Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Book Tour for Mike's Way Back by Amy Gregory (Review & GIVEAWAY)


We're ending the year off on a high note with Mike's Way Back by Amy Gregory.  Keep reading to get a taste of this book along with my impressions of it.  Learn even more by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form for your chance to win books too!

Detective Mike Sterling walked away from his dream job telling himself it was to honor the promise he’d made his mother, while lying in a Chicago emergency room. A year later, he’s still fighting the demons that followed him back to his boyhood town.
Taryn Watts is an award-winning designer, going from project to project, living from a suitcase. Her plan for Renlend Kansas was the same as always. Go in, get the job done and get out, just the way she likes it. Growing up as a cop’s daughter, her every move was controlled. When she escaped to college she vowed to never fall in love with a cop –ever. Until she found herself sitting across from the ruggedly handsome stranger. Looking into Mike’s ice blue eyes they pulled her, called to her, but there was a haunting in them she knew too well.
Mike is drawn to Taryn, her passion for her work and her stunning beauty left him breathless, but what surprises him most is the peace he feels when he’s near her. Maybe it’s because Taryn is a temporary addition to his town and his secret is safe, or maybe it’s because she makes him feel safe. Mike knows he can’t keep up this charade and when Taryn moves to Renlend for an extended stay he can’t hide the truth any longer.
Can Taryn forget he’s a cop and give him her heart, or will his demons drive them apart?

BUY LINKS:  Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | BN

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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

From the moment I saw this cover I knew I had to read it and was ultimately drawn to the protagonists as they were likable and easy to relate to.  The storyline itself is nothing special but the characters easily drew me in as they tried to work through issues in their pasts while forging an unexpectedly sweet and sexy relationship.  Mike has moved back home after a traumatic life-altering event has left him with guilt and doubt.  He's not looking for a relationship but finds himself immediately drawn to Taryn with no promises of a future.  Theirs is a romance that evolves slowly with two very equal people that made for an entertaining journey full of sexual tension.  Mike is a delightful hero as he's strong-willed and willing to go after what he wants.  He's an unexpected romantic in a muscular package.

Taryn is in town for a short period of time and not looking for a relationship, especially with a cop as her father was one and she swore never to enter that dangerous kind of life again.  Instead of fear though he inspires safety and comfort in her and she's more than a match for him.  She's equally strong-willed with a supportive group of friends surrounding her that enhances the heartwarming aspects of this story.

From its likable main characters to an entertaining cast of secondary characters this story told an enjoyable journey to HEA.  This is the kind of story where you know what you're going to get and with Ms. Gregory at the helm you get just that and more!

My rating or this is a B+

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


AUTHOR INFO:

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs.  The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”.  She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions.  Because she sits so much, she always carries a notebook with her at all times.
She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years.  And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make others laugh as well.  At least she’s grateful most of the time!  Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!


**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Book Release Blast for The Scandal in Kissing an Heir by Sophie Barnes (GIVEAWAY)


As a fan of historicals I'm excited to host Sophie Barnes today with the release of her new book, The Scandal in Kissing an Heir.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this book and fill out the form for your chance to win books too!

When Lady Rebecca, daughter of the Earl of Airmont, faked madness to avoid an undesirable marriage, she never thought she’d wind up secluded from society instead. Now with the Kingsborough Ball on the horizon, she’s determined to sneak out and meet the man of her dreams. There’s just one catch: not getting caught. 
After losing the last of his monthly allowance in a game of cards Daniel Neville, rogue, reprobate and heir to the Marquisate of Wolvington, receives an ultimatum from his uncle: marry or get cut off without a penny. Faced with limited prospects due to his reputation, Neville can’t help but notice the beautiful young woman at the ball. He’s never seen her before and, better yet, she’s never met him either. This could just be a match made in heaven. 
When Rebecca is unexpectedly shot at the ball and her cover is blown, the two are bound by the last thing either expected to find: a passion so binding that they will risk everything for the chance to be together.

EXCERPT:

Kingsborough Hall, Moxley, England
1817
Daniel Neville, heir to the Marquisate of Wolvington, removed himself to a corner of the Kingsborough ballroom—as good a place as any for a man who’d been labeled an outcast by Society.
Overhead, candles held by three large chandeliers spread their glow across the room, the jewels worn by countless women winking in response to the light. This was true opulence, and nobody did it better than the Kingsboroughs. Why, there was even a glass slipper sculpted from ice and a pumpkin carriage sitting outside on the lawn—a touch of fairy-tale splendor indicative of the theme that the dowager duchess had selected for her masquerade.
And what a masquerade. Never in his life had Daniel born witness to so many feathers. They were everywhere—attached to gowns, on the edges of masks, and sprouting from women’s hair.
The ball gowns were marvelous too. These were not the boring dresses generally on display at Almack’s. Certainly, one could still tell the debutantes apart, due to their tepid choice in color, but they all had a bit of something extra, like crystal beads that sparkled when they moved.
It was refreshing to see, and yet as he stood there, watching the spectacle unfold, Daniel felt nothing but bland disinterest. It was only one hour since he’d arrived, but it felt more like four. God help him, but he’d never been so bored in his life. Perhaps he should have remained in London after all. At least there he had his friends to keep him company and could avoid the constant reminder of how unwelcome he was among the finer set. His aunt and uncle were in attendance of course, but as soon as they’d entered the ballroom, they’d been approached by Lady Deerford. Daniel had hastily slipped away in order to avoid the countess who had a renowned tendency to talk the ear off anyone willing to listen. In hindsight, he was beginning to think that nodding his head in response to whatever she had to say, would be preferable to this self-imposed solitude. Recalling the glass of champagne in his hand, he took another sip of his drink and decided to request a brandy from one of the footmen at the first available opportunity. Stronger stuff would be required if he was to get through the rest of this evening. He watched as a group of ladies approach on their tour of the periphery. There were three of them, one being the Countess of Frompton. If Daniel wasn’t mistaken, the two young ladies in her company were her granddaughters—typical debutantes dressed in gowns so pale it was hard to discern where the fabric ended and their skin began. It would do them both a great deal of good to get married, if for no other reason than to be able to add a touch of color to their attire.
As they came nearer, Lady Frompton glanced in Daniel’s direction. Their eyes met briefly, then her ladyship quickly drew her granddaughters closer to her, circumventing Daniel in a wide arc that would have been insulting had it not been so expected. They weren’t the first to avoid him that evening. Indeed, the three youngest Rockly sisters had beaten a hasty retreat a short while earlier when they’d realized who they were heading toward on their own tour of the ballroom. Daniel wasn’t surprised, for his reputation was so tarnished that he could probably ruin a lady by merely glancing in her direction. Why he’d bothered to attend the ball at all, when the chance of enjoying himself had been as distant a prospect as traipsing through the African jungle, was beyond him.
Well, not entirely.
He needed to find himself a wife, or so his uncle had informed him last week when he’d discovered that Daniel had hosted a most outrageous party at his bachelor lodgings – an event that had been sponsored indirectly by his uncle via Daniel’s monthly allowance, where vingt-et-un had been played until most of the courtesans and gentlemen present had been divested of their clothing. What made the incident worse, was that Daniel had been so deep in his cups that night, he’d offered the diamond earrings that his father had once bestowed upon his mother, to his mistress. They had been a treasured family heirloom, but would now grace the lobes of Solange. “You’re a bloody curse on this family!” Daniel’s uncle, the Marquess of Wolvington, had said as soon as Daniel had entered his study the following day. The marquess had then delivered a long list of reasons as to why he’d thought this to be the case. “It’s time you grew up, learned a thing or two about responsibility or you’ll end up running your inheritance into the ground after I’m gone. Heaven help me, I’d love nothing better than to disinherit you and allow Ralph to take up the reins, but—”
“My nephew?” Daniel had said, unable to help himself in light of the fact that his uncle would rather entrust his entire fortune to an infant.
“I doubt he’ll do any worse than you.” Daniel had winced, but had done his best to hide all signs of emotion as his uncle continued. “Your sister’s a levelheaded woman, her husband too. I’m sure the two of them would be prepared to act wisely on Ralph’s behalf, but since the law prevents such an outcome, I rather think it’s beside the point.
“That said, your aunt and I have come to a mutual agreement—one which we hope will encourage you to get that head of yours on straight. You will cease your gaming immediately, or we will cut you off financially, which, to clarify, will mean that you will have to work for a living unless you wish to starve. Additionally, you will stop associating with loose women, engaging in haphazard carriage chases, or anything else that’s likely to embarrass the name your father left you. And finally, you will get yourself engaged within a month and married by the end of the Season.”
Daniel had stared back at his uncle in horror. The older gentleman, however, had looked alarmingly smug and satisfied with his new plan. Daniel had turned to his aunt, whose presence had only served to increase Daniel’s humiliation tenfold. Although she was not his blood-relative, she had always been kind toward Daniel, had treated him like the son she’d never been blessed with, and had often stood up for him against his uncle who’d been more stern and restrictive. “He cannot be serious,” he’d said, hoping to incur a bit of sympathy from her.
She’d glanced up at him, eyes crinkling at the corners as she’d offered him a sad little smile. “I’m afraid so, love, and I have to say that I am in full agreement. You cannot continue down this path, Daniel—it will be detrimental if you do. Please try to understand that we’re only looking out for your best interests, as well as those of the family at large.” Her eyes had been filled with disappointment.
Of course he’d understood, but he’d still been furious with both of them.
A wife—ha! Raising his glass to his lips, Daniel took another sip. As if finding one here was likely to happen when no self-respecting parent or guardian would allow their daughters and wards within a ten-foot radius of him.
No, Daniel was there because it had been Kingsborough who’d issued the invitation. They’d moved in the same circles once, and Daniel had always enjoyed the duke’s company immensely. Things were different now though. The duke had reformed, abandoning his rakehell ways in favor of supporting his family. There was much to be admired in the strength of character Kingsborough had shown, and Daniel had wanted to offer his friend some respect for everything he’d been through—the difficulty he must have endured in dealing with his father’s demise. But with so many people in attendance, Kingsborough had only been able to speak with him briefly, as there were many others who craved his attention.
Daniel fleetingly considered asking one of the widows to dance, but he decided against it. No sense in wasting time on fruitless pursuits, since none of them had any inclination to remarry. They’d gained their independence and had every intention of holding on to it. The only thing he could hope for was to enjoy the comfort of their beds later, but that would hardly hasten his progress to the altar, nor would it improve his aunt and uncle’s opinion of him if they happened to find out. Knowing them, they’d probably decide he’d gone too far in thwarting their wishes and cut him off before the month was up—an unwelcome prospect, to say the least.
Across the floor, he finally spotted someone who would appreciate his presence. He and Casper Goodard often gambled together, and Daniel decided to go and greet him. With wife hunting being a futile endeavor here, sharing a bit of friendly banter over a game of cards would be a welcome distraction.
Squaring his shoulders, Daniel started to head in Goodard’s direction when a flutter of red met the corner of his eye. Glancing toward it, he took a sharp breath . . . and froze.
Who on earth is that?
Next to the terrace doors, partially concealed by a pillar and an oversized arrangement of daffodils, stood a woman unlike any he’d ever seen before. Her hair was black, and from the looks of it, exceptionally long, for it wasn’t cut in the style that was fashionable but piled high on her head in an intricate coif. And her skin…it was not the milky white tone that made most English women appear a touch too pale for his liking. On the contrary, it looked bronzed - as if she’d been basking in the afternoon sun. It took a moment for Daniel to come to his senses and realize that he was not only staring openly at her but gaping as well. Quickly snapping his mouth shut, he cursed himself for being such a fool—it was just hair, after all.
And yet he suddenly had the most bizarre and uncontrollable urge to unpin it and run his fingers through it. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the woman promised to be a tantalizing beauty if the fullness of her lips was anything to go by. Unfortunately, the upper half of her face was concealed by a mask, but if he could only get close enough, he ought to at least be able to see the color of her eyes.
He began going over all the ladies he’d ever been introduced to, attempting to recall someone who shared her attributes, but it was to no avail. Clearly, he’d never encountered this woman before, and he found the mystery most intriguing.
Moving closer, he watched as she tilted her chin in profile, her jawline fine and delicate beneath her high cheekbones. A lock of hair falling softly against the sweep of her neckline had come to rest against the bare skin of her right shoulder, and the unexpected urge he felt to brush it aside and place a kiss there in its stead was startling. Daniel hesitated briefly. Women didn’t affect him, and whatever was said to the contrary was untrue, for the charm and soulful eyes he chose to display were no more than tools he applied in his endless pursuit of pleasure. He was methodical in his seduction. If he placed a kiss against a lady’s shoulder, it would be for a reason, not because he couldn’t stop himself. The fact that he’d felt a helpless need to do so now, however brief it had been, disturbed him.
Whoever she was, she couldn’t possibly be an innocent, dressed as she was in scarlet silk. He wondered if she might be somebody’s mistress, or if not, then perhaps a widow he hadn’t yet met—one who might be willing to remarry? As unlikely as that was, he could always hope.
Knowing that the only way to find out would be to talk to her, he decided to do the unthinkable—ignore etiquette and address her without being formally introduced. After all, it wasn’t as if his reputation was likely to suffer further damage at this point, and considering her gown, he thought it unlikely that hers would either. Dressed in such a bold color, the lady could hardly be a saint.
One thing was for certain however—he needed a wife, and he needed one fast. If her reputation did suffer a little from his talking to her, then so be it. Perhaps he’d marry her and tell all the gossipmongers to go hang. The corner of his mouth lifted at the very idea of it. What a satisfying outcome that would be. Hands clasped behind his back, he stepped up beside her and quietly whispered, “Would you care to dance?”

BUY LINKS:  AVON ROMANCE  |  BN  |  AMAZON

AUTHOR INFO:

Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all - she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses. 
While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion - writing. When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.
You can find Sophie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter at @BarnesSophie. Visit her website at www.sophiebarnes.com.

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Book Tour for Sail Away With Me by Kate Deveaux (Review & GIVEAWAY)


I'm ending the year on a steamy note by bringing you the fun and flirty read, Sail Away With Me by Kate Deveaux.  Keep reading to get a taste of this book along with my impressions of it.  You can learn even more about this book by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon GC and 1 of 5 e-copies of this book too!

Before Jody Carter and her three best friends ever set foot aboard the luxury cruise ship, Jody falls into the arms of uber hunky celebrity guest Taggart Keith, when he saves her shoe from falling to the depths of the sea. Their attraction is undeniable, but the recently divorced single mom knows the last thing she needs is to complicate her life in just seven short days. But that’s exactly what happens when Jody throws caution to the wind for once in her life and gives into a week of sensational pleasures.  Taggart helps her discover her more sensual side — one tantalizing night at a time.

EXCERPT:

“Hey there, Jody,” he called out.
“Oh, hi….Taggart,” she said with surprise, pretending she hadn’t seen him.
“We really have to stop meeting like this.” He smiled and walked towards her   down the narrow hall dotted with luggage.
She laughed nervously at the cliché that was proving all too true if she was to keep her sanity. “I guess so. Well, this is my room.” She fidgeted with her keycard as he came up beside her.
“Mine’s just down the hall.” Taggart pointed behind him, but he just stood there, his tall frame close to her. She looked up at him, overly aware of the scent of sandalwood, one of her favorites. Very masculine.
“Mmm...coincidence,” she said, the hallway becoming smaller by the minute when he flashed that boyish smile, with one corner of his mouth raised. Cocky, but undeniably sexy at the same time.
Unable to break the gaze, she tried to insert the keycard into the lock, not paying attention to what she was doing. The card grazed the slot and she forced her eyes away from his.
“I guess you didn’t find your friends after all?” he inquired, leaning casually against the wall, as she slid the keycard all the way in the lock.
Caught red handed at her own lie, she smiled down at her shoes. “No, I didn’t.”
“So you can have that drink with me after all,” he stated flatly, placing his hand over hers as she held the key in the lock.
Her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn’t move a muscle. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said.
He frowned but left his hand on hers. “Because?”
Because? Her mind raced. She couldn’t tell him it was because she was afraid. Afraid how her body trembled when he was near, how her cheeks burned and her sex thrummed.
“I’ll wait,” he said with a devilish grin eyeing the keycard still in the lock.
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea, is all.”
“You already said that,” he said straight faced, but she could see the playful look in his eyes. As he removed his hand, he continued to lean easily on the doorframe, his face close to hers as if he had all the time in the world to wait for her to be ready. He was close enough she could see the barely visible laugh lines when he smiled and the slight five o clock shadow on his chiseled jaw.
“Look Taggart,” she said, just saying his name made her heart beat faster. “I’m not ready for…” her heart beat rapidly thinking about just what she wasn’t ready for… to be intimate with a man.
“Ready for what?” he teased. A flush of desire rushed through her. He was playing with her, flirting with her.

BUY LINKS:  RED SAGE  |  AMAZON  |  BN

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

I was at first drawn to this book for the superficial reason of the heroine having the same name as me.  By reading it though I found an entertaining and super steamy read, realistic in its depictions of romance for a single mother trying to juggle many roles and the ups and downs of a supportive group of friends.  This story took us from the exotic locations visited during a cruise to the homey feeling of small town America and how that affects a woman's actions in the dance of love.

Jody is still recovering from a divorce and the belief that she's frigid.  Her friends take her on a cruise to relax, put the past behind her, and enjoy her newly-single status.  A flying shoe leads to a life altering encounter with the charmingly seductive writer Taggart that has her channeling her inner vixen in an unexpectedly spontaneous relationship that will end in a week.  Their week together is like a fantasy with its numerous scorching sexual encounters and non-stop romantic words that every woman longs to hear.  Jody's not normally the type to act so wantonly but knowing things will end soon have her diving into everything Taggart offers wholeheartedly.  She's shocked when they both admit to feeling more but with such different lifestyles she doesn't see a future for them.  Taggart's not like any man she's met before though and is surprised to find him on her doorstep trying to make a permanent place in her life until his possessive agent gets in the way.  Jody is an average woman trying to juggle the roles of mother, daughter, and bread earner which leaves little time to be a sexual creature.  Almost every sexual interlude therefore had a frantic feel to it as their relationship always seemed to be ticking away.  Jody's a loyal friend as well as was seen in the many secondary plot lines revolving around her girlfriend's trials and tribulations.  These scenes were realistic but felt a bit intrusive at times and took away from the romance between her and Taggart.  I admired Jody and her striving to be independent, she's a modern-day woman and I was rooting for her HEA every step of the way.

Taggart is the kind of man every woman wants to meet!  He's sexy, charming, rich, and says every romantic word a woman wants to hear.  He sweeps Jody off her feet in a whirlwind of sex, seduction, and empowering compliments.  He also doesn't take no for an answer and even though he and Jody live very different lives he wants a life with her and will do whatever necessary to claim her.  Taggart's great with her friends and easily ingratiates himself with them as well as her son.  On almost every level he's perfect, except when it comes to his relationship with his overly possessive agent Felicity.  Her antics are over-the-top in her dealings with Jody as jealousy has her accusing and threatening Jody, and ultimately Taggart, at every turn.  Taggart's excuses for her and tendency to forgive because of their complicated past left me a bit disillusioned and frustrated by him.  Even though these issues are ultimately dealt with in a quickly glossed over finale it left his image a bit tarnished in my eyes.

From start to finish Ms. Deveaux has created a story that nicely blends reality with a scorching hot fantasy-like romance.  With its likable heroine and her supportive group of friends there's a feeling of girl power permeating the story as they protect each other at every turn.  The hero is almost perfect and left me swooning numerous times throughout the story.  Though certain aspects of the story felt like a Lifetime movie in the melodramatic and over-the-top reactions, I still found much to enjoy between the pages.  Fans of hot romance and soap opera action will find this appealing too and have me looking forward to reading more from this author.

My rating for this is a B.

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Kate Deveaux is a contemporary erotic romance writer and die-hard romantic. A former wedding planner, she has always been “in love” with love! Kate is currently working on several fictional stories – each filled with sexy romance, heroines who are no shrinking violets and heroes who make your heart skip a beat. She is a member of Savvy Author, Romance Writers of America (RWA) and their erotic romance chapter, Passionate Ink. Kate currently resides with her husband in Arizona.

WEBSITE:  http://www.katedeveaux.com
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Deveaux/349294291841235
TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/KateDeveaux
PINTEREST:  http://pinterest.com/katedeveaux


**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Book Review of The Race is On by Lily Velden


Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship. Between Jaxon’s career and Liam’s need to prepare for a life in the limelight, they decide to wait until filming of Jaxon’s latest project has wrapped.
Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it.

********************

Just when it seemed like things were heading in the right direction for new lovebirds Jaxon and Liam, life interferes in a realistic and heartbreaking way in this compelling and engaging read that picks up moments after the previous book (Same Page) ended.  Life is almost perfect as these two caring and loving men find their relationship deepening, they're happy and the sex between them is crackling in its intensity.  They find themselves growing closer, sharing daily intimacies, and long for the moment when they can admit their love to the world.  While Jax wants to admit the truth now, Liam is nervous about the ramifications of coming out.  These fears are realistic and presented in a believable way that had me rooting for them to reach their HEA no matter what it took.  Before that time though it's an emotionally draining, heartpounding, and rocky road for the two of them mostly due to outside forces.

Ms. Velden tells this story from three different viewpoints, that of Jax and Liam as well as the determined paparazzi Rafael.  For Jax and Liam life is good, they spend as much time together as Jax's filming schedule allows with each free moment bursting with sexual intensity.  These two are clearly in love and it's an infectious feeling of joy they exude whenever they're together.  Rafael's seen the change in Jax too and wants to know who's putting that smile on his face and will stop at nothing to discover the truth.  Rafael is extremely determined, and though his profession seems overly intrusive, he does have a code of morals by which he conducts himself.  It was intriguing seeing this aspect of fame and the inadvertent damage it can do to people.

Along with the highs of a sweet and sexy romance comes the lows of a life put in danger from an obsessive fan.  This event led to many tear-filled moments and reiterated the close connection between Jax and Liam as they coped with a devastating incident.  This story's emotional roller-coaster ride kept me on the edge of my seat with tissues close by as Jax and Liam, and us readers, were put through the wringer.  It was a realistic read that kept me glued to the pages of this melodramatic story that continues to depict the immensely satisfying relationship between two enticing men who are perfect for each other.  Surrounding them are an entertaining cast of secondary characters who add a bit of heartwarming humor to this emotionally heavy read and added even more to my enjoyment.  From start to finish Ms. Velden has once again captured an engagingly realistic moment in the lives of two men struggling to find happiness in an intrusive world and I'm left in awe of the feelings she's roused in me as I await the next installment in this series.

My rating for this is an A.

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Book Blast for After Dark by Gena Showalter & Kait Ballenger (GIVEAWAY)


I'm honored to be hosting the wonderful Gena Showalter today, along with Kait Ballenger, and their new paranormal anthology After Dark.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this book and visit the other blogs hosting this tour in support of this decadently delightful read.  Make sure to read the giveaway info below for your chance to win a $100 Amazon GC, big swag packs from both authors, and a secret gifting of the first chapter of an upcoming book!

A Timeless Seduction
A Unique TemptationAnd a Whole World of Dark Desires…

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter….

The Darkest Angel

Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he's never known desire—until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long….

And from debut author Kait Ballenger….

Shadow Hunter

Vampire hunter Damon Brock's newest assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family—and she works solo. But being alone is no longer an option when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. Forced to unite against the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they must decide between their lifelong beliefs…and their newfound desires.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON KINDLE  |  AMAZON PAPERBACK  |  BN

**********GIVEAWAY**********

In order to enter, you must email a picture, screen shot or attach a copy of your receipt from your purchase of either the MASS MARKET PAPERBACK or MASS MARKET EBOOK version of After Dark

PLEASE NOTE:   It MUST be the MASS MARKET format to be eligible for the giveaway.

Email your receipts to kaitballengergiveaway@gmail.com

PRIZE PACKAGES:

GRAND PRIZE:
Two (2) random entrants will each receive a $100.00 gift card to Amazon.

FIRST 10 ENTRANTS:
will receive a giant SWAG pack that contains a signed bookplate plus bookmarks from Gena along with SWAG from 50+ authors, courtesy of Book Monster Promotions.

FIRST 50 ENTRANTS:
will receive a goodie bag from Kait that includes bookmarks, magnets, pens and other goodies.

FIRST 500 ENTRANTS:
will receive the first chapter of Immortal Hunter, Book #2 in Kait's Execution Underground series for an exclusive peek.  

You have until 1/10/14 to purchase your Mass Market edition and submit your receipt.  Winners will be announced by 1/15/14.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Book Tour for Blue Moon Brides by Anne Marsh (Review & GIVEAWAY)


To end the week we have a super steamy trio of books that make up the paranormal series Blue Moon Brides by Anne Marsh.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of these books along with my impressions of them.  Make sure to fill out the form below for your chance to win a $25 Amazon GC and a digital copy of one of these books too!

TEMPTED BY THE PACK
(Blue Moon Brides, 1)
Once in a blue moon…
For Rafer Breaux, life in the Louisiana Bayou is harsh, violent—and deeply sensual. The Cajun werewolf lives for his Pack and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep his brothers safe. The longer a wolf lives without a mate, the harder it becomes for that wolf to shift back. To remember that he is a man—and not a monster. And those mates can only be found during a blue moon. When a blue moon finally rises, Rafer will need every weapon in his sensual arsenal to tempt one special woman into his arms and the heart of the Pack.
The Pack hunts for mates
Fighting to keep her family farm, Lark Andrews isn’t looking for love. Even if the very sexy Breaux brothers make her dream of hot bayou nights spent in their arms. When the blue moon leads Rafer to her door, however, Rafer has her rethinking her position on all work and no play. Now, the bayou nights are heating up as Rafer fights to convince her, one sensual touch at a time, to give love and passion a chance. But Rafer isn’t a one wolf deal. Is there room in Lark’s heart—and bed—for Rafer and his Pack?

BUY LINKS:
DIGITAL:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  ARe  |  KOBO
PRINT:  AMAZON
AUDIO:  AUDIBLE

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As the first book in this series the groundwork is laid for a highly sexualized journey of wolf shifting brothers trying to find their Mates with the help of the Blue Moon rising.  With vampires still their mortal enemies as the vampires want their pelts to keep them safe in daylight, the shifter numbers are dwindling so finding a Mate is important.  Rafer has been drawn to flower seller Lark for a long time and is hoping the Blue Moon proves what he already feels for Lark.  Though he knows they belong together he understands how hard it will be for her to adjust to his pack life.  He's willing to fight for her love and fight to keep her happy in a human world if need be.  Fight he must though in an action-packed sequence between his clan and vampires seeking to take Lark and her home which proves his devotion to her.

Lark has been told stories about the dangers in the bayou and is at once scared yet intrigued.  She's a bit naive about the dark side though and unprepared to protect herself in a fight which was a bit exasperating when danger arrived.  She's drawn to the dangerous yet sweet side she sees in Rafer but it will take a lot to get her to fully understand pack life and that accepting one means accepting all.  Theirs is a journey full of protectiveness and steamy sexual encounters that creates a compelling beginning in a paranormal journey to HEA for a group of immensely sexy brothers.

My rating for this is a B.

PLEASURED BY THE PACK
(Blue Moon Brides, 2)
Dre and Landry Breaux do everything together. Fishing, fighting—and loving. A whole lot of loving. When the blue moon leads these Cajun werewolves to their fated mate, however, they’re ready to reform. Now, they’ll fight to keep the woman of their dreams safe from the evils lurking in the Louisiana bayou—and to tempt her into taking a chance on two of the bayou’s sexiest bad boys.
Mary Jane Johnson is no heartbreaker. Running from a troubled past, the bayou captain wants only to be left alone. When she takes a pair of bayou bad boys on board, however, Dre and Landry have her rethinking her need for space. These two big males have promised to take orders—all of her orders. Suddenly, she’s dreaming of getting as close as possible… to both of the Breaux brothers.

BUY LINKS:
DIGITAL:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  ARe  |  KOBO
PRINT:  AMAZON

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

The Blue Moon is out in full force showing a shifter group of brothers their designated Mates in this second installment in the series.  For twins Dre and Landry they're happy to find their match in the strong-willed boat captain Mary Jane as opposed to the hardened beauty and mechanic Riley.  Though Mary Jane's not a conventional beauty they're drawn to the woman behind the boyish clothes though she feels unprepared for the men's mutual erotic appetites.  She doesn't believe in the love, care, and concern they express as she grew up in a family of rage that has left her relying only on herself and them having to work very hard to win her over both as a pair and as individuals.  Vampires continue to be their enemy and put these designated Mates in danger which leads to a fast-paced story that has them going into hiding to keep the woman they've grown to love safe.

Dre and Landry are opposites in their natures.  Dre is quiet but highly sexualized.  He's more in tune with his wolf side than his brother and has more scars to prove his closeness to the animal.  Landry is a sexy charmer who first gets the girl's attention before bringing her into a relationship with his brother.  He's playful and exudes confidence and it's easy to be drawn to the both of them in this steamy and entertaining story.

My rating for this is a B+

CLAIMED BY THE PACK
(Blue Moon Brides, 3)
The rising of the Blue Moon will lead the Pack to their destined mates… but some women are hard to claim.
Alpha to the bone, Cajun shifter Dag Breaux must find his Blue Moon bride to preserve his humanity. Each passing day sees him lost further and further in the shift, more wolf than man. Emotions and feelings are foreign territory for Dag and all he has to offer his newfound female is raw, passionate sex and protection from the centuries-old vampire stalking the Louisiana bayou.
Bayou mechanic Riley Jones stands on her own two feet. Always. She doesn’t need or want Dag’s infuriating brand of protection. Plus, she has secrets of her own that she’s desperate to keep. But there’s no denying the passion that burns between them and in the arms of her rough and tough shifter she discovers a darkly sensuous, no-holds-barred loving. When the vampire threatens Riley’s nearest and dearest, she must ask herself if resisting Dag’s mate claim is worth losing everything she cares about… or if teaching her wolf to love is worth the risk.

BUY LINKS:
DIGITAL:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  ARe  |  KOBO
PRINT:  AMAZON

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Of all the brothers, Dag is the one closest to being taken over by his wolf half.  He's the quiet one, desperate to find the Mate to keep him from becoming lost from a past of dark deeds, but unaccustomed to doing what it takes to win a woman over.  After saving the outspoken and strong-willed Riley from vampires he thinks he finally has the chance for his own HEA but will have to put the domineering ways of his past behind him to earn her trust and love.  Dag is a sexy beast whose actions speak louder than words.  He admits he's not good at romance but is more than willing to learn.

Riley is a strong-willed woman more than capable of taking care of herself.  She wants to be thought of as an equal but is more than willing to take satisfaction in the sexual delights Dag offers.  She has secrets she's keeping though that might lead to problems as her jealous brothers come to her rescue when the vampire problem escalates.  Theirs is a battle of wills and of the sexes that is fun to watch and immensely satisfying in its conclusion.  Though the story drags a bit in the latter half it's still the steamy and erotic relationship between Dag and Riley that keeps things interesting.

My rating for this is a B-

*I received all three of these books from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Anne Marsh writes sexy contemporary and paranormal romances because the world can always enjoy one more alpha male. She started writing romance after getting laid off from her job as a technical writer—and quickly decided happily-ever-afters trumped software manuals. She lives in Northern California with her family and six cats.

Website: www.anne-marsh.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anne_marsh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Marsh/225897900782649
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