Adrift (Kill Devil Hills #4 ) by Sarah Darlington-Series Review and Book Tour

Adrift (Kill Devil Hills #4) by Sarah Darlington -Series Review and Book Tour

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ADRIFT
Kill Devil Hills #4
by Sarah Darlington
Release Date:May 30, 2017
Genre: New Adult, romance

Adrift

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 30, 2017

Ben Turner is back! After unsuccessfully faking his own death, he’s back home in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. With no plans for college or the future, and hated by the town that once loved him, Ben feels like he’s drowning. Until he meets the girl next door, a runaway like him, and she changes everything.

**NEW ADULT ROMANCE**
Recommended for 18+. ADRIFT can be read as a standalone, but is recommended to be read fourth in Sarah Darlington’s KILL DEVIL HILLS Series.

•••••••••

REVIEW:
So what happens to life after “death?” For Ben upon coming back from the “dead” to his family in Kill Devil Hills, it was sheer hell. A jail sentence, probation, and just feeling lost and alone. The boy who had it all to taking a nasty fall from grace. Then we have tough as nails but still the ability to love hard, Juniper. Tough childhood and abusive engagement, you do admire Juniper’s strength and courage.

It was great finally getting to know Ben. We only hear of Ben in the previous books but we never get the chance to see him fleshed out a bit until this book. That being said, there an air of mystery about Ben. I remembered in Pulled Under, Sydney says there was an air of sadness to Ben when she was taking college courses with him. It’s hard to imagine the boy who had it all (popularity, football, smarts and having the hot girlfriend) to have an air of sadness about him. You do find out what shook up Ben that made him join the coast guard and leave Kill Devil Hills. While Kill Devil Hills is a small cozy town and everyone knows each other, it was nice to have a new character in the book. It was an extra bonus that Juniper was very likeable. Despite her terrible past, she wasn’t overly negative that it was annoying and you do take your hat off to her honesty and her ability to persevere. Even better was since she is new to the town, she did not have pre-conceived notions about Ben when she got with him, so that was a good thing for Ben.

The relationship was cute, wholesome and pretty innocent. The relationship was a tad slow to grow but given their pasts with relationships, it was understandable. It did slightly frustrate me when Ben would emotionally pull away when Juniper needed him. Their love scenes was very tame yet still enjoyable to read. I enjoyed that Ben learned to let go of ego in the bedroom and actually be a giver (yes let’s be adults, think about it).

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and series altogether. What I do appreciate is that like Georgina, Ben grew up past ego and thinking about himself to also look at the big picture of things. The ending is very heartwarming and leave you with a smile on your face and an awesome feeling of peace for the family you grow to love. I highly recommend the series. You get play on fantasies, deep lessons learned, honesty we often keep unsaid, racy love scenes, dry enjoyable humor and best of all romance. Read this series you won’t regret it.

Copy supplied for review

 

excerpt

There was so much pain in his voice, it made me want to squeeze my arms around him tighter and hold on forever. He found his mistakes unforgivable, but they didn’t really matter to me. It wasn’t like I was going to stop being his friend because of them. He was home now, he was trying to make it right. He showed remorse for his actions. That was the thing about Quinton, he never showed remorse. Not once for hurting me. Ben cared so much. It was an amazing quality to find in a man and my heart suddenly ached in longing. Breathing became difficult and a giant lump lodged itself in my throat. I realized how much I cared for this man, how much I wished I’d met him before Quinton, how much I wished he could be the father of my baby.
It was a scary, terrifying thought.
One that left me breathless.
One I only let myself think about for a fleeting second before I shoved it from my mind. Because a wish like that was unrealistic and pointless and something that would never come true.
So why waste even a single moment thinking it?
“We all make stupid mistakes sometimes. That’s part of being human,” I said, in some attempt to comfort him. I wasn’t just talking about his mistakes either. The words I’m not Lilly Davenport were on the tip of my tongue. It suddenly felt like the right moment to tell him the truth about me. Except, he let his grip of my legs go.
My body slipped down his back and my toes hit sand.
“The buzz I had going is wearing off,” he said as he took a step away from me. In the moonlight, I could see his face well enough to see that it had hardened. He’d dropped his guard with me for a moment, but his walls were back up now and seemingly more fortified than ever. “And I’m not really supposed to leave the house after eight. So…”
I understood. He wanted to say goodbye now.
I didn’t though. I wanted more from him. Which was completely wrong of me. I realized how sweet Ben was. And attractive. Suddenly exactly my kind of attractive. And how completely off limits he was.
Wow, life sure had a way of kicking you in the gut when you were down. On top of being pregnant, broke, scared, and alone—I now had feelings for a guy I couldn’t have.
Thank you, irony.
“Goodnight, Ben,” I muttered. I moved swiftly, standing on my tip-toes, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling away. I left him, jogging up the beach in the direction of the Davenport’s house. I didn’t look back as I went inside.

Series Spotlight Black and White

Kill Devil Hills 1-4

Kill Devil HillsKill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills #1
by Sarah Darlington
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Genre: new adult, romance

FREE ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

He’s twenty-four. She’s eighteen.

His life is exactly the way he’s always wanted it to be…stable.
She’s quite possibly the very definition of unstable.

Noah saved her.
Georgina never wanted to be saved.

Growing up, Noah Clark was passed from one relative to the next until he finally ended up living with his abusive, alcoholic uncle in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Thanks in part to the unwavering love and support of his best friend, Ellie Turner, Noah survived those years, escaped his uncle, and grew into the man he is today. Now he runs his own business and lives a pretty normal, no-nonsense life—one where he maintains a high level of control.

Georgina is Ellie’s younger sister. Four months ago, Noah saved Georgie’s life, but he thought that was where his involvement with his friend’s sister would end. Now Georgie has returned home from the recovery facility her parents sent her away to and Noah, still haunted by the night that connects them, can’t stop himself from continuously trying to protect this girl he barely knows. But is he willing to give up all of the control he’s worked so hard to build in his life and risk everything for her? Even more importantly, would she do the same for him?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Enjoyable read this book was. Lovely play on fantasy, excellent character development and a few deep lessons along the way. We have Noah in his drunken state with his dumb luck saves Georgina from her suicide attempt. Granted this was a cruddy predicament, but who knew this scene would set the stage for an unexpected romance to blossom?

As the saying goes, “Age ain’t nothing but a number.” In this book we are looking at a 6 year age gap. Despite the age gap, their relationship is so cute and it works. You can’t help but smile and giggle at their obvious chemistry. One thing I really appreciated about the relationship is Noah’s patience with Georgina, taking it slow with her. Knowing he has not only 6 years on Georgina but also more experience, he never let her do things she wasn’t comfortable with. I admit I felt like the romance was a tad rushed but at the same time it wasn’t. Reading more into the book it definitely indicated that it was an attraction that grew over time.

I admit that with some of the negative elements and events of the book it would hurt the atmosphere of the book but it didn’t. Considering Georgina almost killed herself in the beginning of the book, she could’ve sunk into a negative pity party but she didn’t. Mentally, Georgina grew up and matured. She grew out of being an egotistical teenager to seeing the big picture of things in life. Despite Noah’s crappy childhood, he could’ve grown to be a bad mess of an adult but didn’t. He turned out great with having his own business with his best friend Ellie. The fun bonus is watching Noah let his walls down to let people in. It is great to see people with traumatic pasts or events grow from in it positive ways.

You learn lessons about trauma and suicide, enjoy cute yet sexy love scenes, awesome character development along with awesome supporting characters and you guessed it a happily ever after in the modern sense.

Reviewed by Xtina

_____________

Changing TidesCHANGING TIDES
Kill Devil Hills #2
by Sarah Darlington
Genre: new adult, romance
Release Date: March 16, 2015

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

ELLIE
For years Ellie Turner’s had a crush on the ruggedly handsome, beast of a man, television actor, Nate West. This isn’t your average ‘fan-girl crush’ either, it’s borderline obsessive, and totally inconvenient since, other than this one exception, Ellie’s always been strictly into girls. But it doesn’t matter…because Nate doesn’t exist in real life. In real life Ellie has her own issues to worry about, including the death of her brother, the recent suicide attempt of her sister, and then there’s always her annoying roommate Rhett to contend with.

NATE
Nate West isn’t looking to start a new relationship. He’s still heartbroken over the last girl who ripped out his insides, still learning how to manage his new-found fame, and, frankly, not even sure what time-zone he’s in. His life is so full of stress, the last thing he wants is more of it.

So when Nate and Ellie meet on an airplane, nothing life changing should have come from it. But “sometimes in life–very rarely, I might add–you meet someone and you know instantly they’re going to mean something special to you.”

**NEW ADULT ROMANCE**
Recommended for 18+. F/M scenes only. Changing Tides can be read as a standalone, but is recommended to be read second in Sarah Darlington’s KILL DEVIL HILLS Series.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: Everyone knows the famous saying, “Opposites attract.” In many cases it most certainly does apply. It most certainly did in this book and it worked really well. A regular small town girl meets man crush celebrity and sparks fly. And even though they come from very opposites worlds, they have much in common that brings them together.

Their blossoming relationship and heartwarming chemistry was a treat in itself. For some reason Sarah Darlington has a knack for making relationships feel rushed but not. The relationship between Nathaniel and Ellie felt rushed like it grew in a span of a few weeks but Nathaniel was a perfect gentlemen to Ellie in spite of that. Despite Ellie being a lesbian and never ever been intimate with a man before, she was able to trust Nathaniel. I admit I was skeptical if their love scenes were going to be good or even if there was going to be an awkward one where Ellie chickens out and ran but no. Their love scenes did not disappoint. Full of passion and emotion. Sex and physical love aside, Ellie and Nathaniel were beyond cute together. When they were having a conversation about Nathaniel’s show or when they were goofing off at Disneyland buying hats showed me how emotionally connected they were.

The relationship aside, I really enjoyed Ellie and Nathaniel’s individual characters. Ellie is really easy to like. She’s easygoing and laid back but she’s also a good big sister bear who is fiercely protective of her family and friends. Nathaniel was also very likeable as well. Despite being a celebrity to a popular television show, Nathaniel was very down to earth and caring of other people. I really enjoyed Nathaniel’s humble attitude that he didn’t expect special treatment being a celebrity.

Overall this book was really fun. Fun is the best word to describe the book. The atmosphere of the book was laid back with a nicely set pace. Without giving anything away, the plot takes a huge turn but it doesn’t take away from the romance blossoming between Ellie and Nathaniel. This is one of the books where if you are looking for a good time, I highly suggest this book.

Reviewed by Xtina

______________

Pulled UnderPULLED UNDER
Kill Devil Hills #3
by Sarah Darlington
Genre: new adult, romance
Release Date: September 1, 2015

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

man-child. noun.
-a grown man who is very immature, therefore considered a man-child

manwhore. noun.
  -a promiscuous man who has no regard for his sexual partners or the emotional value of his relationships

Rhett Morgan couldn’t have been more wrong for me. The guy drank beer in the shower, for crying out loud. He had no prospects for the future, had slept with half the women in our beach town of Kill Devil Hills, and had no desire to change his manwhore ways.

And when Ben Turner, the guy I had loved from afar for the past four years, died and I couldn’t get over his death, I desperately needed a distraction. A distraction like Rhett. So I used him for a one-night stand. Because, after all, that’s the only thing a guy like Rhett is good for…right?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Again another tale of collision of opposites but no less enjoyable of a read. In this book, we get the innocent academic nerd and bartender “manwhore” getting together. I felt like this book was on the more emotionally intense side. This book was so emotion packed it was hard for the book not to affect you and tug at the heartstrings. You feel for Rhett wanting to get through to Sydney but feeling like he can’t compete with Sydney’s infatuation with Ben. Or Sydney’s internal struggle with her infatuation with Ben and her growing feelings for Rhett.

Sarah Darlington did a great job building up this romantic tension between Rhett and Sydney in the previous books. So when Sydney finally makes up her mind and chooses Rhett on the rooftop, it was such a giant swoon-some scene and also a giant relief to read.

What surprised me was there was more to Rhett than just being the rugged bartender “manwhore.” He had actual dreams to be a baseball player but sadly fell short. Being raised by a single mother with low income, he helped her out of the trailer he was raised in into an actual house. Even though he has the town reputation for sleeping around and having one night stands, he is very capable of love. Another shocker, Rhett is a man that can cook. Rhett turned out to be my favorite leading guy of the whole series.

I enjoyed Rhett and Sydney as a couple. While I enjoyed their love scenes which was both hardcore and tender at the same time, I really enjoyed when they connected on an emotional level. I really enjoyed their date where they really got to know each other more.
Closing thoughts, I love this book and it was my favorite book of the series. One word to describe this book is emotional. It was tangible feeling the emotions of Rhett and Sydney. Being opposites, Rhett and Sydney totally work and you will be finding yourself cheering for them to make it as a couple. Looking forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Xtina

Copies supplied for review

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About The Author Black and White

Sarah DarlingtonSarah Darlington, a New Adult and contemporary romance author, lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. Best known for her Kill Devil Hills Series, she’s also a former flight attendant, with a degree in school counseling, who harbors a huge passion for traveling. She’s especially set on visiting all 50 states.
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Sabotage (Under Covers #2) by Jessica Linden-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Sabotage (Under Covers #2) James Patterson’s Bookshots Flames by Jessica Linden-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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SABOTAGE
Under Covers #2
by Jessica Linden / James Patterson
Release Date: April 20 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

Sabotage

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 20, 2017

The Most Dangerous Kind of Love

Secret Agent Abbie Whitmore is used to putting her life on the line, but she’s never endangered someone she loves. And now, Congressman Jonathan Lassiter is embroiled in a political scandal–and it could be all her fault.

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Original romances presented by JAMES PATTERSON Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to stop reading

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:  If I have to describe this book in one word it would be the word: Like. There was just a lot to like about the book, the big things and little things about the book. I mean where do I begin on what I liked about this book?

One thing I really appreciated about Sabotage was how both Abbie and Jonathan are able to keep their professional identities but still maintain their relationship. Being a secret agent and congressman can no doubt be time consuming careers but it endears me to the couple that they can make time for each other. Let’s just be honest here but in this time and age often times it feels we are unable to have both a romantic relationship along with the winning career. Often times we feel we can have one but not both. So in all honesty I feel when couples split due to one or both are concentrating on their careers is utter BS. Their downtime together whether they are having lunch at a restaurant or lounging around watching a Star Wars marathon at home was all the more endearing.

Another element I really enjoyed about the book was how the story just kept you on your toes about who the bad guy or girl is and why they are bent on revenge on Abbie. You also get glimpses of what’s going on in the head of the villain as they are implementing their actions in their ultimate plan. Sometimes it’s interesting to get in the minds on the villain to see them mentally justify the evil actions they are doing. It really was a fun journey following the mind of the villain but also Abbie following close on the villains heels to put a stop to the evil plan to screw over her love, Jonathan.

The thing is considering that the book was not very long, the character development and growth was satisfactory as well. Abbie is able to hand over the reins and control to others trusting them. While I can understand Jonathan’s feelings about being the man wanting to protect his woman even though she is very capable, he respects her fighting abilities.

A story that keeps you engaged and on your toes, positive career and relationship aspects, great character development, soft romantic scenes and the very best good triumphing over evil; for such a shorter book this book packs an awesome punch. Highly recommend and highly enjoyed.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

Reviewed by Xtina

Interview-Black and Deep Rose

TRC: Hi Jessica and welcome to The Reading Café.

Congratulations on the release of SABOTAGE

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

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JESSICA LINDENJESSICA: I live in Virginia with my husband, two sons, two rescue dogs, and various other pets. I was a high school and college English teacher for thirteen years, but I gave that up nearly two years ago to focus on my writing. I don’t necessarily miss the teaching, but I definitely miss the students. Spending my days with teenagers was a lot of fun.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

JESSICA: I’ve had a lifelong love of books, so I can’t point to one specific influence. Mostly, I think it’s the pure joy I feel when I’m lost in a great book. I want to create that joy for my readers.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

JESSICA: The publishing business is full of rejection, which sometimes makes it difficult to keep a positive outlook. Also, it’s tough when a reader leaves a negative review. Sometimes the bad stuff is easier to believe, you know?

SabotageTRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of SABOTAGE and the UNDER COVERS series?

JESSICA: I got the idea for Abbie’s character when I was driving to pick up my sons from TaeKwonDo. I thought it would be cool to have an agency similar to Angelina Jolie’s character’s agency in Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Women tend to be underrepresented in law enforcement type jobs, but sometimes you need a woman to get the job done. Thus, the Cartwright Agency was born.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

JESSICA: This is a tough one and something that all authors face. I play the “what if” game when I’m writing to try to put my characters in unusual situations. Often I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen until the words land on the page.

TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic, and erotica in many of today’s popular contemporary fiction. What do you believe accounts for the differences between the sub-genres in today’s romantic stories?

JESSICA: I don’t write erotic romance or erotica, but this is how I understand it. The focus of romance is the developing romantic relationship between a couple. Sex may or may not be part of that. In erotic romance, sex is an integral part of the relationship development and if it were taken out, there would be a huge hole in the story. However, there is still a developing romantic relationship. Erotica is more about the sex than the relationship.

TRC: Where should authors draw the line when writing romance vs erotic vs erotica story lines?

JESSICA: I don’t think there necessarily needs to be any line drawn, as long as it is communicated to the readers what they’re getting with a particular book.

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?

JESSICA: Yes. The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” is totally bogus. No matter how excellent a book is, readers won’t pick it up if it has a horrible cover.

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

JESSICA: The characters direct the writing for me. I usually have a general idea where I want the story to go, but I don’t always know exactly how the story is going to get there until I get to know the characters in the first few chapters.

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 writers fail in this endeavor?

JESSICA: I think this comes from making the characters relatable. Often in fiction, things happen that 99% of us will never experience in real life, but emotions are universal. So if the character is relatable and believable, then his/her emotions should translate. I think writers sometimes fail in this endeavor by not fully developing characters.

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

JESSICA: I actually don’t listen to music while writing because I find myself singing along instead of writing. It’s quite the show. LOL.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

JESSICA: It depends on the situation. My husband is helpful, especially when it comes to technical or “manly” things, like the different kinds of guns and ammo. My author friend Marnee Blake is usually my go to for overarching plot and character issues. I’ll also turn to my agent and editor. I’m lucky to have a plethora of people I can call on.

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

JESSICA: Most authors can’t support themselves on their writing alone. I think a lot of people assume that if someone has a book published, they are rolling in money. That’s simply not the case.

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

JESSICA: I actually have a section like this on my website, so it’s hard to come up with another random obscure fact. I’ve recently become obsessed with my Happy Planner, and I even make my own stickers for it.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

JESSICA: I’m currently in the final stretch of writing the third book in my Fight for Me series.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

JESSICA: Nope! This interview was pretty thorough.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Calzones

Favorite Dessert
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate

Favorite TV Show
I don’t watch TV. I seriously can’t remember the last time I turned it on.

Last Movie You Saw
The Lego Batman Movie

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush
Theo James

Last Vacation Destination
Bahamas

Do you have any pets?
Two dogs. My sons have guppies and a hamster.

Last book you read
It’s top secret—it was a book I judged for the RWA RITA contest.

TRC: Thank You Jessica for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulation on the release of Sabotage. We wish you all the best

giveaway

Jessica’s publisher is graciously offering an ebook copy of
SABOTAGE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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3. Please like and follow Jessica Ruddick/Jessica Linden on Facebook.

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

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8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from April 8-12, 2017

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Twisted Desire (Titan World Novella #2) by Sharon Kay-a review

Twisted Desire (Titan World  Novella #2) by Sharon Kay-a review

Twisted Desire

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2017

From New York Times bestselling author Cristin Harber and Award-winning author Sharon Kay comes an exciting collaboration…

Rhys MacLeod is a warrior first and a hacker second. Preserving the balance of power among supernatural beings is his prime directive, as well as keeping it far from human eyes. The discovery of a man killed by magical force on a Chicago street lands him on an op he didn’t expect. He’s good, but solving this crime requires a call to the best of the best.

Parker Black of Titan Group never met a network he couldn’t infiltrate. Along with Titan team member Locke Oliver and Megan, a scientist who witnessed the murder, they uncover a maze of encrypted files and unethical DNA manipulation.

Rhys is duty bound to keep all supernatural details hidden from his human friends, so identifying the killer becomes more complicated when clues indicate the perp isn’t human. And when the murderer shows up at their location, every second counts before its true nature is revealed.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  Mystery, suspense, man candy, complete with some sizzling romance and you got yourself an awesome package of a novella to read. Of course as I always say, anything by Sharon Kay is always a pleasure to read. It was a pleasure to see Rhys, Enza and Jude from my favorite realm of Torth again yet it was fun to meet new characters as well. In this book we get introduced to the world of Titan where we get to meet brilliant hacker Parker and charming Locke.

When a murder takes place, it concerns Rhys to do damage control to ensure the secrecy of the realm of Torth. In order to do this damage control, Rhys calls on help from Parker and Locke. In the midst of solving this mystery of who committed the murder, shocking revelations are discovered and a romance blossoms between Locke and Megan, the scientist who also further assists them with solving the case.

As much as I enjoyed the novella, I did feel it was a tad short. I would have liked to see more of Locke and Megan’s romance as well as know what happened to the guilty party of the murder. Overall I appreciated how seamless Sharon Kay blended in the plots nicely, the solving of the murder, the romance going on between Locke and Megan as well as stolen cute moments of Rhys and Enza. It’s always a strength of Sharon Kay to blend in several different plots but not lose sight of the main story arc. A nice quick stop for mystery, suspense, romance and a little taste of paranormal.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Xtina

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Lessons in Letting Go (Study Abroad #3) by Jessica Peterson-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Lessons in Letting Go (Study Abroad #3) by Jessica Peterson – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Lessons in Letting Go
Study Abroad #3
by Jessica Peterson
Release Date: December 12, 2016
Genre: new adult, contemporary, romance

Lessons in Letting Go

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 12, 2016

“Ten minutes ago, I was just an American student studying abroad in Spain. But now? Now I’m a professional soccer player’s muse. His good luck charm…”

Soccer star Rhys Maddox’s recovery from an injury isn’t going well—until one night with a beautiful American and a few terrible pick-up lines changes everything. With Laura at his side, he plays smarter, runs faster, and fights harder than he ever has on the pitch. She’s just the good luck charm he needs to turn his flailing career around.

Laura Bennet begins her semester in Madrid with plans to ditch bad habits and worse boyfriends. But when she unexpectedly gets caught up in Rhys’s A-list life, her plans are put on hold. Who wouldn’t skip class to fly on a private jet with a studly Welsh footballer? It’s a no brainer, or so she thinks. Turns out Rhys’s glamorous lifestyle hides an obsession with appearances—an obsession that makes her totally miserable. Determined to take back her happiness, Laura decides to dump Rhys and tackle a “Spain Bucket List” on her own.

But Rhys isn’t letting his good luck charm go without a fight. He’s spent his entire life trying to earn his way into the big leagues, and he’ll do anything to win—even risk his carefully crafted image to help Laura with her bucket list. Will he be able to let go of his ego? Or will he and Laura ultimately let go of each other?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: Let’s all be honest, we all have inner demons and hang ups in our lives. Whether we let those inner demons and hang ups control our lives is up to us. Whether it’s a past we are trying to leave behind or a fear that constrains way of living, we all have our inner demons and hang ups. In this story we have the beautiful yet bright student Laura who wants to shed her people pleasing skin to be more emotionally free to have more fun and to stop caring about her weight so much to enjoy real food. And then we have rising soccer star Rhys who came from a very poor family in Wales who puts so much unnecessary pressure on himself to provide for his family. He is always constantly fighting his inner demons that he doesn’t want to repeat his father’s mistakes. Will Rhys and Laura let go of their demons and hang ups to really live their lives and find love in each other’s arms?

I really enjoyed how likeable Laura was but what I really appreciated was how relatable her issues were. Being a people pleaser and being overly concern about weight are very relatable issues many women have. I also enjoyed reading about Rhys letting go of his inner demons as well, that just because he deviates from his rigid schedule and routine doesn’t mean that he’s going to end up a washed up failure at soccer like his dad. The character growth and development were elements of the book I really enjoyed. Laura was able to enjoy real food and not get upset over the slight weight gain. She was able to do things for her and not for others, she was even able to assert herself to do the things she wanted. Rhys was able to free himself of letting his father’s mistake rule his every action. I truly enjoy reading Laura and Rhys’s journey to emotional freedom.

I really liked this book. The book was tastefully sexy but had literary substance to it. You would think all the hangs ups and inner demons concept would bring down the mood of the book but doesn’t. The book has an uplifting and encouraging tone to it that is refreshing. I enjoyed this book so much that I went ahead to purchase the rest of the series. Another plus, the book can read alone with no issues of missing parts of the previous books. I highly recommend this read I really do.

Copy supplied for review.

Reviewed by Xtina

excerpt

 

Rhys That Night

“Zat, it was fucking awesome, mate!” Olivier says, pounding me on the back. “Where did it come from? For so many months, you play like a terrible child. But today? Today you play like a champion.”
“Thanks, dickhead,” I say, laughing as I tug on my trousers. The familiar scents of the locker room—sweat, soap, antiseptic—surround me. For the first time in forever, they fill me with hope. Happiness. I’m actually glad to be here. “Nice goal, by the way.”
“Not as nice as ze assist.”
“That’s it, Cabbage!” William Wallace—I don’t think anyone knows his real name anymore—appears at my elbow, clapping loudly. “Whatever girl you and your dobber mates were chattin’ about at training, I want you to see more of her! I haven’t seen ye play like this since before ye balls dropped.”
“Thanks,” I say.
“I mean it,” he says, looking me in the eye. “Ye’re comin’ back, lad. Keep it up, yeah?”
I fight back a smile. The relief that floods me—the disbelief that my luck might actually be turning—is overwhelming. I finally played like the legend I hope to be. In this sport, legends get paid very, very well. And heaven knows I could do a lot of things for a lot of people with that money.
My sponsors lit up my mobile tonight. I even got a new one—a giant diamond company—that promised to pay me twenty thousand euros if I showed up at their event tomorrow night.
Needless to say, I cleared my schedule and accepted the invitation. Relationships with sponsors are fragile, so I always make an effort to put my best foot forward and attend every event they invite me to.
I shake hands, slap backs, smile as the squad compliments me on the pass. But all the while I’m thinking of only one thing.
One girl.
I admit I’m superstitious—what athlete isn’t?—but even I’m not daft enough to think my legendary performance today has anything to do with Laura, or the ridiculously intense orgasms we had together. Orgasms are magical, sure, but they don’t have magical powers.
Do they?
Because that feeling I got when I gunned down the pitch, the way my instincts took over, and guided me—it came from the same deeply buried place inside me that came alive when I fucked Laura, her eyes wet and lucid, her hair wild, her silky skin flushed.
Maybe coach is right. Maybe Laura did make me play any better today. It makes sense—sort of. Nothing else about my life has changed in the past week. I ate the same food, trained the same way, slept my customary nine hours a night.
Hanging out with Laura was the only deviation from my carefully scripted schedule. It was the only time I had fun, cut loose. I spend so much time doing the things I should or need to do; I rarely do what I want. I wanted to get naked with Laura, so I did. There was something so…liberating about it.
Sure, I’ve thought about Laura this week. I haven’t called her, though, because that’s my rule. But I have to admit that even my training sessions were better—every single one of them.
I suppose playing so well in the match today just confirms that there’s something at work here.
That I finally played really, really well for the first time since blowing out my knee after I slept with Laura could be purely coincidental. It could be a not-so-funny joke, engineered by the big guy in the sky. The connection between my performance and Laura could mean nothing.
Then again, it could mean everything. It could mean the difference between being demoted from first team, and making all my dreams come true. If I keep playing like I did tonight, there’s a seriously exciting future ahead of me. A future where I can do right by my family, and prove to the world I’m not going to wash up like my deadbeat dad. A future with the biggest sponsors and the biggest paychecks and the best bet to live the life I’ve always wanted for myself, and for mum, and for Maggie.
The kind of life dad promised us, but never delivered on.
I’m certainly not alone in my superstitions. Alexandr swore it was wearing the bright yellow boots his wife “blessed” with a kiss every morning that made his performance in last year’s Euro Cup so astounding. Fred’s got his ice cream. Sergio bangs on the brick wall outside the locker room exactly six times before every match. If he doesn’t, his play will be rotten (so he says). As athletes, so much of our professional lives—our successes, our failures—depends on chance. To touch the divine, and play like the gods we want to be, the timing’s got to be just right; the stars have to align; that ever-elusive shadow called luck must be on our side.
No one knows what it is, exactly, that keeps that shadow in our corner, or lures it away. I’d sell my soul to know the nebulous math that solves the equation in my favor. But as much as I believe in the power chance, I also believe in my own power—my own agency. I can’t control luck, but I can run after it as hard and as fast as I can.
Tonight, I ran pretty damn fast.
Shrugging into my suit jacket, I know what I have to do. I have too much at risk to underestimate this Laura thing. Maybe it’s real, maybe it’s not, but I will do anything—bloody anything—to keep my stars aligned.
Lucky for me, that “anything” is a gorgeous girl with an even more gorgeous body. Just thinking about that body, the way her pussy clenched around me again and again, has me adjusting the crotch of my trousers.
I’ve got to run like hell after Laura, and convince her, somehow, to let me see her again. Tomorrow, perhaps. I’ll apologize for not calling sooner, tell her I’ve been busy with training. The diamond guys want me to bring a date to the event, and Laura would look really hot in heels and a tight little dress.
With the most important season of my career on the line, I have to see her. Perhaps make her laugh with more awful pick-up lines, or give her another orgasm, or five. God, the look in her eyes when I slammed inside her…
I swallow, hard.
It’s not serious. It can’t be. But I’ve got to see her.
I think I just stumbled upon the good luck charm I’ve been looking for.
***
Laura

Monday

Today is my first day at the Santa Caterina After School Program (bucket list item #6: Community service—tutor kids, literacy work). Considering I’ve spent the past hour in a classroom with twenty-three five and six year olds I’ve only just met, it’s going pretty well. Only one little boy peed his pants, and the kids seem to be enjoying my terrible Spanish renditions of some of my favorite picture books (The Giving Tree gets me every.damn.time., even in a different language).
I’ve always been a big reader—I began sneaking romance novels from my mom’s bookshelf when I was eleven, and now my massive collection of pink- and purple-spined paperbacks is the thing I treasure most in this world—so I knew when I got to college I wanted to do some kind of literacy work. My dirty book habit aside, I hoped to work with underprivileged kids. I remember what a proud, magical moment it was when I learned to read, and I wanted to relive that feeling with the children I volunteered with.
The kids and I are seated in a circle on the floor. They’re a little fidgety—being asked to sit quietly after a full day of school is not easy when you’re six—but they return my smile when I close The Giving Tree and settle it in my lap.
So, I ask in embarrassingly stilted Spanish, the giving tree was very kind and generous with the little boy. Is there anyone in your life who is kind and generous with you? Someone who gave you something special?
A few small hands shoot up. I point to a little girl who is missing her front teeth.
My dad says Rhys Maddox is going to give us a title this year, but only if he doesn’t play like garbage.
I blink. Seriously? I can’t get away from this guy. Less than twenty-four hours ago, I swore to dedicate myself to my bucket list. And yet here Rhys is, invading my carefully guarded personal space once again. Damn him and his ridiculous, delicious, rock-hard body. Oh, that body…
Yeah, another girl in pigtails says. My dad says Rhys Maddox can be the best player in the world if he just gets his head out of his ass.
“Whoa!” I say, before remembering to use Spanish. Celeste, excuse me, but you cannot use that word here.
Rhys Maddox would be kind and generous if he played as well as he did last night so we could win the war against Barcelona, a little boy named Miguel says.
Well, it’s not a real war, I say. The rivalry between the football clubs in Madrid and Barcelona is intense. Some Spaniards—older generations, mostly—see that rivalry as a continuation of the Spanish Civil War, or at least a reenactment of it.
My grandpa says it is, he replies. We’ve been fighting it for a thousand years, and only Rhys Maddox can win it with a league title.
I bite back a grin. I can’t resist. Do you think Rhys Maddox is kind, like the giving tree?
Maybe, a little boy says when I call on him. My mom says he is very handsome. It makes her happy when he takes his shirt off. So maybe that means he is kind?
Hmmm, I say. My belly aches from trying not to laugh. I’m not so sure about that one.
When we finish up reading hour, I take the kids outside to play on the playground. I jump when my phone, tucked into the back pocket of my jeans, begins to ring.
Are you all right, Miss Bennet? Miguel looks up at me, holding a hand to his forehead against the fading sun.
I grin at him and nod, even though my heart weirdly begins to pound as I dig my phone out of my pocket. The girls I went to the soccer game with usually text me; so do my friends back home. The only people who actually call me are Em and my parents. And considering both—well, all three of those people know I’m working right now, they wouldn’t be calling me unless it was an emergency.
I glance at the screen. It’s a number I don’t recognize—a European number. My heart pounds faster. For one stupid, heady heartbeat, I think it might be Rhys, finally making good on his promise to call.
I look around, quickly. I’m not supposed to use my phone while I’m with the kids, but this could be an emergency. Ducking into the shade of a nearby bench, I slide my thumb across the bottom of the screen.
“Hello?”
“Laura?”
My stomach plummets at the familiar rumble of the voice that greets me.
Holy shit. It can’t be. No way. No freaking way. I bite the inside of my lip, just to make sure I’m awake and alive and that this is really happening.
“Uh. Yes?”
“It’s Rhys. Rhys Maddox.”
I take a deep breath, let it out. “Oh, hey, uh, Rhys. What’s, um. What’s up?”
Barf. Why do I have to be so awkward?
“I want to see you,” he says.
“See me?”
“Yeah. Where are you?”
“Where am I? Like, physically?”
“Yes.” He laughs. “Where on the Earth are you located?”
“Right now?”
“Yes. Where are you right now?” There’s a loud noise in the background, like he’s vacuuming or something. Only Rhys wouldn’t vacuum because he’s, well, Rhys Maddox.
What the hell?
“Um.” I glance at the playground. “I’m volunteering at Santa Caterina. It’s this after school program in—God, I actually forget what the neighborhood is called. It’s not in the best area in the city…”
“You’re at Santa Caterina?”
My stomach drops again. “Do you know it?”
“No. But I’ve got Google maps. I’ll be there in twenty.”
Now I really feel like I’m going to barf. “Wait, Rhys—no. No, don’t…please, you don’t have to—”
He already hung up.
I drop my phone on the bench, my hands shaking as I smooth my hair back from my face. I feel like I just got electrocuted. Be cool, I tell myself. Stay calm.
But how in the world am I supposed to stay calm when Rhys Maddox is on his way here? After calling me? And inexplicably telling me he wants to see me?
I don’t get why he’s in such a rush. Did he just find out he has a horrible, non-curable STD he passed on to me? Is he just in a good mood after his win last night? Does he want to get naked again?
I mean, what the frick is going on?
I stand up and survey my outfit. Of course Rhys would pick the day I’m dressed like a sweaty hippie hobo to drop into my life. I was more than a little hung over this morning after yesterday’s shenanigans at the football stadium, so I only had time for cruddy jeans and a little mascara before I had to leave for class. And after hanging outside in this heat, I probably smell just lovely.
I run my hands through my hair, giving my tired waves a bit of a boost. I adjust my shirt and discreetly check for any signs of BO. The situation isn’t great, but it isn’t terrible, either.
I take another deep breath. Be cool. Be calm.
And then I laugh at the absurdity of trying to be either of those things when the hottest, sexiest human on the planet just called to say he wants to see me this very minute. I am so out of my depth here. And I can’t tell if that excites or terrifies me.
***
When the throaty rumble of an exotic sports car fills the playground, I feel like I’m going to faint. On cue, the kids drop whatever they were doing and hurry toward the fence. They let out little gasps of surprise as a black convertible Lamborghini pulls up to the curb.
I bared myself to Rhys in every sense of the word last week. I felt relatively brave then. But now? Not so much. I feel embarrassed. Some small, mean part of me thinks he came here just to make fun of me for my hairy vagina or awful, pretend o-face.
I remind myself I have nothing to lose, that I’m focusing on me, myself, and my bucket list this semester, but that doesn’t do much to slow my racing pulse.
I look down at a tug on my hand. It’s the little girl with the missing front teeth.
It’s all right, Miss Bennet, she says. That’s Batman. He is kind and generous, just like the giving tree. Although sometimes he kills people, too.
Rhys revs the engine one last time—boys and their toys, so ridiculous—before he turns off the car and climbs out, tucking his sunglasses into the front pocket of his tuxedo jacket.
That’s right. As if this whole scenario wasn’t ridiculous enough, Rhys is wearing a goddamn tuxedo. I feel like I’m in a commercial, one of those ads that’s trying to sell probiotic yogurt to middle-aged women. Rhys is one tall class of yogurt—water—whatever—in his dapper duds. I didn’t know feeling weak in the knees was actually a thing until this very moment. I grab onto the fence to steady myself.

 

Interview

TRC:  Hi Jessica, and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

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

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Jessica PetersonJessica:  Hi there! First, thank you very much for having me; I’m so excited to be here! So I’m a thirty-something writer living in North Carolina with my husband, Ben, and our smelly Goldendoodle, Martha Bean. My STUDY ABROAD series is based on my own experience studying in Madrid, Spain, more than ten (!) years ago.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Jessica:  Great question. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but it took me a while to finally sit down and write a book. I started out writing historicals, but after I read the likes of Elle Kennedy and Kristen Callihan, I knew I had to write some smexy contemporary romance. It’s been a lot of fun!

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

Jessica:  Oh, wow, lots. I started out writing historicals for a traditional publisher, but they did not renew my contract for a second series. I was totally crushed and didn’t know where to go next with my writing. I wasn’t so sure about the indie thing, but once I started, I found I was a much happier writer–a much BETTER writer–and that I enjoyed the process so much more. It hasn’t been easy, and it’s a struggle sometimes not to get discouraged when everyone around you seems to be selling millions of books and you’re not, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I still get goosebumps every morning when I sit at my computer and read what I wrote the day before. It’s a dream come true for sure!

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of LESSONS IN LETTING GO?

Lessons in Letting GoJessica:  Sure! This is my first sports romance I’ve ever written, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the sports angle…maybe because I enjoyed googling shirtless footballers WAY too much. I pitch it as a hot, tortured Welsh footballer + ambitious American student + orgasm-heavy bucket list. Totally delicious!

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for the series? Can each book be read as a stand alone without any difficulty?

Jessica:  While LESSONS IN LETTING GO is the third book in the series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone–so can the previous two books in the series, SPANISH LESSONS and LESSONS IN GRAVITY.

TRC:  How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Jessica:  So plotting is definitely not my strong suit, and I look to my editor for a lot of guidance there. I’m a “pantser”, meaning I don’t outline before I write (I just get bored). My method is labor intensive–edits can be a total beast–but I’d like to think it works!

TRC:  Are any of the characters or scenarios based in reality or from people you know or met?

Jessica:  None of the characters are, but this book is basically the fantasy I had when I studied abroad that I’d meet a cute footballer and he’d fall in love with me (ha!). That never happened in real life, so of course I had to write a book about it.

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?

Jessica:  Not necessarily. It certainly doesn’t for me. I read a lot of romance blogs and am active on Twitter and Facebook; if people are raving about a book, I’ll usually buy it and check it out, regardless of what the cover looks like.

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

Jessica:  The characters definitely direct the writing. It’s all about internal and external conflict–those drive the characters, which drives the plot.

TRC:  Many writers bounce ideas with friends or other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Jessica:  My editor is AMAZING and we work really well together when it comes to plotting. When I’m stuck, or I’m brainstorming, I’ll usually give her a call and we’ll talk for, like, four hours about how to make the book work. I usually have the characters, and she has the plot ideas.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the story line 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?

Jessica:  I think it all comes back to the characters. You have to understand in them–you have to believe them and what they’re after. I think it’s especially to get the hero right in romance. I took Elizabeth Hoyt’s workshop on the hero a couple years ago at RWA, and her message–that if you get your hero right, you’re in a good place–has stuck with me.

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

Jessica:  I usually can’t listen to music when I’m writing, EXCEPT when I write a kissing or sex scene. Then music is essential. By the time I finish a book, I usually have a playlist of songs I’ve played hundreds of times. It captures the tone/mood of the story for me.

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

Jessica:  That writing is easy or enjoyable! Sure, I’m chasing down my dream job, but that doesn’t mean that I sit down at my computer with a smile and happily type away until the book is done. Most days are boring, lonely, and HARD. But then you get that one day where the plot comes together or you write a scene that gives you chills and you’re so happy you want to cry. THAT is what keeps me coming back, page after page.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Jessica:  I’m currently working on what was supposed to be a novella (STUDY ABROAD #3.5), but apparently I’m incapable of writing anything shorter than 60,000 words. So this next book will probably turn into a full-length novel. I’m kicking around the idea of using it to create a spin-off footballer series. We’ll see!

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Jessica:  Thanks again for having me–this was so fun!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite TV show: right now, THE CROWN on Netflix. Love anything to do with royalty!

Last movie you saw: DR. STRANGE. God I love Benedict.

Favorite Food: Right now? A great cup of coffee first thing.

Favorite Dessert: Definitely cake. Preferably from a box, with icing from a can. YUM.

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate all the way! Reese’s are my favorite.

Favorite Celebrity Crush: Right now I’m digging Sergio Ramos, a super hot Spanish soccer player. Google him. You won’t be sorry.

Last Vacation Destination: Colorado for some skiing.

Last book you read: EVERYTHING I LEFT UNSAID by Molly O’Keefe. So.damn.good.

Do you have any pets: Yes! Last year we got a Goldendoodle puppy named Martha Bean. Now I’m that crazy dog lady who treats her dog like a human. She’s the best writing companion ever!

Thank you Jessica for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of LESSONS IN LETTING GO

 

Giveaway Black and Lime

Jessica Peterson is graciously offering an ecopy of LESSON IN LETTING GO-book 3 in her Study Abroad series to three (3) 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. LIKE Jessica Peterson on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open Internationally

9.. Giveaway runs from December 12-16, 2016

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

Click HERE to enter the rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Memory’s Kiss ( Watcher’s Kiss Series) by Sharon Kay-a review

Memory’s Kiss (Watcher’s Kiss Series) by Sharon Kay-a review

Hearts of Darkness

ebook boxset only 99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2016

NOTE: Memory’s Kiss by Sharon Kay is part of the multi-authored HEARTS IN DARKNESS anthology releasing October 2016. Memory’s Kiss will be released as a single in 2017. This review focuses on Memory’s Kiss only.

Vampires, shifters, demons, witches and ghosts…
Ten delicious tales of paranormal romance just in time for Halloween. Get your calorie-free tricks or treats before this boxed set disappears. Those who dare the darkness will find the true heart of supernatural love.

•••••••••

REVIEW: It was supposed to be another rescue mission to Raul and his team of Watcher Lash warriors. To rescue the hostages that Splinter captured. What Raul didn’t expect was that one of the hostages was the girl he left behind in his home town to become a Watcher warrior. Sparks fly as they both realize that their inner fires for each other never died out despite the time and distance from each other.

Yowza! Wow! Hot damn! Those are the expressions to describe Raul and Daphne’s chemistry. I seriously felt like sparks were flying off the pages at times with their off the charts chemistry. It was like their time away from each other and being reunited only made the flames burn hotter.? Reunited and it feels so good ?sure did for this couple that’s for sure. I really enjoyed their love scenes. Their love scenes were so full of passion and rawness to it. It was the perfect mix of carnal desire and soft core romance. The ending sure was something. When Raul and Daphne finally tell each other that they love each other was so emotion-packed it was impossible for the scene to not tug at the heart strings.

Aside from all the lovey-dovey action going on between Raul and Daphne, there was many elements to like about this book. I was enjoying the second chance at love concept. The character development and growth was most definitely appreciated. Daphne is very likeable but her character came off very timid. She desired a simple life of being a teacher, being mated and having children. There is nothing wrong with what she wants in life but when she comes to accept and embrace Raul’s way of life as a warrior, I felt my admiration for her grow. And when she was able to put her fears aside to use her powers to help Raul and his team, my respect for her continued to grow.

Closing thoughts, I really liked this one. I highly recommend this one you won’t regret it. You get off the charts chemistry, awesome character growth, and appearances of previous characters that we all love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Tainted Kiss
Assassin’s Kiss
Captive’s Kiss
Awakening Kiss
Memory’s Kiss

Reviewed by Xtina

Copy supplied for review.

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Awakening Kiss / Captive’s Kiss (Watcher’s Kiss 3 & 4) by Sharon Kay- Reviews & Giveaway

Awakening Kiss / Captive Kiss (Watcher’s Kiss 3 & 4) by Sharon Kay- reviews

Awakening Kiss Banner

••••••••

AWAKENING KISS
Watcher’s Kiss #4
by Sharon Kay
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: September 13, 2016

Awakening Kiss

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: As part of the Watchers, Rhys is used to all types of combat, pursuit, and interrogation. But hacking and tracking through hidden online channels is where he excels. Shattering codes and sneaking around firewalls comes as easily to him as a swordfight or street brawl with a predatory enemy.

Cooking up sweet new pastry creations is Enza’s dream job. Kitchen appliances never fail her, unlike every computer she’s ever touched. Her fledging baking business is doing well, yet as streetlights flicker with her changing mood, she can’t shake the feeling that she’s different from everyone else. But life as a regular Chicago girl is all she’s ever known…until one hot summer night.

Violence threatens both of them when her world collides with Rhys’s in a dark city alley. As a raw and formidable ability awakens in her mind, she becomes targeted by the last person she expects. Drawn to his sweet baker with a pull he can’t deny, Rhys vows to protect her—no matter the consequences that will change their lives forever.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Stepping into the world of Torth and its awesome characters is always a treat. And this time we enjoy the treat of sexy lash demon Rhys and lovable baker, Enza. And speaking of treats, our heroine is a baker so we get to read about all sorts of treats from blueberry muffins to pound cake with icing on top. My mouth was just watering reading about her treats. I really enjoyed reading about Enza baking and sharing her treats with Rhys and his fellow warrior buddies. Enza was a really likeable heroine. She wasn’t whiny or argumentative which is often common in many female characters main or supporting character-wise. She had a lot of traits that I found admirable. She proved adaptable and courageous in many scenes that I wanted to high five her.

Rhys and Enza together was a treat in itself to read about. They may have had a rough beginning but they made it up with their trust in each other, having each other’s backs and yes chemistry. It was adorable reading about Rhys trying to be a gentleman and court Enza. One thing I really appreciated was I get it that Rhys made a mistake but he did not let that mistake color their relationship like pushing her away or becoming cold when she needs him the most. He didn’t do that. As for Enza’s transition into their crazy world and shocking discoveries, Rhys was super patient and understanding of her. Their love scene was sweet and pleasant to read though I do wish there was more love scenes because I really enjoyed them as a couple. Then again maybe I’m just being greedy after all they were the focal point of the book since there wasn’t really any side plots going on which is another thing I really appreciated about this book.

My closing thoughts, this awesome book had something for everyone. Romance, action-packed scenes, edge-of-your-seat suspense, sex, light-hearted humor, desserts, outstanding characters and out-of-this-world magic. I highly recommend this book and I excitedly look forward to reading more about these sexy lash warriors being paired with these strong awesome heroines.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Tainted Kiss
Assassin’s Kiss
Captive’s Kiss (see below)
Awakening Kiss

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Xtina

________________

Captive's KissCAPTIVE’S KISS
Watcher’s Kiss #3
by Sharon Kay
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: June 29 2016

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

*can be read as a stand-alone
*previously published in the Gathering Darkness boxed set

It was only supposed to be one hookup. One hot night to ease the mating urge of his race’s fertile period.

But after scorching, up-against-the-wall sex in a darkened club, Tanner can’t get Saige out of his mind. And when he spots her the next day, in league with an enemy, he’s determined to uncover more about her than her delectable curves.

Saige knows Tanner is one of the good guys. And that’s why she can never see him again.

Her life has crumbled into a horrific turmoil, forced to aid criminals in kidnapping men for bloody arena fights. Held against her will, she has no hope of escape from her captors.

Determination rages through Tanner until he tracks Saige down. But rescuing her from her jailers’ sadistic whims means entering her underground hell. Posing as her victim and locked in a cell, he must find a way to save them both before he is pushed into a fight to the death.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: During the solstice on Torth, hormones are running rampant and fertility is an all-time high. Demons, fae, nymphs and other creatures of Torth are all affected; filled with lust and searching for that warm body to scratch that itch. To many creatures it’s just that, a warm body to scratch that itch. That’s all Tanner was looking for, to get relief from the solstice itch. What he didn’t expect was running into his mate in the midst of lust chaos at the club looking for the same thing.

Granted it wasn’t exactly ideal to meet your mate in their circumstance but it certainly made for one hot and steamy sex scene against the wall in one of the private rooms in the club. Honestly Sharon Key never fails to disappoint in her love scenes. If you want to read a book that leaves you breathless, I highly recommend you reach for a book by Sharon Kay.

I admit that I felt that the book was a little too short, I did wish the book was a little longer. Despite that I did heavily enjoy this novella and there was a lot to like in this novella. While many of the different creatures have powers that come with their breed like lash demons can summon fire balls from their hands or deserati can scry, Saige has a different power that she can use mind control. I thought she was dealt an awesome power that many doesn’t have. I did enjoy seeing the glimpses of Saige and Tanner’s separate lives. The rescue scene of getting Saige and her brother Logan out of their imprisonment was a fun, fast-paced and intense action scene. What I enjoyed the most was the last scene where Saige and Tanner decide that they want to be together and have an adorable love scene at the pool.

I know I said this before but I’m going to say it again, this book was a fun play on fantasy. To realize that it wasn’t the after effects of post-solstice sex affecting you but the fact that that warm body is in fact your mate that your destined to be with. Fantastic novella and I hope Sharon Kay keeps them coming.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Xtina

About The Author beige

Sharon KayFollow : Facebook/ Website/ Twitter/ Goodreads

Sharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts. Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.

Sign up for Sharon’s newsletter to keep up with her demons, see early cover reveals and be entered in periodic giveaways HERE

Giveaway beige

Sharon Kay is graciously offering a paper copy of AWAKENING KISS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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9. Giveaway runs from Sept 24-28, 2016

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Assassin’s Kiss (Watcher’s Kiss #2) by Sharon Kay-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Assassin’s Kiss (Watcher’s Kiss #2) by Sharon Kay-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Assassin's Kiss Banner

Assassin’s Kiss
Watcher’s Kiss #2
by Sharon Kay
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Genre: adult,paranormal, romance

Assassin's Kiss

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 12, 2016

Warrior Scorpio finds himself alone on a botched op. No weapons, no communication devices, injured…and instantly recognized by a group of witches who want him dead.

Witch Tessa promises to marry a rival leader to save her people. But she never planned on the new prisoner in her coven. Scorpio, a rough, former mercenary makes the outrageous claim that she belongs to him.

Even from behind bars, the longer Scorpio stays, the more he unsettles Tessa and she questions all she thought she knew. Choosing him will put everyone she cares for at risk. He’s nothing like she expected, and the last thing she could dare to want.

**can be read as a stand alone**

•••••••••

REVIEW: Back from another fun journey from the wonderful and mystical realm of Torth where the twins moons light up their night sky. So many places within this realm I get the pleasure of visiting and in this book we are in the witch coven of Brownwy.

So this book picks up from Tainted Kiss where a mission goes awry and our hero, Scorpio goes missing. Injured and alone, Scorpio finds himself imprisoned at the hands of a witch coven that wants him dead. With Scorpio’s past as a mercenary, what better time for his past to catch up to him? And not only have that but, to find his mate in the midst of this group of witches that despised him? With so many missions under Scorpio’s belt, to gain the forgiveness of a whole witch coven and win the heart of his mate may be his most important mission yet.

In previous books, Scorpio was a man of few words and a cold unfeeling man with no emotion. He carries such an air of mystery that leaves you wondering what his story is and what shaped him to be the cold, lethal powerful man in Arwan’s watcher ranks.

Seeing Scorpio in action was a thing of beauty. The man is a powerful fighter and efficient killer complete with mind-numbing speed to boot. Charging dire wolves, snapping necks with his bare hands to throwing demon fire out of his hands oh my…. The only complaint was I wish I got to see how good he is with weapons but unfortunately his got taken away upon his capture initially. I was really surprised with how much I really liked Scorpio. For his hardened disposition, I expected a mean, slightly domineering man who can’t relate to others but no the man was continuing to win point after point with me. Scorpio was truly a man of honor who stayed true to his word. I really appreciated that the man used endless compassion, empathy and a world of patience to win Tessa over. Under all that hardened unemotion, is a kind, compassionate selfless man who puts others before himself. These books without fail make me fall hard for these watcher warriors of Torth. If you want selfless, kind and honorable men in your books, I suggest reaching for these books.

Tessa on the other hand was no slouch either. Tessa turned out to be an awesome witch with her own impressive abilities. I only wish to see more of her metal affinity abilities more throughout the book. After their terrible initial meeting, I was worried that Scorpio was going to kill himself trying to win over Tessa especially after reading the prologue but thankfully that was not the case because of her awesome intellect to see the bigger picture of his past actions. They made a spectacular match. I really enjoyed their physically love scenes I did but it was their emotional connection that left me breathless with awe.

I felt like Sharon had slowed the pace of this book compared to her other books with fast paced adventure but it was nice. Damien of the Vespera was a worthy villain and it was great to see the appearance of the other characters from previous books (Brenin needs a story ASAP). I really enjoyed this book and eagerly waiting for my next trip to Torth.

Reviewed by Xtina

Copy supplied by the author.

Guest Post

How music inspires my plot and character details.
by Sharon Kay

First, a big THANK YOU to Sandy for inviting me to be a guest at The Reading Café today!! I’ll be sharing the ways that music inspires my plot and character details.

We all get songs stuck in our heads sometimes. Maybe every day. Maybe it’s a song we love or maybe it’s from one of our kid’s toys and we’ll turn on anything else to get that annoying jingle out of our heads.

For me, a song stuck in my head can easily morph into a scene. And some songs hit me like a wrecking ball (eek, sorry, I couldn’t resist that one)! Sometimes a song will play out and a plot detail unfolds in my brain.

For example, with my new release, Assassin’s Kiss (Watcher’s Kiss #2), I knew that the hero, Scorpio, would be missing at the end of the previous book. I was working on that book (Tainted Kiss) and not sure exactly where I would strand Scorpio. (Yes, I stranded him. I am so mean to my characters sometimes!) Then, I was sitting at my hair salon, and Katy’s Perry’s “Dark Horse” came on the radio.

I wasn’t planning to hash out Scorpio’s plot that day, but cue the inspiration machine (and Katy singing about magic and enemies), and BAM!
I suddenly knew Scorpio would be found among witches who wanted him dead, and his mate would be among them. And that his mercenary past plus her initial judgement of him would form the central romantic conflict.

Soft pink lips moved in an ancient dialect, her voice a low, breathy murmur that made his head spin. She could be spelling him into a magical coma and he’d be okay with it.

Yay! I dashed home and started making notes and a blurb. Of course, I still had to write the entire 300 pages, but it’s easier to get to THE END when I have guideposts along the way.

I like to run on the treadmill, pop in my earbuds, and let my mind wander. This is how I ended up choosing Linkin Park’s “A New Divide” as my main inspiration for On Wicked Ground (Solsti Prophecy #4). My heroine, Alina, can manipulate the earth, so I could “see” the ground opening up. There is a big showdown at the end, so when the band describes black skies, lightning, and ashes, this fit that scene perfectly. I still get chills as the hero, Caine, tries to stop her from making the ultimate sacrifice!

Thunder clapped and the light flashed as brightly as the sun, forcing Caine to look away. With a crash and a boom, the light and Alina dropped down into the earth, leaving nothing but churned up dirt.

One day, while I was writing Wicked Waves (Solsti Prophecy #2), I was at my son’s soccer practice and “We Found Love” came on. I enthusiastically said, “I love this song! It’s Brooke and Kai’s song!” And the other moms I was sitting with looked at me and said, “Um, who?” So I need to remember that not everyone knows these characters like I do (which can be REALLY tough)!

My characters live in my head. They’re like another family. They bicker, act stubborn, and don’t listen to me all the time. Sometimes they talk or act so fast I feel like I can’t write fast enough to get it all down. But if I can find a song to capture what they’re going through, I can listen as much as I want and get each detail right. In Wicked Waves, Brooke and Kai need to escape a dungeon and the only way out is by making a hundred foot jump into a fast moving river.

Not only is this crazy-dangerous, but these two don’t like each other much at first and the area they’re stuck in is bleak and lifeless. So when I heard Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” it all clicked. They need to trust each other to survive in this wasteland. Luckily, the death–defying plunge into the river is aided by Brooke’s ability to manipulate water.

He looked down at her, his eyes flashing with a mix of emotions. “Brooke, I might be able to heal, but you…I don’t know if you will. I can’t risk it. You’re a Solsti. You’re too important.”

“Yes, Kai, I am a Solsti. The one who commands WATER.”

“Gods help us,” he muttered, but he wrapped his brawny arms around her waist. To her shock, he lowered his head and pressed a swift kiss to her lips.

So music equals scenes, which equals plot details, or sometimes even just the past events that shape my characters’ lives. Did they have a rough childhood or a dark past they had to overcome? It’s also nice to give a character a music preference. In Wicked Flames (Solsti Prophecy #3) my heroine liked eighties music, and I was able to incorporate lots of eighties rock into the book.

One last goofy detail: though I love music for inspiration—I need to write in silence! I’ll listen to the song, see the action unfold in my mind, then press pause and go write. That’s where I’m headed now! Thanks for stopping by!

~~Sharon Kay ~~

about the author

Follow: Facebook / Twitter/ Website/ Goodreads

Sharon KaySharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts. Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.

giveaway

Sharon Kay is graciously offering a paper copy of ASSASSIN’S KISS to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

NOTE: If you are having difficulties logging on to the site, refresh the page and that should clear up any problems

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

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

3. Please Follow Sharon Kay on Facebook.

4. Please Follow Sharon Kay on Twitter.

5. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

6. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from January 14 to January 19, 2016

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This One’s For You by Brandy Jellum-a review

This One’s For You by Brandy Jellum-a review

This One's For You

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 24, 2015

All alone in a new state, Brennan Daniels has only the memories of her best friend, Reagan, to keep her company as she starts college.

Reagan is the reason for everything Brennan does—before she died, she made Brennan promise to stay good until she found a man worth keeping. No boys, no dating, and definitely no falling in love—those were the rules for college, and Brennan carved them into the brick walls guarding her heart…

But there’s a fire burning behind those walls, and when Brennan meets Owen Scott, the (mysterious) new guy across the hall, she can’t deny the pull between them. He is everything she should never want. Everyone warns her to stay away—even Owen himself—but the heart wants what the heart wants, even if it knows that it’s going to get hurt—even if it means throwing old promises to new flames…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Reading this book has made me think about my senior quote for the yearbook which was a quote from Pope John Paul II. The quote was, “The worse prison is a closed heart.” I chose such a quote because I figured going into adulthood wasn’t going to be an easy journey and that when life gets hard, keep your heart open to those who love you that the journey should not be traveled alone. To slam the door and shut people out is a loneliness that no one should ever subject themselves to especially one as young as our main character, Brennan.

Brennan lost her best friend in a tragic accident that left Brennan closed off from everyone no matter how much everyone tries to be there for her. I admit that Brennan may have annoyed me with the extent of how hard she pushed others away throughout the book but I was impressed with how much she changed as the story progressed. That she allowed herself to truly grieve the loss on top of being able to break her silence on what happened. Being there through her journey to recovery was a treat in itself.

The real turning point I enjoyed was when Brennan went home for Christmas with Owen in tow. It was hilarious on so many levels when Brennan’s three older brothers gave Owen a hard time, what with older brothers being protective of their little sister. It was a good thing that Owen was a good sport about it. Christmas was really when both Brennan and Owen finally let their walls down to give their relationship a try which was a huge relief because half the book was pretty much a hot and cold dance with the two.

All in all, I felt this was one of Brandy’s more serious and personal novels. For those going through a bad loss or unable to let people in, this book is a comforting balm to your soul. This book tugs on the heartstrings as everyone is fighting their own battles in the book yet find love and comfort with each other. This book has a lot of secrets that come out in the end as well as much needed closure for Brennan’s loss. This is the chicken soup for the grieving soul and one I would recommend everyone to read.

Reviewed by Xtina

Copy supplied by the publisher

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