Blog Tour & Giveaway: Blood Entwines by Caroline Healy

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Blood Entwines by Caroline Healy is a YA Urban Fantasy published by Bloomsbury Publishing (Sparks). The tour runs October 20th- November 16th with reviews, interviews & guest posts. Check out the tour page and schedule.

 

 
Blood Entwines cover july 2014
Blood Entwines by Caroline Healy

A dark compelling story of love and its more sinister elements…possession.

 

In the aftermath of a blood transfusion that saved her life, Kara feels different. Her senses are stronger … she can hear whispered comments not meant for her ears … she can hear the person following her.

When Jack, her stalker, reveals himself and insists that Kara has something that belongs to him, she does her best to avoid him. But he’s determined to talk to her, convinced that they’re linked through the blood she received during her transfusion.

Jack is struggling against a dark and dangerous demon. His body is host to the evil power that wants Kara’s blood and will stop at nothing to get it. If Jack is able to gain control he can warn Kara. But which is stronger, the power of the blood they share or the force for evil. How can Kara help save Jack without risking her own life?

 

 
 
 
About the Author:
Caroline Healy is a writer and community arts facilitator. She recently completed her M.A. in

Creative Writing at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University, Belfast.

She published her first, award winning collection of short stories, entitled A Stitch in Time in August 2012. Her work has been featured in publications such as Wordlegs, The Bohemyth, Prole and the Irish Writers’ Centre Lonely Voice.
She writes literary fiction and young adult fiction, with her Y.A. book Blood Entwines released with Bloomsbury Publishing in August 2014.
Caroline loves drinking tea from mis-matched china, doing yoga, as well as reading, writing, talking and thinking about all things bookish. She also has a penchant for cake and dark chocolate.

Website| Twitter | Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Blood Entwines
Review (4.25 Stars): I liked this story because it was interesting to read this story from the different character perspectives and I loved the idea of having supernatural abilities after receiving a blood transfusion. Kara was an interesting character for me because after the transfusion, she became a leader instead of just a blind follower.  She had an amazing gift and even though she wasn’t sure what all this meant, it made her a stronger person.  I would have loved to do some of the things that Kara did to the bully of her school when I was in high school and that made me like Kara all the more. Blood Entwines captured my attention from the first chapter and I found myself finishing this book in one sitting.  It was an intriguing paranormal tale that will have you wanting more and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Giveaway:
$20 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Kelly reviews Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy

midnight actionTITLE: Midnight Action
SERIES #: Killer Instinct #5
CHARACTERS: Jim Morgan & Noelle
AUTHOR: Elle Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s got a broken heart…
and a fully loaded arsenal….

Ex–army ranger Jim Morgan leads a team of elite mercenaries, but eighteen years ago in Paris, he was part of a black ops unit whose mission was to hunt down a rogue operative. In order to trap the criminal, Jim seduced Noelle, the man’s daughter—a ruthless act that cost him the love of his life and turned her into a mortal enemy. Now he can’t trust her, but he still desires her. He also needs her help….

Older, wiser, and unwilling to play the fool again, Noelle runs a group of highly skilled assassins. And she’s just been offered the hit of the century: Eliminate Jim Morgan. History gives them no reason to trust each other, but with their lives in jeopardy at the hands of a common enemy, the lines between love and hate are soon blurred. Now Noelle and Jim must face the past if they want to have a future—let alone a future together

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I have to start by saying that I could not wait to learn more about Jim & Noelle’s history. There has been so much tension between Jim & Noelle in all the prior books that you knew that their book would be full of tension.
There was a lot of tension between them for sure. There was also a lot of heat. Jim & Noelle have such a sad and heartbreaking history that is filled with a lot of lies, betrayals and misunderstandings. All of these issues lead them to hating each other for a very very long time. But when Jim’s life is in the crosshairs of an assassin, Noelle warns him and finds herself catch up in Jim’s web again. But this time she is not the same young native kid she was when they first meet.
And while I was excited to read their book it feel a little short of what I had hoped for. I am not sure what was missing for me. These two are so hot together. And they both do truly love each other. I really did like the story. I liked that new characters. I really like Ash 🙂 and the side stories about Liam & Sully. So all in all I liked this book and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

her holiday manTITLE: Her Holiday Man
CHARACTERS: Christina & Will
AUTHOR: Shannon Stacey
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/03/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.

REVIEW:
This is a short holiday novella of only about 75 pages. This is a very enjoyable read that really can get you into the Christmas spirit. Christina is starting over from a rich fancy life and is now without anything but her son and yet seems happier than ever. Will is coming back to hometown that he has run away from for years and finds more there than he bargained for.

I felt every bit of the Christmas feel that the author put in this story. I loved the connection that Christina, Nathaniel and Grammy Gail have even before Will comes into the picture. Most of us have had that “adopted gramma” in our lives and that is what Grammy Gail is to Nathaniel and the love they feel towards each other is so sweet. And the connection between Will and Christina is enjoyable to read as well.

This is a perfect novella to have ready to curl in front of the Christmas tree and enjoy when you have the house to yourself. It won’t take long to read and yet will make you feel ready to start the holidays.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly reviews What To Do With A Bad Boy by Marie Harte

what to do with a bad boyTITLE: What to do with a Bad Boy
SERIES #: The McCauley Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Mike McCauley & Delilah Webster
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

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

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

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Mike McCauley has been mourning the loss of the love of his life for last six years. The only thing that has kept him going is his son and his family. Mike has been so lost in his pain that something as simple as finding love again was never going to happen. But he can’t stop the pull that he has to one tough, sassy, tattooed, mechanic.
Delilah Webster might be this super tough chick but really she is a softy and wants what everyone else wants that one true love. But that is not in the cards for Del. But she can’t resist Mike and his sweet little boy.
Okay, I had thought that Cam’s book was my favorite. But nope. Mike is my new favorite McCauley brother. Thank goodness Abby got that flat tire.
What to do with a Bad Boy took me on a lot of highs and lows. I loved Mike & Del’s story. Just loved it. I will say that I did shed a few (or a lot) of tears in this book. If you have not read this series yet you need to and you need to start with book one! Yes you could read each as a stand alone, BUT I think it is important to read from the beginning.
I can’t wait to see what Maire has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Blog Tour & Giveaway: On Borrowed Time by Jenn McKinlay

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ON BORROWED TIME

By Jenn McKinlay

Sometimes I feel desperately guilty.  ON BORROWED TIME is the fifth book in the Library Lover’s mysteries and in her quest for the truth, my amateur sleuth, library director Lindsey Norris has been close to death numerous times not the least of which were being frozen and blown up.  How can I not feel guilty for subjecting her to such horrific events?

Then again, if she wasn’t such a curious sort, the mysteries would never happen, she’d just turn things over to the police and that would be that.  The thing is, I used to be a librarian and by and large we are a terminally nosy bunch.  Our entire life’s work is based on ferreting out information, anything from obscure Shakespeare quotes to why the rabbit’s foot is considered lucky to how to start a small business, so naturally if a murder were to happen in our midst we would feel compelled to solve it.

For balance, I try to give my characters something positive in their life.  In Lindsey’s case she has a close group of friends, a crafternoon group, with whom she shares food, a favorite book and a craft.  She also has a dog named Heathcliif who was found abandoned in the library book drop but has become her loyal companion.  And lastly, she has the potential for a real romance in her life, assuming the man she is interested in can prove to her that he can handle a relationship.

This assuages some of the guilt but not all of it.  When a character rattles around in your head for a few years, you get attached.  I never thought it was possible but go through a few murders together and the bond is strong.  I would like nothing more than to marry off my characters and let them ride off into the sunset without a care, but life doesn’t really work that way, does it?  There is always a mix of good and evil, right and wrong, happy and sad.  Besides if there were no more crimes there would be no more books and then I’d really miss my ladies.

In ON BORROWED TIME, available on Nov 4th, I really put Lindsey through the wringer.  Yes, more guilt but I think the story was worth it and I hope you do, too.  Here’s a snippet of the book so you can see what I mean:

Loving a good cup of coffee runs in the family for Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris. But when her brother, Jack, a consultant for a coffee company, goes missing, her favorite beverage becomes a key clue in a dangerous mystery.

Between preparing the library for the holidays and juggling the affections of ex-boyfriend, Captain Mike Sullivan, and her new crush, actor Robbie Vine, Lindsey has her hands full. But the mysterious disappearance of her world-traveling playboy brother takes precedence over all.

Afraid that involving the police could brew trouble for Jack, Lindsey takes matters into her own hands. But as her quest for her brother embroils her in a strange case involving South American business dealings and an enigmatic and exotic woman, it’ll take the help of both her library book club—the crafternooners—and her eager-to-please suitors to keep Jack from ending up in hot water…

I hope you enjoy reading ON BORROWED TIME as much as I enjoyed writing it.  For more information about me or my books, you can go to my website www.jennmckinlay.com or find me on Facebook or Twitter.

Happy Reading!

Jenn

 About the Author:

jenn mckinlay

Jenn is the New York Times bestselling author of several mystery series. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets and her husband’s guitars.

 

Website/Twitter/Facebook

 

 

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Loving a good cup of coffee runs in the family for Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris. But when her brother, Jack, a consultant for a coffee company, goes missing, her favorite beverage becomes a key clue in a dangerous mystery.

Between preparing the library for the holidays and juggling the affections of ex-boyfriend, Captain Mike Sullivan, and her new crush, actor Robbie Vine, Lindsey has her hands full. But the mysterious disappearance of her world-traveling playboy brother takes precedence over all.

Afraid that involving the police could brew trouble for Jack, Lindsey takes matters into her own hands. But as her quest for her brother embroils her in a strange case involving South American business dealings and an enigmatic and exotic woman, it’ll take the help of both her library book club—the crafternooners—and her eager-to-please suitors to keep Jack from ending up in hot water…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of On Borrowed Time

Review (4 Stars): I love small town mysteries and the Library Lover’s mystery series is one of my favorites.  Lindsey and her staff are preparing for the holidays when she gets an welcome yet unexpected visitor, which she knows is a sure sign of trouble.  Lindsey’s brother, Jack, appears on the doorstep of the library and before Lindsey can find out why he is there, a dead body is found and her brother mysteriously disappears.  To find answers and hopefully clear her brother’s name, Lindsey searches for clues and finds that her brother is involved in something that could put them all in jeopardy.

On Borrowed Time was a thrill-ride of a mystery that is perfect for fans of the series.  I adore Lindsey and her character is always fun to spend time with.  Each book gets more entertaining than the last and I loved the international aspect of this story, which kept the mystery engaging and fresh.  Such a charming series and I can’t wait to see what these characters will be up to next.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of On Borrowed Time. This giveaway is for US Residents only.  To be entered in the drawing by November 15th, leave me a comment below:

Kelly reviews Make You Remember by Macy Beckett

make you rememberTITLE: Make You Remember
SERIES #: Dumont Bachelors #2
CHARACTERS: Beau Dumont & Devyn Mauvais
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ten years ago, Beau Dumont made the biggest mistake of his life by letting his high school sweetheart, Devyn Mauvais, slip through his fingers. Now the reformed bad boy will stop at nothing to get her back. Even if it means tricking her into taking a job on his family’s riverboat, The Belle of the Bayou.

When Devyn’s old flame offers her a stint at the boat’s day care center, she sees it as a chance to prove she isn’t just the descendant of Louisiana’s most infamous voodoo queen. Besides, it beats leading ghost tours around New Orleans. Yet when it comes to Beau, Devyn’s all business. She won’t give the sweet-talking playboy another chance to break her heart.

But there’s no escaping temptation in such close quarters, and Beau won’t be satisfied with a few hot nights with the girl he’s always loved. As he strives to make Devyn remember the good times, will his passion and heart be enough to regain her trust?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Beau & Devyn have a history that was both beautiful and heartbreaking. Both were young and in love. Both figured nothing bad could ever happen. Yet Beau messed that all up by leaving Devyn. Devyn had sworn never to let him hurt her again. The only problem is that they are still (after 10 long years) drawn to each other like a moth to flame. But will history repeat itself or do the have a second chance at their first love?
Make You Remember is book 2 in Macy’s Dumont Bachelors series. I loved Beau & Devyn when we met them in Make You Mine (book 1) and could not wait for their story. And it is safe to say that I loved their book too. Beau and Devyn are so perfect for each other. I loved that Beau was willing to do anything and everything to make Devyn see the light. While Devyn was the gun shy one (for good reason). I can safely say the storage closet and a security room will never be the same on the Belle.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. Alex has a lot and I mean A LOT of ground to cover and groveling to do. I hope that Elle-Claire makes him work hard!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Suede to Rest by Diane Vallere

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Guest Post

by Diane Vallere

I have fond memories of playing in fabric stores when I was young. My mom is an excellent seamstress, and often took my sister and me on trips to Levine’s, our local fabric store, to pick out patterns for new dresses, curtains, pillows, or pajamas. She’d drop me by the tables of pattern books where I’d spend hours flipping through the pages, admiring the fashionable sketches and dreaming of the possibilities. As I got older, I would wander the aisles and pick out interesting prints for clothes that I made myself.

Fabric stores are like bookstores to me. I can’t walk into one and not come out with a package. There are no better places to fritter away time! So when the idea of a cozy mystery series set in a fabric shop came to mind, I knew it was the perfect way to combine two passions. I imagined an old fabric store like the one I used to play in, one that had been around since the fifties. What treasures might be hidden inside: dusty vintage fabrics in a stockroom, new old stock of buttons, pattern books from decades past, forgotten packages of bias tape, or thick bolts of polyester double knit? Or maybe a hint of an unsolved mystery?

SUEDE TO REST, the first book in the Material Witness Mystery Series, opens with Polyester Monroe (so named because she was born inside of the store, on a bed of polyester!) standing in front of the fabric store that she’s inherited. What should be a simple transaction involving her signature on a couple of documents gets complicated when Poly decides to go inside and experience the world where she grew up one last time. She doesn’t expect to feel so connected to the store, especially since she doesn’t feel nearly that connected to the job she holds in Los Angeles. She also doesn’t expect to find a dead body in the parking lot the day after she arrives. It seems Poly  has a choice: stay in San Ladrón and learn the truth about the small town’s secrets, or sign away her ownership of the store and go back to life as she knows it.

I sometimes think there is a part of all of us that wants a chance to get away from our everyday life. Inheriting the fabric store is a wakeup call for Poly. It throws her life into disarray and makes her think about whether or not her life is headed the right direction—and question what exactly is the “right” direction for her.  Not that long ago, I had my own wakeup call and asked myself the same questions. That’s when I changed career paths and moved from Texas to California (where SUEDE TO REST is set). The move was scary–especially for someone who likes to plan everything! I could have stayed where I was, and I could have moved back to Pennsylvania, where I’m from. Instead, I chose the unknown door number three. The move brought new opportunities to my life and, while I haven’t had to contend with any dead bodies, I did think a lot about that somewhat spontaneous decision when writing Poly’s story. So far, things have worked out pretty well for me.

I wonder how they’ll turn out for Poly?

About the Author:

DianeVallereAuthorPhoto_color_croppedI’m the daughter of a seamstress and a scientist, so naturally I like fashion, fabric, and figuring things out (though at times it feels like I’m the love child of Edith Head and Spock). In my spare time I daydream about owning a time capsule midcentury modern ranch. I spent over twenty years in the fashion industry, where I was lucky enough to travel the world for runway shows, shoe markets, and lingerie fairs. Now I’m lucky enough to stay home and write!

I’m a Pennsylvanian at heart, but currently live in Southern California, where I’ve set my upcoming Material Witness Mystery Series. The first, SUEDE TO REST, debuts in November 2014.

My other series include the Style & Error Mysteries, featuring crime solving fashionista Samantha Kidd, (set in my childhood hometown of Reading, PA), and the Mad for Mod Mysteries, featuring Doris Day-loving interior decorator Madison Night (set in Dallas, TX).

I am represented by agent Jessica Faust of Bookends Literary Agency, and when I’m not working on a manuscript, I’m blogging with my fellow Mysteristas. I belong to a whole bunch of awesome organizations (Sisters in Crime, MWA, ITW, IBPA, and, of course, the Guppies!), though my favorite is the Sisters in Crime chapter I’m the president of: SinC Los Angeles.

Website

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With her career as a dress designer in shreds, Polyester Monroe is looking forward to a fresh start. But as it all unfolds, the pattern to a new beginning looks a lot like murder.

When Poly Monroe was little, she loved playing in her family’s textile store. But after a fatal family tragedy, Land of A Thousand Fabrics was boarded up and Poly never expected to see the inside again. Now, as inheritor of the long-shuttered shop, she’s ready to restore the family business.

However her two new kittens, Pins and Needles, aren’t the ones causing a snag in her plans…

Not everyone wants Poly back in San Ladrón, especially a powerful local developer pressuring her to sell—and leave town fast. But even when the threats turn deadly, she’s not ready to bolt. Because Poly is beginning to suspect that the murder behind the shop is tied to a mystery in her family’s unsettled past that she’s determined to solve before her own life is left hanging by a thread.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Suede to Rest

Review (4 Stars): This book was a perfect combination of great characters, a thought-provoking mystery, a strong heroine and two adorable kittens, which made this an enjoyable read for me.  Poly found herself involved in a mystery as soon as she set foot in her family’s business and someone desperately wanted her to sell the business and leave town.  She quickly had to figure out who was behind all this before she became another victim on this killer’s list.

Poly was an interesting character who loved fabrics just as much as her family did and saw that this was more of an opportunity to do what she wanted instead of going back to the boring dead end job that she left behind. I loved the writing style of Ms. Vallere and couldn’t wait to see what happened next to Poly while she was visiting San Ladrón. I also liked meeting the secondary characters especially the members of the senior patrol and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to Poly in the next book.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Suede to Rest. This giveaway is for US Residents only.  To be entered in the drawing by November 10th, please leave a comment for Ms. Vallere below:

Natasha reviews Immortal by J.R. Ward

immortalTITLE: Immortal
SERIES #: Fallen Angels #6
CHARACTERS: Jim, Sissy, Eddie, Adrian & Devina
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/7/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From J.R. Ward, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who has kept readers on the edge of their seats with her phenomenal Fallen Angels novels, comes one of the most heart-stirring and eagerly anticipated events in that acclaimed series.

This is a world where sin and salvation collide. This is a world where a cynical fallen angel struggles with the seven deadly sins and seven chosen souls. With the spellbinding Immortal, the riveting series that “changed the face of paranormal romance” comes to an epic close as mankind’s reluctant savior struggles with his greatest challenge yet…

REVIEW:
This is the final installment in the J.R. Ward Fallen Angel series. We’ve followed Jim for six books now in his fight against the evil Devina for the souls of all of humanity. This has been an intense series. Jim is extremely frustrating throughout this series and there are times when you want to strangle him. However, in this book he’s finally made some progress. He’s still a super volatile macho man that has to overcome his evil side, but he’s much more clear-headed and sane. Sissy was a big reason for this. I had my doubts about Sissy’s importance throughout this series, but I know understand why she was introduced as such a monumental character. There were times I literally cried during this book (Adrian & Eddie, Nigel & Colin). It was super emotional on many levels. The connections made through these characters were deep. I was very invested in all of their futures. There are many time when a series closes out and many followers are left disappointed. Though this series started off slow and rough for me, it definitely ended on a high note. I’m very pleased with the series closure and am very happy I stuck through the entire series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Beauty and the Biker by Beth Ciotta

Enter to Win
A Kelly Rae Roberts
Inspirational Cuff Bracelet
 

A new contemporary series—Impossible Dream—celebrating hope, love, and the magic of the human spirit!

Five long-time girlfriends—known as The Inseparables—find themselves in their thirties and battling disillusion. Tangled up in real-life troubles and stifled aspirations, they’re ready to ditch their deepest desires .. until they stumble upon the peculiar matchmaking company, “Impossible Dream,” where they each find the rare opportunity to make seemingly impossible dreams come true.

A series of modern-day fairytales beginning with . . . Beauty & the Biker

PRINCE CHARMING IS OUT THERE. SOMEWHERE.

Miracles happen every day. Even in Nowhere, Nebraska. That’s Bella Mooney’s philosophy and she’s sticking to it! A children’s librarian who writes fairy tales on the side, Bella has earned the reputation of fanciful Pollyanna. No surprise that she applied for her “ideal man” via ImpossibleDream.com, an Internet company designed to make dreams come true. However, even whimsical Bella has real-life issues, forcing her to take drastic actions in order to spin her dad’s life (and in turn her own) for the better. As fate draws her into the troubling world of her new neighbor—a cynical biker with a scarred soul and checkered past—Bella finds herself falling for the most unlikely man, twisting her perceptions of true love and testing her faith in dreams.

FATE LANDED HIM IN NOWHERE. 

Expect nothing. Anticipate the worst. As a detective with the Chicago Police Department, Joe Savage witnessed heinous crimes and acts of cruelty on a daily basis, obliterating his faith in humanity. When a personal vendetta cost him his job and a quirky inheritance offered escape, Joe packed it in and steered his Harley toward a small town bordering Tornado Alley and the Twilight Zone. Where better to lose himself than Nowhere? Resigned to a dark and lonely existence, Joe’s life is suddenly shoved into the sunshine when his eccentric neighbor offers him a chance he can’t refuse, especially after her kiss of hope rekindles his dead heart. Inspired and challenged by Bella’s infectious optimism, Joe dares to make the impossible come true.

 
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Excerpt-Banner
“Here’s the deal,” Bella said, bursting with anticipation. Is he or is he not a magical kisser? Because if he was, that was her sign. “Carson—that’s my ex, except he hasn’t accepted that fact—thinks he’s perfect for me.”
“What do you think?”
She didn’t want to detail her history with Carson. Admitting the reasons behind her poor judgment and bemoaning his manipulative pursuit were too personal. She’d glossed over the emotional aspects with her closest friends. Why in God’s name would she share them with a stranger?
Oddly enough, she didn’t feel the same when it came to citing their less than magical physical relations. Which only affirmed how impersonal those relations were. Her cheeks burned, but the words flowed.
“Carson doesn’t inspire earthquakes and fireworks, if you catch my drift. Then again no one ever has. Not that there’ve been that many,” she added. “I need to know it’s not me. That I’m not, I don’t know, broken somehow.  That I’m not expecting too much. That there’s…hope. Don’t get a swelled head or any kinky thoughts, but I think you’re gorgeous—in a menacing kind of way—and fascinating. Like a tortured hero in a gothic novel. You make my insides squishy. That’s a first. In real life anyway—as opposed to going all soft for a fictional guy in film or literature. If you can’t shake my world then, well…maybe I should settle for Carson.”
“Are you done?”
Blushing profusely, Bella shied away. So much for derring-do.
Savage caught her elbow and pulled her close. “Don’t get a swelled head or any kinky ideas, but I think you’re beautiful—in an irritating angelic way.” He stroked her cheek then threaded his hands through her hair. “How old are you anyway?”
“Twenty-nine.”
“You seem younger.”
“How old are you?” she asked.
“Thirty-five.”
“You seem older.”
His mouth crooked, implying a sense of humor. Ideal quality #1. “Do you want the earth to tilt?” he asked. “Or spin?”
It was the kind of arrogance Carson flaunted every day. Only Bella suspected Savage would make good on his offer. “You can do that?”
He held her gaze, weaving a seductive spell with spine-tingling silence.
“Spin, please,” she managed before the universe shimmied and glittered.
His embrace was tender yet possessive. His mouth soft and teasing then hard and demanding.  This kiss… This. Kiss. Was overwhelming. All consuming. It buzzed through her body, head to toe, heart to soul.
Lost.
In a magical kiss.
Bewitched.
Forever and always.
She curled her fingers into his shoulders, his hair. Holding tight as the world spun off its axis.

She responded to his touch, his heat, his need.

She pressed against his body. Wanting more. Needing more.

His desire was evident and pushed Bella over the edge. She imploded, trembling with an aftermath of erotic sensations.
Orgasmic nirvana.
Compliments of a kiss.
Savage’s kiss.
“You’re not broken.”
His words cut through her sensual haze. Bella grappled for reality and balance. Heat suffused her cheeks as she bolstered her noodly limbs and met his intoxicating gaze. Assaulted by physical yearning and a riot of emotions, she could scarcely breathe. “Good. Great. Thank you.”
She backed out of his lethal embrace, willed dignity, and channeled the Inseparables. Any one of her friends was worldlier than her. Try as she might Bella couldn’t manage casual. Not when her heart and head pounded with a united thought.
He’s the one.
After months of sadness and unrest, in the midst of multiple personal trials, something good was happening. Unexpected and magical and charmingly improbable.
Savage dragged his hands over his face, through his hair. He looked sinfully handsome, dark and dangerous, and absolutely miserable.
Probably because her heart was in her eyes.
“I’ll taint your world,” he said.

“I’ll take my chances.”

 
 

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Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, steampunk, and paranormal romantic fiction.

Beth lives in NJ with her husband, two zany dogs, and a crazy cat. A veteran professional performer, Beth now pours her artistic passion into her writing. To learn more about her colorful life, visit her website at www.bethciotta.com

Find Her Here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Jennifer’s Review of Beauty and the Biker
Review (4.25 Stars):  This is the first book in a new series by Beth Ciotta and I think that this will be one that shouldn’t be missed. Bella Mooney is a children’s librarian who is currently disillusioned with her life.  She moved home to help her grieving father after her mother died and has been trying to help her father deal with their loss.  She recently broke up with her “wonderful” boyfriend, Carson, because the relationship was going nowhere and she wants to experience the kind of love that her parents had.  Joe Savage has moved to town to leave his past behind and deal with the property that was left to him by a family member.  He is trying desperately to forget the dark things he had to do for his job and Bella seems to be the only bright spot in his painful dark existence.  Maybe the two together can finally make their dreams come true spending time with another.

 

I really liked Bella in this story.  She was very sweet, loving and kind and wanted more out her life than just settling for anyone.  She wanted to be a children’s writer and just needed to find someone who could illustrate her book so she could sell her idea.  I loved that she still had hope and took the opportunity to put down everything that she ever wanted when she posted on the website, Impossible Dream.  She wanted a love like her parents and even though Joe seemed like a jerk, she still made an effort to befriend him and offered to help him clean up his property.

 

Joe didn’t seem like a very nice guy in the beginning of this book but I saw that all he wanted was peace and quiet to deal with the demons that were haunting him.  I was glad to see that he had a softer side when he was with Bella and was someone that could make all her dreams come true.  She was the key to his future, he just had to trust his instincts and take a chance on this beautiful woman in front of him.

 

Beauty and Biker is a lovely small-town romance that makes you believe that even the most impossible dreams can come true. I loved Bella and Joe together and I think that were definitely right for one another.  I also loved all her friends and can’t wait to learn more about them in future books because they all need to find their own happy endings.

Kelly reviews Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy

accidently deadTITLE: Accidentally Dead
SERIES #: Accidentals #2
CHARACTERS: Greg Statleon & Nina Blackman
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2008 (Audio: May, 13, 2014)
RUN TIME: 10 Hour & 35 Minutes
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A vampire puts the bite on a dental assistant.

It’s a lousy first day on the job for Nina Blackman when a patient, loopy from the anesthesia, bites her. At least he was cute. But for real drama she can’t beat the next evening. Nina wakes up with a set of razor-sharp fangs, bionic vision, supersonic hearing, and a taste for blood. But there’s a good explanation: It’s her patient, Long Island vampire Greg Statleon. Actually they’re perfect for each other if Nina’s willing to commit to one man for eternity.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Nina Blackman is no stranger to the paranormal. Not after the wild ride she went on with her friend Marty. But waking up as a vampire is too much for Nina. She is determined to find a way to become human again. Now to find the vampire who turned her.

This was another great story from Ms. Cassidy. I enjoyed Nina’s crazy story. I will say that I didn’t care much for Nina and her smart mouth in The Accidental Werewolf (bk 1). But as Accidentally Dead went on I really grew to like Nina. There is a whole lot more to Nina then just her tough guy act and her smart-ass mouth. And Greg!! Greg is the perfect solution for Nina. Beyond perfect! I love their fights and make ups. I love that Nina always has one more questions. I can’t wait to see these two in future books.

I am looking forward to book 3 Wanda really needs a little HEA!!

I listened to this book on audio. Ms. Mitchell did a great job again bring the characters to life again. I often wonder what narrators think when they are narrating books. I would guess that Ms. Mitchell had a great time being Nina and all her foul mouth and easily angered persona.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Made For You by Lauren Layne

Made-for-You-Lauren-Layne

Cover_MADEFORYOU

When the Wrong Guy is Oh-So-Right

Will Thatcher is exactly the type of sexy playboy good girls like Brynn have always avoided. And yet there was still something about him she just couldn’t resist. When Will moved across the country three years ago, Brynn vowed it was time to put him behind her. She never thought Will might have other plans . . .

Back in town, Will intends to get what he’s always wanted-gorgeous, unforgettable Brynn. For years, he tormented the untouchable ice princess in a desperate bid for her attention. Now he has a new plan, and he’ll do anything to rewrite their stormy past.
This time, he’s out to show Brynn that the imperfect man might be the best mistake of her life . .

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Excerpt-Banner

Will knew exactly the moment she’d seen him. He felt it like a shock to the balls, and he wanted a shot of whisky. Now.

It had taken a full fifty-seven minutes since he’d walked into the door until her ice blue eyes had locked on him, and that was including the ridiculous amount of time she’d spent in the bathroom.

She made him wait another twenty minutes before seeking him out.

But what was an extra seventy-seven minutes when you’d already waited a lifetime?

Will watched her approach, her expression schooled into an expression of polite indifference. She stopped a several inches in front of him, and only the slight narrowing of gray-blue eyes giving any indication that she wanted him dead. Which of course, she did.

“William.”

“Brynn,” he said, matching her prim tone.

He felt a little jolt of disappointment at her vapid smile. It was the same courteous, reveal-nothing expression she’d given everyone else in the room. He’d been kind of hoping for that special brand of bitchy that she’d always reserved just for him.

“You’re looking a little wider around the hips,” he said with an insulting glance up and down. She hadn’t, but the thought that she’d gained an ounce would keep her up at night.

Her smile slipped for a second, and for a moment he realized if he’d struck a nerve. Normally he wouldn’t dare touch the subject of a women’s weight. He wasn’t a total ass.

But Brynn had had the same perfectly slim figure as long as he’d known her — she wouldn’t tolerate anything else. Her physical appearance was flawless.

Her personality, however…

“And you’re looking…manwhorish,” she said with the usual venom.

Ah. There the old Brynn. He nearly smiled. “So. Nice party,” he said blandly.

“Yes, it was sweet of Sophie to put it together.”

“Mm hmm,” he said, taking a sip of his red wine. “And exactly how intense was the urge to strangle her when you learned that she’d planned a surprise party instead of the usual boring birthday dinner with your family?”

This time the smile faded all together. “Don’t. Don’t do that thing.”

“What thing?”

“That thing where you make it a point of thinking you know me better than anyone else.”

Don’t I? He stifled the thought. For now.

madeforyou-teaser2

About the Author:

Lauren

Lauren Layne used to work in e-commerce. She wore cute shoes and big-girl clothes like an adult.

Then she was like, nope, changed into her pajamas and started writing romance novels.

She believes in sarcasm, weekday happy hours, and happily ever after.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

 

Jennifer’s Review of Made For You

Review (4.5 Stars): Made For You was such a fun and romantic read that I know this book will have readers laughing out loud.  I loved Brynn and Will together as a couple and I enjoyed all the mischievous things that Will did to get Brynn’s attention.  Brynn always considered Will to be a thorn in her side and he seemed to do everything that he could to get on her nerves.  When he came back to Seattle, Brynn knew she was in trouble because his goal in life has always been to make her life miserable.  Little did Brynn know was that Will wasn’t there to torment her but to finally admit that she had always been “the one” for him and this time he wasn’t leaving until he won her heart.

Brynn was so prim and proper, trying to keep her life organized by always making detailed lists to keep her focused.  She had a difficult childhood and by keeping herself so disciplined, she prevented herself from falling back into old habits that had plagued her when she was younger.  She needed someone like Will in her life to remind her that life was about living and being spontaneous, instead of having every inch of her life planned out.  Will was the exact opposite of Brynn, a sexy easy-going guy, that just did things by the seat of his pants.  He knew he made a mistake with Brynn a long time ago and now it was time to make things right, if Brynn didn’t kill him first.

I loved Made For You and I can’t tell you how many times the scenes with Brynn and Will had me laughing out loud.  Ms. Layne has written such an entertaining and irresistible romance with Made For You that I’m now a fan for life.

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Kelly reviews Alien Collective by Gini Koch

alien collectiveTITLE: Alien Collective
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt #9
CHARACTERS: Kitty, Jeff and the whole AC Crew
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: May 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Despite not having run for office, nor wanting to remain in office, Representative Jeff Martini is being wooed as the vice presidential running mate for a charismatic senator who seems likely to win the campaign. While the Diplomatic Corps has to deal with the pressures of a political campaign sure to uncover secrets they don’t want shared with the world, Ambassador Kitty Katt-Martini has other worries—handling the reemergence of her most potent nemesis, thought dead and buried

REVIEW:
I am always amazed about the amount of stuff going on in Ms. Koch’s books. It is kind of like looking through a stain glass window. You can kind of see what is outside, yet you are looking through many panels of glass and each is showing you a different image. The question should be is what you are seeing real? Or is your image distorted?

That all being said. In Alien Collective we find Kitty, Jeff, little Jamie-Kat and the whole A-C crew with their back against the wall again. This time it seems to be Jeff who is in the crosshairs. But the questions really is who is the real enemy and who can the A-C’s really trust? As always Kitty kicks some major. But it never hurts to have a little help from your friends. Thank goodness Kitty has some amazing friends.

If you have not started this series I believe you have to read this series in order There is so much that has happened to date that you would be a little lost. If you are a fan of Kitty’s series I think that you will enjoy Alien Collective.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series even if reading the blurb gives me a cause of anxiety. I will have to trust that the keeper of words knows what she is doing.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts