Thursday, July 28, 2016

MONIQUE'S REVIEW OF ***WORKED UP BY TESSA BAILEY***


Samantha Waverly, a children’s books illustrator, is in Hook, New Jersey, for an unexpected weekend. Her brother Renner is tied down and won’t be able to meet with her before Monday, a meeting Sam dreads. Meanwhile the petite Manhattanite intends to experience what nightlife there is in the small factory town. She’s barely settled in the town’s dilapidated bar, The Third Shift, when she spots Goliath, Duke Crawford, a machinery mechanic. He is so unlike the men she usually meets: huge, unrefined, but he stands up for her when she is harassed by some patrons, and her bad puns seem to amuse him! Sam doesn’t do relationships and neither does Duke, so why not enjoy a few moments of sexy entertainment!

And if you think you know how WORKED UP will unfold, you will probably be wrong. Tessa Bailey demonstrates once again why she is the queen of urban romance! WORKED UP is fast-paced, the dialogues brilliantly witty, and I laughed myself silly at the wedgie episode; that one is a classic! I will not go into specific details about the romance, because the whole thing would be a spoiler. Duke and Sam are some of the most fascinating characters I have ever read, and simply getting to know them was an unforgettable experience; Tessa Bailey doesn’t do clichés! Sam and Duke’s chemistry is off the charts, the sex scenes are scorching, raw, and passionate, and their personal interactions are filled with heartwrenching moments. Duke’s decision to avoid commitments is such a breath of fresh air, and Sam’s is all too painfully understandable.

The writing is seamless, beautiful and to the point, very humorous as well, and Ms. Bailey’s succinct and laser-sharp descriptions paint vibrant images of the characters and the environment. Sam’s sisters are a hoot! WORKED UP is a book to be experienced, and a phenomenal tour de force by the inimitable and ever so talented Tessa Bailey. WORKED UP is one contemporary romance that begs to be read!


~MONIQUE~

Friday, July 22, 2016

FRIDAY COVER BLISS with ABBY GORDON *** LIGHT A FIRE*** (Interstellar Matchmaker Series) COMING AUGUST 5!!!

 One bored otherworldly entity disobeys her master, leading to fireworks on Earth. 
Tremayne Sheridan is so tired of Hollywood starlets, but ending up in a dinky New Mexico town wasn't quite the adventure he'd been looking for either. The town's only diner offers strong coffee, mediocre food, and a chance for Tre to reignite his inner Dom by way of fiery gray eyes and lush curves he can't forget, even when walking away was his idea.
Alice Andersson's usual diner meal turns into the opportunity to help two abandoned boys. So what in the world is Tremayne Sheridan, star of Alice's naughtiest dreams, doing in this corner of New Mexico? One freak storm, a naughty alien, and a plush sedan are the perfect environment to light a fire between them. But even Alice's and Tre's combustible chemistry strains under the pressure of anger and mistrust.


PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! http://amzn.to/29SjxN0

Thursday, July 21, 2016

MONIQUE'S REVIEW OF **The Color of a Promise (The Color of Heaven, #11) by Julianne MacLean **




When he was around five years old, Jack Peterson confessed a secret to his older brother Aaron, and it caused a rift that determined the path Jack’s life would take. Aaron was the golden boy, athletic, popular, the one who always got the girls, even those Jack fancied. Aaron went on to become a rich, successful businessman, and he married the girl Jack loved. Jack never got over his resentment and buried himself in his career as a respected and very wealthy TV journalist. Jack’s life was a desert, until a catastrophic plane crash, very close to his parents’ summer home gave him a glimmer of hope in the person of Meg Andrews. 

THE COLOR OF A PROMISE is a bit of a difficult book to review without giving any spoilers. At first, I wasn’t really sure what to make of the various points of view, from 1984 to the present, but I knew the author had a good reason for doing so, but it was nevertheless riveting. I soon realised that it was an essential component of the story to better understand Jack, and the proof is that I read THE COLOR OF A PROMISE in one sitting, before I even realised it was a longish book. 
Ms. MacLean writes beautifully, the narrative flows very smoothly, and she is a very efficient and careful writer: there is not one superfluous word, everything is there for a purpose. The story is quite complex, meticulously plotted, and extremely well researched especially regarding the plane crash investigation, which is as captivating as the relationship between Jack and Meg, and the changes Jack undergoes. Jack is a fascinating character, but it is in relation to others that we really see him, as to Meg, I absolutely adored her, past and present incarnations. She is not without fault, but she is a perfect heroine.

Ms. MacLean’s knowledge of so many plane-related elements is staggering, I loved how the story progressed, how everything fit together, and how very real the characters were; I felt invested in their lives. THE COLOR OF A PROMISE is an excellent read, intelligent, and with a lot of heart. I would maybe however caution that it may not be ideal for people with a fear of flying.


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


~MONIQUE~

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Amy's Review of ** Forgotten Secrets by Robin Perini **



Riley Lambert is a profiler with the FBI. As a young girl, Riley witnessed her sister's abduction and vowed that she would bring her back. For 15 years Riley has worked on her sister's case while working her own FBI caseload. During one of her cases she met Thayne Blackwood and had a brief but passionate week with him. Ever since that encounter, they've phoned each other weekly. They understand each other and have grown to rely on those weekly calls. Then Thayne's sister is abducted and Thayne turns to Riley for help. What follows is a puzzle of epic proportions with the whole town racing against the clock to solve the mystery. 
What an awesome thriller! This book has all the necessary elements-
* it's a great story
* it's action packed
* the protagonist (Riley, and Thayne to some degree) is one who has the most to lose. You see these characters fears, hopes, and heartaches. You also see an emotional change in them fighting to accept the likely outcome and realizing what they want in their own lives.
* The author does an amazing job of letting the reader inside the heads of many characters building up the dramatic tension.
* there's no useless info. Each scene reveals something new. No time is wasted.
* it deals with relevant issues- alzheimers, PTSD, the trauma of families following an abduction.
There are no dull moments in this story. It's fast paced with lots of action and mystery. I am hoping there will be other books to follow this one as I would really like to know what's in store for many of the other characters. If you want a book that keeps you up all night, biting your nails, this is the book for you! 

A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

~AMY COMPTON~

Desire’s Fury (Viking’s Fury Book 2) by bestselling Author Violetta Rand


BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:
Desire’s Fury (Viking’s Fury Book 2) by bestselling author Violetta Rand

Publication date: July 19th, 2016

Genre: Viking Romance

ABOUT DESIRE’S FURY:
Torn between bloodfeud and desire…

After his younger brother returns from Northumbria with a Saxon bride, Roald Blood Axe refuses to welcome her into the family. His brother has married an enemy, which goes against everything Roald believes in. But when his sister-in-law collapses from a mysterious illness, Roald does what any man of honor should, he searches for the most gifted healer.

Torn between mistrust and temptation…

As the last healer in her Sami line, Eva is expected to assume the role as noaidi after her mother dies. Until then, she lives in the shadows—gathering herbs and practicing her art on injured animals. One night while she’s camping in the foothills, she encounters an enemy warrior who stirs more than her doubt.

She accompanies Roald to his home where she promises to heal his sister-in-law.

Faced with rejection and violence, Eva braves the tumultuous world of the lowlanders to stay true to her oath as a healer.

Spending time with Eva makes Roald realize he craves more than bedsport—he wants love and everything it offers.

Together, Roald and Eva make an indomitable pair. But when Eva’s brothers and Roald’s greatest enemy join forces to destroy Roald’s home, will love keep them together or will outside interference separate them forever?

DESIRE’S FURY EXCERPT:
He set his horse free to graze, then approached the sleeping form wrapped in fur. Much to his surprise, it was a woman—her long, blond tresses unbound and her delicate throat exposed. With a careful look at her possessions, he discovered her identity. An embroidered cloak was folded neatly on the ground by her pallet. Even her bags were embellished with colorful stitching.

Cursed Lapplander.

Though the Norse interacted with her people, tensions ran high. Many sheep and cows had been stolen from nearby steadings over the years, and the thieves were obvious.

He should walk away and forget he discovered a Sami woman bedding down alone. Leave her to fend for herself. There were men of no honor who would pay to taste the tender flesh of a reindeer walker.

As he turned to go, a blade landed in the ground by his boot. Surprised, he stepped back, then gazed at her. The woman was crouched on top of her pallet. Wild-eyed and incredibly beautiful, Konal found himself unable to look away. Something about her held him captive.

“Hvem er du?” she asked in Norse.

He should be the one demanding to know who she was. These were Norse lands. “Why are you here?”

She relaxed then, shifting to her knees, but never taking her eyes off him. “Don’t waste my time, Norseman. I didn’t wander into your camp. You disturbed my sleep without announcing yourself.”

“Twenty horsemen could have thundered by and you would have slept through it.”

She chuckled. “Are you insulting me, lowlander?”

Konal retrieved the knife, held it up, and inspected the blade. He laughed at it, running his thumb over the blunt edge. “I see your senses aren’t the only dull thing in this camp.”

She climbed to her feet, giving him the opportunity to admire her slim form. Dressed in nothing but a shift and boots, he could see the fullness of her breasts and her shapely hips.

“Give me my knife.”

He shook his head and sheathed the blade in his belt. “You’re in no position to make demands. Tell me who you are and why you’re here, first. If I’m satisfied by your answers, I’ll consider returning the weapon. But only if I have your solemn oath not to try and kill me again. Though your aim isn’t true.”

She’d given him every reason to tease her. And he liked the way her eyes sparked whenever he said something insulting. How long had it been since he’d met a spirited woman who didn’t care if he was the jarl’s son?

“Jalla!” she spoke in her language now.

“Calling me an idiot won’t help your cause.”

Her lips thinned in irritation. “You understood.”

“Our people have lived side-by-side for generations, woman. Do you not expect us to learn each other’s tongues so we might communicate?”

“I expect nothing from a Viking,” she said. “For though we are neighbors, there’s never been peace—not true peace.”

“Aye,” he agreed. “But if we are smarter than our forefathers, we can perhaps exercise restraint now.”

“Restraint?”

“Respect,” he clarified.

She considered it. “All right.” She walked to the place where the food and wine were set out.

“Break bread with me.”

In a show of trust, she turned her back and picked up the loaf. Then she faced him again and tore a large chunk off. “Here.”

Unless Odin willed otherwise, he’d accept her offer. “I will sit to eat.”

Together they got comfortable near the fire, and she pulled several items wrapped in cloth from one of her bags. The first contained cheese, the next, strips of smoked fish. Though Roald had fresh food in his saddle bag, he’d not miss the chance to know this woman.

“My name is Eva,” she said as she took a drink. “My people come from Malangsfjorden, but we settled in the mountains east of here generations ago. Occasionally, I wander the lowlands to collect plants for medicine. Not all the species I can find here grow in higher altitudes.”

He considered her expression, the way her hands moved when she talked, how she didn’t pause between words. All signs that she spoke truthfully.

“I am Jarl Roald Blood Axe, and I seek a skilled healer. My sister-in-law has fallen ill—gravely ill I fear.” If Silvia died, his family would be torn apart. To happen upon this woman in the middle of nowhere seemed too good to be true. Once again, Roald found himself indebted to the gods, for Allfather must have led him here. “Are you a thrall?”

She snorted. “I am freeborn, Roald Blood Axe. Should I dare ask how you earned that horrible name?”

He withdrew her knife from his weapon belt and laid it on the ground between them. “By having better aim than you.”

She rewarded him with a smile as she reached for the blade. “I don’t expect you to believe me, but I missed on purpose.”

“Did you?” He swallowed a mouthful of fish. “I will remember that, woman, and some day, if the chance arises, I will ask you to prove it.”

She laughed, thinking it a joke, then tucked the knife in her boot. “If I have my way, we’ll never meet again.”

Buy now on Amazon! http://amzn.to/290m4bc

ENTER TO WIN!




ABOUT VIOLETTA RAND:
Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science and policy before attending graduate school. Violetta then spent nearly a decade working as a scientist, specializing in soil and water contamination and environmental assessments.

Violetta still lives in Alaska and spends her days writing romance. When she's not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends. In her free time, she loves to hike, fish, and ride motorcycles and 4-wheelers.

CONNECT WITH VIOLETTA:

Monday, July 18, 2016

COVER REVEAL BLISS ** BLIND SPOT by KATANA COLLINS**

I'm used to going for the easy things in life. 
The easy A in school. 
The easy lay in bed. The easy life my trust fund affords me.
Until I met Shelby.
Never in my life have I found retro T-shirts and ChapStick so damn sexy.
She's exactly what I never knew I wanted.
And she's anything but easy.
But suddenly, easy is overrated.

Only one damn problem... For Shelby, hating me is easy.
For the first time in my life, I have to work for something. And though
she may not be easy...she'll be worth it.

COMING YOUR WAY ON AUGUST 8TH

PRE-ORDER:
http://amzn.to/29QmBeF

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Ever My Love - Blog Tour Excerpt and Giveaway

Ever My Love Medieval Divider EverMyLoveTheLoreoftheLuciusRing
BOOK & AUTHOR INFO: 
 Ever My Love: The Lore of the Lucius Ring (The Legend of the Theodosia Sword Book 2) by USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors Kathryn Le Veque, Eliza Knight, Suzan Tisdale, Cheryl Bolen, Sabrina York, and Susan Stoker. 
  Publication date: July 12th, 2016 Genre: Romance 

  ABOUT EVER MY LOVE: The heart of a legend. The only chance for love. The hope that the Fates will be kind before time runs out. The long-awaited sequel to the original multi-genre USA TODAY bestselling collection, With Dreams Only Of You: The Legend of the Theodosia Sword, has finally arrived. Welcome to EVER MY LOVE: THE LORE OF THE LUCIUS RING, a multi-genre new material collection unlike any other romance collection available today. Six of the top authors in their genres bring you this powerhouse collection based upon the common thread of a cursed ring, passed down through the female line descended from Theodosia herself. Only a woman may bear the burden of the ring said to curse she who wears it. When the owner of the ring finds love, the stone remains crimson and assures her life-long happiness. But if she does not find love by her twenty-fifth birthday, the ring will turn dark and she will be forever cursed with loneliness. Join the descendants of Theodosia as they grapple with a family legend that follows them through centuries of hope, heartache, adventure, and romance in seven amazing segments:
  In ancient Rome - The ring, and its curse, begin with the beautiful Theodosia. 
  Medieval England - The ring finds its way into a notorious outlaw's possession only to curse the woman he loves. 
  The Scottish Highlands - The ring escapes with a little girl... and the curse follows.
  Tudor England - The ring once again becomes the prize for the lawless when an infamous female pirate tries to steal it from a Queen’s Naval Captain. 
  Georgian Era - Twin sisters vie for the ring - and for the Duke of Axminster. 
  Regency England - The ring enters the proud and proper Regency set where the curse finds new life. 
  Modern Times - Mistaken identity, soul mates, and the last chance for the ring to fulfill its destiny. Seven unique and powerful brand-new stories take the legend of the Lucius Ring through the ages. Discover how each woman finds her own love, peace, and happiness. The ring that can tear them apart is also the one that binds them. The heart of a legend. The only hope for love... will each lady find her destiny before time runs out? 


  EVER MY LOVE EXCERPT: GUARDIAN MIST BY SUSAN STOKER 

 She went through the maze of hallways to get back to the lobby and stood in line behind a man who was obviously checking in at the front counter. Not paying much attention at first, thinking about something she needed to do at work the next week, Rin was startled when she realized the scent in the air was very familiar. She tilted her head and breathed in again, deeper this time. The man in front of her finished checking in and moved slightly to the side, throwing a leather bag over his shoulder. “Evening,” he said in a polite tone, nodding and smiling at her as he turned in profile. His movements wafted his delicious scent toward Rin once more, engulfing her senses, and shockingly, all she could think about was burying her face in the stranger’s neck and breathing him in. Smoke. Cold air. Leaves. And when he’d said hello, she’d gotten a whiff of peppermint. Freaking peppermint. Rin’s mind whirled. What in the world was going on? Who was this man and how could he smell exactly like the calming scent she’d dreamed about her entire life? She had the firm thought that if he put his arms around her, she could burrow in and he’d keep her safe from anything that might want to hurt her. It was insane, but she suddenly longed to feel that safety, just once before she died. He was taller than her five-six by at least a couple of inches. He had dark, curly hair, a five-o’clock shadow on his square jaw, and beautiful hazel eyes. He was wearing a pair of jeans that had seen better days. Somehow Rin knew he hadn’t bought the jeans with the holes strategically placed on his thigh and knee, as many people did these days. He looked too…masculine to care much about fashion. His shirt was a long-sleeve plaid Henley, which strained over the muscles in his arms. She continued to openly study the man and tried to place him. He seemed familiar to her, but she couldn’t remember Tina or her mom ever talking about a man who looked like him, so he probably wasn’t there for the party. He looked as though he was in his mid-thirties, definitely too old to have gone to school with Tina. Paired with his relaxed clothes was a set of work boots, probably steel-toed. His fingers were long and one hand was still clutching the leather bag over his shoulder. The other was resting at his hip, his fingers tucked into the front pocket of his jeans… And he was grinning at her, obviously amused rather than offended by her long stare.  
 
  ENTER TO WIN:
CONNECT WITH THE AUTHORS:
 Kathryn Le Veque’s Website: http://kathrynbouseleveque.com/
 Eliza Knight’s Website: http://www.elizaknight.com/
 Suzan Tisdale’s Website: http://www.suzantisdale.com/
 Cheryl Bolen’s Website: http://www.cherylbolen.com
 Sabrina York’s Website: http://sabrinayork.com/
 Susan Stoker’s Website: http://www.stokeraces.com/ Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Friday, July 15, 2016

Amy's Review of ** Once Upon a Moonlit Night (Maiden Lane #10.5) by Elizabeth Hoyt **


Once Upon a Moonlit Night is #10.5 in Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. For a short novella, it sure packs a punch!
Hippolyta Royle is literally running with hounds on her heels. After escaping from the Duke of Montgomery's kidnappers, she is desperately fleeing through rain and mud to get away. When she spots an oncoming carriage, she flags it down begging for help. The handsome yet unbelievably rude passenger agrees to escort her safely back to London. What a journey it turns out to be!
Matthew Mortimer is reluctantly on his way home to assume his duties as the new Earl of Paxton. He's shocked and disbelieving when his muddied, unkempt passenger declares herself to be a wealthy heiress. But the more time he spends with her, hears her story, and finally sees her sans mud, he realizes he doesn't care if she's a beggar or heiress. She's his!

As with all of Ms. Hoyt's books, this one is filled with loveable characters and passionate sensuality. I was fascinated by Hippolyta in earlier Maiden Lane books. What an intriguing heroine! She's been kidnapped in the dark of night, left in a dank and dark cell, and escaped through horrid conditions. Yet she is the epitome of grace under pressure.
Matthew is delicious! Though a little rude and exasperating at first, he's funny and suave. And what I loved most about him was his emotions were authentic. When he met someone he was truly interested in, he was able to handle it and be supportive of her. 
If you're in the mood to escape into a little romantic fantasy, you can't go wrong with Elizabeth Hoyt. Each of the books in this series can be read as a stand alone but believe me, you'll want to read every single one!

 A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection


~AMY COMPTON~

COVER REVEAL BLISS *** CHRISTI CALDWELL'S HEART OF A DUKE SERIES, Book 12, ENCHANTED BY THE DUKE *** With A Little Giveaway

HERE IS THE COVER FOR CHRISTI CALDWELL'S UPCOMING 
HEART OF A DUKE TITLE
ENJOY!!! 

ENCHANTED by the DUKE


COMING ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Into Dust (The Montana Hamiltons #5) by B.J. Daniels


Every single title in B.J. Daniels' Montana Hamiltons series has made me shout out OMG at the end, shake my fist and wish I had a magic looking glass into the next book to find out what is going to happen. I have even tried to bribe B.J. to no avail. I have come to the conclusion that she just loves to torture her readers.... In a good way of course, but it's torture nonetheless.

Cassidy Hamilton, youngest daughter of Presidential hopeful, Buckmaster Hamilton, has spent her life in the spotlight along with her five sisters, and she's tired of it. For a while she was traveling the world and staying off the radar, but a attempted kidnapping yanks her back into an insane reality.

When handsome Texan, Jack Durand foils the kidnapping in progress, he and Cassidy are thrown together into web of lies, deceit and intrigue that no twenty-something has any business being embroiled in. When Jack discovers that his own father and possibly Cassidy's mother are involved in not only the abduction, but also a nefarious plot against the government, survival becomes the real deal for this unlikely pair. 

Being tossed together by these unbelievable circumstances, Cassidy and Jack feel the inevitable pull of their attraction for one another where they both begin to think that fate has put them together. With all the insanity going on around them all they have is the comfort they can give one another and the amazing instincts that Jack has for survival. Who can they trust? Possibly no one. And so goes yet another intriguing BJ Daniels thriller of a story.... I don't think I will keep sane until the final installment.

Ok, so this is a monster of a book with twists and turns that will have you biting you nails down to the nub, and I am seriously not kidding. B.J. Daniels is a master storyteller who keeps her readers on the very edge of their seats, especially with INTO DUST. Not only is Jack and Cassidy's tale fabulous, but my favorite couple, Nettie and Frank are knee deep in trouble too and their secondary storyline will have you gasping for air. One of my fellow respected reviewers noted that this series needs to be made into a TV mini-series and I so totally agree with her. It's just THAT good. Bravo Ms. Daniels for giving me so many gray hairs that I must dye it constantly. Yes, I am blaming you, Barb. 

An FYI for all, I found out today that Barbara Johnson Heinlein/B.J. Daniels dedicated this book to me and fellow Book Obsessed Chicks member, Janet Rodman. While I am over the moon and thrilled about this, it unequivocally has no bearing on the review of this book. INTO DUST is a treat that can't be missed.  

~KIMBERLY~



Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Monique's Review of **Dangerously Red (A Dark and Dirty Tale #3) by Kristin Miller**



In the third and last part of A Dark and Dirty Tale is the most exciting, and by far. And it would be difficult to be read as a standalone, you would miss a lot, and it would be a shame, because this is a fantastic trilogy, and not because it is fine erotica, but also because the story is fabulous. Don’t believe for a second, that you will get one tiny spoiler from me! With only a few moments left before having to choose her mate, Ivy is the involuntary cause of a battle royale between Reaper and Lukas, and she chooses. And oh my goodness, Ms. Miller almost made me have a heart attack! DANGEROUSLY RED is aptly titled because there is danger throughout the book and the gothic feeling adds to the tension, whether it concerns relationships, or the political angle. 

As usual, Ms. Miller’s writing is impeccable, and very lyrical; the sex scenes are sizzling hot, but what impressed me the most is that in a novella, I felt so much, that my heart broke for Ivy and the decision she made, but more specifically for the reason she made her decision, and if that is not a major accomplishment, I don’t know what is. I also very much appreciated the subtle case Ms. Miller made for or against? some alphas. There are tremendously exciting plot twists, and one is an epic shocker! Ms. Miller also has the best description I have ever read about how it feels to shift, and for the first time, I would have wanted to experience it myself. 


DANGEROUSLY RED is absolutely fantastic!

~MONIQUE~ 

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

RELEASE DAY HAPPINESS WITH ** Steadfast (True North #2) by Sarina Bowen **


A moving new stand-alone novel of forbidden love by USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen. 
 
Jude lost everything one spring day when he crashed his car into an apple tree on the side of the road. A man is dead, and there's no way he can ever right that wrong. He'd steer clear of Colebury, Vermont forever if he could. But an ex-con in recovery for his drug addiction can't find a job just anywhere.

Sophie Haines is stunned by his reappearance. After a three year absence, the man who killed her brother and broke her heart is suddenly everywhere she turns. It's hard not to stare at how much he's changed. The bad boy who used to love her didn't have big biceps and sun-kissed hair. And he'd never volunteer in the church kitchen.

No one wants to see Sophie and Jude back together, least of all Sophie's police chief father. But it's a small town. And forbidden love is a law unto itself.

An Affair in Winter (Seasons Book 1) by Jess Michaels


Happiness for this reader, is snuggling up on my sofa with a Jess Michaels title and being dazzled by the story and the sleek sensuality in everything this talented author writes. An Affair in Winter is no exception and an impressive beginning to her SEASONS series.

On her way to her sister's wedding, a Winter storm disrupts Rosalinde Wilde's travel and she takes shelter at an inn where the widow meets a striking stranger who rocks her world with an impassioned night of forbidden lovemaking.

Grayson Danford must stop his brother's nuptials before it is too late, but the night he spends in the passionate woman's arms throws him for a loop. Upon arriving home to take care of business, Grayson soon discovers that the woman he spent the night making love with is none other than the intended bride's widowed sister. Oh this just got better!

When Rosaline finds out that her ardent lover of one night is brother to her sister's groom-to-be and that Grayson objects to the joining of those two, sparks fly as Rosalinde defends not only her sister, but her pride as well, and the undeniable desire that flares between both Grayson and Rosalinde promises to ignite.

AN AFFAIR IN WINTER  by Jess Michaels is a wonderful story filled with ethereal attraction and wonder. I loved this story. I love a great second chances at love, and this is a prime example.


~KIMBERLY~

Monday, July 11, 2016

Monique's Review of Wicked Ride (The Wicked Horse, #4) by Sawyer Bennett



In the third instalment of the Wicked Horse series, we meet the newest addition to the Silo sex club: Auralie. Her “owner” Magnus intends to auction off her virginity. It’s a consensual business arrangement, but Auralie doesn’t like it one bit. Bridger doesn’t like the arrangement either, it seems legit, so there isn’t much he can do about it, but he intends to watch them carefully. However, Logan McKay, a fishing guide and part-time fantasy maker at the club, sees the sadness in her eyes, and recognises a kindred soul. Logan has many, many secrets, he’s very closed off; nobody really knows him. Logan is not interested in the “virgin” part of Auralie, but the wounded spirit in her. Auralie and Logan connect instantly, even when it’s only through their eyes, and thus begins a most unusual relationship…

The beginning of WICKED RIDE had me completely mesmerised; the premise is utterly original, and I couldn’t wait to read on. It’s a very intriguing story, and even though Auralie is not usually the type of character I favour, I liked her a lot. Logan is a huge enigma, he tells her nothing, this even though the novel is told from alternate points of view. I must admit I was a bit conflicted because while I enjoy learning a character’s secrets at the same time at the other characters do, we still knew nothing of Logan’s secrets, and it took so long before we got to know anything – although it was a monumental burden to bear – I felt it was a tad anticlimactic. The sex scenes are as expected wild, passionate and entirely convincing, the writing fabulous and fluid, but I felt the middle of the book dragged on a bit, still I had no idea how the whole thing would turn out. I had given WICKED RIDE 4 stars, until the epilogue, which garnered a full star: it’s about Bridger, and it gives a taste of what’s to come, and I believe it will be even better than I hoped for, which is to say: it promises to be phenomenal!




~MONIQUE~

Friday, July 8, 2016

Harlequin Summer Happiness with Cathy Gillen Thacker and A Texas Soldier's Family (Texas Legacies: The Lockharts)

DON'T MESS WITH THIS TEXAN! 
On the last leg of his tour of duty, Captain Garrett Lockhart is summoned home to Laramie, Texas, to handle an urgent family matter—a scandal that could destroy the enduring legacy of the Lockharts. Except it's already being "handled" by Hope Winslow, a professional crisis manager. 
Hope is also the beautiful single mother of the most adorable baby boy the Army doctor has ever seen. Garrett is resisting Hope's efforts at damage control—and pushing her clearly defined boundaries. Too bad she can't resist him…and fantasies of a future with her Lone Star soldier!


  
Q&A for A Texas Soldier’s Family

1)      What’s your favorite part about writing books set in Texas?  It brings back memories of the 18 years my husband and I lived in Texas.  (The Lone Star State is still my most favorite place in all the world.)  I love the fact that in Texas, no dream is too big to hold—or achieve.  Hard work, authenticity, not being afraid to stand up for what you believe—these are all things that make Texas great.  And let’s not forget the legendary kindness and tremendous hearts of the people who reside there.
2)      List two books you’ve read more than three times—

GONE WITH THE WIND.  It was my first and favorite romance of all times.  THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green.  That book really resonated with me—and my daughter, who was diagnosed as a young adult and is now a ten year cancer survivor.
3)      Is anything in your new release based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?  I’ve spent a fair amount of time in airports over the years, waiting to board a plane, and trying to board a plane.   I always wonder who is going where and why, and I always get annoyed when I’m hit in the head with someone else’s bag.  Those two things are in the opening scene.
4)      How much research goes into your books?  Quite a bit, actually.  For this story, I had to research what crisis managers and public relations teams do to mitigate the damage in any situation.  In the next book of this series, TEXAS LEGACIES:THE LOCKHARTS—A TEXAS COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS, I researched German holiday baked goods and the care and training of bucking bulls.  I’ve also researched Texas law, (helps to have a daughter who is a lawyer), caring for a premature N-ICU housed baby, topical allergies, the latest in tractors and berry-picking machines, how to help a failing newborn pup, who has been rejected by its mother, survive.  I try to find something interesting and educational to write about in every book.
5)      Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?  I do hear from readers, mostly on Facebook—although if you send a handwritten letter to my publisher, it will work its way to me.  Most letters are complimentary.   Which I really appreciate!  Sometimes readers want to know when a certain book is coming out, or how/where/when to get it—and the best source for that is my website, cathygillenthacker.com.  It has series explanations, covers and titles, and excerpts from every book still available.  (A few are out of print.)  Links to free on-line-reads and places to purchase my books are also there.
6)      What do you like to do when you’re not writing?  Walk my golden retriever, Daisy.  Spend time with family.  Garden.  I love to bake.  I’m crazy about good tv and movies.  I also spend time on an exercise bike—which is set up in front of a tv/dvd/dvr so I can bribe myself to get on it, and then have the time pass quickly while I work-out.
7)      What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?  It depends where I am in the course of writing a book.  At the beginning I spend a lot of time making notes, and thinking, and creating storylines and conflict, and also doing the research, which plays into the plot.   When I start writing the draft, a few weeks in, I spend about 8 hours a day, broken up into 2-3 hours at a time, at the computer, writing, 5-6 days a week.  When I finally get the rough draft done, which can take 6-8 weeks, I spend the next two weeks at the computer, 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, polishing and perfecting the story.
8)      Do you have a favorite book cover from your series?  Favorite cover is THE RANCHER NEXT DOOR.  Favorite all time book is TEXAS VOWS: A MCCABE FAMILY SAGA.
9)      How do you decide on the setting of your book?  I created a fictional west Texas town of Laramie.  It’s the home of the famous McCabes and Lockharts, Carrigans, Monroes, Briscoes, Andersons, and Cartwrights.  I like to think all roads lead back to the utopian Laramie, even if some of the family members now live in Dallas, Houston, and Austin.  So, to answer the actual question, for the last decade, I usually start figuring out what the hero/heroine’s connection to Laramie, Texas is.  (Including this new series, I’ve now authored 46 books set in or linked to Laramie, Texas.)  (Out of 121 published novels.)
10)  What is your favorite summer read?  Anything that can make me laugh out loud and forget the sizzling summer heat and humidity!    Last summer, my favorite book was THE ROSIE PROJECT.