Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Review: Immortal Healer

Immortal Healer by Elizabeth Finn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She's back! Did you hear me? Elizabeth Finn is back! I was really beginning to think her paranormal series was just not for me, but Quentin and Abigail's story brought all the things that I love about Elizabeth Finn's writing to the paranormal genre! Yay! Are you sure there's only three in the paranormal romance series? Because I feel like we're just getting started!

Abby was abused by Mason (Ember's captor) for years and finally managed to escape thanks to Quentin and Truman, but recovering from a monster the world doesn't believe exists is hard to do. Quentin was never able to forget Abby after seeing her that night at Mason's, but when he finally finds her she's neck-deep in trouble with the law and looking at prison time for her most recent assault charge.

Quentin decides to help Abby since she never would have been in this position if it weren't for the worst of his kind destroying her emotional stability. He takes her in, nurses her back to health, and helps her with her legal troubles. The only problem? Even as she struggles to trust a man, and a vampire no less, who clearly has her best interests at heart; she still can't let go of her fears of the men who would rape and torture her if they had the chance. And even when she faces her biggest fears, a new problem arises that threatens her very existence. Quentin may be her best option at a future, but even he has his doubts he can help her fight her newest obstacle.

I loved every aspect of this story. From the very first page I could feel Abby's emotions, her terrifying situation, and her understandable trauma from her captivity. Quentin was true and solid, loyal and consistent from book 1 to now and I loved seeing him fall hard when a woman finally got under his skin. I even loved getting to be re-introduced to Ember and seeing her from a different perspective. IMMORTAL HEALER was a fantastic end to this series and I couldn't be happier about the way things turned out for the final couple in The Immortals series.

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

The Romance Review

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Monday, July 29, 2013

Review: Friday Night Alibi

Friday Night Alibi by Cassie Mae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about grinning from ear to ear – FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI had me giddy happy and hugging my kindle, not to mention ignoring my family for the half a day I spent reading it.

FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI is a humorous and refreshingly clean new/young adult book that makes you fall in love with each of the characters and every part of their lives. (And its not clean in the cheesy, written for younger people way – Cassie Mae is able to include so much passion and romance that you don’t feel like you need anything else!) Kelli runs an alibi business where she helps fellow trust fund recipients keep their inheritance by dating the cookie cutter perfect girl. For a fee, she agrees to provide herself as an alibi so they can go out with whomever they want, without having to explain to their parents who they were really with. The only catch for Kelli is, she spends more time pretending to have a life than actually living one.

Enter Chase Maroney. Conceited frat boy or endearing online Xbox player? Either way, he’s Kelli’s Friday Night Guy, whether she’s willing to admit it or not.

I found Kelli and Chase’s friendship and romance to be equal parts humorous, endearing, lovable, squeezable, and all-around squee-able. I just loved it. I loved Kelli even when she was so wrong it was blaring. I loved Chase – well, I loved every part of Chase – there are no caveats there. I even loved Kelli’s contracts – especially her ice cream contract – why couldn’t I have thought of something so cute and fun?

This book will have you laughing out loud - it’s just a great, beautiful and fun romance and I couldn’t have asked for more. I rated this 4.75 stars but it definitely deserves the round up!

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.

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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Leah Kaye, Graphic Designer & Cover Artist - See What She Can Do For You!

Leah Kaye is a freelance Graphic Designer and Cover Artist.  Although she loves working with a variety of media, her true passion is with graphics, for print and on the web.  When it comes to designing, she is open to working with any genre and on any design project.  No matter what you are looking for, she can help bring your vision to life!  She certainly helped bring my vision to life!

What's Leah's background?

With a naturally artistic spirit I have been involved in creative activities throughout my life (painting, drawing, photography, crafts, etc.). Mix that with my love of computers and it was only natural that I would gravitate toward a career in graphic design. I chose to focus specifically on print design because I love books and the printing process in its entirety.

I attended Valencia College in Orlando, FL (2002-2004), graduating with an A.S. in Graphic Design. I began working with various publishers, printers, newspapers, design agencies, in corporate environments and as a freelance designer throughout the Southeast. In August 2009 I started Middle Tennessee State University full-time and graduated in May 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (Major: Graphic Design, Minor: BookArts/Letterpress). Since graduation I have been searching for a full time career opportunity while pursuing various freelance projects.❞

What can she do for me & how much does she charge?

If you are interested in kick starting your blog or promotion, or looking for an amazing cover for your new book, I'm sure she can conjure up something fantastic!  If you are thinking you can't afford a graphic designer, THINK AGAIN!  Leah is incredibly affordable and equally talented.

Want to know how much Leah charges?  Check out her fee structure here:  (Click "Book Graphics" to view Leah's prices)


Hot New Release Cover for Dreamspinner Press!



Keep an eye out for more samples of Leah's work right here on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.  

Leah Kaye Suttle
Graphic Designer & Book Cover Artist

Facebook: MsLeahKaye • Goodreads: MsLeahKaye • Twitter: LeahKaye_

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Review: Beautiful Stranger


Beautiful Stranger
Beautiful Stranger by Christina Lauren

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



BEAUTIFUL STRANGER had elements that set my panties on fire, but at times I wanted more than just fucking from the characters.

Max and Sara are both strong characters – love that! I loved that Sara, as a heroine, is no shrinking violet – which is a tough feat to tackle when forced to go head-to-head with the ultra dominant hero, Max. Sara is recovering from a broken heart (of course) and is totally down with a no-strings attached fling. Max is a playboy… sorry, make that a dog, when it comes to women, but when Sara Dillon enters his perfectly fantastic life, all bets are off and life as they both know it is like dust in the wind.

It turned out Max’s focused-at-work face closely mirrored his concentrating-on-giving-Sara-an-orgasm face.

And THAT, my friends, pretty much sums up what this book was all about… Fucking. I say fucking, because that is what it was – don’t let me steer you wrong here, it was hot as hell and in just about every position and situation you could possibly dream of, but I needed more. If I had gone into this story expecting a balls-to-the-wall sex fest, then I would have been a happy camper, but I was expecting a bit more of a story like we got in the first installment, BEAUTIFUL BASTARD.

Pick up this story knowing that hooking up IS THE PLOT and you won’t be disappointed!



✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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Monday, July 22, 2013

Blog Tour Spotlight & Review: Love Love by Beth Michele



Love Love by Beth Michele
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love chocolate. I’ve never tasted chocolate that I thought was too sweet or too rich. But if I had to say one thing that bothered me about LOVE LOVE, it would be that it was a little too sweet for my taste. The book had a concept that had some real substance and grit to it, but was written in a style that was so candy and lollipops that I just couldn’t get into it.

LOVE LOVE is about Gabrielle and her life in New York after experiencing a life-changing tragedy. (See what I mean? Grit.) She lives with her lifelong best friend Fran, who has experienced a childhood filled with abuse and disappointment in the people who should have loved her unconditionally. The two understandably broken girls have found strength in each other and made the best of the disappointments in their life, finding a way to move on even when the memories linger.

Gabrielle is a gorgeous girl who is eternally clumsy and has a sweet tooth that will make you gain 5 pounds just reading about all the calories she consumes. She meets quite possibly the most gorgeous man ever to walk the streets of New York and despite his annoying flaw of being completely self-absorbed, or perhaps because of it, she allows herself the treat of having a no strings attached sexual fling with him. She is able to fulfill her sexual needs without breaking down the walls she’s built around her heart. She also befriends Brad, an endearing coffee shop owner who accepts her for who she truly is – flaws and all.

Concept-wise, this story had everything I like in a book – some sadness, some love – the kind of story that makes you feel! But I just couldn’t get past the delivery. Gabby’s description of Clark was a little too perfect, to where I found myself re-reading the summary to make sure that I was reading the same book I’d selected. Then when Gabby is in New York, I found her clumsiness a little too theatrical and her relationships a little too contrived.

I’ve enjoyed a lot of chick lit in my day, but I need to believe it's chick lit. If I get a story that should be contemporary romance and yet it’s delivered in a chick lit voice – I guess I just end up sitting on the fence, which isn’t a very comfortable seat.

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.

View all my reviews

Love Love will be on sale for 99 cents July 19th through the 28th!


BUY IT NOW!:

Synopsis:

Gabrielle Willis is smart. She's funny. And oh yes, she's a bit klutzy.

When Gabrielle left sunny California bound for the energy of Manhattan, she was willingly leaving the life she had known for the new life she would create. But was she really leaving something behind or was she running away?

On the outside, Gabrielle Willis has it all under control. A new life in Manhattan, a great roommate, and a good job. But she is haunted. Haunted by a memory she's tried to forget and by a family who's abandoned her. But what happens when what's on the outside is only an illusion and in perfect contradiction to what's buried deep within?

Enter Dane Rhodes. He's gorgeous, smart, and sexy as hell. Just what Gabby wants, or so she thinks. But when she meets Brad Dixon, the sweet guy with the crooked smile, he begins to make her see that the very thing she is trying to run from is the very thing that just may push her to see the light.

**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**


Author Bio:

Beth Michele is a wife, a mom, an author and a lover of all things chocolate, well, anything sweet really. While stuffing chocolate in her face, she enjoys reading young adult and new adult novels furiously, and spending time with her husband and two adorable children who keep her on her painted toes. Those same children who inspire her to tell silly stories that cause hysterical giggles to tumble from their bellies. Beth is a hopeless romantic and a happily ever after fanatic who loves to write about love.

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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Leah Kaye, Graphic Designer & Cover Artist - NEW DESIGN & PRICES!

Leah Kaye is a freelance Graphic Designer and Cover Artist.  Although she loves working with a variety of media, her true passion is with graphics, for print and on the web.  When it comes to designing, she is open to working with any genre and on any design project.  No matter what you are looking for, she can help bring your vision to life!  She certainly helped bring my vision to life!

What's Leah's background?

With a naturally artistic spirit I have been involved in creative activities throughout my life (painting, drawing, photography, crafts, etc.). Mix that with my love of computers and it was only natural that I would gravitate toward a career in graphic design. I chose to focus specifically on print design because I love books and the printing process in its entirety.

I attended Valencia College in Orlando, FL (2002-2004), graduating with an A.S. in Graphic Design. I began working with various publishers, printers, newspapers, design agencies, in corporate environments and as a freelance designer throughout the Southeast. In August 2009 I started Middle Tennessee State University full-time and graduated in May 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (Major: Graphic Design, Minor: BookArts/Letterpress). Since graduation I have been searching for a full time career opportunity while pursuing various freelance projects.❞

What can she do for me & how much does she charge?

If you are interested in kick starting your blog or promotion, or looking for an amazing cover for your new book, I'm sure she can conjure up something fantastic!  If you are thinking you can't afford a graphic designer, THINK AGAIN!  Leah is incredibly affordable and equally talented.

Want to know how much Leah charges?  Check out her fee structure here:  (Click "Book Graphics" to view Leah's prices)


Hot New Cover to replace the original cover of  Faceless: Two Worlds Collide




Keep an eye out for more samples of Leah's work right here on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.  

Leah Kaye Suttle
Graphic Designer & Book Cover Artist

Facebook: MsLeahKaye • Goodreads: MsLeahKaye • Twitter: LeahKaye_

Review: Painted Faces

Painted FacesPainted Faces by L.H. Cosway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

PAINTED FACES was a totally unexpected, delightfully quirky and sexy read. The cast of characters were among some of the most unique and lovable individuals I have ever had the pleasure to read about.

… People have to be weird for you to want to be their friend.”
“Very true, and you're my best friend, which makes you the biggest weirdo of them all.


Freda who is also known as “Fred” is a collector of unique friends. She is somewhat of a “Plain Jane” by her own description, but is beautiful and perfect in the eyes of Nicholas. Fred is drawn to people who march to the beat of a different drummer and seems to find solace in the unique characteristics her friends possess; qualities that others might find bizarre or just plain weird.

Nicholas is a lot of things; to name just one quality would not do this man an ounce of justice. Nicholas who is also known as “Viv” – yes, “Viv” – is sexy, eccentric, self-deprecating, wounded, but not broken and totally comfortable in his own skin. He is a straight man and is also a Drag Queen – he is truly a one of a kind.

Together, Nicholas and Freda are a forced to be reckoned with, a disaster and totally perfect for each other. Their romance is not your typical tale of “happily ever after,” but that’s what makes it so entertaining. Nicholas is wounded and Fred seems to be just what he needs to help heal him from his past.

I loved this quirky couple. Their story is full of sexy humor – a quality in which I love in a book. The cast of supporting characters aide in making this totally offbeat romance fantastically entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more of L.H. Cosway’s other books and am anxious to discover if her other stories have a similar vibe. This is a great choice if you are looking for a story that is sure to take you off the beaten path of today’s romance.

P.S. Loved the author’s dedication:

For all the men who are women and the women who are men, the men who are men and the women who are women. And those of you who are a little bit of both. You colour my world.



✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!

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Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group


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Blog Tour Review & Excerpt: All Wrapped Up by Braxton Cole

All Wrapped Up by Braxton Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mari and Luca delve further into their sexy wish lists in the second book in the List series, ALL WRAPPED UP.  Braxton Cole does a great job of making sure Mari and Luca stay true to their characters and to the relationship they have.   The writing flows well and the characters are three-dimensional, something not all novellas accomplish.

Mari and Luca decide to finally have their threesome and they ask Rachel to be the third.  I did question whether it was a good idea to involve Mari’s best friend in a threesome before she’d at least experimented with someone she didn’t stand to lose so much if things went south – but maybe that’s just me.  I’m very jealous. *shrugs* What? I am.  I would have been worried I’d get pissed halfway through and think Luca was looking at Rachel too much or making me sit on a chair in the corner while they had all the fun.  I have to give Luca props – he was great at making both women feel included, I’m just saying if I were Mari I might have been worried he wouldn’t – it was his first time too.  Or what if things were awkward after.  That could really destroy a friendship and a business and for two people who’d never tried this before, I thought that was rather naïve of them.  But that’s just me.

The other kinky explorations seemed completely realistic and legit and I was glad to see Mari and Luca continue what made them so enjoyable in BIRTHDAY WISHES – their hot and steamy sex scenes.  I lost a little of my passion for Luca – he seemed less present in this book because it was mainly about Mari dealing with her feelings and whether she was ready for the steps he was asking her to make.  That disappointed me since the other thing I loved about BIRTHDAY WISHES was how sweet and endearing Luca was, I wish I could have experienced more of him in this book.  But I like what Braxton Cole did with their relationship and with their progress.  I was a little surprised that they still weren’t talking on the phone during the week other than by text – especially since Luca is pushing for the two to move in together.  I would think moving in together would come well after talking during the week – so that seemed odd to me and perhaps the least realistic of the scenarios, but again, it all worked out in the end.

All in all I gave this 3.5 stars because I really enjoyed the writing, the story, and the characters and I’m excited to read what else Braxton Cole may have up her sleeve!  

<i>**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.</i>

View all my reviews

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Blurb:

All Wrapped Up is Book Two in The List Series.

Mari and Luca continue to work through their list of sexual fantasies in All Wrapped Up, Book Two in The List Series. They've abandoned their original plan of no strings attached and, for the most part, Mari's learning to be okay with it. She definitely likes Luca's strings (and whatever else he might use to restrain her), but she's not sure she's ready to take the next step in their relationship. Luca, sweet, strong, commanding Luca, insists that it's time to move in together. Mari insists it's time to relax and enjoy what they share without complicating things.

With every moment they spend together, Luca shows Mari how good they could be together. Will Mari run away from her emotions, or does Luca have her all wrapped up?

All Wrapped Up is a novella length erotic romance and contains mature adult themes, including graphic and explicit sex.


Author Bio:

Braxton Cole lives in the Pacific Northwest where she spends most of her time holed up in her office writing stories. When she's not writing, she can be found riding her bike, hiking the fabulous local trails, chasing her kids, or wishing that her thumb was a little more green. She has a bad habit of killing what she tries to grow, but hasn't given up hopes of one day being a successful urban farmer.

Braxton writes erotic romance because romance is the stuff that makes life great, and sex is fun. The two belong together, both in life and in fiction.


Social Links:



Excerpt:

“Are you just going to watch?”

Luca moved behind her and released the clasp on her bra. He eased it off her shoulders, then circled her chest to cup her breasts in his hands. She gasped and let the bra slip off. It floated to the floor and landed on top of her dress. Luca caressed her, adjusting his grip to squeeze her nipples lightly between his fingers.

“What do you want me to do?” Frankly, watching Luca work her up so quickly was causing the most delicious reaction in my body. My stomach and cunt clenched with every stroke of his fingers over her nipples. When she whimpered and rested her head back against his chest, my pussy flooded with new arousal.

She rolled her head side to side, but didn't answer.

“I want you to kiss her.” Luca plucked at her nipples, pulling them taut and rolling them between his fingers hard. “Here.”

I stayed in my seat. As much as I wanted to please Luca, I needed to know Rachel was on board, too. “Is that okay with you?”

She nodded, the movement jerky and enthusiastic. “Yes,” she moaned.

I stood and loosened the belt on my robe. I let it slip from my shoulders and down to the floor as I took the few steps to close the gap between us. When I reached them, I stretched up to kiss Luca first. What I intended to be a quick peck hello escalated when he slanted his mouth against mine and licked at my bottom lip. I pushed my body close to Rachel’s, Luca's hands pinned between us, and let him kiss me as he wanted.

Rachel clutched at my hips and dropped her head against my shoulder. She moaned in my ear as her nails scraped against my flesh. Luca adjusted his hold until he could grasp both of our nipples at the same time. He pressed them together and rolled them against each other. Fire shot from my nipples to my cunt and I bucked against Rachel.

“Fuck,” I groaned into Luca's mouth, then pulled away with a gasp when he did it again.

Luca smiled at me over Rachel's head, then circled his hips against Rachel, forcing her tighter against me. He lowered his eyes, drawing my vision down with his. The sight of my breasts pressed into Rachel's was completely erotic. No wonder guys fantasized about two women together.






Friday, July 19, 2013

Review: Out of Breath

Out of Breath by Rebecca Donovan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do I say about a book I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for, a book that when I met the author I had a total fangirl moment because I was so giddy and emotionally invested in her characters?

I had a very mixed reaction to OUT OF BREATH, the final book in this series. I was somewhat disappointed, but somewhat satiated. On the one hand, Rebecca Donovan gave me everything I asked for – resolution for all the characters – and one I can be happy about and live with. On the other hand, given what I’d received in the prior two books, I felt like that’s all I got – none of the emotional roller coaster I’d learned to crave from this series.

Disclaimer: if you haven’t read the first two books in this series then you definitely should not be reading this review. Do yourself a favor, stop now, and get to it – they are AH-mazing.

At the end of BARELY BREATHING, Emma breaks Evan AND Jonathon’s hearts – leaving them crushed and broken. She destroyed Jonathon with the very information he trusted her with. Evan she abandons, worse yet, she allows him to believe she left him for Jonathon. But leaving Evan didn’t just break him – it destroyed Emma as well – leaving her only a shell of her former self. She has trudged through the first two years of college – treading so lightly that she barely leaves a trace of herself anywhere. She has roommates, but they don’t know the real her. She even attempts a relationship, but it’s based on the understanding that he doesn’t make her talk. Sara is her only real tether and Sara basically takes it upon herself to babysit Emma or request that one of her roommates do it in her stead. I totally expected as much – and I thought it was completely appropriate and honest for where Emma would be after abandoning everyone she loved. But the result is a very depressing read. There’s just nothing you can do about that.

Then a new tragedy brings Emma and Evan back together – but Emma is still convinced Evan could never love the real her and Evan is understandably mistrusting of Emma after she broke him so completely. So now we get a LOT of writing about them not being together – trying to break down Emma’s walls slowly and completely. All very necessary if the reader is going to believe that they could make it. And I think a lot of the build up and even Emma’s relationship with Cole really helped me as a reader understand why the author made the choices she did in book #2 regarding Emma not talking to Evan about, well, much of anything. In BARELY BREATHING I just didn’t get it – but now I do. That being said, while everything seemed necessary and true to the integrity of the story, it just didn’t leave for a very exciting or emotionally captivating book. I appreciated it. I got it. I just wished it could have contained more of the gut-wrenching emotion of book one and two.

I even got my closure regarding Jonathon. Not what I’d been expecting or hoping for and I really want to see him find his own peace (and I will be waiting with bated breath for that to happen when he gets his own trilogy) – but I got at least what I needed from Emma in regards to making amends with him.

I would actually give OUT OF BREATH 3.5 stars, but since I had to choose, I rounded up because while it wasn’t the same level I’d expected and hoped for based on the prior two books, I still can’t complain about the integrity of the story. I thought it was very realistic and I appreciated that for Emma and Evan’s sake.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.

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Monday, July 15, 2013

Cover Reveal: Stay With Me by Elyssa Patrick

Stay With Me, a sexy New Adult releasing 8/30/13!


Blurb:

With one look, I’m his . . .
With one touch, he’s mine . . .
With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .
I’ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.
When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.
But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are hard, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.
Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.
Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same—or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.
Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.




Trailer:


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Author Bio:

Elyssa Patrick writes sexy, emotional contemporary romances and New Adult. She is currently working on her next novel.



Excerpt:


I give him a look. “You’re not really expecting me to introduce myself, are you?”
“Why not?”
“Because . . . because . . .” I look up at the sky; no answers are there among the few stars that have now broken free of the clouds. “Because it seems silly. We already know each other’s names.”
“Let’s pretend we don’t. Here. I’ll start.” He holds out his right hand to me. “Hi, I’m Caleb Fox.”
I stare at his hand. “This is—”
“I’m sorry. I don’t talk to strangers.”
“Funny.” But then I decide to play along—I tell myself that it’s not to feel Caleb’s hand around mine once again. “Hi, Caleb. I’m Hailey Bloom.”
I like saying his name.
“Hi, Hailey.”
I like it even more when he says mine.
His hand grasps mine in a firm, no-nonsense grip. It should be an ordinary handshake. Something brief and impersonal, and something easily forgotten.
This handshake is anything but ordinary, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
His slightly rough skin is still cool against mine, and his thumb sweeps the inside of my wrist. I gasp out loud and his fingers briefly tighten. The handshake should be over by now.
He doesn’t let go. Neither do I.
“Now we’ve met,” he finally says.
“Yes,” My mouth feels dry, and I lick my lips. “We have.”

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Review: Taming Wilde

Taming Wilde by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

TAMING WILDE provides a fresh, fun, and light approach to historical romance.

Sir Colin Wilde is determined to become a rake when his attempt at winning a woman's heart ends in heartbreak. Lady Gemma vows to seduce a rake when she is kept from the man she loves by her overbearing brother. And so the games begin.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Colin's two best friends are ridiculous and hilarious and in teaching Colin how to be a rake basically do everything in their power to embarrass him miserably and get him in a lot of sticky situations. Gemma is spirited and determined and knows just who to ask for help when she's set her mind on taming her rake.

As much as I enjoyed this fun tale, I have to admit I'd have liked it a lot more if I could visualize it. It's hard to describe that intangible thing an author does when they write a story that comes to life for the reader, but that's what I was missing here. I almost grasped it about ¾ of the way in, but the story never reached full color for me. At the same time I think the story was so creative and the characters had so much personality that I see a lot of promise for future books from these authors. I especially think it's a refreshing approach to a genre I love.

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

The Romance Review

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Review: Immortal Distraction

Immortal Distraction by Elizabeth Finn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

IMMORTAL DISTRACTION combines a fantastic storyline with a powerful vampire and a headstrong detective for a sexy paranormal romance.

Brit Sutton grew up fending for herself with a convict father and drug addict mother, and so it is no surprise that she has formed a tough exterior to protect herself from the pain and disappointment she is used to. Motivated to move beyond the path her parents laid out for her, she works hard to prove herself as a female detective and homicide investigator. When a case leads her to Angus Scott, she has a hard time maintaining her tough girl bravado.

Angus Scott is the head of the council of vampires for the Eastern region and it's his job to steer Brit away from her murder suspect when it's one of his men. Any attention on vampires is considered bad attention and, while Angus might not approve of Driscoll's brutality or his choices of victims, he must keep Brit from finding him all the same. But Brit will not be deterred and Angus has a hard time keeping his distance when he finds himself wanting more time with the tough detective.

The Immortals series has all the potential of Elizabeth Finn's other erotic books, but for some reason, her forays into the paranormal world are falling short for me. For example, I love the world that she has created, and every time she introduces a vampire for the next in the series, I'm instantly intrigued and excited to hear his story. But then when I read the story, I enjoy it but I'm never fully involved in it. Take Brit for example, I was never really in her head. I felt removed from the characters and even some of the sex scenes just felt like words on a page rather than the hot tantalizing scenes I'm used to in Elizabeth Finn's writing. Ms Finn writes from both Brit's and Angus's perspectives, alternating chapter by chapter, and I will say I actually felt closer to Angus than Brit. While this may have been Brit's hard exterior coming out even in her inner dialogue, I think it was also just a lack of empathy on my part for how Brit was feeling and where she was coming from. The story also dragged on a bit. Though I enjoyed the overall plot and story arc, I wouldn't have minded some of it condensed or cut out.

I've come to expect a certain level of character depth, sexual intimacy and sweltering love scenes when I read something by Elizabeth Finn. I can already tell from the summary of Immortal Healer that the third book in the series will have a great storyline; I'm just really hoping that Dr. Bremmer's story will finally combine Ms. Finn's knack for sweeping a reader up in the story with the paranormal romance genre.

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Review: Impossible


Impossible
Impossible by Laurel Ulen Curtis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I have to be honest here, I started this book, IMPOSSIBLE, a few weeks ago and I just could not get into the “weather chasing” aspect of the story, so if you have the same thoughts when you start reading, then give it a minute because that isn’t the primary focus of the book. I am so glad I put this book aside and went back to it, because it is really a unique and fantastic story and I could scarcely believe that I had previously had a hard time getting into the story!

IMPOSSIBLE has fantastic characters - smart, sexy, stubborn and loving characters. What really roped me into the story was CJ. CJ is only fifteen, but he is wise beyond his years. When the young and handsome stud-muffin in the making crosses paths with the guarded and emotionally unavailable woman called “Roni,” he instantly becomes smitten and is determined to snag her… for his father ☺ This kid is the total package and at the risk of sounding like a pervert... Well, let's just say I was really glad there was an adult version of him running around ;-)

Roni is a little stick of dynamite, but she has a past so littered with pain that she can’t even stand so much as a little pinprick – it might just send her off the deep end. By something short of a miracle, CJ quickly worms his way in her heart and his handsome father isn’t far behind.

CJ and his father, Coleman are like two-peas-in-a-pod. Their father/son relationship warms my heart and soothes my soul. The pair banter like brothers and the handsome team is virtually unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with. Coleman is a great teacher and capitalizes on every opportunity to give back by passing on pertinent knowledge to the next generation of heartbreakers…

Finding the right woman is a lot like ridin’ a bull. You’ll know in a little over eight seconds whether they’re worth a second ride or not. And, as you know, the best ones usually buck you off a few times before givin’ you the ride of your life.

Upon their first meeting, Coleman Cade, Sr. knows instantly that Roni is just perfect for him.

Then there is the backbone of the Cade family, Nan. I TOTALLY LOVE HER! Aahhh! I wanted to hug her and claim her as my own! Although she might be Coleman’s mother and CJ’s grandmother, she is certainly no prude - I love her spunk! She always offers the BEST advice!

A lady should only ride two things, sweetheart. A horse and her man. But only after she has a solid relationship with both.

If you follow my reviews, then you know I am a huge fan of the curve ball in the plot. Oh yeah, you guessed it, author Laurel Ulen Curtis effectively throws a monkey wrench in everything with a super secret twist and whoa! Boy did I NOT see that one coming! High marks for pulling that one off Laurel!

Readers! If you are a fan of sexy cowboys, spunky women and a story that will keep you on your toes, then IMPOSSIBLE is a must read!


✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews

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☆ Rᴇᴀᴅ ғᴏʀ ᴀ Cᴀᴜsᴇ ☆ - Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society












$1 from every WATCH OVER ME purchase from AMAZON during the month of July 2013 will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

BUY IT NOW! - Amazon



Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec

Description:

Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.

Death changes everyone...

To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?

Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick-start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.

But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?

Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?



From Tara Sivec's Website:

❝I struggled with myself for over a year on whether or not I would write and publish this book.  I also struggled with whether or not I should tell people that this book is for the most part, a true story (save for about 5% or so).  After receiving SO many amazing emails from people who have read this book and thanked me for writing it, I am so glad I made the decision to release it.  Your emails have touched my heart and made me so grateful that you have embraced this book.  Thank you so much for your continued support and for reading a book that is my heart and soul.  I wanted to find a way to give back and since I can't come to each of your houses and give you great big hugs, I decided on the next best thing.  I will be donating $1 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for every copy of Watch Over Me purchased on Amazon between now and the end of the month.  Ebook or paperback, it doesn't matter.  The most important person in my life wasn't able to find a cure, but hopefully someday, a cure will be found.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.


View this post on Tara Sivec's Website

Tara Sivec's Social Links:

 Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads Amazon

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Blog Tour Review & Giveaways Galore - Edible by Ella Frank


Today kicks off the start of the EDIBLE Blog Tour!  The tour starts today and will end on July 19th.  That's two exciting weeks of excerpts, interviews, reviews and prizes. 
YES!  I SAID PRIZES!

So, what's up for grabs?

  • $100 Amazon Gift Card
  • $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
  • $25 iTunes Gift Card
  • 20 - Ella Frank ebook (winner's choice)
  • 5 - Ella Frank Swag Package (US only)


There are 31 exciting stops on this tour celebrating the release of the third book in the EXQUISITE Series by Ella Frank, so be sure to check out the link at the end of this post to check out all the other stops!  

I LOVE this series! Author Ella Frank does not skimp when it comes to creating “real” characters that jump of the page in 3-D and that is what I love about this series.  Although each book can be read as a stand alone, they are best when read in order (in my opinion) so you get to know the wonderful cast of characters as they make their debut appearances!  If you haven't started this series, then you are in for a real treat!

Check out my reviews of the first two books to find out more about what makes them so appealing!






Edible by Ella Frank

Description:
Edible, delicious, delectable.

Rachel Langley is more than familiar with those three words in her line of work. After all, she spends her afternoons and evenings creating desserts so divine that your mouth will water and your taste buds will tingle.

They aren’t, however, the words she would have ever expected to think of when she locks eyes with a certain lawyer she knows only as Cole.

With each encounter, the infuriatingly persistent man becomes more impossible to resist, and edible is the exact word that comes to mind.

Crave, demand, covet.

Cole Madison knows exactly what he wants, and Rachel Langley is it. From the moment he spotted her at Whipped, he knew he wanted to grab hold and take a bite.

However, the woman has enigmatic moves, avoiding him at every turn.

But not for much longer.

Rachel’s time is up, and as far as Cole is concerned, he’s waited too long for a taste of what he desires. Nothing, including the woman herself, will stop him from consuming what he hungers for.

The only question left is: Who will take the first bite?

My Review:

 photo a6fa96fd-94bb-41b8-b36f-39a362741adc_zpsd284cded.jpg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yum! I smell sex and can-day . . . and it smells oh so delicious. So EDIBLE…

Who knew eating candy could be so sexy? Certainly not me, but damn! Sign me up for a dirty talkin’, candy eatin’ bad boy in an angel’s clothing such as the likes of Cole Madison any day!

On the outside, Cole and Rachel don’t appear to “match.” Rachel is quite a vision with her rainbow colored hair, stiletto heels and a barely there leather skirts. In contrast, Cole Madison is all buttoned-up, polished perfection on the outside, clad in designer suits, but don’t you know by now that you can miss out big time by judging a book by its cover? Yeah, who knew there’d so much ink and metal under that three-piece suit?

So now, how about it? You want a taste of his candy?

If you say yes, I’m going to have a hard time not pushing my tongue between those brazen fucking lips.

Okay big boy! Yes! Please don’t tease me like that! You can push anything between these lips any time you want! I just want to know what kind of candy you keep poppin’ between those perfectly plump and lickable lips.

If you say yes, I’ll give you my tongue to suck on, and you can take a guess at what it is.

See, that is exactly what I am talking about. DIRTY. TALKER. I know what you are thinking:  Doesn’t really sound dirty, but with all the sexual tension and innuendo hanging thick in the air, trust me when I say his mouth alone is a panty drencher! Cole is an expert hunter. Like any great hunter, he waits for the perfect opportunity to strike; toying with his prey, making them feel like they actually stood a chance. Rachel projected a tough girl image, but she didn’t stand a chance against his powers of persuasion.

Patience of a saint. The mind of a sinner.

OH! MY! GOD! COLE MADISON! Pack my bag, because we are going to hell!

Honestly, the decision was easy, Cole Madison effectively secured spot number nine on my “Best Dirty Talker” List in the first few chapters – and that was before he really got going! I totally dig this series. Ella Frank brings variety and excitement to each book – am absolutely smitten with all of these wonderful characters she has created. She truly has a gift. I can’t wait to see what’s in her bag of tricks for the next installment. All three books (so far) in the EXQUISITE series are a must read for anyone who loves contemporary romance stories with sexy, strong heroes and sassy, tough heroines. If you haven't snatched up these little gems, you are totally missing out!


Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Ella Frank's Social Links:

 Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads


Check out the tour schedule!

Thank you Nicole from Romantic Rendezvous for coordinating this tour!