Avoiding Mr. Right (Walk on The Wild Side #2) by C.J.Ellisson-a review

AVOIDING MR. RIGHT (Walk on The Wild Side #2) by C.J.Ellisson-a review

Avoiding Mr. Right

Order Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: June 3, 2013

Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla’s future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Casual Sex
2. Friends with Benefits
3. Avoidance of Intimacy

Carla ignores the list—unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her.

Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It’ll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla’s sexual awareness and win her heart. He’s up for the challenge to convince her he’s the one—and eager to prove this number cruncher won’t make a boring bedmate.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: AVOIDING MR. RIGHT is the second storyline in C.J. Ellisson’s WALK ON THE WILD SIDE contemporary romance series. Following a few weeks after the end of Vanilla on Top (Book #1), this is Carla and Andy’s story. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Carla has some issues of control. She refuses to be tied down to any man and although she is attracted to her co-worker Andy, a one night stand, that she claimed not to remember, was more than she wanted and barely tolerated. But Carla’s emotional and personal issues stem from a dysfunctional family upbringing and no man is worth the hassle- in her opinion. When Andy begins to push all of her proverbial buttons, Carla soon realizes that Andy may just be what she has wanted (and needed) all along.

C.J. Ellisson pulls the reader into a story of one woman’s indiscretions and her search for something or someone in her life. Carla’s emotional well being is not centered on her need for a man, but some stability in her life will go a long way to easing the pain and heartbreak of an early childhood betrayal.

AVOIDING MR. RIGHT is C.J.’s latest foray into the contemporary romance genre bordering on the erotic genre. Her female characters are willing to skirt the edge between naughty and nice; sexy and siren; sultry and romantic. The characters are real; their emotions are palpable; and the sex is hot and steamy. When was the last time you visited the stairwell for a quickie ??

Reading Order
1. Vanilla on Top
2. Avoiding Mr. Right

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Death’s Servant (The V.V.Inn 0.5) by C.J.Ellisson-a review

DEATH’S SERVANT (V.V.Inn 0.5) by C.J.Ellisson-a review

Death's Servant

Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 13, 2013

Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He’s running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

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

REVIEW: DEATH’S SERVANT is the prequel novella in C.J.Ellisson’s V.V. Inn series featuring Vivian Alexandria (Dria) a 580 plus year old vampire with the ability to manipulate emotions. In this particular storyline, C.J. opens up about Jon’s past and how the alpha without a pack came to be Dria’s most trusted servant.

Jon has always been an alpha-as a human and as a shifting wolf, and those tendencies do not diminish throughout his trek to discover what he wants from his new life. But what Jon uncovers is a wolf pack in trouble and there is only one solution on the horizon. Enter Dria-an ancient vampire who makes Jon an offer he cannot refuse.

We watch as Jon wars with his emotions about Dria-the vampire to whom he has pledged his life. But it is the calculating methods and swift due diligence of the ancient vampire that has Jon second-guessing about to whom he has vowed his servitude. Dria’s power and ability to get the job done is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg as Jon discovers there is more to Vivian Alexandria than a beautiful face.

DEATH’S SERVANT is a fascinating look at Jon’s emotional introduction into Dria’s Seethe. CJ Ellisson has given us a glimpse into Jon’s personality and the warring conflict within when he witnesses Dria’s power first hand. I am a big fan of prequel novellas where the reader is taken back in time to learn about the roots of established characters. Death’s Servant is a welcome and I believe necessary addition to CJ’s V.V.Inn series. Fans have always wanted to know how Jon established himself as Dria’s right hand man and Death’s Servant reveals the truth about Jon’s beginnings with the Seethe.

Reading Order
1. Vampire Vacation
2. The Hunt
3. Big Game
4. Just One Taste (prequel)
5. Death’s Servant

Copy supplied by the publicist.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Vanilla on Top by C.J.Ellisson-Blog Tour and Giveaway

Vanilla on Top by C.J.Ellisson-Blog Tour and Giveaway

vanillaontop-blogtour

Click HERE for our review.

Title: Vanilla on Top (Walk on the Wild Side, #1)
Author: C.J. Ellisson
Genre: Category – Contemporary
Length: 279
Release Date: January 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62266-798-7
Imprint: Brazen

Vanilla on Top

LINKS TO ORDER: KOBO / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…
Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CJ Ellisson

 

C.J. Ellisson, author of contemporary fantasy and erotica, lives near DC with her husband, two children aged 11 and 9, two Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a young cat she’s newly allergic to. After spending most of her working life dealing with real estate – either as a sales manager in wholesale mortgage banking, a corporate trainer, a Realtor, or as a property manager – she’s now writing full-time and happy for the first time in years. Writing has become her passion and to find people want to read her stories feels like a dream come true.

Author Website: http://www.cjellisson.com/

Facebook Fan Page:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/cjeseethe/

giveaway-goldandblack

C.J. and Brazen/Entangled Publishing are offering an ecopy of VANILLA ON TOP to ONE lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page 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 as Twitter, Facebook etc do not allow for email addresses.

3. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY.

4. Giveaway runs from February 12-24, 2013

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Vanilla on Top by C.J.Ellisson-a review

VANILLA ON TOP (Walk on the Wildside #1) by C.J. Ellisson

Vanilla on Top

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released January 2013

Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…

Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table

REVIEW:

I was first introduced to C.J. through her amazing and sexy V.V. Inn series about a powerful vampire and her seethe of vampires and werewolves. As an example of a powerful woman, Vivian is the ultimate hunter-she knows her prey and they know what to expect.

VANILLA ON TOP is another example of a strong woman-but a woman who must think outside her protective cocoon and step up to play the game.

Heather Pierce is a woman who is tired of waiting in the wings for something exciting in her life. On the advice of a friend, she reluctantly attends a speed-dating event only to find she is intrigued with the idea of bringing a man to his knees-literally. Heather venture into the wild side will change everything she ever knew about herself and more.

Tony Carmine is the ultimate alpha-male. He knows what he wants and he goes for the jugular every time-especially in the world of hostile corporate take overs. But when a chance encounter at a speed-dating event brings Tony to his knees, he is no longer sure of anything in his life. Something has to give and Tony knows he has to make the ultimate sacrifice if he wants to survive.

CJ Ellisson writes a story of one woman’s desire to step outside of her comfort zone and explore the wilder side of life. It is every woman’s fantasy to take control and in VANILLA ON TOP we live the fantasy through CJ’s writing. From Heather’s explorations of sensual picnics, smexy texting and seductive foot wear, the reader will be pulled into the storyline and experience one woman’s re-awakening at the hands of the man with whom she is falling in love and the experience of exploring one’s inner vixen-all in the name of power and control. The likelihood of such an abrupt 180 turn around in reality may not be plausible without something major precipitating the change, but Vanilla on Top is a fun story to push the proverbial edge-after all it is a work of fiction and every reader wants to escape the reality of their own lives. And in the end, the ultimate power and control over each other’s heart is what this couple had been looking for –all along.

LINKS TO ORDER: KOBO / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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VANILLA ON TOP by C.J.Ellisson-New Release

VANILLA ON TOP by C.J.Ellisson-New Release Promotion

Vanilla on Top

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…

Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table

LINKS TO ORDER: KOBO / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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C.J. Ellisson-An Interview with the Author

C.J.Ellisson-An Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce the author of the Vampire Vacation series-C.J.Ellisson

TRC: Hi C.J. and welcome to The Reading Café. It is a pleasure to get to know the person behind the stories we love to read.

C.J: Thanks for having me here today! I’m looking forward to meeting your readers.

 

TRC: Please tell us something about yourself.

C.J: I’m a full time writer, living the dream. Some days that dream seems everything you could hope for, and other days you’re typing like mad to stay above water! I live in northern Virginia with my husband, two kids, two dogs, two lizards, and a fluffy black cat.

LINK TO WEBSITE: C.J.Ellisson

TRC: What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced as a writer?

C.J: Hmm… Being accepted by writing guilds as a professional would have to be at the top of the list. The guilds here, like Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and the ScienceFiction Fantasy Writers of America, treat me like I’m some redheaded stepchild.

It’s incredibly frustrating to have sold over fifty thousand professionally edited books and yet not get accepted because my publishing house is small and therefore not accredited status as “real” in their eyes. Guilds who are supposed to be designed to help writers and increase their knowledge base shut out anyone who doesn’t jump through their exact hoops.

TRC: With the rise in ‘erotic’ fiction and the popularity of books like Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James and Bared to You by Sylvia Day, how would you compare the level of eroticism in your V.V Inn series to those found in other novels?

C.J: Interesting question! I haven’t read either book yet, but do plan on reading Sylvia’s at the end of this month. I can say, based on reader feedback from people who have read both of those novels and my own, that FSOG might have a lot of sex scenes, but the average consensus was that the scenes were not really all that erotic when compared to other erotic works they’d read. These same readers went on to say Sylvia’s book was very similar to FSOG but so much better written it was in a class by itself.

I can say that my sex scenes are closer to what a reader would find in erotic romance or erotica. It’s not simply the level of detail, but the intent with which they are written. The scenes are designed to enflame and entice the reader, encouraging them to lose themselves in the fantasy of the scene. Whereas in some books, the sex scenes are taking up space, mine develop the characters and occasionally relay clues.

TRC: Vivian/Alexandria is a superbly powerful ancient vampire but a woman who knows what she wants—yet she is deeply in love with the one man (Rafe) who could literally break her heart if something were to happen. Do you consider Vivian’s love for Rafe a flaw or does it somehow make her more human in a supernatural world?

C.J: I would say Rafe is her biggest weakness. Like a lot of women in love, their lover is a blind spot for them. Most strong women would do anything to protect someone they love. Combine that with a powerful vampire close to the edge of killing and you have a very loose cannon.

TRC: BIG GAME was your latest release in the V.V Inn series. Would you please tell us about the premise?

C.J: This book is split between two locations, Alaska and Argentina, and our main characters are divided between the two locations as well. We’ve got simultaneous story arcs going on—lots of werewolves hunting for big game during the spring and summer months and Vivian and Rafe heading to the Tribunal to find out who is plotting against her and why.

 

TRC: JUST ONE TASTE was a short story about Dria and Rafe’s reunion after several years. The upcoming novel (The Seduction of Death) will feature the ‘back story’ to their first meeting and eventual mating. Do you have a working title? Would you please tell us about the premise?

C.J: Originally I’d planned to release this as book four in the series, with fans understanding it would be a prequel novel. But after much thought, I realized I wanted several prequel novellas detailing a lot of my characters’ pasts.

I put readers to an online vote and they voiced their opinion on what book should be next in the series. After reading Big Game the vote went strongly toward the fourth book continuing the existing storyline and not being the prequel novel I’d planned. Others still wanted to know about Vivian’s past and how she became a vampire, what made Rafe into the man he is today, and lastly, how did the two meet?

Book Four in the series is tentatively scheduled for release next winter, and will be called Blood Legacy. The promised prequel stories will be published in three parts as The Seduction of Death, parts I, II, and III. The plan is to take the reader back in time to the mid-fifteenth century for Vivian’s painful tale, then Nazi war-torn Germany for Rafe’s, and the last one will take place in 1945 after the war.

TRC: You are releasing two novellas in 2012 including one about Jonathan. Would you please tell us about them? Do you have the release dates available?

C.J: The first one about Jon, called Death’s Servant, has been pushed back. The hope is it will be out in September. This is another prequel story and will delve into how the young werewolf came to serve Vivian.

The second novella is a co-authoring project with my best friend Boone Brux. She’s got a series she’s working on based in Anchorage, Alaska, called Grim Reality. Her main character is a grim reaper and we intend to bring her to the V V Inn to help solve a little problem our sexy innkeepers have. This one is scheduled for October and will be called Death Times Two.

TRC: I understand you have a series of middle-grade novels that you have written. Under what pen name do you write? What is the latest release in your middle grade series of novels?

C.J: Wow! You did your homework, I’m impressed! My middle-grade book has not released yet. I’ve got it plotted and started, but the paying gigs (vampire and erotica related works) have been taking up most of my writing time right now. It will be released under the pen name C.J. Stern (my maiden name) and the star two characters are named after my kids, Addison and Jack.

It’s a paranormal/fantasy series involving fairies, magic, beast masters, and the ability to see auras. The working title is Black is for Lies. The amount of projects I have in the works has stressed one very important thing—I need to learn to write faster!!

TRC: With the advent of the e-reader and e-books, minors (under 16) have easier access to storylines written exclusively for adults. What is your opinion regarding the younger readers and the ease of availability to erotic novels and stories?

C.J:  I find it disturbing that parents aren’t monitoring what their kids purchase. Especially if it is on the parent’s account! All of my published books are listed as containing mature content and are not shown to underage buyers who are logged on to an account that is listed as belonging to a minor.

But, if I’m going to be honest, I read Wifey and Forever at the age of twelve. Both were very racy reads for their time and yet, I didn’t become promiscuous or behave in risky sexual practices when I grew up. I think children who are becoming teenagers will be curious. The romance novels I read back then weren’t at the same heat level as the ones available now, but they also had a lot of scenes of rape and forced marriages in them, too.

It’s interesting that E.L. James was quoted as saying she hopes her children never read Fifty Shades of Grey. Isn’t that sad? I don’t feel that way about my own work. I haven’t written anything I’m ashamed of. I’d like my kids to be 18 and I will diligently do my job as a parent to ensure neither of them reads any of my adult work before then, but if I had to choose between them satiating their curiosity by watching porn, having sex, or reading erotica and erotic romance, I’d choose reading any day of the week!

TRC: Many authors like to bounce ideas between other authors and family. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

C.J: First and foremost, my husband. I don’t write specifically for a female audience. I’d like to think a well-written book with erotic elements would appeal to both men and women. The hard fact is more women buy books then men and most men will read a book if their partner recommends it.

Pete has an awesome time plotting with me—he likes to brag to anyone who will listen that he’s my muse. Sometimes when I plot he just nods his head, but other times he gives valuable input and helps to direct the story. He’s suggested elements to weave into the story arch in V.V and reads most everything before I publish it.

When I need a writer with a good head and excellent story sense, I call Boone Brux. She and I chat several times a week about everything under the sun. We’re a big help to each other in working out plot issues, coming up with ideas, and acting as sounding boards for each other.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

C.J: Ahh…. Right now I’m working on a novel very near and dear to me. I know the basic premise for FSOG. It doesn’t appeal to me on many levels—twenty-two year old virgin, twenty-eight year old billionaire with a tragic past and a penchant for being a dom? And then when he ties her up and hurts her she enjoys it? No thanks. A man hits me when he’s angry and he’ll be lucky to live through the night.

I’m a strong woman who knows what the hell she wants in life. I can’t relate to the people in that book because they aren’t real to me. Sure, there are people who have suffered abuse like Christian Gray has, but do they exist in my life bearing whips? No.

I wanted to write an erotic story that had appeal to me. Something that seemed more real. I think every healthy long-term relationship should play with different roles and see what fits. I don’t think tying someone up and inflicting pain out of anger and jealousy is what bondage is all about.


My current work, Vanilla Dom, will tell the tale of one woman’s sexual awakening, and one man’s journey as he discovers what he truly wants. I think their journey will be relatable to many readers, and I sincerely hope it is well received.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

C.J: Thanks for having me here today! I appreciate your unique questions, they really made me think.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Pasta with meat sauce or steak and mashed potatoes, can’t decide.

Favorite Dessert – Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show – Supernatural.

Favorite Movie – No clue. I rarely watch movies twice.

Last Movie you saw – Brave. I really liked it.

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark!

Do you have any pets? – yes, too many!

TRC: C.J., we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best and are looking forward to your next V.V Inn book.

 

VAMPIRE VACATION

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Book
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper book
KOBO

 

 

 

THE HUNT

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Book
B&N NOOK and Paper Book

 

 

 

BIG GAME

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Book
B&N Nook and Paper Book

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BIG GAME (The V.V.Inn #3) by C.J.Ellisson

BIG GAME (The V.V. Inn #3) by C.J.Ellisson

BIG GAME (The V V Inn Book 3) by C.J. Ellisson

NOTE: Series contains mature adult content

BIG GAME is the third book in C.J. Ellisson’s vampire series of novels featuring Vivian Alexandria-a powerful sexy ancient vampire with the ability to manipulate reality and the world around her including fulfilling sexual desires and fantasies all with her powers of ‘suggestion’. But her power has been concealed from those who wish to destroy everything that she is-but someone in the Tribunal knows. The novel is written from varying point of views, but each chapter focuses on what is happening at various points in the story. From Alaska, to Argentina to Buenos Aries, there are three storylines all culminating in the final chapter.

Vivian (Dria) and her husband Rafe are heading to Argentina, to the gathering of the Tribunal in the Seat of the Darkness on a mission to determine who is trying to uncover Dria’s secrets. Members of her seethe are along for the trip, but will stay behind and be called in only when things become too dangerous. As members of her seethe, their allegiances and oath to protect Dria and her mate are their top priority. Left behind to their own defenses, it will soon become apparent that the human family that has been credited with keeping up with the property is no longer in control of their own minds.

Meanwhile Jon and Asa must remain behind in Alaska. A very large contingent of werewolves are heading to the V.V inn for Big Game hunting on the frozen tundra and the packs must be protected and ensured that all is safe. But Jon is not pleased that he must remain behind, when he knows that his position is to be with Dria. Although he is not her mate, he loves her with the desire to be, but unbeknownst to him, Dria has other plans with the arrival of the wolf packs and their numerous single females. No longer a member of the pack, Jon focuses on keeping his thoughts about Dria secluded away. But Big Game hunting has become an even bigger risk, when several of the werewolves are hunted and shot with silver. And when one of the mates succumbs to their wounds, the V.V Inn is suddenly secured down with military precision. Someone is determined to take out as many wolves, and whoever it is, has followed the pack to Alaska. When the identity of the hunter’s is finally revealed, it is a saddened Romeo who realizes that the love of a family, goes deeper when murder is suspected-especially by a werewolf thought to have gone rogue.

Vivian and Rafe soon find themselves in enemy territory. But after a passionate night of lovemaking Dria suddenly finds herself shrouded in silver and her mate dying from blood loss on the bedroom floor. If will be only a matter of time before Dria realizes that her life will be worth nothing without her husband and mate. And with the knowledge that an ancient enemy has procured the aid of another supernatural power, Dria’s only concern is that she will meet her mate in the afterlife. Torturing Dria for the secrets to her power, has only convinced the ancient vampire, that the pain and suffering will soon end in death. Giving up will mean she will find her mate in the afterlife that much sooner.

BIG GAME is fantastic storyline in the V.V Inn series by C.J.Ellisson. The infusion of vampires, werewolves and magic is nothing new, but C.J.’s ability to weave the characters in to an exciting story will leave you breathless and wanting more. And the love of a man for his mate, will bring a tear to your eye when one wolf loses his mate and an ancient vampire is rescued by a force so powerful, even the seethe members were amazed.

Reading Order
1. Vampire Vacation
2. The Hunt
3. Big Game
4. Just One Taste (prequel)

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Book
B&N Nook and Paper Book

Reviewed by Sandy

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