Friday, May 30, 2014

Cover Reveal for Branded: A Bad Boy Anthology

Cover Design: Cover It Designs
Genre: Romance/Suspense
Expected Release Date: 28th August, 2014


Branded
A Bad Boys Anthology
 By

B.L.Wilde

Jeanne McDonald

Jo Matthews

Mary Elizabeth

Sarah Elizabeth


Summary:
B.L. Wilde, Jeanne McDonald, Jo Matthews, Mary Elizabeth, and Sarah Elizabeth give us five good reasons why good girls love bad boys. The men of Branded are sexy, adventurous, and troubled deep into their souls. There may be no redeeming them, but at the risk of losing everything, these good girls must decide if loving their bad boy is indeed worth the cost.


Condemned by B.L. Wilde
Ten years served for a crime he didn’t commit. Ten years to lose everything he ever knew. Finally released from prison, Clayton McGuire is on a mission and nothing will stand in his way. He is determined to get revenge against the gang that set him up and take back what was stolen from him all those years ago.
Clay will stop at nothing to win back his honor and the heart of the only woman he has ever loved. Will she take him back when he finds her? Or will he be condemned to live a life without his soulmate?


Renegade by Jeanne McDonald
A chance meeting between a rookie cop and a common criminal who’s searching for a way out. 
An unforeseen circumstance.  An instant attraction.  A magnetic connection.
Tattooed, pierced, and foul-mouthed, she can’t help but be drawn to him.
Two people entirely wrong for one another, yet so perfectly right.
When their worlds collide, Lucy Diamond will learn the true meaning of love and sacrifice as she embarks on the road of no return with bad boy Jude Wallace. 
Like a thief in the night, love will take them both by surprise.


Desolation by Jo Matthews
Liam Jenkins grew up with everything he ever wanted. At age 17, his world is ripped apart and he finds himself without a home, without a car, and without money. His support system is gone and he is left to fend for himself. Not having any other option, Liam turns to sex and small crimes to survive.
When a beautiful woman chooses not to turn him into the cops but invites him to her hotel room instead, Liam’s world is flipped upside down again and everything he’s learned on the streets ceases to exist.
What will happen when one night with her isn’t enough? When she haunts his thoughts and dreams? When his past finally catches up with him, will he be able to start over? And will his mystery woman be there to see him through?


Low by Mary Elizabeth
Summary coming soon


Don't Let Me Go by Sarah Elizabeth
Based almost entirely on body language, intimate feelings can develop within less than a minute of meeting someone.
Additionally, meeting in a dangerous situation increases the chances of falling in love.
This is that fall.
Where meeting her eyes means seeing it through.
Following down from the start to don’t let me go.
From roll up to run.
Between old glory and new beginnings.

This is what happens when a lamb is carried to the slaughter by courage, instead of a cowardly lion.




TBR Link:  Goodreads



Author Bios:
B.L. Wilde

B.L. Wilde is a British author obsessed with many things, including heated love stories. Fully supported by her husband, she can often be found at her desk working on her next project.
Her journey into the world of erotica began when she started writing online stories over three years ago, and she hasn’t looked back since.


Jeanne McDonald

Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event.  She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry.  She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend.
Her passions include a “mild” Starbucks addiction, music, reading, quotes, movies, and romance.  When she’s not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.


Jo Matthews

Jo Matthews is an Arizona native, where she lives with son. A stay-at-home mom since 2007, she only recently discovered her love and passion for the written word. When she’s not writing, she’s usually knee deep in editing—an aspect she thoroughly enjoys.
 
As an editor, she has propelled quite a few authors into the published world, and with her skills, has landed several stories on Amazon’s Top Sellers lists.


Sarah Elizabeth

love’s listener is a lone wolf born a unicorn with a red panda soul and a heart she drew herself. friend, sister, elizabeth, and true love, she’s a messenger that makes art with words and love with art. she’s been yelly, yellowglue, squeak, cuppycakes, precious pinks, warren, little grey, a girl named ben, and sarahbear.  she’s a synesthete, a heart junkie, a truth seeker and secret keeper. poet half, sun half, and total scripturient, Sarah’s work is equal parts her passion, sanctuary, precipice, vice, adventure, restorative, deliverance, and joy. she currently resides in Kansas City, and she’s bringing Rococo back.


Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is an up and coming author who finds words in chaos, writing stories about the skeletons hanging in your closets. Known as The Realist, she is one half of The Elizabeths—a duo brave enough to never hide the truth. Born and raised in Southern California, she’s a wife, mother of four beautiful children, and dog tamer to one enthusiastic Pit Bull and a prissy Chihuahua. She’s a hairstylist by day but contemporary fiction, new adult author by night. Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it’s perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she’s not letting go until every story is told.



Author Links:
B.L. Wilde

Jeanne McDonald

Jo Matthews

Sarah Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth



Brought to you by:

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Aquila From the Darkness by T.L. Searle

Genre – Urban Fantasy
Publication Date – 2013
Length (Pages/# Words) - #110,500
Publisher – T. L. Searle
Cover Artist – S. A. Hunt

Summary:
Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings?

The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua reveals her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.

Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.

In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.

The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.

War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.


Excerpt:
I run for the car. The mass of people is dense and I keep bumping into dancers, drunkards and idiots – slowing my escape. A pair of hands grab my waist, and I think it’s Aaron.

“Where’d you think you’re going?” a slimy voice slurs.

It’s not Aaron. It’s the perverted creep from earlier with the taking what I’m offering comment. I spin to face him.

“Let go of me,” I seethe.

He sneers. “Oh come on gorgeous. I just want to see what you’re hiding under there.”

Without warning his grubby hands land slap bang on my cleavage. Jerk! I react instinctively, without thinking I pull my arm back and let my fist fly. It lands with a crunch on the moron’s jaw. There’s a sickening crack but that’s not the worst part. He takes off. His feet literally leave the floor as he shoots backwards and lands on his butt ten feet away.

The kids around us fall silent and stare. The guy’s sprawled out, he’s not moving but I know he’s not dead because he’s making a kind of gurgling noise. Someone rolls him onto his side but no one else tries to help him. They’re all too busy gawking at me; standing with my feet apart and my hands in fists by my side, my shoulders rising with my heavy breathing.

Aaron comes rushing out of the mass then and takes in the scene. I hate to do it to him twice in one night but I turn and run again. This time he follows.

“Aqua! Wait. Stop, please!” I hear his voice but keep running. Tears are falling now. I’m actually crying. How humiliating.

I have to control my pace. I can run inhumanly fast, it would draw even more attention. I misjudge it, maybe deliberately, and Aaron catches me by the wrist before I get to my car.

I glance behind. We’ve run a long way. There’s no one else here; the party’s in the distance, illuminated by the glowing bonfire.

I stop, still facing away from him. He keeps hold of my wrist. “What happened?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I swipe at the tears marring my cheek. “He groped me. I punched him.” I’m still sobbing but trying my hardest to hide it. “Maybe I hit him a bit hard.”

“A bit hard? He looked comatose!” He almost sounds proud. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine, not hurt.”

I turn then.

He takes me in, in all my tear-streaked glory. I bet I look hideous.

“Aqua... why did you run?” He asks it softly, watching me with veiled eyes.

I know we’re not talking about the punch now. I don’t want this conversation though. “Did you see the guy? I could get eight to ten.” I mean it to sound light-hearted but it comes out sombre.

He flashes his dimple. “No. Before, after I kissed you. Why did you run?”

Review:
Basically this is a story of finding yourself and your true place in the world.  I was definitely intrigued by the idea of a young girl who is so much more than she ever dreamed of.  You can't help but feel for Aqua as she discovers her true nature and you feel her heartache equally as hard when she suffers betrayal.  The fantasy/supernatural aspect of the new series has created a world that most of us have dreamed of at one point or another in our lives and enhances this tale to a level that I haven't read in a long time..
Well written and emotions run the gamut of the feelings rainbow.  I highly anticipate the next installment.

Rating:  4 1/2 Stars



Author Bio:
I am a mother of two from Somerset, England as well as a full-time student at the University of the West of England, Bristol. I write for enjoyment and I love to read novels of various genres but my passion is fantasy. I enjoy letting my imagination free as my stories develop. My childhood was rural, full of mud and tractors, of climbing trees and going on explorations of the countryside. My local area formed part of the inspiration for my first novel Aquila; from the darkness. I am currently working on the upcoming sequel Aquila; into the light.

Author Links:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Goodreads
Amazon
Linkedin


Giveaway:  Rafflecopter
1 -- $10 Amazon Giftcard
10 -- Aquila From the Darkness ebooks

Purchase Links:
Barnes&Noble
Smashwords
Amazon
AmazonUK
iTunes
iTunes GB

TBR Link:  Goodreads



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

High Concept by Whitley Gray

Summary:
Denver homicide cop and shooting survivor Beck Stryker lives to solve the case that left him with PTSD, chronic pain, and killed his co-investigator four months previous. Now his career hinges on his ability to work with the man who shut down his advances two years ago.

After last parting ways with Beck, psychiatrist-turned-FBI profiler Zach Littman never anticipated seeing the detective again. Being sent to Denver to work on a series of killings that have continued after the only suspect died is bad enough. Discovering the detective in charge is Beck leaves Zach gritting his teeth and girding his loins.

The last thing either of them needs is romantic entanglement with a fellow investigator, but danger is a powerful aphrodisiac. The case heats up, and friction between them ignites a fire neither can ignore, first at work and then in the bedroom. As they zero in on the plot behind the murders, the crosshairs zero in on Beck and Zach.


Review:
I have to start by saying that as a self-appointed Ty & Zane addict from Abigail Roux's Cut & Run series, my standards for mystery solving pairings have been set very high.  Now, Zach & Beck are extremely good and well written, they aren't quite Ty & Zane.
As the mystery unravels and Zach &  Beck get closer to the truth will they be able unravel what lies between them?  An extremely good read and I highly recommend it to any and all mystery lovers.

Rating:  4 1/2 Stars


Author Bio:
Once upon a misspent youth, Whitley read and wrote stories under the covers at night. At some point, real life intervened, bringing with it a career in the medical field. After years of technical writing, Whitley took on the challenge writing romance. Inventing characters and putting them in interesting situations turned out to be addictive, and having two heroes is twice as nice. A pot of coffee and a storyline featuring a couple of guys makes for a perfect day. Stop by www.whitleygray.com and feed your fix for heat between the sheets and M/M romance.

Author Links:
Goodreads
Blog
Amazon


Friday, May 23, 2014

Cover Reveal for Breaking Free by Brandy L. Rivers

SERIES – Others of Edenton
AUTHOR – Brandy L Rivers
GENRE – Adult Paranormal Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – 6-10-14
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 67k
PUBLISHER – Brandy L Rivers
COVER ARTIST – Brandy L Rivers


Summary:
They say that dreams can come true, but as a dreamwalker, Devlin had yet to experience anything but nightmares. Then again, the druid had been held by sadistic vampires and dark mages for twenty years, forced to do their bidding. Newly escaped, he stumbles upon a dreamrealm where he can’t resist a little werewolf.

Jamie just wants someone to call her own. She feels like she’s been waiting for an awfully long time, when a man who teases her memory begins to visit her while she’s dreaming. From the moment she feels his turmoil, she’s drawn in, wanting nothing more than to heal his broken soul.

Before Devlin can decide what to do, he has to make a trip to Edenton. His first goal is to make sure someone who can’t remember him is safe and happy. The little werewolf of his dreams happens to live there, and she’s even more irresistible in real life.

When you’ve been taught all your life to run, what will make you change? Can Jamie convince her mate to stay and fight? Will he risk everything to have what he needs? Or run to save them all?



Excerpt:
The moon shone bright over a crystal clear lake. Thousands of stars were reflected, like floating diamonds sparkling. The breeze blew gently through red cedar, pine, and maple. The clean mountain air reminded him of camping with his family when he was a boy.

It had been so long since he had the liberty, and desire, to enjoy nature. The water called to Devlin. Carefully, without a sound, he pulled the clothes from his body and placed them on the stump beside him.

With a slow breath, he walked into the gentle ripples, creating larger crests of his own. Warm water greeted him. He dove under, swimming deeper.

A splash caught Devlin’s attention. He broke the surface to find nothing, and no one. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his senses. A lone werewolf was close.

Panic flared through him, and he started for the shore, but a woman surfaced before him. A slow smile spread on her face when he flailed back, splashing her in his surprise.

“Your heart’s pounding.” Amusement sparkled in her pale blue topaz eyes as she placed one small hand over his chest. Warmth washed through him offering a calm he couldn’t remember ever feeling.

Yet, he was terrified the Dales were tracking him. A dream, nothing more than a dream. They can’t find me, he reminded himself.

“You startled me,” Devlin replied.

“Hmm.” Her foot brushed against his calf, sending a shiver through his entire body. She tapped her finger to her chin. “You remind me of someone, but I can’t figure out who.”

Intrigued, and certainly heading toward aroused, he asked, “What makes you say that?”

One corner of her shiny pink mouth lifted impishly. “Don’t know, but you do.” Her voice had taken on a husky purr which effectively made his blood pump faster.

A dream, just a dream, he told himself. Then he did something bold, something he hadn’t done in so long he was sure he’d fail, even in a fantasy. “What’s a sweet little wolf like you doing out here all alone?”

Her giggle was melodic as her already dazzling eyes lit up. “Looking for love in all the wrong places.”

As if on cue, his resistance broke. Her tiny waist fit perfectly in his hands, her hips flared in a way that made him groan. Devlin propelled them closer to the shore, until his feet touched bottom.

Before he could make his move, her legs locked around his hips and her fingers caressed up his shoulder and neck to delve into his hair. She grazed her lips over his. Afraid to take things too far, he slid his hands up her back, pressing her full breasts against his chest.

Needing more of her taste, he deepened their kiss. Devlin felt more alive than he could remember. A dream, just a blasted dream, his brain chimed in. The knowledge didn’t stop him from sweeping his tongue into her mouth when she opened to him.

Her body undulated in tune with his, and her heated core slid against his hardened length. The urge to bury himself in her was too much.

Pulling back, he panted, “Your name? Need your name, Precious.”

“Precious?” She licked her lips as she stared back at him with something like awe in her big blue eyes.

He tipped his forehead to hers and breathed in her wild but seductive scent. “You’ve set me free of my old life. You’ve given me something to look forward to.” He didn’t know where the words came from, but he didn’t dare take them back. They felt right.

“Jamie Abrams. You better come to me.” There was a command hidden in her sweet sassy voice, one he truly wanted to obey. “I’ll be waiting.”

He nodded, rolling her name through his head like a fine wine over his tongue.


TBR Links:  Goodreads




Author Bio:
Brandy L Rivers is the author of the Others of Edenton Series. There are more Others of Edenton in the works. She is also working on the first couple books in the Others of Seattle series.

As an avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. She has a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and put out there eventually.

She lives in Western Washington with her husband and three kids, where she is already working on the future stories in the series.


Author Links:
Amazon
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest
Tumblr
Goodreads




Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Cover Reveal: Seal My Destiny by Sharon Hamilton

SERIES – SEAL Brotherhood #6
AUTHOR –  Sharon Hamilton
GENRE –  Romantic Suspense
PUBLICATION DATE –  June, 1, 2014
LENTH (Pages/# Words) – Full Length Novel
PUBLISHER – Al Publishing


Summary:
Navy SEAL Luke Paulsen, on the verge of PTSD stemming from the death of his fiancรฉe and a brutal tour overseas, knows he is damaged goods and unsuitable for relationships. While paying respects to a fallen comrade, he is unprepared for the chemical attraction he feels for the carefree dark-haired beauty playing in the surf one evening. 

Julie Christensen befriends the troubled SEAL, motivated by her yearning to soothe the young man’s troubled soul. Fueled by intense mutual desire, they succumb to one night of mind-numbing passion. Afterwards, he is unable to shed the memory of his lost love and disappears. 

When they meet again at a wedding that will forever bring their two families together, their passion and longing for one another forces them to confront their pasts in order to find a future together. 
But soon the trauma of his service separates them. Julie goes back to teaching and Luke deploys for North Africa with SEAL Team 3. Upon his return, he receives a frantic call that Julie's life is in danger. Will he make it in time to save the woman he now knows he wants to marry and spend the rest of his life with?


Excerpt:
He wanted to say something but suddenly became hesitant. Everything had gone so fast, he didn’t want to spook her. He was unafraid to show her how much he loved being with her, especially since she’d promised to visit him in Coronado and they’d see where things went from there. It would have been like the cart before the horse, but he wanted to ask her to marry him at that impulsive moment, but he held himself back. Being the wife of a SEAL was a special assignment and there was no training for that, except the school of hard knocks. There was a community of wives that looked out for each other. And not all the stories from overseas made it home to them. The smart wives knew this. He knew it was a lot to ask of someone. He didn’t want to fall for a lady who didn’t really understand what she’d be getting herself into. But that was a completely crazy thought, because he’d already fallen for her. He decided he’d just put it out of his mind, and not discuss anything future-related, to keep the pressure off them both. Nothing wrong with having a little bit of—well, a lot of—fun in the next few days before his deployment. He held her under the starlight. Feeling eyes on him, he saw Julie’s parents eyeing him from their kitchen window, smiling. He couldn’t keep up the eye contact because odds weren’t in his favor. He wasn’t prince charming, or Sir Galahad riding in on his white horse. He was just a guy other guys sent in to blow stuff up, grab people and hopefully get out before getting shot or caught. And his intentions, although he liked to think of them as honorable, were merely to do everything in his power to be as irresistible as possible to her so that when he left, he’d be the one hard to miss. And then maybe she’d wait for him. Maybe she’d wait until he got fully well. It was a lot of ifs. The music stopped while he was kissing her ear through her hair, while he was holding her tighter as she melted into him. He liked that they were dancing because their thighs made soft caresses and the dress, that yummy dress, made all that noise. He just knew every time he heard the sound of layers of chiffon, he’d get hard. It was going to be something he’d have for the rest of his life.


Author Bio:
Sharon’s award-winning almost-erotic Navy SEAL stories of the SEAL Brotherhood, have consistently made best sellers lists and review sites. Her characters follow a spicy road to redemption through passion and true love.  She has been an Amazon top 100 author in Romantic Suspense since last fall. 
Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany are not like any vamps you’ve read before, since they don’t have to go to ground and can walk around in the full light of the sun. Honeymoon Bite, Book 1 of the Golden Vampires of Tuscany Series was recently named the #1 Gothic Romance by Amazon. It is now available on Audible. 
Her Guardian Angels struggle with the human charges they are sent to save, often escaping their vanilla world of Heaven for the brief human one. You won’t find any of these beings in any Sunday school class.
Sharon lives in Sonoma County, California with her husband, and two Dobermans. A lifelong organic gardener, when she’s not writing, she’s getting vera vera dirty in the mud, or wandering Farmer’s Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers.


Author Links:


Purchase (Pre-order) Links:

TBR Links:




Sunday, May 18, 2014

The Gaslight Mysteries by Erin O'Quinn

Heart to Hart
Summary:
Michael McCree is one with a mysterious past, who ends up as a newspaper man, thereby meeting the strikingly handsome Simon Hart, who comes to his shop to turn in an obituary notice.

Simon's flat-mate and former business partner has been killed, and Simon, a private investigator, needs to track down the murderer.  Michael, immediately smitten with the sulky and sexy man, lays a plan to first become his new roomer, then his business partner.

But Simon, stricken by his recent loss, is having none of Michael's undisguised interest.

Not a man to be deterred easily from a goal, Michael sets about winning Simon's affection.  That particular battle is almost as difficult as tracking down the murderer of his predecessor, a nosy detective who was getting too close to the crimes of an evil person.

Simon spends more time ducking Michael's advances than actually finding clues and solving the mystery.  Inquiring minds want to know--how hard is Simon really trying to avoid Michael?  And Michael isn't hiding his forthright urges, but what secret is he hiding?


Rating:  4 Stars



Sparring with Shadows
Summary:
Simon Hart, private investigator, has always thought of himself as a regular fellow.  He's standoffish and a loner with a sullen attitude--yet surely a normal bloke.  And then he meets the randy Michael McCree.

In short order, Michael has become his flat-mate, his business partner, and his wannabe lover.  Now Simon must look deeper, into his own hidden desires, if he wants to survive.

There's something about Michael's secret vocation that invites trouble.  Simon finds himself sparring with shadows: in the hidden bedrooms of a roaring twenties version of a gay bar . . . as a chained wall decoration in the flat of a thief and sexual deviant . . . and as the quarry in a deadly confrontation in an exhibitionist's bed and then in a sewer tunnel beneath the streets of a 1923 city somewhere in Ireland.

Above all, Simon is sparring with the shadow of his own secret urges.  Michael will not allow him to turn away from a kind of private investigation of which he has not even dreamed.  Until now.

Follow a fastidious, surly investigator and his horny yet secretive partner through the very cracks in a city of gaslights and vitage motorcars, into a hidden homosexual culture, as the men find themselves sparring with shadows . . .


Rating:  4 Stars



To The Bone
Summary:
The time is 1923, and the place is a fantasy city in Ireland.  Two unlikely men have formed a partnership:  good-natured Michael, who keeps a serious secret, and sulky Simon, who has plenty of reasons to be angry at the world.  Michael has stalked the standoffish Simon from the beginning, and Simon has consistently rebuffed him . . . yet not enough for Michael to give up a dedicated pursuit of the handsome investigator.

As private eyes, the men have a case to solve:  to find more than a score of stolen paintings, and especially one small valuable work of art worth more than all the others.  But the case grows more complex the deeper they look into it.  Soon Michael and Simon find themselves searching not just for a thief, but for a city-wide ring of criminals.  And the closer they get to the paintings, the closer they find themselves to a killer.

Into this mix steps a man named Moshe--a pesky, secretive, nosy man who is nevertheless a brilliant investigator himself.  He gives both the men fits, burrowing like a tick into their very private affairs, so close they have a hard time evading him.

Can the investigators solve a series of crimes, take care of the interfering Moshe, and drive their own intense relationship all the way to the bone?


Rating:  5 Stars


Review:
I read all three books and since the time frame from page 1 of Heart to Hart to the last page of To the Bone only covers about two to three weeks, I'm going to do an overall review for the series.  I won't lie, the beginning was a bit tricky to get into with the Irish slang of the time but I was able to become comfortable with it after only a chapter or so.  After that I was hooked.  Simon and Michael grabbed my heart and didn't let go.  I loved the humorous banter between the new found partners.  I found them to be very enjoyable and likeable despite their moments of infuriating debating.  At times, they reminded me very much of the banter and bickering of Bogey and Bacall in The Big Sleep.  The mysteries are quite intriguing and definitely hold the reader's interest as does the humor and the obvious attraction between the pair.  Michael McCree and Simon Hart are definitely a pair I'd be very interested to read more of.


Author Bio:
Erin O'Quinn earned a BA(Englsih) and MA(Comparative Literature) from the University of Southern California.  Her life has been a pastiche of fascinating vocations--newspaper marketing manager, university teacher, car salesperson, landscape gardener--until now, in relative retirement, she lives and writes in a small town in central Texas.

Erin now has five novels published by AmberAllure: Noble, Nevada and The Chase are the books so far in the "Noble Dimensions" series.  Watch for two short stories in the same Noble Dimensions universe, "A Hard Place" and "Cowboys and Kilts."  You'll also find a holiday short published around November 24 titled "Merry Christmas, Utah."

Her current series, titled "The Gaslight Mysteries," includes Heart to Hart, Sparring with Shadows, and To the Bone.

In addition to these five Amber Quill Press books, Erin has eleven published novels.  Of those, two are M/M historicals set in the Ireland of badass clansmen, cattle drovers, druids, Saxon mercenaries, and St. Patrick himself.  Her latest, with author Nya Rawlyns, is titled "Bighorn" and is her only Indie-published novel.


Author Links:
Goodreads
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon


Monday, May 12, 2014

The Trouble with Dating a Movie Star by ZN Willett



Summary:
A.P. Moore's provocative romance throws her onto the Best Sellers list but Alexandria's life was far from the steamy pages of her romance.

Andrew Hughes, the most desired man in Hollywood was at the height of his career.  nothing could be better, until a chance meeting with Alexandria Moore that went horribly wrong.  The man who had everything soon realized what Hollywood couldn't give him.

Or could it?

An invitation that leads to a premier, offers a second chance, and a Hollywood romance straight out of the pages of a magazine.  Yet, this story will not be filled with butterfly kisses and midnight strolls, but with tangled webs filled with lust, desire, jealousy and deceit.

It is Hollywood after all.


Excerpt:
Have you ever experienced that moment when your body starts to tingle uncontrollably, and your heart speeds up?  When you start fidgeting as you try to gain control over your breathing before your mind becomes totally blank?  That moment when you see him for the first time . . . .
Except mine was in a movie theater.  Along with hundreds of other women, that all gasped when Andrew Hughes walked onto the screen.

The trouble started when my best friend Erin brought me to a movie that she had been raving about.  it was during midterms of my freshman year of college, and we both needed a break.  The moment Andrew walked on screen, my heart ached.  My hands actually started to tingle, and the air in my lungs collapsed at the first sight of him.

It was an un-explainable attraction and my body responded in ways it never had before.  I couldn't take my eyes off of him and wanted more of him.  That day changed my life forever.  I couldn't get him out of my mind.  Every waking moment, he was there teasing me and then haunting my dreams.  I wouldn't say I was obsessed, or even a fangirl.  But, I was motivated.  I had found my muse.

Six years later, that muse has helped me to become a best-selling romance author.  No one except Erin knew that Andrew Hughes was the reason to my success, and the primary reason I was able to overcome writer's block.  Writing about romance and having non-existing relationships of my own wasn't motivating.



Author Bio:
I'm the girl who has seen more than she has ever wanted, yet decided to add to that world by writing Hollywood romances.  A northern girl, but a southerner at heart, I love anything and everything about love and romance.  So much that once upon a time I had a career as a wedding and events coordinator.  When I decided to do something I was passionate about, I added my love for travel to the mix.  An avid shoe-aholic, deep down I'm a sappy romantic who happens to believe that love can truly conquer all.

Author Links:
Facebook
Website
Twitter

Purchase Links:
iTunes
Smashwords
Amazon
AmazonUK
AmazonFrance
iBookstore
Createspace
Barnes&Noble


Nights Embrace by Brandy L. Rivers


Summary:
It all started with a song.

Roxana Nights was late to another gig, thanks to her first love, and drummer. It’s been years since she
left Jordan, but he won’t let her go. Then she hears a voice that pulls her under a spell and changes her
whole world.

Trevor Malone just moved to Seattle with his band. Music is his only passion, until he lays eyes on
Roxana. He’s never felt anything as strong as the pull to her. Now he needs to find a way to introduce
her to his world.

There’s only one problem. A rival clan won’t rest until they’ve taken Trevor’s down. Unwilling to let old
grudges die, they target Roxy. Trevor will do anything to keep her safe.

Roxy will find that the world she writes is closer to reality than she ever imagined. She’ll also learn that
not all monsters are evil, though some are ruthless.

Will love stay strong when the past comes out? Can they survive the centuries old vendetta?



Excerpt:
     She slipped past him, and onto the wings of the stage. Her gaze fell on Mr. Voice who was
tall, dark and smokin’ hot.
     Holy shit, I want to lick him.
     Scuffed combat boots were laced up over black leather pants that clung to muscular thighs,
and his black shirt molded to the most impressive set of abs she had ever seen. Roxy wanted to
trace the ridges with her fingertips.
     He turned, his voice dropping low as his eyes locked on hers. His words enveloped her. “…
you’re the only one.”
     Her heart paused a beat before slamming into her chest at a rapid pace. His full mouth lifted
into a grin that spoke of confidence as he held her full attention. Entranced, she fell deep into his
eyes and the world stopped.
     Until a drumstick hit him in the head. He looked over his shoulder and shrugged sheepishly
at his drummer before turning back to launch into the next verse.
     Mikey gently shook her shoulder. “Hey, Rox, come on. We have to warm up.”
     Her head bobbed in a nod at her brother, but she didn’t look over. She muttered, “Yeah, give
me a minute,” or longer.
     As if he heard, Mr. Voice glanced over and winked at her before the next song started.          “Blinded by beauty, falling at first sight, head over heels…” There was raw passion in his voice,
and she couldn’t help wishing he was singing about her.


Character Bios:
Roxana Nights, also goes by Roxy
Age 24
Nationality: American
Description: Black hair, blue eyes, curvy, tattoos, 5’10”
Occupation: Paranormal Author. Sings in local rock band Nights Embrace
Personality: Generally rolls with the flow. She can be blunt. She tells it like it is.
People person, who likes everyone until she has a reason not to.

Trevor Malone
Age 147
Nationality: Irish
Description: Dark brown hair, Green eyes, muscular build, 6’0”
Occupation: Lead singer for Lunar Storm, which is a rock band.
Personality: Easy going but tends to worry. Prefers to keep the company of
close friends.

Michael Nights, also goes by Mike. Or Mikey but only for Roxy.
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Short dark hair, blue eyes, sturdy, 6’3”
Occupation: Graphic designer, guitar player for Nights Embrace.
Personality: Protective of his sister. Generally friendly, but doesn’t go out of his way to make new
friends.

Jordan Long
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Blond, blue eyes, Tattoos, Lean, 6’1
Occupation: Works in a music store. Also the drummer for Nights Embrace
Personality: Abrasive, self-involved.

Joseph Mullens, also goes by Joey
Age 156
Nationality: Irish
Description: Short dark hair, brown eyes, big and strong, 6’5”
Occupation: Drummer for Lunar Storm
Personality: Finds humor in everything. Loves people.

Sorcha Mullens
Age: 36
Nationality: Irish
Description: Chin length bright red hair, blue eyes, 5’7”
Occupation: Waitress
Personality: Spunky, humorous.


Author's Playlist:    Spotify-Night Embrace
 Here are the songs, in no particular order.
“Addicted” by Saving Abel
“Oh My God” by P!nk
“All Around Me” by Flyleaf
“Possession” by Sarah McLachlan
“Good Enough” by Sarah McLachlan
“Tell Me ‘Bout it” by Joss Stone
“Kiwi” by Maroon 5
“Wasted Years” by Maroon 5
“Every Lie” by My Darkest Days
“Come Undone” My Darkest Days version
“Next Go Around” by Nickelback
“S.E.X.” by Nickelback
“Everything I Wanna Do” by Nickelback
“Just For” by Nicelback
“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
“Apologize” by OneRepublic
“She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mudd
“Stay” by Rhianna and Mykki Echo
“What Do I Have To Do” by Stabbing Westward
“Blue Eyes Blind” by ZZ Ward
“Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele
“Skin” by Rihanna
“Attack” by 30 Seconds to Mars
“In Love With A Girl” by Gavin DeGraw
“Breathe Today” by Flyleaf
“Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran
“Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran
“Cannonbal” by Damien Rice
“You Make Me Feel” by Cobra Starship featuring Sabi
“Don’t You” by Candlebox
“S.O.S.” by Apocalyptica, featuring Christiana Scabbia
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, Kimbra
“Secrets” by OneREpublic
“Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days
“Move Your Body” by My Darkest Days
“Like Nobody Else” by My Darkest Days
“Move Like U Stole It” by ZZ Ward
“Not Myself Tonight” by Christina Aguilera
“Lollipop” Framing Hanley version
“Still Rainin’” by Jonny Lang
“Move” by Thousand Foot Krutch
“Trouble” by P!nk
“What’s Your Name” Theory Of A Deadman version

Soundtrack:
1 – “Like Nobody Else” by My Darkest Days
2 – “Breathe Today” by Flyleaf
3 – “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mud
4 – “Move Like You Stole It” by ZZ Ward
5 – “Not Myself Tonight” by Christina Aguilera
6 – “Lollipop” Framing Hanley Version
7 – “Come Undone” My Darkest Days version
8 – “Still Rainin’” By Jonny Lang
9 – “Secrets” by OneRepublic
10 – “Trouble” by P!nk
11 – “What’s Your Name” by Theory of a Deadman
12 – “Give Me Love” By Ed Sheeran
13 – “Tell Me ‘Bout it” by Joss Stone

Review:
Paranormal romance can be hard to accomplish but this is definitely well written and intriguing.  This is the first time I've read this author but it won't be the last.  Paranormal/science fiction/fantasy can be very difficult to review without spoilers, which I don't do, but I will try my best.
I fell in love with Roxy and Trevor instantly and as we learn more about each, I only fell harder.  When I found out this was a spin-off from the already established The Others of Edenton Series, I was a little concerned that I would be a little lost or at the very least a few steps behind, I'm glad to say I wasn't.  I did however add the original series to my want to read list.
I was pulled in not only by the paranormal concept but also the characters and how they worked and fought together.  The idea, characters, setting, and tale all blend together so perfectly that once I started I couldn't stop until I reached the final page.

Rating:  4 1/2 Stars



Author Bio:
My name is Brandy L Rivers. I’m a wife and mother of three with an overactive imagination. I’ve been
obsessed with monsters and magic for pretty much ever. I decided to write the stories that keep me
awake at night.

Author Links:
Amazon
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest
Tumblr
Networkedblogs
Bloglovin'
Goodreads
Shelfari


Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Smashwords
Kobo


Giveaway:  Rafflecopter
2 signed copies of Nights Embrace with swag packs (US Only)
2 10 dollar Amazon Giftcards (International)
5 ebook copies of Nights Embrace with Swag Packs (International)



Thursday, May 8, 2014

Baby, It's Cold Inside by Brigham Vaughn

Summary:
A trip to visit his boyfriend Nate's parents during the holidays leaves Emerson a nervous wreck.  Bad weather and an unfortunate mix-up leads to an awkward first introduction, and as things deteriorate from there, Emerson begins to doubt if their relationship will survive the stressful weekend.  Can Emerson get their relationship back on track and impress the Collins family in time to have a Merry Christmas?


Review:
I felt for Emerson when he first meets Nate's family.  There were so many directions this story could have taken and I loved where the author took the story.  Generally I'm not a fan of novellas, I've been reading 300+ page books ever since I was in high school and I just naturally gravitate towards the longer stories.  However, I am a forever changed novella fan thanks to Miss Vaughn.

Rating:  5 Stars

Check previous post for author bio & links:  Author Info

Purchase links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

Geeks, Nerds, and Cuddles by Brigham Vaughn

Summary:
Plagued by social anxiety, Paul Conway is content with the online relationship he's built with fellow nerd, Isaac Morrison.  Isaac is determined to move their relationship off the screen and into real life but Paul's fears stand in the way.  The very thing that causes him anxiety in the first place might help him overcome it in the long run if he's brave enough to face his fears.


Review:
I don't know who I fell in love with more, Isaac or Paul?  Just as your heart aches for Paul and his insecurities, you discover that Isaac isn't quite as in control as Paul thinks.  I just loved how even though this is a novella, the characters are so detailed and perfect.  When I say "perfect" I don't mean perfect in the sense that they are flawless but in the fact that they are so real and everyday, which makes them perfect to me.

Rating:  5 Stars

Check previous post for author bio & links:  Author Info

Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble


Monday, May 5, 2014

French Toast Emergencies by Brigham Vaughn

Summary:
Arthur Cain has removed himself from a social life littered with mistakes and unhappiness.  When a freak April snowstorm hits, he just wants to stock up on the basics so he can get back to writing his thesis.  Samuel Richards is a musician with a wicked sense of humor and he knows how to use it.  The last thing he expected was to have it save him when he heads out for supplies and everything falls apart.  The storm sends both to the grocery store, but neither had a "date" on their shopping list.  It's one disaster after another for Samuel, but the history student comes to his rescue.  If only Arthur was as good dealing with live men as he was with dead Vikings.

Review:
As someone who has been born and raised in Wisconsin, I have seen first hand the emergency pantry stocking when a blizzard is predicted and it was fun to see it in a book.  Arthur and Samuel are wonderfully intriguing characters that I would have loved to read more about but the length, or lack-there-of, is definitely not a drawback.  I fell for both guys and the romance that sets in due to their weather triggered circumstances.  Definitely another great novella by Miss Vaughn.

Rating:  5 Stars

Check previous posts for author bio & links:   Author Info

Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Wine Tasting Series by Brigham Vaughn

Spit or Swallow
Summary:
Sean Powell, a wine distributor in his early forties, is having a terrible day.  To top things off, his longtime friend, the sommelier at his favorite restaurant, has been replaced by a hot young sommelier with big ideas.  Lucas Spencer is determined to liven up the staid and stodgy wine list, but manages to alienate the distributor during their first meeting.  Can the two blend their professional frustration and personal attraction without risking their careers?

Rating:  5 Stars


Aftertaste
Summary:
Despite sizzling chemistry when they first met, Sean Powell can't quite believe that the gorgeous young sommelier at Bistro Argent wants him.  Anxious about risking his job, Lucas Spencer must decide if the handsome, red-headed wine distributor is worth the risk.  Balancing a professional relationship with a more personal one is tricky, but it just might be worth the effort.

Rating:  5 Stars


Finish
Summary:
After four months together, Sean and Lucas have never been happier, but a wine tasting trip to Traverse City, Michigan threatens that stability.  Sean's insecurities rise to the surface as Lucas' fears of losing Sean lead to jealousy.  Can they repair their relationship before it turns sour?

Rating:  5 Stars


Review:
First off, I have to say I am not a fan of wine nor do I know much about it and quite frankly this series did not improve my outlook on the subject.  However, the stories are amazing!  I won't lie, they could be longer for my liking, that being said, I don't think I have ever read a novella series that covered such an array of emotions from the first page of Spit to the last page of Finish.  Sean and Lucas are both such strong men and yet they each carry around their individual insecurities that really make them unforgettable.  If you've never read Miss Vaughn's work before, this is an amazing place to start.


Author Bio:
Brigham Vaughn has always been a voracious reader with her own stories to tell.  After many years of abandoned plots, something finally clicked.  Now she's eating, sleeping, and breathing writing and is excited to have finally figured out what she wants to be when she grows up.  In the little time that isn't spent writing or reading, she loves cooking, yoga, photography, and remodeling her ninety-year old home.  Brigham lives in Michigan with her four cats and an amazing husband who has always been her biggest champion.

Author Links:

Purchase Links:



Thursday, May 1, 2014

Shock & Awe by Abigail Roux

Summary:
After barely surviving a shootout in New Orleans, Sidewinder medic Kelly Abbott has to suffer through a month of recovery before he can return home to Colorado.  He's not surprised when fellow Sidewinder Nick O'Flahtery stays with him in New Orleans.  Nor is he surprised when Nick travels home with him to help him get back on his feet--after all, years on the same Marine Force Recon team bonded the men in ways that only bleeding for a brother can.  He's very surprised, though when Nick humors his moment of curiosity and kisses him.

Nick knows all of Kelly's quirks and caprices, so the kiss was a low-risk on his part . . . or so he thought.  But what should have been a simple moment unleashes a flood of confusing emotions and urges that neither man is prepared to address.

Now, Kelly and Nick must figure out what they mean to each other--friends and brothers in arms, or something even deeper?--before the past can come back to ruin their tenuous future.

Review:
First off, I want to say that I didn't give it a full 5 Star rating simply because I knew the outcome ahead because I had read Ball & Chain (Cut & Run #8) before this.  That being said, this was an amazing look into the lives of Nick O'Flahtery and Kelly Abbott, how they went from Sidewinder team members, best friends, kindred spirits, to lovers as only Abigail Roux can tell it.  And boy does she tell it.  The story may be short in pages but certainly not lacking in story, love, fear, passion, and curiosity fueled desire.  This is a sweet, funny, hot, and emotionally charged bridge between books 7 & 8 in the author's Cut & Run series that doesn't have to be read prior to Ball & Chain.

Rating:  4 & 1/2 Stars


Check Previous posts for Author Bio & Links:  Author Info



Don't Trust the Cut by Kade Boehme

Summary:
Tucker Gray is a Baltimore, MD waiter, hailing from the deep south, whose mental health issues and past relationships have made it hard to trust more than the cut.  After he hits what he thought was rock bottom Tucker decides to keep close to the ones who stood by him and keep his head down, until he finds something to prove it can get better.

Jesse Bauer is unsure what his future holds after an injury forces him to retire from the marines.  With all of the decisions he has to make in his civilian life with all of its freedoms and possibilities, he feels staying closeted and keeping the people in his life happy will keep down the chaos.

Until the night he met Tucker Gray at a party he though that'd be possible, but both of them are instantly and strongly in lust.  As their relationship grows Jesse has to prove himself and Tucker has to learn to trust more than the cut.

Review:
I won't lie there were some moments in this book that I could see coming.  That being said, I still found myself hungering for every turn of the page, even in those few scenes that I was expecting.  I say this a lot but for me it's the ultimate compliment and there are only so many ways you can put it into words.  Tucker and Jesse sucked me in from page one and even now that it's been nearly a day since I read the last page, they still haven't let go of me.
Yes, ultimately most of the drama comes from serious misunderstandings and lack of communication but at the same time, the real heart breaking moments come from what's behind the lack of communication.  On one hand you just want to grab hold of their hair and bang their heads together and scream "wake up and talk to each other!" but the reader is let in on the inner monologues of both Tucker and Jesse, so we know what's keeping them from opening up.  Knowing doesn't always make it less frustrating for the readers but the author does an amazing job at helping us understand it.
There were so many roads the author could have taken with the subject matter, and any one of those roads would have made an interesting story but the author took us down a road that not only made it interesting, but also dramatic, funny, loving, sexy, but most importantly, emotionally satisfying.

Rating:  4 & 1/2 Stars

Check previous post for author bio & links:  Author Info