Tag Archives: Vickie M.

Unwound (Mastered #2) by Lorelei James-a review

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Unwound (Mastered #2) by Lorelei James-a review

Unwound

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Unwound by Lorelei James
Mastered #2
About the book: Release Date March 25, 2014

When sensei Ronin Black first encounters Amery Hardwick, the fire in her eyes ignites a sexual spark a thousand times better than the primal rush he used to get from mixed martial arts matches. She accepts his darker edges and admits to him that her desires aren’t as wholesome as he believed. And before long Ronin is grappling with emotions he’s never felt before….

Yet despite demanding Amery bare her body and soul to him, Ronin holds a part of himself back. When she learns Ronin’s secret and walks out, his life begins to unravel. To regain her trust he must let go of his pride and prove to her that it’s more than passion binding them together. But after their private pleasures are made public, Ronin is unsure if he’s the right man for Amery. Can they face the consequences together? Or will their differences rip them apart?

Review:
Unwound picks up not long after Bound ends. Ronin and Amery are still apart, and miserable without each other. To deaden the pain, Ronin decides to step back into the MMA ring. Never mind that he’s older than he used to be, he just wants to feel something other than his breaking heart. And, boy, does he feel something. After being beaten half to death, he makes his way to Amery’s where he has to be rushed to the ER once she sees just how badly he’s injured.

Once he’s released from the hospital, they start to try and rebuild their relationship, but they have a lot of work ahead of them. They both have issues from their past that need to be dealt with. First and foremost, trust. Once Ronin finally starts to share with Amery, someone from his past shows up and wreaks havoc, not only for him, but for Amery as well. Amery and Ronin, for the most part, present a united front, until Ronin discovers that Amery has withheld something from him that makes him question her motives from the beginning. Even though he knows down to his toes that she had no malicious intent, can he really give not only his body, but his heart and soul over to her as well? Will they both take a chance on each other, or as the title insinuates, will their relationship be completely Unwound?

Love love loved this book! Once again, James has done a wonderful job of telling her characters’ stories. Bound was more from Amery’s point of view, but Unwound was more Ronin’s. We get to see what makes them both so insecure on the one hand, and what makes them so dynamic as a couple on the other. The supporting characters are AWESOME!! I can only hope that we get to hear more about Ronin’s sister and some of the others. This series, in my humble opinion, could easily support another book or two. If I had any complaint about this one, it would only be that it was a bit slower than the first in the series, but once it gets rolling……………..hang on!! Surely to goodness, she’ll write another?!?!?! I think I said before that this series is my first by Lorelei James, but it will NOT be my last. Very well done Lorelei James, very well done!!

Reading Order
1. Bound
2. Unwound

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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The Professional Pts 1-3 (Game Maker Series) by Kresley Cole-a review

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The Professional Pts 1-3 (The Game Make Series) by Kresley Cole-a three part review

The Professional

The Professional: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 by Kresley Cole

He makes the rules . . .
Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr “The Siberian” Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.

Rules are made to be broken . . .
PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.

Are you ready to play?
Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true…

NOTE: The Professional (Game Maker) will be released as a complete novel on May 6, 2014

The Professional novel
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••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 1:  Release Date: December 16,  2013

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Part 1 starts with Natalie Porter hanging out in a college bar with friends doing normal college kid things. However, when Natalie decides to hit on a guy, a hot Russian guy, who walks into the bar, she has no idea how much her life will change in that moment. Of course, the guy shoots her down and Natalie tucks tail and goes back to her table and then decides to head home. She has a lot on her plate. Even though she loves her adoptive parents, she has secretly been trying to find her birth father. She feels that something is lacking in her life and has hired a private detective to search for her.

And, oh how things start rolling once she gets home. Seems that her father is alive and well, and, oh year, a mafia boss in Russia. The big problem with that, other than the obvious, is now that she’s been nosing around, her father’s enemies will move heaven and earth to get to her to use as leverage against him. Enter Sevastyan, her father’s number one, who has been kept Natalie under surveillance for the past month, making sure that no one makes a move against her. Once he reaches her house, he literally tells her that her father has sent for her and they’re heading to Russia. Like, now. And, within the hour, she is on a plane headed to meet her father. And, it doesn’t take long for the sparks to fly between Natalie and Sevastyan.

Once they reach Russia, the meeting between she and her father is touching. She finds out pretty quickly that there is more to this man than meets the eye. And she is already so enthralled with Sevastyan that her father decides to set some boundaries……….. Oh, but boundaries are made to be broken. And, when she starts meeting others at the compound, some warm to her, some not so much. Oh yeah, Sevastyan decided that no one else will have her……..

__________________________

PART 2:  Release Date: January 6, 2013

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Part 2: Natalie and Sevastyan are drawn to each other, but he doesn’t think that the virginal Natalie can handle his true self. Seems he tends to lean towards BDSM, but when Natalie jumps at the chance to experience those things, he gives in to her a little…….. Things are tense between them once they arrive back at her father’s house, due to Sevastyan putting distance between them. But when Natalie’s distant cousin, Filip starts showing a little too much interest, Sevastyan steps in. Poor Natalie doesn’t know which way to turn. Sevastyan is so hot and cold and it’s driving her nuts. However, a series of events sets things in motion that cause Sevastyan to have to whisk Natalie away in order to save her life……….Because, the enemies of her father? They are coming……

______________________

PART 3:  Release Date  January 20, 2014

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Part 3: Once Natalie and Sevastyan are safe in Paris, they embark upon testing out their relationship. This is definitely not for the faint of heart!! He introduces her to things that she’s read about, and truth be told, fantasized about. But Sevastyan still is cold and distant at times. When Natalie finally realizes why he is away so much during the day, she doesn’t know if she should be happy or pissed. Seems he’s been taking care of business for her and not sharing the information with her….. How’s she supposed to trust him if he won’t trust her? She’s already trusted him with her body, but can she give her soul over as well? Well, big team, you’ll have to read to find out…….And, oh, what a read it is…..

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure about this series when I first saw that Kresley Cole was venturing into another romance genre. She is, after all, one of my favorite paranormal romance authors. But, she pulled it off. Both characters were well written. Natalie is a little dynamo. She is secure in who she is and what she wants, and I really loved the scenes between she and her father. Now, for Sevastayn. He is hot incarnate. I mean, really? A tattooed Russian mafia bodyguard? What’s not to love?? Even though I know that his nature is to brood and be introverted, he did get on my nerves at times. But, the chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. And the fact the he was so conflicted at times really tugged at my heartstrings.

There was one big surprise in Part 2 that I totally did NOT see coming. I was literally saying to myself “what in the hell………..”. Even though I didn’t like said surprise, it did enhance the story, as it is Natalie and Sevastyan’s story that she was telling. If you’re looking for an erotic romance that starts with a bang, and a hot Russian to boot, this one is definitely for you!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copies supplied by Netgalley

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Sour (Bitten #2) by Uzuri M. Wilkerson-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Sour (Bitten #2) by Uzuri M. Wilkerson-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Sour Banner

Sour
The Bitten #2
by Uzuri M. Wilkerson
Genre: paranormal,romance, erotic, vampires
Release Date: November 17, 2013

Sour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Sharing blood with a vampire can be exhilarating. You experience a high like no other. You feel invincible. The encounter changes your world.

It can also be deadly.

After a traumatic incident with the rogue vampire Milo, Celia agrees to let Victor taste her. They enter into a bond like no other. When their connection allows her to witness things that she wouldn’t normally see, Celia begins to doubt her decision to share his blood. Victor has never seen Celia’s uncanny gift in another human, prompting him to search for a way to harness her abilities. In the meantime, Celia finds herself watching her back for dangerous vampires hungry for her scent; her cousin’s arrival in town begs many questions; a badly-injured newborn vampire and a pushy new coworker cause her to question her relationship with Victor.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Talk about starting out with a bang………….. Sour begins with Celia being summoned by Milo, the rogue vampire who had taken blood from her in Sweet, (book one in this series), and the result of said summoning is not a pleasant one. And, once Victor discovers what has transpired, he vows to do everything in his power to keep Celia safe. When Celia agrees, finally, to exchange blood with Victor in order to erase Milo’s powers over her, the results are astounding. To everyone. Blood exchanges allow both parties to stay connected to each other, but no one expected Celia to demonstrate the kind of power that keeps growing stronger.

After a trip to her aunt’s house, she discovers that her cousin has unexpectedly come home and something is definitely up with him, which causes her some concern. Add the fact that her pushy new coworker is nosing around, AND, top all of that off with questions she has about her mother and you have quite an interesting mix of events presenting themselves. Poor Celia just does not seem to be able to catch a break, but that’s just the kind of thing that keeps a reader reading…………

Sour is a great follow up to Sweet. I absolutely love Celia. She’s tough and quirky and vulnerable all at the same time. And, even though she loves Victor, she’s not completely “enthralled” with him. They have their relationship ups and downs, which adds texture to the story. Not only do we get to see our old friends, and enemies, but she also introduces a new species or two, and some new characters. And I love the way she introduced them. They’re eased into the story in a way that doesn’t make it feel forced, rather it just continues the storyline. There is a lot going on in this book, but it was easy to keep up. All in all, a great read and I can’t wait for the next one. I just hope she doesn’t make me wait too long………….. 😉

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Guest post-Black and White

Writer’s Block
by Uzuri M. Wilkerson

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It is rather timely that I am writing a post about writer’s block, as I am currently afflicted by this maddening nuisance. There just always seems to be a point where I have been writing and writing and then suddenly… nothing. I stare at the screen, willing inspiration. Everyone has experienced this—from the avid blogger to the high school teenager.

Uzuri WilkersonFor me, the most recent bout came when I was working on book four of my Bitten series. It’s an adult paranormal series that follows a young woman as she navigates her relationship with her vampire boyfriend and figures out why and how her mysterious abilities are surfacing. I had so much fun writing the first one that I wanted to continue with the characters. Unfortunately, by the time I made it to book four, I found I didn’t know where to go next.

It is easy to see why some of my favorite TV shows could go astray in later seasons. You come up with this great, exciting premise that, regrettably, has to be sustained when you have an audience. My favorite example of a show that gets it right is Breaking Bad. Admittedly, I got onto that bandwagon extremely late but I will still count myself as a fanatic. It had such tight, impressive writing that they obviously knew where they were going from very early on.

So, my dilemma was clear. I did not want a rambling series, one where we followed the main characters to baby showers and weddings and shopping. That’s boring. I needed to have an endgame.

Calvin and HobbesThe first time this became an actual notion for me (this endgame business) was with the show LOST. I was a ravenous fan in the beginning but toward the middle there… it was losing its appeal. The show runners admitted publicly that they needed an endgame. Forward motion is always the right direction for any plot, serial or not. Now, whether you agreed with their endgame or not is another discussion. (Not)

So I sat down and figured out my conclusion. Once I realized where I wanted my characters to end up, I then was able to focus on the events leading up to that conclusion. It was kind of freeing, to be honest, having an endgame. Of course, I still suffer from a block or two now and then, but it isn’t as drastic as before.

Now… to keep myself from another nuisance: procrastination (I’ve checked Facebook at least three times while typing this missive).

Giveaway -black and white

Uzuri is offering an ecopy of SWEET and an ecopy of SOUR to two (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe. 2 winners will each received an ecopy of both books in Uzuri’s BITTEN series.

Sweet Sour

1. If you have not 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. Giveaway is open internationally.

5. Giveaway runs from February 9-12, 2014

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Breakaway Hearts (The Kelly Brothers #2) by Crista McHugh-a review

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Breakaway Hearts (The Kelly Brothers #2) by Crista McHugh-a review

Breakaway Hearts

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About the book: Release Date February 4, 2014

Hockey star Ben Kelly has retreated to his mountain cabin in the ski town of Cascade, BC, to recuperate from a season-ending knee injury and contemplate his future in the NHL. He never expects to run into the one woman who got away. Nine years may have passed, but nothing has dulled the explosive chemistry between them. Now he wants more than just one night.

Hailey Eriksson had Olympic-sized dreams until an accidental pregnancy from a one-night stand halted her ambitions. Her life was shattered when her son died. Nothing will keep her from fulfilling her promise to him to make the Olympic team, especially not the charming Ben Kelly. Unfortunately, he’s out of sweep her off her feet this time, and she finds him harder and harder to resist with each passionate kiss. But when he learns about the child he never knew, will their rekindled romance be on thin ice?

Review:

When Ben Kelly pops into a local bar to grab a beer and something to eat, he thinks that the waitress looks familiar and when she basically sneers at him, he doesn’t have a clue as to why. Until he makes a trip back to the bar and realizes that the one woman who got away and he has fantasized about is the one who won’t give him the time of day. But, why?

Of course, he convinces her to give him a chance and they embark on a relationship of sorts….. Sort of him showing up wherever she is and badgering her into giving into his wanting to see where things will go between them. And, once she finally gives in, things steam up pretty quickly. Hailey finds herself so taken with Ben, that she’s afraid to broach the subject of their son. How will he handle the fact that the son he never knew is forever lost to him? And, once he finds out, will they both be able to get past their feelings of betrayal, or, will their hearts be so broken that they breakaway?

If you’ve read my reviews before of Crista’s books, you know that I would read a phonebook that was written by her. THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS that she doesn’t settle for that and writes these amazing romance stories for all of us to enjoy. I have no idea how in the world Crista does all that she does AND continues to write such wonderful stories. But, I’ll tell you (and her) that I am sooooo glad that she does!! I absolutely adored Ben and Hailey. For an author to be able to write of such a profound loss and weave the story the way she did absolutely did me in. I have only said this about two other authors, but I absolutely worship at the altar that is Crista McHugh. Very well done, Crista, very very well done. I can’t wait for the next Kelly Brother, and I’ll say it again peeps…… If you’re looking for sweet, hot, touching, funny, sexy romance, she is the author for you!!!!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M

•••••SPECIAL DEAL•••••

The Sweetest Seduction

 

BOOK #1-The Sweetest Seduction (The Kelly Brothers #1) ebook is available for a limited time for only .99cents until Feb 9, 2014:

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Crimson Veil (Otherworld #15) by Yasmine Galenorn-a review

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Crimson Veil (Otherworld #15) by Yasmine Galenorn-a review

Crimson Veil.Jan 14jpg

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Crimson Veil
Otherworld #15
by Yasmine Galenorn
Genre: paranormal, adult, romance
Release Date: January 28, 2014

We’re the D’Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae ex-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Camille is a wicked good witch with three gorgeous husbands. Delilah is a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. And me? I’m Menolly, a vampire married to a scorching hot werepuma. And right now, we’re facing enemies on all sides…

It’s been a long and devastating week. Back in Otherworld, war has decimated the elfin city of Elqaneve, our father has gone missing, and Shadow Wing has managed to obtain another spirit seal. On the home front, somebody burned down my bar, the Wayfarer, killing eight people, including a friend.

To make matters worse, we still haven’t found a way to stop Lowestar Radcliff—the daemon in charge of a supernatural corporate power grab. He’s attempting to awaken Suvika, the lord of vice and corrupt businessmen, and we have to stop him. Our enemies are closing in on all sides, and this time, there’s no place to hide.

•••••••••••••••••

Crimson Veil begins right on the heels of Autumn Whispers. The war is still being waged in Otherworld, decimating everything in its path. The girls are tired and just can’t catch a break. On top of the Wayfarer being burned down, another vampire club is torched. However, this time, the D’Artigo sisters get there in time to figure out what’s going on…….sort of. Seems there is an arsonist hell bent on taking out as many vampires as they can.

There’s still the problem of stopping Lowestar Radcliff from awakening Suvika, and, they still haven’t found their friends’ missing friend from Autumn Whispers. Things happen rather fast in this installment of the series. The girls had met some of their cousins, whom they didn’t know existed, in the previous book, and one of them ends up being more than he initially seemed, but can they trust him with all that’s going on Earthside and in Otherworld? They decide to take baby steps with him and see how it goes.

They soon realize that the things happening Earthside are tied together and race against time to find the missing and stop Radcliff. There’s also the question of what to do with the Earth Seals that they have in their possession, because if they fall into the wrong hands, all is lost.

Galenorn has changed up her writing in this series a little bit. As I said in my previous review of Autumn Whispers, she normally ties up the current storyline as we progress in the overall arc of the series. She didn’t do that in Autumn Whispers, and she didn’t do it in this one either. But, it works for me. Once we reach the climactic “battle” scene, the way that one of the bad guys is taken out literally made me laugh out loud!! But, in a good way. There are some devastating developments as they find out what has happened to some who are missing, and some developments that leave you cheering. As always, we get to see all of the D’Artigo sisters’ motley crew and the efficiency with which they work together. They all have the “take no prisoners” attitude and do what is needed in any given situation to ensure that those they love are protected. If you’re a fan of series full of all kinds of beings and creatures, you will not be disappointed with this one. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Bound by Lorelei James-Review and Giveaway

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Bound by Lorelei James-Review and Giveaway

BOUND Giveaway Banner

Bound
The Mastered Series #1
by Lorelei James
Release Date: February 4, 2014

Bound

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About the book: Release Date February 4, 2014

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession.

••••••••••••••••••

Oh my sweet Jesus………..I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK. Amery was raised by very strict, very Christian parents and is still, in a sense, still trying to discover who she really is. She’s already pretty accomplished in her professional life, but she feels that her personal life is lacking. Enter Ronin Black. I have not been this enthralled with the hero of a book in a long time. And, evidently, neither has Amery! *snort* He is sensual personified. And, once they lock onto each other, things really get steamy.

They begin seeing each other and things go pretty quickly. Amery’s friends are a little wary of Ronin, but Amery just brushes it off. He’s hot and into her. What could be wrong with that?? But, she soon realizes that there is more to the mysterious Ronin Black than meets the eye. He disappears from time to time, not for too long, but enough that she begins to question things and he’s evasive, which doesn’t sit well with her. She begins to distance herself, but Ronin will not have it. Yep, he’s a man used to getting what he wants. And? He wants her.

There is so much I want to say about this book. It is wonderfully written, grabbing you from the beginning. Ronin Black was a very pleasant surprise for me. He, at least for me, is different from the others in this genre. He’s used to getting what he wants, but not as “hard” as others I’ve read about. He, like I said before, is sensual personified. Amery is a great heroine and I love her as well. These two fit together better than any pair I’ve read about in a long time. And, I knew that there was something big that we didn’t know about Mr. Black, but holy cow!!! I did NOT see that coming at the end of the book. I also didn’t know that this was a series devoted to the two of them, or at least, I’m guessing that’s what it is. Because the book ends with a major revelation and I can’t wait for the next installment. This is the first book I’ve read by Lorelei James, but, my friends, I guarantee you that it won’t be the last. I am chomping at the bit for the next one. If you read this one, you will be too!!! Very well done Lorelei James, very very well done!!!

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

About The Author Black and Yellow

FOLLOW: Goodreads/website/Facebook/Twitter

Lorelei JamesWhen I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Giveaway-Black and Yellow

Lorelei James and Penguin Groups are offering a paper copy of BOUND to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register 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 comments.

3. Giveaway open to USA only.

4. Giveaway runs from January 28 to February 1, 2014

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Letting Go by Maya Banks-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Letting Go by Maya Banks-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Letting Go Banner

Letting Go
The Surrender Trilogy #1
by Maya Banks
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, adult, erotic

Letting Go Feb 2014

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ABOUT THE BOOK:  Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.

Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.

When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.

•••••••••••••••••••

Letting Go begins on the third anniversary of her beloved Carson’s death. She visits his grave and has decided that the time has come to let him go and live her life. Once she leaves his grave, she vows to not return. This is not how she wants to think of him and she knows that he would want her to move on.

Joss has been researching D/s relationships and has decided to visit The House, a club which we learned of in Banks’ Sweet Series, that is a hub of D/s activity. When she tells her two best friends of her decision, she is met with mixed reactions. She knew that Chessy would be supportive seeing as how she was a submissive herself, but Kylie was a different matter. She was Carson’s sister and they had survived a horrific childhood at the hands of an abusive father, and Kylie still bore the scars. But, once she explains things to both of her friends and that she has made her decision, she feels better. And stronger.

The night comes for her visit to The House, and even though she’s nervous, she heads out. And has no idea how much her life will change the moment she enters. Once she has been introduced to one of the male members, they walk through the entry way and walk straight into Dash. She is mortified that her husband’s best friend knows what she’s up to, and, what in the world would he be doing at The House? Once Dash storms over and extricates Joss from the other guy, he takes her home. He thinks she has no idea what goes on there…………….. Oh, what a surprise he’s in for. And, once she finds out Dash’s feelings for her? Let’s just say things get pretty interesting. Fast. Once they decide to give a relationship a chance, will she and Dash truly be letting go?

Maya Banks has done it again. I know there are a lot of books like this on the market, but she always, always makes her’s relevant. Joss is a wonderfully strong heroine. I love how she decides what she wants and goes for it. As for Dash? He’s a great hero, but I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to reach through and pop him upside of his thick head. Once he figures out that he’s been a tool, he moves heaven and earth to make things right. I also love that we get a peak at some characters from her Sweet Series. That’s always a plus for me. The end of the book had me tearing up and cheering, all at the same time. Once again, well done Maya Banks!

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Interview

ABOUT MAYA BANKS: Maya Banks is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance. She lives in the South with her husband, three children and a variety of pets.

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Maya BanksTRC: Hi Maya and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on your latest release LETTING GO.

MAYA: Thanks for having me back and thank you for the new release congrats! I’m super excited over the release of this trilogy.

TRC: LETTING GO is the first book in your erotic SURRENDER trilogy. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

MAYA: Basically the heroine was married to her soul mate, a man she loved with all her heart but he was killed in an accident which devastated Joss. Unknown to her, her husband’s best friend, Dash, has long been in love with her and he’s stepped in as a source of support for her during the time she’s grieved the loss of her husband, but he’s waiting and watching, battling with himself over when to make his move and his intentions clear.

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

Letting Go Feb 2014TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters (Josslyn and Dash) in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

MAYA: I never ever model my characters after actors. I actually don’t watch much television or movies so I’m woefully ignorant of pop culture, lol. So now, I can’t even begin to cast the characters in my books after actors because each of my characters is unique, which makes them more “real” to me because I build a characters, their personalities and their needs and wants

TRC: Colter’s Gift was the final instalment in your Colter’s Legacy series. Do you have any plans to keep the readers up to date with novellas or short stories about the Colter Clan?

MAYA: Not at present, no. Colters’ Gift was intended to be the final installment in the Colters’ Legacy series.

Colter's GiftTRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

MAYA: It’s a little of both. Sometimes I plan for a story and have a good idea of the sequence of events. But my favorite part of writing are the surprises that pop up as I’m writing. It’s fun and exciting when what I THINK is supposed to happen changes and my characters take me in a different direction. It definitely keeps it fresh and interesting for me!

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

MAYA: I think a writer has to really get into a character’s head and when they’re writing in a character’s point of view they have to take the reader right into what the character is thinking, what they’re feeling and their reactions to things. This is where emotion comes in and without emotion a story will most certainly fall flat.

TRC: If you could become a contestant on one of the reality TV programs, which program would you interest you the most? The least?

MAYA: I’m afraid I’m a tv/pop culture moron, lol. I just don’t watch much television at all! So I really can’t answer this knowledgably because I’m not in touch with what’s popular right now!

Surrender Trilogy

TRC: On what are you currently working?

MAYA: I’m just finishing up When Day Breaks, the 9th KGI story and then I’ll finish out the Surrender trilogy with the last book, TAKING IT ALL.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Cheese or anything WITH cheese! Lol You can’t go wrong with cheese 😉

Favorite Dessert: My made up recipe for a caramel Heath bar pie. It’s to DIE for.

Favorite TV Show: As mentioned above I don’t watch a lot of tv at ALL but I do love crime series like CSI or Law and Order etc.

Last Movie You Saw: I think the last movie I went to was when I took my oldest son to see one of the Harry Potter movies, lol. I don’t get out much!

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Definitely milk. I’m not a big chocolate fan anyway but it has to be sweet for me to eat it!

Secret Celebrity Crush: Definitely Oded Fehr and The Rock, hehe.

Last Vacation Destination: We took a cruise with the kids that we aborted midway through, lol. I have to say I’m just not much of a cruise fan!

Pet Peeve: I HATE when people don’t respond to emails. It makes me crazy!

TRC: Thank you Maya for taking the time to answer our questions and update the readers for 2014. We wish you all the best.

MAYA: Thank you so much! I appreciate y’all very much! Xoxo

giveaway

Maya and Penguin Group Publishing are offering a paper copy of LETTING GO to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register 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. Giveaway runs from January 27 to January 31, 2014

4. Giveaway is open to USA only.

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After The Storm (KGI #8) by Maya Banks-a review

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After The Storm (KGI #8) by Maya Banks-a review

After the Storm

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2014

Over the years, Donovan Kelly has fought relentlessly for justice, women and children always holding a special place in his heart. Working side by side with his brothers, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the toll it’s taken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on his loved ones, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. What he never expects is for his next mission to happen right on his home turf—or for it to take a very personal turn.

Picturesque Kentucky Lake is the perfect place for a soul in search of safe harbor. A beautiful stranger has arrived—desperate, breathless, and on the run from a dark past closing in on her and the younger siblings she has vowed to protect. Donovan must now draw on every resource at his disposal—if he wants to save a woman and the children who may prove to be his destiny.

Review:

When Rusty Kelly hires a teen aged boy, Travis, off the books to help at the Kelly’s Hardware Store, she knows that he’s hiding something, and scared. A feeling she knows all too well, or at least, knew. However, when Donovan sees her at the store on a Sunday, he goes to see why she’s there. And, when he sees a teenager leaving, his curiosity gets the best of him. Unfortunately, he questions Rusty’s intentions without listening to her first. But, once she sets him straight, he understands why she has taken the boy on. Still, he wants to know more about the boy and they devise a plan to follow him to see where he’s staying and with whom. What they find makes their hearts break, especially Donovan’s. The boy and his two sisters have rented a trailer on the outside of town that’s not fit for an animal, let alone for them to live in. Once Donovan and Rusty “drop by” to see what’s going on, and they meet Travis’ sisters, Eve and Cammie, Donovan knows that they are running from someone or something, and he’s just the man to help them out. Because when Donovan Kelly makes the scene, no harm will come to the beautiful Eve and her siblings.

Eve is perplexed as to why Donovan wants to help them. And suspicious. She knows that they can’t stay in one place too long, or the one they’re running from will find them. He has money, connections and a long reach. But, when Donovan sees that Cammie is sick and needs more than over the counter meds, he encourages Eve to let him bring Maren (Steele’s Maren!) by who is a doctor who just happens to make house calls. Eve reluctantly agrees, but then has second thoughts. She decides they’ve been in one place for too long and decide to leave during the night. The one hitch in their plan? The leave just as a tornado hits, literally!! Little did she know that once a Kelly brother wants someone, he will move heaven and hell, and all kinds of things toppled and destroyed by a tornado to get it. And, he wants her.

Once Donovan finds Eve, Cammie and Travis amidst the destruction, he takes them to his home in the Kelly compound when they can heal from their injuries. And, when they find out just how sick Cammie is, Eve knows she has no choice but to trust Donovan. She’ll stay for a few days, just long enough for Cammie to get healthy and for her and Travis’ injuries to heal. Then she’s outta there……………..Riiiiight…

Oh, how I have longed for Donovan’s story. I knew that his wouldn’t be like the others. They wouldn’t be in other countries traipsing through the jungles to find someone. I knew down to my toes his story would unfold right there in Tennessee and that his story would be great. Good Lord!! I love it when I’m right!!!! LOL!!! Not only do we get to see a sweet love story turn into a steamy one, we get to see ALL of the Kellys. Babies, wives, parents………… All of them!! And, I loved it! If you’re a fan of this series, then I don’t even have to tell you how the entire Kelly family rallied around Eve and her siblings. Because once the one that they’re running from shows up, all hell breaks loose. Of course, there is a bump or two. Eve overhears part of a conversation between Donovan and some other KGI members and puts into motion a series of events that will leave you heartbroken. But, she does it all to save her siblings. We also get to know a bit about the new KGI team, and I can’t wait to learn more about them. (And, if you’re a fan of Rusty and Sean and wondering what’s up, this one is for you!!) I’ll say it again….I honestly don’t know how she turns out as many awesome stories in one year as she does, but I for one am damned glad she does!! Well done Maya Banks, well done!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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