Teach Me by Ella Sheridan – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Teach Me by Ella Sheridan – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

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Description:

A woman determined to heal…
Shy researcher Jess Kingston spent the last eight weeks recovering from her ex-boyfriend’s brutal attack. Body healed, she’s ready to put her life back together—except her ex isn’t ready to let go. She won’t cower in a corner while Brit tortures her, but she’s powerless to fight back.

A man determined to resist…
Ex-military security specialist Conlan James avoids commitment like the plague. His job, his Harley, and the occasional one-night stand are all he needs, until the day he rescues Jess from a tense situation and realizes he can’t get her off his mind. He can teach her to protect herself, but protecting his heart is another matter.

A madman determined to win…
As the deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Brit heats up, so does the hunger between Con and Jess. Safety might be found in numbers, but in bed, all bets are off—and the wrong move could lead to heartbreak. Or death.

Review:

Wow !!!! Teach Me by Ella Sheridan was full of emotion, drama and smouldering passion.

Jess is a survivor of abuse, by her previous boyfriend who liked his women placid and mouse like (also his nickname for Jess).  And at first jess was too numb (her parents had recently died) to notice his controlling ways. But as she came to terms with her grief, she began to chafe at the restraints Brit (her ex) wasn’t happy and punished her 🙁

We skip forward a few months,and jess is still trying to put her life back together. (Brit was never brought to justice, and disappeared before the police could question him, so it was his word against hers). She gets accosted by the ex, (who swore to her, that she would always be his).  In swoops a tall dark stranger to rescue Jess.

Conlan had been watching a certain brown eyed beauty for a while. And wondered where she had been for the past few months. He would come to the coffee shop each Monday, in the hopes of getting a glimpse of her.  Con rescues Jess and gives her a card for a self defense class, and tells her to be careful.  Conlan won’t become involved with women for more than one night, he has seen what LOVE can do to people, he saw his best friend fall apart after the love of his life left him.

The story moves at a fast pace, Con (his nickname) and Jess fight their feelings for each other. A few scenes almost melted the kindle 😉

A kidnapping near the end had me on the edge of my seat, very intense and a few tears.  The other characters in the book are a great add, Cris her best friend is a riot. Jack (who needs a book) who is also an intense alpha male, had a few funny lines. Brit really was a bad guy, no redeeming qualities at all.

Yes it was a little predictable, but the author did an amazing job, she captured the intense emotions that both Con and Jess were feeling. The scenes were really well described, I could smell the pines in the woods, and my heart raced in time to the high adrenaline that was pushed through the characters veins.

I’m definitely adding this author to my reading list.  Highly recommend this one ladies 😀

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Author

 

Guest Post

Five Things I Learned While Writing Teach Me

When I began this book, I’d only written bits and pieces. I had a degree in English Literature, and though I’d read thousands of books by that point in my life, I’d only begun my own stories; I’d never finished one. When I made the choice to leave my teaching position and stay home with my young children, I found there was still something missing, some spark inside me that begged for something more than what I’d done with my life so far.

And so Teach Me was born. And this process, these characters, taught me a whole heck of a lot!

1. Writing is NOT easy.

I’m sure you’ve all heard it: “Someday I’ll write a book!” I think many of us are storytellers; my mother is one. I grew up sitting around the kitchen table listening to her tell stories about our family. But telling a story, even knowing a story (think of legends like Sleepy Hollow or fairy tales like Cinderella), is not the same as putting a solid, cohesive story down on paper. That takes determination and yes, perseverance. A lot of perseverance! And I discovered I had it. 🙂

 2. Real emotion translates to paper emotion.

I have never had a stalker. I’ve never been through physical torture. But I have been afraid, and I’ve been through painful physical ailments. The old adage of writing is “write what you know.” I think authors do. They might never have lived through the exact things their characters are living through, but they’ve experienced the same kind of feelings. They write from the depths of their own emotional experience, and that truth translates powerfully onto the page.

3. Revisions are a necessary evil — and a powerful tool.

In training for my chosen career (teaching English and literature), I was taught to revise. It’s the all-important step before your writing is finished. The lovely flow of fresh writing is replaced with the blood, sweat, and tears of tweaking both the overall story and each individual word — and it is agony! But it makes a story so much better. Teach Me went through FIVE rounds of revisions before I and my editor deemed it “ready.” Every round was hard, but every round was worth it.

4. Sex is an important part of character development in a romance.

We’ve all heard the “bodice ripper” jokes. We hide our sexy book covers inside our favorite e-reader. But the truth is, sex is an important part of life, and it’s an important part of a character’s emotional development in a story. Every sex scene should mean something, either an advance in the relationship, a setback, a revelation, something. Sex for sex’s sake isn’t a relationship-centered story, and in a romance, the relationship is all-important, so the sex should mean something.

5. Trusting your gut is an important part of writing.

 It took five years to get Teach Me right. I went through revision after revision, and something in my gut kept telling me I just wasn’t quite there. When an editor I submitted to came back to me with a critique that basically touched on all the points I was uneasy about, I knew my gut was correct. So I scrapped the manuscript and started from scratch. Same characters, same setting, basically the same premise, but heavy on the suspense and culling out all those newbie things like showing versus telling. I found, through that “final” rough draft that my instincts had guided me well — I now knew these characters, this story, and where I needed to go. I wasn’t flying blind. And the story that came from trusting my gut was far better than anything I could’ve imagined. That book is the one I wanted to release. That book is the one my editor praised and helped me hone to perfection. That book is one I’m proud to hand over to my readers and have them come to love as I have come to love it over the years. I’ve lived with these characters for a long time, but now they are finally ready, and it’s going to be great!

 

About the Author
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Ella grew up in the Deep South, where books provided adventures, friends, and her first taste of romance. Now she writes her own romantic adventures, with plenty of hot alpha men and the women who love and challenge them. With a day job, a husband, two active teenagers, and two not so active cats, Ella is always busy, but getting the voices in her head down on paper is a top priority. 

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giveawayElla  is graciously offering an e-copy  of her first book, DIRTY LITTLE SECRET to 1 (One) 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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6. Like Ella Sheridan on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from October 31 –  November 4, 2014

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What To Do With a Bad Boy by Marie Harte-Teaser Tour and Giveaway

What To Do With a Bad Boy by Marie Harte-Teaser Tour and Giveaway

WhatToDoWithABadBoy-TeaserTour

What To Do With a Bad Boy
The McCauley Brothers #4
by Marie Harte
Genre:adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: November 4, 2014

What To Do with a Bad Boy

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Mike McCauley had his soul mate for a precious time before she died giving birth to their son. She left him with the best boy a guy could want, so why is everyone playing matchmaker? He’s sick of it . . . until he meets Delilah Webster.

For some reason, the foul-mouthed, tattooed mechanic sets his motor running. He sees the loving woman buried within. But the closer they get, the more the pain of past wounds throws a monkey wrench into a future he’s not sure he can handle.

 

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

 

 

“What is it about you that’s so freakishly sexy?”
“Freakishly?” Bewildered that his admission eased her hurt, she tried to glare at him. Except she found him equally fascinating. “You’re not classically handsome.” She traced his brow with a finger.
“Nope. You’re not traditionally beautiful.”
“Of course not. Stereotypes are boring.”
“Yeah.” He pulled her close for another kiss. Then he dragged her head back. “Your hair is so damn fine. Like silk.” He ran it over his fingers. “How do you get it to be so soft?”
“I call it shampoo. You might want to try it sometime.” Yet his own short hair felt like satin.
“Funny.” He sniffed her collarbone and smiled.
“What?”
“Colin likes the way you smell.”
The change in topic threw her. “Huh?”
“Yeah. Said you smell like a car.”
“I do?”
He nodded. “I can catch the faint scent of oil, but it’s buried under a wallop of hot woman.”
“Flatterer.”
“Yeah. That’s me. Mr. Charming.”
She chuckled and ran a hand over his square jaw, slightly rough with stubble. “Prince Charming, you mean.”
“So you see me as a prince?”
“Don’t sound hopeful. Basically, you’re a pain in my ass. And no, not in the way you’re thinking.”
“Hoping.”
“Dork.” She snickered when he crossed his eyes

About the Author Black and rose

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter /Website/ Facebook

Marie HarteCaffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

 

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Halloween in Atlantis by Alyssa Day – Release Blog Tour – Giveaway

Halloween in Atlantis by Alyssa Day – Release Blog Tour – Giveaway

 

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NYT Bestselling Author Alyssa Day has a Halloween “treat” for fans of her The Warriors of Poseidon series. HALLOWEEN IN ATLANTIS, a novelette addition to the series, released on October 29th!

 

HalloweenInAtlantis_AlyssaDay_final

Arrogant warrior Liam doesn’t understand the beautiful, bubbly human whose entire function in life appears to be to plan parties, but he can’t seem to keep away from her, either. Jamie, who considers herself to be completely unflappable–the hallmark of a great event planner–doesn’t understand why the far-too-serious Atlantean manages to get under her skin with every single encounter. Even if he is the sexiest man she has ever seen.

When the two of them are thrown together to solve a mystery surrounding the queen’s missing jewels, sparks fly, secrets are revealed, and Halloween has never been hotter.

This novelette (longer than a short story, shorter than a novella) is perfect for reading on a coffee break – or in between handing out candy to trick-or treaters

Check your favorite online retailer for HALLOWEEN IN ATLANTIS, released October 29th.

 

About the author

Alyssa DayAlyssa Day is the pen name (and dark and tortured alter ego) of RITA award-winning author Alesia Holliday. As Alyssa, she writes the New York Times and USA Today best-selling Warriors of Poseidon, League of the Black Swan, and Cardinal Witches series, and won RT BookClub’s Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Paranormal Romance of 2012.   She graduated summa cum laude from Capital University Law School and practiced as a trial lawyer in multi-million dollar litigation for several years before coming to her senses and letting the voices in her head loose on paper.
Please visit Alyssa at www.AlyssaDay.com

 

Release Blog Tour Dates & Contests

Wednesday, October 29th

Thursday, October 30th

Friday, October 31st

 
giveaway

Alyssa is graciously offering an e-copy of  ALEJANDRO’S SORCERESS & a $5.00 Online Gift Card  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.

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

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Alyssa Day on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from October 31-November 3, 2014, 2014

 

 

 

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Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler-Teaser Tour and Giveaway

Her Lone Wolf by Paige Tyler-Teaser Tour and Giveaway

Her Lone Wolf Teaser Tour

Her Lone Wolf
X-Ops #2
by Paige Tyler
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance, suspense
Release Date:November 4, 2014

Her Lone Wolf Nov 14

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

Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to take no for an answer this time

excerpt

 

Clayne clenched his hands into fists to keep his claws from coming out. God, he felt like punching someone—preferably Carhart. But truthfully, right then anyone would work. Which was unfortunate for the uniformed officer who appeared with another rap sheet of yet another suspect to bring in for questioning. Clayne’s claws push out from beneath his nails. Screw this. He was done playing these silly ass games. He ignored the folder the young cop held out to him and instead reached for the front of the man’s uniform. He wasn’t that idiot Carhart, but he’d do.
But Danica’s hand intercepted his, her fingers closing over the folder just in time. “Thanks, Officer,” she said smoothly as she stepped between Clayne and the cop. “I’ll take that.”
The man blinked like he’d just been pushed out of the way of a moving truck, and nodded his head nervously as he stepped back and darted for an opening in the crowd filling the room.
Danica turned and gave Clayne a pointed look. “O-kay. Time to get you something to eat.”
Huh? She wasn’t going to lecture about keeping his cool and playing nice with others, or some other stupid crap that wasn’t any of her damn business?
“Eat?” he repeated stupidly.
Way to go, genius. But she was standing so close to him that she couldn’t think, much less speak.
“Yes, eat. Before we pick up this next suspect,” she said. “It’s a little early for dinner, but you tend to get hangry when you don’t eat.”
He glanced at his watch, Three o’clock. It was early to eat, but he was hungry. He fell into step beside her as she walked toward the exit. “Hangry? What the hell is that?”
She led the way to the four-door sedan that he was starting to think of as his home away from home. He spent more time in it than he did in the bed at the hotel. “You know, when you get angry because you’re hungry. Hangry.”

 


About The Author Black and Red

Follow: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

Paige TylerPaige is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She graduated from The University of West Florida with a degree in education in 2000, but decided to pursue a full-time career as a writer in 2004. Since then, she’s written over fifty books in several genres, including paranormal, contemporary, western, sci-fi and erotica. She loves writing about strong, sexy, alpha males and the feisty, independent women who fall for them. From verbal foreplay to sexual heat, her stories of romance, adventure, suspense, passion and true love will leave you breathlessly panting for more.

She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their adorable fur baby (also known as their dog). Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them.

When not working on her latest book, Paige enjoys reading, jogging, P90X, Yoga, Pilates, going to the beach, watching NFL football, watching movies and hanging out with her husband (not necessarily in that order!)

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Storm’s Rage by J.L. Barnett-Interview with the Author

Storm’s Rage by J.L.Barnett-Interview with the Author

Storm's Rage

 

NOTE: At the time of this interview, STORM’S RAGE was still in edits and the release date has been pushed back.

Interview beige

TRC: Hi JL and welcome back to The Reading Café.

JLBarnett-1JL: Hello Sandy, and TRC fans. Thank you so much for having me back.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself since last we spoke?

JL: Well, 2 years have passed since our initial interview. Besides writing, I have also had to focus on my other profession, Photography. Just after the first interview and release of Storm’s Wake, the publishing firm I was with went out of business 3 months later. Sadly, it happens. So, I spent 6 months pursuing other venues and decided after many rejected queries to postpone the release of my work until I was closer to having the series complete.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

JL: I would say the catalyst that started me writing this series was a combination of events. I began writing after lose my mother in 2008. I was in a really dark place in my life. I opened word, typed what I was feeling and a co-worker was walking by my desk and glanced over my shoulder at what I was writing. She said it sounded like a great opening to a book, had I ever considered writing. So, over the next few days, I started creating a story from the dark feelings I had. From there, I read my work to my family and they eagerly wanted to know what was happening next. So, I’d say my mother’s death was the start and my family’s interest became the influence that kept me going.

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax? For fun?

JL: I enjoy watching some of my favorite tv shows with my family. Also, I have a hobby/business in photography that I work at. I know, you asked about relaxing and fun. I love editing and graphic design. I don’t see post editing as a chore. For me, it’s like working in a Zen Garden. Making minor changes here and there, it’s peaceful for me. I also love riding my motorcycle. This is very relaxing.

Storm's Wake coverTRC: STORM’S WAKE is the first installment (released in January 2012) in your Chronicles of Jake series. For anyone who has not read the storyline, would you please tell us something about the premise of the series?

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JL: Storm’s Wake, was initially released in 2012 and has been re-released this year back to Amazon. As for the premise of the series. While I don’t have one, dedicated premise or theme technically, I’d have to say that following what you believe, having faith in yourself and perseverance can and will lead to success, even if you fail along the way.

TRC: STORM’S RAGE, book two in The Chronicles of Jake Trilogy is about to be released. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Storm's RageJL: This is a continuation of the first book. The decisions and realizations become harder, testing his belief as more of who he is becomes evident.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

JL: My biggest challenge is my ADD. I have a struggle focusing my attention while I’m writing. Yes, while on a creative role, especially the first book, just seemed to happen. Book 2 has been more of a struggle as I’ve had to learn and adhere to writer concepts while attempting to perfect my craft. For this series, I have always seen it like a movie in my mind. I want my reader to actively imagine the book, challenging their minds to open to what I see.

TRC: From where did your ideas originate?

JL: I initially created this book from my emotional state. My friends and family have always said I have a vivid imagination. For me, inspiration for books can come from anything.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

JL: This has been a question I’ve asked myself before. If I had the chance to cast for the characters, who would I pick? For Jake – Ian Somerhalder.. For Tessa – Scarlett Johansson or Jessica Alba

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

JL: As being my first works, while creating the story/plot, it evolves and becomes its own entity (somewhat). I do add real locations and events to keep things grounded.

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

JL: I’d say there is a mix of both at times. While this is written from Jake’s view, there is a realization that time and the world exist in parallel.

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

JL: I believe each writer has their own style and voice. For myself, sharing my thoughts and words with my family allows me to see how they respond. I also have a select circle of friends who have different likes and follow different genres of work. Hearing their input allows me to see how my work will impact a reader, in a general sense. Sort of like a comedian testing his material on a small select audience. I believe some writer’s fail in this because they take their reader’s aspect out of the equation. If you’re not writing to entertain your audience, why are you writing?

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

JL: A famous writer once said, to be successful at writing you have to write every day. I too have suffered with writer’s block and it is difficult to overcome sometimes. For me, going on a ride, taking a break and looking at something else, reviewing whatever muse inspired your work, helps me get back on track.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

JL: This might sound a little cliché but I’d like to be a best seller. I hope to one day be invited to writer’s conventions, scifi con’s, etc. Last, I’d like to see my work in the movies.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

JL: Book 3 is in the works. I also have a few new book ideas waiting for me for some much needed attention.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

JL: I believe readers will enjoy where this series is going and I want to wish everyone happy reading.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Sport – Basketball

Secret Celebrity Crush – Scarlett Johansson

Last Vacation Destination – Panama City Beach, FL.

Do you have any pets? – Yes. Dog, cat and 2 birds.

Last book you read – A Star Trek Novel by William Shatner

Pet Peeve – Disrespectful children.

TRC: Thank you JL for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best in your writing career.

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Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones-Review and Blog tour

Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones-Review and Blog Tour

play with me-release day

Play With Me
by Lisa Renee Jones
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic romance
Re-release: October 28, 2014

Play With Me

ebook only .99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-Release October 28, 2014

Kali Miller has spent three years reporting fluff stories, waiting for the article that will launch her career to new heights. When she suddenly finds herself forced to take a job as an executive secretary at a Vegas casino, Kali meets the subject of what will surely be a shocking exposé: her boss, Damion Ward, the arrogant and undeniably sexy CEO. But after Damion invites her to help him plan a Thanksgiving charity event, Kali begins to see another side of the man. And when she surrenders to the exhilarating tension simmering between them, Kali hopes her story will have a happy ending.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones is the first storyline in the HEATING UP THE HOLIDAYS anthology released in the fall of 2013 and re-release as October 2014. The premise focuses on Vegas casino CEO Damion Ward and Kali Miller.

It is a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving and we find Kali Miller starting a new job as secretary to the very sexy and very busy Damion Ward. But before the week is through, Kali will discover that there is more to the man and the job than meets the eye. Damion is a man possessed and he wants Kali for his very own.

The storyline is one of forbidden love and a building relationship. Lisa Renee Jones pulls the reader into a sensual and erotic storyline about two people who will fall in love over Chinese food, secret pasts and, personal and business betrayal.

The characters are as colorful as the world in which they work-it’s Vegas, baby and no where is there a more interesting collection of employees with axes to grind and secrets to reveal. And you will fall in love with Damion and Kali as they wind their way through a maze of potential heartbreak, embarrassing revelations and falling in love.

PLAY WITH ME is another wonderful short story that will make you believe in fairy tale endings and happily ever afters.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

 

 

Lisa Renee Jones Play with Me Copyright 2014

“We need to talk,” he says, as if this is a casual event requiring nothing more than a chat, as if I’m not being treated like a felon.
“Talk?” I demand, all the emotions of hours of confinement rising up in me to near bursting. “We needed to talk seven hours ago. Now? Now we don’t need to talk.”
He steps forward, crowding me, forcing me to give him space or let him become a part of mine. I have a rare violent urge to shove him, but I retreat into the room instead. He steps closer and kicks the door shut behind him, and damn him, that delicious scent of him tickles my nose, and the teasing eruption of sensations in my body only serves to make me more angry. I don’t want to feel the way he makes me feel. I don’t want him to be the one man who sparks something in me that no one else does.
“I couldn’t call,” he has the audacity to say. “Just like I couldn’t tell you I knew we had a security breach when you told me what the computer was doing in my office.”
“So you knew what was happening and didn’t tell me?”
“There’s a procedure to—”
“I don’t give a damn about procedures, Mr. CEO, especially from the one who sets the rules I’ve suffered with.” The edginess in me results in me poking my finger at his chest, heat dashing up my arm. “Just tell me one thing. Am I free to leave?”
He looks down at my finger and then his gaze lifts, but there is no anger in his face. There is something else, something I can’t identify. “I got you cleared, but—”
Relief is instant, and I cut him off. “That’s all the talking you need to do.” I try to turn away, intending to gather my things, but he shackles my wrist, more heat ripping up my arm and over my chest.
“Let go,” I snarl, hating a man I barely know who has put me through hell. It’s like I’m a masochist. Why else would I be drawn to yet another powerful asshole?
His lips thin, and I wish I didn’t notice how sensual and perfect they are. “We have to talk.”
“No,” I assure him. “We do not.”
“We’re going to talk.”
“You aren’t my boss anymore, which translates to the end of all conversation.”
His eyes glint hard steel. “What does that mean, I’m not your boss anymore?”
“I quit. Find someone else to treat like crap.”
“I had no choice—”
“There’s always a choice. I just want out of here.”
“You’ll regret this later.”
“I’ll take that risk.”
“You’ve had a rough twenty-four hours, Ms. Miller. You aren’t thinking straight.”
I all but growl at him. “Let me guess. I’m a woman and my emotions must be controlling me.”
“Because you’re human.”
“Why do you even care if I stay?” I demand, and I don’t know how or why, but the air around us shifts and thickens.
“Because I do.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I want to know you.”
I swallow hard. “Well, I’m sure you’ll know every piece of my DNA after seven hours of being trapped here. Goal achieved.”
“Ms. Miller—”
“Stop with the Ms. Miller. I’m not your damn employee anymore. Let go of me.”
He doesn’t let go. His gaze flickers to my mouth, then lifts. “I won’t let you quit.”
“Call Natalie. I’m sure she’ll come back.”
He tugs me close, his hard body aligned with mine, and I can barely breathe. “What do you know of Ms. Duncan?”
“If you mean Natalie, she was in HR when I was.”
“There were circumstances.”
“Yeah. I get that. Believe me, I get it.”
“No. You don’t. She has nothing to do with you or us.”
Us? What does he mean, us? And why is my hand on his chest? Why can’t I move it? “I’m done. Let me go.”
“You won’t change your mind about quitting?”
“No.”
His fingers tangle into my hair, dragging me closer. “Then why would I let you go?”
Both of my hands have now found the wall of his chest, and I intend to push him away, but I just . . . don’t. “What are you doing?”
“What do you think I’m doing? Finding out if you taste as good as I think you do.” And then his lips are on mine, his tongue licking seductively into my mouth, sending erotic sensations spiraling through my body. I tell myself this is insanity. To push away. We barely know each other. I don’t even like him. Except I know it’s a lie. I know that in the short time we’ve known each other, every shared moment, every mutual look, every touch and tangled word exchange, has been leading to this.
Another lick of his tongue and I am unable to hold back a moan or the desperate need to be closer to him. I arch forward, desperate to feel him against me. Desperate to have him naked and touching me. Me touching him. Desperate to be naked and have him inside me. He is a drug, a wicked, wonderful drug that will finally be the end of my sanity if I allow him to be.
That idea sends a burst of panic and adrenaline through me, and I shove at his chest. “Stop. We can’t.”
His mouth leaves mine, and I am one part relief, one part painful need to pull him back. “Why?” he demands, and his voice is rough, affected.
“You’re my boss.”
“You quit.”
“Right. Which means I leave now.”
“You want to leave?”
No. “Yes.”
His eyes darken to deep pools of green fire and stormy torment, telling me he knows this is a mistake. He knows. I know. Why are we still here? “Tell me you really mean that and I’ll let you go,” he vows. “But just know this: If you stay, I absolutely will fuck you senseless and then do it again.”
“I . . . you . . . we can’t . . .”
“We can. I’m going to kiss you now, Kali.”
“Kali?” I whisper, unbelievably aroused by my name on his lips.
“Yes. Kali.” And then he is kissing me, his tongue caressing into my mouth, seeming to touch every intimate part of my body, stroking deep, and burning through me. Sensations roll through me, teasing my senses, torturing me with how much I want him and how wrong I know this is. But then his hand caresses my backside, pulling me closer, hard against his hips, his thick erection pressed to my belly, and I can’t remember why exactly it’s wrong. I am lost. Lost in him. Lost in what I feel, and I don’t want to let anything else in. Not the past. Not the last few hours. I don’t care anymore.
I wrap my arms around his neck, crushing my breasts to his chest, and gasp as he tears his mouth from mine. Then he is staring at me, searching my face for something I don’t understand. And I don’t know what he sees, or what he finds, but his eyes soften, and he strokes the hair from my face. “I was right. One kiss isn’t even close to enough.” His mouth comes down on mine again, and my fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt, holding on to him, willing him not to stop. This time the kiss is deeper, a dark demand that I answer willingly, eagerly, my tongue stroking against his.
Suddenly his fingers wrap my waist and he lifts me, setting me down on the wooden dining room table, spreading my legs to step between them.
“What are you doing?”
He reaches up and tugs on the front zipper of my dress. “Undressing you.”
A moment of clarity comes to me, and I grab his hand. “You need to know this changes nothing. I’m still furious about today. I don’t even know if I like you.”
“But you want me. That’s a start.”
He tugs on my zipper and I don’t stop him, my hands going to the table, trying to stabilize myself, though I’m not sure that is possible. This man is shoving my bra down and ravishing my breasts with a hot inspection that makes my sex clench and my thighs ache.
“I . . .” I pant, and forget what I was going to say. He’s cupping my breasts, pressing them together, and stroking my nipples with his thumbs.
“You what?”
“I don’t know.”
He nudges me backward. “Let me try to figure it out,” he offers, lowering his head, his dark hair tickling my chin, his tongue flicking against my nipple, sending darts of pleasure through me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting for sanity, but his mouth closes down over one of my nipples, sucking deeply, and I am arching my back, offering myself to him. Silently begging him for more. It’s just been so long, I tell myself. So very long since someone touched me like this. So long since I felt like a woman. This isn’t me radiating toward men who like to hurt me. This isn’t me torturing myself. It’s him torturing me in all the right ways.
My hands go to his hair, but he slips away, going down on a knee and caressing my dress up my thighs. “Now I’m going to officially apologize for what happened today,” he vows.

 

ALSO RELEASING on October 28, 2014

NEED YOU NOW (1001 Dark Nights #7) by Lisa Renee Jones-a review

Need you Now

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2014

Life is hard. Life leaves you beaten, broken…alone. Then one day, a stranger touches your hand and you feel something intense, unforgettable, but yet, you want to forget. You need to forget. It’s safer than believing in things you’ve decided don’t exist. You know all about shattered promises and lost hope. You know them so much better than you know this excited, warm, wonderful feeling, and it scares you. He scares you, but he also makes you feel alive again. He makes you realize you haven’t really been living. You’re surviving and you fear he’s the one who’ll make you forget how to keep doing it. But what if he’s the one who changes everything?

REVIEW: NEED YOU NOW is the prequel novella of Lisa Renee Jones’s new, adult, contemporary Shattered Promises series focusing on billionaire businessman Jensen Miller and Danielle (Danny) Woods. As Danny continues to work towards earning enough money for medical school she will be pulled into the vortex that is Jensen Miller.

Need You Now sets up the reader for a roller coaster storyline where two people meet for an almost one-night stand but discover they have much more in common. We follow as our couple is pulled together time and again; where the heart wants what it cannot have; and where betrayal and misunderstanding are at the center of heartbreak and pain.

NEED YOU NOW is a sexy, sensual and revealing introduction to Lisa Renee Jones’s Shattered Promises series-a series that will have you begging for more.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

about the author

Jones_Lisa_Renee-1ABOUT LISA RENEE JONES

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT TRILOGY which has sold to more than ten countries for translation with negotiations in process for more, and has now been optioned by STARZ Network for a cable television show, to be produced by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland).

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 30 books with publishers such as Simon and Schuster, Avon, Kensington, Harlequin, NAL, Berkley and Elloras Cave, as well as crafting a successful indie career. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website and she is active on twitter and facebook .

 

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Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh – a Review

Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

Only Enchanting
Survivors’ Club series – Book #4
by Mary Balogh
Release Date: October 28, 2014

Only Enchanting

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
The Survivors’ Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors’ Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.

 

 

Review:
Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her Survivors’ Club series. I have not read this series, but Balogh does a good job giving us details along the way of this friendship of survivors that drives the story. Only Enchanting is a historical romance that takes place in England. This book belongs to Flavian Arnott, Viscount Ponsonby, one of the 7 survivors, and Agnes Keeping, our heroine.

Agnes is a widow, who lives with her sister. She is best friends with Sophia, who is the wife of Viscount Darleigh, one of the 7 survivors. The Survivors club meet annually and this year due to the birth of their child, the club comes to the Darleigh mansion for their two week vacation. It is here that Agnes will meet Flavian, whom she finds strange, yet very attractive. Agnes, has led mostly a sheltered life, with a marriage that was considered safe and somewhat dull. She does not believe in true romance, nor passion. This is about to change, once Flavian begins to show interest in her.

Flavian also has his own issues. Before he miraculously recovered from his war injuries, his then fiancée left him for his best friend. Flavian, who has trouble maintaining his temper, also does not believe in love. Slowly, the two of them find themselves feeling safe with each other, and in a fast time the attraction grows. Flavian feels safe, not to mention attracted to Agnes. When he finds out his ex-fiancée, whose husband is now dead, is returning to his town; he asks Agnes to marry him, and a flustered Agnes says no…at first, wondering why, since they do not know each other that long. When he is persistent, she finally agrees, as she knows she has fallen in love with him.

What follows is a nice story, of two people, who have never known true love, as they embark on a journey that will take them to London and their home in Ponsonby, while they must face Flavian’s shocked family; the ex-fiancee, who is determined to win him back at any cost; and the scandal that threatens their marriage. Will love prevail for Flavian and Agnes? I did like Flavian and Agnes. I thought the story had a lot of detail that sort of slowed things down early on. But they were a charming couple, and Agnes becomes a very strong heroine. If you like Historical romances, I suggest you read Only Enchanting.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter-Review and Pre Order Campaign

The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter-Review and Pre Order Campaign

The Darkest Touch
Lords of the Underworld #11
by Gena Showalter
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: November 5, 2014

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2014

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.

REVIEW:

The Darkest Touch starts out with Torin trapped in a cell in another realm with Mary. As we learned in the last LoTU novel, Mary had struck some kind of deal with Cronus and had agreed to go to Torin periodically, in exchange for another prisoner’s freedom. The problem with that? Sweet Mary had no idea what a liar and manipulator Cronus was. And it cost her dearly. Torin was devastated that his demon, Disease, caused Mary’s demise. But, what Torin didn’t count on was a fellow prisoner’s reaction to the death. Enter Keeley, The Red Queen and one of the strongest and most powerful beings in any realm, ever. Unbeknownst to Torin, Mary was Keeley’s bff and had helped to sooth Keeley during her long incarceration. Once Mary was dead, The Red Queen swore vengeance on Torin. Only Torin was able to escape his cell, and Keeley wasn’t. At that same time anyway.

Once Keeley manages to escape her cell, she sets out to track down Torin so that she can exact her revenge. But, as things start playing out in their current realm, she starts to see that Torin really does grieve Mary’s loss and that maybe there is more to him than she initially thought. Add to that the creatures that are stalking the both of them and they decide pretty quickly that maybe they should rely on each other to make it through this realm and the next several that they have to cross to get home. Then, what do you know? They become attracted to each other! But, can Torin, the keeper of the demon of Disease, really put himself out there and risk sickening Keeley, even though she’s totally on board? Or, will he shut her out and never experience the one thing he’s always craved? Can she truly survive the darkest touch?

To say there was a lot going on in this book would be a gross understatement. It starts with Cameo and Viola still missing after being sucked into the Paring Rod. Cameo is actually stuck in a realm with Lazarus, whom a harpy killed in a previous book. William, the Ever Randy, is still mourning the loss of one of his “kids” and still as intense as ever with Gilly. Once word gets out that the Red Queen is “out and about”, all kinds of crazies come out of the woodworks. The Unspoken Ones show up. Hades…..Lucifer…….and, yes, even Galen…… Like I said, a lot going on. A lot of surprising things that are set in motion to play out over the next several books surprised me a little, but totally works.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Torin’s book. Out of all of the warriors, he’s been my favorite. Never being allowed to touch anyone, being totally alone. Yes, he has his friends, but even they can’t touch him. No high fives, no bro hugs, nothing………………. So, I knew that his mate would have to be someone powerful. And, boy is she! She goes to bat for him like no other ever has. And what she endures will melt your heart. He never thought he’d find someone to love him like she does, but he got waaaay lucky with her! I think that they are perfect for each other. We also get to see all of the other Lords and their crazy, co-dependent mates. There’s even a girl’s night out with a certain minor goddess of Anarchy, a harpy or two and a few others. Even though it was a bit long (496 pages), I looooved the book and can’t wait for the next!! Well done Gena Showalter, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy supplied by the publisher

 

Excerpt beige

 

 

She appeared in front of him, displaying more tanned skin than she concealed, her hair falling around her face in lush, golden waves. Her eyes glittered with remnants of her anger. Her lips were slightly swollen and pinker than usual.
“Temper much?” she quipped.
His relief was palpable. She hadn’t forgotten him! But the relief was quickly replaced by concern. “Are you all right? Did someone hit you?”
She blinked with confusion. “No. Why?” “Your lips are swollen.”
She rubbed them, color heating her cheeks. “Someone didn’t hit me, but someone sure did hit on me.”
Hit on her. As in kissed her.
Already on edge, Torin. Utterly. Erupted.
He forgot everything he’d planned to do and say and got in Keeley’s face, snarling, “Who was it?”
Her eyes widened. “Hades. Why?”
“You dare ask why? You belong to me! We agreed. You do not kiss other men, Keeley. Ever. Have you for- gotten my rules?”
Her jaw dropped, and she gasped out a few unintelligible words as if she couldn’t quite figure out what to say to him.
He stood in place, breathing too quickly, too heavily, his throat and lungs burning. He reached for her, but as so many times before, fisted his hands and dropped them just before contact. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I have to leave.
“Are you…thinking about touching me?” she asked, her eyes widening again.
No, she had to leave. He could not be in public right now. “Go shopping. Buy yourself something pretty. My treat.” He basically tossed his credit card at her. He should be calm by the time she finished. “Come back in an hour. Maybe two. Actually, we’ll reconvene to- morrow.”
“You are,” she said. “You’re thinking… Even craving me. You don’t like the thought of another man’s hands on me, and you want to replace the memory with your hands.”
That. Yes. Hades would die, and Torin…Torin would touch this woman and never stop.
He gnashed his molars. “Last chance, Keeley. I sug- gest you take it and leave.” Soon. His control was almost completely shredded.
“No way. You’re the big bad warrior, yet I’ve had to come on to you time and time again. I’ve had to battle within myself—worth the price or not worth it. Well, it’s your turn.”
“There is no damn way you just suggested I haven’t done the same. I’ve battled.”
“When have you ever caved without prompting from me? You’ve resisted me so easily, always walking away. Sure, you’ve snarled while you’ve done the walking, but still you left me behind. So, tell me. When did you ever—”
“So easily?” he roared. Had she just said so easily? She had no clue about the intensity of his need—but he would teach her better.
Torin cupped her by the nape, yanked her close and smashed his mouth against hers. The kiss was a brutal assault meant to silence her, to dominate and possess. He held her still, making her take it, take everything. But the moment she softened against him, welcomed him inside her mouth, the darkness churning inside him switched gears. From the need to punish and master to the need to seduce and please.
This was Keeley. His princess. She deserved his best. He gentled the pressure, rolling his tongue inside her mouth, learning her all over again, tasting her. Summer berries and melted honey. So sweet. And mine. All mine. He framed her cheeks, angled her head and rolled his tongue just a little deeper. This time, she met him with
a roll of her own.
That was his undoing.


Q&A

-Do you find that you relate to any of your characters? Or are they inspired by someone else in your life?

I think there are bits and pieces of the people I love in all my characters—except the truly awful characters, of course.(Kind of felt like I had to add that last part orI’d run the risk of being mobbed. Because you know, everyone I love is super nice. Always.)

-What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing the series (or THE DARKEST TOUCH) in particular?

Because Torin is possessed by the demon of Disease, he is unable to touch a lover skin-to-skin without killing her and kicking off a worldwide plague. In a romance novel, the hero touching his heroine is maybe kinda sorta a wee bit imperative LOL. And I didn’t want to compromise and make Keeley the only woman in the world immune to the warrior’s demon. I saw a clear cut path to happily ever after for the pair and while it was fraught with turmoil and hardship, the light at the end never stopped shining.

The Darkest Touch Pre Order Banner

 

THE DARKEST TOUCH pre-order campaign

About :
If the publisher reaches 15,000 pre-order for The Darkest Touch before the November 25th release date, Gena Showalter will:

-Post a never before seen excerpt from The Darkest Touch
-select one winner for a Swarovksi Two-Tone Crystal Butterfly Pendant
Necklace
-select winners for 1 of 10 signed posters of the Darkest Touch cover,
just in time for Christmas.

(prize winners announced on her website for 10,000 goal already reached!)

To enter The Darkest Touch Pre-Order Campaign, visit

http://members.genashowalter.com/page/the-darkest-touch for details.

 Amazon * Kindle * Barnes * Nook * Book Depository with worldwide shipping * BAM * Indie Bound *Chapters.Indigo * Kobo * 

About The Author beige

Gena ShowalterGoodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook

Gena Showalter is a 
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have appeared in
Cosmopolitan and 
Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel
Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor,
danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.

 

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