5 STARS!

The exciting conclusion of the Mid-Season episodes finds the Rush family trying to cope with the fallout of the Senator’s scandal.  Marylee is ready to move heaven and earth to clean up after Sebastian’s mess and make sure his campaign is not affected.  Peyton and the kids are angry, but unwilling to rock the boat too much by speaking their minds.

Various members of the town are still up in arms as well.  Logan can’t forgive Ginny, Marcus doesn’t know how to handle Dakota, Brittany can’t help but hate her best friend, Marylee is constantly up to no-good, etc.

Can’t wait to see what happens when Season 2 picks up!

 

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

 

 

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy…

Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection.

But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish.

Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, Rising Storm is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets.

With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Julie Kenner and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” for the Midseason Episodes of this serial opera are bestselling authors Lexi Blake and Larissa Ione who have brought their vision of Storm to life.

So get ready. The storm is coming.

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.

As Sebastian and Marylee plot to cover up Sebastian’s sexual escapade, Ginny and Dakota continue to reel from the fallout of Dakota’s announcement. But it is the Rush family that’s left to pick up the pieces as Payton, Brittany and Jeffry each cope with Sebastian’s betrayal in their own way…

 

 

Experience Rising Storm Here…

Rising Storm Midseason Episode 1 (March 29): Lexi Blake’s After the Storm
Amazon ** Kobo ** iTunes ** Barnes & Noble ** GooglePlay ** All Romance EBooks

Rising Storm Midseason Episode 2 (April 5): Larissa Ione’s Distant Thunder
Amazon ** Kobo ** iTunes ** Barnes & Noble ** GooglePlay ** All Romance EBooks

 

 

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Check out this fantastic excerpt from DISTANT THUNDER!

 

It had only been three days since the Great Founders’ Day Disaster, but it felt like a month. For the first twenty-four hours after Dakota’s revelation, the town had been mostly shell-shocked. Then the story started spreading through social media, and last night after Marcus dropped Brittany off after dinner at Murphy’s, she discovered that someone posted the Founders’ Day Disaster on YouTube. The media had descended on Storm like locusts this morning, and her father, whom she’d only seen in passing since Founders’ Day, had adopted a shelter-in-place stance.

Brittany had given him suggestions on where he could shelter in places that were much, much hotter than Texas, and then she’d run out the front door toward her car, only to be swarmed by reporters.

“Ms. Rush, is it true that your best friend is pregnant with your father’s baby?”

“Ms. Rush, how do you think this scandal will affect your father’s reelection campaign?”

“Ms. Rush, did you know about the affairs your father was having with your friends?”

Ugh. She and her mother shouldn’t have left Francine’s cabin so soon, and Jeffry certainly should have remained with one of his buddies. But when Marylee snapped her fingers and went into crisis mode, everyone came running and fell in line like good little minions.

“This blows,” Jeffry said, looking up from where he was lounging on the couch with his iPad.

“What blows?” She sank onto the love seat across from her brother. “The game you’re playing? Or the fact that we’re trapped like animals? Or maybe the fact that our father is a lying, cheating bastard who slept with our friends? Or the fact that my best friend is going to give birth to our little brother or sister?”

Yep, she might be a little bitter. And it was ex-best friend.

He tucked his feet under him on the couch and sighed. “Yeah.”

“I can’t believe Mom thinks we need to be here for him—”

She broke off as their mother, Payton, came around the corner with a tray of finger sandwiches and a pitcher of lemonade. They hadn’t spoken much about any of this, and Brittany wasn’t sure how to go about it. As far as she could tell, her mother hadn’t so much as shed a tear over the fact that her husband had knocked up a girl young enough to be his daughter and had probably slept with a dozen more.

“I brought you something to eat,” Payton said, and if she’d heard Brittany talking, she was choosing to ignore it. “Your father and grandmother are finished with their meeting with Mr. Stayton, and they’re on their way up to talk to you.”

“This should be good.” Jeffry reached for a sandwich as their mother put them on the coffee table. “I was wondering how long it would be before we got the circle-the-wagons lecture. Five bucks says he tries to convince us that everything Dakota said was a lie.”

“I know you two are angry and confused and you have a lot of questions,” Payton said as she took a seat next to Brittany, looking all prim and proper in a subdued green dress and gray scarf. “But we’ll get through this. I promise.”

 

 

 

About Larissa Ione:

Larissa Ione is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling 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.

 

 

 

Website | Facebook |Twitter | 1001 Dark Nights | Rising Storm on Goodreads

 

 

 

3 1/2 STARS!

I wasn’t overly fond of the skip in time towards the beginning of this book, I would have preferred to “live” the hard road with him, but none-the-less, I felt intrigued to see what was going to happen in the long run.

Tyson is sitting at the bottom of a wasted career when we first meet him, but after a lot of hard work , he’s back at the top of his game as the quarterback of the Austin Mavericks. When a blast from his past crosses his path again, will it throw him off course or will it make him stronger to relive it all again?

Dani Carr is there to handle the PR for another player, but try as she might, she doesn’t seem to be able to avoid run ins with Tyson.  She has a secret that she isn’t ready to tell him yet, but she can’t resist being near him time and time again.

Will there be a happily ever after in their future or will they part ways again?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review  **

 

The Total Package
By: Stephanie Evanovich

Releasing March 15, 2016
William Morrow

BLURB:

Smart and sexy Dani Carr knows as much about football as any man–maybe more. It’s always been her dream to make a living talking about the game she loves. But Dani’s not interested in being just the usual eye-candy sideline reporter; she wants to be the first woman analyst on a pre-game show, the ultimate in exclusive boys-club jobs. And it turns out, that despite the odds, she has the talent to get her there.

Star quarterback-and heartthrob–Tyson Palmer always did things in spectacular fashion, including ruining his career after debuting as a first-round draft pick. When the head coach of the Austin Mavericks refuses to let him waste his million dollar arm, Tyson makes a Hail Mary pass at redemption and succeeds with everyone…except Dani, who appears to be using her high-profile commentator job to make a name for herself at his expense.

Dani refuses to let anyone forget about Tyson’s transgressions….and for good reason. There’s history between these two, sizzling history that dates back to their college days, and it ended in another spectacular flame-out of Tyson’s. He’s conveniently forgotten all about that episode because Dani is no longer the cute girl next door he barely remembers–she’s a bombshell with huge ratings and a long memory.

But can a woman trying to claw her way to the top and a quarterback who knows all about rock bottom make it to the Super Bowl without destroying each other in the process? And what will happen when Tyson-riding high on his career comeback-realizes he needs to make an even more important comeback with Dani?

 

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/12/the-total-package-novel-by-stephanie.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18635067-the-total-package

 

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Total-Package-Novel-3-ebook/dp/B00OG7A2NI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1447447363&sr=1-1

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-total-package-stephanie-evanovich/1122570452?ean=9780062234858

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Stephanie_Evanovich_
The_Total_Package?id=UAHNBAAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-best-ever/id929225847?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-total-package

 

EXCERPT:

 Tyson scowled defensively, before leaning his forearms down on the table between them. “Then I guess there really isn’t any story left to tell. Sounds like you know it all.” He was sorry he had offered her a seat, much less his drink.

“I told you, Tyson, I want to try to help you,” she reiterated.

“Why?”

“Because I believe in you,” Ella stated with conviction, as if that was enough to earn his trust. But Tyson Palmer was long past trusting anyone, including himself.

“Why?” he repeated, now angry.

Ella looked down at the table for a moment, then said quietly, “Because I remember the guy I tutored. Who was serious about his game and never had a problem taking no for an answer.”

He wanted to laugh in her naïve face. To mockingly tell her at the time she hadn’t been worth the pursuit, if for no other reason than to get her to leave him alone. He wanted her to stop looking at him in the way she was, like he was not a total disaster. But most of all, he no longer wanted to be reminded of when he was in control and held the world in the palm of his football-throwing hand.

“That kid doesn’t exist anymore. When you graduate and join the real world, you’ll realize that people change, usually not for the better,” he spat out cynically.

“I refuse to believe that.”

Tyson sighed and ran his hand through the shaggy brown hair that had outgrown his clean cut months ago. She was being way too persistent, but her sincerity was admirable, and part of him wanted to believe her.

“Okay. We’re friends, now what?”

She brightened with his acquiescence. And she really did have a pretty smile. “Now you let me be a good friend and help take care of you. You look so tired. ”

This time he didn’t hold back the laugh, and while it wasn’t exactly harsh, it still was hollow. She wasn’t able to help him any more than he could help himself. And she made it sound so easy, like she could perform some sort of exorcism and all his demons would flee. The more likely story was she was trying to get close to him under the misguided impression that he had something left to offer.

“You’re good, Mother Teresa. Why don’t we go someplace quiet where I can confess my sins and you can absolve me? Make sure you turn your phone on to record, so you don’t miss the good stuff.”

“You’re wrong, but I understand you being leery,” she patiently explained. “I . . . I always liked you, Tyson, and you were always so nice to me. You deserve to have someone on your side. I know this is all just your circumstances talking.”

“Sorry, not interested.” Tyson took back his now-empty glass and went back to sucking the last remnants of Gentleman Jack off the ice. Damn his mouth was dry, always so dry. As far as he was concerned, the conversation was closed. He wanted her to get out before he settled back into the dark side.

“What would it take for me to get you interested? For you to consider coming home with me, at least for a decent night’s sleep?”

Maybe it was the way she asked it, completely oblivious to the fact that the question itself made her sound like a hooker. Maybe it was the pity or her dogged insistence that he see himself for something other than he was, which was a lost cause. And then, like a lighthouse shining through the fog in his brain, it dawned on him. His cute little virtuous tutor had joined the ranks of pleasure seekers and was trying to get him into bed. At least that explanation turned the exchange from ludicrous to one that made sense.

“You still a virgin, Ella Bella?” He answered her question with one of his own, accompanied by a smile of complete impropriety.

Finally she blinked. Her grip tightened around the handle of the purse in her lap, and she stared at it before looking back up at him and meeting his gaze head-on.

“Yes.” She spoke her one-word answer unemotionally, even as the flush crept up to her cheeks.

Tyson sat back in his chair, the recesses of his drug-addled mind jarred. Wrong answer. She was supposed to have forsaken her outdated notion of chastity. She was supposed to have been tainted by now, like everyone he knew. As corrupted as he was.

“Hey Ella Bella, what do you say to you and me going someplace to get freaky?” Part of it was said in jest, trying to recover from just how badly she managed to throw him. Another part of him longed to engage in just a little bit of the same harmless banter from the days when she was a sweetheart and he was a hero.

“Your place or mine?” Her answer was so unexpected and sounded just as foreign to his ears.

 

AUTHOR INFO:

New York Times Bestselling Author, Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York’s School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she’s an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Website:  http://www.stephanieevanovich.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StephanieEvanovichBooks

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SEEvanovich

GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6547908.Stephanie_Evanovich

 

 

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:

Two Hardcover Copies of THE TOTAL PACKAGE

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4 STARS!

Filled with instant attraction, battling from two different sides of a coin, fun loving families, and HOT sex!  I felt this one was slightly slower to get started than some of Melissa’s others books, but once they decided to act on their attraction and become the center of the story line, it really got interesting!

Duke Ryder is a successful real estate investor, and visits Elpitha Island to look the property over in anticipation of making the head of the Liakos family an offer to develop a resort there.

Gabriella Liakos is an attorney in New York City, but her heart is on Elpitha Island where her family is and where she grew up.  She returns to the island at her grandfather’s request to give Duke a tour and answer his questions about the property.  She hopes she can dissuade him from buying it, because she doesn’t want her quiet island ruined by development.

When she and Duke have an instant attraction to each other that they decide not to try to fight, will there be able to be a happy ending for either of them?

**  Received free in exchange for an honest review **

 

Claimed by Love
Love in Bloom: The Ryders #2
By: Melissa Foster

Releasing March 23, 2016
World Literary Press

BLURB:

Family law attorney Gabriella Liakos has one true love, Elpitha Island, where she grew up and hopes someday to return. But Elpitha is in financial ruins, and Gabriella will do anything to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

Duke Ryder is a savvy real estate investor set on making Elpitha into an exclusive resort. Unlike other investors, he’s not scared of purchasing a property where one family has roots so deep they practically reach the ocean floor…until he meets his beautiful, stubborn, and enticing tour host―the daughter of the owner of most of the island.

Gabriella sets out to dissuade Duke from purchasing Elpitha, but Duke has other ideas. He wants Gabriella and the island. Duke’s powerful seduction draws Gabriella in, but can a savvy investor who’s used to glamour and glitz, and a woman interested in preserving the culture she adores find a happily ever after together?

 

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/01/claimed-by-love-love-in-bloom-ryders-2.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23123770-claimed-by-love

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/135715-love-in-bloom-the-ryders

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Claimed-Love-Bloom-Ryders-Ryder/dp/1941480292/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1452462789&sr=1-2

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/claimed-by-love-melissa-foster/1122904306?ean=9781941480298

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=T1VjCgAAQBAJ

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/claimed-by-love/id1032049432?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/claimed-by-love-love-in-bloom-the-ryders

 

AUTHOR INFO:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

 

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website:  http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster

 

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY: 

Two Winners will receive a Digital Copy of SEIZED BY LOVE

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