The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel – Review, Interview & Giveaway

The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

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The LIfe IntendedAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
In this richly told story where Sliding Doors meets P.S. I Love You, Kristin Harmel weaves a heart-wrenching tale that asks: what does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

After her husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn’t she more excited?

At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband’s hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.

 

Review:

Just…….wow. The Life Intended draws you into something that could so very well have happened to any of us with the very first sentence. The loss that Kate incurs is heart wrenching. She and Patrick truly seemed to have it all, until one fateful morning that would change everything. A morning that she would question for years to come.

As the blurb states, Kate gets engaged and is planning her wedding……Or at least, that’s what she’s supposed to be doing, but something is holding her back. Even though she loves her fiancé, she feels the relationship isn’t where it should be as far as she’s concerned. And, when the dreams start, she’s thrown for such a loop that she begins to question everything. Even her sanity at times. She embarks on new endeavors as she tries to figure out what’s real and what’s not, one thing is for sure….should she settle, or should she try to live the life intended?

The Life Intended is a wonderfully written story with strong and very believable characters. Kate has so many layers that surface as she maneuvers through dealing with the loss of her husband up until she realizes what it is she’s intended to do and what she’s intended to BE. I wish I could tell you more, but it would be a spoiler and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. And, even though the direction of the story is a little predictable at times, the ultimate reveal surprised me. This one is ultimately a story of coming to terms with unfathomable loss in order to (pardon the pun), live the life intended. Even though it takes years for it to happen, Kate ultimately finds her way, and a few surprises along the way that will make your heart smile, after shedding a few tears. This is the first novel I’ve read by Kristin Harmel, but I definitely look forward to reading more. Well done, Kristin Harmel, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview-Gold

Kristin, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

face closeup

 

Kristin:  Thanks so much for having me!!

TRC:  Would you please tell us about yourself?

Kristin:   Sure thing. I’m the author of several novels, including The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended. I have a background in journalism (credits include People magazine and Travel + Leisure magazine), and I’ve been a novelist for about a decade now. I’m a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism & Communications (Go Gators!), and I live in Orlando, Florida with my husband, Jason.

TRC:   When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Kristin:   I’ve always loved to write; I think I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was about 6. That’s the year I wrote my first “chapter book,” which was a set of stapled-together pages detailing how the Bobbsey Twins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbsey_Twins) came to Ohio to help solve the mystery of my dad’s missing tuxedo.

TRC:   What was your first book ever published? Can you please tell us your reaction when you found out you were being published?

Kristin:   My first novel was called How to Sleep With a Movie Star. Not a how-to guide, I promise! I wrote it in 2003 and sold it in 2004. It came out in February 2006. Actually, funny story: we got the offer for the book, from Amy Einhorn (who was then with Warner Books) on April Fool’s Day 2004, and when my agent called to tell me, I thought she was playing a terrible April Fool’s joke on me. It took me a while to actually realize she was serious; I had been offered a book deal!

TRC:   The Life Intended was released yesterday. Can you tell us how you come up with the idea of this story?

Kristin:   Sure. Usually, I’m a meticulous plotter, who thinks through every detail ahead of time and lays the entire book out on the page – in outline form – over the course of a few months. The Life Intended was the one exception to that. I woke up one morning with the entire plot of the book in my head. I jumped out of bed and started scribbling down my thoughts before they vanished, the way that dreams often do, and in the end, my hand-written notes from a single morning formed the basis of 90 percent of the book! Other elements developed later, and I still had a lot of research to do, but somehow implausibly, this book literally came out of a dream, which is super-weird, because it’s about a character who has very vivid dreams of an alternative life that feels real.

TRC:   Can you please give us a brief description of The Life Intended?

Kristin:   Sure. I’m lousy at describing my own books, so I’m going to tell you what the publisher is saying. They’re much better at this than me!

     “In this richly told story where Sliding Doors meets P.S. I Love You, Kristin Harmel weaves a heart-wrenching tale that asks: what does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

     “After her husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn’t she more excited?

     “At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband’s hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.”

TRC:   You recently released The Sweetness of Forgetting. Can you please tell us about this novel, for those who may not have read it?

Kristin:   Sure thing. And again, because I’m terrible at summarizing my own books, I’m going to tell you how my publisher describes it:

     “A baker in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, must travel to Paris to uncover a family secret for her dying grandmother—and what she learns may change everything. The Sweetness of Forgetting is the book that made Kristin Harmel an international bestseller.

     “At thirty-six, Hope McKenna-Smith is no stranger to bad news. She lost her mother to cancer, her husband left her for a twenty-two year old, and her bank account is nearly depleted. Her own dreams of becoming a lawyer long gone, she’s running a failing family bakery on Cape Cod and raising a troubled preteen.

     “Now, Hope’s beloved French-born grandmother Mamie, who wowed the Cape with her fabulous pastries for more than fifty years, is drifting away into a haze of Alzheimer’s. But in a rare moment of clarity, Mamie realizes that unless she tells Hope about the past, the secrets she has held on to for so many years will soon be lost forever. Tantalizingly, she reveals mysterious snippets of a tragic history in Paris. And then, arming her with a scrawled list of names, she sends Hope to France to uncover a seventy-year-old mystery.

     “Hope’s emotional journey takes her through the bakeries of Paris and three religious traditions, all guided by Mamie’s fairy tales and the sweet tastes of home. As Hope pieces together her family’s history, she finds horrific Holocaust stories mixed with powerful testimonies of her family’s will to survive in a world gone mad. And to reunite two lovers torn apart by terror, all she’ll need is a dash of courage, and the belief that God exists everywhere, even in cake. . . .”

TRC:   You write heartwarming, life changing, and humorous stories. You have also written a YA novel. Is there any genre you would like to try?

Kristin:   I’d love to write middle grade novels (ages 8-12) one day, maybe once I have kids. I will say that I think those humorous stories you mentioned were sort of part of an earlier phase in my career. When I wrote my first book in 2003, I was 24 years old and chick lit was at its height. Light and funny – like a classic romantic comedy – was the way to go. I think over the last decade or so, I’ve evolved into a different type of writer as I’ve grown up. The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended are a lot more indicative of where my career is right now –and will be going in the future, I think.

TRC:   What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have any hobbies?

Kristin:  I love to cook – hence the original recipes in The Sweetness of Forgetting – and I’m a big music fan, so I love going to live shows. Aside from that, I love going to Disney World (only about 15 minutes from my house), traveling (especially to Europe), reading, and hanging out with my friends and family.

TRC:   Can you please tell us your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or specific time to write?

Kristin:   I write best in the mornings – I usually begin at 8 a.m. – and I currently write in the kitchen nook of the condo where I’ve lived for ten years. I converted it into my office just after moving in. However, my husband and I have just bought a house, and now I’ll have an actual office. I’m not sure how I’ll cope without being attached to the kitchen! (I bake when I need to cure writer’s block.)

TRC:   What are you currently working on?

Kristin:  I’m currently in the final stage of editing my next young adult novel, and I’m working on an outline for a women’s fiction novel that should be out in late 2015. I outline very long; most of my outlines are 20,000 words or more, because I work through all the plot points and try to get everything, including dialogue, down on the page as it comes to me. So once I finish an outline, the actual writing of the book generally goes very quickly. Yep, I’m weird.

TRC:   You have written for People Magazine. Are you still writing for them? What was it like interviewing celebrities, and who was your favorite?

Kristin:   I’ve written for People since 2000, and I still write for them on occasion; my last piece for them was this sweet and sad one from June — http://www.people.com/article/university-of-florida-gators-softball-win-national-title-cancer-teen.But honestly, I’m so busy with writing and promoting my novels that I don’t have a ton of time to pitch People anymore. Also, it turns out that writing three novels and getting married – all in the same year – isn’t the most brilliant way to manage one’s time (a lesson I learned the hard way in 2014!). I do truly love writing for People, though, especially because for the last several years, I have mostly specialized in writing their Heroes Among Us stories (instead of celebrity stories). That said, I would have to say that my favorite celebrity interview was probably Patrick Dempsey. I interviewed him a handful of times, and he was always tremendously kind, warm and genuine. His love for his wife and kids was always very evident, and he just seemed like a truly good person. I also enjoyed speaking with Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck (Who wouldn’t enjoy that, right?); I loved spending time with Andre Benjamin (suuuuuch a cool guy) and I completely geeked out over a brief interview with Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw! Talking to me!), but Patrick Dempsey was definitely my favorite, simply because of his kindness. Okay, and his beautiful eyes.

TRC:  sigh…..I love Patrick Dempsey

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else?

Kristin:  Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me – and to check out The Life Intended. I think at its core, it’s a book about choosing happiness, and the fact that we all have the power and the right to choose happiness in our own lives. I think that’s a particularly perfect message for today – and for the next few weeks – as we make our New Year’s Resolutions. I hope that if you read The Life Intended, you’ll feel inspired to resolve to choose happiness for yourself in 2015 and beyond.

 

LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD: Crispy rice with spicy tuna from Katsuya in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Preferably while sitting at the bar sipping a drink concocted by my friend Ryan, the coolest bartender in all of California. I know, that’s awfully specific. And now, my mouth is watering and my heart is breaking a little, because I’m more than 2,000 miles away.

FAVORITE DESSERT: S’mores. It’s not just the taste, but the whole ceremony of making them!

FAVORITE BOOK: Anne Frank’s diary is a longtime favorite. The Great Gatsby might be my favorite novel, although I love most of Hemingway’s work too. Of course on any given day, my current favorite book changes based on what I’m reading at the time.

FAVORITE CHARACTER (NOT YOUR OWN): Bridget Jones is probably a good pick!

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING: I recently started reading Lucinda Riley’s books, and I can’t stop. I just flew through The Orchid House and The Lavender Garden, and I think I’ll read The Midnight Rose next. She’s just such a beautiful storyteller. I’m also midway through Alyson Richman’s The Lost Wife, which is just spellbinding so far. I know it came out a few years ago, but I try not read books that are similar to mine while I’m writing or touring with those books, and The Lost Wife is similar, in some ways, to The Sweetness of Forgetting (my last novel). I’m so glad I’m finally getting to read it.

LAST VACATION SPOT: Europe! I got married in March, and my husband and I took our honeymoon in May to Ireland, Scotland and France. Loved every second of it!

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: Gone Girl. Amazing. That Gillian Flynn blows me away! It’s no easy feat to adapt your own book for screen, but she did it masterfully.

CAT or DOG: Dog! I grew up with a Dalmatian, and my husband and I will probably buy a new dog this year – maybe a beagle or a corgi – once we’re moved into our new home.

TRC:   Thank you, Kristin for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with The Life Intended. We look forward to working with you again.

Kristin:   Thank you! I look forward to working with you again too! Have a happy new year!

You can learn more about Kristin at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

giveaway

Kristin’s publisher is offering a paper copy of THE LIFE INTENDED 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 us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Please LIKE  Kristin Harmel on FACEBOOK.

8. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 31, 2014 to January 4, 2015

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Playing with the Drummer by Robin Covington – a Review

Playing with the Drummer by Robin Covington – a Review

 

Playing with the DrummerAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Entertainment journalist Lita Matthews is on the verge of making it big. As in her-own-TV-show big. She just needs amazing inside scoop on the year’s hottest celebrity wedding. Instead, her big break is becoming a big nightmare—all thanks to rock star Rocky Cardano. Who apparently hasn’t gotten over what happened between them four years ago… Rocky is pretty damn familiar with just how far Lita will go for a “scoop.” Hell, their unbelievably hot hook-up in Mexico years ago was the story of a lifetime. Rocky’s learned his lessons. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep her from the story—even if he has to seduce her to the point of distraction! But Lita has always had a way of getting under his skin. Only this time, he won’t be able to just walk away…

Review:

When 3 glorious nights of passion and promise devolves into the equivalent of a one night stand gone bad (ulterior motives tend to ruin the mood), how will the disgruntled ones stomach each other’s presence again? At a wedding no less!? Rocky and Lita will have to suck it up for their friends and exchange pleasantries. Did I mention the affair was four years ago?!

Jesus. What was the shelf life on this kind of connection? At this rate, he believed it would survive the apocalypse.

Robin Covington is a joy to read. I jump at the chance to read her work! Playing with the Drummer highlights second-chance romance. A familiar theme to be sure (and one of my favorites), but when written this passionately, so blatantly…she inspires!

Like I indicated earlier, both Lita and Rocky acknowledge they should be over their hurt feelings and bitter recollections (told methodically throughout their exchanges), but they’ve avoided each other since the debacle (even though they run in similar circles and share close friends). The proximity reignites the attraction and allows for new perspective.

She apologized for what she did, and a lot can happen in four years. She says she’s learned from her mistake and is moving on. If you aren’t moving forward, then you’ll get left behind, because life doesn’t allow you to stand still.

Time heals all wounds or so they say. Will Rocky and Lita be mature enough to reconsider offenses and new possibilities? They’re electric in the same room; so charged up they can’t remember who’s at fault or why they’ve resisted this long!

It will be like before. We’ll wallow in lust for days, wring each other dry, and then go our separate ways. Any objection needs to happen right now, because once I’m inside you, it’s game on.”

Buzz kill. If they can still want each other so intensely after years, doesn’t it mean they could be, should be, more than what once was? Leave it in Ms. Covington’s trusty hands to traverse the “Rocky” road to HEA.

There’s more to love in Power with the Drummer,  my friends. Music is the backbone of the story with all of its high and low notes. The reunion between our H/H is their friends’ highly publicized rock ‘n roll wedding. Lita is a journalist covering the event, but her past work as a young let-me-be-the-first-to-blow-up-this-story reporter left a bad taste in Rocky’s mouth; it’s the straw that broke his jaded back all those years ago. And when a zealous action brings Lita and Rocky to opposing sides again…will love be stronger than pride?

Instead, he kept his eyes shut, willing her with his touch, with his body, to give him a second chance. Give him one more chance to not let her down. “It shouldn’t be this hard.”

“It won’t be. We just need time to figure this out.”

“I want you to keep me from going,” she whispered.

“I will. Until my last breath, I will.”

“Oh, I wish…” she said on a soft sigh. Her voice ached with her pain, but he also sensed her steel determination.

Ugh! How can you resist?! Christmas gift list…check! 😉  A sure fire way to heat you up over the holiday.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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You’re So Fine by Kieran Kramer – a Review

You’re So Fine by Kieran Kramer – a Review

 

You're So FineAmazon / Barnes & Noble/ Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Lacey moved to Hollywood to make it big. What she got was an actor boyfriend who fathered a child with a woman who abandoned the baby. Lacy breaks up with the cheating boyfriend, but not before she adopts the baby, Henry, because his father has no interest in him.

Lacey takes a job assisting an actress, Monica, and gets another actor boyfriend who is set to work on a movie in South Carolina with Monica. Then her boss and boyfriend run off to Italy. Left with a new resolve to never date another actor, she moves into the South Carolina lighthouse she had rented for Monica.

However, her ex-boyfriend has sublet the lighthouse to an actor. They agree to share, and while Beau seems like everything Lacey has vowed to avoid, he may be just what she and Henry need…

 

Review:

You’re So Fine by Kieran Kramer is a sweet romance novel. We meet our heroine Lacey at the beginning, as she is traveling with her adopted son, Henry. Lacey, after discovering her actor boyfriend was having an affair, left Hollywood for South Carolina. She wants to put her days in Hollywood far behind, and takes advantage of a rented lighthouse being offered to her for free for a couple of months until she can get her life on track. Lacey is low on funds, but plans to look for a job, while in South Carolina. But before the night is out, an unexpected person arrives to the lighthouse, leaving Lacey fighting to be able to stay.

Beau Wilder, is our hero, and he is a well-known Hollywood hearthrob, who arrives to film a movie. Beau at first was a bit arrogant, and wanted to force Lacey out of the lighthouse. Needless to say, they did not get off on the right foot, as the lines were drawn as to who would stay. Beau the following morning will meet Lacey’s son, Henry, who helps set the stage for them to share the abode.

Henry was adorable, and his scenes with Beau, Lacey and another character, Dickey were very enjoyable. Both Lacey and Beau were a bit stubborn, trying to avoid each other, but a slow built romance develops. However, both know that this is not a long term relationship, since Beau will move on, as his life is always on the go to the next set. That doesn’t stop them from eventually acting on their lust for each other, but it does create emotional angst. In the midst of their slowly developing relationship, are family issues from both Lacey and Beau’s family that plays a big part in the story.

What follows is a sweet romance, with a movie background setting; a couple that was doomed from the start; a young boy who helps bring them closer, and families that need to resolve their relationships. I enjoyed this story, but did have mixed feelings early on, as it seemed a bit cluttered, which did get better half way through. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, a sexy couple, with a cute child as part of the story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Black Halo / Rock Hard by Madelynne Ellis-A Series Review

Black Halo / Rock Hard by Madelynne Ellis-A Series Review

Black Halo

Author Madelynne Ellis has penned a series of books focusing on the goth rock band Black Halo. The two companion series run parallel to one another and include Black Halo and Rock Hard. These are their stories.

________________________

COME UNDONE
(Rock Hard #1)
by Madelynne Ellis

Come UndoneABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: August 29, 2013

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

On stage he’s dynamite. Off stage he rocks her world.

When red-hot, Goth-metal band, Black Halo, split live on stage, fate throws Daniella Fosbrook into the path of sexy vocalist Xane Geist. Initially, Xane’s only looking for a ride home, but Dani tempts him in a way a thousand other women haven’t. Determined to explore their heady chemistry and avoid hashing things out with the band, Xane whisks Dani off to Monaco for a steamy weekend.

There, Dani tries her best to hang onto her heart and some clothing, while Xane soon loses both. However, Xane isn’t being entirely honest about the reason for the band’s demise. When the truth comes out, can Dani accept the facts, or will everything come undone.

••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: COME UNDONE is the first installment in Madelynne Ellis’s adult, contemporary ROCK HARD erotic romance series focusing on Xane Geist, front man and lead singer of the goth rock band Black Halo and Daniella Fosbrook- a reluctant groupie whose life is about to change when she meets Xane Geist- a larger than life persona whom Dani had come to depend upon in her darkest hours. ROCK HARD is the companion series to BLACK HALO featuring Black Halo’s lead guitarist Ash Gore. COME UNDONE is a story of insta-love, heartbreak and loss.

Told from two distinct third party points of view, the focus of the storyline is the break up of the band Black Halo. As the founder and front man for the band Xane feels he has been betrayed by the two people he loves most in the world. Enter Daniella Fosbrook, a fan and the woman who would show Xane that there is more to life than heartbreak and betrayal. Xane’s life has centered on the rise and success of Black Halo and his friendship with the band will be irrevocably strained when secrets and hidden feelings are revealed.

The relationship between Xane and Daniella begins as one of convenience. Xane needs to run; to get away from everything that has to do with Black Halo, and Dani is in the right place at the right time. While Xane strives for normalcy, Dani struggles with dark demons from the past and the unwelcome memories of abandonment and abuse.

Xane is a man who likes to tempt fate; nothing is off limits and he is willing to throw caution to the wind, any and every time sex is involved. He uses sex as a means to escape –an addiction- and Xane likes to escape at every opportunity, no matter where or how. Dani is the quiet, less experienced female whose earlier years have resulted in too many emotional and physical scars. Their time together will reveal a world that is all too familiar and one that Dani has a difficult time accepting. Abandoned by her father, and raised in a religious commune by her mother, Dani’s introduction into Xane’s world is both an escape and a fall into the abyss.

The backstory of what led to the disintegration of the band is slow to reveal as the majority of the storyline concentrates on Dani and Xane’s building relationship. There is a slight twist to the premise; one that reveals the bonds between friendship and love, and a twist that will affect Dani’s perception of Xane and the band.

The supporting and secondary characters include the members of the band-Ash Gore, Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen, Elspeth Shriik, drummer Steve Matlock, and Paul ‘Rock Giant’ Reed. The world building concentrates on Xane’s troubled family, his relationship with the band, and the fall out of betrayal, stalker paparazzi and rabid fans.

Madelynne Ellis pulls the reader into the world of goth rock, addiction, sex and betrayal. There are moments of passion laced with need, want and seduction. The storyline does not end on a happily ever after but a bit of a cliffhanger that will expose an even uglier side of fame and fortune.

READING ORDER:

Come Undone (Rock Hard #1)
All Night Long (Black Halo #1)
Remastered (Black Halo #1.5 )
Come Together (Rock Hard #2)
All Fired Up (Black Halo #2)

_________________

ALL NIGHT LONG
(Black Halo #1)
by Madelynne Ellis

All Night LongABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2014

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

One night of rampant passion with a rock star, that’s all it’s supposed to be. Ginny Walters isn’t looking for love, only some sexy fun with an amazingly hot guy, that is, until she hooks up with Black Halo’s lead guitarist, Ash Gore, on the night the band implodes. When vocalist Xane walks off stage bringing the gig to a premature end, Ash and the guys find themselves unable to reach their hotel due to the presence of an irate mob. Luckily, Ginny offers them the use of her room for the night.

Ginny does her best to be a good hostess. However, it’s not long before she discovers a side to womanizing, bad boy, Ash that she never imagined. Beneath his hard rock image, is a man so hung up on the possibility of being hurt by love that he’s unwilling to risk becoming emotionally involved. How can she convince him that the bond between them is worth exploring, given that she’s not sure dating a rock star is terribly bright idea?

Ash can’t seem to get Ginny out of his head. She’s totally unlike the groupies he normally beds; women who love to fan his ego, but ultimately leave him dismally unsatisfied. Ginny sees through all his bullshit and the media hype to the scarred man beneath. Given that instinctive understanding, does he really want to say goodbye forever coming daybreak?

Maybe it’s time they both gave love another chance

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL NIGHT LONG is the first installment in Madelynne Ellis’s new adult, contemporary BLACK HALO erotic romance series focusing on the goth rock group Black Halo. This is lead guitarist Ash Gore and rock groupie Ginny Walters storyline-a one night stand that turns into something more. The Black Halo series is the companion to Madelynne’s ROCK HARD series focusing on front man Xane Geist and Dani Fosbrook: ALL NIGHT LONG runs parallel to COME UNDONE (Rock Hard #1). Are you confused?—so was I but the author let me know the correct reading order.

Told from third person point of view, the storyline focuses on less than twenty four hours in the life of Black Halo members Ash Gore, Jan ‘Spook’ Mortensen and ‘Rock Giant’ Reed. When front man Xane Geist walks off stage during a concert, purporting the end to the band, the remaining members are caught off guard with no place to run-enter Ginny Walters- a rock groupie who is determined to have a one night stand with Ash Gore but finds herself in the enviable position of roommates with the band. With paparazzi and fans stalking the band wherever they go, Ginny offers her less than five star hotel room as refuge. What ensues is a night of passion and wild sex between Ginny and Ash (with a little addition of Rock Giant and Spook), but one that reveals more about the band than Ginny had known.

The colorful and quirky supporting and secondary characters include fellow bandmates: rhythm guitarist Spook Mortensen; bassist (Paul) Rock Giant Reed and keyboardist Elspeth Shriik. Xane Geist, the band’s leading vocalist and front man, is MIA and his story is told in the companion series Rock Hard along with Ginny’s BFF Daniella Fosbrook.

The world building takes the reader behind the scenes and into the bedrooms and private lives of a rock band on the verge of imploding. Ash’s sexual exploits are explored revealing a painful past rife with betrayal and heartbreak; Ash doesn’t do relationships but something about Ginny could very well change his mind. Ginny is a woman who knows what she wants,; she is unapologetic with her sexual needs; and she wants something more than a one –night stand.

Madelynne Ellis invites the reader into the erotic world of rock bands, groupies and fishnet stockings. At present there are two interconnected series-Rock Hard and Black Halo-both focusing on different members of the band. ALL NIGHT LONG is a story of insta-lust, immediate attraction, sexual exploration and personal possessiveness between two people who should have been nothing more than passing ships in the night.

______________________

COME TOGETHER
(Rock Hard #2)
by Madelynne Ellis

Come TogetherABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2014

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Daniella Fosbrook can’t believe she’s bagged a smoking hot rock star, now all she has to do is hold onto him.

Internationally famous, goth rockers, Black Halo have reunited and are about to hit the road on a six month requiem tour, following the shocking death of their drummer. Dani Fosbrook has never experienced life on the move, now she’s squashed onto a tour bus with five horny rock stars and her lover’s ex, and there’s no room for mistakes.

If death threats from jealous fans and warding off unwanted press attention isn’t difficult enough to handle, Dani has to battle her own personal insecurities. Xane says he’s committed, but with so much on offer to tempt him, can she trust he won’t stray?

When misunderstandings and sabotage put both the tour and everything Dani and Xane have built together under threat, can they and the band come together to make it work, or will everything fall apart?

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: COME TOGETHER is the second installment in Madelynne Ellis’s contemporary, new adult ROCK HARD erotic romance series focusing on the goth rock group Black Halo. COME TOGETHER is the continuing story of front man and lead singer for Black Halo- Xane Geist and Dani Fosbrook. The Rock Hard series is the companion to Madelynne Ellie’s Black Halo series; COME TOGETHER runs parallel to ALL FIRED UP (Black Halo #2).

Because there are two companion series that play off one another, I would highly suggest reading in order as information revealed in the previous storylines are important for cohesion and enjoyment.

NOTE: There are scenes of M/F, M/M and M/M/F. COME TOGETHER is intended for mature readers over 18 years of age.

If you have not read the previous storylines in both series, there may be some spoilers -so be forewarned.

COME TOGETHER is the continuing story of Xane and Dani-six weeks after the events of Come Undone where Xane receives some heartbreaking news that all but destroys what remains of the band. A previous betrayal sent Xane on the run but with it comes the knowledge that life is fleeting and no one is safe when rabid fans attack. Black Halo is in need of a new drummer, and lead guitarist Ash Gore offers up Iain Willows-a man who has been bad mouthing Xane throughout his career. As the band comes to terms with the loss of their previous drummer, tensions are high when Iain proves to be less than competent with the drums.

The relationship between Xane and Dani continues to be sexually adventurous and uninhibited. Xane is a sex addict whose need for Dani begins to interfere with his work and the band. The storyline begins with a prologue that reveals a dark moment in time that Xane has kept secret but the past will soon catch up and will force Xane to make choices he doesn’t want to make. Dani’s fragile self esteem will take a major blow when she catches Xane in the arms of someone else. The sex scenes are graphic, sensually erotic and continuous. There is no doubt that Dani and Xane love one another but Xane will begin to question if Dani is enough.

The engaging and colorful supporting characters include all of the Black Halo band members whose lives begin to spiral out of control with the loss of a friend and lover. As the band sets out on their latest tour, Dani will be targeted and the band will fall victim to malicious gossip, rumors and innuendo. We will be introduced to the road crew and new roadie Luthor-whose past will come full circle and send Dani on the run.

The world building continues to follow Black Halo on tour; behind the scenes, in the bedroom, tour bus and on the road. The anxiety and stress of loss and betrayal begin to eat away at the band’s tentative rebuilding but in the end, they will come together when the band falls victim to deception, deceit and attack.

If you are a fan of sexy, angst ridden rock stars then Madelynne Ellis’s BLACK HALO and ROCK HARD series are for you. What we see on the surface and on stage is not necessarily what we would see behind the scenes and on the road. There are moments of heartbreak, betrayal, romance and love. Dani and Xane’s relationship will step up to the next level ensuring that Xane’s needs and desires are kept under control.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

___________________

ALL FIRED UP
(Black Halo #2)
by Madelynne Ellis

All Fired UpABOUT THE BOOK: December 18, 2014

Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

All Fired Up is the follow-up to New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Madelynne Ellis’ scorching rock star romance novel, All Night Long.

Ginny Walters always knew her weakness for bad boys would get her into trouble. Her one night stand with Black Halo’s lead guitarist, Ash Gore, was only supposed to be a fun, not the prelude to the sort of relationship that’d scorch holes in her heart as well as her bed sheets. She’d be the happiest woman in the world if Ash wasn’t so determined to keep their connection off radar.

Ash Gore knows girlfriends are bad news for bands, which is why he’s resolved to keep his attachment to Ginny a secret. He and the guys have enough on their stages as they try to piece themselves back together after the band’s split. But when new drummer, Iain Willows, starts taking an active interest in Ginny, tensions quickly mount. Soon, Ash is not only at risk of losing Ginny, but everything he holds dearest–including life itself.

••••••••••••••••••••••

NOTE: If you have not read the series, please be aware there may be some spoilers.

REVIEW: ALL FIRED UP is the second installment in Madelynne Ellis’s contemporary, new adult BLACK HALO erotic romance series focusing on Black Halo’s lead guitar Ash Gore and Ginny Walters. The BLACK HALO series is the companion to Madelynne’s ROCK HARD series. ALL FIRED UP runs parallel to COME TOGETHER (Rock Hard #2) –confused?-So was I but technically ALL FIRED UP is the fourth full line novel focusing on the members of the goth rock band BLACK HALO

ALL FIRED UP is the continuing story of Black Halo’s lead guitar player Ash Gore and the woman with whom he has fallen in love-Ginny Walters. Ginny is a rock groupie who targeted Ash for a night of wanton sex only to discover that the man she admired from afar was much more different than the public persona everyone saw on stage.

The storyline follows Ash and Ginny’s building relationship as well as Black Halo’s search for a new drummer-enter Iain Willows-a former band mate of Ash’s and a man whose need for revenge has seethed and grown for a number of years.

The sex scenes are erotic; oft times spontaneous; and always hot and steamy. Ash is the epitome of a rock star with women at every stop but something about Ginny will call to his heart.

The world building continues to focus on the band, their tour and behind the scenes where threats against their lives and their loves become all too personal. All of the band members play a secondary and supporting role.

ALL FIRED UP does not end on a happily ever after, but a happily ever after for now. Ash and Ginny’s continuing story will focus on recovery, forgiveness and moving forward. An attack against the band will have everyone reconsidering their choice of mates and friends.

Madelynne Ellis invites the reader into an engaging, thought provoking and revealing storyline about life on the road for a successful goth rock band. No one is safe when revenge and betrayal are foremost on the mind of a former friend and one time band mate.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviews by Sandy

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Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan – a Review

Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan – a Review

 

Unexpected EdenAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Paradise, love, power…and a prophecy with a price.

Most people believe Eden no longer exists. Lexi Merrill’s about to learn they’re wrong. A hard-working bartender with a self-sufficient backbone and a wary nature, she knows pickup lines like a second language. So, when Eryx Shantos barges into her world with too-smooth words and a body to back it up, she locks up her libido and vows to keep her distance.

Eryx has other ideas. As king of the Myren race, Eryx is duty-bound to enforce the laws preventing exposure of their existence to humans. Yet The Fates have led him through his dreams to Lexi, a temptation he doesn’t want to resist. The question–is she Myren, or human, which makes her forbidden fruit?

When Eryx’s nemesis tags Lexi as his next target, Eryx insists on taking her home where he can keep her safe. Lexi had no idea “home” would mean the one-and-only land of creation…or that she’d trigger a prophecy that could doom her newfound race.

 

 

Review:

Unexpected Eden by Rhenna Morgan is my first book by this author. I wasn’t sure what to expect after reading the description. However, I am happy to say I did enjoy this book, and loved the main characters, with the exception of the villain.

We meet Lexi Merrill, our heroine, at the start, when she is working her night job as a bartender. Before the night is out, she meets a gorgeous man who refuses to take no for an answer. Lexi allows herself to meet him after work at a local diner, where her cop friend, Ian is.

Eryx Shantos is the hunk she meets, and he is our hero. Eryx has been searching for Lexi for years, since he continues to see her in his dreams. He convinces her to go with him to Eden, the place where she always dreamed of.

What follows is a trip to an alternate earth called Eden; a place too beautiful to describe, and those who surround her with special powers. As Eryx seduces Lexie, she learns along the way that he is indeed her mate, and she is one of the lost Myrens, who live in the human world, not knowing they are truly Myrens. Lexie also discovers that Eryx, is in fact the King of the Myren race. Her life will never be the same, but despite all this thrown at her, she begins to adapt very well and can’t wait to learn all her powers. The romance between Eryx and Lexie is very hot, so much so it sizzles the pages. The secondary characters that we meet along the way, such has Ludan, Ramsey, Galena are totally awesome. I loved all of them, and really enjoyed spending time with them all.

In the midst of this nice story, there is a villain, who wants to take over Eden, and remove Eryx from power. This is a major part of the story, that also puts Lexi’s life in danger. As Lexi accepts her true fate as Eryx’s mate, the danger will escalate with the villians using her to get to Eryx. The ending was very exciting, with a satisfying conclusion, but much, including the villians were left open ended to be continued. I really enjoyed the main characters, the Myren world, and look forward to going back to Eden.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Bad Romeo (Starcrossed #1) by Leisa Rayven-a review

Bad Romeo (Starcrossed #1) by Leisa Rayven-a review

Bad Romeo

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

RELEASE DATE : December 23, 2014

When Cassie Taylor met Ethan Holt at acting school, sparks flew. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy about campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing, Cassie and Ethan’s romance seemed destined. Until he broke her heart and betrayed her trust. Now the A-list heartthrob is back in her life and turning her world around. One touch at a time.

Cast as romantic leads once again, they’re forced to confront raw memories of the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their secret college affair. But they’ll also discover that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BAD ROMEO is the first installment in Leisa Rayven’s contemporary, new adult Starcrossed romance series focusing on stage actors Cassie Taylor and Ethan Holt.

Told from first person point of view (Cassie) alternating between past and present using flashbacks, time jumps and diary entries, BAD ROMEO is a second chance storyline following Cassie and Ethan’s tumultuous relationship that began six years earlier while both were attending The Grove Acting School in Westchester, New York. Auditioning for parts in the school’s production of Romeo and Juliet, Cassie and Ethan find themselves cast in the leading roles. They say life imitates art, Cassie and Ethan’s love affair will be destroyed by choices made and running scared. Fast forward six years later, our couple will be, once again, cast opposite one another in a storyline that is all too familiar and brings with it painful memories and broken hearts.

The relationship between Cassie and Ethan spans two time lines but concentrates on building love and breaking down walls. Ethan is the ultimate bad boy-moody, sulky, mysterious and emotive- and Cassie is the reluctant virgin who falls in love with her leading man. Six years earlier Ethan walked out of Cassie’s life without a goodbye or backward glance and now he has been given a second chance to claim the woman with whom he had fallen in love years before. Ethan’s love and need for Cassie has never faltered but his issues of family, self esteem and personal trust find Ethan pushing away the only woman he would ever love. Present day finds Ethan desperate to reclaim Cassie and make amends for everything that went wrong. The sexual tension is high as our couple play around one another for a good portion of the story.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Ethan’s parents and his sister Elissa; their fellow actors and students at The Grove Acting school –Zoe, Jordan, Lucas, Jack and Connor- as well as Cassie’s roommates Ruby and Tristan. Tristan is very protective of Cassie and makes a point to let Ethan know exactly where he stands.
The world building takes the reader onto the stage and behind the scenes where two people must balance the reality of life and the unreality of the stage. Ethan’s past has formed the man that he is today; Cassie Taylor will need to step up her game-to understand and break through the walls that Ethan has erected to protect his fragile heart.

BAD ROMEO is an interesting and captivating storyline, not too emotional or angst ridden, but I did have some issues with the back and forth between past and present. At times the two timelines were all too similar (and familiar) with respect to what was happening but the author was showing how Cassie and Ethan’s love for one another mirrored itself both past and present; history, did in fact, repeat itself; but it was difficult, at times, to differentiate between the two timelines.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Turning Up The Heat (Sweet Temptation #2) by Ashley Lister-a review

TURNING UP THE HEAT (Sweet Temptation #2) by Ashley Lister

Turning Up the Heat

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2014

The second book in the passionate Sweet Temptation trilogy.

Bill and Trudy’s tempestuous relationship veers from hurling insults in the kitchen to intense passion in the bedroom. The love/hate rollercoaster is made worse by a new revelation:

Bill also has an ex-wife whom he neglected to mention. To throw oil onto the flames Donny is back and more determined than ever to hammer a wedge between the couple and ruin their business.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TURNING UP THE HEAT is the second installment in Ashley Lister’s adult, contemporary Sweet Temptation erotic romance trilogy focusing on renowned chef and restaurant owner Bill Hart and baking entrepreneur Trudy Cole. Because it is the second of three installments TURNING UP THE HEAT should not be read as a stand alone; there is important information that has been revealed in book one-A Taste of Passion. As it pertains to the erotic element, there are several scenes of bondage and discipline: sometimes as punishment, but always with love.

The premise follows Bill and Trudy’s building relationship-one that began as a hot and sexy one night affair but grew into something more. Bill likes things a little kinky in the bedroom; he is a dominant and Trudy is ripe as his submissive. As a popular chef Bill’s business takes him out of town for days at a time and Trudy is left behind to run the restaurant while managing her own career and up start business. But threats are made by Trudy’s former friend and college roommate Donny that could directly affect Trudy’s up and coming Sweet Temptations café-a business in which she is partnered with her best friends. Donny wants a percentage of the profits because he was originally a part of the concept and design. Trudy’s refusal to accept Donny as partner finds the media one step ahead with allegations of lies, sex parties and paparazzi stalking.

The relationship between Bill and Trudy is one of mutual satisfaction, need and desire. Trudy is a submissive in the bedroom and with all things sex; she needs the affirmation of Bill’s dominance and he is more than willing to give Trudy what she needs. But in this there is some questionable concerns because Bill demands the truth at all times; will punish when he discovers a lie and yet he is one to keep secret something that will break Trudy’s heart and crush her soul.

The supporting and secondary characters include all of the previous storyline players including Bill’s ex wife whose past will catch up and destroy any chance at happiness for Trudy and Bill. Trudy’s former roommates and some times friends continue to wreak havoc in her life-from gossip to innuendo; lies and stretching the truth. Donny’s need for retribution will place Trudy’s reputation on the line when she is called to answer the allegations-time and again.

TURNING UP THE HEAT is a sexy, erotic romance storyline about two people whose lives revolve around food and sex. There are moments of tenderness and passion; dominance and control; exploration and experimentation. But everything is for nothing when the man that Trudy loves sets her up for heartbreak and betrayal leaving the storyline on a cliff hanger of epic proportions (I will add I saw this coming but, never the less, it was still a jolt to the system)

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Her Secret Agent by Paige Tyler – a Review

Her Secret Agent by Paige Tyler – a Review

 

Her Secret AgentAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
John Loughlin, the Director of the Department of Covert Ops, is in New York City on a recruiting mission. He’s been tracking and evaluating one shifter in particular for some time. Cree Forest is a clever fox shifter—and very foxy. Cree is a translator for the UN and John is keen to recruit her brilliant mind and persuasive skills to join the DCO.

But Cree isn’t what she seems. Just as John has been watching her, Cree has been spying on him. She is working with a rogue shifter and John is getting too close—professionally and personally! On opposite sides professionally, can they trust each other with their hearts?

 

 

Review:
Her Secret Agent by Paige Tyler is a prequel novella to her X-Ops series. I am a fan of Tyler’s X-Ops series, and this prequel gives us an insight into the Director of the Department of Covert Ops, John Loughlin. It was a great read, and I loved the two leading characters.

John has been eying Cree Forest for some time, in order to recruit her into DCO. He arranges to meet her at a restaurant to offer her a job. After studying tapes of Cree, John sees things that lead him to believe she is more then she comes across, as he thinks she is a shifter. All the more reason for him to want her in DCO.

Cree is a beautiful woman, very confident and sure of herself. She turns out to be a great heroine. The chemistry between the both of them sizzles immediately when they meet. What John doesn’t know is that Cree has been following him also?

The story becomes very exciting from the moment they both walk out of the restaurant, as they come under attack. John learns quickly that he doesn’t have to protect Cree, as she is a strong force by herself. What follows is an exciting story that hooks you in from the first page, right through to the end. While they decide to work together to find out about the surprise attack, they both succumb to the combustible sexual energy between them. There are some twists, as we learn more about certain characters and DCO.

Her Secret Agent was a fast paced, action filled, and sexy as hell story. If you have read Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series, you will enjoy this short story. If you have not, it is time for you to start, with the first book, Her Perfect Mate.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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