Thursday, July 31, 2014

Book Tour for Platonic by Kate Paddington (Review & GIVEAWAY)


Those who enjoy emotionally intense reads will be drawn to this m/m read featuring reunited loves.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of Platonic by Kate Paddington, along with my impressions of it.  Learn even more about this book by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour and with some thoughts from the author regarding differences between writing HET romance versus m/m romances.  Make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win a $25 BN GC at the end of the tour and a free download of an Interlude Press eBook title or an author/book swag pack (US ONLY) will be awarded to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter at each stop during the tour.

Let me begin by saying thank you so much for such an interesting question as well as for hosting me today for my virtual blog tour. The question you’ve asked is so fascinating to me because I’ve never felt there was much difference at all between writing het and m/m romance or erotica. And yet I know a lot of people have a lot to say on this topic and with m/m literature really starting to take the world by storm, there’s a demand to understand the difference and the why? of it.
Certainly, in beginning to write m/m, having exclusively written m/f stories for about a decade, there were a few things that immediately presented as different. They’re relatively trivial though. The need to use names instead of pronouns will forever frustrate me. When you can differentiate characters by he/she and then come to write a sex scene and ‘he’ could mean either one of them…that was weird and learning that using their names more often than not took time. The mechanistic side of m/m sex is obviously different to m/f sex and I still often go off to look at anatomy, physiology, and porn, all in the name of research. That said, I wrote m/f sex that was mechanistically different to what I had experienced. So I don’t think that’s a big deal. The other thing is that in a m/m romance social prejudices like homophobia can be featured as part of the story. I tend not to do that in a major way so, again, that’s not a big deal for me. Also it’s worth pointing out that m/f stories can feature social prejudices and that all m/m stories do not have to.
So for me writing a m/m erotic romance is pretty much identical to writing a m/f one. When I first started doing it, it didn’t occur to me that it should be different. I’ve never written anything that deals with gender or sexuality identity with any more complication than my characters having these identities and being comfortable with them. Moreover, the stories I am compelled to write feature characters that would never consider the most important things about themselves to be their sexualities. Sometimes my men happen to like men, sometimes they like women, sometimes they like both. It’s all very peripheral to the stories I am trying to tell which are about people and the connections they make with other people. These connections are based on personalities, passions, how they complement each other. I know a lot of people think that two men having sex is hot and I agree with that but if that’s all it was we would all be in the business of making and watching m/m porn. I’m here for the love story and I think that’s what readers will find in my novel. It’s a love story with characters that garner affection and sympathy while maintaining their frustrating flaws. It has humor, stunning locations, an adorable puppy, and sex that is scorching hot because of how good and how much it makes the two people sharing it feel. None of what I just listed is discernably different based on sexuality and so writing it was never really different either.
Except for those pesky pronouns. Those were killed. I look forward to the day we can start writing with he1 and he2 and run it smoothly from there.  
Thanks so much again for the chance to discuss such an interesting part of my writing. Talking about all these things is just making me more excited for people to read Platonic.

Mark Savoy and Daniel O’Shea were high school sweethearts who had planned their forevers together. But when Mark goes to college in California rather than following Daniel to New York, he embarks on a decade-long search for independence, sexual confidence and love.
When Mark lands a job in New York and crosses Daniel’s path, they slowly rebuild their fractured friendship through texts and emails. If they finally agree to see each other, will they be able to keep it platonic? Or will the spark of a long-lost love reignite just as Daniel accepts a job overseas?
Platonic is a story of trials, growth, and knowing how to learn lessons from the past to build a future.

EXCERPT:

“Would you have stayed with him if you could?” Patrick eventually asks.
Mark turns his head sideways from where he’s lying upside down on the bed. He still doesn’t entirely understand why Patrick wants to know, but he has a sneaking suspicion it’s because he cares. Sighing, Mark says, “Yes. Forever.” Patrick nods slowly, as though he’s wrestling with the concept, so Mark elaborates. “We were so happy, most of the time. I mean, before New York happened we only ever fought about the most unimportant, silly things and when we made up it was magical. We could go weeks and weeks without even really disagreeing. He loved me so much and I loved him and it always felt so easy.”
Patrick chuckles and Mark attempts to glare at him. Catching his wrist, Patrick makes him look him in the eye and asks, “But not now?”
“He moved on,” Mark tells him. “We talked about it, in emails mostly, and we were sad, but that was it. He moved on really quickly without us ever really breaking up—“
“I would have been confused.”
“And I don’t really know him anymore, we’re not even friends on Facebook. And besides all that, I came to Stanford and he went to New York.“
Now Patrick laughs outright and resists the urge to tease; he clearly appreciates that it is so much more complicated than that. “Except when I ask you why you’re wired the way you are, you take me on an epic three-part saga of Daniel. Oh my god, Mark,” he says, exasperated.
“I’m sure he’s very happy,” Mark says, genuinely hoping it’s true.
Patrick stills again, sliding back toward serious. “Are you?”
For the first time in years, Mark realizes: “I think I will be.”

BUY HERE:  http://store.interludepress.com/products/platonic-by-kate-paddington

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Those wanting a heartwarming romance with a believable feel will find Platonic just such a read.  This is a character-driven tale of lost love and the chance to try again and with its likable characters and believable emotions you can't help but enjoy the ride.

Daniel was heartbroken when Mark left him.  The hurt tainted everything and left him leery of relationships and getting hurt again.  He found success in business and it's that he clung to, keeping his heart safe.  Meeting Mark again throws him into confusion as he had put him firmly in the past.  It won't be easy to regain what he once had with Mark as he's grown older and wiser but if fate has its way these two men who are perfect for each other might find their way back to each other again.

After ending his relationship with Daniel, Mark headed off to California to make a life for himself, full of new friends and relationships.  All these relationships never dimmed the feelings he had for Daniel though and when he comes into contact with his first love he desperately wants to try again.  Things don't go easy though as Daniel still feels hurt over Mark's treatment of him.  Mark grew up a lot while separated from Daniel, he learned from his mistakes, and came to appreciate what he once had but it won't be easy to relive the past.  With enough heartache he might just be able to create an even stronger relationship born of maturity.

This was a sentimental story with two likable and strong-willed leads.  Their pasts allowed them to grow up, not always easily, but to help them appreciate what's really important in life.  The feelings around their reunion were believable and their relationship progressed at a steady pace that helped you understand what they finally found with each other.  The romance itself is steamy which kept me turning the pages.  Luckily the steaminess was tempered by emotional intensity that showed a relationship worth fighting for.  The secondary characters were equally likable and played off the two leads nicely.  All-in-all this wasn't a defining book but it was a pleasant and emotional read that was a nice debut for Ms. Paddington and I look forward to where her talent will take her.

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 Paddington wrote her first work of fan fiction at age 12. Today, at age 26, she has degrees in philosophy and chemistry, and is currently completing a PhD in biophysics. A native of Australia, she has published numerous academic papers as part of her research. Platonic is her first novel.


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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast for the Heart Beat Series: Rock Notes, Love Notes and Music Notes by Renee Lee Fisher (GIVEAWAY)


Fans of rock star stories will be drawn to this series of books and their steamy interludes.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of the Heart Beat series by Renee Lee Fisher and then visit the other blogs hosting this tour to learn even more about these books.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a choice of ONE signed book (Rock NotesLove Notes or Music Notes) plus $25 Amazon GC and Betsey Johnson Makeup Purse.

Rock Notes:
Madison Tierney’s a writer, whose husband, Thomas suddenly left her after 10 years; she is destroyed and now recently alone and divorced. She picks herself up slowly trying to restore her lost confidence and ability to love again. She follows her writing passion and ventures to follow a local band - Rolling Isaac’s and write about them, raw and real and how they follow their dreams. Her book is titled ROCK NOTES.
Her ex-husband wants to come back, and she is torn with what she had for ten years with him which was safe, comforting and a committed relationship. And now she is falling hard for the band singer - Max Rand (Madison calls him Rand), who is several years younger than her and every moment with him is intense and unpredictable.
Rand has tragically lost love in his life. He has no love left to give. He fills his time with many groupies and late nights. The story travels you to various concert venues, from a sexy piercing party to a New Years rocking eve. There are many interruptions and assumptions for this couple along their journey.
While Madison is writing ROCK NOTES, somewhere along the way she begins to write LOVE NOTES, which are personal secret love letters for Rand. Also Rand is always writing music with the hope of creating his first solo album. Both Madison and Rand appear to be able to write their feelings on paper effortlessly but have a hard time conveying them to one another. This story is about being so broken inside from having your heart ripped apart, to attempting to rebuild trust, follow your dreams and hopefully find love.
Will she return to the warm awaiting arms of her ex-husband who still is in love with her? Or will there be a new beginning for Madison and Rand? Can these two empty souls feel love again? Or will what ignites between them simply fade away after the concert lights dim?

Love Notes:
Rand:
As our bodies joined as one, I felt more in that one moment than I have ever felt with anyone. I never wanted to leave your arms, your body, and our connection. I believe that you complete me, you were made for me. I struggled to keep my feelings at bay and not let you know but I am too emotionally involved with you and to know now that you are with me is beyond belief. Where we head from here together has unlimited paths. I know I will always have this need now to have you fulfill me as I know you can. I see you and just a glance across the room to you makes me want to have us running to the bedroom. Silently I ponder how to relay to you just how much Love I contain for you. Some days I feel like my heart is about to burst. Maddy xo
Madison and Rand’s love story continues as they move their relationship to a more passionate, intimate level…but again they are thrown some challenges. Will Madison and Rand be together and move forward or…backward? Read what comes their way to cause doubt in their minds. Just when everything is going fine, sometimes accidents occur.
Rand:
Oh, God, something horrible has happened. I only remember parts of it and they seem like snapshots that were taken so quickly…I need to feel you near me. I need to reach out and touch you and let you know I love you. Rand, I never felt so in love as I do when I am with you. Maddy xo
“What the hell are you talking about Madison? You have me at a complete loss here?” Rand
Madison must fully trust Rand to commit herself to him forever in marriage. Rand must make her see and feel what she truly means to him. This story will pull at your heart and make you tear as you turn the pages that may finally reveal Madison’s handwritten LOVE NOTES.
Will they get their Happily Ever After?

EXCERPT:

A damp tear hit the corner of my eye and I was glad to have only a touch of makeup on, "I love you so much more," I replied. I pulled up on my feet to reach his waiting lips and take him in and not only by the mouth, but by his waist to have him near me. We moved from kissing to him dropping to his knees and slowly dropping my warm up pants with one pull on the string. I come apart in seconds and bite my lower lip so that I could contain my scream. A moan of pleasure shakes through my throat. I am breathless and spent as I come and hear his soft groans of satisfaction below. I don’t know how I am going to make it to or through the ceremony.
As Rand slowly rises up next to me licking his lips with the biggest grin, I reach below to feel to the zipper holding him tightly restrained. Slowly, I release him from his jeans. Fleeting thoughts passed my mind, to be in a compromising situation like this with so many workers surrounding the property that at any moment any of them could walk in on us…it actually made the moment more intimate and exciting and we couldn’t take our hands off one another. It didn’t take too long until we were one with our bodies and I felt a rush of emotion race through me as yet another tear slid down my cheek. Rand noticed and looked intently into my eyes and licked the droplet away. I was filled with Rand soulfully and completely. I felt the pulsation of us beating in my core together.
As we usually are interrupted in our heated moments, this was special as it seemed a long time we were there with one another and no one calling for us. This day was a new beginning, affirmation of love, and a relationship that should have happened a long time ago.

Music Notes:
How will Madison and Rand keep their love and music playing?
Just when life seems to be going smooth, Madison receives news that leaves her speechless. She's a writer that for the moment cannot form her words. Rand now is the one to continue their story…his story.
Music Notes will take you on the tour with Max Rand as his first Solo Album – Simply Mad is launched. Will his travel for several months put distance in their relationship? Can their love survive?
Rand will travel through his own journey of self discovery along the way. Just when Rand is at a high point in his life, a collapse . . . will bring one of them down...Rand? Madison?
One person will offer the ultimate sacrifice. See the songs that Rand has written, and where his inspiration comes from.
Follow this novel and see how it plays out.

BUY LINKS:
Rock Notes (AVAILABLE FOR .99 TODAY ONLY):
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1eiymas
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rock-notes/id659746792?mt=11
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rock-notes-renee-lee-fisher/1115566650?ean=9781490383361
All Romance - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-rocknotes-1216895-149.html
Love Notes:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/179l0uQ
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-notes/id690291292?mt=11
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-notes-renee-lee-fisher/1116599368?ean=9781492232537
All Romance - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lovenotes-1268352-149.html
Music Notes:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1ij9y0w
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/music-notes-heartbeat-series/id810870701?mt=11
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/music-notes-the-heartbeat-series-book-3-renee-lee-fisher/1118428018?ean=2940045613842
All Romance - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-musicnotes-1406048-149.html

AUTHOR INFO:

Author that has the passion for putting her pen and ideas to paper. A pure romance junkie and she loves to tell stories. She was an English Major of LaSalle University and always wanted to be a writer. In the past years her books titled - From the Vine (a collection of writings/poems) and Cody and the Pumpkin Truck (a Childrens' Book) were published. She has also written many other childrens' stories, lyrics, articles and wedding ceremonies. Currently she is deep into her Heartbeat Series of Contemporary Romance Novels which are titled - ROCK NOTES, LOVE NOTES, MUSIC NOTES, FIRST BEAT, FIRST BASS and FIRST TASTE.
Also coming soon The Crossing Series I, II and III of The Knot Hole, The Passage and The Muse.
Renee resides in Eagleville, PA. with her husband Michael, of many years and her two cats - Nyah and Cody. She has a great support system of Love from her family and friends.
Renee BELIEVES you should follow your DREAMS and that -
The HAPPIEST of people don't have the best of everything,
they simply make the best of everything.
Renee loves to travel, especially to St. Martin - Netherland Antilles. She enjoys meeting new people to inspire her and she will always write down a person's name that is unique to use as a potential character in her future writings.

Website - www.reneeleefisher.com

Email -  author@reneeleefisher.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ReneeLeeFisherAuthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ReneeLeeFisher

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Book Tour for Home the Hard Way by Z.A. Maxfield (Review & GIVEAWAY)


When I think of some of he best writers in the m/m genre I automatically think of Z.A. Maxfield with her engaging reads and complex characterizations.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of the just-released and emotionally intense Home the Hard Way by Z.A. Maxfield, along with my impressions of it.  Make sure to leave a comment below for the chance to win a book from Ms. Maxfield's backlist and then fill out the form below for the chance to win a Riptide Publishing GC too!

Hello and thanks to Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess for letting me be here today!
I’m Z.A. Maxfield, coming at you from lovely sunny southern California where I’m blogging about my latest release, Home The Hard Way.
Dare Buckley has come home—or at least, he’s come back to Palladian, the small town he left as a teenager. After a major lapse in judgment forced him to resign from the Seattle PD, Palladian is the only place that’ll hire him. There’s one benefit to hitting rock bottom, though: the chance to investigate the mystery of his father’s suicide.
Dare also gets to reacquaint himself with Finn Fowler, whose childhood hero worship ended in uncomfortable silence when Dare moved away. But Finn isn’t the same little kid Dare once protected. He’s grown into an attractive, enigmatic stranger who neither wants nor needs what Dare has to offer.
In fact, Dare soon realizes that Finn’s keeping secrets—his own and the town’s. And he doesn’t seem to care that Dare needs answers. The atmosphere in Palladian, like its namesake river, appears placid, but dark currents churn underneath. When danger closes in, Dare must pit his ingenuity against his heart, and find his way home the hard way.
Read more about Home The Hard Way HERE.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a fan of the m/m genre there's a number of authors I can count on for an entertaining and emotionally engaging read.  Z.A. Maxfield is one of those authors and her latest book nicely blends suspense and a sweet and sexy romance between two men who've been in each other's hearts and minds since they were young but who never fully embraced those feelings.  This is a tale of reunited friends with a lot of baggage between them and a secret that could destroy their burgeoning relationship before it starts and it kept me engaged from start to finish.

Finn had a difficult time growing up as he was ostracized for his differently colored eyes and a mother who enjoyed men whether they were single or married.  One boy in particular, Bill Fraser, took great pleasure in hurting him both mentally and physically.  From the day Dare rescued him from Bill a strong connection was forged and he felt like Dare was the other part of his soul and there was finally someone to accept him wholeheartedly.  That sense of security came crashing down the day Dare's dad died and his mother took them away,  excising Finn from his life with no reason.  He was left to defend himself and I felt great pride in him finding his strength and surviving some pretty brutal bullying.  He's always been a sweet-natured man who wears his heart on his sleeve.  He's extremely loyal to his Aunt Lyddie who's dying from cancer and who he gave up a career and life far away from the bullying of Paladian to care for in her final days.  He's made a place for himself and is well-liked by all.  There's a bit of mystery hiding behind his eyes as seen by the secret he's been keeping regarding the truth about Dare's father.  He also may appear to be quiet and gentle but in the bedroom he enjoys being in control.  The introduction of his lifestyle was somewhat surprising but made sense as one gets tired of being bullied and longs to be the one in charge.  I felt though that it diminished his and Dare's relationship as it made their connection more about sex rather than love as Dare never seemed inclined to the lifestyle but did it for Finn.  Even with that facet of his life being revealed I was still drawn to him and the intriguing duality of his character.

Dare was drawn to Finn from the moment he saw him and was fascinated by his eyes.  He felt powerful the moment Finn looked at him with admiration for saving him and this hero worship was the basis for their burgeoning relationship.  After the tragedy of his father's death he left Palladian and never looked back leaving the boy who was everything to him behind.  Seeing so much death and tragedy as a cop, and without the emotional support Finn unknowingly gave him, left him a broken man who became an alcoholic which cost him his job.  Coming home in disgrace left a bad taste in his mouth but he's happy to finally reconnect with Finn.  He's caught off guard by the changes Finn's gone through, and while he misses the boy who needed him, he's drawn to the sexy and caring man he's found.  He knows quite quickly that he loves and wants Finn but Finn fights it every step of the way as he just wants a relationship of sex as anything deeper leads to emotional hurts.  This battle of wills took up most of the story and often left me frustrated.  I adored Dare though and the issues surrounding his return were heartbreaking and surprising.

There's a lyrical feeling to Ms. Maxfield's writing.  She draws you into this small town through its colorful denizens who aren't always what/who they seem.  Bill Fraser is depicted as cruel but his past blew me away and had me seeing him in a more sympathetic light.  Aunt Lyddie is delightful!  She deals with her cancer bravely and the scenes of her smoking marijuana were hillarious and made me love her even more.  The mystery surrounding Dare's father and other recent deaths was well-paced and kept me guessing to the end as the past is tied in with the present.  From start to finish I was fully engrossed in this small town and its compelling characters.  The romance was engaging but also frustrating and at the conclusion I still wasn't sure that Dare and Finn would have a HEA as it felt more like a HFN.  Ms. Maxfield is a true talent and those who enjoy the m/m genre definitely need to read her books.  This was a very satisfying read and I truly hope we return to Palladian one day as I feel there are more stories left to tell.

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

About the Author – Z. A. Maxfield started writing in 2007 on a dare from her children and never looked back.  Pathologically disorganized, and perennially optimistic, she writes as much as she can, reads as much as she dares, and enjoys her time with family and friends. Three things reverberate throughout all her stories: Unconditional love, redemption, and the belief that miracles happen when we least expect them.
If anyone asks her how a wife and mother of four can find time for a writing career, she’ll answer, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you give up housework.”
Readers can visit ZAM at her websiteFacebookTwitter, or Tumblr.
**********GIVEAWAY**********

I’m doing a giveaway and there are a couple different ways to win! At each tour stop, one lucky winner will get to choose any book from my backlist, so if you’re new to Z.A.Maxfield, this is a great way to find out if you want to dive in! At the end of the tour, I’ll be giving away a Riptide gift certificate, so you’re going to want to follow along the whole blog tour HERE for your best chance at a prize!  There’s two ways to win today! Comment below (WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDY) for a chance to win an ebook from my backlist AND you can also…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Release Blast for Captured Rapture by Lexxie Couper

Fans of dragon shifters will be up early this morning as the third installment in the sexy shifter Mercy series is unleashed on the world!  Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of Captured Rapture by Lexxie Couper and then add it to your bookshelf......

Galactic Union Enforcer Raina Mynn never knew what hit her. One minute she’s busting bad guys across the galaxy with the help of her scary and scarily reliable partner Fraz, the next she’s being attacked by an insane man who thinks he’s part of an extinct species. Attacked in the best way, mind you. Attacked by his hands and mouth and more southerly body parts.Torr is as fascinating as he is infuriating. He won’t stop until Raina is mated…sated…
Captured.
But her gorgeous hunk of nutjob isn’t what he appears to be. And much to her surprise—neither is Raina.

EXCERPT:

I never knew what hit me. One moment I’m skimming over the surface of Mercy’s beta moon, its dull red ground a blurred carpet below me, its dry, cold air filling my lungs…
The next I’m flat on my back, wrists pinned to the powdery grit, legs spread, with a man roughly six-foot-seven pressing down on me. A cock that felt like a Tallaxion viper—y’know the really big, thick ones they find in the Furthest Jungles—rammed at the junction of my thighs, shoving at the lips of my sex with a brutal force that should have pissed me off but instead made my pulse leap and my mouth turn dry.
I stared up at whoever the fuck held me down, glaring into eyes the color of an angry Earth sky. A lone female on a jet cycle probably looked like an easy target, but for fuck’s sake, I wore the uniform of a Galactic Union Enforcer. What type of idiot, no matter how desperate to claim a woman, jumped a cop? Especially one flying across a moon at almost twice the safe propulsion speed with an Aglaian disruptor on her right hip?
“This kind,” the hulking man who felt like granite murmured, jerking my wrists above my head. He locked them in one large fist and yanked my disruptor from its thigh harness before I could blink.
Or digest the fact he’d answered a question I hadn’t asked aloud.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  ELLORA'S CAVE

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE MERCY SERIES:
Highest Bidder (Book 1):  AMAZON  |  BN

Deadly Pleasure (Book 2):  AMAZON  |  BN

AUTHOR INFO:

Lexxie Couper started writing when she was six and hasn’t stopped since. She’s not a deviant, but she does have a deviant’s imagination and a desire to entertain readers with her words. Add the two together and you get erotic romances that can make you laugh, cry, shake with fear or tremble with desire. Sometimes all at once.
When she’s not submerged in the worlds she creates, Lexxie’s life revolves around her family, a husband who thinks she’s insane, an indoor cat who likes to stalk shadows, and her daughters, who both utterly captured her heart and changed her life forever.
Having no idea how old she really is, Lexxie decided to go with 27 and has been that age for quite some time now. It’s the best of both worlds – old enough to act mature, young enough to be silly.
Lexxie lives by two simple rules – measure your success not by how much money you have, but by how often you laugh, and always try everything at least once. As a consequence, she’s laughed her way through many an eyebrow raising adventure.

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Lexxie-Couper/e/B002GI35Z6/
TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/lexxie_couper
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lexxie-Couper/231663340180702
WEBSITE:  http://www.lexxiecouper.com/

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Book Tour for Shift Happens by J.C. McKenzie (Review & GIVEAWAY)


Fans of shifter stories will find much to like about Shift Happens by J.C. McKenzie.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this sensual and fast-paced read, along with my impressions of it.  Learn even more about this series starter by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour and then make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win an autographed print copy of this book (US or Canada - digital copy substituted for international winners) plus a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during this tour and the Reviews Only Tour.

Andrea McNelly's job as a government agent is not asking questions, but then a routine assignment turns into a botched assassination of a Master Vampire's human servant. Answers become a priority. Her search to discover the truth is riddled with obstacles, the largest being an oversized Werewolf who resembles a Norse god. Andy can't afford the distraction he offers, because if she fails, she faces eternal enslavement.
Wick's job is to monitor Andy, but he prefers more intimate activities, none of them G-Rated. His choices, however, are often not his own. His ability to help Andy is limited by his bond to the Master Vampire.
Facing many trials and challenges along her path to redemption, Andy learns the value of her freedom might be set too high.

EXCERPT:

His hand rested on my hip. Heavy and large, it made me aware of the heat emanating from his body through the sheets.
He’d shaken me awake.
I eyed him suspiciously. What was he doing in my bed?
“Why Grandma, what big hands you have.” When fear clung to me, like it did now, I found it best to bluff nonchalance. Fake it till you make it. I’d heard the slogan once on a TV show involving models.
“Better to hold you with, my dear,” he said, surprising me. I didn’t think he would get the reference.
Then again, the wolf story was based on a true Werewolf. He should know it.
The nightmare still clung to me like a silk bath robe after a shower. Those eyes haunted my sleep. If I closed my eyes again, I’d see them, crystal clear, as if they were real. Transported back to the hell I tried to forget, I looked into Wick’s deep brown safe eyes, dark portals in the dim light, and relaxed. Tension flowed from my body. Wick’s white teeth flashed in the dark in response.
“What big teeth you have.” I chuckled.
Wick’s grin grew. “I’m not sure you’re ready for me to reply to that.”

BUY LINKS:  ARE  |  Amazon  |  BN  | Chapters - Indigo |  Wild Rose Press

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Fans of the paranormal genre will find themselves quickly immersed in this story as the storyline hits the ground running in a world were otherworldly creatures are an open part of society.  Just because they're out doesn't mean things go smoothly though as there's a battle waging amongst these creatures that a special governmental group tries to keep under control.

Andy McNeilly is a member of this group and a shifter herself.  She's not your average shifter though as she can take on different forms.  Being different is a lonely experience as she keeps herself separate from others since her job doesn't inspire others to befriend her and her strange ability unnerves others too.  She had a bad experience with a man in her past which adds to her leeriness and makes her feelings for Wick, the Alpha of the werewolf clan who kidnaps her at the start of the story, confusing and unwanted.  Andy is the voice of this story and has a tell-it-like-it-is attitude.  She boldly brings out her ability whenever it's needed as a truly strong-willed woman and learns more about her supernatural talents as the story progresses.  She's scarred from her past though as flashes of PTSD sometimes overwhelm her and I felt sympathetic for everything she went through before and that we're just starting to learn about.  

We get to know Andy very well in this story but Wick wasn't as fully fleshed-out beyond the fact that he was strong and sexy and willing to take his time with Andy in a relationship that puts them, and us, through the emotional wringer.  I was drawn to their sensual battle of wills as they progressed from enemies to friends to something Andy doesn't want to acknowledge as Wick tried to keep her safe from a vengeful vampire when a direct order ends up with her set-up for killing a human servant.

While the weres in this story were immensely appealing in their rugged sexiness, the vampires were depicted as smarmy and dangerous.  They felt like an otherworldly mafia in the power they wielded and Andy definitely wasn't safe with them wanting vengeance.  Their human servant was truly vile and deserved what he got but there was more to his story that kept me on the edge of my seat.  It's an intriguing world depicted here with a compelling hierarchy within the supes that I look forward to learning more about.  The author doesn't pull any punches in addressing Andy's pain and I'm glad it wasn't sugar coated as it fit in with her strong-willed nature.  Wick and his weres were drool-worthy and I appreciated their support of Andy.  Overall, this was a unique read with a fresh spin on the well-used mythos.  It's an engaging start to a new series and I look forward to getting to know more about Wick in the next installment.

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Born and raised on the Haida Gwaii, off the West Coast of Canada, J.C. McKenzie grew up in a pristine wilderness that inspired her to dream. She writes Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

WEBSITE: www.jcmckenzie.ca
BLOG: www.jcmckenzie.blogspot.ca
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/j.c.mckenzie.author (JC McKenzie)
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/JC_McKenzie (@JC_McKenzie)
GOODREADS: www.goodreads.com/JCMcKenzie

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Book Release Blast for Lead by Kylie Scott (GIVEAWAY)


As a fan of rock star stories I'm excited to introduce you to Lead by Kylie Scott, the third installment in her Stage Dive series.  Keep reading to get a tantalizing glimpse of this story and then add it to your bookshelf.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win some awesome prizes like a guitar signed by the men of Stage Dive, signed books, and author swag too!

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.
Lena's not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.

EXCERPT:

“Lena, you seen my old black Led Zep shirt?”
“Nope.”
“You sure?” His brows became one dark cranky line. The scratches on his face were healing well, thank goodness. Though it didn’t reduce my desire to throttle his mother on a daily basis.
“Yes. I haven’t seen it.”
Can’t find it anywhere…”
“And this is a surprise, how?” I slipped my hands into my back jean’s pockets. “Jimmy, you own more clothing than Cher, Brittney, and Elvis, put together. Things are bound to go missing.”
“Sure you haven’t seen it?”
“For goodness sake, what do you think, Jimmy? That I stole it to sleep in or something?” I laughed bitterly. Sure as hell, the truth deserved a good mocking. I’d sunk so despicably low.
I hadn’t even meant to steal the stupid thing, but the shirt had been mixed up with my laundry a few days ago. It’d been the first top I laid my hand on after stepping out of the shower, ready to go to bed. Without thought, I’d put it on and it’d been so soft, the scent of him lingering beneath the laundry detergent. Every night since, I’d found myself in it come bedtime. My shame knew no limits. And no, I still hadn’t quit. The words still hadn’t come even close to leaving my mouth.
He frowned. “No.”
“That I have some deep secret longing to feel close to you resulting in my stealing your shirt like some creepy perv?”
“Course I don’t fucking think that,” he replied crankily, reaching up to grip the top of the doorframe. All of his bulging muscles stretched the arms of his white T-shirt in the nicest way. It was all I could do not to start drooling, my heart beat taking up residence somewhere down between my thighs. And who could blame it? Not me. Maybe if I got laid, this would go away and things would return to normal. It’d seemed safer to avoid rubbing up against any men just in case I got carried away and started dating again. This new situation, however, changed everything.
“Well, of course not! That would be crazy.” And wasn’t that the god’s honest truth?Cray-zeee. Lock me up and throw away the key because it wasn’t like I didn’t know better.
“Just can’t figure out where the hell it could be.”
Angels couldn’t have smiled as innocently. They might have tried, but they would have failed, the dirty-mouthed, winged, little liars. “Jimmy, I don’t know where it is. But I’ll look around for it later, okay?”
“Yeah,” he said, and then added as an afterthought, “and stop looking at me weird.”
“I’m not!”

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iTUNES

The rest of the Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott:
Lick (Stage Dive #1):  AMAZON  |  BN  |  GOODREADS

Play (Stage Dive #2):  AMAZON  |  BN  |  GOODREADS

Deep (Stage Dive #4) available January 6th, 2015:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  GOODREADS

AUTHOR INFO:

Kylie is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.


OTHER SERIES BY MS. SCOTT:


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