Archives for September 2016

** Book Review ** SURVIVAL TIES by Trisha Leazier

Survival Ties

3 1/2 STARS!

You get a bit of a “been there, done that” feel with this book at first, but the more you read, the more you like the actual characters.  There’s definitely a good bit of monotony as it seems to take days and days to drive 150 miles, and the story goes on with it seeming like they are going to just keep adding to their crew and never see any resolution.  Without knowing what the other books in the series hold, I can’t speculate on whether the outcome will be worth it.  Overall, not bad, you have a vested interest in the characters as you read but it could stand some more excitement.

Ashlyn Glass’s life changes in the blink of an eye when her older sister goes through an experimental medical treatment that turns out to not have been a good thing.  She watches her die in front of her eyes, come back to life, and die again.  She barely escapes from danger herself and only with the help of a neighbor friend.  They band together with some more people when the town begins to become a madhouse, and head toward a haven that might be their only chance at safety.  Along the way, they forge friendships with several more people and build a trust between them to look out for each other and make themselves into a new version of a family unit.

ARC received via Author/VA

** Giveaway! ** SIGNED Paperback of HIS TO PROTECT by Karen Rock

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The lovely Karen Rock has been kind enough to send me a signed copy of her latest Harlequin Blaze for me to offer up to my followers!  Enter via the Rafflecopter below!

** NOTE**  US mailing address only for the PB win.  If you are the chosen winnner and are international, I will gift you a Kindle copy and choose another winner for the PB

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** Book Review ** A COUNTESS FOR CHRISTMAS by Christy McKellen

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5 STARS!

In the first book of a new “Maids Under the Mistletoe” series, Christy McKellen brings us a sweet reunion story!  The characters are easy to connect with and had me hoping for a happily ever after from the beginning.

Emma Carmichael has had a rough few years, and she can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel when she’s suddenly thrust into turmoil again!  She never expected to be serving drinks at a party her boss was hosting to Jack Westwood, the new Earl of Redminster  … and her secret husband!

Jack is shocked to see Emma after all of these years and mistakenly announces to the party that they are married.  When the press catches wind of it and madness ensues, Jack recommends they appear to be living as man and wife until it dies down.  As they try to fight the feelings that never died between them, will they realize that they are still meant to be?

ARC received via the Author/VA

 

** Book Review ** ROBYN AND THE HOODETTES by Ebony McKenna

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4 STARS!

A quirky take on a feminized Robin Hood tale with a hint of romance!

When so-called tax collectors raid her village, feisty Robyn vows to get their stuff back!  She rallies together with friends and family to try to overtake the bad guys.  Along the way, they meet with problems and have to work on the other side of the law somewhat themselves, but always with the intent of helping those less fortunate.

ARC received via Author/VA

** Book Review ** HUSBAND ROLLOVER by Louise Cusack

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5 STARS!

I loved Fritha’s story!  It’s been such fun getting to know this group of four childhood friends who have remained friends throughout their lives.  They come together to support each other through fun, laughter, and pain and always have each other’s backs.  Fritha has always been the wild one, and in this book, we get a peek inside her past that explains her a whole lot more than we ever knew.

Fritha Wynde is all about having a good time and living life for the pleasure you can get out of it!  She’s happy with her dream job of running a teahouse, but when she finds out a notorious bad boy food critic is coming to visit, she’s livid!

Maxwell Banks is known for his irritable attitude and just plain mean demeanor!  He hates Fritha’s teahouse on sight, but as he spends time going through the location with Fritha, he can’t deny that he’s drawn to her.  Through barbed exchanges, they get to know a little about each other and like what they see!  He’s prudish and she’s promiscuous … how can they find a common ground?

ARC received via Author/VA

** Book Review ** HER FESTIVE BABY BOMBSHELL by Jennifer Faye

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5 STARS!

A sweet take on finding love when you least expect it!  Really enjoyable characters!

Holly Abrams has been steering clear of her boss for weeks now.  They agreed after their one passion filled night together to go on about their business and pretend it didn’t happen.  Neither of them believes in all that love and happily ever after nonsense.  They’ve both loved and lost before.

Suddenly called on to join Finn on his luxury yacht to work on a crucial charity project, Holly can’t deny that the sparks are still there between them.  She falls ill and assumes it’s motion sickness, but it turns out she’s pregnant … with twins!  Will the figure out a way to combine their lives for the sake of their upcoming children?

ARC received via the Author

** Book Review ** THE PREGNANCY PROPOSITION by Andrea Laurence

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5 STARS!

Really enjoyed this opposites attract story from Andrea Laurence!  The characters feel very real, and they’re both good hearted people so it’s a pleasure to see them grow their relationship.

Reeling from a break-up and news that she’s pregnant, a vacation get-away is the last thing that Paige Edwards thinks she wants, but when a luxury vacation falls into her lap, she realizes it’s just what she needed!  When the hot hotel resort owner wants her in his bed, even better!

Mano Bishop has been blind since he was a teen, and he’s learned to live a successful life running his resort.  An occasional affair has always been enough for him, but when it’s almost time for Paige to go home, he realizes it’s not enough with her … but can he see himself raising another man’s baby in order to have a relationship with her?

ARC received via the Author

** Release Day Blitz ** RISING STORM, SEASON 2

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Welcome to Storm, Texas…

 

A town nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, where everything seems like perfection.

 

But there are secrets beneath the facade.

 

Dark and powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. That can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams.

 

Rising Storm is a soap-opera style drama. A powerful series conceived by Julie Kenner and Dee Davis, full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.

 

…get caught in the storm!

 

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Experience Rising Storm Season Two: Episodes 1-8 Here!

A new season…a new storm – get caught!

 

Secrets, Sex and Scandals …

 

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming.

 

 

episode-1_against-the-wind-coverEpisode One: AGAINST THE WIND by Rebecca Zanetti

As Tate Johnson works to find a balance between his ambitions for political office and the fallout of his brother’s betrayal, Zeke is confronted with his brother Chase’s return home. And while Bryce and Tara Douglas try to hold onto their marriage, Kristin continues to entice Travis into breaking his vows…

Amazon US ** Amazon UK ** Amazon CAN ** Amazon AU

MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6480

 

 

 

episode-2_storm-warning-coverEpisode Two: STORM WARNING by Larissa Ione

As Joanne Alvarez settles into life without Hector, her children still struggle with the fallout. Marcus confronts the differences between him and Brittany, while Dakota tries to find a new equilibrium. Meanwhile, the Johnson’s grapple with war between two sets of brothers, and Ian Briggs rides into town…

Amazon US ** Amazon UK ** Amazon CAN ** Amazon AU

MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6486

 

 

 

episode-3_brave-the-storm-coverEpisode Three: BRAVE THE STORM by Lisa Mondello

As Senator Rush’s poll numbers free fall, Marylee tries to drive a wedge between Brittany and Marcus. Across town, Anna Mae and Chase dance toward reconciliation. Ginny longs for Logan, while he fights against Sebastian’s maneuvering. And Hector, newly freed from prison, heads back to Storm…

Amazon US ** Amazon UK ** Amazon CAN ** Amazon AU

MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6494

 

 

 

episode-4_lightning-strikes-coverEpisode Four: LIGHTNING STRIKES by Lexi Blake

As Ian Briggs begins to fall for Marisol, Joanne and Dillon also grow closer. Joanne’s new confidence spreads to Dakota but Hector’s return upends everything. A public confrontation between Marcus and Hector endangers his relationship with Brittany, and Dakota reverts to form. Meanwhile, the Senator threatens Ginny and the baby…

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MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6504

 

 

 

episode-5_fire-and-rain-coverEpisode Five: FIRE AND RAIN by R.K. Lilley

As Celeste Salt continues to unravel in the wake of Jacob’s death, Travis grows closer with Kristin. Lacey realizes the error of her ways but is afraid it’s too late for reconciliation with her friends. Marcus and Brittany struggle with the continued fallout of Hector’s return, while Chase and Anna Mae face some hard truths about their past…

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MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6512

 

 

 

episode-6_quiet-storm-coverEpisode Six: QUIET STORM by J. Kenner, writing as Julie Kenner

As Mallory Alvarez and Luis Moreno grow closer, Lacey longs for forgiveness. Brittany and Marcus have a true meeting of hearts. Meanwhile, Jeffry grapples with his father’s failures and finds solace in unexpected arms. When things take a dangerous turn, Jeffry’s mother and sister, as well as his friends, unite behind him as the Senator threatens his son…

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MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6531

 

 

episode-7_blinding-rain-coverEpisode Seven: BLINDING RAIN by Elisabeth Naughton

As Tate Johnson struggles to deal with his brother’s relationship with Hannah, hope asserts itself in an unexpected way. With the return of Delia Burke, Logan’s old flame, Brittany and Marcus see an opportunity to help their friend. But when the evening takes an unexpected turn, Brittany finds herself doing the last thing she expected—coming face to face with Ginny…

Amazon US ** Amazon UK ** Amazon CAN ** Amazon AU

MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6539

 

 

episode-8_blue-skies-coverEpisode Eight: BLUE SKIES by Dee Davis

As Celeste Salt struggles to pull herself and her family together, Dillon is called to the scene of a domestic dispute where Dakota is forced to face the truth about her father. While the Johnson’s celebrate a big announcement, Ginny is rushed to the hospital where her baby’s father is finally revealed…

Amazon US ** Amazon UK ** Amazon CAN ** Amazon AU

MY REVIEW:  http://thoughtsofablonde.com/?p=6544

 

 

 

 

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About the Rising Storm Season Two: Episodes 1-8 Authors

 

rebecca-zanetti-author-imageRebecca Zanetti:

New York Times Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the USA Today, NY Times, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooksbestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Scorpius Syndrome, The Dark Protectors, The Realm Enforcers, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series.

Visit Rebecca Zanetti’s website.

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larissa-ione-author-imageLarissa Ione:

Larissa Ione is a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author. An Air Force veteran, she traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.

Visit Larissa Ione’s website.

Facebook ** Twitter

 

lisa-mondello-author-imageLisa Mondello:

New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Lisa Mondello, has held many jobs in her life but being a published author is the last job she’ll ever have. She’s not retiring! She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she’d still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her book The Knight and Maggie’s Baby is a New York TimesBestseller. Her popular series includes TEXAS HEARTS, DAKOTA HEARTS, Fate with a Helping Hand and the new SUMMER HOUSE series. Writing as LA Mondello, her romantic suspense, MATERIAL WITNESS, book 1 of her Heroes of Providence series made the USA TODAY Bestsellers List and was named one of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2012.

Visit Lisa Mondello’s website.

Facebook

 

lexi-blake-newsletter-author-picLexi Blake:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

Visit Lexi Blake’s website.

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rk-lilley-author-imageR.K. Lilley:

R.K. Lilley is the best selling author of the Up In The Air, and Tristan & Danika, and The Wild Side series. She lives in Texas with her husband and their two beautiful sons. She’s had a lot of interesting jobs, from being a first class flight attendant, to being a stablehand, but swears she never knew what hard work was until she had children. She’s been addicted to both reading and writing fiction since she can remember. She loves to travel, read, hike, paint, game, watch anime, and make the most of every single day.

Visit R.K. Lilley’s website.

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julie-kenner-author-imageJulie Kenner:

Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 international bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres.

Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” JK writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense, paranormal mommy lit, and, with Rising Storm, small town drama. Her trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries, and her Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series (written as Julie Kenner) has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for the CW Network.

A former attorney, JK lives in Central Texas with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. One of her favorite weekend activities is visiting small towns in the Texas Hill Country.

Visit Julie Kenner’s website.

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elisabeth-naughton-author-imageElisabeth Naughton:

Before topping multiple bestseller lists–including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal–Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home.

Visit Elisabeth Naughton’s website.

Facebook ** Twitter

 

dee-davis-author-imageDee Davis:

Bestselling author Dee Davis has a masters degree in public administration. Prior to writing, she served as the director of two associations, wrote award winning PSAs, did television and radio commercials, starred in the Seven Year Itch, taught college classes, and lobbied both the Texas Legislature and the US Congress.

Her highly acclaimed first novel, Everything In Its Time, was published in July 2000. Since then, among others, she’s won the Booksellers Best, Golden Leaf, Texas Gold and Prism awards, and been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Holt and two RT Reviewers Choice Awards.

Recently she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Romance Writers and has also been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award for romantic suspense from Romantic Times. In addition, she is Hall of Fame member of the New Jersey Romance Writers and was awarded an Odyssey Medal from Hendrix College.

To date, she has written over twenty-five romantic suspense, time travel, and women’s fiction novels and novellas. Among her latest books you’ll find her A-Tac, Liar’s Game, and Last Chance series.

She’s lived in Austria and traveled in Europe extensively. And although she now resides in an 1802 farmhouse in Connecticut, she still calls Texas home.

Visit Dee Davis’ website.

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** Release Day Blitz ** THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE by Jill Shalvis

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From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a captivating story of love, second chances and new beginnings…

THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE, the second standalone novel in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, is out today! Check out the excerpt below and grab your copy of this fantastic new novel today!

 

 

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If she has her way…

Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her…

…He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.

Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him…

Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice…

Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but he doesn’t even remember her. How can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish–and let the mistletoe do its work…

Order THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE in ebook or paperback

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N

Add to your Goodreads

 

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And don’t miss the first novel in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES, now available! Grab your copy HERE!

 

 

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Willa sighed and headed to the door.

Again Keane held the pink bedazzled cat carrier, which should have made him look ridiculous. Instead it somehow upped his testosterone levels. His sharp eyes were on her but they turned warm in a way that melted her right through her center as she moved toward him. She stopped with the glass door between them, hands on hips, hoping she looked irritated even if that wasn’t quite what she was feeling.

His gaze lowered from her face to run over her body, which gave her another unwelcome rush of heat. Dammit. Now she was irritated and aroused—not a good combo.

His mouth quirked at the saying on her apron that read Dear Santa, I Can Explain.

Drawing a deep breath, she opened the door. “You’ve got Petunia again. I hope that means your great-aunt Sally isn’t still sick.”

He looked surprised that she’d remembered his aunt’s name, or that she’d care. “I don’t know,” he said a little gruffly. “She left me a message saying that I was in charge for the rest of the week but for two days now Pita’s been happily destroying my jobsite. I’m throwing myself on your mercy here. Can you help?”

Wow. He must be really desperate since he was actually asking and not assuming. But since Petunia was a sweetheart, she knew she’d do it.

“I’ll even tell you where I went to high school,” he said, adding a smile that was shockingly charming.

Wow. He hadn’t lost his touch when it came to turning it on. “Not necessary,” she said, painfully aware of their audience.

Keane’s attention was suddenly directed upward, just above her head. She followed his line of sight and found a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the overhead display of small portable doggy pools. Mistletoe? What the hell? She glanced behind her and what do you know, suddenly Rory and Cara were a flurry of movement racing around looking very, very busy. “When did the mistletoe go up?” she asked them. “And why?”

“FOMO,” Cara said from behind the counter.

“Fear of missing out,” Rory translated. “She was hoping a hot guy would come in and the mistletoe would give her an excuse.”

Willa narrowed her eyes and her two soon-to-be-dead employees scattered again.

“Interesting,” Keane said, looking amused.

“I’m not kissing you.”

His mouth curved. “If you take Pita for the day, I’ll kiss you.”

“Not necessary,” she said, gratified no one could see her heart during the two-step in her ears. “I’ll take Petunia for the day. No kiss required or wanted.”

Liar, liar

 

 

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About Jill Shalvis:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

 

 

 

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** Book Review ** BLUE SKIES by Dee Davis (Rising Storm, Season 2, Episode 8)

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5 STARS!

A great conclusion to Season 2!

Celeste Salt struggles to overcome her grief and start to live again.  She makes a big decision to move forward.

Dillon is receives a domestic disturbance call that forces Dakota to finally face what type of man her father is.

Ginny is rushed to the hospital … and the father of her baby is finally revealed!

ARC received via InkSlinger PR