Kelly reviews Unforgettable by Alison Kent

Unforgettable

TITLE: Unforgettable
SERIES #: Dalton Gang #3
CHARACTERS: Boone Mitchell & Everly Grant
AUTHOR: Alison Kent
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE DALTON BOYS TAKE THE REIGNS…

The infamous Dalton Gang was once known for riding—and playing—hard. Now, as owners of the Dalton Ranch in Crow Hill, Texas, they’re working from sunup to sundown. But one look from the right woman can tempt them back into the saddle…

When a walk on the wild side turned into a nightmare for Everly Grant, she escaped her abusive ex by taking a job with Crow Hill’s small newspaper. Now she’s assigned to write a human interest story on the return of the Dalton Gang, and she soon discovers that Boone Mitchell could give her plenty more than a good interview. As much as she craves safety, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Boone’s dangerous streak. Before she takes the cowboy to bed, she lays down the law: There are no strings attached, and she’s the one in charge.

That’s fine for Boone. In fact, Everly teaches him things no other woman ever dared. Soon they find themselves wanting more than their simple arrangement will allow. But to get there, Everly will have to open up in ways she thought she never could…

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was my first Alison Kent book. I did enjoy this book. Although I think I would have liked to read book one and two in the series first. Not that I think it would have had a big impact on Unforgettable, but because I really wanted to know more about Boone’s pals.

While I enjoyed Boone & Evelyn’s story. It felt like there were too many thing unfinished at the end of the book. Yes there was a happy ending, but a lot of loose ends that were not tied off. We never got to see what Evelyn’s human interest story was. What did she write about the Dalton gang? Did she even write the story? Also what was up with Les Upton. This part of the story just feel short for me. I kept waiting and waiting for something to happen. But no. Nothing happened at all.

But over all Unforgettable was a good story and I am sure fans of The Dalton Gang will be happy with Boones’ story.

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

 

Spotlight feature, excerpt (2 of 6) & tour wide giveaway of Katie Reus’ First Surrender

First Surrender

by Katie Reus

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Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Box Set Name: “Wicked Firsts” – 6 novellas from 6 bestselling authors

Publisher: The Indie Six, LLC

Pub Date: August 19, 2013

Length: 120,000 words (total collection) 

Back Cover: First Surrender by Katie Reus

He’s dangerous, sexy, and everything she wants…

Sierra hit it off with Hayden from the moment they met. The dangerously sexy, tattooed ex-SEAL is one of the best friends she’s ever had—and the main star in her wildest fantasies. But he doesn’t see her that way. And she’d die of embarrassment if he found out she was still a virgin.

And he’s about to make his claim…

Hayden’s struggled to keep his attraction to the beautiful, dark haired casino chef a secret. He’s not good enough for her. But when an attacker targets Sierra, Hayden’s protective instincts go into overdrive. With the attraction between them burning out of control, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and convince her they’re meant to be together.

Excerpt 2 of 6 Badge

First Surrender – The Serafina: Sin City Series

Copyright © 2013 by Katie Reus

 

Marty started to respond but Iris Christiansen strode through the glass doorway looking fierce in black pants, a crisp white button down shirt and a sleek, clearly custom-made black jacket. Everything about the other woman was, well, fierce. She was gorgeous but also a little scary, especially since Sierra knew the former Marine was always well-armed. The tall woman gave Marty one look and he scampered away.

Luckily she gave Sierra a bright smile. “What’s up, Sierra? You got a problem at the restaurant?”

Still struggling to find her voice, she shook her head. “No problem, just leaving. See you tomorrow.” Sierra tried to hurry away, but Iris followed her to the elevators.

“What’s going on? You don’t look okay.”

Sierra swallowed hard. Lord, was she that transparent? “Just had a long day. Busy, you know?” Gah, why wouldn’t the elevator hurry up?

Iris raised a dark eyebrow. “Do I need to kick his ass?”

Staring at her, Sierra frowned. “What? Who?”

“Hayden. What’s he done now?”

The mention of his name made Sierra’s stomach flip-flop. It also pissed her off. If he’d had a date he could have had the decency to tell her. Shrugging jerkily, she breathed out a sigh of relief when the elevator stopped and dinged. “Hayden hasn’t done anything.” And she wondered why Iris would assume this had anything to do with the man. It wasn’t like they were dating.

Iris didn’t respond, but her lips pulled into a thin line as the doors shut behind Sierra. Once she was alone, Sierra didn’t bother to keep up a happy face. Hayden hadn’t mentioned dating anyone in the past year, though she knew the man had to be dating. He was walking, talking sex appeal. Absently she rubbed the center of her chest. So, he was dating. No big deal. Right? Ugh, yeah right. Swallowing back the traitorous tears threatening to overwhelm her, she hurried into the below ground parking garage. Normally Hayden or someone else walked her to her vehicle but she didn’t want to bother asking anyone else. Not when she felt like crying. No way was she embarrassing herself and becoming a source of casino gossip.

Picking up her pace, her sandals slapped quickly across the concrete. As she reached the second row of cars, a tiny scream escaped her lips as a man wearing a mask jumped out from behind her Jeep. The guy was huge, maybe six feet tall, and when she saw the flash of metal—a knife!—in his hands, her chest constricted as a hundred horrible scenarios raced through her mind. Knowing she’d only get one chance she let out a blood-curdling scream at the top of her lungs as she backtracked and started running in the other direction.

Blood rushed in her ears as she continued screaming and digging in her purse for her pepper spray. She knew she wouldn’t be a physical match against anyone and—pain exploded in her scalp as he grabbed her by the hair and jerked back.

Instinctively she reached back to try to stop him and quickly realized her mistake. Using a lot of force, he slammed her forehead against a nearby car. Another burst of pain launched inside her skull as she tried to shove away from the vehicle. He pulled her head back again and she struggled to find breath—suddenly she was falling.

 

*****

About the WICKED FIRSTS Box Set:

Six New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors (Laura Wright, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Elisabeth Naughton, and Joan Swan) bring you six all-new contemporary and super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions.

wicked-firsts_updated

Pre-Order the Wicked First Box Set at Amazon.com for Only $0.99

Now Through Release Week!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15C4iCO

 

 

Katie Reus ColorMeet Author Katie Reus:

Katie Reus is the USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, Moon Shifter series and Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.

Website | TwitterFacebookGoodreadsAmazon Author Page

 

 

 

Giveaway Time

Five (5) Wicked Firsts box sets will be gifted tour wide between 8/12 – 8/19.

The more stops you comment on, the great your chances of winning! Please follow the Rafflecopter directions.

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For more opportunities to win some goodies, check out the Joint Twitter Party with Katie Reus and Cynthia Eden at: http://events.litconnect.com/joint-twitter-party-wicked-firsts-box-set-with-katie-reus-cynthia-eden/

 

First Surrender Tour Badge

Tour Stops:

8/12: The Jeep Diva

8/13: Books-n-Kisses

8/14: Nina’s Literary Escape

8/15: Ramblings From This Chick

8/16: Just Contemporary Romance

8/16: Book Lovin’ Mamas

Kelly reviews Turn and Burn by Lorelei James

Turn and Burn

TITLE: Turn & Burn
SERIES #: Blacktop Cowboy #5
CHARACTERS: August Fletcher & Tanna Barker
AUTHOR: Lorelei James
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6th, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.

Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy

Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.

REVIEW:
This was just an okay book for me. Maybe I should have read the books before this one. I am not sure. I just never really connected with the characters, the world and the whole story in general. It was not a bad story and I like the cast of characters. It just didn’t grab me and suck me in.
I am sure that Lorelei fans will really enjoy this book and I hope that they do.

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

Interview with Carly Phillips

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Carly Phillips to the blog today to talk about her  newest release “Perfect Fling”.

Carly Phillips loCarly, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I’m a homebody, a bookworm, a dog lover, a family girl.  I have a tight circle of friends that mean the world to me.  I love to write and I write to live – it fulfills me.  I knit on occasion.  Currently I’m not finding the time.  I’m an Internet junkie and I love hanging with my daughters.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Nope! I’ve always been an avid reader from a young age. I remember spending Sundays in bed reading.  So I think the author thing stemmed from that – and from making up stories in my head growing up.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

Mostly a pantser with the immediate next scene or two plotted out.  If you’re a plotter, you know where you are going with your story and characters before you ever sit down to write.  If you are a pantser then you “fly by the seat of your pants” … so to speak.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s a quirk.  I just know I struggle the most the first 1/3 of a story until things click – and then I can write much faster.  Usually.  Every book is different, though.  Sometimes they come easily and sometimes they … umm … don’t.

Can you please tell us about PERFECT FLING?9780425259726_large_Perfect_Fling

On one hand, Perfect Fling is the good girl who meets bad boy story but it’Perfect Fling tackles the subject of what happens to someone who is raised to believe he’s no good? How can he be convinced otherwise when that voice in his head overrules what his heroine sees? Cole Sanders has spent years under cover and barely knows who HE is.  He likes it that way, distant from everyone and not letting anyone close.  Until a one night stand with good girl Erin Marsden leaves them with the closest connection of all – a baby! Then Erin is threatened and Cole steps up to protect her forcing them to come to terms with each other.   And love.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The Serendipity’s Finest series flowed naturally from Serendipity.  Sam, the cop, stood out to me and to readers, so it felt right to give him a story … but when I set up his family I realized he wasn’t about to come next.  He needed his siblings’ stories told first!

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

Nope J Because I’m on a  break and trying to decide exactly what that is … otherwise I’d be happy to, LOL!

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I really wanted to meet Kristen Ashley and see how her brain worked because I adore her stories. We had breakfast at RWA last month and I was shocked to find she’s perfectly normal, LOL. I thought maybe I’d see her and some of that plotting brilliance would come my way.  LOL. I had a blast meeting her. A real fan girl moment.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Do it. Sit down and finish a book.  Show yourself you can.  Then prepare yourself for rejection and develop a thick skin.  But never stop writing.  Remember you do it for the love of it!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Hmm. I don’t really have a bucket list.  I would like to visit Israel one day though.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

The next Kit Rocha Dystopian Romance,  Beyond Pain.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

Ack! I’m sorry. I’m not that deep! I don’t know!

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Oh wow. I used to say George Clooney is my “freebie.” If I met him I’d probably run the other way. I’m a coward!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me! I love visiting with you.  You can join my newsletter via my website at www.carlyphillips.com so you’ll be first to know.  I also post at Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage and on Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips .  That way you won’t miss a thing!

 

 

Interview and Giveaway with Heather Lyons

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I recently read Heather’s books, A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart, in just a few days.  I was so fascinated with her characters and story line that I couldn’t stop reading until I devoured them both.  I am very lucky to have her here today to discuss her new book, A Matter of Heart, which just recently came out.

1. Tell me about your new release, A Matter of Heart.

I recently released the second book in my Fate series, A Matter of Heart (the first is A Matter of Fate). The series, which starts as Young Adult and transitions to New Adult in this second book, follows the journey of Chloe Lilywhite, a powerful Creator who is not only partially responsible for all of the worlds she and the rest of the Magicals oversee, but is also entrenched in a truly messy love triangle between twin brothers.  In A Matter of Heart, Chloe settles into her role on the Council while having to deal with all of the complicated emotions stemming from being in love with two people.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this series?

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been fascinated with various mythologies from around the world.  It was always fun to wonder what it would be like if there WERE people who oversaw our world, from the crops we grow to the weather to how people acquire knowledge.  So when I sat down to write the Fate series, I knew I wanted to explore what these beings would be like and how they work; having one of the most powerful (and conflicted) being a teenage girl seemed almost too fun to pass up.

3. Do you have any actors that you envision when you are writing your characters?

For some, right away yes, for some no.  There are a lot of characters that I have trouble matching up to actors/models/etc.  But for the three main characters in my Fate series, I do have a pair of actors that I feel look fairly close to how they do in my head.  For Chloe Lilywhite, Imogene Poots is pretty spot on.  For Jonah and Kellan, who are identical twins, I see Ben Barnes (when he was younger) in the role.

4. What are you currently working on ?

I am currently wrapping up a story that has its roots in Greek mythology.  See?  I love me some mythologies!

5. What is your favorite book that you’ve read at the moment?

Oh, wow.  This is like picking a favorite child.  Hmm….I’m going to have to go with Persuasion by Jane Austen.  I’ve only read it a zillion times! If we’re talking recent releases, I absolutely adored Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  Ooh-la-la!

6. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Write.  Write some more.  And then keep on writing!

Thank you so much for answering my questions.  It is a pleasure to have you here today.

Thank you so much for having me!

About the Author:

HeatherBW2

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:

Website  /Author Goodreads / Twitter /Facebook

 

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Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn’t a normal teenage girl. She’s a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she’s a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she’s to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course. 

That’s nothing compared to the boy trouble she’s gotten herself into. Because a guy she’s literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to. 

Chloe’s once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble /Goodreads

Jennifer’s Review of A Matter of Heart

AMOH+CoverTITLE: A Matter of Heart

SERIES #: Fate Series #2

CHARACTERS: Chloe Lilywhite, Jonah and Kellan Whitecomb

AUTHOR:  Heather Lyons

PUBLICATION DATE:  06/25/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she’s joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar.  Plus, she’s happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man of her dreams, not to mention her Connection.  While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she’s finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life.

After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what she’s capable of as a Creator.  And then there’s the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah’s twin brother and Chloe’s ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before.  Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from another.

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer            NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: I devoured A Matter of Fate in a couple of days and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on A Matter of Heart.  Chloe Lilywhite has taken her place as Creator on the council and is immediately assigned challenging missions right out of the gate.  Being put in a powerful yet stressful position at such a young age provides Chloe with so many conflicted emotions that it was hard to watch at times as she struggled with these difficult decisions.  She has a terrible burden placed on her shoulders and I was impressed with her character because I know that I never would have been able to handle that level of stress at her age. With these changes, Chloe also has to deal with the fact that the threat from the Elders is escalating and is now putting everyone that she loves in harm’s way.

Her relationship with Jonah has taken a more serious turn now that they have moved to Annar and live next to each other.  They are engaged to be married but Chloe still feels conflicted because of her feelings for his twin, Kellan.  In the first book, I absolutely adored Kellan because I just felt that he was a better match for Chloe, even though she was Connected and destined to be with Jonah.  In this book, she still has to work with Kellan, which is awkward and confusing at times because they are both unsure about what to say to each other. The feelings are still there and I just find myself liking Kellan more and more. The love triangle between the three intensifies in this book and it was such an gut-wrenching emotional roller-coaster from beginning to end.

I loved A Matter of Heart and Heather’s writing captured my attention from the very start.  I can’t wait to read A Matter of Truth which is due out in December because I can’t wait to see what happens to Chloe next after the events in A Matter of Heart.

Giveaway

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Kimberly reviews Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail

Ugly Ducklings Finish First

TITLE: Ugly Ducklings Finish First
CHARACTERS: Payton & Wiley
AUTHOR: Stacy Gail
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Metal Mouth. Queen Geek. Dr. Payton Pruitt heard it all growing up. But she’s over it, and attending her ten-year high school reunion is the perfect way to prove it to herself. Even if there’s only one person she’s interested in seeing in Bitterthorn, Texas: Wiley Sharpe.

Now a respected lawyer, Wiley didn’t live down to the label Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit. But recent acts of vandalism suggest someone still sees him as a heartbreaker, and the reunion seems a likely place to find the culprit. Instead, Wiley comes face-to-face with his old pal Payton—and is wowed not only by her transformation into a ravishing swan, but by the connection they still share.

Payton is pleased the playboy she used to tutor has grown into an honorable man, but she’s too smart to fall for a guy with roots in a place she couldn’t wait to leave. But while Payton is an academic genius, Wiley is the one with the PhD in pleasure, and he intends to use it to convince her to stay…

REVIEW:
This is a sweet, albeit common, story. Hasn’t every fan of romance read the one about the geek in school who couldn’t get her crush’s attention and she grows up gorgeous and he falls in love with her? Sure we all have and this is pretty much the same. However, Gail has a way of writing that I really enjoy reading and this story was no different.

I enjoyed the characters and the connection they had right away. Wiley is a great male character who the reader wishes would turn up at her school reunion and Payton while smart is not written as pretentious.

If you are looking for an enjoyable short read than this is the book you should pick up.

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

Interview & Tour wide giveaway with Gena Showalter

Books-n-Kisses is excited to have Gena Showalter back on the blog to talk about her newest relesase “Darkest Cravings” book 10 in the Lords of the Underworld series.

gena showalter-3Gena, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I put this question off and put this question off, answering all of the others first LOL  Talk about myself?  Shudder!  Um…I guess I am quirky and driven.  Definitely trying to kick a Vanilla Birthday Cake Oreo habit.   Animal lover.  Wife.  Mom.  (Perhaps here is a good place to mention these facts aren’t in any kind of order of importance.)  Day dreamer.  Split end hunter/slayer.  And forever trying to tame curly hair into something sleek and straight.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

My workday depends on what stage I’ve reached in the writing process.

Rough draft, on time — a chapter a day, six days a week. Usually takes anywhere from two to eight hours a day.

Rough draft, running behind – two chapters a day, six days a week.  Usually takes anywhere from six to twelve hours a day.

Revisions – I work twelve to fourteen hours, six days a week.  (Or, when it’s heavy and on a really tight deadline—like now—seven days a week, from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed.)

Editing – I go over 50-100 pages a day, six days a week, however long that takes.

I start when I wake up, and I go, go, go until I’ve finished the day’s goal.  I do take a break to have lunch and walk my dogs.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Holding the finished book in my hot little hands…wow.  You never forget the blood, sweat, and tears you pour into the pages, or the struggles, or the time…oh, the time!  Sometimes you spend more time with your characters than your family.  Seeing the finished product is like a dream come true.

Can you please tell us about your latest book “Darkest Cravings” ?LOTU 10 -Drkst CRAVING

My pleasure!

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Kane has been around for a while now.  As the keeper of Disaster, he’s shown up in almost all of the Lords of the Underworld books.  When I last saw him, he was trapped in hell and being tortured by demons.  I just had to find a way to get him out—and a woman who would be able to put Disaster in his place.  Enter Josephina the Fae.  She grew up in the world of the Fae, where the Lords of the Underworld are like rock stars.  In the beginning, she has a hard time not asking Kane for an autograph (though she’s a bigger fan of Paris and Torin, much to Kane’s chagrin).   She’s an intriguing mix of sassy modern and old world charm, but like Kane, she knows the horrors of disaster.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Right now I’m working on revisions for Black and Blue, an Otherworld Assassins novel.  Here’s a little about it:

HE IS EVERY WOMAN’S FANTASY. . .

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help―a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

. . .

SHE BECOMES HIS ONLY OBSESSION

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her…

Gotta say, it’s one of my sexier books.  Every time I finish a round of revisions or edits, I have a hard time getting the hero and heroine out of my head.  They stick with me, and it makes it difficult to move on to another project.

Open your book to a random page and read us a few lines.

From Darkest Craving:

“I have to get this blood off me,” he said, “and I want you within reach. So. Like I told you, stay. Please.” He messed with the knobs on the shower until water began to spew. Then he placed his fingers at the waist of his pants, paused, as if trying to decide what to do next. Finally, he exhaled heavily and unfastened the material.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

MacRieve by Kresley Cole.  I happen to be one blessed girl and landed an advanced copy.  Oh, my goodness, this book!  Kresley has outdone herself!  I loved every word, every scene, every character.  Some of my favorite things about it: how twisted MacRieve is due to a childhood trauma, the bond between MacRieve and his twin brother–I think everyone craves a relationship like that—and MacRieve’s alpha protectiveness toward the heroine, Chloe…talk about toe curling!  Seriously.  This book is not to be missed!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of my favorite things to do is name some of my favorite authors, in case readers are looking for someone to read.  You can’t go wrong with: Jill Monroe, Kresely Cole, Roxanne St. Claire, Katie McGarry, Kait Ballenger, Louisa Edwards, Kristen Painter, Karen Marie Moning, Larissa Ione, and Nalini Singh.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.  If you could please make sure to include links to your Website, Facebook page, Twitter account or Goodread’s page I will make sure to include them in the post.  If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks so much for having me!

Where to find Gena: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

DARKEST CRAVING Tour Button

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Gena is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $100.00 gift card to Amazon

RUNNERS-UP: Two (2) runners-up will receive a paperback of THE DARKEST CRAVING

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!

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*****

The Darkest Craving

LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD Book #10

LOTU 10 -Drkst CRAVING

Amazon B&N | Harlequin |  The Book Depository |  Kobo | Audible

Release Date:  July 30, 2013

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, their love might just tear them apart…

GoodReads   

A quick peek at the rest of the Lords of the Underworld Series: 

Long ago, twelve immortals warriors – each more dangerously seductive than the last — stole and opened Pandora’s box, unleashing the evil from within. Now they carry that evil within themselves. Violence, Pain, Death, Disease, Disaster, Misery, Doubt, Promiscuity, Defeat, Lies, Secrets, and Wrath. When a powerful enemy returns, they will travel the world in search of a sacred relic of the gods – one that threatens to destroy them all.

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LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD Series Reading Order:

The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld, #0.5)

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, #1)

The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, #2)

The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, #3)

The Darkest Prison (Lords of the Underworld, #3.5)

The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld, #4)

Heart of Darkness Anthology (Includes: Lords of the Underworld, #4.5)

After Dark Anthology: The Darkest Angel (Lords of The Underworld, #4.5)

The Darkest Passion (Lords of the Underworld, #5)

The Darkest Lie (Lords of the Underworld, #6)

The Darkest Secret (Lords of the Underworld, #7)

The Darkest Surrender (Lords of the Underworld, #8)

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld, #9)

The Darkest Craving (Lords of The Underworld, #10)

Cover Reveal: Wicked Thing by Angeline Kace

Wicked Thing by Angeline Kace
September 2013

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18005643-wicked-thing

 WickedThing

Carmyn Rafferty witnessed the aftermath of her mother’s affair. She learned at a young age not to trust anyone. Especially not your spouse. So she’s planned. She’s planned every detail of her life: who her husband will be, what their careers will be, what their lives will be like. All to avoid the pain of infidelity.

Dallas Brown lives a life all his own. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, and he doesn’t live up to anyone’s expectations but his own.

When Carmyn’s fiancé cheats on her, it sends her into a whirlwind of one-night stands with the most infamous player on campus. She can’t seem to stay away from this tough guy and his dangerous motorcycle. Everything about him is the complete opposite of who she’d planned to fall in love with: tattoos, dark stubble along his jawline, and hair that brushes his shoulders.

As Dallas and Carmyn begin to fall deeper and deeper into each other, they learn that love can truly be a wicked, wicked thing.

Author Information

angeline

Angeline is a Scorpio living in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and dogs. She loves all things paranormal, believes ghosts are real, werewolves aren’t, and vampires? Definitely real! At least in the Vampire Born world they are. She is currently at work on her first New Adult Romance, Wicked Thing, which releases September 2013.

Website / Facebook /Facebook Fan Page
Twitter / Goodreads

Kelly & Kimberly review Surrender To Sultry by Macy Beckett

Surrender to Sultry

TITLE: Surrender to Sultry
SERIES: Sultry Springs #3
CHARACTERS: Colton Bea & Leah McMahon
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: August 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Leah McMahon is back in Sultry Springs, Texas to help her dad recover from surgery. But there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s none other than Colton Bea, the wild-as-weeds boy who stole her heart a decade earlier.

Colt’s a changed man, and the feelings between these high school sweethearts are stronger than ever. But Leah’s got a secret so devastating that he may never forgive her. Can she find a way to earn absolution and build a future with the sultry man she’s loved half her life?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Loved this book. Colt is so sad and damaged and the only person on the plant that can help him has been gone for 10 long years. But just when he thinks life will be filled with nothing but loneliness and pain Leah came tearing back into his life. But Leah wants nothing to do with Colt. And she has a very good reason why and a secret that could tear them apart yet again.
These two have such a heartbreaking story. So much pain over such a long time. If they could have just talked, if they could have been smarter, if they could have been more grown up. But that is really hard to do when you are young and in lust. Sometimes you have to lose everything in order to learn and sometimes it takes you two times of losing everything before you really learn what is most important.

I just love this series and I am sad that this is the last book in the Sultry Springs Trilogy (at least for now I hope). I was so happy and honored to get an early copy of Surrender to Sultry. If you are a fan of the 1st two Sultry Springs book (Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs, Book 1) & A Shot of Sultry (Sultry Springs book 2) you will surely love Colt’s book. If you have not read this trilogy yet. I would suggest starting from the beginning to see all the ways that Colt has changed.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars What a heartbreakingly sad story with thankfully a happy ending. Man I am not sure I have ever read a book with such sadness in it and yet the author had me not wanting to miss a word and staying up late to read to the end. The past that Leah and Colt have is fixed with teenage angst but the struggles they have gone through as adults is just as emotional.

After having read the first two in the series and seeing Colt sadness over the one that got away I knew his story would be a doozy and I was right. And yet Colt has a side that we didn’t get to see before. His sweet side is just as sexy and his brooding side. Leah is a very closed off person after the sacrifices she has made and yet she is strong and courageous.

I felt I was on a rollercoaster that kept going from page one to the last page. So many lows and wonderful highs. This book can be read alone but I do not know why you wouldn’t want to spend all the time in Sultry Springs that you can so pick up the first book and don’t stop until you read this one. And then hope that Macy Beckett changes her mind and adds more to this series!

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

 

Kelly & Kimberly review Hotshot by Julie Garwood

Hotshot

TITLE: Hotshot
SERIES #: Buchanan-Renard #11
CHARACTERS: Payton & Finn
AUTHOR: Julie Garwood
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hotshot-julie-garwood/1113599140?ean=9780525953012

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Peyton Lockhart and her sisters have inherited Bishop’s Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with a condition: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit—only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic. Out of work and in a bad place personally, a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop the sisters from succeeding. Among them are Peyton’s contentious cousins, who are outraged that they didn’t inherit the resort, as well as a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property.

It’s soon apparent to Peyton that their efforts are being sabotaged, but she refuses to let the threats scare her—until she’s nearly killed. She calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. He saved her life once; he can do it again.

Julie’s previous two titles, The Ideal Man and Sweet Talk, both debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
After a narrow escape on a snow road from a madman trying to killer her, Peyton finds herself at a wedding. One of the MacBain boys is finally getting married and that means that Finn will be here. Peyton has followed Finn’s career and know his is an attorney and with the FBI and he just might be the only person that can help her. Finn was her hero once long time ago. Peyton is hoping that he might be that again.

Finn is a bit surprised when he sees young Peyton Lockhart all grown up. She is not the cute little girl that he saved all those years ago. Finn is a little surprised by his reaction to her but he blows it off. That is until he sees the bullet holes in her car and hears her story. Finn knows that he has to jump back in the role of Peyton’s hero no questions asked.

I loved these two. Finn & Peyton have known each other for years. Even if they didn’t really talk to one another as they got older. Finn fits the role of hero so well. But he is stubborn and it takes almost losing Peyton to finally make him realize she is it for him.
This was my first Julie Garwood book and I have to say that I really really enjoyed. This may have been book 11 in the series, but not once did I feel lost. Hotshot stands on it’s own very nicely. I am looking forward to what is next. I am hoping it is Beck & Ivy 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
The problem with Garwood’s books is they are few and far between so when one comes out I rush to read it and I have never been disappointed and this one does not disappoint either. While not my favorite of Garwood’s books I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the characters of Finn and Peyton. This book has probably more about Peyton than Finn but she is a character that is easy to like so reading her story is fun. Finn is an interesting character. I will admit that he is not one of my favorite Garwood men but I liked him none the less.

There is a lot happening in this story but not sure there is much suspense. I enjoyed the background characters as well. While part of a series this most certainly can be read alone.
Garwood is one of the best writers out there and while this might not be one of my favorite Garwood books the fact that I gave it 4.5 stars should say that it is still a great story and this story is close to the perfection that Garwood is known for.

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

Letters to Nowhere with Julie Cross

non kissing postage stamp shifted left

I’m proud to have Julie Cross here today to discuss her new book, Letters to Nowhere.  This is a sweet romance that I hope that you will check out.

1. Tell me a little bit about your new release Letters to Nowhere.

LtN has all the usual elements readers are looking for in a contemporary teen romance—a swoon worthy boy, sexual tension, emotional connection and conflicts that make the relationship complicated at times—but there’s also this added element of the world of elite gymnastics. I’m such a fan of sports-themed YA and NA novels. I read all of them I can get my hands on and I can honestly say that LtN is very true to the sport of gymnastics and it is a huge part of the plot, not just this thing on the side that doesn’t get nearly enough page time. Gymnastics is my main character, Karen’s, life. She lives it and breathes it. She does all her schooling online and trains 7-8 hours per day, six days a week. There’s really no room for boys in her life but somehow, one boy finds his way into her life and her heart. In this case, it’s exactly what Karen needs.

2. I understand that this book has a special place in your heart. Are you able to share with us?

Yes, LtN is truly the book of my heart. Up until a few months before my first novel, Tempest, released I worked full time as a Gymnastics Program Director at the YMCA. I participated and competed in gymnastics on and off until I was 15. At 15, I started coaching at a YMCA in the Chicago area. I’ve coaching ever since and I’m 33 now. My daughters compete in gymnastics now so I volunteer coach at their gym when I’m available. My passion for the sport and learning everything I could about it is identical to my passion for writing.

Since I began writing in May of 2009, I’ve dreamt about writing a YA novel with an elite gymnast narrating. It combines my two greatest passions—gymnastics and teen fiction. I would have killed to read this book or anything like it when I was a teenager and even now. But at the time I began writing and even after having a book deal, there just wasn’t much of a market for contemporary YA and NA didn’t have a place at all until recently, so I pushed the idea aside and forced myself to think of concepts that would pay the bills and allow me to be at home with my kids. Until I had a very clear concept in January of 2012. It started with a question, as books often do. Female elite gymnasts are often still children and the support system required from families to get to that level is huge. So I had this girl in my head who had big dreams—World and Olympic level dreams—and then I thought, what if her support system was suddenly and instantly gone? Could she keep going? And if not, what would she do? She’s never been to high school, never done teenage activities, she doesn’t know how to be 17. The characters spoke to me and wouldn’t stop. The scenes played out. Then the Olympic Games happened last summer, and I had no choice but to write this book, marketable or not.   

3. Which actors do you envision playing your characters in Letters to Nowhere?

Karen, to me, has always been a red-headed McKayla Maroney. I can’t see her as anyone else. Her teammates make up the secondary characters and I have former and present day gymnasts envisioned for each of them. As far as Jordan (the main love interest in LtN) goes, Conner Jessup from the TNT hit series Falling Skies is just perfect.

Karen 3

4. What are you working on next?

I’m working on sequels for LtN. There’s still a lot for Karen to accomplish and many of my early beta readers threatened to stalk me constantly if I didn’t continue the story. I also have two Mature YA/NA releases coming out this fall and a co-authored NA series set in the world of NYC models that I wrote with Mark Perini titled HALFWAY PERFECT has sold recently and will probably release summer 2014. There’s also TIMESTORM, the final book in the Tempest series releasing in January 2014.  

5. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

1)    Read a lot. And more specifically, read in the genre you’d like to be published in
2)    If you’re writing YA or NA or even MG, write the story your teen or tween self would have wanted to read.

About the Author:

Photo 1(1)I live in central Illinois with my wonderful husband and three kids currently between the ages of 7 and 12 (the kids not the husband). My writing journey began in May, 2009 with a short story in a notebook.

Within a year, I had written seven (some good some God-awful) young adult novels. Not being a college graduate and having spent the previous fifteen years teaching gymnastics and working as a YMCA Program Director for Recreational Gymnastics, professional writing wasn’t in my plans. Not even close. But ever since the day I started that short story, I haven’t been able to stop. It was love at first sight.

After about a year of writing, I had a three book deal with St. Martin’s Press, and a film option with Summit Entertainment. Crazy, right? I know. It wasn’t until August of 2011 that I quit working full time in order to be at home with my kids more and of course, write more. My young adult time travel debut novel, Tempest, released on January 17, 2012. The rest of my personal story remains unwritten.

Jennifer’s Review of Letters To Nowhere

 non kissing postage stamp shifted leftTITLE: Letters to Nowhere

CHARACTERS: Karen Campbell and Jordan Bentley

AUTHOR:  Julie Cross

PUBLICATION DATE:  08/06/13

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Seventeen year old Karen Campbell has just lost both her parents in a tragic car accident.  Grief stricken and alone, her gymnastics coach opens his home to Karen, providing her a place to live while she continues to train, working toward a spot on the world championship team.

 Coach Bentley’s only child, seventeen year old Jordan is good-looking and charming enough to scare away a girl like Karen–someone who has spent ten times more hours on balance beams and uneven bars than talking or even thinking about boys.  But the two teens share a special connection almost immediately.  It turns out Jordan has a tragic past of his own, grief buried for years.

As Karen’s gymnastics career soars, her nightmares and visions of the horrible accident grow in strength.  She can only avoid facing her grief for so long before it begins to surface and ultimately spin out of control in a very dangerous way.  Can discovering love and lust (simultaneously) help with the grieving process or will it only provide a temporary distraction while waiting for reality to hit full force.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: This book was an emotional coming of age story about a young gymnast named Karen who is still reeling from the loss of her parents after a tragic car accident.  Not sure where to go with her parents gone, her coach offers to take her in so she can finish school and still be able to train with her team.  Coach Bentley has also dealt with loss, and his young son, Jordan, becomes an ally and confidant for Karen during this troubling time.  Besides dealing with her grief, Karen also starts to experience normal teenage milestones such as dating and falling in love without the support of her family.

I loved Julie Cross’ style of writing in her previous novels and this book really captures Karen’s emotional journey of navigating through her teenage years without her mom and how that loss shapes who she is.  I loved how Karen wrote letters to the people in her life about what she was feeling that she never planned to send, which really touched my heart.  I couldn’t imagine losing my family such as Karen did and she was tremendously brave to continue with her normal routine knowing that every step of the way she would be thinking of her parents.  I connected with her almost immediately and I was glad that she had the relationship with Jordan that she did.  He was smart, funny and just what Karen needed to get through this period of her life.  Neither of them are perfect but they fit well together and I loved watching their relationship grow during the course of this story.  I really enjoyed Letters to Nowhere and Karen’s story of grief, triumph, friendship and love will stick with you long after you finish the last page.

Kimberly reviews Some Like It Hot by Susan Andersen

Some Like It Hot

TITLE: Some Like It Hot
SERIES #: Razor Bay #2
CHARACTERS: Harper & Max
AUTHOR: Susan Andersen
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/30/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘Wrong for each other’ never felt more right…

Even a lifelong traveller like Harper Summerville has to admire the scenery in Razor Bay, Washington. There’s the mountains. The evergreens. The water. And Max Bradshaw — the incredibly sexy deputy sheriff. Still, Harper’s here only for the summer, working covertly for her family’s foundation. Getting involved with this rugged, intense former marine would be a definite conflict of interest — professionally and personally.

Max’s scarred childhood left him determined to put down roots in Razor Bay, yet one look at Harper — a woman who happily lives out of a suitcase — leaves him speechless with desire for things he’s never had. He might not be big on talking, but Max’s toe-curling kisses are getting the message across loud and clear. Harper belongs here, with him, because things are only beginning to heat up…

REVIEW:
Ever since reading “That Thing Called Love” (Razor Bay #1) I have waited for Max’s story. He had such a gentle giant type feel to him and I was not disappointed with his story.

Max is not as soft spoken as he was in the first book. He opened up right away which I would have loved a bit more of a slow opening up but considering the things we really saw him be himself on where things like the boys club it seemed to work. And Harper… well honestly I liked her in the first book… didn’t much like her in the beginning of this book… then found myself rooting for her. I didn’t like the sneakiness (no spoilers here) around Harper but began to understand after a while.

The things in this book that are a little different than normal books really make the story. The nationality of Harper is something you don’t see much every day in romances. And honestly Max and Harper seemed to have a hard time not only staying together but staying apart. But they both are very quick to apologize. I liked that about the story.

This is a very good book and any fan of romance should give it a try. I can’t wait for Tasha and Luc’s story next!

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