Tag Archives: Vickie M.

Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh – a review

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Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh – a review

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Eight Tiny Flames
A WW2 Hanukkah Novella
A Very Scandalous Holiday Anthology
by Crista McHugh
Release Date: October 14, 2013
Genre: historical, romance

Eight Tiny flames

 

Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh

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1944 Ardennes, WWII

Lt. Ruth Mencher has always secretly admired Capt. Joseph Klein, but it takes the lighting of a Hanukkah candle to uncover the spark of mutual attraction. Each night awakens a new facet of their relationship, but as the Battle of the Bulge begins, the approaching Nazi forces threaten to tear them apart.

 

Review:

Faith. And love. Those are the two words that describe this story. During a time when the Nazis were blazing their way through Europe, Ruth Mencher was unabashed with her faith. She was a nurse in an evac unit and prided herself in her work. Joseph Klein, an army surgeon, with his movie star good looks and Texas drawl, made most swoon. Until he started barking orders. He intimidated most, but not Ruth. She was drawn to him for some reason, and decided to take a chance. Being so far from home, and the holiday season approaching made her yearn for more than just her work. So, with her dime store menorah, she decides to include Joe in her Hanukkah celebration. Will Joe accept her invitation and her faith? Well, of course he will. Not only is this a romance, but it’s a holiday story as well! And, once she discovers Joe’s “secret”, she falls so very hard over the next eight nights while they burn Eight Tiny Flames…………..

What a sweet sweet story. Even though this is a short story, the impact it makes will stay with you. Ruth is such a feisty woman and the depth of her faith will humble anyone who reads this story. I absolutely adore this type of historical romance. I have read several over the years that have taken place during wartime, and this is by far my favorite. The one problem with the story? It was too danged short!!!! Another great story as told by one of my must-read authors. Well done Crista McHugh!!!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Daylighters (The Morganville Vampires #15) by Rachel Caine-a review

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Daylighters by Rachel Caine-The Morganville Vampires Book #15

Daylighters

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About the book: November 5, 2013

Something drastic has happened in Morganville while Claire and her friends were away. The town looks cleaner and happier than they’ve ever seen it before, but when their incoming group is arrested and separated—vampires from humans—they realize that the changes definitely aren’t for the better.

It seems that an organization called the Daylight Foundation has offered the population of Morganville something they’ve never had: hope of a vampire-free future. And while it sounds like salvation—even for the vampires themselves—the truth is far more sinister and deadly.

Now, Claire, Shane and Eve need to find a way to break their friends out of Daylighter custody, before the vampires of Morganville meet their untimely end…

Review:

I can’t believe that this is the last book in the series and that I’ll no longer hear from this group of fabulous people, human and vampire alike. Wow……..just wow…………..

Daylighters begins at the exact point where the previous book, Fall of Night, ends. Claire, Shane, Michael and Eve, along with Oliver, Jesse and Myrnin, make their way back to Morganville, only to be intercepted by the police. What’s worse? The vampires are staked, (which doesn’t kill them, just incapacitates them, depending on the type of stake used), and taken away in ambulances. Claire, Shane and Eve are taken into custody by Hannah Moses, police chief and long time friend. Or is she still a friend?

On their way, they can’t believe their eyes. People are out walking around, visiting, all the while, NOT having to look over their shoulders. Businesses have received paint jobs. The landscaping is immaculate. New businesses are springing up. Hmmmm……. They soon discover a very charismatic Mr. Fallon, for all intents and purposes, has taken over Morganville. His mission? To rid the world of the evil vampires with a cure he’s developed. The catch? The 23% success rate.

Through a series of events, they are finally taken to see Michael. He’s being held at the “enclave”, which is the old mall, with all of the other vampires. They have been fitted with collars that will basically decapitate them if they try to leave, and on top of that, he’s keeping them hungry. Yippee…….. Will Claire, Shane and Eve, mere humans, once again be able to save life as they know it in Morganville? Let’s just say, things will never be the same………….

The first thing that I’ll say is that “sad” does not really convey how I feel about this series ending. It was actually my first foray into the Young Adult genre. And, thanks to Morganville, there are now several YA series that I love. Now, about the book. Daylighters was very well written. The action started on page one and kept my attention until the very end. There was a lot going on in this book. New characters, namely the Daylighters, added a fanaticism to the story, which is a new thing for this series and added a layer that some will like and some will not. I am in the “not” category. I can’t really go into what actually happens because there is a HUGE HUGE HUGE development with one of the main characters and I don’t want to give anything away. Other than that tidbit, Daylighters was a great story. Rachel Caine did a great job in tying up the loose ends. Claire & Shane and Michael & Eve will sorely be missed, as will Amelie, Oliver and my dear, sweet, lovable Myrnin. It seems as though they all will have what they’ve wanted all along……..their happily ever after. Oh, how I love this series and will truly miss hearing more for them.

Thank you Rachel Caine for introducing us to Morganville.

Reviewed by Vickie M

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Soul Resurrected by Keri Lake-Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Soul Resurrected by Keri Lake-Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Soul Resurrected
Sons of Wrath #2
by Keri Lake
Release Date: October 31, 2013
Genre: paranormal, UF, adult

SoulResurrectedCover

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As Wrath’s fiercest son, Logan carries the scars of fifty years spent in the most dreaded prison of the underworld, for a sin he’d kill to keep secret. Enduring decades of gruesome torture has left Logan feared by and detached from others, until a female Alexi’s blood resurrects his soul from death and, with it, the pleasures he’s been denied for so long.

Plagued by shame of her own, Calla is drawn to the ruthless demon, Logan, whose insatiable craving for her touch rouses buried passions and, for once, leaves her feeling desired.

A dark and dangerous evil has been reawakened, however, and when Calla is drawn too close to its breeding grounds, Logan vows to summon the violence of Wrath in order to keep her safe. First, though, Calla must save him from a past riddled with deceit and corruption … but only if she can accept the chilling consequences of unearthing his vilest skeleton.

Sons of Wrath
Never gamble with vengeance …

Review:

Detached. That is the first word that comes to mind for me to describe Logan as this book starts. He has literally been through hell and brought back to life by Calla. To say he is angry at the world is an understatement, but, once you find out his back story, you can totally understand his anger and his detachment. The shame he carries is unfathomable, and when he finds himself attracted to Calla, he tries everything in his power to scare her and push her away. And, he almost succeeds……………

Calla finds herself at a crossroads. Her Alexi group has been disbanded and she is taken in by the Sons of Wrath after she saved Logan. She has one thing on her mind: vengeance. One of her fellow Alexi contributed to her brother’s death and she has vowed to track him down and make him pay. But when she finds herself attracted to the enigma that is Logan, Son of Wrath, she is oh so tempted………

There is A LOT going on in this book. There is a species of “supes”, known as the Sang, thought long extinct that has been brought back by a nefarious group that can lead to the ultimate destruction of everyone, human and supe alike. Once things start going askew, the Brothers (Sons of Wrath) head out to engage the enemy, whom they think are the Lycans. Little do know that the Sang are adding to their numbers and using the Lycans to bait the Brothers. Or, is it the Brothers that they ultimately want?

Once the story unfolds, the action is pretty much nonstop. And brutal. The torture that some of the beings in this book endure is very graphic. The bad guys are B.A.D. But, once the Brothers finally figure out exactly what is going on, they move heaven and earth, and the underworld, to make things right. And, once Logan and Calla learn each other’s darkest secrets, they know absolutely that they belong to each other.

The premise of this story is a good one, but I had a little trouble following at times. Like I said, there is A LOT going on in this one. With that said, it was an enjoyable read, but very dark and not something that would usually pique my interest. I enjoyed the interaction of the Brothers and really liked Logan and Calla’s interaction as well. I also have to admit that when Calla finally learns Logan’s secret, I teared up. I loved the way that Calla stood up for Logan and his humble acceptance of her love for him. And the mating ceremony at the end? Very well done.

If you’re looking for something edgy and dark with a little twist, this one is for you.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Vickie M.

excerpt

Calla followed behind Bennett, stepping out onto the freshly fallen snow of the back property. Sunlight flickered like diamonds across the enormous yard. Snow had begun to melt, leaving small patches where browning grass peeked through. The edges of the property continued beyond, as if it stretched on forever.

Something emerged from the forest to the left.Large. Dark. Ghastly. It charged toward the two of them with two more joining up at each flank. Bennett stepped in front of Calla and walked out to meet the enormous hounds.

Hellhounds.

Nothing about them looked intimidating as they sniffed Bennett and trotted behind at his heels, back in her direction.

Calla’s breath hitched the closer they approached and the clearer their form came into view. Bones peeked through matted and gnarled fur, and exposed flesh pocked their coats. No dog in creation compared to the hounds. Not even the lycans. Bigger with red, menacing eyes, and unmistakably hellspawn, each beast carried its own intimidating dark aura.

… yet yielded at Bennett’s command. All three sat in a perfect row, like soldiers, standing at attention.

“The larger one in the center is Magnus.” Bennett pointed as he spoke. “The other two are Zeus and Diesel.”

“Interesting names.”

Without the slightest bit of humor, Bennett glanced over. “Master Gavin can be rather unconventional.”

The low rumble of growls indicated the dogs weren’t entirely sold on Calla. A snarl warned she’d better not try to pet one.

Bennett barked something in a language Calla didn’t recognize. The dog quieted and Ben turned to her and spoke in the common word, “You’ve been introduced. I suspect they’ll leave you alone now.”

“You suspect?”

“Humans aren’t much sport to them.” He arched a deformed brow. “Too easy a kill.” A wave of his hands and all three dogs retreated back toward the woods.

“Thank you, Bennett.”

“Of course.” He turned back toward her as if to return to the house. “Will that be all, miss?”

“Yeah Ben, thanks again.” Calla cautiously ambled out into the yard, a shiver running down her spine as the cold seeped into her bones.

A wall of leaves and vine created a path that Calla followed through the maze. Her skin prickled, as if something trailed her steps and she glanced back. Tracking a few yards behind, Magnus’ red glowing eyes zeroed in on her.

Calla’s stomach tightened. Something in those eyes, though, suggested only curiosity, as the hound didn’t approach, but instead sat back on its haunches, seeming to wait. She continued on.

Cloaked from the sun, the inside of the maze made a dark and eerie intrusion on her mind, giving the illusion that it could have been night, if not for the rays of light filtering through the branches. With slow and cautious steps she advanced deeper into darkness. Tingles crawled her spine and she rubbed her arms to settle the goose bumps forming on her skin, her eyes searching the foliage all the while, waiting for something to jump out. Nothing. A crackle echoed from behind and Calla spun around, dagger drawn and pointed … at Magnus. She straightened from her defensive stance and tipped her head. Eye to eye, they stood only a few yards from each other—as if both unsure whether to trust the other. She sheathed the dagger and huffed. “If you’re going to follow me, quit with the sneaking up. Got it, dog?”

Magnus’ eye twitched.

Calla backed up a couple of steps before carrying on. The hound kept his distance, but continued to follow. Growling brought Calla to a halt A warning? Was she going somewhere she shouldn’t? She looked over her shoulder, staring at the dog, puzzling his intent. Pins and needles intensified across her skin. Her stomach clenched.

“What have we here?” A ghostly whisper in her ear forced her back a step.

Keri Lake

about the author

Keri LakeKeri Lake is a married mother of two living in Michigan. She writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy and loves a good, tragic love story. Though novels tend to be her focus, she also writes short stories and flash fiction whenever distraction manages to suck her in to the Land of Shiny Things.
When she isn’t toiling away on plots and protagonists, she enjoys reading, music and travel. If she could create mystical powers for herself, she’d have the ability to flash to anywhere in the world. And if she could flash to anywhere in the world at this very moment, she’d be staring at the ocean from her adirondack chair on the shores of North Carolina.

Website:  http://www.kerilake.com
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/KeriLake
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/KeriLakeAuthor
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/kerilake/
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5335601.Keri_Lake
Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Keri-Lake/e/B006VY7EM6

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NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

GIVEAWAY is open INTERNATIONALLY

1st Prize:

1-$30 Amazon Gift card
1-Signed Paperback Soul Resurrected (Sons of Wrath, #2)
1-Limited Edition Print signed by Julian Christian & Keri Lake
1-Property of Logan T-Shirt
1-Soul Resurrected Tote Bag
1-Soul Resurrected Notebook & Pen set
1-Sons of Wrath Wine Glass Charm set
1-Soul Resurrected Book Mark
1-Soul Resurrected Coffee Mug

2nd Prize:

1-$20 Amazon Gift Card
1-Signed Paperback Soul Resurrected (Sons of Wrath, #2)
1-Soul Resurrected Tote
1-Soul Resurrected Notebook & Pen set
1-Soul Resurrected Purse Clip
1-Sons of Wrath Wine Glass Charm set

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Colter’s Gift (Colter’s Legacy #5) by Maya Banks-a review

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Colters’ Gift by Maya Banks (Colters’ Legacy Series – Book 5)

Colter's Gift

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About the book: Release Date November 5, 2013 -This is the final books of the series

Lauren Wilder fell for the wrong man, trusted the wrong man, and she paid a very dear price for it. Now broken and wounded, she’s retreated to the bosom of the Colter family and the unshakeable love and support they offer. But the man she once loved and trusted is not without his own power, and he’ll use every bit of his money and resources to make sure he gets Lauren back, no matter whom he destroys doing it.

Liam and Noah were hired by Lauren’s brother to watch over her. But with danger looming, they head to the Colorado mountains—where Lauren has found temporary sanctuary. In her wounded eyes, Liam and Noah see the woman she once was—and could be again. They’re determined to show her everything a man can be—someone who will love her, cherish her, satisfy her, and when the time comes, put their very lives on the line for her.

Review:

Lauren, for the first time since coming to Colorado, is standing on her own. She is working at the diner in town and has her own apartment. She is finally feeling at peace with the decision she made to leave her tortuous relationship behind. Once her brother Max, who is married to Callie Colter, swoops in and brings her home to Colorado with him and the Colters, she can finally start putting herself and her life back together. She was immediately taken in by the entire Colter family, but especially Holly Colter, matriarch of the family, and her three, yes three, husbands. And, once again, the Colters prove that family is everything to them. Mess with one and you mess with them all.

Unbeknownst to Lauren, the two hunky body guards that Max had hired to keep her safe in New York, are still trying to track down the dirt bag that hurt Lauren. While chasing down leads, Liam and Noah discover that Lauren wasn’t totally honest about who and what her ex was. The two of them decide to make a visit to Colorado to question Lauren, and once they arrive, they know that the feelings they had developed for Lauren were real. They’ll do anything to keep her safe and to make her feel loved and protected.

Everyone soon realizes that said dirt bag is still after Lauren, and will do whatever he sees fit to bring her back under his control. While Lauren, Liam and Noah are trying to navigate their way and figure out how to make their relationship work, Lauren is kidnapped by her ex. And what a sick and twisted s.o.b. he is. Will Liam, Noah and the Colters be able to get to Lauren in time and bring her back home? Well, of course. Hello?! Romance novel and all, BUT, the action and suspense in getting to her in time will leave you on the edge of your seat. And, once they get back to Colorado, her HEA doesn’t happen instantaneously. It takes a minute for her to truly over come all that has happened to her and come to grips with her life now.

Colters’ Gift was an amazing last novel in the series. Lauren was a very believable character, albeit a little naïve at first. And Liam and Noah?? Well, to say they’ll leave you swooning is an understatement. Even though parts of this book were hard for me to read personally, (some of what Lauren endured is harsh to say the least), Maya outdid herself with the way she finished their story.

At the end of Colters’ Gift, we get a novella, Colters’ Legacy, which ties everything up. We get to see all of the Colters: Holly and her husbands, Adam, Ryan and Ethan, their three sons and their wife, daughter Callie and her husband Max, and of course Lauren, Liam and Noah. There are babies born and futures decided that are befitting the Colters’ Legacy.

You all know that I worship at the altar that is Maya Banks. The way she tied this series up reiterated, at least for me, that she is one of the absolute best in this genre. I still can’t believe, though, that I won’t be hearing from the Colters down the road. To say I cried like a baby at the end is like saying that Niagara Falls is a stream. If you’re a true fan of this genre, and you’ve not read any of Maya’s series, you have no idea what you’re missing. When I love a book and/or series, I usually end my review with “well done Maya, very well done”, but for some reason that doesn’t seem like high enough praise for me this go around. So, all I can say is that I will miss this group of characters down to my toes, and, thank you Maya Banks for sharing your incredible stories with us. Until next time…………..

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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


Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

about the author
Jill Shalvis

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Me:
What are you eating?

Him (mouth full):
Nothing

Me:
It smells like Oreos.

Him:
…

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

Him:
There’s only four left.

Me:
I need two.

Him:
I’ll give you one.

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

Him:
Show me the book where this rule lives.

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

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

Me:
Milk?

Him:
I was thinking Midol…

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

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

Q:  What’s next for Jill Shalvis?

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

 



Giveaway-Purple-White

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

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

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

3.  Giveaway open to U.S.Only

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

 

 

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One Lucky Vampire (Argeneau #19) by Lynsay Sands-a review

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One Lucky Vampire (Argeneau #19)  by Lynsay Sands-a review

ONe Lucky Vampire Sept 2013

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

About the book: Release Date September 24, 2013

Luck be a vampire tonight . . .

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

. . . and every night

Who wouldn’t want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He’s barely had time to adjust to his new state before he’s roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he’ll put a stop to whoever’s targeting her. Then he’ll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.

Review:

Nicole is going through an ugly divorce. She is a very in demand artist, and it seems that her soon to be ex-husband likes living off of his soon to be ex-wife. Enter Marguerite Argeneau Notte. Nicole is the niece of Marguerite’s long time housekeeper and she doesn’t like the “accidents” that keep happening in Nicole’s home, and she knows just what to do to protect her. Fans of this series know what happens when Marguerite gets involved……………Lifemates abound!

Jake Colson was turned in an earlier book in the series, and he didn’t take well to becoming an immortal. Even though Vincent did it to save his life, and he knew of the immortals, he left his family to pursue his own life and became a body guard. When Marguerite approaches him to guard Nicole, she explains the things that have been happening and that she suspects the soon to be ex-husband, Jake reluctantly accepts the job. To top it all off? He has to go in as her housekeeper, because Nicole doesn’t believe that she’s in danger.

Once he arrives at Nicole’s home, he knows that things are not as they should be. Of course, when Marguerite told Nicole that she found her a housekeeper, Nicole thought it would be an older woman, NOT the hunk of hotness that showed up. Things were about to get interesting for them both. Jake realizes that he can’t read or control her and knows that she is his lifemate. How will Nicole take the news that immortals exist? Even more important, how will she react to the news that she’s his lifemate? And, are the accidents the result of the mooching ex-husband? Well, you’ll have to read to find out!

Once again, Sands has written a wonderfully witty romance with a few twists and turns. We get to see some of our old friends, and Marguerite plays a big part in how this story plays out. Jake is almost killed by one of the traps set for Nicole and once some of the enforcers show up to help things along, things really start jumping. The Argeneau series is one of my favorites. It is written with humor, a little action, a little suspense and a whole lot of love. Every installment in this series only reaffirms to me why I love this series so much. If you are looking for a light and fast read with hot men, great heroines and a lot of romance, this is a series for you. I can’t wait for the next one!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Autumn Whispers (Otherworld #14) by Yasmine Galenorn-a review

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Autumn Whispers (Otherworld #14) by Yasmine Galenorn-a review

Autumn Whispers

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

About the book: Release Date September 24, 2013

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 sexy husbands. My sister Menolly is a vampire married to a wildly hot werepuma. And me? I’m Delilah, a two-faced werecat and Death Maiden. The Supe Community is in danger and now it’s up to us to unravel a mystery to which we may not want the answers…

When two vampiric software engineers approach us about a missing colleague, we don’t expect to find much. But then Grandmother Coyote steps in and our simple missing persons case rapidly devolves into a nightmare of debauchery, slavery, and corporate greed. Now, we must infiltrate and destroy an underground organization of influential men, led by the mysterious Lowestar Radcliff, before they discover we’re on to them. But one misstep puts our whole operation and our lives in peril, and I must unleash my powers as a Death Maiden, even if it means destroying someone I love.

Review:

As the D’Artigo sisters embark on trying to help out a couple of friends find a missing colleague, they have no idea how things are going to change. Besides their ongoing battle with Shadow Wing, who rules the subterranean realm and wants to open the portals to unleash hell on earth, they are approached by Grandmother Coyote, one of the Hags of Fate, for help. And no one, I mean NO ONE, refuses her. She informs the sisters of coming changes that will wreak havoc on earth as well back home in Otherworld. They are also made aware of a power emanating from a building in downtown Seattle. Seems these sisters just can’t catch a break. Oh, and Delilah’s training as a death maiden will finally put her front and center when she is called to go in on her own to take a soul to it’s final resting place…….or two.

Once they start their search for the friend of their colleague’s, they soon realize that things aren’t as simple as they first appeared. They soon learn that the missing friend was taken into an underground organization by a less than stellar citizen who has far reaching ties and seemingly unlimited resources. In the middle of this investigation, the Wayfarer, a Supe bar owned by Menolly (one of the sisters) is attacked and burned to the ground and there are several fatalities. And to top it all off, they have to head back to Otherworld, namely Elqaneve, for a meeting with Queen Asteria, who is holding the spirit seals that Shadow Wing is desperately searching for in order to open the portals.

Upon their arrival in Elqaneve, Camille feels an evil presence and as they enter the castle things go bad very quickly. Very very bad, very very quickly………….. The evil presence is a storm stronger than anything they’ve ever experienced. It is a living, breathing entity that is leaving complete and utter devastation in its wake. The sisters and their entourage were separated once the building started collapsing and Queen Asteria’s right hand man whisks Camille and Delilah away to a safe location. While waiting on the storm to pass, Delilah is called into action as a death maiden to escort a soul to its final destination. She had been forewarned that one of the souls that she’d be escorting would be hard to accept…………What an understatement. Once that job is finished, she and Camille make their way back home to try and make sense of everything that’s going on. They also have no way of knowing who survived and who didn’t. Will the sisters and their entourage be reunited? Well, you’ll just have to read to find out.

Galenorn has once again written an intriguing story of good versus evil, and boy, did evil get a leg up in this one! There was so much happening in this that it was hard for me to put into words to make it understandable. Suffice it to say, parts of this one were a little hard to read. We lose a pretty major player in the good versus evil game. And, for the first time in this series, there were loose ends left hanging. LOTS OF THEM!!!! Normally, at the end of the books in this series, things are carried through to fruition, at least the current story line. The next rolls into the next stage of the battle. This one left me hanging so high, my shoulder got yanked out of socket! LOL!! I for one CANNOT wait for the next installment!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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She Can Scream (She Can… #3) by Melinda Leigh-a review

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She Can Scream (She Can … #3) by Melinda Leigh-a review

She Can Scream

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

About the book: Release Date September 17, 2013

In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.
Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

Review:

Once Brooke saves a young woman’s life who was being viciously attacked, she knows that her life will never be the same. Her brother is getting ready to be deployed and isn’t happy about leaving her alone. Since the police haven’t caught the attacker, and Brooke’s identity was revealed on the news, her safety is her brother’s number one concern. Thankfully, one of her brother’s best friends is home for a couple of weeks and once her brother asks him to keep an eye on Brooke and her family, Luke agrees to do it, albeit reluctantly. He has his own issues to deal with, but can’t stand the thought of someone going after Brooke. Seems he had a crush on Brooke when he was younger, and, don’t think that Brooke didn’t notice Luke either……….. Once they are reintroduced, they are immediately “smitten” with each other, but both know they can never take it to the next level.

Brooke and Luke fall into an easy routine. Brooke returns to work at the local high school, where she is a teacher, and Luke keeps an eye on things for her and her two children. Through a series of events, they realize that the attacker is now after Brooke. Not only is he after her, turns out that he is a serial killer who will do anything to get to Brooke. Once the killer gets what he needs to draw Brooke in, will Luke be able to save her? Will the two of them finally give into their true feelings for each other? Well, of course they will. This is, after all, a romance novel. But, oh, the route they have to go to be together………..

Melinda Leigh has once again written a very good, suspenseful story. I really liked the chemistry between Brooke and Luke. The suspense build up was great. Of course, there was the “obvious” choice as to who was the serial killer, which I was sure of, but then Leigh threw a curve. I love it when an author surprises me with the big reveal and she did just that. If you’re looking for a good read with suspense and two tortured souls finding each other, this is definitely for you. I can’t wait for the next in this series.

Reading Order
1. She Can Run
2. She Can Tell
3. She Can Scream
4. She Can Hide (March 2014)

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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