Showing posts with label Book Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Tour. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The Pleasure Room by D.N. Simmons

Title:  The Pleasure Room
Author:  D.N. Simmons
Published:  February 12th 2014
Length:  320pgs
Format: ebook
Genre:  erotic romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★

Blurb:

Felicity Summers is an ambitious reporter who's trying to make a name for herself as a serious investigative journalist with the biggest newspaper in the city; the Chicago Word. When she catches wind of a rumor about the city’s mayor that might just be the hottest story of the decade, she jumps at the opportunity to expose the corrupt mayor and derail his chances at winning a second term. All she has to do is infiltrate a private BDSM club to catch him in the act. Simple right? Well, maybe it would have been if not for the club's extremely dominant, gorgeous and charming owner, Sir Alistair Montgomery-Piers. He takes notice of her at one of the scenes and sees something in Felicity that he wants to her to explore. Alistair makes her an offer neither she nor her body can refuse. Can Felicity stay focused on her mission long enough to get the proof for her top secret story, or will Alistair completely take over her heart, mind, body and soul?

Reader Advisory. This novel contains the following warnings:  Adult Themes. Strong Sexual Situations. Lots of Foul Language. Hot, Naked Bodies. Sexy Accents. Lusty Toys That Make You Beg For More. And a Whole Lot of Other Naughty Things That Will Send Your Libido Into Overdrive... Are Your Ready To Unleash Your Desires?

My Review:

The story itself was definitely a bit slow to get going with the scene set up and background information to carry the story forward. That said, when it took off, it was flying. This was an amazing ride. This was a very explanatory and exploratory story. Simmons melded both aspects together in her story to create a well-rounded whole. Her evocative descriptions make everything come to light in vivid clarity. Simmons also took a very different stance on the BDSM subgenre. You get to see it from the inside, the outside, the top, & the bottom all with a single character.

And, on to the characters. I absolutely loved Alistair. He was a great lead male for this novel. He walked the line between uber-dom and nice guy. He was definitely the whole package. Felicity was a whirlwind. I loved how she was developed and watching her thought patterns change based on her experiences. The best friend, however, annoyed the hell out of me. Every time that she was in a scene I was tempted to walk away from the book. Luckily I was quite caught up with the main characters. They kept me coming back.

This is definitely one of those novels where the story is in the details and the journey. It was an interesting read that would be great for those wanting to see both sides of the world of BDSM, the outside & the inside. It’s also a brilliant read for those looking for a steamy thrill ride. And one of the best parts? This hot, steamy, suspenseful novel is a standalone!

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About the author

D.N. Simmons lives in Chicago IL., with a rambunctious German Shepherd that's too big for his own good and mischievous cat that she affectionately calls "Itty-bitty". She is highly acclaimed for her groundbreaking, fast-paced and engaging novels winning “Author of the Month” at Warrior of Words, “New Voice Of Today” at Romance Reviews and “Rising Star” at Love Romance and More.

She has been nominated at Love Romances and More, for “Best Book” of 2012 and “Best Paranormal Book” of 2012.

When she isn't writing, D.N. loves to read, listen to music, watch movies and TV and hang out with friends.

To learn more, and have the opportunity to speak with the author personally, please visit her official website at www.dnsimmons.com. D.N. is always interesting in meeting new and wonderful people.

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And now, enter the tour wide giveaway!

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Caught in the Crosshair by Barb Han



Title:  Caught in the Crosshair
Author:  Barb Han
Published:  June 17th 2013 by Amazon Digital Services, Inc
Length:  244pgs
Format:  ebook
Genre: romantic suspense
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★


Blurb:

Lauren James had ignored the recent spate of calls from her brother. After all, he was a big player linked to a major cartel, and he’d been dead to her for nearly a decade. Then she receives the one call she can’t ignore—her brother’s been kidnapped and will be killed if she doesn’t bring money. No matter how far gone her brother is, Lauren can’t turn her back on him completely. Deep down she’s always wanted to save him. Now, she’s forced into action because he’ll die otherwise.

Ex-Special Forces sniper Jaden Dean owns a private security firm and after losing his older brother to gang violence, needs to take down as many scum bags as he can—single-handedly if need be. And he was the best. Until he trusted the wrong woman on his last assignment and ended up nearly dead in the street.

On a tropical island with a hurricane brewing and dangerous men closing in, Lauren and Jaden will need to work together to survive and find her brother. The cartel seems to be one step ahead and Jaden’s operatives are being killed one-by-one. He will have to use all his specialized training and risk everything, including his heart, to outwit the deadly group and keep Lauren safe. Their magnetic attraction isn’t helping matters…because even a slight distraction might just get them both killed.

Excerpt:

An untraceable call. A hundred-fifty thousand dollar loan. An express ticket to a money launderer’s favorite drop spot. And an innocent woman caught in the middle.

And the dog really ate your homework, didn’t it, sweetheart? 

Jaden Dean raked his fingers through jet-black hair, ignoring the icy chill running down his spine. This was supposed to be nothing like his last assignment, and yet the early warning signs screamed otherwise: a so-called innocent woman trapped in a sting by a family member. Experience had taught him there was no such thing as straightforward when it came to family ties and criminals.
A month ago, one of his best operatives had been killed in South America. A week later, Smith took a bullet. Jaden should be dead too. He ran his hand over the stubble on his chin. What the hell was happening? He’d spent the past couple of weeks recovering while trying to connect the dots. Something big was going down. 
 
He picked up Lauren James’s picture from the file of intel and studied it intently. Jogging shorts and a tightly-fitted tank revealed flawless ivory skin. Her curly mane of red hair was pulled back into a ponytail exposing her bare neck. 

Her body? One look at her perfect, long runner’s legs said she’d picked the right sport. Her lean taut body was built for the track. To say she was attractive was a lot like saying a motorcycle had two wheels. 

Under normal circumstances, she looked exactly like the kind of woman Jaden would want to get to know better. Except he felt another niggle of déjà vu along with a very real surge of attraction.
The flight attendant was working her way toward him on her third round to see if he needed anything, emphasis on the word anything, while flashing him another seductive little smile.
His athletic height and rugged good looks elicited more than a few second glances from women. His legendary charm proved immeasurable in getting information he needed from the opposite sex. He was ManTech’s best operative as well as its owner. In part, because he didn’t leave any loose threads. His best trait? Not being noticed when it served his purpose. It didn’t matter on this flight.
He fired off a wink and thanked her, leaving no question about her dismissal in his tone.
The rush of color to her face outlined her embarrassment at her failed attempt to strike up a conversation, as the captain’s voice sounded over the PA. Local time was ten after eleven. VC Bird International Airport was their final destination. They had an expected arrival time of eleven fifteen.
The attendant sauntered off with a calculated look back. It scarcely registered with Jaden. His thoughts were locked on the contents of the manila file folder sitting on his lap. 

If Lauren James wasn’t mixed up with her brother, why had she just secured a sizable loan and dropped everything at a moment’s notice to run off to the Caribbean after receiving an untraceable phone call?

Jaden sighed sharply.

“Like hell, you’re not involved,” he said under his breath, tucking the folder beneath his arm and stretching long, lean legs after the four-and-a-half-hour flight from Dallas. The memory of his recent encounter with his buddy’s wife when he’d had to deliver the news that her husband had died on assignment rolled around in his thoughts. The anguish, the crying, the whole scene had nearly done him in. He did emotion about as well as he did family. In his line of work, there was room for neither. Smith mistakenly thought he could have it both ways. He left behind a heartbroken wife and two kids in diapers. Jaden’s shoulders tensed and his heart squeezed. It had been his responsibility to deliver the news. He tucked the picture back in the file and closed the folder of intel marked with Lauren’s name.

My Review:

Han had me completely hooked by the end of the first chapter. I couldn’t put this one down, even for a second. She had me hopping and jumping right alongside the characters in a brilliantly suspenseful journey. The tension continues throughout the novel, switching from suspense to heated tension, always keeping you on your toes.

The characters really carried this novel forward. I appreciated how well the reader is introduced to the 2 main characters, both inside and out. Watching them fight against who they are expected to be was quite enlightening as to their characters as a whole. You find out a lot about their past and present this way. The supporting cast wasn’t large but it definitely filled out the story well. They are developed to fill their roles nicely while showing their relationships to the main characters quite well.

Overall, the fast paced thrill of this novel kept me quite intrigued throughout. It was a genuinely intriguing read that I would definitely recommend to others.

To download the first chapter, visit Barb's website.

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About the author:


Barb Han’s writing career spans 14 years and most media. Barb’s held positions ranging from Sports Reporter at her college newspaper to Opera newsletter editor to News and Feature Writer for a Fortune 100 company. Barb has penned hundreds of articles in both U.S. and international markets and holds a bachelor of arts in journalism. A member of Romance Writers of America, Barb has served as committee chair for her local chapter.

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Praying for Daylight by J.C. Isabella


Title:  Praying for Daylight
Author:  J.C. Isabella
Published:  January 14th 2014
Format:  ebook
Genre:  contemporary romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★

Blurb:

Kate Kelly gave up everything to be a star. Her life was on the fast track as country music’s hot newcomer, but that meant leaving her hometown of McCree Montana and the boy she loved behind.

Dustin O’Brian didn’t think he’d ever see Kate again. After leaving him with a gaping hole in his heart, he figured being in the same room with her, much less the same state, would take a miracle.

When he finds Kate hiding out in the old Kelly house, he realizes something went wrong. Dustin wasn’t sure what those Hollywood folks had done to send her running, but he was beyond happy she’d sought him out for company…once he convinced her that he’d keep her being back in McCree secret.

Things were looking up, and he had high hopes that Kate would be his once more.

That is until Death comes knocking at her door.

And Dustin realizes that the future he wants with Kate is one they will have to fight for.

My Review:

This was a phenomenally brilliant, exceptionally realistic tale. I love how Isabella combines completely realistic moments with those just slightly out of the realm of the everyday to create something completely unique and utterly captivating. The author combines complex descriptions with a captivating storyline. Suspense plays against emotion to create a completely inescapable world.

The cast of characters in this novel were quite unique. They played against one another and supported one another. They had a very unique family like relationship, where everyone played up their own skills without overstepping someone else. I also appreciated the fact that although the cast of characters were primarily in the NA range, they were always supported by adults. It was a very nice change to the genre.

I loved this cowboy infused, real world story. It was a tale that kept me entertained and guessing.

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About the author:

J.C. Isabella is the author of Chasing McCree and The Unofficial Zack Warren Fan Club. Ever since she discovered romance novels in high school, she has been a self proclaimed fan. This led to penning her first YA . When she isn't thinking up new recipes for the cookbook she hopes to one day write, she is brainstorming a new novel and listening to country music. She lives in the tropics of Florida with her big fat Italian family and ornery feline companion.

|  Website  |  Twitter @jcisabellabooks  |  Facebook  |

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Monday, January 20, 2014

Guest Post by author S.P. Cervantes


Today I'm handing the reins over to S.P. Cervantes.

Top 10 Favorite Books by S.P. Cervantes

Lord of the Rings – by J.R.R. Tolkien- I could read these books a hundred times and still pick up on something new. I love the adventure and suspense this book provides. It’s story telling at its best!

Fighting Redemption- by Kate McCarthy- This is a book that has stuck with me. I loved the romantic story line, but most of all fell in love with the characters and the strength that was shown by those who fight in the military.

Divergent- by Veronica Roth-Suspenseful, thought provoking, and intense. This book (and series) had me hooked. I can read this book a thousand times!

Pride and Prejudice- by Jane Austen- While I love all her books, this is my favorite. I love reading about this time period, and who doesn’t love themselves a little Mr. Darcy!!

A Tale of Two Cities- by Charles Dickens - A heartbreaking and challenging read, but beautiful and realistic. Dickens is a master of weaving words into something special and unforgettable.

Gone Girl- by Gillian Flynn- This book was CRAZY! Honestly, I can’t even believe Ms. Flynn could even think of something so smart and unbelievable. I loved this book, and it was one that still sticks with me even though I read it over a year ago.

Falling Into You- by Jasinda Wilder- This was one of the first books I read that laced music within the story. I love being able to connect with a troy that way. Jasinda is one of my favorite current authors.

Infernal Devices- by Cassandra Clare- Tess, Will, Jem…I loved them all. It is a love triangle at its BEST told in a suspenseful fantasy plot about shadowhunters. I even got my husband to read this series, and he was just as hooked.

Hunger Games-by Suzzane Collins- This book had me at the heart strings the entire series. The writing was intense and thought provoking. I think it is one of the best of its genre.

Slammed- by Colleen Hoover- Simply put, I love Will. Collen’s use of poetry had me wishing he would Slam me…get your minds out of the toilet, it’s poetry.

About S.P. Cervantes:

S.P Cervantes lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, and running, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel.

S.P. Cervantes is currently working on a new contemporary romance, while finishing the final novel of the Secrets of Shadow Hill series.

S.P. Cervantes has a B.S. in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Cross Cultural Education.

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A bit about Always and Forever:

New Adult Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 11/13/2013

Twin sisters Ava and Hannah were ripped from their peaceful seeming lives into a whirlwind of attacks and war only to learn the real truth about their existence.

Nothing was as it seemed anymore and may never be again. They had already lost their father in childhood now they have to cope with their mother’s kidnapping as they watch those sworn to protect them risk their lives.

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Out From Under by Selene Chardou



Title:  Out From Under
Series:  The Lover's Duet #1
Author:  Selene Chardou
Published:  July 31st 2013 by Midnight Engel Press, LLC
Length:  350pgs
Format:  ebook
Genre:  NA Romance
Shelf:  Review
Rating:  ★★★★

Blurb:

"I have always been strong, independent and wanted a life that belonged to me. It's the very reason why I chose to attend Stanford because it is away from the small-town life that seems more Twin Peaks than charming. Secrets are a dangerous commodity and Pine Bluff has them in spades. So do my parents, and the dirtiest secret of all is my brother, Trey. Sergeant at Arms for the Demon's Bastards, a criminal, a felon, and perhaps the catalyst for the tragedy that destroyed my life just days before I was supposed to leave for college.

"Now I am on the run because my life is in danger and I could be next. I don't want to live my whole life looking over my shoulder and I don't want to live my life shrouded in despair. Anxiety has me in a death grip, unable to let go. I pop Xanax to get through the day and were it not for my famous cousin, I would probably be dead already.

"My name is Trista Lennon, and I am tired of being afraid."

Linx Carter never thought he could help anyone when he could barely help himself. He is hanging on by a thread after a tough, six-month Gods of Rock Tour with his band, Winter's Regret, and Scarlet Fever. He has a greedy ex-wife, two sons and all he wants is to put the pieces of his life back together.

Linx knows there is something special about Trista from the moment they meet. She's wounded, in desperate need of a friend yet feminine, feisty and no one's charity case. She is the strongest woman he has ever known.

Through their friendship, they will find the strength to heal themselves and love one another but a feud between two gangs is brewing. Trista is caught in the crossfire, and by proxy, so is Linx. What they discover might not only cost them the love they have for one another but their lives too.

Due to mature subject matter, explicit language and adult situations, this novel is recommended for those over the age of 17.

My Review:

Tattoos, bikes, & rock gods! What more can a girl ask for?

This was definitely an intriguing read. Chardou develops her storyline with many twists and turns, always keeping her readers on their toes. The world that this author has created is very vivid. You are immersed in many aspects of our world that you wouldn’t necessarily encounter in your daily life. Also, the cliffhanger that she leaves off with makes it next to impossible not to want to continue on this journey with her characters.

Chardou ensures that you’re very well introduced to the main characters, but does so in a very entertaining manner. The author makes it easy to see the differences between the two main characters while switching perspectives between the two. You can really feel their emotions and personalities shining through her writing. The main characters both had demons that they had to fight and seeing them come together was inspiring. The love scenes suited the characters involved. They flowed from the story rather than standing apart from it. The secondary characters in this novel were quite entertaining. Each was uniquely developed and everyone served a purpose. No one was simply a name on paper. Everyone in this story was realistically portrayed within their role in the story and in society as a whole. It was a refreshing change.

This was a quick, vibrant read that I had no trouble finishing. It packs an emotional punch and leaves you content with the couple in question yet hanging for more.

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About the author:

Selene Chardou is a world traveler and the alter-ego of Elle Chardou.
Ms. Chardou's writing is all about hot romance and exciting times with the wild, damaged, out of control and/or rich and famous set in the New Adult realm.

She is currently working on Rock My Heart, the first novel in the Scarlet Fever Series, which concludes the story of Kasper "Kaz" Gillian and Sydney Lundvik; she is also working on In Too Deep, the conclusion to The Lovers Duet. She also has a pop stars series planned and an MC series planned that chronicles the issues between Lucifer's Saints and Demon's Bastards motorcycle clubs.

Ms. Chardou has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Genesis Project by Tigris Eden


Title:  The Genesis Project 
Series:  New Earth #1
Author:  Tigris Eden
Published:  January 28th 2014 by Kats Kreative Ideas
Length:  150pgs
Format:  ebook
Genre:  Sci-Fi erotic romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★

Blurb:

Old earth has been deemed unsuitable for life, New Earth is home. With the Uni-Wars over, races have joined together in order to sustain their way of life. All life was considered worth saving, but only one race failed to submit. Humans.

Now extinct, humans are a thing of the past. The people of New Earth won’t acknowledge their hand in their eradication, but they have benefited from it. Dr. Vaggo Blackmore has found the answer, he’s restored his races way of life- sustenance through farming. The one thing that will give them back their long lives….. Blood, human blood.

Biologically engineered in a lab, Genesis Blackmore has always been different. Her father has told her it’s due to her enhancements, the Federated Council sees her as a genetic mutation; and her fellow peers see her as the shiny new toy. Gen has had better days.

Everyone on New Earth has milky white skin, platinum blonde hair, and electric blue eyes. It’s the norm. Genesis’ glossy, black hair, ice blue eyes ringed by gold, would have almost made her socially acceptable- if it wasn’t for her golden skin and blue, gold veins. In a sea of milky white she alone is the dark anomaly.

All Pars get their life’s nourishment through blood plasma. All Pars find their match through the tasting. Gen can do neither, forbidden by her father to do so. She can neither taste, nor be tasted. Something that’s never bothered her until now.

Photo Credit: ©subbotina

An additional 30K added to the short story that originally appeared in Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Season One.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

This was a wildly imaginative tale that takes you well beyond the realm of reality and into the world of possibilities. The author develops her vivid world in a vibrant manner. The story itself started out somewhat slow while giving the audience a great deal of background information on this world and its inhabitants as well as their customs. Eden ensures that you understand where everything is coming from. At the same time, she works an air of mystery and intrigue into the story.

The characters in this tale were pretty much in 2 groups. Those who played a major role in the story were well developed. You got to know who they were, if not necessarily much about their past. The rest of the cast remained primarily names on paper.

Overall, this story definitely introduces the reader to Eden’s new series, acquainting them with the intricacies of the world. I am quite intrigued as to where the story goes from here & to see who ends up with whom.

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About the author:

One of Tigris’ fondest memories, was in the sixth grade, when her teacher read her story, “The Case of The Missing Pepperoni”, out loud to the class. It was then she decided she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. But like all childhood dreams, reality has a way of crashing in and disrupting plans. But her imagination and the voices inside her head never stopped talking. Every dream she could remember was jotted down in her dream journals.

Tigris is currently working on the Shadow Unit Series, Romantic Tales: Bedtimes Stories, and has expanded on the Genesis Project which will now be a trilogy introduced in 2014.

Tigris is a military brat who’s done her fair share of travelling, thanks to her Army father. She’s married to the infamous LL and has three boys. She currently resides in Houston and is actively seeking a book-buddy for the end of the world.
You can find Tigris on Twitter, Facebook, and at her website.

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Sunday, January 12, 2014

Charred Heart by Lizzy Ford



Title:  Charred Heart
Series:  Heart of Fire #1
Author:  Lizzy Ford
Published:   November 23rd 2013 by Guerrilla Wordfare
Length:  234
Format:  ebook
Genre:  NA Paranormal Romance
Shelf:  Review
Rating:  ★★★★★
Blurb:

A modern day retelling of “Beauty and the Beast”

***Recommended for ages 18+ due to multiple, creative, detailed, steamy, sexy-time adult situations.***

For a thousand years, Chace has searched for a way to break the curse placed on him by a jilted lover. He’s a dragon shifter, one who can’t control when the magic will force him into a different form. He’s already lost everyone he ever cared about a few times over and doesn’t know how much longer he’s meant to suffer.

At his wit’s end, he makes a deal with a mysterious figure that offers him what he wants most – an end to his misery – in exchange for everything that’s his: His life, his power. His heart.

The next day, he meets Skylar, a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him – or kill him. Sexy, witty and brave, she is the yin to his yang, the woman destined to break the curse, balance his magic and make his broken heart whole.

Except it’s too late. Not only has he sealed his fate, but an innocent one-night-stand with Skylar has dragged her into the middle of a deal with the devil, one she won’t escape, if he can’t convince her that dragon shifters aren’t her enemies.

My Review:

What a rush! I didn’t just feel like I was reading this novel, I felt like I was living this novel. Ford developed her world so intricately that it is seamless. Did I have a hard time putting it down? Did I ever! The book was over before I took a breath. Ford used the dialogue not only to develop the characters but also to further the storyline. It also makes everything seem so much more real and down to earth. This author has nailed the art of racy and hot without being crass. She gives you raw, wild scenes that add to the story rather than being there as a side-blip.

The main characters in this novel were phenomenal. It’s been quite a long while since I’ve been so captivated by a pair of characters and their interactions with one another. They were brilliant as individuals and absolutely perfect as the will-they-won’t-they couple. I enjoyed the supporting cast. Although some of the supporting cast was mysterious it added to their aura. Ford went the extra mile, ensuring that her characters were fully developed, well rounded individuals that you could relate to.

I’ve heard lots about this author but have somehow never picked one up until now. I definitely can’t wait to read more. This was a rush. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

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About the Author:

Lizzy Ford is the author of over twenty books written for young adult and adult paranormal romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling “Rhyn Trilogy,” “Witchling Series” and the “War of Gods” series. Considered a freak of nature by her peers for the ability to write and release a commercial quality novel in under a month, Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring.

Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library, to include: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs and a cat.

 |  Website  |  Lizzy Ford Books on Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Google+  |  Goodreads  |  Wattpad  |
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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Because the Night by Kristen Strassel


Title:  Because the Night
Series:  Night Songs Collection #1
Author:  Kristen Strassel
Published:  November 5th 2013 by Foreword Literary
Length:  214pgs
Format:  ebook
Genre:  paranormal romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★★

Blurb:

Immortal Dilemma is the hottest band in the Las Vegas vampire rock scene. They draw insatiable fans from around the globe, thanks to a supernatural attraction called Bloodlust. Tristan craved such an opportunity to fill his empty mortal life, and now he has eternity to earn his place along the legends of rock n roll debauchery.

Callie always feared that Tristan’s excesses would get him into trouble, but she never thought they’d lead him to immortality. To reconnect with him, she must weave her way through a world not only she had no idea existed, but does not welcome her.

Blade turned down a spot in Immortal Dilemma after learning what he must sacrifice for that lifestyle. He finds Callie a refreshing change from the girls in the vampire rock scene. When Callie drags Blade back into the world of Immortal Dilemma, his resistance drives her into the waiting arms of Tristan, who shows her the true meaning of Bloodlust.

But the very things that Callie fights so hard to save are the very things that fight to destroy her.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:


What do you get when you take sex, drugs, rock & roll, and Las Vegas and combine it with some smexy as sin Vampires?  A tale that will keep you hooked and leave you dying for more (pun intended).

While Strassel’s vampires are definitely recognizable as just that, vampires, they are definitely very unique.  I really appreciated the twists that she threw in and how well it was developed throughout the story.  Although some of the situations in the novel were far removed from reality Strassel developed them in such a manner that you could easily see the possibilities and how it could easily happen.  The love scenes were definitely unique but fit perfectly in the storyline.  The story itself never lagged, nor did it jump forwards at any point in time.  It was a solidly developed storyline, leading you further into the series that kept me wholly captivated throughout.

Having met the main characters in the prequel to the series it’s very easy to see why they interact with each other the way that they do.  The prequel gave a unique inside look at their relationship.  That said, you also get to know the characters quite well in this instalment all on its own.  I felt for the male lead.  You could see how he ended up in the situation he was in.  It was also easy to see how the female lead got herself in the predicaments that she caused for herself based on her background.  Some of the secondary characters were absolutely brilliant.  I loved them.  Others were completely aggravating.  Strassel definitely created a well-balanced cast with this one.  I don’t think that there was a single character that I didn’t have feelings about, one way or the other.  Strassel went the extra mile with her characters, showing the differences and similarities between the humans and vampires in the novel.

I am quite impressed with this author at this point.  I can’t wait to continue on with the series & would definitely read other works by this author.  My final thoughts on this one (and a warning for those who have an issue with this type of thing)?  Holy cliffhanger batman!

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About the Author:

Kristen shares a birthday with Steven Tyler and Diana Ross. She spends each day striving to be half as fabulous as they are. She's worn many hats, none as flattering as her cowboy hat: banker, retail manager, fledgling web designer, world's worst cocktail waitress, panty slinger, now makeup artist and author. Kristen is represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg of Foreword Literary.

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Friday, January 10, 2014

Seasons in the Sun by Kristen Strassel


Title:  Seasons in The Sun
Series:  Night Songs Collection #0.5
Author:  Kristen Strassel
Published:  December 4th 2013 by Fast Foreword Publishing
Length:  72pgs
Format:  ebook
Genre:  YA romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★★

Blurb:


Summer has finally arrived, along with a boy who will forever change the life of fourteen-year-old Callie. After growing up hearing stories about Tristan Trevosier and his famous family, Callie finally meets him when he spends the summer on Martha's Vineyard. Seventeen-year-old Tristan is a hurricane of destruction and rebellion, and he quickly blows a hole right into Callie's sheltered life. Callie sees a side of Tristan that he doesn't show anyone else. She's determined to make everyone see what she sees in him.

Callie defies her parents by leaving the island with Tristan. But when his ugly habits rear their head, Callie realizes maybe she's the one who's wrong about him. He's beyond her help. But it's too late for her to walk away. This summer, she learns that love can be stronger than reason.

Excerpt:

“Meet me in my aunt’s driveway tonight,” Tristan whispered into my ear just before we left work for the day. His warm breath tickled my skin.

“When?”

“Later on. Like midnight.” He raised his eyebrows at the suggestion.

I stared at him open mouthed, not sure I understood what he said. “How is that going to work?”

“You’re a smart girl, you’ll figure it out.” Tristan squeezed my hand before he walked away.

I had a hard time concentrating on my routine for the rest of the afternoon and evening. How was I going to pull this off? Was I going to be able to sneak out when I shared a room with someone? I toyed with the idea of telling Keisha about Tristan’s proposal, but I decided against it.

Since I was useless anyway, I went to bed early. Or so everyone thought. I laid awake, watching the clock. It was so hard not to drift off to sleep. I couldn’t set my alarm, I’d wake Keisha. At 11:30, when I was satisfied Keisha was down for the count, I quietly slipped out of bed, washed the sleep from my face, got dressed, and began my journey.

Every floorboard creaked as I crossed the living room. At first I took slow deliberate steps, but I felt like that only amplified the noise, so I changed my pace to a quick tip toe. The kitchen door caught in the jam, swollen with humidity. I pulled as hard as I could to free it, jerking back with its force when it opened. I had to close it just as hard. In my nervousness, the forgotten screen door slammed door behind me on the porch. I squeezed my eyes shut, knowing I must be caught for sure. I was relieved to find that my actions seemed to have gone unnoticed. I tip toed gingerly down the stairs of the deck and sprinted towards Tristan’s house. I slowed up my pace when the driveway came into sight. Running the whole way would have been nothing short of pathetic.

Tristan sat on the rear bumper of his jeep, throwing his keys up in the air and catching them. I don’t think he heard me approach. I sat down next to him and he jumped. Finally, I caught him off guard. I laughed as he fumbled on the dark ground for his keys.

“You made it. I wasn’t sure if you’d do it or not.”

“You thought I’d chicken out?” He wasn’t the only one.

“Kinda.”

“You were wrong.” My eyes were adjusting to the light, and I met his in challenge. All this defiance made me brave.

“Let’s go for a walk,” he suggested.

“Where to?”

“I don’t know. You’re the one who lives here.”

“Well I usually don’t wander around in the middle of the night. But I guess we can go down by the beach.”

He took my hand and we set down the rocky road that led to the ocean without saying much of anything until we reached the sand. The only sound was the waves lapping against the shore. And my heart thundering in my chest.

“You can see so many of the stars out here.” Tristan declared, looking skyward in appreciation.

“How is that different than usual?”

“The city lights are too bright, they don’t stand out as much. It’s just so peaceful to look up at them
all. See, there’s the Big Dipper.” He pointed skyward.

I nodded. “Can you see Orion’s Belt in it?”

“I can.”

Tristan sat down on one of the rocks that formed a breakwater. I climbed up next to him. I felt small next to him, with my legs dangling off the giant rock and the sky so huge above us.

“I’m having a really good time here this summer.” His arm made its way loosely around my waist.

“I am, too.”

“I’m going to hate going back to California.”

My heart twinged in my chest. I knew all along the day was coming soon when the twins would leave the island and normal life would resume, but not thinking about it made it less real.

“Maybe you don’t have to go,” I offered, softly.

He pulled me in closer to him and sighed. “I do. What am I going to do here?”

He was right, but I hated it. I hated myself for thinking I’d be enough to make him stay. It wasn’t like he was even my boyfriend. “You’re right.”

“What do you want to do, Callie?”

“What do you mean?” I pulled away from him nervously, heart pounding even harder.

“About everything. What do you want your life to be like?”

I knotted my fingers in my lap as I thought about his question. “I don’t know. This is my life.”

“There’s a whole world out there, you know. But it is nice here. It’s simple. No drama. “

I tried not to feel simple myself. “What’s California like?”

Tristan leaned back on his hands and looked up at the sky. “Right now it’s a hot mess. My parents hate each other. They’re trying to work things out, but I know they’re going to split. That’s why we got shipped here.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Honestly, it’s probably better. They’re always fighting, and using me and Taryn to get back at each other.”

“That’s awful.”

“Whatever. The peace and quiet is nice.” He pulled me back in. “And I like hanging out with you. It’s nice to hang out with a girl who doesn’t want anything from me.”

“What do you mean?” I wasn’t offended, just genuinely confused.

“I’m sick of all these chicks, sorry, girls, who just want me to buy them things, or want to be with me because of who my parents are. But you aren’t like that.”

“No.” Who knew I was getting it right?

“It’s a nice change.”

“So what do you want to do?” I asked.

“About what?” His eyes burned into mine, only visible by the light of the moon reflecting off the ocean.

My breath caught in my throat. “Same thing. Everything.”

He sighed. “Honestly, I don’t have a clue. I could probably act, but I don’t want to do it just because my father does it. I’d love to have a band.”

“Why don’t you?”

“I don’t know. I never thought I was any good, but being here, my head’s been so clear. I’ve even worked on some songs.” He said the last part quietly. The way he said it, I was pretty sure I was the only one who knew anything about this.

“I’d love to hear them sometime.”

“I don’t know. They’re probably crap.”

“You always tell me not to be down on myself, and here you are, doing the same thing.”

“I know,” He leaned in, so his face was very close to mine. “I know what I want to do right now.”

“What?” I could barely speak.

“Kiss you.” He leaned in closer, his lips grazing mine.

I panicked and pulled away.

“What’s the matter?” Tristan seemed alarmed.

“I don’t know what to do.”

I couldn’t see it, but I could feel his smile. He ran his thumb softly along my jaw line, his fingers snaking into my hair. “You’re doing just fine. Just relax.”

That seemed impossible. “Okay.”

His lips parted mine gently. I simply followed Tristan’s lead, mimicking his actions as I curled my fingers around his arms. He slowly nipped my upper and lower lip, almost teasing me, before unwinding his fingers from my hair, sliding his hands down to my waist, and pulling me up into his lap, against his chest. I could feel his heart thundering in unison with mine. I moved my hands up into his hair, pulling him close to me as he placed his lips over mine.

I don’t know how long we stayed there, locked together like that. One of us would pull away, just enough to breathe, and then be drawn right back in.

Finally, Tristan slid me down off of his lap. I could feel the chill immediately being separated from his body. If I looked at him at that moment, we’d be right back where we started, so I looked up at the stars. They were even more beautiful than I ever remembered them being.

Everything was so right, with just us sitting out here, no noise but the lapping of the waves and the beating of my heart.

“I have to get you back,” Tristan’s voice was husky.

The sky had brightened. I prayed it was just lights from the town and not sunrise. No one in my house waited for the sun to be up to get out of bed. I needed to be safely back in bed before anyone’s feet hit the floorboards for the day.

We started to make our way through the sand, and back to the rocky road that led back to Beach Plum Lane. We held hands, not leaving enough space for one another.

I wasn’t ready to part ways when we reached my porch. I don’t think Tristan was either, he took my hands and pulled me close to him.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“For what?”

“Tonight.”

He shook his head against my forehead. “No,” he said, just as softly. “Thank you. For everything, Callie. I mean it.”

I looked up at him, puzzled, but didn’t say anything. I wasn’t sure what to say.

“Will you be my date at the President’s party?”

“Of course.”

He squeezed my hands and leaned in for one last kiss. I could feel his smile against my lips. “Sweet dreams, Callie.”

My Review:

This was a well written novella. Strassel’s approachable writing style and storyline present a vivid world that you can easily lose yourself in. She uses words to create a picture that you find yourself unable to forget. Everything combines together to create an emotional coming of age story that is extremely real.

The contrast between the characters in this novel is striking. Each character has their own personality and take on life. The way that they interact with each other provides a great deal of forward motion to the story. Strassel this prequel to develop a history, not only between two characters, but for the characters individually. Their unique beginnings in life serve to set them apart from the crowd.

This is a brilliant introduction to the author and her characters. It is cute yet revealing read that leaves me wondering if there will be more for these remarkable characters somewhere in the future (oh, wait. This is a prequel. Yippee!!!! Off to the first instalment now!).

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About the Author:

Kristen shares a birthday with Steven Tyler and Diana Ross. She spends each day striving to be half as fabulous as they are. She's worn many hats, none as flattering as her cowboy hat: banker, retail manager, fledgling web designer, world's worst cocktail waitress, panty slinger, now makeup artist and author. Kristen is represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg of Foreword Literary.


|  Blog   |  Facebook  |  Twitter @kristenstrassel   |  Goodreads  |


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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Loving Her by C.M. Hutton


Title:  Loving Her
Author:  C.M. Hutton
Published:  October 15th 2013 by CreateSpace
Length:  240pgs
Format:  ebook
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Shelf:  review
Rating:  ★★★★

Blurb:

Boring, but completely gorgeous. That was my first impression of him. My next two thoughts were ‘pompous ass’ and ‘cocky jerk.’ And, I had the glorious pleasure of sharing a table with him for the entire night. He didn’t speak, didn’t grunt….he just nodded and stared. If I weren’t taking my bosses place at this dinner, I’d have found another place to sit and escape Rylan Daniels.

‘Absolutely beautiful’ was what I thought when I found her at my table at the Ad Execs quarterly dinner. She wore a black strapless dress and exuded confidence from every part of her. I nodded to her, but didn’t speak. I really didn’t have much to say anyway. I couldn’t quit staring and had to excuse myself at one point to stand across the room and watch her. It was a strange, unwelcome feeling I was having about this stunning woman. It had been five years….five years since Kristen…..and I still couldn’t move on. That kind of hurt you just don’t get over so easily and I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to get over it. But, here I was, completely intrigued and unable to stop thinking about Jen Bailey.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

This was a quite enjoyable read. Hutton’s solid storyline took many twists and turns that I would never have imagined. She developed her world in a natural yet visual manner, allowing the reader to know what was going on and where it was. By merging different worlds together she gives you a great deal to think about. Hutton also takes her audience on an emotional rollercoaster. The variety of different aspects of life that the author touches on is quite breathtaking. That said, although talking some difficult subjects throughout, Hutton keeps her writing light, making this a quick, breezy read.

The main characters in this novel were very well developed. I appreciated how the author showed how strong yet vulnerable her characters were. The supporting cast, although small, filled out the story perfectly. My only question about the characters is this: what in the world is up with Jack? He flips sides so many times throughout that you can’t quite figure out what he’s going to say or do next or what his end game is.


Connect with C.M. Hutton:

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