Monday, December 31, 2012

Perfect Fit


Perfect Fit (Serendipity’s Finest) is the 1st book in a new Serendipity series from NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips. The publisher is Berkley. From the back cover.~

In the picturesque upstate NY town, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity's finest?

MIKE
Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn't known. But Michael's independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he's as lost and restless as ever, until he's challenged by someone he never anticipated.

CARA
Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara's boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore - and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara's a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer's blood in his veins. 

Together their chemistry explodes but ...
Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike's real father's secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.

I was so excited to get approved from the publisher through NetGalley for an early copy of Perfect Fit. I’ve been a fan of Carly Phillips for years and count her Serendipity series as my favorite ever. I’ve said that Karma, book 3 in the Serendipity series is my favorite book ever from Carly Phillips, because I finally got Dare’s story. I didn’t think I could love another hero as much as Dare, however Mike Marsden changed it all.

Mike Marsden has never really felt like he fit in with his family. His dad Simon isn’t his biological dad, like he is to his sister and brother Erin and Sam. However, when his dad gets sick and needs Mike to come home and step in as chief of police, Mike is there in a heartbeat. Of course he will soon be working with Cara Hartley, neither of which thought they would really see each other again after their one night stand. I loved Mike and Cara together. Both are such strong characters and each have family issues that are effecting their present. Mike and Cara work really well together and the sexual tension between them is off the charts. I pretty much loved every minute Mike and Cara spent together. Whether they are working together, making love, or even arguing, I was hooked from page one.

Perfect Fit is another winner from Carly Phillips. I’m sure I say this is my favorite book after reading each of her books, but Perfect Fit really is my favorite Carly Phillips book ever. In fact, Perfect Fit is my favorite read of 2012. The official release date is December 31, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite bookstore or online retailer. For more information about Carly Phillips or her books, check out her website.

Friday, December 28, 2012

To Iraq and Back


To Iraq and Back is the latest release from author Jessica Scott. From the back cover.~

From bestselling novelist Jessica Scott comes the emotional first person journey to war and back again. 
 
In 2009, Army second lieutenant Jessica Scott deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. It was a year of many firsts. 
 
This is the first person journey through a combat tour in Iraq, through being a woman in the army and learning to be an officer in the unforgiving environment of a brigade combat team. This is the journey of a writer, learning to find her voice. This is the journey of a mother, confronting the emotions of leaving her children. This is the story of an inexperienced lieutenant, growing into a leader. This is the journey as it happened, without commentary.
 
This is her blog. There are many blogs from the Iraq war, but this one is hers.

I was given a copy of To Iraq and Back from the author with the promise of an honest review. I knew the book would be about Jessica’s deployment to Iraq, I even had read some of her blog while she was deployed, but I had no idea how much the story would grab me.

My first thought is I have never said thank you enough to all the men and women who serve in our armed services. I can’t think of a harder job on earth than one where you go into battle to protect your country, family and friends knowing you might not come back. Jessica’s story ripped me open completely. When she was talking about being away from her daughters, I could feel her pain. While I have family members in the Army (retired now), I really have never talked to them about their deployments much. Not sure if it is their choice or mine, so I liked having my eyes open from someone willing to share their front line experience. Again makes me so grateful for all those who serve. Jessica also shares both her success and mistakes while in Iraq, as well as her feelings about loss while there. Add in her writing process, and her talking about her support system back home, and I was totally drawn into the story.

I’ve been a fan of Jessica Scott since I read her debut novel Back to You came out in 2011. To Iraq and Back is Jessica’s story about her life and after reading it, I’m an even bigger fan. I actually met Jessica at RWA in Orlando in 2010 and she had her daughters with her. I’d “met” her on twitter and she was super nice to me when I went a little fan-girl upon meeting her in real life. The official release date for To Iraq and Back was December 10, 2012 and is available at Amazon in both print and digital formats. For more information about Jessica’s books, check out her website.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Top "15" Reads of 2012

Many of my blog and twitter friends have been talking about their Top 10 favorite reads of 2012. Honestly, there was no way I could possibly narrow my list down to just 10 books. I decided to narrow mine down to 15…and even then I couldn’t keep it to just 15 books, so I included books in a series for some authors. I read way too many amazing books this year not to highlight as many authors as possible.




Top “15” books of 2012


1. Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips

Really didn’t think I could love any hero more than Dare Barron from Karma, but Mike Marsden totally stole my heart. I also didn’t think I could love a Carly Phillips book more than Karma, but Perfect Fit is hands-down my favorite book by Carly Phillips ever! The official release date is December 31, 2012 and I will post my review on that day.

2. About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

OMG, City is totally the reason I fell in love with this book. I love Nev!


3. The Angel by Tiffany Reisz


I had a rough start with the first book in the Original Sinners series, but totally fell in love with the series while reading The Angel. I love Griffin and Michael so much and even fell pretty hard for Søren in this book. Have to say I’m still totally Team Nora at this point. Can’t wait for the release of The Mistress in 2013!


4. Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh

So I know it was released in September 2011, but I didn’t get a chance to read it until after the first of the year. I’ve wanted Dmitri’s story since we first met him and it might just be my favorite Guild Hunters book so far.

5. About That Night by Julie James

I loved Kyle when we first met him in his Jordan’s book and was super excited to see he was getting his own book. My favorite Julie James book ever!!!



6. Ash Trilogy by Shiloh Walker

So book one was released in 2011, but I didn’t read until the 3rd book was coming out. If You Hear Her, If You See Her, and If You Know Her are some of the best romantic suspense books I’ve ever read. Best to read in order, as they connect from the beginning and makes it easier to try and figure out the bad guy.


7. Karma by Carly Phillips

I waited for Dare’s book for what seemed like forever, and all I can say is it was totally worth the wait! Dare Barron is one of my most favorite heroes ever and I loved that he was in love with Liza McKnight since high school.


8. All 2012 releases from Jill Shalvis

No way on earth could I pick just one of the many books I read in 2012 from Jill Shalvis. With 3 new Lucky Harbor full length books, a Christmas novella in Lucky Harbor, and finally getting Adam’s story with Rescue My Heart, I was in heaven in 2012.


9. Kowalski books by Shannon Stacey

Wasn’t even going to try to pick just one. I love the Kowalskis so much and was super excited to see we would get books for each of the cousins.

10. Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire

I loved the 1st book in Rocki’s new Barefoot Bay series so much. The romance between Lacey and Clay was amazing and I loved how honest the relationship between Lacey and her daughter Ashley was portrayed. Best of all was the relationship between Lacey and her 3 best friends, Jocelyn, Zoe, and Tessa. I saw so much of me and my friends while I was reading about these women.


11. The Sullivan series of books by Bella Andre

I’m pretty sure I found Bella’s books at the first of the year and now have read pretty much everything she has ever published. I can’t pick just one of her books as a favorite, just like I can’t pick a favorite Sullivan in the family. It seems like with each book, I fall in love with that sibling over the rest.


12. Lover Reborn by JR Ward


I’d been waiting for Tohr’s book forever. I liked that Ward went back to writing the BDB series more like in the early books with this one. I’m now on the official countdown to Blay and Qhuinn’s book. I can’t wait to read Lover at Last next Spring.


13. Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks

I’m a huge fan of Maya Banks no matter what genre. I loved the romance between Eveline and Graeme and how they really did complete one another. I have to say Never Seduce a Scot might just be one of my favorite books ever by Banks.


14. Hot Under Pressure by Louisa Edwards


Beck and Skye’s story wrung pretty much every emotion possible from me. To quote from the movie You’ve Got Mail, read with a box of tissues.



15. Naked by Raine Miller



I actually found Naked, which is book 1 in the Blackstone Affair series thanks to my Facebook and twitter friends. I’m ready for Spring to get here so I can find out what happens with Brynne and Ethan.



The Prince

The Prince is book three in the Original Sinners series from author Tiffany Reisz. The publisher is Harlequin MIRA. From the back cover.~


Two worlds of wealth and passion call to Nora Sutherlin and, whichever one she chooses, it will be the hardest decision she will ever have to make. Unless someone makes it for her…

Wes Railey is the object of Nora's tamest yet most maddening fantasies, and the one man she can't forget. He's young. He's wonderful. He's also thoroughbred royalty and, reuniting with him in Kentucky, she's in his world now. But this infamous New York dominatrix is no simpering Southern belle, and Nora's dream of fitting into Wesley's world is perpetually at odds with the relentlessly seductive pull of Søren—her owner, her lover, the forever she cannot have. At least, not completely.

Meanwhile Nora's associate Kingsley Edge is only too happy to take her place at Søren's feet during her hiatus. Søren is the only man Kingsley has ever loved, and their dark, shared history has forged a bond that neither the years—nor Søren's love for Nora—can break. But a new threat from an old adversary is forcing Kingsley to confront the past, reminding him that he must keep his friends close, and his enemies closer.

I was lucky enough not only to be approved for a review copy from NetGalley, but also be gifted a copy from the author. I’m a huge fan of Tiffany Reisz and was super excited to get a chance to read The Prince early. While I finished reading The Prince weeks ago, I needed to get all my thoughts together to write up my review. I love reading Tiffany Reisz’s book so much. However, there is so much information in each book, they are almost impossible to talk about with those who haven’t read them without giving away major information.

I really enjoyed the time spent with Nora and Wesley. I really have wanted them to explore their attraction to one another since I first read The Siren. I’m pretty sure I’m in the minority of liking the love between Nora and Wesley, but I really just love their relationship. That being said, I also love Nora with Søren and want them together forever. I have to say I loved the North/South format that was set up. We got to see Nora with Wesley in the present while in the South and Kingsley and Søren in both the past and the present while in the North. While I enjoyed the sweet love scenes between Nora and Wesley, OMG did I love seeing Kingsley and Søren together!!! I really did think my kindle might melt from them being together. I have to say if I hadn’t already fallen for Søren in The Angel, I would have loved him after reading The Prince.

The mystery as to who has been breaking into Kingsley’s townhouse, vandalizing and stealing things was revealed in The Prince. While it was a little bit of a surprise to me, the person was in the back of my mind for much of the book, so it didn’t totally come out of left field. I loved the romance of this book. There are many relationships within this series and I love getting to spend time with each of the characters and seeing them change and become more real with each book. Tiffany Reisz has become one of my favorite authors this year.

The official release date for The Prince was November 20, 2012 and can be found at your favorite bookstore or online retailer. For more information about the Original Sinners series or the author, check out her website.





Saturday, December 15, 2012

When Snow Falls


When Snow Falls is the 2nd book in the Whiskey Creek series from NYT bestselling author Brenda Novak. The publisher is Harlequin MIRA. From the back cover.~

After growing up in cheap motels, moving from town to town with her sister and mother, Cheyenne Christensen is grateful to be on her own. She's grateful, too, for the friends she found once her family settled in California. But she's troubled by the mystery of her earliest memories, most of which feature a smiling blonde woman. A woman who isn't her mother.

Although Cheyenne has repeatedly asked for explanations, the people who could help aren't talking. Cheyenne is set on finding answers, but without so much as a birth certificate, it won't be easy.

Things get even more complicated when her closest friend is attracted to the man Cheyenne has secretly loved for years. For Eve's sake, she decides to step aside—which lands her right in the arms of Dylan Amos, oldest and baddest of the hell-raising Amos brothers. He's the kind of guy she's sworn to avoid. She can't afford to make a mistake, not when she finally has a chance to learn who she really is and change her life for the better. But…maybe there's more to Dylan than she thought. Maybe letting him go would be a bigger mistake.

I was lucky enough to get a review copy of When Snow Falls from the publisher through NetGalley. I really love the Whiskey Creek series, and was excited to get the next book.

I have to say I felt like When Snow Falls moved a little slow in the beginning. It took me to about 20% to really get into the story. None of it was because I didn’t like Cheyenne, but because I really couldn’t see her pursuing a relationship with Joe, since her best friend Eve liked him. This goes against every girl code out there and I was kind of put off with her until Dylan came into the picture.

I loved Dylan with Cheyenne from the moment they had their first conversation. They had amazing chemistry and he was so very sweet with her their first time together. Especially since it was her first time. Cheyenne doesn’t think Dylan is the right man for her, yet she can’t seem to stay away from him. Dylan has had feelings for Cheyenne for years and knows he should stop getting together with Cheyenne when she doesn’t think there can be anything between them. However, when Cheyenne needs help locating her sister and dealing with her mother’s death, she immediately calls Dylan. She also only initially shares her memories about the blonde woman with Dylan and he believes her and thinks she should try and find out more about her past.

I’ve always liked Cheyenne’s group of friends. However, as they all were warning her away from Dylan and telling her to give Joe more of her time, I got mad at them. None of them seemed to listen when she was talking about Dylan and even made her doubt him just when she was starting to give their relationship a real try. Can’t say she didn’t make me mad by hurting Dylan. Luckily, Dylan was the better man and didn’t totally give up on his feelings for Cheyenne and was there for her when she really needed him.

The discovery of the secret of Cheyenne’s past really only came as a surprise to Cheyenne in the end. Her sister Presley had learned earlier what happened, but continued to keep the news to herself because she feared she would lose Cheyenne in her life. Once again, Dylan is the one Cheyenne needed in her corner.

I really enjoyed When Snow Falls, and I look forward to more books from this series in the future. The official release date was October 23, 2012 and can be found at your favorite bookstore or online retailer. For more information about this series or other books from Brenda Novak, visit her website.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Sextionary Blog Hop

I'd like to welcome author Elise Hepner to my blog today to celebrate the release of Sextionary. 

Guest Post from the author

Keeping a Marriage Hot

Okay, so technically, I’ve only been married for three years—still in the honeymoon phase I’ve been told, yet out of the most common divorce rate. But we’ve been together for eight years total. That’s a lot of sex and a lot of time to get to know each other well enough to spice it up. What with my profession, most people think I’m the kinkiest of the kink when they find out what I write, but I delve into things surprisingly slower than most. Lots of research, remunerating on how I want it to happen, fantasies galore—the whole shebang. Mostly, because spice doesn’t count to me unless there’s a whole heaping spoonful of sexual tension. Enough that I want to scream.

That was the idea when I first started writing Sextionary, that I wanted sexual tension charged enough to start a lightning storm.

What are some of your favorite ways to spice it up? Anticipation or no? Every commenter wins a chance to be entered into my drawing for a 10 dollar All Romance Ebooks gift card at the end of the Sextionary Blog Hop.

Not only is Elise offering up a chance to win a $10 All Romance Ebook gift card, but she has shared the blurb and an excerpt with us. 


Blurb:
One small, sand filled timer flipped Jasper and Jill’s world.

Boring, board game date nights evolved into twenty questions or a spanking. From stimulating conversations—to ripped panties as a makeshift gag. And Jasper’s new fascination with anything leather pulling Jill further down onto her knees.

The Rules of the Game:

Jill draws on paper what she wants from her husband’s lips, tongue, teeth, and fingers

No stick figures

If Jasper can’t guess her needs, he takes over any way he sees fit

Only a minute to shift their roles—but there’s always time for the darkest pleasure—and a line they never thought they would cross.

Excerpt:
“Honey, I’m home,” she called out, secretly pleased when her voice didn’t quaver one bit.
The scent of strawberry—wafting from the candles tucked in every corner—both soothed her mind while also tightening her muscles as she dropped her purse on the floor. One measured breath after the next. Total silence while she fought off the urge to fidget, picking at her tight skirt or unbinding her hair from the constricting bun. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—mess with their ritual. A personal game during date night that had taken on new meaning half a year ago. Had become so much more than enjoying each other’s company over a glass of sugary, sweet fruit wine and a board game.
More intimate than talking, so she held back her voice, even as she longed to walk into the living room. But it wasn’t only about her wants. Her needs. Marriage was a partnership and she was willing to do her half to make her partner happy. Even if it meant standing perfectly still while her nipples hardened against her rough sweater and she recalled all the fantasies she’d harbored all day at work looping through her brain without a pause button.
“Where are you,” she mouthed the words to herself without breathing a sound.
A shadow wavered out of the corner of her eye. Before she had time to turn her head he stood in front of her as if he’d been there the whole time. A formless shape only defined by flicking shadows and her engrained memories. At least until they made their way to the living room—but she knew from experience that part wasn’t soon. No, he stood his ground in front of her with an unreadable expression against the darkness. Shallow, barely there breaths. Nothing to showcase his eagerness, while she silently pleaded for his touch, every inch of her skin electric with the urge to reach out and brush her fingers across his face.
She didn’t touch him for the same reason he made no movement forward—their anticipation of each other was so much better this way. Close enough to sense the brush of his breath—hot against her cheeks. His mouth would taste like citrus toothpaste while his lips would bruise hard enough that her eyes would fill with tears even closed.
“You look amazing,” his gravelly voice lilted at the end of his words, an odd accent not anything close to their neighbors or friends. Tonight, the words didn’t matter. His tone was like a hand groping beneath her clothes, eager, unstoppable, and full of heady promise.
“You can’t see me.”
“I don’t need to see, to know.” Jasper cracked his knuckles and the sound was a gunshot rending through the charged silence.
His callused hand wrapped around her wrist and she barely registered that he’d moved forward blocking the entrance to their gourmet kitchen. When she swallowed she nearly choked. As her chin tipped up to look into his eyes, he clucked with his tongue. A gentle reminder. Her eyes slid back to the cheap carpeting in their entryway.
But she’d be lying if she didn’t admit that when his fingers pressed ever so slightly into her wrist in warning that her throat closed on a sigh. Though he hadn’t spoken, she knew his touch well enough it was as if he had uttered a forceful command. Loud and constant—until her nervousness was drowned out by the cacophony of blood pumping and rushing between her ears.
“Come ‘ere.” He slid his hand up along her forearm and jerked her to his broad, muscular chest while he towered above her petite curves by at least a foot. They rocked together as if magnetized. Pride swelled in her chest when she merely blinked at his actions though the rest of her practically dissolved in his arms soaking in the warmth of protection and the danger his veiled strength.
She didn’t put out a hand to stop him—though it wouldn’t have mattered. Jasper would have swatted it away and gripped her all the tighter, all the more painful, until there were tender bruises that she reveled in the next morning. Small, tender marks that would sweetly sting when he pressed on them across the breakfast table. Besides, it wasn’t as if he wouldn’t leave marks, even when she was good. He dragged his thumb across her skin with his stinging heat—like she was a roadmap to the only destination in the world that mattered.
And as she closed her eyes, her very cells cried out for more of his touch. Her hand curved along his solid, muscular hip. His gaze swept over her until she didn’t have to look at him to know his intentions. Her stare bore into his white t-shirt, her eyes focused so hard on him that she was shocked there wasn’t a hole in his chest that started smoking. His other hand shifted up from her hip to her shoulder, along her neck, and below her chin. Every place he touched hummed and she dug for willpower to keep her hand from shaking against the smooth, smoldering heat of his skin beneath his shirt.
One stroke along her chin with his thumb. Enough to set her teeth to chattering if she hadn’t had her jaw clamped shut in order to avoid him knowing the impact of his touch. Jasper was cocky—didn’t need any more help in that department. Until he gave her something, she would work to give him nothing. All day she’d labored with the knowledge of the sweet, hard press of his lips against her throat and the particular rat-a-tat-tat of his fingers against her clit.
The less reaction, the better.
Before she could figure out what angle he was working tonight, her husband jerked up her chin with a pleased grunt. Her head tipped back with a blink. A deep breath of pine filled her lungs until she ached lodging a noise in the back of her throat. She gauged the look in her lover’s calculating brown eyes. Against the backdrop of darkness with the subtle flicker to their right she could only make out the bright points of his eyes. As if flames danced within them. Tonight he would be the devil, her tormentor—the association inside her mind wasn’t a surprise.
“I’m the man that gets to remove all these trappings to get to the sweet treat of your nakedness. I’ll never take it for granted—though tonight you won’t be so lucky,” he breathed against her lips, barely a caress of skin on skin. Enough of a tease that she arched on tiptoe trying to meet his mouth, even as he was already on the verge of leaving her high and dry.
There was no reply, because he didn’t expect one. Even if he had, his chest brushed against the front of her sweater until the commanding caress of his hand that had shifted onto the nape of her neck became something of an anchor. Knowing the ritual, their odd little habits every Friday, didn’t make anything boring or old hat. In fact, her knowledge of what to expect in the beginning of their little dance only skyrocketed her anticipation—merely because she knew once his hands were off of her anything was up for grabs.
And with his hands on her while her knees shook, he kept her in place, their eyes locked with a mutual understanding. The next several hours would test them both. But it would be worth it—he always made every move worth it. Jasper’s mouth tilted in a gentle smile that she could barely make out. His gaze told a different, more ruthless story like the slow, predatory kneading along her nerve endings at her nape and forearm. Their only points of connection, yet the subtle contact was enough to send her thoughts spinning away in favor of simply basking in his touch.
“You know what comes next.”
Buy Links:

 The official release date for Sextionary was December 6, 2012. 

Author's Bio

Elise Hepner writes smutty goodness for Ellora's Cave, Xcite, and Excessica. She's appeared in several Cleis anthologies including 69 Stories of Sudden Sex and Best Bondage Erotica 2012. She lives with her husband and two clingy kitties in Maryland. Visit www.ehwriting.com to learn more and explore her backlist.




Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Closer Book Blast


Book Blurb:
Kane never believed in things like fate or karma. Not until the night he took a life.

Within the human world is a secret society of immortals and gifted supernaturals. Kane is one of them—a Sensor who experiences emotional energy through touch. But despite his good looks and easy-going personality, Kane lives a solitary life. Unlike other Sensors, he is unnaturally hypersensitive.

Touch brings pain.

Fate throws a curveball when a woman’s life is placed in his hands. Kane is suddenly faced with a difficult decision, each with its own moral consequence, and time is not on his side.

Could she be his salvation, or his ruination?

Author Links:

Buy links for Amazon and Barnes & Noble which was released on December 7, 2012.

Author’s Bio & Picture: 

Down in Texas, there's a woman who drinks copious amounts of vitamin water placed precariously close to her laptop. Yeah, I know. I've got a drinking problem. Hi, I'm Danni.

When I'm not writing (which is all the time), I'm listening to obscure music, watching movies, reading, discovering new ways to humiliate myself bowling, and burning up my laptop battery on the internet. I live with a cat who thinks she is a dog, or a goat (she eats plastic, so I'm not sure which).

Some people count sheep when they have insomnia. Since I was little, I used to make up stories in my head in a futile attempt to bore myself to sleep. The problem was, I'd get so wrapped up in my "head stories" that I would continue them through the following nights, changing it up each time to make it more exciting. Eventually, I started writing my ideas down more and more, creating short stories which evolved into poetry.

Lots and lots of poetry. It's almost embarrassing that I have an entire box loaded with spiral notebooks filled with furious, heartfelt, and blushing words. Apparently, I had a lot to say.

Another one of my hobbies is digital art. I designed all my book covers. 

I am finally doing what I have always wanted to: giving my characters a pulse through publishing. I write adult urban fantasy romance, but I don't like labels. I let the story tell itself, and color outside the lines. I am not a YA author, but I think it’s pretty great that there are so many books available to teens in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal. These are the future readers!

The work that goes behind self publishing is hard work, I won't lie. On top of my regular day job: I write, edit, format, create cover art, and market.

But it's what I love to do, and someday, I'm going to be doing this full time.

Sunday, December 09, 2012

Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Episode 3

In Episode 3 Things are heating up in each story. The official ebook release date is December 8, 2012. Blurb from each of the stories.

The Getaway
Juliet gives an answer to Mike’s surprising proposal and they are on a mad scramble to pull off a wedding in six days. Will it go off without a hitch or will someone try to destroy their happiness. Come along for the conclusion of The Getaway for Season 1

The Genesis Project. 
A choice is made, and a secret is revealed. All are not what they seem to be in this last installment of The Genesis Project. Xander knows who and what Gen is, but there is still one piece to the puzzle missing. This ending is promised to leave you all up in arms! Be sure to find out what happens to the conclusion of The Genesis Project for Season 1

Crave. 
Desperate for a way out, the missing Darien Anderson resurfaces. The reasons why she was captured were not for the reasons everyone thought.

The answers will not only shock all, but also have a tremendous rippled effect for all involved. Especially, Cass and Harper at the conclusion of Crave.


I can't wait to read the conclusions for each of the stories in Season 1. 

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Romancing the Holiday


Romancing the Holiday includes novellas from HelenKay Dimon, Christi Barth, and Jaci Burton. The publisher is Carina Press and the official release date was December 3, 2012. I was lucky enough to get a review copy thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.

We’ll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon

Book three in The Holloway Series

No man likes having his bedroom skills described as forgettable, but that's just what Lila Payne does when she runs into Spencer Thomas again. When she discovers that he'd lied about his name during their brief three-day romp a few months before, she's so angry that she pretends she doesn't remember him.

Spence regrets his deception, but not as much as he regrets that their time together didn't last longer. When she shows up in his town, looking to revitalize her uncle's mountain resort, Spence is determined to help. Maybe rescuing Lila from a hopeless renovation project will get him in her good graces--and back in her bed.

Lila has no interest in being rescued, and Spence is insulted by her stubborn rebuffs and her "faulty" memory. But when rehab work turns into an after-hours meeting, the two of them are in for a night that just might prove unforgettable...

I love the Holloway Series and was super excited to get Spence’s story. I loved Lila and Spence together. While the got off to a rocky start, since Spence used his brother Austin’s name when they first met, you could feel the connection between them and it only grew stronger the longer they were near one another. I loved how Spence wanted to take care of Lila, even though she is such a strong person. The chemistry between Spence and Lila is smoking hot and I loved how passionate they were together. Another winning story from HelenKay Dimon.

Ask Her for Christmas by Christi Barth

Caitlin McIntyre's heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee and proposes. Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she's in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she's never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he's only practicing--he's about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle's determined to win the respect of the dying father who's never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle's always depended on Caitlin's friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him...for good.

Ask Her for Christmas is the first book I’ve read from Christi Barth. I loved the friendship between Kyle and Caitlin and could tell from early in they would be perfect for one another. The fact Kyle’s dad is trying to marry him off to another woman doesn’t lessen any connection they have. I loved the friends to lovers theme, and think Barth rocked it with Caitlin and Kyle. I really enjoyed Christi Barth’s voice and look forward to reading more books from her in the future.

The Best Thing by Jaci Burton

A year ago, Tori let her guard down and Brody Kent slipped right in, planting one hot, unforgettable kiss on her in a dark corner at the company Christmas party. Though the kiss surpassed her wildest dreams, she can't let it happen again. She loves Brody, but he's got a reputation for loving and leaving. She'll have to keep her heart--and her libido--in check.

Brody can't get the time of day from Tori--ever since that impulsive kiss, she's avoided him with the same brutal efficiency she uses to manage his family's construction company office. The company can't afford to lose her, and Brody's come to realize that he can't live without her. But how can he convince Tori that he's a changed man?

It just might take a Christmas miracle.

I’ve been waiting for Brody and Tori to get together since the very first Kent Brothers book. They have been attracted to one another forever and one kiss at the Christmas party changes everything. Tori has loved Brody since she was a teenager, but because of his reputation with women and her job with this company, she has never tried to be with him. Following their kiss, Brody finally sees Tori in a different light. He wants her to talk about what happened with the kiss and also give him a chance. Brody and Tori have the best chemistry together and have some of the hottest love scenes. I loved that for the first time in Brody’s life, he wanted to have a woman in his life daily. Of course, he had to have a little bit of a freak out and screw up royally before we get the happily ever after. Brody knows how to announce his love publicly like no other.

I really loved all 3 stories in the novella. Romancing the Holiday can be purchased at your favorite online bookstore.



Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Rogue Rider


Rogue Rider is the 4th book in the Lords of Deliverance series from author Larissa Ione. The publisher is Grand Central Publishing. From the back cover.~

They're here.

They ride.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride . . .

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous….

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

I’m a huge fan of Larissa Ione and was really excited to get approved to read Rogue Rider early from the publisher through NetGalley.

While Than is my favorite sibling of the four, I have to admit I really loved getting to know Reseph in Rogue Rider. When he wakes up with no memories, he is lucky enough to have been rescued by Jillian. I loved the chemistry between Reseph and Jillian from the moment they met. With demons literally in both their past, they seemed to be drawn to one another. Reseph has no idea he is also Pestilence and he has been attacking or having demons attack around the world…including Jillian. The connection between Reseph and Jillian is there before either learn the truth, and they must work with Reseph’s siblings to make sure Pestilence can’t take over for Reseph again.

I loved Jillian and Reseph together from the very beginning. Larissa Ione gives her readers the sexy love scenes they have come to love while telling an amazing love story full of action. I love getting to spend time with the Horsemen and their families. I especially loved finding out more about Reaver with this book. I had an idea about who he really was, and was so glad to find out I was right. I’m so excited that Reaver’s book will be the next book from Larissa Ione.

The official release date for Rogue Rider was November 20, 2012 and can be purchased at your favorite bookstore or online retailer. For more information about any of Larissa Ione’s books, check out her website.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Under the Mistletoe


Under the Mistletoe is the latest novella release in the Lucky Harbor series from NYT bestselling author Jill Shalvis. From the author’s website.~

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

I was lucky enough to be approved by the publisher to get an early copy from NetGalley. I’m a huge fan of Jill Shalvis and couldn’t wait to get Mia’s story. Under the Mistletoe takes place 5 years after we first met Mia.

I loved Mia when we met her in Tara and Ford’s book and was so excited to see her all grown up. Mia is heading back to Lucky Harbor for Christmas for her Aunt Chloe and Sawyer’s wedding. She has it all planned to take her boyfriend with her for the trip, but Nick pushes her away, so Mia heads home alone with a bit of a broken heart.

Nick quickly realizes his mistake and follows Mia across the country to prove to her how much he loves her. I loved the chemistry between Nick and Mia so much. Fans of Jill Shalvis will get both a sweet and sexy story with Under the Mistletoe. The official ebook release date is December 4, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite online retailer. From more information about this book or others from Jill Shalvis, check out her website.

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Hot Holiday Hop

HOT HOLIDAY HOP begins Saturday, 12/1, ends 12/10 – giveaways sponsored by Random House include:

Grand Prize $25 Gift Certificate to a retailer of your choice!
10 print copy winners of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
15 Net Galley Preview copies of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
Release Me by J. Kenner (an excerpt)
https://www.randomhouse.com/book/225186/release-me-by-j-kenner Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway Or you can just grab the Rafflecopter link here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YzQ2ZTBiNThkZDdhZmMwNjMyNTVlNDA4NGIyMjhjOjEy/

Friday, November 30, 2012

The Reluctant Countess Preview

NEW IN JANUARY is debut Wendy Vella from New Zealand!! Her book, THE RELUCTANT COUNTESS is on sale 1/14/2013!! 'Secrets, lies, and raging desires - the journey to love has never been more thrilling!' ~ Award winning author Brownwen Evans From rising romance star Wendy Vella comes a Cinderella story of whirlwind passion between a dashing earl and a beautiful countess—and the secret that threatens to tear them apart. The Reluctant Countess by Wendy Vella (Excerpt) And, here’s the buy link: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/221633/the-reluctant-countess-by-wendy-vella #aboutthebook

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Doc Holiday


Doc Holiday is the newest Loveswept Classic release from author Debra Dixon. From the author’s website.~

With poignant humor and sizzling romance, Debra Dixon presents a story about the magic of Christmas and promises made under a starry winter sky.
 
Drew Haywood needs a feminine touch to help give his young son a holiday to remember—and no one does Christmas better than Taylor Bishop. She knows how to transform a house into a home that sparkles. But when Drew lets his guard down, he finds that Taylor has much more to offer. Kissing her is like coming in out of the cold—and Drew doesn’t want to go back out.

Taylor has already raised one family—she grew up with six brothers, after all—and she doesn’t need another. She may have fallen for Drew as a teenager, but he’s asking for a Christmas miracle that would break all her rules. Still, the chemistry she shares with this sexy, single father has nothing to do with the past. Perhaps the gift of a young boy’s smile, not to mention stolen kisses beneath the mistletoe, will point the way to the one thing on Taylor’s wish list.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Doc Holiday from NetGalley thanks to the publisher. I love how the Loveswept Classic line is helping me find so many new to me authors.

I really enjoyed Doc Holiday. I’m a sucker for a love story where the hero and heroine have had feelings for one another since they met in their teens. Taylor and Drew are that type of couple. Drew is six years older than Taylor, so he was warned off of her by her older brother when they were kids, but neither has ever forgotten the other. When Drew finally gets custody of his little boy Noah, he knows Taylor is the perfect person to make their Christmas better. The chemistry between Taylor and Drew is really great. I liked them as a couple, but could see that Taylor had issues with getting into a relationship with a ready-made family. Taylor had been the one to step in after her mother died when she was a teen to help raise her 4 younger brothers and keep the house running like her mother had. I could see how much Taylor loved both Drew and Noah from early on. Drew and Taylor are a great couple. I loved how they had both loved one another for years.

Doc Holiday and was a fast, fun and sexy holiday read. The official ebook release date was November 12, 2012 and can be purchased from your favorite online bookstore.