow’s history will leave you a little heartbroken. Add to that the fact that she has truly been on her own and made her own way endears her even more to the reader. The chemistry between the two of them is scorching and raw. Taken With You is ultimately a story of redemption and self-awareness that leaves you wishing for more. Well done, Carrie Ann Ryan! Very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Watch the Trailer: http://bit.ly/36xpLho

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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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