Monthly Archives: September 2016

Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews – Review & Giveaway

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Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews – Review & Giveaway

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Magic Binds
Kate Daniels series – Book #9
by Ilona Andrews
Release Date: September 20, 2016

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Description:
Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

 

 

Review:

Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews is the 9th book in her fantastic Kate Daniels series.  The mark of a great series is when you read each book, you can’t put it down; but when you see the story moving too fast, you force yourself to slow down, so that you can savior it a little bit longer. Kate Daniels is one of these series.  Magic Binds is once again a fabulous story written so wonderfully by the Ilona Andrews duo ( Ilona & Gordon Andrews).  Magic Binds was fantastic; maybe even the best one yet.

In Magic Binds, Kate is preparing for her wedding to Curran, or shall we say, her friends are.  In the last few books, we have learned more about Roland, Kate’s ultra powerful father, who wants to rule the world.  As they try to talk civilly to each other and profess their love, we also know that this will end in death for one of them.  Things are escalated when the Oracle warns Kate that her vision shows that if she marries Curran, he will die, which will also include the vision of her son’s (she has no son, this is a future prognosis) death by Roland.  Time is of essence, as war is on the horizon, much sooner than expected.

Kate will use everything in her power to find a way to stop Roland, which is just about impossible.  She will face a god; she will go as far as bringing someone she killed to help her; prove that she is just as powerful as her father to gain the support of the pack, vampires and the guild.  Many of our favorites will play a big part in this story; Julie, Derek, Jim, Ghastek, Saiman, Jim, Roman, Dalia, Christopher, just to name a few. 

To tell too much more would be spoilers. This was a pulse pounding intense exciting story line that was non-stop action all the way.  Kate rises up to everything we knew she could do, and then some. The last half of the book was so great; you could not put the book down, even if I wanted it to last longer and keep savoring it.  Kate Daniels proves over and over that she is one of the best kick-ass heroines in the literary world.  I love her and Curran together, as a couple they too are one of the best.  Magic Binds was a sensational read, and Andrews has outdone themselves.  Bravo!  I do not how much longer this series will go, but I am praying we have many books left.  If you have not read this series, this is another gem you should not be missing.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Giveaway

Ilona Andrews’ publisher is offering a Hardcover copy of MAGIC BINDS 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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

3. Please follow Ilona Andrews on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from September 19- 23, 2016

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Cooper (The Family Simon #6) by Juliana Stone-a review

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COOPER (The Family Simon #6) by Juliana Stone-a review

Cooper

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2016

He runs, she hides. No one can do it forever…

Most of America think they have Cooper Simon figured out–he’s the playboy with no morals and a taste for married women. Cooper’s fine with that because he’s got secrets he’d rather keep buried. Who knew that spending a few months in Fisherman’s Landing would screw with his head. Or meeting a woman unlike any he’s met before, would be the key to unraveling all of his secrets…and maybe his heart.

After a horrific accident Morgan Campbell is grateful to be alive. So what if her life didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to? She lives quietly and keeps to herself. But meeting the most arrogant, infuriating, and sexy man will turn her world upside down. Because not only is Cooper Simon out of her league, he’d never be interested in someone like her. Can she be brave enough to step out of the box and reclaim the woman she once was? Or is she doomed to live in the shadows forever…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: COOPER is the sixth and final installment in Juliana Stone’s contemporary, adult THE FAMILY SIMON romance series focusing on the Simon family of New England- a family reminiscent of the Kennedy clan with their money, power and political aspirations. This is writer Cooper Simon, and Morgan Campbell’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cooper and Morgan) COOPER focuses on the building relationship between Cooper Simon- a writer and all around playboy, and Morgan Campbell- a young woman whose life and Olympic dreams were destroyed by an horrific accident that left our heroine scarred both inside and out. When Cooper’s sister in law Charlie hires a cleaning service to help around the house, Cooper struggles with his attraction to the woman who hides a multitude of secrets behind baggy clothes and an air of independence. Several off-hand comments by Cooper find our heroine walking away without a second glance only to be rehired to ‘catalogue and search’ the attic of the old home that Cooper now owns. What ensues is the building relationship between Cooper and Morgan, and the secrets both keep hidden from one another.

The relationship between Cooper and Morgan is one of immediate attraction but each has been burned by a relationship in the past. Morgan’s life spiraled out of control on an icy road that claimed someone close; Cooper’s self-imposed seclusion pits the writer against the man when his muse suddenly goes quiet. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic.

There secondary and supporting characters include Cooper’s mother, as well as his brother Maverick and sister in law Charlie. We are also introduced to Morgan’s long-suffering father Ryan Campbell, a man who lost so much more the night Morgan’s life was destroyed.

The world building focuses on the Simon family dynamics: the close-knit family whose matriarch comes to visit with disheartening news, and the brothers whose life in the spotlight is not conducive to a normal life or a relationship kept hidden from the media limelight. Cooper and Morgan both have demons in the past, and it is these demons who continue to control their future.

COOPER is the final chapter in Juliana Stone’s THE FAMILY SIMON- a family with prestige, power, wealth, and political connections that make for some entertaining times. Cooper and Maverick’s story lines focus on the extended Simon family wherein their connections to the powerful elite make fair game for the paparazzi and media giants. The premise is emotional and heartbreaking as two people struggle with betrayal and loss; the characters are colorful and charismatic; the romance is a second chance for two people whose lives were diverted down differing paths only to find one another when they needed it the most.

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Reviewed by Sandy

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Strung Up (Blacktop Cowboys 7.5 /1001 Dark Nights) by Lorelei James-Review & Book Tour

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STRUNG UP (Blacktop Cowboys #7.5) by Lorelei James-Review and Book Tour

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STRUNG UP
Blacktop Cowboy #7.5 / 1001 Dark Nights
by Lorelei James
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, M/M romance
Release Date: September 13, 2016

Strung Up

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2016

Rancher Creston Grant retreats from the world after he loses the love of his life… Can his former flame, rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson prove he’s a changed man who can give Cres a second chance at love?

•••••••••

REVIEW: STRUNG UP by Lorelei James is the latest novella in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series, and #7.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult BLACKTOP COWBOYS erotic, romance series focusing on rancher Creston Grant, and former rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson. STRUNG UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the characters from previous installments in the Blacktop Cowboys series play secondary and supporting roles.

NOTE: STRUNG UP is a M/M story line with sexually graphic scenes of same sex encounters.

Told from dual first person points of view (Cres and Breck) STRUNG UP looks at the second chance relationship between rancher Cres Grant and rodeo cowboy Breck Christianson. Two years earlier Creston Grant lost the love of his life to a roadside accident and in the ensuing time has kept to himself pushing away family and friends. Fast forward to present day our hero is invited to the grand opening of Grade A Farms rodeo school arena he meets up with an old flame Breck Christianson and the attraction is immediate. What ensues is the rekindling of a friendship, romance and relationship between two men whose experiences as part of the LGBTQ community has been polar opposites. Breck has suffered numerous atrocities at the hands of fellow rodeo riders, and has been ostracized by family and friends. His career on the rodeo circuit has all but been destroyed because of his sexual orientation. Cres has been accepted for the man that he has become.

The rekindling of the relationship between Cres and Breck is quick to develop but Breck’s time working for the Grade A Farms has an expiry date-one that will force another separation between our leading couple, and an expiration that both are struggling to ignore. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. The sexual tension is high; the energy level is off the charts.

STRUNG UP brings together many of the previous story line characters, updating the reader about their lives and families. We witness the ongoing loving family dynamics, as well as the cautionary emotions towards Cres’s new love. The premise is entertaining; the characters are broken but slowly healing with one another; the romance is hot and heavy. STRUNG UP is an emotional read with issues of sexual discrimination, grief and acceptance.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

Strung Up Teaser

Excerpt

Sutton studied me before he sighed. “I’m protective of him.”
“Why? I get that he’s your younger brother, but he is an adult.”
“Cres has had a rough go of it and I don’t want you takin’ advantage of him.” Sutton’s gaze hardened. “Like you did a few years ago when I sent him to you to deal with my horse.”
“Cres was an adult then too. He made his own choices. And fuck you if you think his bein’ with me back then somehow turned him gay.”
“Whoa. I never said that and I sure as hell didn’t mean to imply it.” He paused. “Let’s start over. This isn’t meant to be accusatory. But when you were talkin’ with Cres last night, did you tell him about bein’ outed and all the crap that happened afterward?”
“Yeah. I always thought you were bein’ humble when you said not everyone in your family rabidly followed rodeo.” I sipped my coffee. “He didn’t know anything about it.”
“Not surprised. People outside the world of rodeo would likely shrug and wonder why it’d been such a big deal.” He folded his arms on his chest. “So part of me wonders why you’d willingly put yourself back into this world, Breck.”
My cheeks heated. “It’s not like I have another skill set. And besides, don’t think I don’t know that you’re the one who suggested me as a possible instructor for the Gradskys’ rodeo school. Macon made the call, but that happened at your urging, Sutton.”
He grinned. “I figured if they couldn’t have me, they’d want the second best champion bulldogger…which is you.”
“You’re hilarious. And if I haven’t said it, I appreciate your faith in me.” Before things got sappy or awkward, I added, “So why didn’t you take the job? Since your wife is here all the time anyway?”
“After I survived that last run, during my stint in the hospital I swore that I was done throwing myself off the back of a galloping horse onto a steer. It’s a promise I’ve kept.”

About The author

Lorelei JamesLorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.”

 

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On The Prowl (Bad Things #2) by Cynthia Eden-a review

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ON THE PROWL (Bad Things #2) by Cynthia Eden

On The Prowl

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2016

Time to embrace your inner evil.

Rose Kinley never intended to be one of the most feared creatures to walk the earth. Once upon a time, she was a human—one who fell in love with a mysterious stranger. But when she got caught in a paranormal war, she lost her humanity and died…only to wake later as a vampire.

Now Rose has a choice. She can continue to try and be the good girl she once was or she can let her darkness out to play. Maybe it’s finally time for her to step into the dark.

He’s the reason she’s undead.

Panther shifter Julian Craig has a mission—protect Rose at all costs. It’s his fault that she lost her human life, and he literally made a deal with the devil so that she would have a second chance as a vampire. And as part of that deal, he’s supposed to keep his hands off Rose. An impossible task considering the dangerous lust he feels for her.

When Rose is targeted by a paranormal collector, Julian knows that he will have to let his own beast out if he is to protect the only woman who ever touched his battered soul. Rose may be afraid of the darkness she carries, but Julian is more than ready to show the world just what kind of a monster he truly is. Julian isn’t afraid of the dark…but the monsters that wait in the shadows? They will bow to him.

He’ll show her just how good it can feel…to be bad.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ON THE PROWL is the second installment in Cynthia Eden’s contemporary, adult BAD THINGS paranormal, romance series. This is panther shifter Julian Craig, and newly-made vampire Rose Kinley’s story line. ON THE PROWL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory as Luke Thorne (The Devil in Disguise) returns as the Lord of the Dark.

Told from several third person perspectives ON THE PROWL follows the once human Rose Kinley as she endeavors to survive the world as a vampire. When our heroine is killed in a hail of gunfire meant to kill her boyfriend Julian Craig, Rose wakes up as a newly made vampire thanks to the Lord of the Dark, and repentant panther shifter Julian Craig. Believing herself to be a monster, Rose takes off for places unknown and finds herself imprisoned by a covert government group known as Operation Night Switch (ONS) claiming that paranormals will make the world a safer place. Upon her escape, Rose comes face to face with Julian Craig, the man she blames for her undead life. What ensues are Rose’s attempts to stay clear of Julian Craig, and the search for the man who is abducting supernatural beings, using human minions to do his service. With Rose as the next target Julian is unwilling to leave her side.

Julian is a supernatural assassin; a killing machine that finds himself following orders to protect the woman with whom he has fallen in love. Rose is a reluctant vampire who is unable to accept the ‘dark’ side of her life, but a woman who is drawn to the man she believes destroyed her life. When Luke’s brother Leo-the leader of the light paranormals is unable to locate a missing angel, Rose offers herself up as bait to trap the person they believe is responsible for the missing angel.

The relationship between Julian and Rose is a second chance romance between a powerful shifter and a newbie vampire. Julian believes he has found his mate with Rose Kinley but Rose isn’t willing to accept her fate as a member of the undead. Our heroine is a little naïve and immature when it comes to detecting good vs evil believing humans could not be the monsters of her nightmares. The $ex scenes are seductive and intense; as a shifter Julian likes things a little rougher in the bedroom.

We are introduced to a number of supernatural beings including a wolf shifter (Rayce), an angel (Lila), a witch, a muse, and a gargoyle. Rayce and Lila’s story will be told next in Broken Angel. The requisite evil has many faces when someone known as the ‘Collector’ sets his sights on the supernatural powers.

ON THE PROWL is an imaginative story line but lacked a little something in the telling. I would have liked a little more background information about Julian and Rose; and we know very little about Rose’s time with the ONS- a group headed by someone Rose once knew. The character of Rose made for some disappointing scenarios when she is unable to let go of her preconceived notions about monsters vs humans thusly placing herself and the others directly in harm’s way. There is a potential war on the horizon between Leo and Luke; and Rayce is determined to find the angel that calls to his heart. The premise is interesting; the characters are enthusiastic; the romance struggles towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Too Wild To Tame (Romancing the Clarksons #2) by Tessa Bailey-a review

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TOO WILD TO TAME (Romancing the Clarksons #2) by Tessa Bailey-a review

Too Wild To Tame

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2016

Sometimes you just can’t resist playing with fire . . .

By day, Aaron Clarkson suits up, shakes hands, and acts the perfect gentleman. But at night, behind bedroom doors, the tie comes off and the real Aaron comes out to play. Mixing business with pleasure got him fired, so Aaron knows that if he wants to work for the country’s most powerful senator, he’ll have to keep his eye on the prize. That’s easier said than done when he meets the senator’s daughter, who’s wild, gorgeous, and 100 percent trouble.

Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her conservative family. Yet while Aaron’s presence reminds her of a past she’d rather forget, something in his eyes keeps drawing her in. Maybe it’s the way his voice turns her molten. Or maybe it’s because deep down inside, the ultra-smooth, polished Aaron Clarkson might be more than even Grace can handle.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: TOO WILD TO TAME is the second installment in Tessa Bailey’s contemporary, adult ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS erotic, romance series focusing on the four Clarkson siblings. This is twenty six year old political advisor Aaron Clarkson, and senator’s daughter twenty three year old Grace Pendleton’s story line. TOO WILD TO TAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory. The story line advances the series but a few days and picks up immediately upon the events of book one.

SOME BACKGROUND: One year earlier Miriam Clarkson passed away but not before leaving her now four grown adult children (Rita, Aaron, Peggy and Belmont) a journal of her most intimate thoughts and dreams. Miriam’s final wishes were for her children to seek out what is important in their lives and thusly a cross country trek began wherein each sibling will find his or her own happily ever after as they venture their way to New York City ending with a New Year’s Eve celebration. Rita found the love of her life in book one –Too Hot To Handle.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Aaron and Grace) TOO WILD TO TAME focuses on the building relationship between political advisor Aaron Clarkson-the all-American pretty boy who screwed up his career and finds himself lost without a purpose in life, and Grace Pendleton, the presidential candidate’s daughter and a woman whose own life has been spiraling out of control. What ensues is the back and forth, push and pull of attraction as Grace tries to venture out on her own in spite of her father’s over controlling and protective nature. Aaron does not want a repeat of his last political disaster but Grace is a woman in need of some direction in her life.

The relationship between Grace and Aaron begins accidentally as our heroine is caught running from a crime of her own making. Their attraction to one another is immediate and undeniable. As Aaron struggles with his attraction to the feisty, independent, eccentric and troubled young woman, he is also determined to become part of the senator’s political campaign quite possibly at the expense of the woman with whom he is falling in love. Grace is a bit of a wild child with a past mired in a dark and troubling secret, and it is this secret that continues to push at our heroine’s emotions. The senator and his family have chosen to ‘hide’ their youngest daughter from the media and the public eye, and in this Grace is determined to make her own mark-one way or another. Aaron likes to talk dirty in bed.

The secondary and supporting characters include Aaron’s siblings Peggy and Belmont, and the woman that controls Belmont’s demons-Sage. We are also introduced to Grace’s father- a man determined to protect his daughter from the past but a past that he also hopes to use on the race to the White House.

The world building continues to focus on the dysfunctional family dynamics of the Clarkson family. We are up close and personal into the mind of the family matriarch as each sibling will ‘seek out’ their mother’s journal and the message she has revealed and left for each of her children. I am hoping Belmont’s story will reveal the true demons that control his life.

I did struggle with the believability of one particular aspect of this story line as it pertained to Grace’s actions in the initial stages of the story-there would have been some major backlash and a police investigation but the author has chosen to take the story and resulting questionable fall-out in another direction.

TOO WILD TO TAME  sees another Clarkson sibling find his happily ever after. The premise is idealistic; the characters are animated and energetic; the romance is passionate and hopeful.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of TOO HOT TO HANDLE book 1.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hard to Hold (Hard to Play #1) by Katie Rose-a review

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HARD TO HOLD (Hard to Play #1) by Katie Rose-a review

Hard To Hold

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

About the book: Release Date September 13, 2016

New Jersey Hurricanes striker Logan Hart lives for the grind of training, the adrenaline of competition, and all the perks of the road—until his ex hands him a baby and tells Logan to raise her on his own. He’s eager to pass this bundle of joy into more capable hands and get back to his hard-playing, hard-partying ways. But when a beautiful, blond drill sergeant of a nanny turns Logan’s life upside down, he sets a new goal: winning her heart.

Isabella Bennett takes pride in teaching the rich and famous how to become loving families. Her no-nonsense style is just what Logan and his crying, copper-haired cutie need. So why can’t she get the image of Logan’s tanned, muscular body out of her head? Isabella’s here to whip a new father into shape, not fall for a sexy ladies’ man. But their chemistry is too tantalizing to ignore, much like the temptation to trust someone with her deepest secrets—and embrace a loving family all her own.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD TO HOLD is the first installment in Katie Rose’s contemporary, adult HARD TO PLAY sport, romance series focusing on the New Jersey Hurricanes professional soccer team. This is strike Logan Hart, and nanny Isabella Bennett. Hard to Play is a spin off from Rose’s Boys of Summer series. You do not have to read the original series to enjoy Hard to Hold.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Logan and Isabella) HARD TO HOLD follows the building relationship between professional soccer player Logan Hart, and his new nanny Isabella Bennett. Days prior to their first meeting Logan comes to face to face with a woman he met one year before- a one-night stand- and the woman hands Logan a three month old child claiming our hero is the dad. As a professional sports player who is on the road more than he is at home, Logan struggles with what to do next and calls his sister Jessica Hart (Boys of Summer #3) for advice. Enter professional nanny Isabella Bennett, and the woman who calls to Logan’s heart. What ensues is the ‘forbidden’ relationship between the nanny and her boss, and Logan’s attempts to locate the mother of his child who all but disappeared within minutes of depositing off her child.

Isabella is a take charge woman; a no-nonsense nanny with a bit of an attitude about work-place romances but a woman with a secret that could break Logan’s heart. Realizing Logan is ill-prepared for a child, our heroine ensures that the child is her first priority, and begins to teach Logan what it is he needs to know about raising a child. Logan is a sexy sports star whose return to America finds him struggling with his new team and their lack of drive and need to win.

The attraction between Isabella and Logan is immediate. The sexual tension is high, and the anxiety about crossing the invisible line runs tight throughout the story. Isabella is fearful of destroying her reputation by having an affair with Logan but Logan is a man determined to win the heart of both Isabella and the young child. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. The drama was limited to our heroine’s secrets, and Logan’s search for the truth.

We are introduced to several of Logan’s teammates and coaches, as well as Logan’s extended family and friends including his brothers Coulter and Rory; Isabella’s friends Patty, and Anna McCarthy-a pediatrician. Jessica and Gavin (Boys of Summer #3) cross over for familiarity and cohesion between the two series.

The world building follows Logan’s search for the truth and his struggle as a single father whose career is not conducive to raising a child alone; the romance between our leading couple; and the players and coaches for the New Jersey Hurricanes. I did have a small issue with one particular aspect of the story that was not quite believable and appeared to come out of left field when our heroine took the baby to one of Logan’s games-the ensuing reactions from coaches and management was hard to fathom.

HARD TO HOLD is a sweet but predictable romance; a story about two people brought together by the innocence of a small child caught up in a world where big people play. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are colorful and entertaining; the romance is intimate and provocative. HARD TO HOLD is a great start to a new series by Katie Rose.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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So Good (Love on the Vine #1 / Ribbon Ridge #7) by Darcy Burke-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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SO GOOD (Ribbon Ridge #7 / Love on the Vine #1) by Darcy Burke-Review, Book tour and Giveaway

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SO GOOD
Love on the Vine #1 / Ribbon Ridge #7
by Darcy Burke
Genre: adult, contemporary romance
Release Date: September 6, 2016

So Good

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2016

Cameron Westcott has spent eight years recovering from heartbreak by keeping romantic entanglements casual and simple. He’s never minded being called a manwhore, but after two years immersing himself in his new winery, he might be ready for the next chapter. Especially when he meets a sexy wine distributor—only she says she isn’t interested.

Following a bitter divorce, Brooke Ellis relocated to Ribbon Ridge to rebuild her life. Things will never be the same for her, and she’s coming to terms with that reality when she meets charming, persistent Cam. She can’t imagine a happy ever after given his reputation, but he makes her feel so good.

As the sparks between them intensify, they’re both hesitant to commit for very different reasons. Or are they really just sabotaging their own futures? If they can trust each other—and themselves—they may realize that what they share is too good to let slip away.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  SO GOOD is the first installment in Darcy Burke’s contemporary, adult LOVE ON THE VINE romance series focusing on the Westcott brothers of Ribbon Ridge. This is vintner and winery owner Cameron (Cam) Westcott, and wine distributor Brooke Ellis’s story line. LOVE ON THE VINE is a spin off from Burke’s Ribbon Ridge series. We were first introduced to Cameron and his brothers (Luke and Jamie) in You’re Still the One (Ribbon Ridge #6). You do not have to read the original series to follow the premise of SO GOOD but I recommend reading You’re Still the One for some backstory about the brothers and their new winery business.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cam and Brooke) SO GOOD focuses on the start up of Cam, Jamie, and Luke Westcott, and Hayden Archer’s new winery West Arch Estates, and the building relationship between Ribbon Ridge newcomer and wholesale wine distributor Brooke Ellis and our story line hero. There is a side story developing as Brooke and a number of the Archer significant others begin to research the historical significance of the town of Ribbon Ridge.

Brooke and Cam met under less than auspicious circumstances at the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration near Ribbon Ridge Oregon, although the sparks flew from the outset. Brooke wanted nothing to do with a man she believed to be a player- a reputation as a manwhore had preceded Cameron Westcott’s introduction. When Cam offers Brooke a position within the company to help promote their wines, a line has been drawn about sleeping with the boss, and a line that is crossed several times. What ensues is Cam’s pursuit of the woman that calls to his heart, and Brooke’s continuous need to push Cam away knowing that she can never give him the future that he wants.

The relationship between Cam and Brooke is a push and pull, back and forth, yes and no, frustrating match up as our heroine is afraid about what the future may bring. Both Brooke and Cam have experienced heartbreak in the past but Brooke’s pain is compounded with personal loss. Throughout the story, Cam makes several attempts to woo and seduce out story line heroine only to be rejected time and again, or in a haze of morning-after guilt and punishment. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Cam’s brothers Jamie and Luke, a number of the Archer clan including Cam’s best friend Hayden and his wife Bex, as well as Brooke’s new BFF, and Ribbon Ridge librarian Kelsey McDade. Kelsey and Luke’s story will be told next in SO RIGHT.

SO GOOD is a story with plenty of sexual banter between Cam and Brooke, enveloped by the angst of too much drama, secrets and lies. Brooke refuses to acknowledge the truth whenever Cam questions our heroine about her past, and when the truth is finally revealed Cam is blindsided once again. There is a distinct lack of communication and mystery about Brooke’s past that added to the already tense morning after scenarios. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are passionate and energetic although Brooke’s hot and cold reactions were a little over the top; the romance is a bit of a struggle towards a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

“So, tell me how you came to be a player.”
He barked out a laugh. “You nearly made me trip. Not going to beat around the bush with that one, huh?” He looked over at her, smiling.
“Nope. I’m taking a page from your playbook and shooting straight. You don’t deny your reputation?”
“Nope,” he echoed. “I will say that I’ve mellowed a bit recently. I’m too busy with the winery.”
“So if not for the winery, you’d be up to your usual shenanigans.”
“Shenanigans… Yes, I suppose so.” He lifted a shoulder. “Maybe not. I don’t know. What do you mean by ‘shenanigans’?”
She kept her gaze forward. “I hear you had a different girl in every city when you were on the road.”
They turned the corner, and she stopped as they reached the door to her building.
He stopped too and turned toward her. “Not every city. And anyway, I don’t travel anymore.”
“Right. You’re busy. Does that mean you don’t date?”
He moved closer. “Are you asking me out?”
The scent of his cologne stole over her. The green of his eyes at this range was so deep, so captivating, she could easily sway toward him and… She straightened her shoulders. “No.”
“Well, that’s a damn shame.” His words carried a dark, seductive tone of regret. “Guess I’ll have to ask you out—since I wasn’t clear about it before.”
“No. Thank you,” she rushed to add. “I had a nice time tonight, but I’d prefer to keep our relationship strictly professional.”
“Too bad,” he said softly. “I was sort of hoping I could kiss you.”
Standing here with him in the early twilight, feeling the intoxicating burn of his stare, she was sort of hoping that too. But she hadn’t done that in so long… And she wasn’t ready. Okay, her body was totally ready, but her mind was still trying to figure out what the hell to do with Cameron Westcott.
“Cameron—”
“Cam. Everyone calls me Cam.” He inched closer so that she could feel his proximity, and heat raced through her. “At least everyone who likes me.”
“Cam, I—”
“Oh good, you like me.”
She couldn’t help smiling. He was good at that—making her smile. No one had been good at that in a very long time. Not even herself. Especially not herself. “I do. And… Well, ask me again sometime.”
Had she just said that out loud?
“If I can kiss you?” He leaned forward, putting his lips against her ear. “Count on it.”


 

 

About The Author

Darcy BurkeDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

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Retrieval (The Retrieval Duet #1) by Aly Martinez-Review and Book Tour

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RETRIEVAL (The Retrieval Duet #1) by Aly Martinez-Review and Book Tour

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RETRIEVAL
The Retrieval Duet #1
by Aly Martinez
Release Date: September 13, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

Retrieval

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / B&N / KOBO / itunes /

ABOUT THE BOOK: September 13, 2016

One story. Two couples.

I proposed on our first date.
She laughed and told me I was insane. Less than a day later, she said yes.
It was a whirlwind, but we were happy…
Until we got greedy and wanted a family.

It was a life I couldn’t give her, not for lack of trying. Fertility just wasn’t on our side. We sought out doctors and treatments. Spent money we didn’t have. Lied to our families. Smiled for our friends. Put on a brave face for a world that didn’t understand.

Finally, we were successful…
Until we were forced to bury our son.

We were left broken, battered, and destroyed.
They say love is in the details, but it was the details that ruined us.

This is the story of how I took back what had always been mine.
The retrieval of my wife and our family.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: RETRIEVAL is the first installment in Aly Martinez’s contemporary, adult THE RETRIEVAL DUET romantic, suspense duology focusing on two couples connected through deceit and betrayal.

Told from four first person points of view (Roman and Elisabeth Leblanc, Walt and Clare Noir) using present day timeline and flashbacks RETRIEVAL looks at infertility, loss, betrayal and heartbreak. Two years earlier Roman and Elisabeth’s life fell apart following years of infertility and the loss of their unborn son. Fast forward to present day wherein our now divorced couple will come face to face with their worst nightmare and the possibility that life as they know it is about to spiral out of control-once again.

We are introduced to Clare Noir, an abused and battered woman whose own life is a living h*ll thanks to a husband with issues of power and control- Clare will eventually cross paths with Roman and Elisabeth LeBlanc pulling our couple into a dark and dangerous path. What ensues are Roman’s attempts to get back the woman he loves, and put together the family that no longer exists- a second chance at love for two people lost to the memories of the past.

RETRIEVAL is a heartbreaking, intense and emotional story line involving two couples connected by deceit, betrayal and infertility. Aly Martinez pulls the reader into a story of suspense, mystery, loss and deception. The premise is passionate, controversial and intoxicating. The characters are tragic and broken as their struggle with what was and what may never be. The story line ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned !

I like the author’s use of LeBlanc and Noir….White and Black….good vs evil- a definitive line has been drawn between the characters and not just via the story line premise.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter.

Reviewed by Sandy

Retrieval Teaser

excerpt

“Where’d you get beer?” Elisabeth asked as she scrambled from the couch.
“Seth,” I replied, hanging my head and rubbing my eyes.
Jesus, I’d wanted to kiss her. She was being a bitch, spouting shit she didn’t mean just because she was too scared to let me in.
But, even through it, those plump lips were calling to me.
I’d never been able to resist that woman. Despite that we’d fallen apart, it hadn’t changed. The hum for her was still in my veins. It never went away, but for two years, it had been dormant. I’d packed it down so tightly that I’d hoped it had died. But, with one look, my body began thrumming like a live wire.
“Seth?” she asked as she bent over to straighten her tight, black pencil skirt.
It was a rare occasion to catch Elisabeth in something other than a perfectly pressed skirt and a pair of heels. But she’d been sleeping all day. It was wrinkled all to hell and back. The only thing her efforts succeeded in was drawing my attention down to her legs.
Legs that had spent many nights wrapped around my hips as she came while crying my name.
Shit. I should go.
But, after the way she’d latched on to me that morning, I wasn’t going anywhere.
“My assistant,” I answered. “I had him pick you up a bottle of wine, too.”
She blinked. “You have an assistant? Who delivers you beer? And your ex-wife wine?”
“No, I have an assistant who does whatever the fuck I need him to do. And, luckily for us, beer and wine happen to fall into the whatever-the-fuck-I-need-him-to-do category tonight.” She fought back a smile as I finished, “So do gyros.”
“Damn. I need to get one of those,” she mumbled to herself.
I smirked. “Cash my checks and you could afford one.”
It was a dick move, bringing up the money right then. But, despite her expert hand in decorating, that little starter house we’d bought with rose-colored glasses now needed a shit-ton of work.
Her back shot ramrod straight, fury crinkling the corners of her eyes as she snarled, “I’m not cashing your checks.”
I shrugged. “Guess you’ll have to figure out how to get your own wine and dinner after tonight.”
“I think I can manage,” she fired back.
“Suit yourself.” I pushed off the couch and meandered to the kitchen.
I went to the fridge and leaned in, searching for anything I could snack on. With the exception of at least a dozen Tupperware containers, she didn’t have much in the way of a quick bite.
Snagging a handful of grapes from the drawer, I made a mental note to send Seth to the grocery store after he’d delivered dinner.
Popping the grapes in my mouth one by one, I felt her watching me in what could only be defined as silent awe. I decided my best move would be to ignore it. “You know, I should have invented Tupperware. You alone could keep me in business,” I told her, retrieving a beer and then shutting the door.
She scoffed then muttered, “At least then I would have benefitted from you abandoning our marriage.”
Lava fresh off the volcanoes in Hell boiled in my veins.
I cocked my head to the side and questioned, “I’m sorry. Come again?”
“You should go,” she snapped.
Think a-fucking-gain.
“Nah, I’m good. Got any movies?”
I tipped the bottle to my lips, doing my best to calm the storm brewing within me, all while still fighting the desire to take her to the floor, plant myself between her legs, and remind her how that fucking attitude affected me.
Clearly, she had forgotten.
My cock had not.
“Roman, it’s been a crazy day. Please don’t do this tonight.”
“Do what?” I asked, leaning back against the huge, granite island.
She threw her hands out to the sides in frustration. “What you always do.”
“What do I always do, Lissy?”
“This!” she yelled.
I frowned and took another pull from my beer. “Haven’t been in our kitchen, drinking beer, in a long time. I hardly think it’s fair to say I always do it.”
Her eyes nearly bulged from her head. “My kitchen, Roman. This is my kitchen. Not ours. And you know good and damn well that is not what I’m talking about.”
My lips twitched as I pointed the neck of my bottle at her. “No. What I know good and damn well is that I have no idea what the fuck you are talking about. Or why you’re slinging unnecessary and, might I add, undeserved attitude at me like a short-order cook at the bitch house.”
“He did not say that to me,” she whispered to herself.
When I lifted a shoulder in a half shrug, she swung a pointed finger toward the door and yelled, “Get out!”
I grinned, crossing my legs at the ankle. “You always were cranky when you were hungry.”
And that was the exact moment her head exploded.

 

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Pre-order Transfer (Part Two)

Releasing September 27th

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2b3AJ6S
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About The Author

Aly MartinezBorn and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

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