Monthly Archives: January 2016

For Seven Nights Only by Sarah Ballance – a Review

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For Seven Nights Only by Sarah Ballance – a Review

 

For Seven Nights OnlyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Kelsie Reed is over bad luck and bad men. Newly dumped, she’s now the pathetically single maid of honor in her sister’s wedding—and her ex is the best man. Her bad luck continues when a plumbing meltdown in her apartment sends her sexy neighbor running to her rescue. He’s got “serial dater” written all over him, which is unfortunate because the man is hot.

Sawyer Chase loves women, but settling down? He’ll leave that to his brothers. But when Kelsie confesses she’s a dating disaster and is about to become the laughing stock of her family wedding, Sawyer takes control. He’s got one week to teach her how to land the man of her dreams, and he’ll do it on her terms: no touching, no kissing, and definitely nothing more.

But some rules need to be broken, especially when, for once, there’s something on the line worth fighting for…

Review:

For Seven Nights Only by Sarah Ballance is the second book in her Chase Brothers series.

Kelsie doesn’t have luck with men, they never stick around long enough for her to maintain a relationship.  And so now, poor Kelsie, being the maid of honor at her sisters wedding has no date. This was suppose to be a fun day, but after being dumped, she is single again! And after the meltdown with the ….. She has had enough.

Enters her sexy neighbor, an all round love them and leave them guy, Sawyer. Sawyer meets his neighbor under less than suitable conditions.  After their first wet meeting, Sawyer tells Kelsie that he will help her hook and keep a man.

As he tries to teach Kelsie to look and act sexy, Sawyer realizes something, she may just perfect for him, and maybe the rules are meant to be broken. He thinks she is playing hard to get, but spending time with her, he realizes she really is clueless, and adorable, and sexy.

There are plenty of funny moments as Sawyer teaches Kelsie a few lessons. And a couple of funny one liners. The banter is very easy between them. There are a few funny moments with the Chase brothers as well.

I haven’t read the first book, but it makes me want to go meet the first brother. I’m hoping to read a few more brothers in this series.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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Xavier Cold (Hard Knocks #2) by Michelle A Valentine-Review and Book Tour

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XAVIER COLD (Hard Knocks #2) by Michelle A. Valentine-Review and Book Tour

Xavier Cold-blogtour

Xavier Cold

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 20, 2016

The conclusion to the New York Times bestselling romance that began in Phenomenal X, about one woman’s pulse-pounding relationship with a notorious bad-boy wrestler.

“What’ll it be, Anna Cortez? Are you in, or are you out?”
One momentary loss of control has now ruined everything Xavier Cold had going for himself. With his world unraveling fast, he’s willing to do anything to save not only his job but his relationship with the only woman he’s ever loved.

Anna Cortez, still reeling from shock, tries desperately to save the man that’s consumed her heart, body and soul. She’ll have to dig deep and find courage she never knew she possessed to help Xavier fight demons from his past—a past that’s even more haunted than she ever imagined.

••••••••

REVIEW: XAVIER COLD is the second installment in Michelle A. Valentine’s contemporary, adult HARD KNOCKS erotic romance duology focusing on professional wrestler Xavier Cold, and the woman he loves Anna Cortez. XAVIER COLD should not be read as a stand alone because the story line picks up immediately upon the events and cliff hanger of book one–PHENOMENAL X.

Told from dual first person points of view (Anna and Xavier) the focus continues on the relationship between Anna and X, but also on the repercussions of his beat down of an opponent who pushed one too many of Xavier’s buttons. To appease his boss in the Tension Wrestling Association, Xavier agrees to a three month suspension wherein Anna finds herself playing a larger role in the professional wrestling arena that pushes Xavier close to the edge. What ensues is Xavier and Anna’s return to Detroit where Xavier’s past demons continue to rear their ugly and dangerous heads.

XAVIER COLD was a bit of a frustrating read as our leading couple continued to place themselves in danger; in harm’s way; and in the direct line of fire. The stupidity of their choices is a bone of contention for this reader as it related to the reality of their situation. There was something about Xavier’s childhood home that pushed all of our couple’s buttons, and in the end, they still opted to remain in a house that held too many bad memories and heartbreaking secrets. Any opportunity for safe housing was refused one too many times and our couple paid a price for their stubborn pride. Xavier’s earlier years will break your heart.

The relationship between Xavier and Anna continues to take a battering from both inside and out. Xavier’s suspension meant too much time away from the woman he loves, and with it comes the realization that Anna may be better of without X by her side. There is plenty of push and pull; heartbreak and sorrow; regret and second chances. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

All of the previous secondary and supporting characters return in Xavier Cold including X’s number one enemy both in and out of the ring Rex the ‘Assassin’. Rex’s role in Xavier’s suspension becomes much more than a professional altercation but a threat to his relationship with Anna as well. Old ‘demons’ from Xavier’s earlier days are front and center with X and Anna’s return to Detroit when threats against Anna are taken seriously by our leading man.

XAVIER COLD is a story about a man who struggles from within. A champion in the ring but a frightened boy when the reality of life threatens to take away the only things he has ever loved. The premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the characters are definitely colorful and charismatic; the romance is a fight to the finish. There are moments of heartbreak and betrayal; vengeance and pain; loving and letting go. My one issue was the neatly wrapped conclusion to the story line conflict and Xavier’s childhood demons-too clean, too neat, too cut and dry in the final few pages of the story.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Hard Knocks Series

99¢ ebook special: PHENOMENAL X (Hard Knocks #1)

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Xavier Cold Teaser

About The Author Black and Red

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website / Facebook/ Twitter

Michelle ValentineMichelle A. Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Rock the Heart. Wicked White is the first novel in her Wicked White romance series. She attended college as a drafting and design major, but her love of people soon persuaded her to join the nursing field. It wasn’t until after the birth of her son that she began her love affair with romance novels, and she hasn’t looked back since. When she’s not writing, she feeds her music addiction, dabbles in party planning, and expresses herself by working with arts and crafts. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, son, and two beloved dogs.

Be a little naughty – join Valentine’s Vixens http://on.fb.me/1mh1uFq on Facebook for sneak peeks at Michelle’s upcoming works, as well as fun and chatting with her and other readers!

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Good at Games by Jill Mansell – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Good at Games by Jill Mansell – Review, Spotlight & Giveaway

Good at Games cover

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Description:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell captivates with a madcap tale of the games lovers play.

Who will make the next move?

How does one become accidentally engaged? That’s what Suzy Curtis thinks when she suddenly finds herself very publicly engaged to handsome Harry Fitzallan, local town hero. Harry wants famous rock star Jaz to be his best man—only he’s Suzy’s ex-husband and a recovering alcoholic. Suzy’s half sister Lucille loves getting to know the family she’d never met, but she can’t help her attraction to Jaz, nor can Suzy quash her entirely inappropriate feelings for Leo, Harry’s engaged brother!

With all these wild players at the table, mayhem is bound to ensue. As each new piece comes into play, everyone has more to lose, and the only way to win is if you’re good at the games of love…

 

Review:

After reading the back cover of Good at Games by Jill Mansell, I got totally confused when I started reading the book.  It took a few chapters and a few rereads, but please persevere as it is well worth it. There are lots of characters, and they all get their say, all in their perspectives, and it does bounce around a lot. But I persevered, and I’m glad I did, it’s a very funny book, and worth the read.

Most of the action happens around the ex-rock star and former alcoholic, Jaz Dreyfuss. We meet him, his ex-wives, and the current love in his life (or current bubble-head, as she is described), as well as a selection of their relatives and friends.Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is as mad as a hatter.

Suzy is the heroine of this tale. She is a feisty, wise-cracking, ex-wife (she is number two). She is an estate agent extraordinaire.

The hero was harder to pin down, I thought it was either brother. And at one point, I didn’t think she would settle for either.

Suzy’s mother, who recently died, has left Suzy and her siblings to discover a skeleton leaping (literally) out of the family cupboard.  Good at Games was an excellent, witty story;  full of likeable and wacky characters.

I really enjoy this wild and wacky story by Jill Mansell.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

 

About the author

Jill Mansell photo

 

With over 10 million copies sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell writes irresistible and funny, poignant and romantic tales for women in the tradition of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Jojo Moyes. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.

 

If you want to learn more about Jill Mansell, you can click on the following links.

Website: / Facebook /  Twitter: / Goodreads

 

excerpt

 

Could there possibly be anything nicer in the world than a Curly Wurly?

Alone in the office, Suzy lovingly peeled off the wrapper and admired the dappled chocolate covering. Then she bit into it, her teeth sinking through the toffee, her head twisting from side to side in order to bite off that first heavenly mouthful…oh, and they were sooo much better straight from the fridge…

“Ahem.”

Suzy’s eyes snapped open and she spun around guiltily. Damn, she’d been so carried away she hadn’t even heard the door open and close behind her.

And, double damn, it had to be Leo Fitzallan.

“Mmff…shorry…mmergh…”

“Bitten off more than you can chew?” inquired Leo with a slight smile.

Suzy’s mouth was full—OK, overfull—and the toffee was welding itself to her teeth like quick-setting cement. Waving her hand apologetically, praying the melted chocolate wasn’t about to spill out and dribble attractively down her chin, she chewed and swallowed, chewed and swallowed, threw the rest of the Curly Wurly onto her desk and chewed and swallowed again.

Oh dear, not at all like the girl in the Cadbury’s Flake ad. In fact, more like Waynetta Slob guzzling a pizza.

“Sorry,” said Leo. “I obviously interrupted a special private moment.”

And swallowed again.

Hooray, didn’t even dribble!

“There.” Suzy executed a quick curtsy. “All gone. Now, how can I help you?”

He was wearing Givenchy aftershave—none of your Tommy Hilfigers or Calvin Kleins for Leo Fitzallan, thank you very much—and an expensively cut dark suit. Suzy wondered if he had chosen the bottle-green shirt and blue and amber tie himself, or whether Gabriella had picked them out for him.

Probably Gabriella. A man who drove a gray Volvo would never be that adventurous. And the dark blue in the tie exactly matched his eyes.

Definitely Gabriella.

“I thought maybe we should call a truce,” said Leo. “How does that sound to you?”

Blimey, Suzy thought, like a miracle. Quick, give the man a bottle of water and see if he can turn it into Chardonnay.

Aloud she said, “So what’s brought this on?”

“My brother’s happy with you. By Christmas you and I’ll be related. The last thing I want is a family feud. Easier all around if we bury the hatchet now,” Leo said easily. “Put the bickering behind us. What d’you say?”

He was even more attractive, Suzy realized, when he was in a good mood. During the last few days all he’d seemed to do was scowl, sneer, and generally radiate disapproval, which was sexy enough in its own way, of course, but it really was amazing the difference a few laughter lines could make.

“I agree.” Her mouth curled up at the corners. “That’s it then. From now on we’re going to be completely lovely to each other. And I’ll just have to find someone else to bicker with.”

“So long as it isn’t Harry,” said Leo.

“Harry isn’t the bickering kind.” Suzy smiled sunnily at him and perched on the edge of her desk. “This feels quite weird, actually. I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do now. If this were Friends we’d be giving each other a group hug.”

For a split second something indefinable flickered in Leo’s eyes. The next moment it had gone. He pushed his fingers through his ultra-straight dark hair, heaved a sigh and shrugged as if searching for inspiration.
 

 

 

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Renegade by Lisa Bingham – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Renegade by Lisa Bingham – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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

Description:
The rugged and wild Taggart brothers know how to tame a restless beast, but a restless heart is a different matter…

When tragedy struck, Jace Taggart stepped in to run the family business and care for his brothers, sacrificing his own happiness to ensure their well-being. But after the beautiful Bronte Cupacek moves to town, Jace realizes he can’t ignore the hunger inside him much longer.

However, the last thing Bronte needs is another man in her life. After the end of a painful marriage, she just wants to focus on her daughters. They need her now more than ever. Yet no matter how hard Bronte tries to stand on her own two feet, it’s hard to resist the handsome cowboy who keeps coming to her aid.

Soon secrets from the past threaten everything dear to them. Only through embracing their undeniable connection can Jace and Bronte build a future together that no one can tear apart…

 

 

Review:

Renegade by Lisa Bingham is the 2nd book in her wonderful Taggart Brothers series. I enjoyed the first book in this series, and couldn’t wait for the next book. I am happy to say that Renegade is even better than the first book. I loved everything about Renegade from start to finish.

Renegade belongs to Jace Taggart, one of our hero Taggart Brothers, and newcomer Bronte Cupacek, our heroine. We learn early that Bronte is running away with her two young daughters to stay with her aunt in Bliss, Utah. When she arrives, she discovers her aunt has had an accident and is in the hospital. Jace comes to her rescue, and takes Bronte to see her aunt, and at the same time, makes arrangements to fix up the dilapidated house, so that Bronte can live there.

Jace is not only a hottie, but he was simply great. He found himself attracted to the beautiful Bronte, but could tell she was running away from something. We usually know that cases like this involve an abusive husband, in Bronte’s case, she was already divorced, but her ex-husband was still around to haunt her, so she ran. Bronte, despite her determination not to become involved with another man, immediately feels strong feelings for the hot and caring Jace. However, with two young girls that were resentful for moving so quickly, Bronte tried to curb her desires; which got difficult with each passing day.

What follows is a wonderful sweet story, with a great couple that had us rooting for them from the start. This wasn’t just a romance, but a very good story, as Bronte must resolve her issues, which also affect her daughters. I loved Jace, who was sweet, caring , romantic, with his own issues from the past revolving around his deceased father.

Lisa Bingham does such a wonderful job writing this wonderful story, that had us happy, smiling, worried, and even sad; but with each page we turned we kept on going to see how this would all end. Afterall, we had a vested interest in everyone from Jace, Bronte, Lily, Barry, Kari, P.D.   I am loving this series, loving the characters and loving the writing of Lisa Bingham. If you enjoy a perfect romance and storyline, I suggest you read this series. Start with the first book. I for one, can’t wait for whatever Lisa Bingham will be giving us next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

 

Hi Lisa. Thank you for taking the time today, to answer some questions for our members at The Reading Café. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Lisa: I’m a proud farmer’s wife and mother of three. Most of the time, I juggle my writing, a “day job” as a full-time English teacher, and the busy lifestyle that comes along with the seasonal demands of the farm. Frankly, I wouldn’t change a thing.

TRC: Did you always have an interest in writing? When and how did you first start writing?

Lisa: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but in my early teens, I was introduced to the romance genre. After reading that one of the authors had published in her teens, I began to write in earnest. Luckily, I had teachers who were willing to indulge my passion and help steer me into honing my craft. Soon after graduating from college, I published my first historical romance.

TRC: Renegade was released in January, which is the 2nd book in your Taggart Brothers series. How many books are you planning for the Taggart Brothers series?

Lisa: There are three books in the Taggart Brothers series, but I’m already planning another series based in the same fictional town of Bliss, so I’m sure that the Taggart men and women will be making some cameo appearances in the future.

Renegade
TRC:  Can you please give us a brief description of Renegade?

Lisa:  When tragedy struck, Jace Taggart stepped in to run the family business and care for his brothers, sacrificing his own happiness to ensure their well-being. But after the beautiful Bronte Cupacek moves to town, Jace realizes he can’t ignore the hunger inside him much longer.
 
However, the last thing Bronte needs is another man in her life. After the end of a painful marriage, she just wants to focus on her daughters. They need her now more than ever. Yet no matter how hard Bronte tries to stand on her own two feet, it’s hard to resist the handsome cowboy who keeps coming to her aid.
 
Soon secrets from the past threaten everything dear to them. Only through embracing their undeniable connection can Jace and Bronte build a future together that no one can tear apart…

TRC: You write Historical and Contemporary Romance. Do you find Historical romances to be more challenging to write? Have you thought about writing in other genres?

Lisa:  I’m a bit of a “history geek” so writing historical romances comes as easily to me as writing contemporary, but I do a lot more preparation for historicals because the tone and vocabulary have to match the time period. Quite often, I’ll binge on films set in the time period to help my brain switch gears if I’m going from contemporary to historical.

I’ve often thought of expanding to other genres. I’ve got a couple of suspense ideas kicking around in my brain and I love women’s fiction.

TRC: Can you please tell us what you working on now, and what you have upcoming in 2016?

Lisa: Right now, I’m developing two new projects, a contemporary trilogy set near the same fictional town of Bliss that was featured in the Taggart Brothers series. I’m also working on a Regency series set in Cornwall England.

I’ll have two releases in 2016 from Berkley, both of them from the Taggart Brothers series. Renegade, Jace’s story, will start off the year in January, and Maverick, Bodey’s book, will be released in November.

TRC: What is your writing process? Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write? Is there a special time of day that works best for you?

Lisa: I write a rough outline to my story before I start, but I’m not a slave to it. I’ve had some stories that followed my outlines and some that veered off the tracks into something even more wonderful, so I follow my “gut.” If I get bogged down or have a block, I’ve learned that I need to go back and tighten up the conflict. Sometimes, that means deleting favorite scenes. To make myself feel better, I keep a “scrap” file for all the lovely scenes that had to be removed.

My favorite place to write is my office. I love antiques, especially antique clothing, so I have several mannequins that I dress in corsets and vintage lingerie. The room is a tiny space that has been filled with castoff furniture that I’ve painted a crisp white, the walls are a beautiful shade of pink (pink stimulates creativity according to some studies) and I have antique lace and embroidery at the windows and on the furniture. Unfortunately, the craziness of my schedule means that writing in my office is a luxury, so I do a lot of my writing in my car while my kids are at practice, or in a reclining chair in my bedroom when my feet are sore after a full day of teaching.

TRC:  What books, authors or people in your life have influenced your writing? 

Lisa: When I was in my early teens, a neighbor found out that I liked to read and she invited me to her house where she filled a paper sack to the brim with Harlequin romances. I’ve been a romance fan ever since. Thanks, Carolyn! Probably one of the first authors to inspire me was Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Most authors are Austen fans, but I love the whole “crazy lady in the attic” high drama of Bronte. Then, there’s Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. I read the whole book in two days—which is probably where I learned to love historical fiction.

TRC: When you are not writing, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

Lisa: Besides my writing and teaching, I’ve also been a professional costume designer for years, so I love to sew historically inspired clothing and christening dresses. I find sewing the “historical” items very relaxing and love to collect bits of old lace and ribbonwork to use on my projects.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Lisa: I would love to hear from my readers. I can be reached at www.lisabinghamauthor.com, www.Facebook.com/lisabinghamauthor, or on Twitter @lbinghamauthor.

 

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Enchiladas

Favorite Dessert:  Chocolate mousse

Favorite TV Show:  Blindspot

Favorite Movie or TV Celebrity: Daniel Craig as Bond, James Bond

Favorite Fictional Character (not your own): Scarlett O’Hara (I love a strong woman in charge of her own destiny.)

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Milk

Dog or Cat:  Cat (although we currently have two dogs)

Thank you Lisa, for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you the best of luck with Renegade.

 

Giveaway

Lisa’s publisher is offering a paper copy of RENEGADE 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.

7. Please LIKE  Lisa Bingham on FACEBOOK.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from January 20 to January 24, 2015

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Her Wicked Proposal by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Her Wicked Proposal by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Her Wicked ProposalAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
He doesn’t need his eyes to uncover her true beauty.

The League of Rogues, Book 3

Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, is cursed. Once the ton’s golden boy, the loss of his sight has left him a reclusive shell of man. His days of womanizing, horse racing and pistol shooting lost forever.

Offered the chance to recapture a small part of his old life, he can’t refuse—even if it means accepting the shocking proposal of the infamous ice maiden, Anne Chessley.

Still reeling from her father’s death, Anne’s deepest wish is to avoid the hordes of fortune hunters who will soon be beating down her door. Proposing marriage to Cedric is an act of desperation, his unexpected acceptance a strange and wonderful dream.

His only stipulation: she must respond passionately and wantonly in his bed. Her agreement barely crosses her lips before he begins a sensual assault on the icy walls bitter secrets have built around her heart.

Yet even as they catch a glimpse of true happiness, betrayal is poised to sweep them away on opposing tides of danger.

Warning: Contains an outwardly aloof heroine with a secretly tender heart, a once-notorious rake who isn’t quite as rusty at seduction as he feared, and a band of rogues who join together to make sure happily-ever-afters do come true. 

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH MY WORD … this series gets better and better!  Lauren Smith .. girl … you knocked this one out of the park! 🙂

Her Wicked Proposal is the third book of Lauren Smith‘s “The League of Rogue” series. This series revolves around some feisty, rakish and most definite rogue gentlemen bad boys and their sassy kick ass lady loves.  Set in England in the early 1800’s, all these layers makes for a wonderful, adventurous and at time straight up naughty historical romance.

Cedric was once the golden boy/notorious rake of ton.  He lived his life out loud and without a care.  When he was blinded while trying to save his sister, all of that changed and he became quite the recluse.  Having to learn how to live life with no eyesight, Cedric has lost that spark that made him so vibrant.  The spark is still there a little however, and little does Cedric realize that it will be a cold block of ice that will set it ablaze.

Anne just so happens to be that block of ice.  Outwardly, she presents herself as a cold and aloof woman.  Inside, she is a whole lot of steamy woman.  Having turned down Cedric’s advances prior to his accident, she now believes that he may be the answer to her prayers.  Anne has come into a large inheritance and does not want the hassle of fortune hunters .. so she decides to propose marriage to a man that she believes will never be a bother her.  Only there is one condition to this marriage .. Cedric wants Anne’s passion in bed chamber.

Off these two go!  A smoldering romance blooms despite either of them truely believing love is possible.  Anne makes Cedric believe that life can go on despite his blindness, and Cedric gets to the core of why Anne is so icy.  Both their stories are heart shattering, and with danger lurking from the series villain Mr Jackass to the core Hugo, this makes for an exciting read.

This was absolutely my fave book of this series so far.  I just gushed and fell in love with this couple.  This book is told from multiple points of view which I loved.  It also brings back the previous two books heroes/heroines and villains.  I am in absolute love with the way Lauren writes historical romance.  I see every little detail clearly in my mind, I feel every emotion meant to be felt, and even the villain is perfect as I hate everything about him too!

If you are looking for a humorous  action pack, adventurous historical romance series .. this is it!  I strongly recommend you read this series in order for the full impact.  Get writing Lauren .. I am so excited for you next one! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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The Baller by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE BALLER by Vi Keeland-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE BALLER
Down and Dirty Football #1
by Vi Keeland
Genre: adult, contemporary, sports, erotic romance
Release Date : January 18, 2016

The Baller

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 18, 2016

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room. It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster. The famed quarterback decided to bare all.
And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets. No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.

The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.
When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me. But I don’t date players. And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football. I’d date an athlete. It’s the other kind of player I don’t date. You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid. Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him. But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for. Turned out, I was that girl. Simple right?

Let’s face it. It never is. There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after… And this one is ours.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE BALLER is the first installment in Vi Keeland’s DOWN AND DIRTY FOOTBALL stand alone erotic romance story line focusing on professional football quarterback/Super Bowl MVP Brody Easton, and television sportscaster Delilah Maddox.

Told from three first person points of view (Delilah, Brody, Willow) THE BALLER follows Delilah Maddox as one of a handful of female television sports journalists who enters the locker rooms of the professional football league. Her first on-air assignment finds Delilah face to face with cocky, self assured Super Bowl MVP Brody Easton-a man who isn’t afraid to push all of Delilah’s buttons. Their first introduction to one another finds Delilah facing a naked Brody when he drops his towel in an bold act of defiance. What ensues is Brody’s pursuit of Delilah Maddox and Delilah’s need to remain neutral and professional in the face of public scrutiny. Their mutual love of football is a family tradition with both of their father’s originally star quarterbacks as well.

THE BALLER looks at two people whose pasts are mired in heartbreak and loss. Both Delilah and Brody lost someone close, and in this there is a mutual understanding about letting go of the past, and moving forward without looking back, which is easier said than done when Brody’s past comes looking for a second chance.

The relationship between Brody and Delilah is caustic in the beginning. Brody is a bit of an a$$ when it comes to Delilah in the locker room but his a$$holishness hides a desire and attraction he didn’t want to admit. As Brody continues to pursue our heroine, she reminds Brody that she wants something more than a one night stand-to which something Brody is unable to commit. There is plenty of sexual banter, innuendo and come-ons. The $ex scenes are intimate, seductive and intense.

There are numerous secondary and supporting characters including coaches, players, journalists, and co-workers. Brody’s remaining family focuses on a woman named Marlene who adds a bit of off-beat humor to Brody’s demanding life. Delilah’s boss is a bit of a jerk-Mr. CUM-is a misogynistic pr*ck who despises women in the workplace or out in the field-he wants an exclusive interview with Brody Easton and uses our heroine to get what he wants.

The world building focuses on the locker rooms, the interviews, and the public and private life of a professional football hero but also looks at the struggle to stay in a committed relationship when everything and anyone is offered on a golden platter.

THE BALLER is a captivating story line with energetic characters and an impassioned romance. There are moments of heartwarming love, intense sexual attraction and passionate romance followed by misunderstand and heartbreaking realization. The premise is lighthearted and enjoyable but dramatic; the characters are colorful and charismatic; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. The epilogue fast forwards the story line a couple of years where we get a glimpse into the future for Delilah and Brody.

Copy supplied by the tour operator.

Reviewed by Sandy

Baller Teaser 2

excerpt

A new song had just started, and I was enjoying his company when a voice behind me said, “Can I cut in?”
My head whipped around, even though I had no doubt whom the gravelly voice belonged to.
Michael was gracious. “I hate to share. But I suppose I have been hogging the most beautiful woman at the event.” He let go of my hand and stepped back with a gentlemanly nod. “Thank you for the dance, Delilah.”
Again Brody Easton had caught me off guard. Before I knew it, I was dancing with the arrogant jerk. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled my body tight against his. Way tighter than Michael had held me.
“Good to see you again, Lois Lane.”
The man had balls; I had to give him that. I looked him straight in the eyes. “Nice to see you with clothes on, Easton.”
“Do you prefer me without?”
“I prefer you on the other side of the room.”
He chuckled. It was a hearty laugh. “That’s what happens sometimes when you decide you want to hang out in the men’s locker room.”
I tried to pull back, but he tightened his grip and held me in place. I craned my neck. “Let go of me.”
“No.”
“No?”
“That’s right. No.”
“I can scream at the top of my lungs.”
“I’d like to hear you scream.” His tone made it clear he meant he wanted me underneath him while I was doing the screaming.
“You’re an asshole. You know that?”
“I do. You asked me that yesterday. For a reporter, you should really try changing up your questions more frequently.”
My eyes bulged.
Easton shifted his hand down to the small of my back before twirling us around the dance floor. Figures the prick can dance.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“You can’t be serious?”
He ignored my comment. “Would you like to have dinner tonight?”
“We just ate.”
“Dessert at my place, then?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you hit your head at the game yesterday?”
“On a diet, huh?”
“Yeah. That’s it. I don’t want to go to your place for dessert because I’m on a diet.”
“Well, that’s just a shame.”

About the Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

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Rapturous (Quantum #4) by M.S. Force-Review & Giveaway

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RAPTUROUS (Quantum #4) by M.S. Force-Review and Giveaway

 

RAPTUROUS
Quantum #4
by M.S.Force
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, BDSM
Release Date: January 19, 201

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks

About the book: Release Date January 19, 2016

Add RAPTUROUS to your GOODREADS shelf

The story begun in the initial Quantum Trilogy picks up on Oscar night after Academy Award-winning director Hayden Roth kisses the woman he desires above all others, even though he knows she can never be his. Addison York craves her boss’s best friend, Hayden, but he has never given her an ounce of encouragement—until tonight when he kissed her after winning the Oscar. Was that kiss the start of something or another in a long line of frustrations where Hayden is concerned?

Something is keeping him from acting on the attraction that simmers between them, and Addie is determined to find out what it is. But when she stumbles upon the secret that Hayden, Flynn and her other close friends have kept from her, will she allow hurt feelings to get in the way of true love? When Hayden won’t share his BDSM lifestyle with her, Addie decides to conduct her own research. Will she be intrigued or repulsed? And what will Hayden do when he finds out how she’s been spending her evenings?

••••••••••

NOTE: RAPTUROUS is an erotic storyline with graphic scenes of BDSM rope play, spanking, bondage, anal (including butt plugs etc) and oral sex, as well as domination and submission.

REVIEW: RAPTUROUS is the fourth installment in M.S. Force’s contemporary, adult QUANTUM erotic, BDSM, romance series focusing on Academy Award winning director Hayden Roth, and personal assistant Addison York. Hayden and Addison were first introduced in the original QUANTUM trilogy featuring actor Flynn Godfrey and teacher Natalie Bryant. RAPTUROUS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and history. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary. RAPTUROUS begins following the events of VICTORIOUS wherein Hayden’s movie just earned several Academy Awards including best picture, best director and best actor for Flynn Godfrey.

Told from dual first person points of view (Hayden and Addison) and a couple short chapters from Natalie’s POV, RAPTUROUS follows the friends to lovers relationship between Hayden and Addison. Addison is Flynn Godfrey’s PA, and has been in love with Hayden Roth for many years. A celebratory kiss from Hayden at the Oscar ceremonies meant something more for our leading couple, and Addison vows to seduce the man with whom she had fallen in love.

Hayden Roth is a Dominant and knows that to fall in love with Addison would mean losing more than a friend. Addison is unaware of Hayden’s kinky side and his affinity for rope play, and she has never experienced the BDSM lifestyle. Hayden needs to be in control at all times both in and out of the bedroom, and he has no plans to ever reveal that side of his life to Addison York. Revealing his lifestyle to Addison could mean losing the woman he loves. What ensues is Addison’s need to prove that she is willing to do anything including taking a walk on the wild side. When Hayden refuses to bring Addison into his BDSM lifestyle, Addison is determined to learn everything she can, up close and personal, from another source.

There is plenty of back and forth; yin and yang; and the push and pull of want and need. While Addison declares her love for Hayden, our hero continues to give mixed signals about his feelings and emotions for Addison York. The $ex scenes are erotic, and intimate. The BDSM play between Addison and Hayden is provocative and intense. Addison is a quick learner as it pertains to Hayden’s wants and needs.

All of the previous story line characters play a secondary and supporting role including Natalie and Flynn; friends and coworkers at Quantum-Sebastian, Kristian, Emmett, Leah and Marlowe; Addison’s father Simon York ; Hayden and Flynn’s friend and business partner Jasper Autry, and Flynn’s sister Ellie. Jasper and Ellie’s story is told next in RAVENOUS. We are also introduced to Devon Black-the owner of the BDSM Club Black Vice.

RAPTUROUS is a provocative story line with impassioned characters, and sensational $ex scenes. The premise is engaging and emotional; the characters are dynamic and engaging; the romance is compelling with a little bit of kink on the side. I haven’t had the chance to read the original trilogy-I am looking forward to one day catching up with Natalie and Flynn.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Virtuous (Quantum #1)
Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / ibooks

Valorous (Quantum #2)
Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / ibooks

Victorious (Quantum #3)
Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / ibooks

About-the-Author

Follow: Facebook / Twitter  / email newsletter / Website

 

 

M.S. Force is the erotic alter-ego of New York Times bestselling author Marie Force. All three books in her initial Quantum Trilogy were New York Times bestsellers in 2015, and the Quantum Trilogy becomes the Quantum Series with Rapturous. Watch for book 5, Ravenous, coming later in 2016.

Giveaway

M.S.Force is graciously offering a paper copy of RAPTUROUS to ONE (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

NOTE: If you are having difficulties logging on to the site, refresh the page and that should clear up any problems

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 Follow Marie Force on Facebook.

4. Please Follow Marie Force on Twitter.

5. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

6. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to USA & Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from January 19 to January 25, 2016

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Tiny Glitches by Rebecca Chastain-Review, Book tour & Giveaway

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Tiny Glitches by Rebecca Chastain-Review, Book tour and Giveaway

Tiny Glitches

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

Life isn’t exactly normal for Eva Parker: the stronger Eva’s emotions, the faster nearby electrical devices die. Eva can’t have a cell phone, use a computer, or be in a car for more than a few minutes without killing it. Dealing with her electricity-killing curse makes living in modern-day Los Angeles complicated enough for Eva—and that was before she was blackmailed into hiding a stolen baby elephant and partnered with Hudson, a sexy electrical engineer Eva just met.

Dodging repeated attempts on her life made by ruthless corporations hunting the elephant is easier for Eva than quelling her growing affection for Hudson, and while protecting an elephant is hard, controlling her curse is a lot harder. However, Eva must do both, because if she lets her emotions free and falls in love with Hudson, neither of them will survive.

Enchanting and quirky, Tiny Glitches fuses electrifying romance and high-voltage suspense in a rollicking adventure.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:  As far as Eva is concerned, she is cursed: she can’t own a phone, a car or even a home with electronics. Her curse prevents her from being in close contact with anything electronic. Within an hour or even less, cars breaks down and phones die. Her home is fitted with gas appliances only. It’s all tied in with her emotions, strong emotions bring out the curse.

Her only joy is her job. She is a feng shui consultant, and a damned good one. Feng Shui restores her inner peace and promotes only calming emotions.

Eva gets a phone call from the art gallery, in which her aunt’s paintings were being stored and shown. The gallery was broken into, and only her aunt’s painting were stolen.

Bumping into an electrical hottie installing a new security system would have been a pleasant distraction, but Eva promised her aunt she would look into the breaking.

Eva bumps into someone from her past, but she doesn’t remember Jenny, but Jenny remembers her, in fact she drops a few hints about Eva’s past, and then blackmails Eva into taking on a package until she can collect it. The package turns out to be a baby elephant !!

And from there on mayhem, laughs and confusion reigns supreme.

There are a few moments where I laughed out loud, they were so wonderfully written, that I could clearly see it all 🙂

The romance comes in the form of Eva and the security fitter Hudson. Almost from the start, he makes it clear he likes her, but Eva has to be careful. Strong emotions cause accidents, and as she grows to like Hudson, she worries about hurting him.

Will Eva and Hudson get a happy ending ? Will Jenny claim the special baby elephant ? Will Eva’s aunt find who stole her paintings ?

Your going to have to read to find out 😉

A book I would definitely recommend.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Julie B

Tiny Glitches teaser

About the Author

RebeccaChastainRebecca Chastain is the international bestselling fantasy author of A FISTFUL OF EVIL, A FISTFUL OF FIRE, and MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in northern California with her wonderful husband and two bossy cats. TINY GLITCHES is her latest novel.

Website: http://www.rebeccachastain.com
Newsletter: http://www.rebeccachastain.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels
Twitter: @Author_Rebecca or https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain

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