Kelly reviews The Trouble With Temptation by Shiloh Walker

trouble with temptationTITLE: The Trouble with Temptation
SERIES #: The McKay’s #2
CHARACTERS: Brannon McKay & Hannah Parker
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: May 3, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Love is the greatest risk of all.
After seven days in a coma, Hannah Parker remembers nothing about the accident that landed her in the hospital–or how she ended up pregnant with Brannon’s baby, the man she’s loved since high school. Her body and heart have burned for him for years, and when she wakes up, he’s sleeping by her bedside, anxious to keep her safe at all costs. But as Hannah struggles with her amnesia, a threat looms closer–one that could have deadly consequences if she recovers her memories. She will have to trust Brannon completely if she is to keep what haunts her at bay…and their baby safe….
Brannon McKay spent the last ten years fantasizing about Hannah. In his mind, he’s explored every passionate scenario he can think of while, in real life, Brannon took their budding relationship and threw it away with both hands. Hannah doesn’t remember what happened but, now that she is awake, Brannon would rather die than watch her walk away again. When Hannah and his unborn child’s life is threatened, Brannon must stake claim to the woman who has held his heart captive for years…or risk disaster tearing them apart

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts When we left off in book one (which you should read first) Hannah was in the hospital and Brannon ready to fight anyone who stands in his way.
I really enjoyed Brannon & Hannah’s story. Brannon is stubborn and unfortunately he has to learn everything the hard way. Thankfully Hannah is a tough cookie and can deal with his stubborn pain in the butt.
While Brannon and Hannah are trying to figure out their relationship the mystery that is surrounding the McKay family grows. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Cover Reveal of Shiloh Walker’s Right Kind of Trouble

The Right Kind of Trouble

Book #3 in The McKay’s trilogy

RightKindofTrouble_cvr_300dpi

Desire won’t take no for an answer.

In the small southern town of McKay’s Treasure, everybody knows that the handsome local police chief, Gideon Marshall, has been carrying a torch for Moira McKay. It’s also no secret that Moira has been rejecting Gideon since…forever. But after an attack from a mysterious stranger bent on taking down the McKay family, Moira becomes filled with distrust toward most men.  Now she wonders whether she’s been wrong about Gideon all along—and if it’s not too late to admit him back into her life…and into her bed…

Gideon has finally convinced his wasted heart to give up on Moira, the woman he’s loved since he was sixteen years old. But when Moira is attacked,Gideon vows to protect her. But how much is he willing to risk for a woman who’s always kept him at bay—until now? And is it too late for Moira to tell him that her love for him has always been locked deep in her heart…and he holds the key?

Kelly reviews Headed For Trouble by Shiloh Walker

headed for troubleTITLE: Headed For Trouble
CHARACTERS: Ian Campbell & Neve McKay
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.

Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she’s finally coming home – and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn’t feel safe.

CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?

Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle – as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts . . . and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life – for better or for worse. What is Neve’s tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way – and in his loving arms.

Read an excerpt HERE

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Neve’s story is heart breaking. She was so young and navie when she left home and sadly she had to learn a few of life’s lessons the hard way. But she has finally returned home, but she knows that it will only be a matter of time before trouble comes knocking on her door again.

Another great start of a series by Ms. Walker. I really enjoyed reading about the McKay family. In Headed for Trouble we meet Moira (the oldest), Brannon (the middle) and Neve (the baby). While we get to see each of the McKay’s and learn a little bit about each of them and the issues that they are having, but in Headed for Trouble we focus Neve.
While Neve’s story is heartbreaking. It was great to see her grow and learn how to trust. But had to be kinda easy with a hunky man like Ian Campbell. Because we all know that deep down we all want some hot scottish, kilt wearing guy to sweep us off our feet. I loved Ian. He is great and totally perfect for Neve.
I enjoyed this story a lot, even if it gain me anxiety while I was reading 🙂
I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Spotlight Feature of Shiloh Walker’s Headed for Trouble

Headed for Trouble blog post

First in an all-new trilogy!

Headed for Trouble

Book #1 in The McKay’s

Headed For Trouble

Release date December 29, 2015

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound | iBooks

 

SHE’S A SMALL-TOWN GIRL WITH BIG DREAMS.

Nine years ago, Neve McKay fled her small Southern town and disapproving family to seek a career in the big city. Now she’s finally coming home – and hoping for a fresh start. But the relationship that shattered her world still haunts her. And even among her nearest and dearest, she doesn’t feel safe.

CAN THIS BAD BOY BE THE ANSWER TO HER PRAYERS?

Ian Campbell is a pure Scottish muscle – as hard and handsome as they come. But when Neve walks into his bar, his heart melts . . . and he vows to have this gorgeous and somewhat vulnerable woman in his life – for better or for worse. What is Neve’s tragic secret? And how can Neve expect Ian to protect her, when doing so could put his own life at risk? The only thing Ian knows for sure is that he will do whatever it takes to keep her out of harm’s way – and in his loving arms.

Excerpt from Headed for Trouble: 

“You might as well quit the flirting. We both know you changed your mind.”

“And who said I changed my mind?” he asked, looking put out. He crossed his arms over his chest.

“You did.” She gave a lazy shrug. “I saw it on your face, clear as day.” The look on his face was a challenge, but she couldn’t let herself meet it, even if she could find that part of herself that would want to.

Because she wasn’t sure she trusted herself, she sat down on the dock and dangled her legs over the edge, staring down into the dark water. Under the trees, it was almost cool here. Almost. Not quite. “You’ve been here for a little while—a few months or more, at least, I’m going to assume. So you’ve probably heard a few rumors, and I can’t say I blame you for deciding I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”

Boards creaked under him as he sat down next to her.

From the corner of her eye, she could see the way faded denim stretched over hard thighs, denim so worn it was going white at the seams. His T-shirt bore the logo for Manchester United and it was almost as faded as the denim. It would be soft against his skin, she thought. And under it, his skin would be incredibly hard and warm.

She wanted to curl her hands into his shirt, straddle his thighs, and rub herself against him. And she wanted to yell at him for making her think she could maybe have the small promise of oblivion with him.

You’ve lost your mind.

All this time with a nonexistent libido and now it was going haywire on her. To make matters worse, it wasn’t even lust driving her now. She’d known that from the sucker punch of pain that had hit her when the heat in Ian’s eyes had cooled, the moment he’d realized who she was.

“I’ve never been one to put much stock in rumors, Neve McKay,” he said softly.

“Really.” Turning her head, she studied him. “So the hot-to-cold act was all because you figured out I’m Brannon’s little sister? Then why are you running warm again? I’m still his sister.”

A pained look crossed his face. “You aren’t one for the easy way, are you?”

“Are you kidding?” She laughed bitterly. “I love the easy way. But the easy way hates me. I figured that out ages ago. Besides, life isn’t easy.”

Ian leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees. “Brannon, he’s one of my best friends. Has been since university. We met in London and it was like we’d known each other our whole lives.” His voice was distant now as he gazed into the water. “Like a brother, he is.”

Now he looked up and met her gaze. “I take issue when people hurt those I care about,” he said. “And . . . ”

She stiffened. Curling her hands around the boards, she focused on the far side of the bank. “Well, I’ll give you points for the loyalty you show your friends then.” She forced her fingers to unclench from the boards and went to stand.

“It’s not just that.” He caught her wrist before she could rise.

It was instinct that had her jerking back, instinct that had her pulse stopping than accelerating in fear.

It didn’t go unnoticed by Ian, either, damn him.

Although he said nothing, he let go.

She managed to rise to her feet in a slow, unhurried motion. “Look, it doesn’t matter. You’re Brannon’s friend and it’s not a secret that I’ve got some fences to mend when it comes to my family.” She gave him an easy smile and an easy shrug before she turned and headed down the dock. “But it’s probably wiser all around if you just stop this . . . whatever this is. The hot-and-cold thing gets old and I—”

The words froze in her throat as she turned and found him just a foot away.

Whoa. He was quiet. Big. Sexy. Quiet.

And he watched her with eyes that saw a lot deeper than she liked.

“The problem with stopping the hot-and-cold thing is that there is no cold.” He lifted a hand and caught one of her curls, twining it around his finger. His gaze, dark and seductive, richer than melted chocolate, held hers. “I look at you and feel nothing but fire.” in me, Neve. I think you know it, too. Now if it was just fire, then it wouldn’t be such a problem. Fire is all well and good, but it’s easy . . . and sometimes over in a flash. But this . . . ” He moved a hand between them. “I don’t think it’s just fire. You feel it, too. That’s why you’re so nervous. That’s why you’re so afraid.”

Her heart knocked up against her ribs.

“Well. Aren’t you arrogant?” she said, surprising herself with how steady her voice sounded.

“Is it arrogance when we both know I’m right?”

He took another step, taking away a few of those precious inches between them, twining a bit more of her hair around his finger. She had to tilt her head back now to hold his gaze.

“I made a misstep when I let things I didn’t understand influence any decision I made,” he murmured, his eyes falling from hers now.

He was rubbing her hair, his thumb stroking back and forth over the curl he was toying with.

She could just barely see it but the action was oddly mesmerizing.

“There are, after all, two sides to every story, aren’t there?”

Now his gaze lifted back to hers.

Swallowing, Neve tried for a snide tone as she asked, “Oh, is this where you ask me to explain my side of what happened?”

“No. This is where I kiss you.”

If he’d given her any more warning, she might have been able to . . . to . . .

Oh, hell. Neve couldn’t have done anything. Anything but grab at his shoulders and hold on tight.

 

Read more about the McKays! HERE 

 

Shiloh Walker - author pic, photographer Ayrica BishopA little about Shiloh: 

Shiloh Walker is an award-winning writer…yes, really!  She’s also a mom, a wife, a reader and she pretends to be an amateur photographer.  She published her first book in 2003. Her newest series, Secrets and Shadows, launched with Deeper than Need, followed by Sweeter than Sin and Darker than Desire.

She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance, and urban fantasy under the name J.C. Daniels.

Learn more about Shiloh and her books here:  Website | Facebook | Twitter @shilohwalker | Tumblr | Pinterest | Goodreads or sign up for her newsletter.​

Kelly reviews Ex-Con by Shiloh Walker & M.S. Parker

exconTITLE: Ex-Con
SERIES #: A Bad Boy Romance
CHARACTERS: Bobby Cantrell & Carly Prince
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker & M.S. Parker
PUBLICATION DATE: November 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N: Coming Soon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I was an ex-con. A convicted killer. And I knew that’s all anyone would ever see me as. At least I thought so…until I met her…

Ex-Con: Bad Boy Romance
When recent parolee Bobby Cantrell loses yet another job, he resigns himself to the usual struggle of finding a place willing to take a chance on someone with his past. Then, without warning, a gorgeous blonde careens into his life and everything changes.

Carly Prince. Gorgeous. Untouchable. Everything Bobby could ever want and knows he can Ex Con Finalnever have.

Except, maybe, he’s finally found someone who sees something good inside him, something even he can’t see.

What he can’t do, however, is escape from his past. A past that now threatens to destroy the new life he’s building for himself…and threatens people he’s come to care about. Can he save them, or will he have more blood on his hands?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts When I started Ex-Con, Bad Boy Romance I felt like I was reading the movie Pretty Woman, only the roles were reversed. But as the story went on I realized that it was only like the movie in the fact that one was rich and one was not.
I really liked Bobby. Even if he was an Ex-con. He did his time and is trying to be a better person. With a twist of fate Bobby finds himself in the right place at the right time. Even if that means taking a hit over the head from a hand bag.
Carly Prince is Hollywood royalty who just happens to be in the wrong place at the right time. Carly could have never know that here need for some fresh air would lead her to met the man that will forever change her life.
I really enjoyed this story. At every page I was rooting for Bobby and Carly. I wanted Bobby to prove that he is not the cold blooded killer that he thinks he his. As the story goes on we learn more and more about his past. It is heartbreaking, despise everything Bobby turns out to be a pretty good guy.
I am glad that I got this book for review. This is not a normally story that I would have picked up. But I am glad that I did.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Grimm’s End by Shiloh Walker

grimms endTITLE: Grimm’s End
SERIES #: Grimm’s Circle #9
CHARACTERS: Will & Mandy
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: October 27, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“He would walk into hell for her. Hell’s not willing to let him back out.”

“Grimm’s Circle,” Book 9

Years have passed since Will flung himself headlong into demon central. Everyone has told Mandy he’s lost to them, but she still won’t believe it. He was her heart and soul-still is-even if he never admitted they belonged together.

When a friend is nearly torn through a rip between the worlds, Mandy gets the sign she’s hoped and prayed for. Her friend is thrust back through to safety by no other than Will himself.

With all hell breaking loose on earth, only two Grimm can be spared for the mission to retrieve their leader-Mandy and the only other Grimm crazy enough to go with her.

Will would forget the color of the sky before he’d forget the love of all his lives. But his time is done. It’s only a matter of which demon will finally destroy him.

He never thought his final moments would be haunted by Mandy’s face. But is it a fitting punishment, or one last chance to atone for crimes he committed so long ago?

“Warning: This book contains too much angst, too many secrets, and two people who long to be together. It’s also the end of a long, fun ride. Thanks for taking it.”

REVIEW:
I am so sad that the Grimm’s Circle series has come to an end. But very glad that Will finally gets his story. I have loved every book in this series. I loved the twists and turns that Shiloh put into each story. I hope just because we finally have Will’s story doesn’t mean that Shiloh won’t ever visit The Grimm’s world again. I believe follow up stories are needed.
Gash, I am not even sure where to start without giving away too much. Grimm’s End is not a book you want to read as a stand alone. There has been too much that has happened over the past 8 books that lead us to the finale. So I would suggest picking up book one (Candy Houses) and starting there.
During the series we have all wondered about the why’s, the wants and the who is Will? Finally we learn it all. And it all makes since. It all becomes clear as to why Will acts the way he does and doesn’t act the way we want him too. I really can’t say
much because I don’t want to give away anything. But it has been one Hell of a trip.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Happy Re-release of Seduced in Secrets by Shiloh Walker

Seduced in Secret was previously published as Whipped Cream and Handcuffs. It has been extensively rewritten, revised and expanded.

SiS-with-Bonus

Order here:   iBooks | Kobo | Amazon | BN

Best laid plans…are meant to be broken.

Life laid out, Tessa had everything set. Engaged to marry the perfect man, a rich, great-looking doctor, she was content with her life, or so she thought. Then the gift arrived. Delivered to her office on Valentine’s Day, it was filled with handcuffs, sexy little toys and a suggestive little card.

It wasn’t from her fiancé, either.

When the emails and the phone started coming, she should have been able to brush them off, except the man said something that left her uneasy…and not because he scared her, but because he was right. Your fiancé will never make you happy, Tessa.

Confused, she starts looking at her fiancé, her life…and other things…in a whole new light. One of the things she finds herself considering is her best friend and neighbor, Caleb. He’s always been there. Even when he spent years in the Navy, Caleb was the one she could count on and now isn’t any different. He’s there to listen when she needs an ear and he’s got nice, strong shoulders when she needs one to lean on.

It doesn’t her long to realize that one thing is certain—her fiancé can’t make her happy. But now she doesn’t know whether she wants to take a chance on her sexy secret admirer…or Caleb, the man who’s been there waiting for her all along.

It includes a short bonus story called Don’t Walk Away.

Read an excerpt on Shiloh’s blog HERE

*****

Shiloh Walker - author pic, photographer Ayrica BishopA little about Shiloh: 

Shiloh Walker is an award-winning writer…yes, really!  She’s also a mom, a wife, a reader and she pretends to be an amateur photographer.  She published her first book in 2003. Her newest series, Secrets and Shadows, launched with Deeper than Need, followed by Sweeter than Sin and Darker than Desire.

She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance, and urban fantasy under the name J.C. Daniels.

Learn more about Shiloh and her books here:  Website | Facebook | Twitter @shilohwalker | Tumblr | Pinterest | Goodreads

Spotlight & Excerpt of JC Daniel’s Edged Blade

Edged Blade

20487530

Amazon | BN | iBooks

 In the year since her life was torn apart, Kit Colbana has slowly rebuilt herself. There’s a promise of hope in the relationship with the alpha of the local shapeshifters and she no longer comes screaming into wakefulness. Life’s not perfect but then again, when was it ever?

When her best friend Justin comes to her for help, there’s little question as to what her answer will be. Witches are disappearing and Justin won’t rest until he has answers. Soon, they learn that it’s not just witches who’ve gone missing, but vampires and shifters, too.

Unlikely alliances are forged as Kit and Justin found themselves drawn into a twisted web of lies and betrayal. As the clock counts down and the culprit behind recent disappearances is revealed, those Kit loves the most become the target of somebody who will kill to protect an ugly secret.

Read on for an excerpt and a chance to win either a Kindle Fire or a tea set and some of the loose leaf tea that Kit would drink…if she was real. 😉

“Disappearances.”

My gut clenched as I said it. Sometimes Justin came to me with jobs that were just a walk down easy street. Other times, they fell into the what the bloody hell category.

We were in the bloody hell zone. I knew it without asking even a single question.

We were no longer alone in my apartment.

Padraig, a witch both Justin and I knew, had joined us and he sat on my sofa, his dreamy blue eyes cold and hard as he stared back at me. “Aye, a fair amount of them, too.”

“Are they…” I hesitated, choosing the words carefully. Over the past couple of months, there had been some odd happenings. One small wolf pack had been all but eradicated and the survivors claimed they’d been attacked by friends—by their own Alpha, one who’d gone missing some months earlier.

There were rumors of several small Houses—witches who worked and lived and trained together—facing similar attacks. One house—a strong one, though somewhat small—was gone. Every witch who’d lived inside the walls of that House had disappeared.

I rubbed my temple and met Justin’s gaze.

His eyes were hard and flat and his face was haggard.

“You’re still digging into things about the hospital,” I said. “Is this connected or is it something different?”  My mind veered down a particular road…something different. It left me cold. I’d worked a something different before.

Damon’s adoptive son, Doyle had been kidnapped. That was how we’d met, when he’d hired me to find the boy. We’d found him, but I still saw the echoes of nightmares in Doyle’s eyes.

We hadn’t been able to save everybody, though. And they’d been kids. Teenagers, most of them Doyle’s age.

“We don’t know,” Paddy said in response to my question. “These disappearances, there are no reports of violent echoes, like what was discovered in the Clearwater House.”

I looked away as he spoke. Clearwater had been the home of that one House. A House they now called silent.

Read more

 

Shiloh Walker - author pic, photographer Ayrica BishopAbout JC:

J.C. Daniels is the alter ego of author Shiloh Walker and was created basically because Shiloh writes like a hyperactive bunny and an intervention was necessary.  J.C. is the intervention.  The name… J.C. Daniels is a play off of the three people who pretty much run Shiloh’s life.

Professional Bio

J.C./Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more…ah…serious works of fiction. She loves reading and writing just about every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.  She writes urban fantasy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance, among other things.

 You can learn more and connect with JC here website|  Facebooktwitter  and Goodreads 

*****

Contest info

Haven’t read the Colbana Files?  You can check books 1-3, now available in a boxed set.

Enter to win one of two prizes by J.C. Daniels.  A Kindle Fire or a tea set—including a mix of Kit’s favorite tea, as well as download of books 1-3.  Enter via the widget below.  Be sure to check back and see if you’ve won and check out the rest of the participating blogs!

**Two winners from the blog tour, in random order, will be drawn.  In the event a non-US winner is drawn for the tea set, a GC of equal value will be substituted.  Apologies, but customs can be evil.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kelly reviews Razed by Shiloh Walker

razedTITLE: Razed
SERIES #: Barnes Brother’s #2
CHARACTERS: Zane Barnes & Keelie Jessup
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her

REVIEW:
After reading Wrecked I could not wait for the next book in this series. I didn’t like Keelie much in book 1 mostly because she caused a lot of trouble. But in Razed I learned to like her. Keelie has a lot of secrets and demons in her past that affect her future. It was great to see her work through them throughout the book. Zane, is a great guy who has been pining for Keelie for years. He is finally at a point it is all or nothing.
I did like Razed. But I didn’t like it as much as I loved Wrecked. I am not 100% sure what it was. I just didn’t connect with Keelie and Zane in the same way I did with Zach and Abby. But even with that I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Furious Fire by Shiloh Walker

Furious FireTITLE: Furious Fire
SERIES #: Grimm’s Circle, Book 8
CHARACTERS: Thomas Finn & Rebecca
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: November 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He is the love of all her lives…

Thomas Finn, troublemaker, gunslinger, guardian angel…loner. More than a hundred and fifty years ago, he was shot in the back then brought back to life just in time to watch a demon masquerading as his best friend kill the love of his life.

Now, as a Grimm, he satisfies his need for vengeance hunting down demons like the ones that took Rebecca from him. His mission: kill as many as he can, then, when the time comes, go down in a blaze of glory. But with each kill, he comes closer to a line no angel should cross.

Her name was Rebecca. Then it was Tilly. Then Ada. Now, Kalypso. She’s lived so many lives, she can’t even remember when or why it started. All she knows is, she’s always searching for a man with golden eyes that make her burn. And when she finds him—as she always does—she knows that spark of joy means she’s only seconds away from death…again.

This time will be no different…unless something breaks the cycle once and for all.

Warning: Contains the Groundhog Day of star-crossed lovers, a pissed-off guardian angel, a demon-hunter with an axe to grind, and the battle to end all battles. Be warned…there’s pain ahead in this book. Oh, and that HEA finally happens. For these two, anyway

REVIEW:
Another great Grimm story from Shiloh. Furious Fire takes us on a wild ride of Thomas Finn’s life. And boy howdy there was a lot about Finn that I didn’t know. Finn and Kalypso’s story is heart breaking story of love and loss after loss after loss. I will admit there were tears and gasps of “oh god no!!” moments in this book.

I am really sad to see the Grimm series coming to an end and I have a feeling that the next book will be beyond epic. The events that happened in Furious Fire it leaves a lot more questions than answers about the whole Grimm world.

If you have not started the Grimm books I would suggest starting from the beginning. The stories may be able to stand on their own but there is an on going story through out all the books. I can’t wait to see what is next.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Writer’s Tips & Tricks Day 9: Sketching Characters by Shiloh Walker

T&T_edited-1

Sketching Characters

I’ve never been much of a plotter.  It’s hard to know exactly which way the plot is going which I’m not in the driver’s seat.

My books don’t exactly come from me, if that makes any sense at all. My books come from my characters—they are in the driver’s seat and always have been.  It’s why I’m always reluctant to say, Yes, this character will get a story…because it’s up to that character.  The bottom line, not every character has a story to tell me.  If they won’t talk, I can’t force them.

This method, sadly, ends in a lot of wrong turns, though, because I don’t always know the things I want to know.

So I’ve learned to get to know my characters in advance, as much as I can, and through that, I’ve developed my method of plotting.  I don’t know if it resembles anybody else’s, but it works for me.

Some of the best writing tips I’ve ever learned came from Lynn Viehl, aka, Paperback Writer.  If you’re trying to learn your craft, I’d like to point you in her direction.  Be sure to check out her blog, particularly the freebies she has listed on the sidebar.  Look for the novel notebook and her plotting template, in particular.  Although I’m not a plotter, these gave me guidelines as I developed my twisted form of plotting.

Which I call character sketching.

Character Sketching, for me, started the first time I saw a picture online.  I don’t even remember exactly what the picture was, or which book it inspired, but I knew when I saw it that I was looking at a character.

Over the course of the next few days, that character settled inside my head, as they do, and proceeded to tell me a story.  Now sometimes, it’s not an image—sometimes it’s a story.  Take, for instance, my latest contemporary romance, YOU OWN ME.  If you’ve read it…or even just the blurb, you might recognize something that could have inspired that story.  But my twist on the story came from Decker, the hero, who walked into my head, sat down and basically said, Okay…so I’ve got a story and here’s how it goes.

Once I get a concrete idea of a character, I have a few things I need to know first.

Who is this person…yes, their name, what they do, who they are…some of this is basically backstory, but for me, it’s also the story itself.  Because as I’m sketching out my worksheets, and yes, I have a worksheet, I’m also looking at what he wants, what he doesn’t want, what’s his mission… (what’s his purpose in the story…like Decker.  His mission was to get the woman he loved to finally look at him and realize the man she was looking for was standing right there).

Then we get down to the real heart of the matter and this is going to be key to the story and where my plot starts to unfold.

What does s/he want? Why can’t s/he have it?

These two questions are a variation of three found via Lynn Viehl’s novel notebook, and almost the plot of most, if not all, stories can be pared down to the answers to these questions.

Her questions were (if I recall correctly)

  • Who are you?
  • What do you want?
  • What is the worst thing I can do to you?

They stuck with me long after I gave up trying to use Lynn Viehl’s novel notebook.  I love that woman, but her organizational skills kill me and she can plot her way to the grocery store, to the minute, while I get distracted on the way to the kitchen.

So…are you a hardcore plotter?  If so, let me direct you to the freebie page at Lynn’s blog.  Find the link to her novel notebook, which is free to download and share as long as you credit her.

If not…

Try my idea of plotting.  Start with a character sketch.  It’s below the line.

I leave a big blank space over on the left for an image if I have one, or wait until I find one or sometimes I just fill in the mental image I have because sometimes, nobody ever fits that mental picture.

Name:

Age:

Height:

Weight:

Build:

Eye & Hair color:

Occupation:

Education:

Hometown:                                                                         Currently resides:

Likes:                                                                                    Dislikes:

 

Hobbies:

 

 

Who is s/he?:

 

Mission? (a reason or being here?):

 

 

Any enemies?:

 

What does s/he want? Why can’t s/he have it?:

 

 

 

Shiloh Walker

*****

Let’s take a look at Shiloh’s latest & upcoming releases

You Own Me

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Amazon| B&N

It had always been her…

Ten years had passed since the doors slammed shut behind Decker Calhoun, taking away his freedom, but more importantly, locking him away from Elizabeth Waters, the only woman he’d ever loved—the woman he’d given up everything for.

The day he was sentenced, he’d looked at her and said, No regrets, Lizzie. But he lied, because he did have one. Although he’s been out of jail for three years now, he was a year too late. Lizzie never knew how he felt and just months before he was released, she found somebody else and it’s too late.

Or maybe not. It seems that Lizzie’s boyfriend wants an open relationship and two can play at that game. Now all Decker has to do is convince Lizzie that he’s the better man…and has been all along.

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance.

*****

Coming Soon

Sweeter Than Sin

Secrets & Shadows #2

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Release date: September 30, 2014  Preorder here: Amazon| B&N 

CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN

It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.

WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE

Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…in Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker.

 

A little about Shiloh: 

Shi

Shiloh Walker is an award-winning writer…yes, really!  She’s also a mom, a wife, a reader and she pretends to be an amateur photographer.  She published her first book in 2003 and since then, has tried her hand at digital publishing, traditional publishing and self-publishing. Her publishers include Hydra Publications, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain, Berkley, Random House and St. Martins. She writes romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal romance, and urban fantasy under the name J.C. Daniels.

 

Learn more about Shiloh here: WebsiteFacebookTwitterGoodreads

*****

Make sure to check out all of the other stops on this month long tour HERE and enter the grand prize giveaway.

All winner’s will be picked at the end of the month and announce the 1st week of October. 

 

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Kelly reviews You Own Me by Shiloh Walker

you own meTITLE: You Own Me
SERIES #: Stand alone
CHARACTERS: Decker Calhoun & Elizabeth Waters
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: August 4 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It had always been her…

Ten years had passed since the doors slammed shut behind Decker Calhoun, taking away his freedom, but more importantly, locking him away from Elizabeth Waters, the only woman he’d ever loved—the woman he’d given up everything for.

The day he was sentenced, he’d looked at her and said, No regrets, Lizzie. But he lied, because he did have one. Although he’s been out of jail for three years now, he was a year too late. Lizzie never knew how he felt and just months before he was released, she found somebody else and it’s too late.

Or maybe not. It seems that Lizzie’s boyfriend wants an open relationship and two can play at that game. Now all Decker has to do is convince Lizzie that he’s the better man…and has been all along.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Decker and Lizzie have a history. A history that is not pleasant. A history that both wish they could forget. But they can’t. Lizzie has tried to move on. Maybe not super successfully, but at least she has tried. Decker on the other hand has not been able to move on.
This was a really good quick read. As with all novella’s I can’t in good faith give you to much. But I loved Decker & Lizzie’s story. Even if the truth was staring them in the fact the whole time.

If you are looking for a quick read about love, forgiveness and a chance at happiness you should pick up a copy of You Own Me.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts