TITLE: Summer He Came Home
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Maggie & Cain
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…
Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.
For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?
The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans.
REVIEW:
I enjoyed this romance but had some problems with it… First the good part… Maggie and Cain have a connection right away that flows through the entire story. I enjoyed the storyline (mostly) and enjoyed the other “Bad Boys” and can not wait to read their stories too. I adored Michael (Maggie’s son) even though having a 7 year old I can honestly say no child that age speaks and acts the way he does but he is endearing and I enjoyed the connection that Cain and Michael have as much as the one Cain has with Maggie.
Now the part I was not so sure of… Cain is a rocker who comes back for one of his best friends funerals (that was written so emotionally well) but the background of Cain is really off some. First the story claims the band is starting to make it and the concerts they are playing have a bunch of fans… but then they are the opening act and Cain is already “tired” of the lifestyle. He also claims to be tired of the lifestyle but then anytime he plays the guitar it is written that he feels like he is missing something. It just seems the characters background is not written very clearly.
But that being said I enjoyed the book and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the “coming home again” romance.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family’s famous brewery, she’s determined to be independent–never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen, teaches her all she needs to know about the business. Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart.
But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.
Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies’ man reputation. But he’s sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professional, after getting burned at his last job on both fronts.
Garret Hunter is “The Perfect Man” — handsome, successful, stable, eager to settle down. Eli Buchannan… is not. Compelling, smoking hot, creative and elusive, he represents everything Lori Brockton should avoid. But just as she makes a difficult choice, a drastic life-changing shift occurs, and nothing is ever the same again.
REVIEW:
I just could not get into this book. The character of Lori is way beyond irritating and I just never cared about her circumstances. I am not big on the love triangle storyline anyway but wanted to give this book a shot and I am kinda sorry that I did.
Eli is crass and I just hated every scene he was in. Garret was very sweet but a bit OCD. Lori is selfish and I just never understood why she had to go back and forth between the two. And the end… UGH! I was just disappointed. I think this is a love it or hate it kind of story and I just didn’t love it at all.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Rancher Adam Sloan is more than meets the eye. As the heir to his Pack, the sexy werewolf’s biggest challenge is keeping his kin’s true nature under wraps. But a group of jaguar shifters threatens to reveal the pack, blasting into town killing humans in plain sight. And when he smells one at the local diner, his standing orders are to take her out.
Lana Turpin doesn’t realize she’s a moving target. Raised in the foster system, she only knows that she blacks out during the new moon and wakes up without remembering a thing. But now she’s being tracked by some strange organization that wants her back—even though she’s never stepped foot inside their compound. And the stranger across the diner is watching her like an enemy.
It should be a simple mission for Adam, but when he touches the frustratingly beautiful Lana, his inner wolf howls…mate. Now, the two must find and stop the people who hunt her…and Adam must keep his own family from killing the only woman he will ever love.
TITLE: The Professional/The Player
SERIES #: Men Out Of Uniform #13/#1
CHARACTERS: Jeb & Sophie/Jamie & Audrey
AUTHOR: Rhonda Nelson
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE PROFESSIONAL
Former military man Jeb Anderson accepted a job at Ranger Security to regain some control over his life. But when he goes undercover to investigate a series of thefts at a retirement home, his number one suspect completely unravels his control and sends his libido sky-high! As far as massage therapist Sophie O’Brien is concerned, Jeb is infuriating. Still, she’d like nothing more than to find out just what’s underneath Jeb’s reserved exterior—and his clothes! Because if he’s half as talented as his nickname implies, letting him uncover all her secrets will be very, very satisfying .
THE PLAYER
There’s nothing like a man in uniform…or out of it! Especially when he’s as hot as former Ranger Jamie Flanagan. After their last assignment went horribly wrong, he and his buddies needed to get out of the military for good. There was only one catch–that he and his pals promise their commanding officer one favor. Any favor. Now tall, dark and sexy Jamie is a top security specialist… and the ultimate ladies’ man. So he’s more than a little surprised when he learns the colonel has set him up to protect his granddaughter. Who would trust a player like Jamie with a gorgeous woman like Audrey? Then he learns his “mission” is to seduce her away from another man….
REVIEW:
THE PROFESSIONAL
I am not sure how I feel about this story. I really enjoyed the storyline itself and I enjoyed the characters too. They really are so cute together. Then why am I not sure about it? Because it makes Jeb, who supposedly is an Army Ranger, look like an idiot. Becca is the one who thinks up everything and Jeb is just the muscle. And while I liked him as the muscle I felt like he was written wrong. I also would have enjoyed more of the twin connection. That being said I liked the story. And I think anyone who enjoys romance will enjoy it too. Pick it up and you will not be disappointed.
THE PLAYER
This is actually a reprint of the first in the series of “Men Out of Uniform” and it was good but again not great. There is just something a little off about the way this author writes these books. It isn’t that it is bad writing just odd. I am glad I read the other book first because I am not sure I would have continued with the series having read this book first. But seeing as I did read the other one first it was kind of nice to backtrack and see how it all began.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Collector
SERIES #: Dante Walker Series
CHARACTERS: Dante Walker
AUTHOR: Victoria Scott
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/02/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of Hell’s best–a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.
Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:
Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.
Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of Hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect–he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.
REVIEW: Dante is the epitome of a bad boy and he makes good girls want to do bad things because that’s his job. Look for people doing bad things or “sinning” and mark their soul with his collector stamp. Once a soul obtains a certain number of collector stamps, he then takes their soul until the time that their body dies and they are sent to the hot place down below. His next mark is Charlie Cooper and if he finishes this assignment in ten days, he will be able to stay on Earth permanently and never have to return down below. When he meets Charlie, she is a very nerdy teenager and Dante has no clue why the Boss Man wants her. He just has to corrupt her soul and he is done with the assignment.
Dante was a jerk in the beginning of this book. He was used to getting what he wanted before he died with his looks, charm and money, so it was relatively easy for him to infiltrate Charlie’s world. He paid attention to her and tried to “help” her to be more popular and Charlie trusted him almost immediately. Charlie was such a sweet girl who just wanted to help others make a difference in their lives and couldn’t believe that this good looking guy was interested in her. I couldn’t imagine anyone not caring about Charlie after spending time with her and I’m glad that Dante had second thoughts to completing his mission.
Victoria Scott has created an amazing debut novel with The Collector and this story will have you believing in second chances and the possibility of redemption. This book was funny, smart and sweet and I was holding my breath as I couldn’t wait to see what happens next. I can’t wait to read The Liberator which is out later this year to see what happened to Dante and Charlie after the events of The Collector.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
In America, they didn’t care about witches. But all that was about to change.
Katya Zhuvova fled a country that feared her gifts, but her escape to Seattle left her at the mercy of a ruthless man. With no one left to turn to, Katya hatches a desperate escape plan. Undercover Detective Nigel Ferris is determined to bring down a prostitution ring, whatever the cost. In order to the get answers he needs, he attempts to win the trust of one of the prostitutes involved—but one look at the deceptively sultry Katya and the cool, objective cop disappears. Before either can put their plans into place, Mother Nature shrugs: a cataclysm rocks Seattle, and life is turned upside down.
Brought together by chance, Nigel and Katya are in the fight for their lives. Surrounded by death and fear, shattered by immeasurable loss, they have only a bond forged in fire to cling to as they struggle to survive in a world gone straight to hell.
When the world went straight to hell, humanity needed a scapegoat to judge, to blame . . . to burn.
As an independent witch living off the grid, Jessie Leigh has spent her life running, trying to blend in among the faceless drudges in the rebuilt city. She thought she was finally safe, but now she’s been found in a New Seattle strip club—by a hard-eyed man on a mission to destroy her kind.
A soldier of the Holy Order, Silas Smith believes in the cause: trawling the fringes of society for the murderous witches who threaten what’s left of the world. Forced into a twisting web of half-truths and lies, he has to stay close to the most sensuous and electrifying woman he has ever seen and manipulate her into leading him to the witch he has to kill: her brother. Silas doesn’t know that Jessie’s his enemy, only that he wants her, needs her, even as he lies to her… and must protect her until his final breath.
Naomi West was plucked from one prison and placed undercover in another: the gilded cage that is Timeless, New Seattle’s premier spa and resort, where owner Phinneas Clarke—the most seductive man Naomi has ever met—may be hiding a killer. She’s an agent of the Holy Order, trained to hunt the guilty and render justice. But while she’s tracking down a rogue agent on a killing spree, Phin is determined to uncover her most damning—and dangerous—secrets. Whatever the cost.
New Seattle is changing. Witches and witch hunters have become allies, and the Order’s grip on the city is slipping. But they won’t go down without a fight…
After the disastrous end to their last mission, Jessie, Silas, and Naomi regroup at their sanctuary far beneath New Seattle. But their brief rest is shattered when Jessie “sees” two of their own attacked topside. Dodging bullets and black magic, they risk it all on a treacherous rescue mission. Already stretched to the limit, danger waits in unexpected corners. If the Holy Order finds them, the team is as good as dead. But they can’t hide forever..
Juliet Carpenter thought of the coven as family, but when she falls for a man who betrays them all, she’s left alone and desperately searching for a reason why. Caleb Leigh has spent the past year in hiding, unable to escape his demons. When Juliet finds him again, her need for vengeance clashes with the hunger still burning between them.
It’s a fight born from the embers of a half-forgotten attraction and the wounds of a past too raw to ignore. With enemies circling and secrets threatening to consume them, Caleb has no choice but to fulfill a promise made long ago–protect her, save her. Even if it costs him his blood, his body . . . and what’s left of his mind.
Parker Adams has always done what’s expected of her . . . until a double agent with nothing to lose ignites a passion she doesn’t dare give in to.
Mission Agent Simon Wells is everything Parker Adams has been trained to fight: manipulator, murderer, spy… witch. But for her, what makes Simon most dangerous is his mesmerizing sexual magnetism, powerful enough to tempt even the famed ice queen of the Mission. Though she knows better, each encounter with the deceptive agent leaves her craving more.
Simon isn’t a man to let go of what’s his, and his pursuit forces Parker, a woman he can’t get out from under his skin, to make a stand that could destroy her. If they can work together, they might survive the politics that have enslaved their devastated world—or fall victim to the pitfalls of desperation, bone-deep mistrust, and a hunger that threatens to consume them.
In this Dark Mission novella, Jonas Stone emerges from the shadows into his own story, and finally allows himself to have the same shot at love he’s given his friends. Jonas Stone has been given his first independent operation: rescue the insurrection leader’s imprisoned grandson from the Mission. Getting the job done means more than getting Danny Granger out–it means staying with him while he heals. Staying too close, for way too long.
Danny is everything Jonas isn’t: confident, optimistic, honest–a man to be reckoned with. If only it didn’t mean going against everything Jonas has planned. He’s kept his secrets for years, hid behind a mask no one could see through…until now. Danny isn’t the kind of man Jonas deserves. But he might be exactly the man he needs.
In this thrilling finale to Karina Cooper’s Dark Mission series, New Seattle’s witches will rise again…or fall forever.
Dr. Kayleigh Lauderdale possesses the only cure for what’s killing the city’s witches. Desperate to acquire it, the resistance sends their best agent, but Shawn Lowe has his own agenda, and it doesn’t include saving anyone—least of all, the daughter of his sworn enemy. He has to ignore the blistering attraction he feels the instant they meet, because he can’t give in until he gets what he wants. He just never counted on wanting her…
Kayleigh can’t believe how out of control Shawn makes her feel. He lies to her with one breath and excites her beyond reason the next. A reckless encounter could steal her heart, while the danger hovering over the city may prove too much for either of them to handle. When the world turns upside down, it will take everything Kayleigh and Shawn have to hold on…to life, to hope, to each other.
A novel of erotic discovery and forbidden desire that goes beyond Fifty Shades of Grey.
Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.
Presley is different than the other submissives Dmitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in Dmitri far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon, igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.
Claimed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
About the Author:
Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.
In a roundabout way? Yes! I started writing for fun when I was in high school, little short stories designed to give friends of mine happily ever afters. I even had a little form for them to fill out detailing their ideal man. I was a smooth operator, right? … We’ll go with that.
Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Some of my favorite authors are Neil Gaiman—naturally!—and Merrie Destefano. Interestingly enough, I have long said that Merrie’s prose is very fluid and lyrical, much like Neil’s, and I’m often left thinking about their books long after I put them down. I also enjoy books by Ilona Andrews, I’m loving Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series, and Victoria Dahl always gets my engine started. I’m not sure if I can say if any of them influenced my writing—I think I’m too close to the subject. Maybe readers could tell me who I remind them of, and I’ll say whether or not I’ve read them! I get a lot of comparisons to JR Ward, which is ridiculously flattering, but I have to admit, I’ve never had a chance to sit and read her. Please don’t burn me!
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I started writing PNR because I’m heavily influenced by the supernatural—I love paranormal stories, from the classic vampires to human magic-users to aliens to steampunk alchemy to even stories of angels and demons. However, I don’t stop there! I write a steampunk urban fantasy, and I’m currently developing projects outside the romance genre and steampunk themes. I believe in writing the stories that want to be written, and a lot of times, that journey takes an author outside established genre lines. I’m all for that.
What are some of your writing rituals?
I only really have one: hot drinks. No matter what’s going on, or where I am, if I’m sitting down to work, I have a hot cup of something near at hand. Usually? It’s coffee. Because coffee, man. But I’ll have hot apple cider, hot tea, even hot emergen-C if I’m not feeling well. Regardless, that hot drink is near at hand or I’m not writing a word. It’s a terrible crutch, but it’s one I can live with.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
One for the Wicked is the finale to the Dark Mission series. It follows Kayleigh Lauderdale, the daughter of the enigmatic leader of the Holy Order’s Sector Three, and the man who’s out to achieve revenge no matter what the cost. Shawn Lowe has it out for the Lauderdale family in a big way, and nothing’s going to get in his way. Except, what happens when you actually start to like the person you’re supposed to hate? The stakes are at their all-time highest as the root of the greatest conspiracy the new world knows is finally exposed.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
A sick day watching the Discovery channel! At the very least, that’s what started the whole story, anyway, right back to Blood of the Wicked. Shawn and Kayleigh’s story is a culmination of 7 books—four full lengths and three novellas—of conspiracies, cover-ups, betrayals and bloodshed. Really, I didn’t have to do a lot of dreaming up for this one. These were seeds sowed over the past two years, and in a lot of ways, I just had to hang on for the ride.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Currently, I’m in between projects! (Gasp!) but starting Monday, I’ll be beginning work for the fourth in my steampunk urban fantasy, whose title is not yet decided. I’m also going to be working on edits for Corroded, which is the third book in that series. And tells the story of Cherry St. Croix as she works to achieve revenge for a terrible crime committed below the filthy, smoggy drift.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
Okay, let’s see! I turn to a scene wherein Shawn is in trouble, and the only person who can help him is Kayleigh Lauderdale—the woman he’s kidnapped. She’s nobody’s fool, and she’s definitely cautious, but she’s also aware that her chances of survival are extremely low without Shawn’s help. It’s a stand-off, and she’s going to have to make a decision: help him now, knowing it could put her at risk later, or leave him to rot—and risk rotting herself.
What would you be if you were not an author?
I have zero idea. Writing is such a fundamental part of who I am that I can’t imagine what I’d be. I was always a bit of a profession gypsy—I stayed at a job just until I mastered it, and then when it became commonplace, I moved on. I imagine I’d be kind of drifting.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I definitely am looking forward to the continuation of Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series, and I can’t wait for Ilona Andrews’ next Kate Daniels book. I kind of stalk Victoria Dahl, I’ll admit it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a huge thanks for having me today! I hope you’ll come frolic in my ongoing worlds and new projects, and that you loved the story of New Seattle as much as I did writing it. I bid these characters a fond farewell, and hope I left you with so many great memories.
Avon (@avonbooks) will be having a twitter chat on Monday, 4/29, from 3-4PM EST, with Karina Cooper (@KarinaCooper), and we’d love for you to participate! It will be using hashtag #WickedOne, and we’ll be chatting about all kinds of things—namely, witches! We’d love it if you shared your favorite witches (from books, movies, TV and beyond), but we’re also keen to hear about your favorite epic endings, favorite moments in the Dark Mission series—and don’t forget, Karina will be answering questions, so please do join us! Here’s the cherry on top of our paranormal Sundae (err…Monday): anyone who tweets using #WickedOne will be entered to win the complete Dark Mission series!
Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I’m pretty sure I get an A+ at talking about myself. 😉
Hi, my name is Sidney, and I have a deep love for books. I grew up traveling from rodeo to rodeo and a lot of the time my only companion was a book and my horse. No lie. It makes for a super active imagination, because when you have nothing else to play with, you can be pretty darn creative. That love of storytelling and imagination grew with me, and I wrote my first novel when I was still in elementary school. It was a romance, even though I didn’t really know what romance was. I didn’t truly embrace my romance writing ways until a few years ago, and well, I’ve jumped in the deep end of the pool!
I’m a closet crazy cat lady, owned by two rescued Maine Coons. I’m a tattoo addict and I crave Dr Pepper morning, noon and night. You can always find me on twitter, I’m something of a junkie, and I post a lot of my exploits in picture form on facebook. Clearly growing up in front of an audience has made me one of those social media fans.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Not at first. My best friend growing up, and to this day, kind of tricked me into it. I was pretty socially awkward and clueless when I stopped traveling. She told me that the really popular kids all wrote when I was trying to get her to join the cheerleaders. I believed her and began writing. The rest, well, I’m living it!
Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?
I like to think of myself as a hybrid, but honestly I identify as more of a plotter. I do some pretty detailed world building, planning and mapping out calendars to be anything else. That said, I do allow for a certain level of fluidity and change in the middle of writing. If something works but it’s not on my outline, that’s okay. I can roll with it.
I’ve never heard the term “punster” but I’m assuming it’s the same as a pantser, which would be someone who writes by the seat of their pants, making it up as they go along and how the characters dictate the story.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Hmm. I’m not entirely sure. The one that really catches people off guard is when someone, another writer, friend, family member, etc, is around while I’m writing and I begin talking. You see, I live alone, so it’s not a big deal for me to just start talking to the cats about what’s going on or why something won’t work, but people react differently. I’ve had people attempt to reply, I blink at them totally not understanding why they’re talking to me. It’s amusing I guess.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
I’m currently celebrating the print release of my first Taboo line book from Ellora’s Cave, Bound with Pearls. It’s a contemporary BDSM book that focuses on showing how the everyday kinky person lives and learns to love.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I wasn’t sure that I could tell this story. I knew I wanted to write something BDSM, but despite my knowledge of the subject I wasn’t sure how it would translate to paper. I started out wanting to tell the story of two people with different family backgrounds meeting and falling in love. They just happen to be on the far side of kinky.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently working on my Christmas book. My titles always change so I won’t sure the working title at the moment. I can say that it includes a lot of Russian folklore, fae mythology and an abominable snowman who happens to be a few thousand years old enchanted Scotsman.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I think the only author left that I gaga over who I haven’t met would be Seanan McGuire, who also writes as Mira Grant. Love her work.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Don’t be afraid to say no. There are some opportunities that sound so good, but you can’t make them work. There are some things people will ask you to do, and it’s okay to say no.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I seriously want to go shark diving. Not like snorkeling with some Nurse Sharks, I mean full on cage diving with Great Whites. Someday. I kinda have to learn to swim first.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I just bought the latest Bound novella from Cynthia Eden and I am DYING to read it!
What is one book everyone should read before they die?
Dang. I’m torn between Mira Grant’s Feed, and Night of the Living Trekkies. Seriously. Awesome books.
What is your favorite time of year & why?
Because I live in Texas, where it’s 120 degrees in the summer and bitterly cold in the winter, I have to say I’m really fond of spring. Sure, it still gets upwards of 90 and into the low 100’s, but things are actually green and you can go outside for a while without frying to a crisp.
Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?
Normal Reedus. He was one of the MacManus twins and he also plays Daryl on The Walking Dead. I would probably ask him for a picture and try to act cool, but on the inside I would be a squealing fangirl.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks so much for having me! I wouldn’t have gotten this far into my dream of being an author without taking a few chances, so I highly encourage people to take a chance on something. You never know where the adventure will take you.
The last thing Christine wants to do is another favor for her sister, but Lucy always gets what she wants. This time it’s Chris playing sub to a demanding Dom. Their relationship begins with a power exchange and progresses to time spent between the sheets. Now emotions are getting complicated and the Dom isn’t just a hunky guy in black.
Daniel’s expectations are turned upside down when he meets Chris. She’s more than a well-trained submissive. She’s a woman with a body he wants to memorize. He’s willing to spend as much time as it takes to learn her, because she might be his match and his muse. He’ll make her come so hard he’s imprinted on every inch, and then he’ll offer her the most precious thing he can, himself.
BOOK TRAILER:
ABOUT SID:
It can never be said that Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves, writing, reading and belly dancing.
TITLE: Claim Me
SERIES #: Stark Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Nikki & Damien
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.
Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.
I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.
But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.
Claim Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars Claim Me is the second in the Stark Trilogy. I would suggest you read Release Me first. This is a continuing story and I do not believe that the books can stand alone.
As with the first in the series this book is compared to Fifty Shades of Grey and again i will say while they are very different there is a similarity to them that makes me understand the comparison in the synopsis. While this book does fall into the erotica genre as Shades does I find them to be very different. Shades was a book of romance with erotica thrown in to explain the character. This is more of a story of erotica with the characters information thrown in. Now that does not mean it is not good because it is.
I gave the first in the series 4 stars but I couldn’t give this book that many. IN an odd turn of events there was too much sex but not enough erotica. Meaning that they had a number of sex scenes (heck it seemed every other page had a quickie) but there was not much of the romance or erotica that the first story had.
So yes I did enjoy this story but not as much as the first and you certainly have to read the first before you read this. But if you enjoy the genre you will enjoy this book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Down In New Orleans
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/20/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Ann infiltrates the dark corners of the Big Easy to clear her ex-husband’s name, what begins as an innocent investigation becomes a matter of life and death
Ann and Jon Marcel are a rare case; five years after their divorce, they’re good friends, and Ann has come to love Jon’s hometown of New Orleans. Until the day Jon staggers through her door covered in blood and mumbling, “I didn’t do it.”
Jon is charged with murdering a stripper, and in order to save him, Ann will have to dive into the sordid New Orleans underworld, looking for clues in erotic clubs and seamy jazz spots. And, if that weren’t enough, she must deal with the resolute detective bent on bringing her husband to justice—the eagle-eyed lieutenant who dogs her steps and surfaces in her dreams. But despite her wavering affections, Ann has bigger concerns as she becomes embroiled in a fight not only for Jon’s freedom, but also for her life.
REVIEW:
Ok first this is a reprint from 1996 and I have to say as much as I love Heather Graham I was not overly thrilled with this story. The characters never connected. I thought Mark was actually a very mean man. I hated how he called Ann “a little fool” and “stupid” on more than one occasion. Ann was strong willed and didn’t seem the type to take it yet she seemed to take his crud for some reason. The story had potential and I can definitely say that Graham has improved in her stories since writing this one so if you have not read one of her stories to do NOT read this first since it will give you a wrong impression of her writing.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Summer He Came Home
