Kimberly & Jennifer review The Heart’s Game by Crista McHugh

TITLE: The Heart’s Game
SERIES #: Kelly Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Jenny & Dan
AUTHOR: Crista McHugh
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con…
Robotics engineer Jenny Nguyen has given up on finding Mr. Right. So when her brother and his husband approach her to act as surrogate for their child, she sees it as her only chance to have a child and accepts. One week after she initiates the process, however, she meets a man who gets her heart pumping for all the right reasons and gives into the temptation. When the test turns positive, she’s believes she can’t handle both the pregnancy and dating, but she underestimates how persistent a Daniel Kelly can be.
When surgeon and gamer-geek Dan meets a pretty woman dressed as a Sailor Scout at Comic-Con, a roll of his lucky 20-sided die tells him he should take a gamble on her. One night of passion leaves him longing for more, but Jenny’s refusal to return his calls afterward leaves him wondering if the attraction was one-sided. An accidental discovery of her pregnancy has him convinced the baby is his, and he’ll stop at nothing to win her heart.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts Three words.. Cheesy but cute. This story is so cheesy honestly there is no other word for it but at the same time sweet. The story is pretty cliche’… she is pregnant already and he falls for her anyway… but there are a few differences like it is for her gay brother, etc. The Comic-Con part is a big deal. There are so many references to characters that I have no idea about it was distracting but that is my issue not the authors since that is part of the synopsis.

If you are a geek you will probably enjoy this story.

JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I love that first line “What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con..”and that is perfect for both Jenny and Dan whose chance meeting leads to one night of passion at SDCC. I liked Jenny a lot because she was smart, funny and was a self proclaimed geek. I think that Jenny did an admirable thing by being the surrogate for her brother and his partner, knowing that this would cause problems with her family. Jenny’s mom reminded me a lot of my mom when she wanted Jenny to be more conservative and “girly” so she could find herself a husband “before she was too old.”
Dan couldn’t forget his one night with Jenny at SDCC and was surprised to find that they had a mutual friend back home in Washington. He found out about her pregnancy and just assumed that the child was his and I wanted to hit him over the head for not having a discussion about it before getting into a relationship with Jenny. Miscommunication and the omission of vital details affected their relationship and caused heartbreak that could have been avoided if Jenny had just told Dan the truth about her pregnancy.
The Heart’s Game is the fourth book in the Kelly Brothers series and I’m beginning to love this family more and more. Ms. McHugh has created a delightful romance with The Heart’s Game and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.

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

July 9, 2014July 5, 2014

Kimberly reviews Never Been Kissed by Molly O’Keefe

TITLE: Never Been Kissed
SERIES #: Boys Of Bishop #2
CHARACTERS: Ashley & Brody
AUTHOR: Molly O’Keefe
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the daughter of a wealthy politician, Ashley Montgomery has had enough of her parents’ expectations for her future and is going her own way, volunteering to work at a refugee camp in Africa. But her act of charity turns dangerous when she takes a boat trip and is abducted by Somali pirates. Enter Brody Baxter, who was a bodyguard for the Montgomery family ten years ago and doesn’t think twice about coming to Ashley’s rescue. Handsome and tough, Brody has always done what needed to be done. So he swoops in, saves Ashley, and brings her to a place where she can rest and recuperate without the glare of the press and her demanding family: Brody’s small hometown of Bishop, Arkansas. But Ashley soon realizes that she’s not the only one in need of healing.
Holed up with Ashley in a tiny apartment over his brother’s bar in Bishop, Brody is tempted and torn in ways he never anticipated. Beautiful Ashley, vibrant despite her ordeal, fearless enough to love him beyond his wall of self-punishment, is now determined to save him. But with a little faith and a lot of love, they just may find happiness in each others’ arms.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts It took a while but I finally enjoyed this story. The problem is Brody is a hard guy to like especially in the beginning. As we get to know him we understand why but until that time comes it is so hard to want him to have his happy ending. Ashley is so needy that she is hard to like as well. She is written to be so independent but then she hangs all over Brody like a lovesick girl and it gets annoying. Now all that being said once they finally connect they are a fun couple and they both change and become enjoyable.
I enjoyed the story (eventually) but I wonder where the authors head was while writing this. Everyone has such a chip on their shoulders and no one is just happy being themselves.
Finally getting to the HEA was worth it. I am actually looking forward to Shelby’s story which is next. I wanted her story after reading the first in the series. I can’t wait to see who can bring Shelby back into the world.

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

July 8, 2014June 30, 2014

Release Day Blitz of Elisabeth Naughton’s Extreme Measures

*****

Extreme Measures

(Aegis Security #1)

Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

When he caught her breaking the rules years ago, Zane let Eve walk away without an explanation. Now someone has not only sabotaged Aegis but also turned an American city into a war zone, and all signs point to Eve. Zane needs answers that can come only from Eve’s still-tempting lips, and he finally has the elusive operative right where he wants her—at his mercy.

Available for purchase at

Excerpt:

“I need to look at your shoulder again before you lay down,” she said
at his back.

He didn’t answer, just found the closest bedroom and pulled her
inside. Closing the door with his boot, he tugged off his jacket and tossed it
on a chair to his right, then did the same with his T-shirt and pulled her
toward the bed.

“Impatient, aren’t you?” she mumbled. He set the bag of supplies
they’d picked up on the bed beside him while she shrugged out of her
sweatshirt, dropped it on the ground, then began gently peeling away his
bandages.

Zane closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “I’m a man,
darlin’. We’re always impatient.”

“I remember. This actually looks pretty good. I’m just going to change
the dressing.”

He didn’t want to think about what she remembered. He had enough
memories pinging around in his brains for both of them—and most were the
X-rated variety. He sat still while she removed the soaked bandages, added
antibiotic ointment and covered the wound again. But his stomach clenched every
time her soft fingers grazed his skin, and with every breath he drew, a whiff
of that sweet peach scent bombarded him, amping his awareness and sending blood
straight to his groin.

“There,” she said, placing the last piece of tape over the wound. “Now
you just need to take these before you pass out and you should be good.” She
handed him two pills from the bottle they’d picked up at the pet store and
stepped away.

He snagged her by the wrist. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To get you a glass of water.”

“No water.” He popped the pills in his mouth and dry swallowed them.

There was just enough light coming through the window to see her exasperated
expression. “Wow. What a stud you are.”

He ignored the sarcasm and patted the mattress beside him. “Get
comfortable, sweetheart.”

She sighed. “Look, Archer. I—”

He jerked her toward him. A yelp slipped from her lips just before she
fell into his body. Heat immediately enveloped him, but he quickly flipped her
to her back, then climbed over her.

“Archer—”

Her warning was laced with just a touch of fear. Just enough to tell
him he’d surprised her. And considering nothing seemed to surprise this woman,
he was using that to his advantage.

He grasped both of her arms at the wrists and pinned them above her
head. Pain ricocheted from his shoulder down his arm and back up again, but he
ignored it. Just like he tried to ignore her trim hips locked between his knees
and the way the light from the window spilled over her breasts and bare abdomen
in that revealing top. “Here’s how this is going to work, sweetheart. I’m going
to close my eyes for a few hours and you’re going to stay right here beside me
where I know you can’t get into any trouble. Then, when I wake, I’ll call
Carter and we can both be rid of each other for good.”

She pursed her lips and lifted her chin, a clear challenge glinting in
her eyes. “I’d like to be rid of you right now.”

“Too bad. You’re stuck with me.” He lowered his weight onto hers, let
go of one arm and cinched the zip tie hidden in his hand around her wrist.

“Archer… What the hell?”

Zane looped the second zip tie through hers, tightened it around his
own wrist, then rolled off her onto his back and drew in a deep breath.

“Oh, my God.” She sat upright. “You did not just do that. Where the fuck did you get more zip ties?”

He yanked on her arm until his lowered back to the bed. “I stole them.
You’re not the only one who can filch goods unnoticed, beautiful.” He relaxed
back into the pillows and closed his eyes. “Now lie down.”

“You are so gonna pay for this.”

He didn’t need to see the smoke pumping from her ears to know it was
there. He could hear it in her voice and feel it in the heat radiating from her
skin. A wry smile curled his lips. “I figure I’m already doing time in
purgatory, thanks to you. A few more years won’t kill me.”

“And to think,” Eve snapped as she flopped back onto the bed, “I was
actually worried about you.”

Zane’s humor faded. “We both know you weren’t worried. You were just
biding your time until you could run. I’m not a stupid southern hick,
sweetheart. Now shut up so I can get some sleep.”

“Don’t mind me,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and
dragging his hand with her. “I’ll just be sitting here plotting all the ways I
can murder you in your sleep.”

He chuckled. Now that was the feisty brunette he remembered. “Just do
it quietly. I’m beat.”

She let out a long, frustrated sigh, but the sound didn’t irritate
Zane like it should, instead it relaxed him. And man, either he was seriously
losing it or all those drugs had finally fried his gray matter. Because lying
next to his archenemy, feeling her heat and smelling her soft, arousing scent, he
suddenly wasn’t focused on revenge. Losing himself in all her softness sounded
a hell of a lot better. And more fun. And, holy hell, way more fucking erotic.

He just wasn’t sure what to do about it.

A little about Elisabeth:

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 rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned to 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.

Learn more at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

You can find Elisabeth here:

Presented By

July 8, 2014July 7, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Maple Mayhem by Jessie Crockett

Guest Post

by Jessie Crockett

When I go to author talks and book signings some of the questions I am often asked are why I write mysteries (because I love to read them) or where I get my ideas (the grocer). People want to know about my work habits (erratic) or the process of getting published (grueling). I’ve even been asked about the sorts of snacks I eat while working away on a tight deadline (baby carrots).

Something I have never been asked is why I set my books in tiny towns in New Hampshire. Granted, since most of my events are held in New England, the people attending the talk have no reason to ask such a question. They know why New Hampshire is a great setting for a mystery series.

People who live here know New Hampshire might be worth choosing just on account of the natural beauty of the mountains, lakes and coastline. There are also the man-made features like charming villages filled with historic buildings, the stone walls zig-zagging through the woods and the delightful surprise of covered bridges.

The weather in here also supports mysterious doings as anyone who has ever survived a winter in New England can tell you. After months on end of being cooped up with the family it is easy to imagine old arguments becoming dangerous. Treacherously icy roads provide ample opportunity to fake fatal accidents. Even mud season and black flies can push upstanding citizens over the edge. After all, with so many acres of undeveloped land there are plenty of places to hide a body, at least once the ground thaws out.

New Hampshire is full of people who inspire great characters too. It’s easy to imagine all that independent spirit and stoicism along with a heaping helping of forthrightness and cantankerousness giving rise to all sorts of criminal possibilities.

There’s also the fact that the past is always present in New Hampshire. A walk in the woods is likely to reveal a tumbled down sugarhouse or cellar hole. A leisurely drive on a sunny afternoon might easily take you past an overgrown cemetery hidden beneath a stand of maples. But along with all the nostalgia and charm there is also the darker side of the past. Behind the front door of any antique cape long memories, old grudges, family secrets and unforgiven debts might just be lurking. The contrast between the white picket fences and skeletons in the closets makes for fertile soil for mystery writers as well as readers.

If you have the opportunity to visit New Hampshire in person or as an armchair traveller, I think you’ll agree it is the perfect spot for sightseeing, antiquing and even the occasional mystery.

About the Author:

A nearly life-long resident of the Granite State, Jessie naturally adores black flies, 98% humidity, killing frosts in August and snow banks taller than the average grandmother.

When not working on her next murderous adventure she enthusiastically combs the beach, designs bento lunches and throws parties. She delights in mentoring young writers at local schools.

Her debut mystery, Live Free or Die, was the 2011 winner of the Daphne DuMaurier Award for Mainstream Mystery.

Jessie lives with her dark and mysterious husband and exuberant children in a village so small most other New Hampshire residents have never heard of it. Hearing from readers makes the winter seem shorter so please drop her a line.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

In Sugar Grove, New Hampshire, people are serious about their maple syrup—especially Dani Greene, whose family owns the Greener Pastures sugarhouse. But when murder disrupts the small-town sweetness, Dani pores over clues to draw out a killer…

Despite being a fourth-generation syrup maker, Dani isn’t stuck in the past. She’s starting a new agricultural cooperative that reduces costs for every syrup producer who joins. Everyone considers it a sweet deal except the die-hard curmudgeon Frank Lemieux—and when a saboteur starts targeting supporters, everyone suspects Frank.

But it turns out they’re barking up the wrong tree when Dani finds Frank murdered in his own sugarhouse. As the sabotage continues, she realizes that Frank was framed. With the help of her family, and a handsome official from the Fish and Game Department, Dani must catch the killer before another syrup maker kicks the bucket.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Maple Mayhem

Review (3.5 Stars): The interesting thing about these mysteries was that Dani was from a family of maple syrup makers, which I haven’t seen before in any other cozy mysteries. This is the second book in the Sugar Grove Mystery series and in this book, Dani is on the hunt to find the killer of a cantankerous syrup maker. Frank Lemieux has been a thorn in Dani’s side for quite sometime and she is shocked to find that he has been murdered. What’s worse is that someone is also framing the victim for vandalizing property of the people that are joining Dani’s new co-op and Dani must get to the bottom of this before it is too late.

I like Dani and I think that she is an adorable character who is a little spitfire when she is on a mission. I love her family and the other crazy residents that make Sugar Grove so interesting. My only problem with this book was the pacing of the story. It just felt that it was taking a long time to get the murder investigation going and because of that I had a hard time becoming invested in the story. I’ve enjoyed Ms. Crockett’s first book, Drizzled with Death and I was a little sad that Maple Mayhem didn’t grab me like her first Sugar Grove mystery. I’m looking forward to her next mystery because I do like these characters and want to see what happens in Dani’s life, but this mystery was just okay for me.

July 8, 2014July 5, 2014

What releases the week of July 7th? Check here!

Happy Release Week!!!!

Check Out These Great Reads That Come Out This Week!

And there are so many more to choose from.

Just click on a link to see what books are available.

July 8, 2014July 5, 2014

Kelly reviews Extreme Measures by Elisabeth Naughton

TITLE: Extreme Measures
SERIES #: Aegis Security #1
CHARACTERS: Zane Archer & Eve Wolfe
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 8, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Zane has never forgotten or forgiving the person who almost killed him in an ambush. For over a year he has been tracking and plan what he would do when he finally caught up with this person. Only one problem. The person he is after is also the person he is in love with. And finding her out cold from an explosion is not what he had in mind.
What was suppose to be a simple give me the truth and walk away session with Eve has turned into a run for our life’s mission. Now the questions is who is setting them up? And what the heck does it have to do with Eve and Zane specifically?

Good first full length novel in Ms. Naughton’s Aegis Security series. Lots of action, lot of who do you trust and yes some romance. I really liked Zane & Eve. They are so well fitted together. I loved the side story of involving Eve’s sister Olivia. I am very much looking forward to what is next in this series. I am hoping for Miller and Olivia. Although I would love to see who is going to take down Ryder. 🙂

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

July 7, 2014July 6, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Some Enchanted Eclair by Bailey Cates

Guest Blog

by Bailey Cates

Some Enchanted Eclair is the fourth Katie Lightfoot adventure in Savannah, Georgia. She’s still a relatively new witch, but in her first year since moving to the South from Akron, Ohio, she’s learned a lot. Like her aunt Lucy, Katie is a hedgewitch, sometimes called a natural or green witch, whose talents lie in kitchen and garden magic. She and Lucy use their knowledge of herbs and spices to infuse the yummy pastries at the Honeybee Bakery with good intentions for love, prosperity, health, peach and more.

The other members of the spellbook club have been teaching Katie their own specialties, too: moon magic and tarot magic, flower and color magic, along with basic spell casting and divination. Katie has also learned that she’s a catalyst, which adds a little kick to the others’ spells, and Detective Franklin Taite also revealed to her in Bewitched, Bothered and Biscotti that she’s something called a lightwitch. However, Taite seems to have disappeared, so she’s still trying to find out just what a lightwitch is. In part it seems to mean that she finds more than her share of dead bodies — specifically murder victims that have some kind of connection to the paranormal.

In Some Enchanted Eclair, Katie and Lucy are staying clear of the historical movie being filmed on Reynolds Square — at least until the production coordinator asks them to feed the cast and crew. Sure enough, the first time Katie ventures onto the set there’s a fatal stabbing. The more she looks into the circumstances surrounding the victim, the more it becomes evident that some kind of dark magic is involved.

At first she thinks the paranormal connection might involve the psychic who travels with the lead actress. Ursula Banford can contact spirits who have passed to the other side, and in the course of Katie’s investigation she passes on messages from some surprising sources. But can they be trusted? Since moving to Savannah, Katie has come to believe in things she never dreamed could be real, but she’s not naive enough to simply take someone at their word when they say they can talk to dead people. Whether or not Ursula is the genuine article, there are plenty of other suspects for Katie and the spellbook club to ferret out.

Researching Some Enchanted Eclair was, quite frankly, a blast. Along with the research I usually do for this series regarding Savannah, other settings, food, weather and gardening in the South, I took the chance to read up on the Revolutionary War and consulted with an independent filmmaker. Plus, for the first time in my life, I went to not one, but two psychics.

I love my job.

Another aspect of writing the Magical Bakery Mysteries is… the baking, of course! In other books I’ve researched some classic Southern recipes (like Coca Cola Cake) and come up with my own version to offer in the back of the books. For Eclair, I learned how to make choux pastry, and boy am I glad I did because it’s not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Eclairs can be both savory and sweet, and the pastry can be used for cream puffs and even fried into something like a donut. However, it can be a bit tricky (unlike Katie, I failed the first time I tried it), so rather than try to tell readers how to make choux, I fell back on some of my everyday favorites –which just happen to be on the Honeybee menu. One is a gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe that I’ve made for years — fast, easy, and great for sudden cravings. The other is a carrot and apple cake recipe I’ve honed to my personal idea of perfection. I do so hope others love it as much as I do.

Next up is the fifth Magical Bakery Mystery. It’s currently untitled, but I can tell you it involves pie, voodoo … and a sprinkling of romance!

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Bailey Cates believes magic is all around us if we only look for it. She studied philosophy, English and history and has held a variety of positions ranging from driver’s license examiner to soap maker. She traveled the world as a localization program manager for Microsoft, but now sticks close to home where she writes two mystery series, tends to a dozen garden beds, bakes up a storm and plays the occasional round of golf.
Having apprenticed with a master herbalist for a year, she’s prone to concocting teas and tinctures for family and friends from the stash of herbs stored in the corner cabinet in her office. She owns a working spinning wheel and is on a first name basis with several alpacas and two sheep with questionable dispositions.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

When Hollywood invades Savannah’s historic district to film a Revolutionary War movie, magical baker Katie Lightfoot, and her witches’ coven, the Spellbook Club, take a break from casting spells for casting calls. One of the witches snags a part as an extra, while Katie’s firefighter boyfriend, Declan, acts as on-set security. Katie and her aunt Lucy decide to stay out of the action, but after the movie’s “fixer” fires the caterer, the Honeybee Bakery comes to the rescue, working their magic to keep the hungry crew happy.

But when someone fixes the fixer—permanently—and a spooky psychic predicts Katie will find the killer, the charming baker and her fellow conjurers step in to sift through the suspects…before someone else winds up on the cutting room floor….

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Some Enchanted Eclair

Review (4.25 Stars): This is the fourth book in the Magical Bakery Mystery series and I absolutely loved this installment in the series. Katie is settling in to her daily routine of working at the Honeybee bakery and spending her spare time strengthening her relationship with her firefighter boyfriend, Declan McCarthy. A film crew is shooting a movie in downtown Savannah and Katie is suddenly wrangled into providing lunch for the hungry cast and crew. While on the set, Katie finds herself involved in another murder mystery when the body of the production coordinator is discovered with a knife in his back. The same knife that Katie gave him to help serve lunch to the cast and crew. Katie now has to use her magical gifts again to help find another killer before they take another victim out of the picture.

This is a great series and I love all the characters in Some Enchanted Eclair. Katie Lightfoot has been a favorite of mine for quite some time because she is slowly coming to terms with her magical powers and that she comes from a long line of witches. She has a great talent of creating tasty treats that are sprinkled with a little bit of magic that provides her customers with positive energy that is meant to help them in their lives. Having the film crew in Savannah provides Katie and Honeybee bakery an opportunity to branch out and restart up their catering service hopefully with better results then last time. I loved learning about the aspects of filming a movie and the crazy personalities that go along with it.

I’m so glad that Katie and Declan’s relationship finally seem to be on the right track after all they have been through together. He is exactly what she needs in her life so she has a little stability with all the murders that she finds herself involved in. Some Enchanted Eclair is a bewitching mystery with wonderful characters and well-written storylines that will keep you entranced for hours. I can’t wait to read the fifth book in this series because I want to see how Katie and the members of her spellbook club handle the idea of voodoo in their community.

July 7, 2014July 7, 2014

Kelly reviews Lacey’s Game by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Lacey’s Game
CHARACTERS: Brogan, Lacey & Lou
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lacey Morgan is fed up and heartbroken. Her boyfriend Brogan is all about control and she’s all about breaking through his barriers. Except she can’t seem to do it. Unwilling to settle for only part of him, she takes off, figuring it’s better that way. After all, half of a relationship is worse than none. She settles in with her best friend, hot and sexy photographer Lou, figuring she’ll lick her wounds and give her heart time to heal.

Finding Lacey gone is a punch to the gut. Finding her with another guy is even worse. She isn’t interested in listening to what he has to say, though. Not unless he’s willing to strip himself bare and give up pieces of himself that died long ago.

Brogan can’t do that. Or so he thinks. Lacey and Lou have other plans, a hot, torrid night, some hot, sexy pictures… Lacey is determined to show Brogan a new way of seeing things

REVIEW:
Lacey has finally come to the conclusion that the man she is in love with will never love her back. So in order to try to get over him she takes off. Right into the arms of one of her best friends and former lovers. Only problem is that Brogan does not want to let her go. Even if that means having to play Lacey’s game.

This was a dirty little diddie of a novella. So if you like your novella’s quick, dirty and a happy ending you should pick up a copy of Lacey’s game.

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.

July 7, 2014July 5, 2014

Kimberly reviews Naughty Bits #3 by Joey W Hill

TITLE: Naughty Bits: Bound To Please
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #3
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thanks to her new Dom’s exquisitely special set of skills, Madison is discovering how delicious it can be to lose control. Logan is committed to awakening Madison’s long buried desires, and after he shows her the depths of ecstasy they can reach with a little bit of roleplay, he’s ready to take her to the next level.
But when Madison’s old fears resurface, Logan grows wary of pushing her too far too fast. He can sense just how deeply she longs for release from past regrets, but what surprises him the most is the intense yearning his innocent new sub is awakening in him. Now Logan must decide to what lengths he’ll go to convince Madison to give herself over completely…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 3rd installment of Naughty Bits and I think the best so far. Madison and Logan have had a connection in the previous two installments but it really explodes in this one. Madison has such a realization in this story that it changes everything.
I love this story. I have enjoyed Logan so much and the man he is. I love reading his insight and the way he understands what he is but is willing to let Madison discover what she is. Yes the sex in the story is hot but the connection between them is so much hotter. While a Dom he has a softness about him that melts the heart.

The only problem is that I keep having to wait for the next installment. This is a new trend that is really not one of my favorites. But for this story I will keep waiting as long as I need to.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

July 6, 2014July 6, 2014

Kissin’ the week of June 30th to July 5th Goodbye

6.30.14

Kelly reviews Storm Bound by Dani Harper

Natasha reviews Pia Saves The Day by Thea Harrison

7.1.14

Yasmine Galenron’s Night’s End Release Day Blast

Kelly reviews Fire Rising by Donna Grant

Natasha and Kimberly review Then Came You by Jill Shalvis

What releases the week of June 30th? Check here!

Launch Day Spotlight & Giveaway: Dark Paradise by Angie Sandro

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The City by Dean Koontz

Blog Tour & Review: Muffin But Murder by Victoria Hamilton

7.2.14

Kelly reviews Azagoth by Larissa Ione

Kelly reviews Straddling The Line by Jaci Burton

Blog Tour & Review: Crime Rib by Leslie Budewitz

7.3.14

Natasha reviews Cross & Crown by Abigail Roux

Kelly reviews Fireborn by Keri Arthur

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan

Blog Tour & Review: Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass

Thursday’s Thought…

7.4.14

Kelly reviews Heart Of Obsidian by Nalini Singh

Kelly reviews In The Mood For Love by Beth Ciotta

Happy 4th Of July!

Blog Tour & Review: Ill-Gotten Panes by Jennifer McAndrews

7.5.14

SINsational Saturday Series

Yasmine Galenorn’s Indigo Court series

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Be Careful What You Witch For by Dawn Eastman

July 5, 2014June 27, 2014

Yasmine Galenorn’s Indigo Court Series

Night Myst

Indigo Court #1

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the Dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they imagined. Now Myst, the Vampiric Fae Queen of the Indigo Court, has enough power to begin a long prophesied supernatural war. And Cicely Waters, a witch who can control the wind, may be the only one who can stop her-and save her beloved Fae prince from the Queen’s enslavement.

Cicely Waters, a witch who can control the wind, has returned home to New Forest, Washington, after learning that her family is in danger. The Indigo Court holds the city in fear. People are vanishing, and strange deaths plague the town. And when she is swept into an unexpected and passionate reunion with Grieve, the Fae prince who taught her how to harness the wind, Cicely finds herself with a fierce and territorial lover.

But Greive has been enslaved in Myst’s court, and now, caught betwen two evils, the lovers must survive the machinations of the Vampiric Fae queen, even as Cicely untangles the hidden secrets to her own heritage.

*****

Night Veil

Indigo Court #2

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the Dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic energy more powerful than they could have imagined. Quietly amassing their strength for centuries, the Vampiric Fae — led by the merciless Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court — are determined to enslave the world. Only one witch stands in her way….

Cicely Waters had always thought she was simply one of the magic-born — a witch who can control the wind — but when she returned home to New Forest, Washington, she discovered she’s also one of the shifting Fae. Now she must perfect her gift. For Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court, has captured Grieve, the Fae prince who holds Cicely’s heart. To save both her beloved Grieve and her friend Kaylin — whose demon is waking — Cicely must journey into the heart of the Indigo Court.

But even as Cicely gathers strength, old alliances are breaking faith. And new allies, like the hedonistic vampire Lannan Altos, promise to take Cicely down a far darker path than she’s ever travelled before.

*****

Night Seeker

Indigo Court #3

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, the Vampiric Fae are on the move, hunting anyone in their path. As the war with the vampires ratchets up, Myst, Queen of the Indigo Court, enshrouds New Forest in her chilling grasp.

Cicely Waters, owl shifter and Wind Witch, has rescued the Fae Prince Grieve at a great cost. Their reunion has lost them the allegiance of the Summer Queen–and the tolerance of the vampires. In desperation they turn to the Consortium for help. Now, to regain the good will of Lainule, they must dare to enter the heart of Myst’s realm. But as Cicely and Grieve embark on their search for the heartstone of Summer, Winter is already wreaking her terrifying revenge.

*****

Night Vision

Indigo Court #4

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, even with Myst, the Queen of the Indigo Court, temporarily out of action, the new Queens of the Golden Wood find themselves facing incredible danger…

Destined to become the Fae Queens of Winter and Summer, Wind Witch Cicely and her cousin, Rhiannon, are eager to assume their roles and marry the loves of their lives. But while Myst hides in the shadows, seeking to regroup her forces, another danger is lurking closer. Renegade vampires Geoffrey and Leo manage to free the Blood Oracle and set him upon New Forest, Washington. Not satisfied with wreaking havoc on the town, Leo ups the ante by kidnapping Rhiannon. Now, Cicely must lead her forces in a bloody battle to save her cousin before everything they’ve worked for crumbles to dust

*****

Night’s End

Indigo Court #5

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, in a final push, Myst returns with a vengeance to bring the Golden Wood forever under the rule of the Indigo Court.

Newly crowned Fae Queens Cicely and Rhiannon have embraced their destinies and claimed their thrones. But Myst is rising once more, and now, at the helm of her armies, she begins her final assault on the Golden Wood. As Fae, vampires, and magic-born alike fall under the tide of blood, Cicely and her friends must discover a way to destroy the spidery queen before they—and their people—face total annihilation.

July 5, 2014July 4, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Be Careful What You Witch For by Dawn Eastman

I’m delighted to have Dawn Eastman here to discuss her new book, Be Careful What You Witch For. This is the second book in her Family Fortune Mystery series and it is just as delightful as the first. Please welcome Dawn to Books-n-Kisses.

1. Tell me about your new release.

Be Careful What You Witch For is the second novel in the Family Fortune Mystery series. It takes place in October, a few months after Pall in the Family ends. My main character, Clyde Fortune, helped her friend, Diana, to plan and organize the annual fall festival. Because Diana is Wiccan, she planned a ceremony in the woods on Halloween as part of the festival. Right in the middle of the ceremony, one of the participants dies from an allergic reaction. Accident or murder?

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

I have two versions of this story – one is the out-of-the-blue version, the other is that it percolated for many years! I was working on developing a series that would be entertaining and unique. I had written a couple of “practice” novels and focused on fixing the things that didn’t work in those books for developing a new series idea. I knew I wanted to write something lighter, like a cozy.

The characters themselves seemed to just show up. I saw Clyde and her mother and aunt talking and arguing about the family business. I wondered what kind of family business they might have, and once I realized it was a psychic business I wondered what kind of a town would support such a business. I decided to place the town in one of my favorite places – Western Michigan – and before I knew it, a bunch of other characters showed up and started populating the town. A psychic tourist town amused me and I thought I could develop some entertaining stories with that setting and the new characters that were lining up to live there.

3. What was the most interesting thing that you had to research as a writer?

Because I have psychics and Wiccans in my books, and I am not psychic or Wiccan, I have been able to research all sorts of interesting things. I’ve researched psychic phenomena, ghost sightings, Wiccan philosophy, and divination techniques. It would be difficult to pick one interesting thing since it is all fascinating to me and whatever I’m currently researching is always the most interesting.

4. Which authors do you feel have influenced you to become a writer?

I love all sorts of books and have always been a reader. My obsession with mysteries began with Nancy Drew and quickly moved to Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle. When I discovered Janet Evanovich and realized that mysteries could be funny as well, I was sold. I had to try it for myself.

5. What are you working on now?

I’m finishing up book three in the series and working on plotting out the next few.

6. Favorite TV guilty pleasure? Favorite Food? Favorite book that you’ve read recently?

TV: I can’t pick one. I’ll go with Castle, Murdoch Mysteries, and anything on Masterpiece.Food: chocolate chip cookies and tea. Book: The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Thank you for being here today on Books-n-Kisses.

Thank you for hosting me on your blog!

About the Author:

Dawn Eastman is the national bestselling author of Pall in the Family, the first book in the Family Fortune Mystery Series. She lived in Michigan for many years in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, daughter, and one extremely bossy small dog.

Website/Facebook/Twitter

Leaving a traumatic police career behind, Clyde Fortune has returned to her seemingly quiet hometown of Crystal Haven, Michigan. In spite of the psychic powers of its residents, there’s no telling what trouble is brewing in this burg…

The highlight of the fall festival in Crystal Haven is a bonfire with a witch’s cauldron resting over it. Clyde’s best friend Diana leads a ritual to divine the future, but it seems no one foresees that one of their own will drop dead—or that Diana will be a prime suspect.

Clyde already has her hands full with her eccentric family, runaway nephew, and burgeoning secret romance with a hunky homicide detective. But after another coven member is attacked, Clyde suspects there’s a witch hunt afoot and focuses her psychic and sleuthing skills to clear her friend’s name and catch a killer.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Be Careful What You Witch For

Review (4.5 Stars): I am a big fan of this series because Ms. Eastman has written a delightful series with memorable characters, supernatural elements and laugh out loud humor that will have you clamoring for more. Be Careful What You Witch For is the second book in the Family Fortune series and I was hooked from the very first page. Clyde is a great heroine for me because she used to be a police officer so she is smart and strong but just happens to be a member of a family full of psychics. This mystery involves Clyde’s best friend, Diana, who is suspect in the murder of a family friend during a fall festival ceremony. Clyde is on the hunt for the true killer to clear her friends name and protect other people from getting hurt.

This book was fast paced and well-written so I had no trouble following along with the story. I love Ms. Eastman’s humor in these books and Crystal Haven is definitely a fun place to visit. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series and see what these zany characters are up to next.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Be Careful What You Witch For.

This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by July 11th, please leave a question or comment for Ms. Eastman:

(Please include email address in comments)