TITLE: Seducing Seven
SERIES #: A What Happens in Vegas Story
CHARACTERS: Blake Turner & Seven Michaels
AUTHOR: MK Meredith
PUBLICATION DATE: October 12, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He bet on logic. She bet on love.
Romance author Seven Michaels believes in love to her very core. She has to–not only for herself, but for her readers. So when luxury salesman Blake Turner insults not only her books but the people who read them, Seven’s ready to throw down. How dare a playboy like Blake insinuate romance lovers are full of crap?
He wants proof? Fine. She bets Blake she can make him fall for her by using the rules in her latest novel before the end of the convention, or she’ll denounce love in front of all her fellow authors and fans at the Romance Lovers Convention ball. A dangerous game to be sure, but humiliating Blake is worth the risk.
But when Seven realizes she’s the one who’s being seduced, she’s no longer sure who is playing whom…or whether she’ll have a career when the bet is over.
REVIEW:
This was a very cute, fun and quick read. I started reading think I would read just a few chapters and a couple hours later I was finished.
I really like Seven and Blake. They are both awesome, stubborn and don’t like to lose. I loved how these two met (makes me want to hang out by the elevators more often) to the firework show on the roof to the speech that Blake gives. It was a very sweet story.
I am very glad that I pick up a copy of this story. I would like to request that Six get a story!!!! Just sayin’ MK. Six needs a story too. 🙂
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Elisabeth Naughton’s CROSSWINDS!! CROSSWINDS is Episode 3 in the Rising Storm Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. This episode is out today so make sure you grab your copy and pre-order the following episodes in this amazing new series!!
Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep,
and secrets have the power to destroy…
Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.
But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.
Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, Rising Storm is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.
With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Elisabeth Naughton and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” is an incredible group of New York Times bestselling authors such as Lexi Blake, Elisabeth Naughton, Jennifer Probst, Larissa Ione, Rebecca Zanetti and Lisa Mondello who have brought their vision of Storm to life.
A serial soap opera containing eight episodes in season one, the season premiere of Rising Storm, CROSSWINDS, debuts September 24th with each subsequent episode releasing consecutively this fall.
So get ready. The storm is coming.
*****
TITLE: Crosswinds SERIES #: Rising Storm Episode #3 CHARACTERS: AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton PUBLICATION DATE: October 8, 2015 ORDER LINKS: Amazon | iBooks | GooglePlay
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Secrets, Sex and Scandals … Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.
Lacey Salt’s world shattered with the death of her brother, and now the usually sweet-tempered girl is determined to take back some control—even if that means sabotaging her best friend, Mallory, and Mallory’s new boyfriend, Luis.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 Okay Elisabeth if you ever decide to not be an author (which I know you won’t) you could become a writer of soap operas. You seriously nailed the evil soap queen perfectly. I absolutely and totally hate Lacey. So I believe you did your job!!!
I have forgotten how much anxiety soaps give me. The Rising Storm series is doing a great job of giving me the feeling of hope and then crushing my little heart. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what happens in the next episode. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Evil Eye Concepts in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Before topping multiple bestseller lists–including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal–Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home. Visit Elisabeth Naughton’s website.
TITLE: Rock Redemption
SERIES #: Rock Kiss #3
CHARACTERS: Noah St. John & Kit Devigny
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N |iBooks | Kobo
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kit Devigny could have loved rock guitarist Noah St. John. Their friendship burned with the promise of intense passion and searing tenderness…until the night Noah deliberately shattered her heart.
Noah knows he destroyed something precious the night he chose to betray Kit, but he’d rather she hate him than learn his darkest secret. All he has left is his music. It’s his saving grace, but it doesn’t silence the voices that keep him up at night. Chasing oblivion through endless one-night-stands, he earns a few hours’ sleep and his bad boy reputation.
When a media error sees Noah and Kit dubbed the new “it” couple, Kit discovers her chance at the role of a lifetime hinges on riding the media wave. Wanting—needing—to give Kit this, even if he can’t give her everything, Noah agrees to play the adoring boyfriend. Only the illusion is suddenly too real, too painful, too beautiful…and it may be too late for the redemption of Noah St. John.
REVIEW:
Over the last three Rock Kiss stories we have seen Noah as the bad boy of the band. The one who doesn’t care about anyone except the members of the band. The one that uses women at every turn. And the one who will never find the love that Fox and David found. But in Rock Redemption we get to see that Noah is more than just a bad boy. Noah is a man that has a dark past and doesn’t believe he deserves the love and trust of the only woman he has ever loved.
Noah and Kit’s story is a heartbreaking story of a man trying to find his place in the world. This story tugged at my heartstrings with every page. Noah’s past is heartbreaking, yet it has made him stronger than even he knows. Kit is a very strong and forgiving woman. The has loved Noah for years, even after he betrayed her and broke her heart.
Noah and Kit are perfect for each other. I loved seeing them both learn to maneuver the tricky line between friendship and love. I am really enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see what Nalini has in store for Abe.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & TKA Distribution in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
4 Hearts
Excerpt from ROCK REDEMPTION by Nalini Singh
Kit groaned at the sound of her phone. Reaching out blindly toward the nightstand, she hurled mental curses upon herself for forgetting to turn it off so she could catch some uninterrupted sleep before her four-a.m. makeup call.
It’d be fun and great for her career, her agent had said when recommending Kit take the superhero flick. Coming off two serious and emotionally wrenching projects, Kit had taken Harper’s advice and jumped on board the high-budget, high-octane venture. Unfortunately, Harper had forgotten to mention the four hours it would take to put her into the head-to-toe makeup required for the role. Daily.
“What?” she snarled into the phone without checking to see who it was.
“Hey, Katie.”
Every cell in her body snapped wide awake. Lifting her eyelids, she just stared at the ceiling through gritty eyes. Her heart thumped, her throat moving convulsively as she swallowed. She hated that he could still do this to her, hated it, but her visceral response to Noah wasn’t something she could stop. She knew because she’d tried for the past two years and three months.
“Noah,” she said flatly. “Do you know what time it is?”
“Two fifteen,” he answered.
Kit should’ve hung up. God, he’d hurt her. So much. But there was something in his voice that had her sitting up. “Are you drunk?” One thing she knew about Noah: no matter his bad-boy rep, he was never wasted. He might give a good indication of it, but look closely and those dark gray eyes were always sober.
“Probably.” A silence, followed by, “I just wanted to hear your voice. Sorry for waking you.”
“Wait,” she said when he would’ve hung up. “Where are you?”
“Some dive.” He took a deep breath, released it in a harsh exhale. “I’m sorry for being an asshole. I wanted to tell you that. I don’t want to go without saying that.”
“Noah,” she said, a horrible feeling in her stomach. “Where exactly are you?”
“The Blue Flamingo Inn off Hollywood Boulevard. Far, far, far off.” He laughed, and it held no humor. “It has a neon sign of a blue—surprise!—flamingo that’s flashing right through my window. Looks like someone stole the curtains.”
Having already grabbed her laptop, which she’d left beside the bed after answering some e-mails before sleep claimed her, she found the Blue Flamingo Inn. But Noah was already gone, having said, “I love your voice, Kit,” in an oddly raw tone before hanging up.
He didn’t pick up when she called back.
“Damn it! Damn it!” She shoved aside the blanket under which she’d been buried, having turned the AC to ice-cold as she usually did at night. Shivering, she tugged on a pair of jeans and an old sweatshirt over the panties and tank top in which she’d gone to sleep.
Pulling her black hair into a rough ponytail to keep it out of her eyes, she ran through the house, phone in one pocket, credit card and driver’s license in the other. In the kitchen, she grabbed her keys off the counter and shoved her feet into the tennis shoes by the door that led to the garage.
She was in her car and on the way to the motel three minutes after Noah had hung up, mouth dry and an ugliness in her gut. “Please be okay, please be okay, please be okay,” she kept saying, the mantra doing nothing to calm her down, but at least it kept her mind focused.
She wanted to call Molly and Fox, or the others in the band, but no one was currently in the city. Schoolboy Choir had completed the final show in the band’s hugely successful tour just over two weeks earlier. Day after that, they’d all gone their separate ways to recharge and regroup.
“Much as I love these guys,” David had said with a grin that reached the dark gold of his eyes, “I’ve been looking at their ugly mugs daily for months. We need to go blow off some steam separately before we start snarling at each other.”
At the time, Kit had nodded in understanding, having had that same experience while working on location for long periods. Tonight, however, she wished the others were all here, not scattered across the country, because something was very wrong with Noah.
“Noah doesn’t do drugs,” she told herself as she drove as fast as she dared, not wanting to risk getting pulled over and further delayed. “He isn’t the kind to—” She couldn’t say it, couldn’t even think of Noah ending his life. “No,” she said firmly, her hands white-knuckled on the steering wheel. “Noah isn’t like that.”
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling, Guild Hunter, and Rock Kiss series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a beautiful, charismatic guitarist with a dark past. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.
Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Also, don’t forget to swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page for the Rock Kissseries, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the books.
TITLE: A Silver Wolf Christmas
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #17
CHARACTERS: C.J. Silver & Laurel MacTire
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fans of shapeshifter romance will be thrilled to spend Christmas with the Silver Town werewolf pack…
C.J. Silver is eager to help the new she-wolves in town renovate the old hotel in time for the holidays, especially if it means spending time under the mistletoe with the alluring Laurel MacTire.
The bustle in the long abandoned hotel attracts the attention of human ghosthunters out to prove the place haunted, but the bigger problem is keeping them from discovering the werewolves in Silver Town. CJ and Laurel have to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes. Working together is a surprisingly hot holiday treat for two attractive and clever wolf shifters
KELLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts I enjoyed this story. I liked that it was set at Christmas time, yet didn’t have a huge “it’s a Christmas story” vibe. I really enjoyed C.J. and Laurel’s relationship. It was nice to see them grow as people and as a couple throughout this book. I enjoyed the ghostly elements of the story too.
I really liked the new wolfs we meet too. I am hoping that means more stories in the future :).
All and all this was another really good read by Ms. Spears
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts I enjoyed this story. It is set at Christmas but I wouldn’t exactly say it is a holiday story. But it is still an enjoyable shifting story with a bit of a different kind of paranormal and a bit of suspense.
In the beginning I had a bit of a problem with this book. CJ seemed like a teenager with his first crush. He was written very young but as the book moved forward he seemed to change into a man and not a teen. I liked Laurel right off. She is the alpha of her three sisters and seems really mature which is why I couldn’t see her and CJ together at first.
We learn that the girls are in town for more than renovating the old hotel and it begins to feel a little like a ghost story. Is there is a ghost wolf? A haunted hotel? And what happened to the previous owners and the girls aunt?
After I got more into the book I enjoyed it more. The beginning was a bit rough and I did have a bit of a problem with how quickly to the reader the romance happened. It seemed like one day they were interested in each other but distant and the next they were dating and then mated. It just seemed fast to me. But as the book moved on the romance became more real to them I enjoyed it more. The suspense part was an added enjoyment. As I said I don’t know that I would call this a Christmas story even though it is brought up a few times but as a fan of paranormal romance you will enjoy it no matter what time of year it is.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: All I Want
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #7
CHARACTERS: Parker James & Zoe Stone
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: October 6, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the “awesomely, incredibly talented”* New York Times bestselling author of Still the One, comes a sexy new Animal Magnetism novel set in Sunshine, Idaho, where the sky is the limit when it comes to love.
Pilot-for-hire Zoe Stone is happy to call Sunshine, Idaho, her home base. But her quiet life is thrown for a loop when her brother’s friend Parker comes to stay with her for a week. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife special agent is a handsome flirt with a gift for getting under her skin. And the situation only escalates when Parker hires her to fly him around the area while he collects evidence on a suspected smuggler.
Now she has to live and work with the guy. But when they’re in the air, she sees another side of him. He’s driven, focused, and sharp. And while he enjoys giving commentary on her blind dates, she quickly realizes with a shock that it’s Parker who gets her engines going
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts How to make a good first impression: Kiss the next person that walks up to your door.
I think Zoe needs to not take advice from her sister Darcy. Or maybe she should take more advice from her.
This was a fun book. I loved Parker. He is all rough and tough but a sucker for big eyes, tears and little animals. He is also sneaky, handy and really easy on the eyes. Therefore it make him the perfect person for Zoe.
Zoe “I got this” Stone is one tough nut to crack. She does make things a little hard on Parker (but for good reason). But these two together were great. *wink, wink*
I loved Oreo and Bonnie and Clyde.
As always Jill writes a story that leaves me wanting to read more about her characters. I am so happy that Zoe finally found her match. I can’t wait to see what Jill has in store for us next!!!
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I loved this story. We met Zoe a few books back that gave us some insight into who Zoe is. Zoe is strong and independent. She loves her siblings with her heart. Her family, home and job are her whole life and mostly she is fine with that. But when Wyatt and Darcy fall in love Zoe is left with empty nest syndrome in her own way so in this story she decides to find love… oh ok maybe just lust… either will work.
In walks Parker, literally. Parker is good friends with Wyatt and Zoe offers him a place to stay while he is in town for vacation but Parker is there for more than that. But what he ends up with is everything he never knew he wanted.
Parker is perfect for Zoe. Somehow he clicks into her weird way of living and figures a way around her idiosyncrasies. He feels an immediate need to right her world for her and I love the way he goes about it. I fell a little in love with Parker within the first chapter of meeting him and fell deeper with every chapter after that. The only thing I would have changed about the book is having Zoe going on more blind dates and having Parker comment on all of them. His sense of humor is great and would have been great if he made comments about each of them but that being said this book is almost perfect.
And Oreo is a delight and when Bonnie and Clyde join the mix the Animal Magnetism kicks it up a notch.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this 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.
TITLE: Base Instincts
SERIES #: Demonica #11.7
CHARACTERS: Raze, Slake & Fayle
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: September 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a Seminus demon, Raze’s life literally depends on having sex with females. The problem is that he doesn’t desire females, and it’s physically impossible for him to be with males. Thankfully, he and his best friend, Fayle, have an arrangement that keeps him alive . . . if lonely. He finds some solace in his work as a medic at Thirst, a vampire club known for its rough clientele. But his carefully structured world turns upside down when he meets a mysterious male who makes him want what he can never have.
Slake is an assassin used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is Raze. But he also wants to earn back the soul he sold when he was a much different demon. All he has to do is capture a runaway succubus named Fayle and hand her over to her family. What he doesn’t count on is being caught himself by a web of lies—and his attraction to Raze.
Raze and Slake must navigate a dangerous world to be together. But as Fayle’s jealousy of their relationship turns deadly, they find themselves embroiled in a battle not only for their love, but their lives and souls.
REVIEW:
This was a very quick read, but fabulous! I love the Demonica series and have ready every single one of Larissa Ione’s books. She is an amazing writer and creates such touching characters – I have fallen in love with all of them. Even the not-so-nice ones! This story was no exception. Slake and Raze are great individually and so much more fun together! As with all her series, Ione gave us adequate page time for our all time favorite characters from books past. It’s a big family of a universe and I’m so happy that we get to stay connected to everyone in each installment. You never get bored; you just fall more in love with each page. Read this story alone or as a dedicated fan – you will never be disappointed!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & RipTide Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Lexi Blake’s WHITE LIGHTNING! WHITE LIGHTNING is Episode 2 in the Rising Storm Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. This series is amazing and not to be missed!! Grab your copy today!
Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy…
Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.
But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.
Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, Rising Storm is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.
With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Julie Kenner and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” is an incredible group of New York Times bestselling authors such as Lexi Blake, Elisabeth Naughton, Jennifer Probst, Larissa Ione, Rebecca Zanetti and Lisa Mondello who have brought their vision of Storm to life.
A serial soap opera containing eight episodes in season one, the season premiere of Rising Storm, TEMPEST RISING, debuted September 24th with each subsequent episode releasing consecutively this fall.
So get ready. The storm is coming.
TITLE: White Lighting SERIES #: Rising Storm Episode #2 AUTHOR: Lexi Blake PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2015 ORDER LINKS: Amazon | iBooks | GooglePlay
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Secrets, Sex and Scandals …
Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.
As the citizens of Storm, Texas, sway in the wake of the death of one of their own, Daddy’s girl Dakota Alvarez also reels from an unexpected family crisis … and finds consolation in a most unexpected place.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 Wowza!!!! This is going to be a crazy ride. Just like any good soap opera you find yourself sucked into the storyline, are wanting more and go through withdrawals when you are done with the current episode.
I really liked White Lighting and I am sure with each episode I will like each more and more as the story grows and we get hooked on characters. I don’t want to say too much because I want you to read this series. I want you to discover who is doing who, who wants to hurt who and who is the Sammy Brady of the group (Yes, I was a Days of our Life fan back when I had time for day time tv). I do really hope that by the end of these episodes (how ever many season we go) that there will be happy endings.
Until the next time I get to read my stories I leave you with this. Watch your back, watch who you sleep with and never, ever trust the person that says “trust me”.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.
TITLE: Marry Me at Christmas
SERIES #: Fools Gold #19
CHARACTERS: Jonny Blaze & Madelin Krug
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wish upon a Christmas star with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s sparkling Fool’s Gold romance!
To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she’ll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world’s sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!
Jonny came to Fool’s Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and “ordinary” Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he’s ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.
Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?
KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Another fun trip to Fool’s Gold. Like every trip to Fool’s Gold we find ourselves immersed into the life of the town folk. In Marry Me at Christmas we get to see how Madeline reacts when she comes face to face the her celebrity crush. It has been fun over the last few books to see how star struck she is. But I don’t think Madeline was ready for the man behind the action hero facide.
Jonny Blaze is use to people wanting him, but for all the wrong reasons. Being a superstar comes with it’s downfalls. But in Fool’s Gold everyone (well almost everyone) treats him as if he is just a person. When Jonny asks for help to plan his sister’s wedding he never in his wildest dream thought he would meet someone like Madeline. Now all he has to do is keep her arms lenght.
I always love my visits to Fool’s Gold. The character are always so much fun. One great thing about this series is that you can pick up any book and read them. You do not have to read these in order. So if you have not picked up a Fool’s Gold book go do it now 🙂
Until my next trip stay out of trouble Fool’s Gold.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Fool’s Gold is my favorite (fictional) vacation spot and visiting at Christmas makes it even more special. The city comes alive with holiday activity. The snow falling makes you want to look out your own window to see the flakes. Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series (why the heck haven’t you?) you will be pulled right in and feel you are a part of the town. Mallery is one of today’s best contemporary romance writers and books like this prove why. Grab the book, sip some hot cocoa, curl up in a soft blanket and enjoy your visit to Fool’s Gold.
We have heard about Madeline’s movie boyfriend (come on you know we all have one) being Jonny. When he comes to town she is star struck but as she works with him he becomes real to her and her heart. Jonny expects to be treated like a movie star but at the same time would prefer to not be and he really gets his wish in Fool’s Gold. The connection between Madeline and Jonny is immediate. Maybe because we already know of her crush from this years summer books but watching it happen to Jonny is a lot of fun. I enjoyed the way Jonny is written so playfully. The scene with Gladys and Eddie at the first nativity meeting is priceless.
I loved the “easter eggs” in the story. Mallery asked her readers to give her items they wanted in the book and she choose some from all the suggestions. Usually the list is online about the time the book comes out but reading it early I didn’t have the list to search through but I could find some just by having them mentioned. I look forward to seeing the list and counting how many I actually figured out. Watch for those “easter eggs” hidden around the book.
Another wonderful visit to Fool’s Gold. Romance in winter is magical and having it take place in Fool’s Gold makes it even better. This book will certainly put you in the holiday mood. You will feel like breaking out the Christmas decorations in September.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Holiday Spirit
CHARACTERS: Galen McAllister & Kerri Tollbrook
AUTHOR: Dani Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dani Harper’s Christmas ghost story is BACK with all-new material. The characters have haunted their author into resurrecting her popular paranormal romance novella and expanding it into a full-length novel. Additional scenes and new details make THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT bigger, better … and badder!
* * * *
All she wants for Christmas is a ghost…
Writer Kerri Tollbrook spends her free time counseling the newly departed, but the tall, dark and handsome spirit she meets at the shopping mall claims he’s not dead. Is he just in denial? Or is something more sinister at work?
Firefighter Galen McAllister has felt like The Invisible Man ever since a malicious spell separated him from his still-living body. Kerri is the first person he’s met who can actually see him. Now if only he can get her to listen … because the nightmare creature that trapped him between two worlds isn’t finished!
REVIEW:
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3
I didn’t read the original version of this story. But I did enjoy this revised story that Ms. Harper wrote. I liked Kerri and her ability to see and speak to ghost. I really like Galen!! Who doesn’t like a hot firefighter? I loved their first encounter, it had me laughing.
I enjoyed the love story and how it grew over the course of this book. I do hope that this will not be the last time that we see these two. I would like to know what happens to them in the future.
If you are looking to add a little Christmas ghost story to your Fall reads I would suggest picking up a copy of The Holiday Spirit.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dani Harper in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dani Harper in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Menagerie
SERIES #: Menagerie #1
CHARACTERS: Delilah Marlow
AUTHOR: Rachel Vincent
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie…
When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger’s Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she’s forced to “perform” in town after town.
But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other “attractions”—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she’ll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.
Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.
REVIEW:
Beware when the carnival comes to town. While you stare at the freaks and monsters in the cages. Be thankful you are not one of them. Or are you???
This was an amazing story!! Ms. Vincent writes a story that leaves you turning the pages. Even at the end of the book I kept looking for the next page. I wanted more. I need more. I have to have more. Thank goodness there is going to be another book in this series (hopefully many more).
I really liked Delilah. She is tough, smart and takes no crap from people (even she facing the barrel of a gun). Delilah is just beginning to learn what and who she is to the people of the Menagerie and the world in fact. I can not wait to see how she grows throughout this series.
Gallagher, Gallagher, Gallagher…….. Man, I am not sure if I love or hate you. You make it really hard to do either and both at the same time. While some questions were answered I was still left with more. You are a puzzle I am looking forward to solving.
Can’t wait for the next crazy, wild and weird installment in to the Menagerie world.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Harlequin (US & Canada)/Mira in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Down the Rabbit Hole
SERIES #: Anthology
AUTHOR: JD Rob, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, RC Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audiobook
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some of your favorite New York Times bestselling authors present five all-new stories told through the looking glass—including a new Eve Dallas novella!
You’re late for a very important date…
Enter a wonderland of mesmerizing tales. It’s a place that’s neither here nor there, where things are never quite as they seem. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece, ranging from the impossible to the mad to the curiouser, these stories will have you absolutely off your head.
Don’t be afraid to follow them…
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Contains:
Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney
iLove by Elaine Fox
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas
Fallen by R. C. Ryan
REVIEW: 4 1/2 Hearts
“Curiouser and curiouser!” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
“We’re all mad here.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb:Get ready for it. This was my first J.D. Robb read (waiting for the GASPS). I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While the who done it storyline was easy to know who done it, the why behind it was a tad bit mad. If you are a J.D. Robb fan you will love this book. Now I need to find the time to catch up on what 40 books before this one?
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney: This was a cute story. Again, I have never read anything by Ms. Blayney. I am very intrigued by the world of Time Travel that she has created. I really enjoyed Weston and Alice’s story. I will be checking out Ms. Blayney’s other stories in this series.
iLove by Elaine Fox: Loved this story!!! Jeremy and Claire are great. And they face an issue that most people have to deal with now. Technology!!! I really enjoyed this story a lot.
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas: I am on the fence about this one. I was a bit confused about the story and how it fit with the theme of the anthology. Not that it was not a good story. It just didn’t feel very Wonderland-y to me.
Fallen by R. C. Ryan: Loved this story. I am a sucker for a Highlander love story. Colin and Beth are great together. I want to know more about how their life turns out. Which leads me to my only issue with this story. The main reason that Beth is in Scotland. I would have liked her to address that.
If you are looking for a fun read and the possibility of finding a new author or two. And you are willing to go on a journey that might just leave you mad. I would say you need to grab a copy of Down the Rabbit Hole and see what wonders away you.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAWin exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Tempest Rising
SERIES #: Rising Storm Episode #1
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Julie Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: September 24, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Secrets, Sex and Scandals …
Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.
Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.
But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.
Ginny Moreno didn’t mean to do it, but when she came home to Storm, she brought the tempest with her. And now everyone will be caught in its fury…
REVIEW:
Oh man, there is a lot going on in this novella. I mean a lot!!!! In Tempest Rising, Julie Kenner introduces us to the Storm, Texas and it’s inhabitants. Tempest Rising is setting up the world for us, so of course there is going to be a lot going on. I guess I was not prepared for just HOW much was going to go on. The return Ginny Moreno will start a firestorm that will leave the town of Strom, Texas reeling.
The Storm Rising series is set like a soap opera. There are going to be so many twists and turns with each of the next seven stories. I do hope unlike a soap opera that each novella gets us one step closer to a true happily ever after. Not a happy for right now.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
“After reading Tempest Rising by Julie Kenner I can honestly say it is everything I loved about those shows from the 80’s and more; heart-stopping, twisted, engrossing, captivating, epic all describe this very first episode of Rising Storm. Even better I FELT like I was watching a television mini-series while reading it. Each time the “scene” changed, I held my breath wondering who was up next.”-Slick Reads, Guilty Pleasures Blog
About Julie Kenner:
Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 international bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres.
Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” JK writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense, paranormal mommy lit, and, with Rising Storm, small town drama. Her trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries, and her Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series (written as Julie Kenner) has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for the CW Network.
A former attorney, JK lives in Central Texas with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. One of her favorite weekend activities is visiting small towns in the Texas Hill Country.
TITLE: Seducing Seven
Author Information
REVIEW:
About Julie Kenner: