Rough Riders, Book 15

The last McKay standing is knocked to his knees…

Three years ago, Dalton McKay looked across the altar and saw the woman he knew he’d love for the rest of his life…only it wasn’t his bride. That’s when he took the McKays’ love-’em-and-leave-’em reputation to new heights—fleeing the ceremony and Wyoming.

Now a family issue has brought Dalton back to Sundance, giving him a chance to prove to everyone—especially the woman he thought he lost—that he’s a changed man.

Aurora “Rory” Wetzler has fallen for cowboy hottie Dalton’s smooth-talkin’ ways too many times. So he’s determined to convince her he’s playing for keeps this go around? Fine. She’ll call that bluff—she can’t ignore their intense chemistry or resist smokin’ hot sex, but she’s not willing to gamble her heart again.

Dalton has plenty of fences to mend with the McKays, but his biggest fear is that Rory doesn’t believe they have a future. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to show her they belong together for the long haul.

Warning: Contains a sexy cowboy who tames his sassy lady love with his romantic and his kinky side. In explicit detail.

Lorelei James is celebrating the release of REDNECK ROMEO with a SEVEN day party. SEVEN great giveaways, SEVEN different posts. Stop by all the amazing blogs participating in the party to increase your chances to win!!! Each blog will post a special REDNECK ROMEO post all seven days (no weekend posts).

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Simply Ali

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone or at least I’m waiting on.

Summary:

In the latest from bestselling author Emily Snow, the Devoured series continues as Sienna finally feels she and Lucas are over all their drama…but not for long.

After two days of amazing bliss, Lucas has another proposition: his band, Your Toxic Sequel, is going on tour with Wicked Lambs, and he wants her with him the entire time. Sienna agrees to work wardrobe and be his official girl.

Life on the road isn’t easy. Not only does Sienna have to deal with Lucas’s band members, but she’s also forced to be around Cilla, the lead singer of Wicked Lambs, who’s clearly in love with Lucas. Despite horny bandmates and a persistent gorgeous rock goddess determined to sink her claws into Lucas, Sienna stays by his side.

Then the threats start.

Lucas’s ex-wife, Sam, isn’t happy that he’s moved on, and Sam begins harassing Sienna. To protect Lucas, Sienna keeps quiet, since she knows how terrible Sam is for his music.

It’s not until Sienna is attacked by a crazed YTS fan hired by Sam, and Sam starts to aim her verbal threats at Sienna’s grandmother, that Lucas finally reveals his secret. And it’s a big one . . .

Release date August 27
Beauty Bites (Biting Love Book 6)
Beauty is skin deep…but the beast goes all the way.

When top Minneapolis ad man Ric Holiday is asked to design a campaign for a quaint little town, his first reaction is absolutely not. Meiers Corners is too near Chicago, home of the vampire who turned him as an orphaned boy.

Then the city sends an angel-faced med student with a body made for sin to plead their case. Synnove Byornsson is the ray of sunshine Ric hasn’t felt since he was human.

Armed with determination and a micro miniskirt, Synnove is prepared to crash Holiday’s penthouse cocktail party—and to dislike him on sight. But Mr. All-Style-No-Substance turns out to have a deadly smile, a barely restrained, feral strength, and piercing blue eyes that look at her—not at her cleavage.

Unfortunately Synnove has competition in the form of a sly temptress with a counterproposal. For the first time in her life, Synnove must cash in her genetic lottery ticket and fire back with some sizzle of her own—or her beloved Meiers Corners could become the new Sin City.

Warning: Contains a doctor with a bod for sin, an ad exec with a chip on his shoulder, sarcasm, sex, and a cabin full of annoying friends. Secrets are revealed. One heart-stopping, horrific moment leads to the ultimate of happily-ever-afters.

It was all fun and games until the gun hit my skull.

Thud. A bright pain cracked in my brain, telling me the mountainous hostage-taker had brought his own weapon to bear.

Almost immediately something heavy plowed into us, spinning me away from the gun. I staggered to a stop.

My sight cleared to Ric, wrestling the mountain.

The big goon seized Ric with one arm, hugging him close like he was going to give him noogies. But the gun in his noogie hand made reality more chilling.

Ric shimmered, and suddenly the mountain was holding a cloud of mist.

Vampire fighting technique? I cheered before it occurred to me to wonder why Ric hadn’t used it before and why the shadowman helping us hadn’t used it at all.

The edge of Ric’s mist caught a stray beam of sunlight. It instantly combusted—poof. My elation turned to horror.

Ric snapped back into being like a rubber band. His cheek was seared open, exposing red muscle surrounded by blackened, bubbling skin. But he lost no time raising his bound hands, swinging, and whacked the bad guy’s head with fists like a mallet.

The mountain swayed but didn’t go down. Ric spun, once, twice, winding up his whole body behind it, and whacked him again.

Still the guy didn’t go down. My heart tripped double time. The mountain swept his gun toward Ric.

I leaped at them. Went oof when I hit the shadow’s arm, stuck out like a bar. I folded over it like a cheap towel and staggered back.

Ric slid into the rifle.

The mountainous goon opened fire as Ric knocked the gun to the side—the side where the ogre-like head hostage-taker stood.

Ogre Face ducked and covered. A spray of bullets rat-a-tat-tatted a line where his head had been.

Ric chopped his forearms across the mountain’s right wrist. The mountain howled, both arms flying up in defense, right hand dangling with a protruding lump at the wrist presenting as broken. The gun fell to hang from its clip. The mountain groped for it with his left hand.

Ric grabbed the big man’s balls.

The guy shrieked. Ric wrenched. The mountain dropped, curling on the floor like a shrimp. Apparently Ric also had a grip like a nut crusher.

“Stop!”

I whipped around. Ogre Face pointed his gun at my head. He rasped, “You’re dead.”

Terror burned that instant into my head like a snapshot. I stood facing the ogre. About ten feet separated us. Behind me was the hostage-lined bank of windows, the shadowman already running toward them. A few feet to my right, the mountain goon curled on the floor, Ric breathing deeply over him.

Both Ric and I were too far away to stop the ogre from shooting.

“Down!” The shadowman pushed hostages to the floor, starting with the ones in Ogre Face’s direct line of fire. Well, if you didn’t count me.

Ric leaped.

My knees started to bend.

Ogre Face pulled the trigger.

Ric wouldn’t hit him in time, even though he’d leaped before the ogre pulled the trigger.

The gun went off.

* * * * *

I turned.

Ric Holiday in his full sizzling glory was right on top of me.

I stepped back, spine hitting the edge of the elevator shaft. My nipples reached out as if trying to stay in touch. *The erection of the mammary papilla is due to muscle contraction, like the pilomotor reflex which causes goose bumps*—Stupid nipples. “What do you want?” I spoke a bit sharply, but his heat and heady scent had goosed my frustration into borderline rudeness. I flushed but held my place. Well, fused against the corner of the shaft, I had to.

He stared down into my eyes, his own frustrated too. “I want to explain.”

“You made it clear enough. Me and Camille at the O.K. Corral, one week from today.” I looked away. The elevator was leaving.

“Synnove.” He slid two strong fingers under my chin and urged my face back to him. The blue had softened. “I’m sorry.”

“Why? There’s worse?” I scowled, but I had to work at it. Why did he have to be so gorgeous? Why did his fingers have to be so gentle, so warm? “You’re going to make us bikini mud wrestle?”

“Ouch.” He smiled slightly. “I deserve that.”

“No,” I grumped. “You don’t. But you’re getting it anyway.”

The grin slowly widened, making his whole face edible. “The vaunted Byornsson honesty. I’m beginning to see the advantages.”

And I was beginning to see the advantages of hot sexy sizzle. But no way I was admitting that to him. Not lying, just omission, which is not a lie. Mostly.
When my lips parted to say something that was not a lie and definitely wasn’t about how sexy he was, his eyes darkened. “Shh.”

He replaced the two fingers on my chin with two cupping hands, holding my face gently, like it was something precious. Like I was precious.

My lips stayed parted but no words came out.

In that moment of silence, he lowered his head. Slowly, so I could have stopped him.

Should have stopped him.

Did not want to.

He’s nothing but image.

Image and intense pleasure.

The lips have one of the highest density of nerve endings in the body…

Argh. Shut up and kiss him.

While I was arguing with myself his warm mouth settled on mine, tongue sliding deftly between my lips. It rasped my sensitive skin, rubbing my lips awake like a thorough toweling. A steamed towel, hot and wet.

Confused feelings fled. I gave a little moan and opened wider.

He swept inside, all spice and heat. He groaned, a sound of masculine hunger. His questing mouth, his hot kiss, said lust plain and clear. Yet his hands were tender on my face, his sweet caress speaking of something beyond sex, a closeness that transcended the physical.

Happiness blossomed in my heart. Our groans were intertwined, mutual. For this one moment, the battle was suspended and we were on the same side.
His fingers tunneled into my hair, holding me firmly while his tongue drove deeper. He pressed closer yet, pinning me to the edge of the elevator shaft with his body, imprinting me with every muscle, every bulge, every place he was hard and primitive under his worsted.

I rippled against him and moaned softly in response. If he could generate this kind of pressure standing, how would the weight of his body feel, pressing me into a mattress?

At the thought I nearly exploded.

He shifted me, his powerful hands urging me away from where the corner of the elevator was digging into my spine and guiding me onto the wall. There he pressed me into vinyl wallpaper and kissed me like he was starving for me. The honest hunger in his kiss undid me. I grabbed his head and kissed him back with everything I had.

A big hand slid up my ribs, sparking a trail of heat, stopping under my breast. The mound throbbed, waiting, wanting, yearning for that hot hand to slide up the curve, to touch my delicate and private flesh. To brand it as his own. My soft moans shortened to whimpers, and I arched to thrust my breast more fully into his hand.

A deep rumbling started, a lion’s purr. His hand moved, fingers barely brushing the bottom curve. I stopped breathing. His fingers skimmed higher, circling nearer, nearer to the hardening tip. I twitched in anticipation, greedy for his touch on sensitive flesh barely covered by a thin blouse and the wispiest scallop of lace. Bless Twyla’s endless supply of sexy bras.

Finally, finally his thumb scraped my nipple. I shrieked into his mouth, jerking against him. My nipple furled instantly, wordlessly urging him again, more, now.

He opened his hand and covered my breast, his heat searing. Slotting the nipple between two fingers, he began to pump and tug gently, rhythmically squeezing, pulling. I thought I’d go insane from the sweet soft tugging.

Until he replaced the hand with his mouth.

His lips closed on my erect nipple through thin blouse and bra, breath wetting the material until he could have been sucking directly on flesh. It was the dream become real; it was better. More aroused than I’d been in my life, I grabbed his ears and beat my hips into him, not thinking at all, just moving. A pressure built between my legs, a hot, heavy throbbing that made me want him on his back and me naked and clamping him between my thighs.

A ding startled me; my eyes flew open. The elevator, which had gone and come back again, disgorged half a dozen professional-looking people.

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Summary:

The countdown has begun, but the only thing striking at midnight will be terror…

New Year’s Eve isn’t all champagne and confetti. For some, it’s filled with regrets, the changing of the day dragging them kicking and screaming into a year for which they aren’t prepared. This year, some people will be screaming, but they may not make it to the New Year at all.

Join 14 horror authors as they reveal the dark side of our end-of-year celebrations. This anthology of a holiday gone horrifyingly wrong contains stories by James S. Dorr, Richard Godwin, Nicky Peacock, John Stewart Wynne, Steve Shrott, Leah Givens, George Seaton, Kathryn Ohnaka, Jeremy K. Tyler, Betsy Miller, Byron Barton, Steve Bartholomew, Ali Maloney and Foxglove Lee.

Soul Hippie’s Review:

Let me start this review by stating that there is NOTHING by Untreed Reads Publishing that I would be hard-pressed to pass up, you dig? Every time I’ve come across one of their titles, this reviewer has been more than satisfied. This collection of short stories that’s centered around the New Year holiday is no exception.

When reviewing anthologies, I like to give each story its own rating with a rating of five seashells being ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, 3 seashells being Meh, It Was Okay and 1 seashell being Could Have Went Without Reading. My ratings for the stories included in 14 Tales of Holiday Horror are as follows:

Appointment In Time – 4 seashells. A great story to start this collection! It reminded me of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. Chilling!

Doll – 3 seashells Okay, this story kind of pissed me off in that it was sooo good right up until the end and then I felt completely let down in that…I didn’t get it. I didn’t see how it all connected. I even read through it again to see if I had overlooked a pertinent clue. Maybe I read too much into it. Maybe I didn’t read enough. All I know is I was pissed to the highest level of piss-ivity because up until the ending, I really enjoyed this story.

Jack’s Month – 3 seashells. Predictable yet cute. I will say that the heroine in this story had me thinking that although the wheel might be turning – that hamster is long dead. Ditzy broad, that one.

A Night In the Pampas – 4 seashells. Very good story! I loved the ending!

Deadly Secrets - 4 seashells. I really enjoyed this story as well. Unique concept.

Trigger – 1 seashell. This was like going on a bad acid trip that I was so not invited on. My thoughts while reading this story can best be summed up in one word: Huh?

The Story of Myrtle Roady – 5 seashells. My absolute favorite story out of this entire collection! Brilliant! Just brilliant! I had an idea of where the author was going with this tale and although I was spot on with my prediction – boy, did I enjoy the ride!!!

Midnight Whisper – 3.5 seashells. This was a very well-written story. The Nosey Nelly in me wanted to know exactly what was going on though and when it wasn’t quite explained – I felt a bit disappointed.

Contract Fulfillment – 4 seashells. More of a thriller than horror but a great addition to this collection. It will definitely make you think twice about reading the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.

Mixology – 2 seashells. My brain could not grasp the concept.

Whatever It Takes – 4 seashells. Too funny! I would definitely like to read more about this character and his obsessive need to win.

The Rat – 4.5 seashells. This story was darn good! My second favorite in the collection!

Missing Pieces – 3 seashells. Pretty good.

Token Lesbians – 3 seashells. Started out pretty good but lost steam towards the end.

Overall, Year’s End: 14 Tales of Holiday Horror by J. Alan Hartman is an enjoyable collection of short stories that provide just the right amount of chills and chuckles.

Rated 4 Seashells by Soul Hippie!

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Every week, Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading,and Felicia from Geeky Blogger’s Book Blog want to see those Top Off covers that grab your attention! Please play along and tell us your favorites (old, new, or not yet released). Button made by Missie at The Unread Reader and Diana at Book of Secrets.

Every once in a while there are covers that just make you say Oh My! Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad, and sometimes it is head scratching. The point of Top Off Tuesday is to show you the ones with their Tops Off!

Summary:

Summary:

Eleanor Lacey’s husband is as dead as their sexless marriage. While she waits for the law to decide if she’s widowed or divorced, she leaves scandal in Connecticut behind and flees to Texas to begin anew. But she needs money—fast. What better way to earn her grubstake than by cooking meals for the richest rancher in the state?

Cyrus Burke works hard for every penny he makes and prides himself on knowing where to cut costs. He doesn’t want a wife cluttering up his life. His housekeepers are good enough—round-the-clock employees tending his sexual appetite too. When Mrs. Lacey applies for the position, she looks like a promising candidate. Delicious in fact, as smooth and creamy as a tasty tart.

When Eleanor and Cyrus come together, it’s a recipe for hot love. Take one wickedly willful widow and one arrogantly masterful man, add a dash of decadent desire, a pinch of sizzling naughty, and turn up the fire.

Cloe’s Review:

A Pinch of Naughty by Gem Sivad is a fun, sexy trip back in time to see how they handled things then. Ellie had me cheering for her from the first chapter because she owned the role magnificently.

Ellie needed to be free of her family and the nasty rumors that have plagued her for a long time. Ellie’s future lies in the hands of one crude dude, Cyrus Burke. Ellie’s character has sass, bite and a heart to care and love for the ones who truly mattered. I don’t think Ms. Sivad could have matched Cyrus any better.

Cyrus’s mannerisms are not for the faint of heart. His plain speaking way even shocked me. He is blatantly crude and rude. Can this shy and proper lady tame his wildness, or will Cyrus turn the tables and show Miss Prim and Proper how much unleashed passion she truly enjoys? Cyrus’s true nature grew on me in chapter four, when he shows that he will stop an nothing to protect the people he truly cares about.

Ellie and Cyrus have their work cut out for them between Ellie’s crazy money hungry family, Cyrus’s crudeness, and Ellie’s uncertainties in her abilities. I want to applaud Ms. Sivad for the tender moments when Cyrus talks of his mother. It touched me deeply.

The lower level characters help build a plot full of wonderful richness, as well as some interesting moments. Will there be more books? Will Ellie’s siblings find love? Will Sage get snared by a woman? There are so many wonderful characters Ms. Sivad could have a whole other series. Hint! Hint! LOL! The plot was a smooth as the characters. Ms. Sivad has a marvelous talent of keeping her readers entertained with her stories.

If you are looking for a good dose of arrogant men, rocking heroines, noisy neighbors along with something naughty, pick-up Pinch of Naughty by Gem Sivad.

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Cloe!

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Summary:

For a love that will last through the ages, they must fight an evil older than time.

Jeffrey Grimm’s grandfather, Odin, tortured and nearly killed his twin sister. He’s on a mission to return the favor. To get the job done, he needs the world’s oldest living laser-hair-removal candidate: Fenrisùlfr, the werewolf prophecy has decreed will kill Odin at Ragnarrok.

When he gets to Norway, though, he discovers the wolf can change into a man…a man so sexy that Jeff is blindsided with lust. And, despite his blood ties to Odin, Fen wants him with equal ferocity.

An attraction to the blood kin of his oldest enemy? Fenris figures he must have been caged far too long. Yet as soon as the magical phrase that frees him leaves Jeff’s lips, Fenris has no choice. He is bound to protect Jeff at all costs, even if it means giving up his hatred of the man who betrayed him—and learning to live with the horrors of
toothpaste and the Internet.

Odin isn’t through with him, though. And when he gets his hands on Jeff, Fen calls upon everything within him to fulfill the prophecy… even if it means his own death.

Warning: This book contains explicit male/male sex, graphic language, a redhead with a temper and the ultimate werewolf. Caution, drooling may be an unfortunate side effect.

Cloe’s Review:

Howl for Me by Dana Marie Bell is one hot, godly mess, to say the least. LOL! You have Gods and shifters running around adding to everyone’s gene pool that it was hard not too laugh.

Jeff is a brilliantly, well-written character. Ms. Bell wrote him as an alpha, but Jeff knew when to hand over the reins. Fenris is truly a sweetheart. My heart ached when he found out what and who his attended mate was. When Fenris discovers his inner chi everyone is a bit shocked, even Fenris.

The secondary characters just added so much to the heroes and the back drop. I hate to admit I have not read the first books in this series, but I can say I will be soon. I cannot wait to discover more about Kir, Jordan, Logan, Travis and Jamie’s stories. From what I uncovered, they sound like an interesting bunch.

As for the plot, there were twists and turns  in Howl for Me that had my attention glued to the pages. I read it in 2 hours.*grins* You have sexy Gods, yummy wolves, parents in shock, and a crazed villain who gives you chills. I could not wait till the end, now I need more. Will they win in the end? Or will what is written ring true? Only one way to find out, pick up this great series by Dana Marie Bell.

Rated 4 Seashells by Cloe!

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Every week, Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading,and Felicia from Geeky Blogger’s Book Blog want to see those Top Off covers that grab your attention! Please play along and tell us your favorites (old, new, or not yet released). Button made by Missie at The Unread Reader and Diana at Book of Secrets.

Every once in a while there are covers that just make you say Oh My! Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad, and sometimes it is head scratching. The point of Top Off Tuesday is to show you the ones with their Tops Off!

Summary:

Desire like this wasn’t in the script…

Heart of Fame, Book 3

Small-screen sex symbol Chris Huntley is on the fast track to becoming the next big action-blockbuster movie star. When his latest movie takes him to Australia for a red-carpet premiere, he thinks he’s ready for anything.

But nothing could have prepared him for his raw, carnal response to his Aussie bodyguard. Sexual attraction to a man is a first for Chris. Now he realizes why his relationships with women have never felt quite…complete.

Liev Reynolds is comfortable with his bisexuality, but his attraction to Chris is an inconvenience he must ignore. For starters, there’s his professional ethics. Then there’s the long trail of female broken hearts in Chris’s wake.

Hard as they both try to keep their minds on their jobs, desire and a little matchmaking tip them over the edge. But Hollywood endings aren’t real life. And when the truth leaks out, their careers aren’t the only collateral damage.

Summary:

Young nanny Anya Kozlov takes a job at the elite BDSM club, Wicked, in order to pay for her upcoming trip to Paris for her costume designing internship. Donning a mask to disguise herself, a scandalous outfit, and assuming the fake name of Dove, Anya is at once fascinated and terrified about her new job. On her first night she is shocked by the pure decadence of the club, but her greatest surprise comes when she finds out that the man she is a nanny for and has an enormous crush on, Jesse Shaw, is also a member of Wicked. When Jesse expresses his interest in teaching her about the dark pleasures of Dominance and submission Anya is helpless to resist, even though she is lying to him about who she is.

Jesse can’t seem to get the new hostess, Dove, out of his mind. It’s been five years since his wife passed and for the first time he feels something beyond physical lust or friendship for a woman. Entranced by the sweet and submissive woman, he is angry and hurt when he finds out that Dove is really Anya, his meek and mousy nanny. With only a few weeks left before Anya leaves for Paris, Jesse is determined to get her to not only tell the truth, but also to put his mark on her soul so deep that no man could ever take his place.

Just like the mark she has already put on his.

Naunet’s Review:

As only Ann Mayburn can do; she creates an exhilarating BDSM read with a great storyline that taps the reader on all levels because of the hidden messages embedded.

Ms. Mayburn’s characters are featured in varieties physically and of carnal experience which is just the appetizers for the scrumptious entrees and desserts that follow as she lays out a feast of a titillating, addictive narrative such as My Wicked Nanny. I found the use of characters in their sensational seventies, rubensque, tender twenties, working class and the affluent kicks stereotypes to the curb which gives My Wicked Nanny the strong sense of realism and demonstrates Ann Mayburn’s wisdom as an author.

Ms. Mayburn’s depiction’s of all things nice and naughty possesses just the perfect flavoring of “scandalous” acts that keeps me running back to read her books. Ms Mayburn’s smooth, delectable writing style appeals to all fives senses and drives the eyes of most reader’s imagination revolving into rapid fire spheres searching for the next climatic event be it emotionally or physically.

My Wicked Nanny comes with a hefty warning as Ann Mayburn’s book is written specifically for the grown and fearlessly sexy. The fact that there is a warning not to attempt the actions portrayed in the book should be taken seriously because these delectable, luscious behaviors found in Ms. Mayburn’s story is enough to entice the mild-natured reader to explore. Shhh, well I’ll confess; I was tempted big time. endorphins

Anya Kozlov statuesque built and innocence is a woman with goals and open-minded ambitions. She’s overwhelmed by the mansion of Mr. Jesse Shaw, CEO of his own technology business, and the opulence found in the secluded mansion of her part-time job as a server in one of the most exclusive adult clubs in Washington, DC: Wicked.

Anya, who is from the midwest, is open-minded and looking forward to her trip to Paris in hopes of broadening her world. She has no idea the impact of working at Wicked will change the outlook on her life’s adventures. Anya is the nanny for the two sons of Mr. Jesse Shaw and knows very little of his private life.

Jesse Shaw is the man with thunder and lighting bolts of skills as a Dom who has a body that makes you weep in wonderment. He’s strong, passionate, gentle yet rough, handsome and capable of easing away ones fears. Master Jesse, as a Dom, demonstrates ingeniousness of all the concepts he presents. I can’t imagine there being anyone else that could touch my mind, body and soul with the passionate manner of BDSM as he introduced Anya/Dove to.

My Wicked Nanny is loaded with exhilarated events and I found it nearly impossible to stop reading. The carnal sensation from the explicit, dreamy descriptions of the sexy activities were tender and deliciously painful to the point that I whimpered with Anya/Dove on more than one occasion.

Jesse Shaw is the new man in my dreams and I too would trust him to introduce me to all sorts of naughty pleasures.

Wicked located in Washington, DC is a exquisite sex club where the high and mighty go to play. Laurel is the seventy year old woman in charge of the employment positions and hires Anya.

Master Isaac a member of the board of executive of Wicked , Master Hawk, and Master Jesse, are a few key players in this fast moving narrative that finds the hidden endorphins of many readers.

Secondary characters and dialogue in My Wicked Nanny are bountiful and directs the flow of the storyline. Laurel, Diane Carol, Mr. Florentine, and Sunny are just a few of the fabulous characters rounding out this explosive romantic BDSM story.

Ms. Mayburn brings the reader to the BDSM state of mind through her vivid imagination of spice and titillation that is unbelievable.

Ann Mayburn’s secondary characters are believable and the dialogue between all the characters carries a ring of realism. In my opinion, Ms. Mayburn’s My Wicked Nanny is a work of sheer genius.

Ms. Mayburn strokes every sensory neuron and commands them to explodes under her powerful mandates.

Through Ms. Mayburn’s words she conducts her own mental BDSM sessions on the mind of the audience throughout My Wicked Nanny.

The vibrating connection between Master Jesse and Dove opens up their hearts and totes the energy that one waits for a lifetime to share emotionally and physically, be it in the bed, on the table, or on a St Thomas cross.

Ms. Mayburn’s cheers and applause for My Wicked Nanny  in my opinion are well deserved as it drives the reader who enjoys BDSM with a spark of romance into a breathless frenzy, then revives the audience just in time to await the next book.

Way to Go Ms. Mayburn!

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Naunet!

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Summary:

Landon “Blackhawk” Walker is ready to get out of the Navy SEALs. He has seen and done enough, and can’t wait to get to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where three tasks await him: get back into civilian mode, take a boat out to the El Arco Rocks, and win back the heart of the woman he lost because of his career.

Maya Gonzalez has tired of the heartbreak that comes with Landon’s deployments year after year. When he walks back into her life, she cannot deny her heart, despite her reservations.

As they lose themselves in each other and the beauty of Cabo, their passion is rekindled once again, but Maya knows that one phone call means deployment for Landon, putting an end to their reunion, and possibly their relationship.

Naunet’s Review:

I was taken in by Chica Bella the moment I started reading this novella penned by Carly Fall. Ms. Fall describes the fragile love and trust of Maya Gonzalez and Landon Walker better known as Blackhawk because of his association of Navy SEALS. The theme of being in love with a Navy SEAL has a natural pull on my heartstrings because of my admiration of the work of the SEALs.

I was touched by Landon’s reluctance and “fear” of reconnecting with his love, Maya Gonzalez, because of the lack of communication and covert activities of his demanding duties of secrecy. The reuniting in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was so tender and sensitive, bleeding of apprehensions from two beautiful people.

Ms. Fall does an extraordinary job of bringing the reader into the storyline by wrapping up all sensory elements and the prior knowledge and understanding of longing for someone. The pain of not being sure if your lover is alive and what they are doing is palpable. As a woman, I connected with Maya’s level of mistrust and pain when you don’t know what is happening to your man or what he is doing living day to day without a word from him.

Landon doesn’t know what to do as it relates to his relationship with Maya, but he can tackle any tough mission, withstand bullets, jungles, deserts, and bombs exploding around him. The thought of how receptive Maya will be when he re-enters her life is interesting because Maya is his missing magical piece of Heaven.

Maya waits in what seems to be an eternity missing Landon, his touch, his sparkling persona, and teasing manner along with making her feel so sensual and adored. In my opinion, this love between Maya and Landon is one that will never die regardless of the circumstances.

Ms. Falls’ depiction of Cabo San Lucas is on the money and I enjoyed how she shared the activities in Mexico, interactions among characters, and dialogue and as she states the rapid fire of Spanish that can often take place in conversations loaded with emotions.

Ms. Falls’ characters are fabulously sexy. Maya is breathtakingly gorgeous with a body built for sin and lust in the eyes of any man blessed to be in her presence.

Landon “Blackhawk” makes me want to scream with carnality. Those tight buns, abs and broad shoulders that appear to be capable of sheltering me from any storm are simply magnificent. Imagine touching the tattoo and the muscles surrounding it. Landon’s body and heart will make most women’s knees weak. Although he can’t stop the rain or torn emotions, I could feel his energy which appears to contain the power to change destiny.

Ms. Falls does justice to the parental guidance and support when it involves Maya and Landon.

Chica Bella is a quick read and I found myself caught up in the strange set of circumstances Maya and Landon were thrust into as a result of his deployments.

If you enjoy a quick, spicy tug of war of emotions story with explosive loving making, then Chica Bella will please your palate with all of the rushing emotions and memories packed within its pages.

I look forward to reading more of Carly Falls’ stories.

Rated 4 Seashells by Naunet!

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Summary:

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed.Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

Mar’s Review:

When I first spotted the cover, I had to read the book. Yummy hunk in his military pants sans shirt beckons you to open the pages! I loved this action packed story with a motley crew of characters. If you like military or action seeking males, then SEAL Of Honor is for you!

Gabe and his team set off to rescue a wealthy businessman on their first mission together. Talk about a comedy of errors! Action packed at every turn, Gabe and the businessman’s sister, Audrey, counter each other very well. Their chemistry is felt and even though Gabe frustrated me, Tonya Burrows kept him in his ex-SEAL character.

Plot twists make this book a cliffhanger and gives you a glimpse into possible new storylines. Audrey really was a handful and kept the storyline moving with her quick wit, quirky comebacks, and her take charge attitude when it came to getting the best out of Gabe. Fast paced storyline filled with lines that will make you chuckle, SEAL Of Honor is a delightful read.

Rated 4 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

All work and no play? Not for this girl. Not anymore.

Melissa Sparks has had enough. Enough of being an overachiever, enough of having no social life, enough of being lonely. Just this once she wants a change. Something different. Something that looks very much like her business associate, Ben Cowley.

Ben is all alone in the deserted offices of Preston Elks. He’s gorgeous, he’s single and he’s been her secret fantasy for the last two years. It’s a split-second decision, but there’s no going back.

When Ben looks up from his desk, the last thing he expects to see is his too-serious, straight-laced colleague stripping naked. It’s been a year since his last relationship ended, and though he’s still picking up the pieces, Melissa throws his carefully balanced world off its axis. So does her offer: a brief affair, no strings attached.

Right about the time he realizes a simple affair will never be enough, she’s back in professional mode—and clearly as distant as ever. Now it’s up to him to show her that what they have is no fluke…and he’ll do whatever it takes to convince her. Even if it means inviting another man into their bed.

Product Warnings:

This book contains a man haunted by his past decisions, a woman determined to succeed, sex hot enough to steam up every office window on the block, and a voyeur who gets off watching those windows steam up.

Mar’s Review:

The interesting hook at the beginning of this book snagged me early on. Ben and Melissa have worked together for years and there has never been any sparks, at least from Ben’s perspective. He was too busy focusing on his fiance. Now that they are over, he is simply trying to get his life back on track. Melissa is tired of waiting on Ben to realize she is right there in front of him.

Taking things into her own hands, she decides sex is what he needs to get his mind back on his work and life. Sometimes plans backfire on you when you think you can just have sex with someone and leave your emotions and heart at the door, errrr in Melissa’s case, the floor.

Sinful and forbidden after hours office sex while being watched turns their lives upside down. Office Affair leads you through many emotional ups and downs as Ben and Melissa discover what they truly want out of life. Working until the wee hours of the night, bouncing figures around in their heads all day, while counting the hours until their coworkers leave so they can bounce around naked all over the office. Jess Dee leaves you laughing and groaning as the pair deal with voyeurism, menage, expectations, and trust as they spend hour upon hour in their Office Affair.

Rated 4 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

Grace Meredith is the CIA’s most deadly assassin. Too bad she’s gone off the grid and become a mercenary for hire. After the death of her daughter by a sniper’s bullet, Grace can no longer stomach the demands of agency life or keep herself from blaming the only man she’s ever loved. Her mind and body are fragile, and she knows she’s just a step away from breaking down completely.

Gabe Brennan holds the weight of the world on his shoulders. As one of the most brilliant black ops agents the CIA has ever employed, he knows it’s no one’s fault but his own that his child was gunned down in cold blood. He might not have been able to save his daughter, but he’s determined to save his wife. He only has to find her first.

Sexual tension crackles between Gabe and Grace from the moment they’re reunited, but between the man who is hunting them, a secret that’s been buried for eighty years, and a turbulent past—the odds are stacked against them.

Naunet’s Review:

Swoosh! The sound one hears after the reality hits the brain. Liliana Hart is a fascinating author who is new to me and has captured me as her latest hostage in Kill Shot. I am glad I stumbled across her path. Lilian Hart has a powerful, extraordinary ability for manufacturing a suspenseful narrative, which is apparent in Kill Shot. So, hop aboard for a breathtaking, exhilarating trek from various countries to get your “Kill ON”.

I enjoyed the book so much because the main characters are alluring and perfectly mated. This multi-dimensional firepower is manifested incredibly through their personalities.

Throughout Kill Shot, the tiny hairs on my neck were always on high alert as Ms. Hart took me on an adventurous ride with the strongest woman assassin I have run across.

Grace Meredith, the key character and an Alpha female, makes Wonder Woman look like a new born kitten. She is one kick butt lady. Her stealthiness is as smooth as a cirrus cloud floating innocently on a beautiful spring day. Grace is the woman I admire with nerves of steel, who is all about taking care of business without blinking an eye. Grace’s CIA kill skills are like non other. I bet Grace could qualify as a member of specialized Team 6 with the bad ass Navy Seals. Is there a weak bone in her gorgeous, sensual body? Few have gotten close enough to find out.

The persona of Gabe Brennan is magnetic and pulls me up close and personal to his strong broad shoulders and chest to listen to the drumming of his heart. The vibration reminds me of the beat of a bass drum under the powerful, gifted hands of an ancient warrior and tribal drummer. Gabe’s combination of rippling muscular body parts and the maneuvers of a snake charmer makes him a man who can take me higher and higher into a world of pleasure and trust. Gabe and Grace are a dynamo Alpha couple both in and out of the bedroom.

The whole black ops/ Seal, assassin suspense novels has always been like a drug to me. There are few authors that can develop and pull all aspects of undercover assassins and dangerous characteristics blended with hot carnalities without weakening the story.

Ms. Hart has a sensational storyline with believable characters. Kill Shot is a must read for individuals who appreciate the energy that comes with suspense, spys, secrets, sexiness and all things saucy. In my opinion, Kill Shot is no ordinary suspense novel because it strips away fake emotions and displays of love. There is no need for this talented author to push mushy madness into the elements of this fantastic nail biting, Alpha team.

Ms. Hart’s secondary characters’ roles were paramount in the pacing of this magnetic suspense.

Liliana Hart has magically distributed a well balanced weight of compassion, sexual tension, and spine tingling action throughout her storyline. This ability shifts Kill Shot into a mesmerizing read for her audience. Kill Shot is positively a page turner on so many levels. My suggestion is to read Kill Shot when you have the house to yourself for a day void of distractions.

I am definitely on board with any mission Liliana Hart plans to set into motion.

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Naunet!

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Summary:

He’s her ex’s brother, yet Arden Windham aches to be in Cam Mercer’s arms. The man is rude and obnoxious, his blue eyes cold and unfeeling, but he makes her body melt. Being with ex-con Cam is nowhere in her plans, not if she wants the affection she’s worked so hard to gain from her overbearing father. Still, Cam’s touch is unlike anything she’s ever felt and Arden finds herself having to choose between her wants and her needs.

Cameron Mercer is his family’s black sheep, a man apart. For six months he watched Arden waste her time with his twin and now she’s free, he’s not waiting another minute. He’s on a campaign to get her off the tight rope she’s been walking. There’s a rebel behind that smooth façade and he’s on a mission to set Arden free. Too bad she insists on putting up a fight.

Be Warned: anal sex.

Mar’s Review:

Avril Ashton’s stories always grab me from the beginning because they start off with a strong character that just demands you pay attention to her or him. Far From the Usual is no different. Arden is head strong, feisty and downright bitchy at times. And that was before her ex’s twin brother puts her in her place.

I am always amazed at how quickly, I become immersed in Ms. Ashton’s novels. Fast paced storyline, witty remarks, and characters that you just want to cheer for all make up her style. Not once have I been disappointed. Far From the Usual is definitely just that. Cameron has let everyone in his small town think he is the rotten apple but in reality he is the hunk of the bunch. He must have inherited all of the character because his brother is sorely lacking in that area.

Arden is a typical Avril Ashton character: strong, determined, sexy, and needing something. For Arden, it his her daddy’s affection and praise. She never hung out with him as a child and tries to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t deserve her time and Cameron isn’t afraid to tell her so. Bad boy Cam lights up the sheets, the walls, the floor, and just about anywhere else he and Arden touch each other. Scorching, sinful sex awaits you in this amazing story of remembering to not judge a book, or a person, by it’s outer cover.

Rated 4.5 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

When the little pissant arrives on Lord Bronson’s doorstep with his young sister completely infatuated, he knows he must remove the scrawny runt or risk having him marry into the family. He’s not above striking terror into the weak-hearted, but when he discovers the he is actually a she, it sets him into a rage of suspicion and desire that Alex is completely incapable of avoiding.

When Alexandra hatched the plan to masquerade as a man to safely cross the land, she had no idea she would be rescuing a damsel in distress and become an object of distrust to the girl’s frightening eldest brother, Lord Bronson. His eagle eyes make it impossible to escape her fate and leave her living in terror that he’ll see right through her flimsy disguise. The possibility of what the barbaric family might do to her when they find out she’s really a woman leave her in a constant state of hilarious panic….

Rating: Contains an uber-alpha male that is breathtakingly, sexually aggressive; graphic, explicit sex; and situations of hilarity that will leave you alternatively laughing and reaching for a cold glass of water. Be warned, this isn’t your typical medieval/Renaissance romance novel. If you like a good laugh and a heroine getting herself into trouble, you should enjoy this.

REISSUE originally published under Beguiled.

Mar’s Review:

I can only imagine that if Alexandra had attempted to walk into Lord Bronson’s home in the medieval/Renaissance period, all hell would have broken out within days. I found myself laughing during this story as well as cheering for the unlikely pair.

Alexandra really set herself up for this as she attempted to pass herself off as a man setting out on his travels. Saving Lord Bronson’s sister wasn’t in her plans, but it appeared like it might have some possibilities attached to it. Little did she know that Lord Bronson, hunk of all time, was going to be such a problem.

A hilarious and refreshing storyline brings Ravished by Julia Keaton to life. Lord Bronson must have been beside himself to think he desired his sister’s rescuer during a time that same sex relationships was not an option. I practically cheered at the ending that was not hinted at anywhere in the story! I felt there was a slight abruptness near the end, almost like once the ending was thought of the author rushed to get there because it was such a delightful, wonderful ending to an equally amazing beginning and middle. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

Rated 4 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

’Tis the season for double seduction.

The only item on Jana Colton’s Christmas list this year is Kevin Monahan. Preferably naked in her bed. The delicious, hunky chef has been resisting her forever, but she’s pulling out all the sexy stops this holiday. Especially since his acceptance of an out-of-state job threatens to nix her quest to rock his boxers off.

Jana has always been Kevin’s personal Kryptonite, but giving in to her isn’t an option. Relationships are a four-letter word in his book. He cares far too much for Jana to let his emotional baggage ultimately break her heart.

With the arrival of his best friend, Nick Pappas, the balance of temptation shifts. From their past history of sharing women, Nick knows every dirty trick it takes to lead Kevin astray, and he’s not afraid to use them. Particularly since Nick’s convinced that Jana is exactly what Kevin needs to be happy and whole.

Their game of seduction quickly snowballs into something that feels an awful lot like love—in triplicate. But with Kevin dead set on leaving Michigan, there’s a real possibility it could be a blue Christmas for them all.

Product Warnings: This book contains an extremely tormented voyeur, a very naughty and not so saintly Nick, a liberal application of candy cane-flavored body paint, a buzzing butterfly, and enough raunchy fun on a sex swing to melt a snowman…or two.

Mar’s Review:

Checking it Twice by Jodi Redford is definitely worth READING TWICE!! An amazing multi-dimensional story with characters you will fall in love with. Let’s start with my favorite, Jana. She is hopelessly in love with the chef at her brother’s restaurant, Kevin. He has the hots for her she can tell but he just won’t act upon them. Kevin appears to carry his emotions tucked deep inside himself and is even leaving town to prevent himself from getting tangled up with Jana, who he is extremely attracted to.

Jana runs a lingerie shop and has been flirting with Nick, a creator and salesman of decadently delicious lubes and body creams. He personally comes to deliver her shipment because he feels the pulse vibrating between them. Only one problem. Nick is Kevin’s ex-best friend. Jana’s luck just doesn’t seem to be running her way!

These three characters are so well written that you won’t be able to put the book down. Jana has so much spirit and spunk that you will secretly want to be her, especially as she and Nick explore her boundaries. Is love enough to save someone from their own sense of purgatory? You have to read this book because the story is truly one that you won’t forget.

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Mar!

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Summary :

Still mourning the death of her beloved father, Kadlin is sent to live with her only remaining family and soon finds herself offered up to an aging jarl as payment for her uncle’s gambling debt. The handsome, enigmatic Viking who is tasked with bringing Kadlin to her future husband is harboring painful secrets of his own. Will the Viking be able to heal both of their hearts while delivering Kadlin?

READER ADVISORY: This book contains explicit sexual situations, explicit language, spanking, consensual bondage, oral sex.

Mar’s Review :

Set in a beautiful location back in the time of the mighty Vikings, Delivering Kadlin has an interesting story to tell. Kadlin’s life was turned upside down when her father died forcing her to live with her aunt and uncle. She fears for the worse when she is dragged out of her home to begin a long walk to repay a debt that her uncle owes. Bjorn has been working at freeing himself some land from the Jarl for years. All he needs is this one delivery and his life will be ready to take a turn for the better.

Fate intervenes and has them crashing into each other. Readers need to remember the time period and the lack of true knowledge historians have of that time. Setting, characters and story fit the era. Bjorn is not a sweet, tender man, but it appears Kadlin doesn’t want that either. Bjorn is a rough man with a tender spot that Kadlin uncovers.

Parts of the plot were definitely fantasy in nature and added to the complexity of the story line. Spankings, scorching sex amidst a land of no real comforts, and two characters who are in need of having something and someone to hold on to. Gabrielle Holly has produced a book that grabs at your inner core cheering for two lost souls to find freedom with each other.

Rated 3.5 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

Medieval Historical Romance

“She found herself unimpressed with him, having expected more of the legendary man–Brant. Lord Blackwell. Brant the Gladiator. Brant the Vigorous. Brant the Flame. Brant the Viking Hero. Della snorted in unladylike disgust. More like, Brant the Thorn in my Arse!”

Lady Della the Cold-Hearted

Lady Della despises all things Viking. They may rule the land, but they will never rule her. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t seem to agree. To prove his continued allegiance to the Viking king, the Ealdorman of Strathfeld betroths his only daughter to a respected Viking Lord–a warrior who’s legendary prowess isn’t reserved for the battlefield. Fighting the newfound craving in her body and the unwelcome fire in her heart, Della must choose between everything she knows to be true and the one thing she never expected…

Lord Brant of Blackwell, the Fiery One

Lord Blackwell is as fiery on the battlefield as he is in his passions. He has fought valiantly for King Guthrum and has earned the respect of the nobles. When his overlord offers the hand of his beautiful daughter and the right to inherit his lands, Blackwell can hardly refuse. However, he soon discovers that his noble bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she’s kissing him back, the next she’s swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuaded him from their marriage. Can his lust for life and his new bride melt the ice that surrounds her heart? Or will Lady Della the Cold be this warrior’s undoing?

Mar’s Review:

Historical fiction books were the first I ever read as a teenager and every chance I get, I run right back to them. Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice had the perfect book cover, title and summary to drag me into its pages.

Lady Della was an interesting, complex female that drove me crazy if I thought of her from my time in today’s life. But if you can put yourself back in time to what was happening around her and in her time, she was a well put together character with many facets. Lord Blackwell was the charmer, the conniver, the sexist, and the sexy. Faced with killing men in hand to hand combat one moment and then being a husband the next was bound to play havoc with his thinking.

Action from the very beginning, Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice was definitely a love story that had its ups and downs. Set in a time where males and females had a certain limitation on their communication and expectancies, this book does it justice. You will be cheering for Lady Della and Lord Blackwell by the time the book is over!

Rated 4 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

ABANDONED AT THE ALTAR

A man devastated by love

After three years of carousing and debauchery, Alex Cartwright, heir to the Duke of Hastings, has put his life back in order. Having embraced sobriety for two years, he has no intention of revisiting the past or risking his heart again. But the return of the very woman who introduced him to the darkest side of hell brings not only the painful, haunting memories of bittersweet love and abandonment, but the son he never knew he had…

A woman silenced by secrets

Threatened by the revelation of a secret that could destroy her family’s place in society and forever tarnish a dukedom, Charlotte fled England on her wedding day five years ago. Now, although it appears that secret is safe, when Alex discovers her other secret—their son—Charlotte has an altogether different battle ahead. She must now fight one love to hold onto the other—the man whose touch still makes her burn, for the child who is her very world.

Book #1 – Sinful Surrender
Book #2 – A Taste of Desire
eNovella #2.5 – All’s Fair in Love & Seduction (Download it free)

CASSANDRA G.

The book is in your mailbox. Enjoy!

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Summary:

[Ménage Amour: Erotic Fantasy Ménage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, angels, bondage, flogging, sex toys, HEA]

Sofia Fillipone doesn’t know her great-grandfather, Frankie Fillipone, is the mob boss who once tried to ruin Lilith’s Playground. She’s there to hide from her dirty cop ex-husband who continues to harass her a year after their divorce. What she doesn’t count on is falling in love with two of the mysterious, sexy owners.

Reeve Neville and Niko Fallon discover Sofia’s true identity and realize Rake, her ex-husband, has discovered where Sofia is hiding. Can they convince the others that Sofia isn’t out to ruin them before Rake comes looking for her?

And what will happen when she discovers their secret? Both men have fallen in love with Sofia. Can they convince her to stay at the resort with them for the rest of her life?

When Sofia disappears during a costume party, both men join in the search for her, knowing Rake has her. Can they save her in time?

A Siren Erotic Romance

Mar’s Review:

Cherished by Two Angels is the 5th book in the Notorious Nephilim series by Carolyn Rosewood. While I haven’t read any of the previous 4 books, it didn’t matter as the author sets the stage for this new venture by providing great run downs of who all of the other background characters are. Sofia, the heroine, is a new addition and one that really carries this story.

She has gone to a resort to hide from her ex, but it seemed she was really hiding from herself. After meeting the two hot hunks that co-own the joint, her life begins to change for the better. Not at all intimidated by the fact that sharing is part of the reality for Niko and Reeve, Sofia takes the bulls by the horns so to speak and proceeds to drive them crazy. Sofia’s character really grew as the story went on which I was happy to see. Ms. Rosewood pegged Sofia early on for being able to have a pity party, but she developed her into a character that was likable, strong, and entertaining.

Hot sex mixed in with just the right amount of suspense makes Cherished by Two Angels a thrill of a read. The well thought out story line is unique and very entertaining. I can’t wait to read the other four books in this series!

Rated 4 Seashells by Mar!

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Summary:

Valentine’s Day.

And my 21st birthday.

Whoop-de-doo.

Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.

…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.

Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.

Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.

Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.

Sydney’s Review:

Rita Webb is a new author to me, but Playing Hooky, the first book in her new Paranormal Investigations series was not only entertaining, but also packed quite a punch for such a short story. Jason and Emma’s witty banter, intense, sexual chemistry, and complex history had me reading this riveting story in one sitting.

Unrequited love and friends to lovers have always been two of my favorite tropes. Add to that Ms. Webb’s exceptional world-building, Emma and Jason’s plight to find the missing Siren, and a host of intriguing yet quirky circus friends and you have an alluring, supernatural story full of adventure. I loved the intricate twists and turns that Rita Webb incorporated into the plot to keep this reader on the edge of her seat wondering what would happen next.

The secondary characters, as well as the main characters, were well developed and three-dimensional for such a short story. The dialogue was at times humorous as the words flowed smoothly from chapter to chapter. The plot is well thought out as each vibrant character came to life. Emma with her combination of sweetness, stubbornness and gumption will quickly find a place in your heart. Her character is fun and full of hope, which makes it easy to root for her and Jason to find their Happily Ever After. Jason is full of life and in most cases, the life of the party. His easy going manners balances well with his serious side to make for one intriguing, charismatic man. I could easily see why Emma was so attracted to this hunk of burning love.

If you’re looking for an adventurous, action packed, supernatural story that’s magical, imaginative, and a pure delight to read, then checkout Rita Webb’s Playing Hooky. The unique story line and magnificent world building will quickly draw the reader into this fantasy world of fun, excitement, and humor. I can’t wait to see what happens next, especially regarding Jason because if I’m right about what he truly is, then things are about to get interesting in Ms. Webb’s Paranormal Investigations series.

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by Sydney!

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Leaving the house to go to school, I had schoolbooks spilling out of one hand, the other holding my place in a Nancy Drew novel, and bunny slippers still on my feet. My mom was a wee bit upset.

I haven’t changed much. Still always have a book (or two) in my hand or creating stories in my head, and although I don’t have any bunny slippers, I love writing in my jammies and snuggly slipper socks.

When I grow up (maybe a hundred years from now), I’d like to be a superhero, but for now, saving the day, one page at a time, suits me just fine.

With my husband TJ (my own cuddly werewolf), I home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.

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Summary:

In three words I can sum up everything I learned about life. Regardless of the shit going on in your life, this fact still remains.

It. Goes. On

Lexie Todd knew these 3 simple words. They were her mantra. So, after dealing with years of abuse at the hands of her boyfriend and the father of her son, she knows what needs to be done. With help from her best friend Mollie, they go on the run.

After months of being on the run they finally find the perfect town to settle in. Unable to trust and always having her guard up, the last thing Lexie wants is to get involved with Lukas Gunn.

Persistent, annoying, bossy, over protective and extremely hot, Detective Lukas Gunn.

After an incident leaves her vulnerable, Lukas knows there’s something haunting her. He’s determined to find out, wanting to protect her and make her his. But Lexie is determined also. Not wanting to give up her past, she pushes him away. Repeatedly.

But when history repeats itself, will Lexie finally be able to trust those around her to keep her safe? Will Lukas be able to save her? Or will Lexie succumb to only knowing what it’s like to be Unbeautifully Loved?

Excerpt:

Prologue

Meeting him changed my life. I never thought I’d meet someone who’d finally complete me like he did. Someone who finally made me feel whole and loved as much as he did. There’s always been a void in my heart, a void I thought I’d never have. I was in love, deeply in love, the kind of love that only comes around once in a life time, the kind you don’t want to live without and he didn’t even know how I felt. I’d waited too long and I didn’t know if I’d ever get to tell him.

The thought of him fizzled from my mind as my body shook from the cold under the thin sheet of a blanket that was wrapped around me. I was in shock, I could tell. I knew the signs. I winced as I moved; shooting pain licked my body in every direction. I knew a couple of my ribs along with my wrist were broken, and possibly something on my face, as pain swept over it and into my head. I raised my free arm up slowly, painfully, feeling my damp face as my hand found its way to the laceration on the side of my head, the source of only some of the pain. Unable to hold my arm up for much longer, it fell to the side throbbing and dangling off the edge of the bed. My body, it was beaten and bruised possibly more than ever before and I could feel myself slipping away, wanting nothing but to close my eyes and sleep, but it was the last thing I’d allow myself to do.

My mind was disoriented; I had no idea what day it was or how long I had been locked in this cold, dark place. Time was frozen, becoming nonexistent, and I was sure the days were just bleeding together. I thought about Finn and Mollie, hoping and praying they were safe because I didn’t know if I was going to see them again. The thought of that was unbearable. My eyes watered, nose burned and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

Pull it together.

Think.

I didn’t know where I was, why I was even here or what caused him to do what he did to me. I felt like my life, my being, was being sucked right out of me. The abuse had taken its toll on my body and I had no fight left in me. All hope that I had earlier was beginning to fade away.

The door creaking open brought me back from my thoughts, my eyes snapped closed at the light that followed him in. I wanted to pull my blanket up to hide myself and hope it would make me disappear but I couldn’t and there was no point in trying.

Looking at him you wouldn’t think any kind of malicious evil would consume him, but it did. It was written all over his face, in the grin he wore and the burning in his cold, dead blue eyes. A shiver ran through me as I thought of his eyes looking back at me, blank, filled with nothing but coldness and the brightness of those eyes forever gone. I’d never seen a pair of eyes so cold, or so hollow and dark, not even the pair I looked into years before compared to what I was seeing now.

He walked over to the side of the bed, no words said. His rough cold hands roamed over my hair down the side of my face and my body stilled as I wished him away. My eyes snapped shut not knowing what was about to come.

His hand slipped under the covers, gliding over my naked arm, stopping above my elbow, lingering there a moment before moving away and then my cuffed hand was free. His hand went back, gripping my arm tightly as he pulled me to a sitting position. Pain radiated through me as I let out a whimper. He pulled me to my frozen feet, my knees shook, feeling like they were going to give out, unable to support me. I felt myself sway to the side but his grip held me upright, tightly; his fingers dug into my arm, pinching my skin.

What’s one more bruise?

He started to pull me towards the open door, my eyes squinting, trying to adjust to the light. I didn’t know where we were going and I was sure it wasn’t going to be good and for the first time I was wishing to stay in the hole. I didn’t have any strength to fight him so I let him pull me, taking me wherever he was going.

Maybe I had it all wrong. Maybe it was meant to end here and meeting him, falling in love, having this emptiness I carried around finally  filled, maybe it was only supposed to be… temporary.

Life had a way of playing cruel tricks on you.

This I knew.

Boy did I know.

I no longer saw the future with him as bright, happy and full of love; it was suddenly now empty, numb and full of complete and utter darkness.

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Summary:

Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls. Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.

(This is a New Adult fiction book with mature themes. It contains graphic sex and language and a description of sexual violence.)

The Genre Dilemma

I have no idea what types of books I write, so I file them under genres like “Mature YA” and “New Adult.” I don’t even really understand these genres (and I suspect no one else does either), but they sound good. And I know they have something to do with older teens and people in their twenties. And they usually include some bad language and risqué situations/themes. So I guess my stories sort of fit, like shoving a size 8 foot into a size 6 shoe.

The problem? I write about ultra mature/ultra taboo topics. And so far they’ve involved teenagers. So you have the “f” word. And you have teens. And you have something really taboo like rape. “F” word + teens + rape = NO GENRE. And I will not classify them as Adult fiction. I refuse because I truly believe they are not (but adults are more than welcome to read them, of course).

New Adult is by far the closest, but even that genre requires . . . oh, I don’t even know what you call it. Mild restraint? Or maybe it doesn’t. I don’t know. What I do know is that I’ve yet to come across a book about teenagers that just puts it all out there. Raw. In your face. Makes you completely uncomfortable. Maybe outraged. “This is a book for teens?! How dare she! She is an irresponsible woman! She’s sending the wrong message!” (Man, I’ll know I’ve made it when I get a review like that.)

And it’s not like I’m trying to push the envelope. I just write about real things, and I say it in a real way. So it’s probably going to make you shift around in your seat until you find a comfortable position. Or maybe you’ll never find a comfortable position, and then you can write a review like the one mentioned above. I won’t be offended. I swear.

I’m not going to lie and say it’s not frustrating being a genre-confused writer. I feel lost. I’m that sad kid on the playground wandering around by myself with my face turned up to the sky. “Where are my friends? My genres? Who am I?” It’s all very existential crisis when I haven’t the time for it. I need to be writing. And once I’m finished writing, I need to have a genre to put it in.

So right now you’ll see “New Adult.” When enough people yell at me and say my content is too mature for “New Adult,” then I guess you’ll see “Adult.” Or maybe I’ll stick with New Adult just to be spiteful. Or maybe I’ll create a new genre.

How about the “You Know . . .Whatever” genre?

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SHADOW K.

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Summary:

ABANDONED AT THE ALTAR

A man devastated by love

After three years of carousing and debauchery, Alex Cartwright, heir to the Duke of Hastings, has put his life back in order. Having embraced sobriety for two years, he has no intention of revisiting the past or risking his heart again. But the return of the very woman who introduced him to the darkest side of hell brings not only the painful, haunting memories of bittersweet love and abandonment, but the son he never knew he had…

A woman silenced by secrets

Threatened by the revelation of a secret that could destroy her family’s place in society and forever tarnish a dukedom, Charlotte fled England on her wedding day five years ago. Now, although it appears that secret is safe, when Alex discovers her other secret—their son—Charlotte has an altogether different battle ahead. She must now fight one love to hold onto the other—the man whose touch still makes her burn, for the child who is her very world.

Book #1 – Sinful Surrender
Book #2 – A Taste of Desire
eNovella #2.5 – All’s Fair in Love & Seduction (Download it free)

AJ’s Review:

Beverly Kendall has penned a compelling, edgy, dramatic story that entails secrets, anger, unbridled passion, and unrequited love. Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, Ms. Kendall takes me on an emotional roller coaster ride of a lifetime. The air is thick with angst, at times disgust, definitely anger, but more interestingly lust and wanting. Wanting for the past, Wanting for the present, and Wanting for the future.

My heart simply broke for Alex Cartwright who was left standing at the altar. But more importantly, how that simple action almost destroyed a kind-caring man and changed his life irrevocably. While I understood Charlotte’s reasoning, I couldn’t help but feel some anger on Alex’s behalf. Yet, there were times that his ruthlessness and inability or unwillingness to listen to reason made me want to smack him upside the head. In addition, there were times that I couldn’t figure out what was more humorous, his intense anger regarding the situation or his intense lust for Charlotte. Will Alex be able to forego the past and open his heart again in order to build a future with Charlotte?

Charlotte was kind, caring, and had never intended to betray Alex’s trust. Unfortunately she was left with no choice as the busy bodies in society would have destroyed the reputation of the man she loved and that could not happen. While I loved her gumption, I loved her vulnerability more. It was obvious that she was still in love with Alex and vice versa, yet they struggled to find a common ground. The intense sexual chemistry between this magnificent couple was enough to make even the strongest of men and women swoon.

While the reader is re-introduced to some of the previous characters, they remained in the background more as a filler to help the plot progress than overshadowing our hero and heroine. The dialogue was fresh and appropriate for the times, which quickly draws the reader into the breast of the story. The characters were vibrant and simply leaped off the pages. The sex was smoking hot and will leave you salivating for more. I simply couldn’t get enough of this riveting story.

An Heir of Deception is the perfect title for Beverly Kendall’s latest release in The Elusive Lords series. The charismatic characters are well-developed and three dimensional. The emotions are genuine, yet raw and at times overwhelming. The carnal desires of Alex and Charlotte run hot and heavy as they warm the reader’s body up in all of the right places; and the drama is intense and better than any soap opera. If you haven’t read An Heir of Deception, then get your butt over to Amazon right now and check it out. You won’t be sorry.

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!

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Summary:

This is a collection of four short stories.

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be murder.

The Lamp ~ Two teenage girls try their luck at a Ouija board late at night.

The Late Shift ~ With a serial killer roaming the streets, it’s best not to miss your bus after you finish a late shift.

The Hitch ~ Everything is not all it appears, and when a man offers a teenage girl a lift things take an interesting turn.

The Furnace ~ Trusting someone is not always the best decision. Once you open that door there is no turning back.

In the Realms of Darkness…no one is safe.

Soul Hippie’s Review:

When reviewing anthologies, I like to give each story its own rating with a rating of five seashells being ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, 3 seashells being Meh, It Was Okay and 1 seashell being Could Have Went Without Reading. My rating for the stories included in Realms of Darkness are as follows:

The Lamp: The ending, as well as the story itself, left me all kinds of confused. (1)

The Late Shift: Overdone and predictable. I guessed the ending immediately. (1)

The Hitch: Although the ending was predictable, this story was pretty good. (3)

The Furnace: This story was…okay. I see what the author tried to do here, but somewhere along the telling of the story he/she failed to deliver. (2)

I wanted to like this collection of short stories by E.H. James – truly I did.   And if I were between the ages of 8 – 10 or new to the horror genre, I might have.   However, I am neither.   The stories did not deliver the chills or thrills I was expecting and the writing seemed to be geared towards a more juvenile audience.   Despite the rave reviews Realms of Darkness received on Amazon, it did not appeal to me at all.

Rated 2.5 Seashells by Soul Hippie!

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Summary:

Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Then she’d stolen the heart of the most popular boy in town, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until Ethan Hendrix betrayed her and everything they’d ever meant to each other. Devastated and pregnant, Liz left Fool’s Gold, California—forever, she thought….

Now Liz must return to town and face the man who doesn’t know of their son’s existence. And this time she won’t have the option of making a quick getaway. Ethan and Liz can’t deny their passionate attraction, even after all these years. But will their desire be enough to spark a second chance at love?

AJ’s Review:

Susan Mallery has penned a compelling, emotional story of second chances, betrayal, secrets, forgiveness of ones’ self and others, but most importantly love. Liz and Ethan’s story will take the reader through a myriad of emotions that range from anger, to denial, to sorrow, and ultimately to undying love.

Liz Sutton’s typical day was turned upside down when she read a heart wrenching email from her oldest niece, Melissa. Fearful for the children, Liz quickly packs her bags, picks up her son, Tyler, and they return to Fools Gold for two reasons and two reasons only. To find out what happened to her brother and why her nieces were abandoned by their stepmother. The one thing Liz never planned on was running into Ethan Hendrix, the father of her son and at one time, the love of her life. When secrets are unveiled and old wounds are re-opened, will this couple be able to weather the storm?

Ethan Hendrix can’t believe his eyes when he gets a glimpse of the woman who got away…Liz Sutton. But Ethan is in for a shock and as that shock manifest and the anger begins to flow, Ethan makes some stupid mistakes where it comes to Liz. There were times that I’m simply wanted to shake some sense into him. While it may seem they beat the situation to death, I appreciated that Ms. Mallery allowed the full depth and complexity of the situation come to fruition because life is messy and complicated and can never be quickly resolved and wrapped up in a nice bow. But as things begin to settle down and Ethan and Liz find some common ground, will his fear and stupidity ruin the tenuous bond that they’ve developed? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.

The secondary characters play an important role in Almost Perfect. First, they allow the reader to gain a better grasp of Liz and Ethan’s past and the way things were back then. Second, we quickly learn that some of those people have truly grown up over the years after tragedy strikes their lives, especially Pia, which in my opinion is inspirational. But we are also reminded that the more things and people change, the more they stay the same, especially regarding Melissa and Abby and the fact that no one lifted a hand to help those young girls. My heart simply broke for them. The fears, frustration and emotional upheaval that Ms. Mallery incorporates into the story for all of the characters is palpable. I loved Ethan’s sisters because they had no problem telling him that he was an idiot. However, I must admit that his mother drove me crazy as she ran hot and cold on any given day, which became annoying after a bit.

What was most entertaining about Almost Perfect is how the townspeople love to get involved in their residents romantic relationships. It seemed as though everyone had an opinion, whether it was good or bad without even knowing the depth or complexity of the situation. There were a few characters that I simply wanted to slap. I had to give it up to Liz for putting up with their snide comments and quick judgements. Nevertheless, Fools Gold is still a town that I would love to visit because amongst all of the chaos and craziness, there are still some genuine people there that make the town appealing. As for the sexual chemistry between Ethan and Liz, it was off-the-charts. In a way, it was almost as if they had never been apart…at least that’s how it felt until the haze of lust was lifted and they came crashing back into reality.

Almost Perfect is a riveting read with depth, gumption, secrets, and love. The alluring characters are complex, well-developed, and full of raw emotions that desperately need to be explored on a deeper level. In addition, the sexual chemistry between Ethan and Liz sizzles as they fight their attraction for one another. The dialogue is rich and fluid with depth that not only makes the story more believable, but also brings the characters to life. If you haven’t checked out Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series, then you are definitely missing out. This is one series that will put a smile on your face, warm your heart to the core, and take you on the emotional roller coaster ride of a lifetime.

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!

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Summary:

Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls. Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.

(This is a New Adult fiction book with mature themes. It contains graphic sex and language and a description of sexual violence.)

The Genre Dilemma

I have no idea what types of books I write, so I file them under genres like “Mature YA” and “New Adult.” I don’t even really understand these genres (and I suspect no one else does either), but they sound good. And I know they have something to do with older teens and people in their twenties. And they usually include some bad language and risqué situations/themes. So I guess my stories sort of fit, like shoving a size 8 foot into a size 6 shoe.

The problem? I write about ultra mature/ultra taboo topics. And so far they’ve involved teenagers. So you have the “f” word. And you have teens. And you have something really taboo like rape. “F” word + teens + rape = NO GENRE. And I will not classify them as Adult fiction. I refuse because I truly believe they are not (but adults are more than welcome to read them, of course).

New Adult is by far the closest, but even that genre requires . . . oh, I don’t even know what you call it. Mild restraint? Or maybe it doesn’t. I don’t know. What I do know is that I’ve yet to come across a book about teenagers that just puts it all out there. Raw. In your face. Makes you completely uncomfortable. Maybe outraged. “This is a book for teens?! How dare she! She is an irresponsible woman! She’s sending the wrong message!” (Man, I’ll know I’ve made it when I get a review like that.)

And it’s not like I’m trying to push the envelope. I just write about real things, and I say it in a real way. So it’s probably going to make you shift around in your seat until you find a comfortable position. Or maybe you’ll never find a comfortable position, and then you can write a review like the one mentioned above. I won’t be offended. I swear.

I’m not going to lie and say it’s not frustrating being a genre-confused writer. I feel lost. I’m that sad kid on the playground wandering around by myself with my face turned up to the sky. “Where are my friends? My genres? Who am I?” It’s all very existential crisis when I haven’t the time for it. I need to be writing. And once I’m finished writing, I need to have a genre to put it in.

So right now you’ll see “New Adult.” When enough people yell at me and say my content is too mature for “New Adult,” then I guess you’ll see “Adult.” Or maybe I’ll stick with New Adult just to be spiteful. Or maybe I’ll create a new genre.

How about the “You Know . . .Whatever” genre?

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Summary:

On the outside, Devin Thompson looks like he has it all – charm, good looks, and a scholarship every art major at Sanhope would kill for. But on the inside, he’s dying. His family is falling apart, his grades are dropping, and his girlfriend just dumped him for his hockey team rival, who also happens to be his younger brother. Not to mention he hasn’t been able to snap a decent picture for his senior portfolio in weeks. But when a sultry redhead with fire burning in her eyes struts across his path, he thinks he may have finally found his muse…

Angela “Angel” Davis learned early on that life never offers any hand-outs. And she’s getting burned out. Between juggling her nights as an exotic dancer at a men’s private club and struggling to keep up with her elementary education courses during the day, she barely has time to think of the future. Not that she wants to. The future implies planning, and Angel is no stranger to broken dreams. Then she meets Devin, a man who’s so wrong for her, yet she can’t seem to stay away from.

When Devin offers to take her on as his private model, Angel finds the cash hard to refuse. Each has something the other desperately needs, and neither one is willing to walk away. As their professional relationship spirals out of control into something more, they learn sometimes the wrong person can be the only right person, and that life – and people – are rarely picture perfect.

Excerpt:

The Fox Hunt had several private viewing rooms for one-on-one’s and VIP parties, all coordinated with a different color scheme. Blue was close by, so it didn’t take long for me to get there. After readjusting my bustier, I applied a sultry smile and slinked past the curtain.

Soft golden lights dotted the room, the walls of which were hidden by dark blue silk curtains. Non-scented candles burned on the two onyx tables in the room, highlighting the sensual, relaxed atmosphere. Beneath the curtains, the walls were padded, making them all but completely soundproof from the noise out on the main floor. Plush satin pillows dripping in tassels lay strewn about the floor, gathering next to the centerpiece of the room – a massive throne carved with the same embellishments as the tables.

Spying the figure lounged in the chair, my ruby lips pursed then twisted into a sly smile. “Huh. What do you know. You did have the cash after all,” I said as I sauntered forward.

The stranger from earlier never flinched. One dark brow rose in a comical arc. “Do you always start these things by insulting your clients?”

“Depends. Do insults and word play turn you on, or are you a more of a physical kind of guy?” I grabbed a sash from atop the pillows, grasping both ends before hooking it around the stranger’s neck and climbing onto his lap. Most men shivered or showed some semblance of intimidation when I came close, but not this guy. He held himself like a man who was comfortable around women. Something dark and hot stirred deep inside me, shooting adrenaline into my veins.

Challenge accepted.

Good afternoon Camille and Welcome to The Readers Roundtable by Candlelight.

Thank you for having me!

Let’s start with a simple question. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing my whole life, but I’ve been actively writing for the past three years. (Yes, I had my fair share of fan fiction days when I was in grade school.)

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved to write, but for some reason I never considered writing as a profession until later in my life. I think it comes to you when you’re ready for it.

Tell us about your book.

Picture Perfect is a sweet and spicy new adult romance about these people with damaged pasts – and hearts – who find redemption through their love.

How did you come up with the idea for Picture Perfect?

Like most of my ideas, it just kind of hit me one day. I knew I wanted a story about a dancer and a photographer, and I knew what Angel would look like. Then it was just a matter of figuring out the rest and letting it come to me.

Will Picture Perfect have a sequel, or will other characters get a book?

No, it’s a stand alone story. There isn’t enough conflict in the background characters’ lives to drive future stories, and I have other books I want to focus on.

What’s your favorite love story?

Hard to say! I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I also love the film Ever After with Drew Barrymore.

Do you think you’ll ever pursue traditional publishing?

Yes! I want to be a hybrid author, and I make no secret of it. While I like having total creative control, it can also be draining. I wouldn’t mind if someone else did some of the work.

Are you writing any other books at the moment?

I’m outlining a new adult series called New Haven Hope that I hope to start releasing by the end of the year. It’ll have a similar vibe to Picture Perfect.

What other genres do you write?

Currently, I write high fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance under other pen names. I’m also interested in horror, erotica, and sci-fi. I’d like to eventually try them all, just to see what I can learn from them.

What do you like to do for fun?

Aside from reading, I like to play around in Photoshop and draw. I also enjoy watching movies and hanging out with my husband.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read a lot and write a lot. Read outside of your genre and read as many books inside your genre as you can. Look at the New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers Lists. Those books got on there for a reason. Read as many creditble “how-to” books as you can, critique others’ works, and have your own critiqued. Don’t half-ass it. Put everything you have into it.

Camille, thank you so much for joining us today at The Readers Roudtable by Candlelight. Please feel free to come back anytime.

I’m a Southern girl who’s spent the last few years freezing my toosh off up north. Except for the snow, things are pretty good. I love sunshine, sweet tea, and romances that touch my heart. A lifelong romantic, I found my own prince charming at an online dating site. Six months later, he asked me to marry him. Picture Perfect is my debut novel.

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YADIRA A.

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Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. “Dance with me, Beth.”

“No.” I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again….

“I dare you…”

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk’s home life, they’d send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom’s freedom and her own happiness. That’s how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn’t want her and going to a school that doesn’t understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn’t get her, but does….

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can’t tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn’t be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won’t let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all….

Expected publication: May 28th 2013 by Harlequin Teen

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Summary:

Casper Whitley is forced to move to Charleston, South Carolina where she’ll be the new kid her senior year of high school. Casper’s upset about the move until she meets the Roman family’s gorgeous son, Cal, but there’s a problem. A mystery surrounds him which can be summed up in one word…Kythera. Never heard of it? Neither has Casper until she finds the word tattooed on cars, paintings and all her new friends.

After Casper’s life is threatened, someone is forced to tell the truth about her parents, the Romans and Kythera’s motives for her being in Charleston. Once the truth is revealed, she must decide whether to protect her family and Kythera’s secrets or walk away from everything she has ever known.

AJ’s Review:

Ms. Clayton is a new author to me, but she quickly drew me into Casper’s world of mystery and secret societies with her vivid writing. The plot is compelling and complex, the characters are well-developed and engaging in their own way, the action is fast-paced, and the mystery that surrounds Charleston and the Kythera society will keep you enthralled until the very end.

If nothing else, Casper is a character who will keep you on your toes as she rebels against being uprooted from her home, thrust into a world of danger where it’s difficult to determine who is friend and who is foe, and instantly falls in love with the boy next door, Cal, who is dark, brooding, and has his own agenda that might or might not be in Casper’s best interest. I must admit that it took a while for Cal to grown on me, even though the attraction between him and Casper was undeniable and sizzled from the moment they met.

What I found most interesting about The Kings of Charleston was the amount of questions that kept building in my head as the story progressed. It seemed as though everyone knew about Kythera except Casper. I kept wondering how Casper and her family fit into the bigger picture of this mystery. Moreover, what was Cal’s endgame because there were plenty of times throughout the book that he didn’t feel genuine to me? Yet, I must admit that Ms. Clayton has a knack for building up an intense mystery with an enormous amount of angst that will keep the reader biting his/her nails until the last page is read. The dialogue was fluid and realistic, the characters’ emotions were raw and uninhibited, and the insta-love between Casper and Cal was just that insta-love.

Kat H. Clayton has penned an fantastic story that will take the reader on the adventure of a lifetime with Casper and Cal. If the riveting plot and charismatic characters doesn’t grab the reader’s attention, then the intriguing cotton candy, mysterious box of popcorn, and amazing cliffhanger will as the reader ponders what Ms. Clayton has up her sleeve next for The Kings of Charleston. Bravo Ms. Clayton! You’ve hit a home run with your debut novel, The Kings of Charleston.

Rated 4.5 Ravens Seashells by AJ!

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Kat has been a writer her entire life, but never pursued a writing career until the characters from a short story she wrote in high school refused to go away. Finally, she sat down and wrote their story which would became The Kings of Charleston series.
Kat has been an avid reader her entire life. She enjoys all genres, but particularly Mystery and Young Adult. Mary Higgins Clark is one of her favorite authors who inspired her love of mysteries.

When she isn’t writing, Kat loves to travel, try out new recipes and hang out with her husband. She is originally from Kentucky, but currently resides in South Georgia with her husband, a cat named Frank and a dog named Lil.

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Summary:

Handsome, headstrong Jacob offers Lilly his hand in marriage, but his heart belongs to someone else.

While Lilly Lapp has loved Jacob for years, she wouldn’t compete with Sarah King, the woman Jacob was determined to marry. But when Sarah marries another, Jacob spontaneously agrees to wed Lilly.

Lilly divides her time between teaching the local Amish children and caring for her widowed mother who suffers from depression. Lilly’s faith comforts her, but her heart still longs to be the sole object of Jacob’s affection.

As the days slip by, Lilly decides that hoping is too risky and vows to protect her heart. But God is subtly as work, and as winter turns to spring, their hearts awaken.

The furthest thing from Lilly’s mind is her Amish wedding quilt, a traditional gift for new brides. And the person she’d least suspect is the one making it. Like stray pieces of fabric quilted into a new design, Jacob and Lilly’s marriage begins to bind them together in ways neither expected.

AJ’s Review:

Just when I think that this series couldn’t get any better, Ms. Long tests my faith, rocks my world, and makes me a believer. Lilly and Jacob’s story is full of trials and tribulations that will break your heart, bring a tear to your eye, and eventually, joy and everlasting love as they both find their way into one another’s heart.

Lilly was briefly introduced in Sarah’s Garden and even then, I figured out that she would be the woman of Jacob’s heart. This was an interesting conclusion given the fact that Jacob was head over heels in love with Sarah who’s heart and soul belonged to another man. My only question was how this amazing couple would find their way to one another and I must admit that Ms. Long kept it interesting for this reader. The chemistry between Lilly and Jacob is undeniable, but when the mind ignores the heart, it makes for a difficult relationship. I loved Lilly’s kindness and unconditional love for her family. Even in her moments of despair, especially when Jacob made grave errors in his decisions that ultimately caused Lilly heartache, she always found a way to forgive him. As a school teacher, she had a knack for looking at all sides of a situation, whether it involved dealing with an autistic student, an ailing mother, a questionable relationship with her husband who loved another, or a spiteful young lady set out to destroy everything and everyone in her path. You can’t help but admire Lilly and her gumption.

Jacob is handsome, caring, intelligent, and wounded. I must admit that there were times I simply wanted to shake some sense into the man. That ole saying sometimes what you’re looking for is standing right in front of you, but you’re too blind to see it fits Jacob perfectly. Thank goodness for his brother Seth, who had no problems showing him the errors of his way. The family dynamics between the Wise family will warm your heart and put a smile on your face with their witty banter. It was obvious that Jacob and Seth were not only brothers, but also best friends who deeply cared about one another.

The secondary characters continue to bring this small Amish community to life as friends from the previous book make an appearance so that the reader is granted a glimpse of what’s going on in their lives now that they’ve found their Happily Ever After. What I enjoyed the most about Lilly’s Wedding Quilt was how our hero and heroine grew not only individually, but also as a couple as the story progressed. Their path was difficult, but through their faith in God and one another, they found their heart’s desire. Once again Ms. Long provided poignant moments for not only her characters, but also for the reader as she navigated through the heavy waters of life, loss, depression, autism, and unrequited love. One of the most important lessons that came from Lilly’s Wedding Quilt for me was that everything in life comes full circle. Don’t get me wrong, I learned this lesson a long time ago, but it never hurts to be reminded of the important and simple things in life. The plot continues to be complex with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, and the characters continue to be well-developed and full of life as they leap off the pages to quickly find a place in your heart.

Ms. Long has quickly gained a spot on my auto buy list as she wows this reader with her ability to bring the Amish community and her characters to life as they delve into difficult situations that are a part of everyday life. With each story, my spirit is lifted and my faith is tested and restored along with the main characters, as well as the secondary characters. The sense of community in A Patch of Heaven series is enchanting, yet believable, as well as inviting. I’m hooked on this series and can’t wait for Seth and Grace’s story. Kelly Long has a knack for crafting engaging characters who will sweep you away with the drama in ther lives. Yet, with each installment, there is always something thaat the reader can relate to whether it entails being a caregiver like Lilly, a wounded soul like Jacob, or devastation from the loss of a loved one like Lilly’s mother. In Lilly’s Wedding Quilt the situations are realistic, the road is ruff, and the faith is steady and inspiring. So be sure to pick up the second book in A Patch of Heaven series, Lilly’s Wedding Quilt. You won’t be sorry. Kudos to Ms. Long for providing another compelling read that will keept the reader entertained until the very end.

Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!

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Summary:

Quite by accident, Sarah King has fallen in love. But this love is forbidden, and could cost her everything she holds dear.

Tucked into the majesty of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains is a garden Sarah King has been nurturing for years. She never feels more alive than when she is alone with her thoughts and her Creator among the delicate rows of plants. But then duty calls her away from her beloved garden and into a world she knows little about.

Grant Williams, a handsome young veterinarian, has left the city to open a rural practice among the Amish. Within minutes of meeting shy but feisty Sarah King, he is captivated by her.

As their feelings grow for one another, Sarah insists they can never be together. Marrying Grant would mean being uprooted from her home, her family, and her community. Throughout the cold Pennsylvania winter, with her garden tucked away until spring, Sarah begins crafting a quilt that illustrates her pain. Can anything lasting blossom from a love that’s forbidden?

AJ’s Review:

I love reading Amish books, so I’m always excited when I find a new author and series to immerse myself into. Kelly Long has penned a compelling story that’s inspiring, realistic, heart-wrenching and full of hope and faith. Sarah and Grant are a charismatic couple from different backgrounds and cultures that you can’t help but root for to find their Happily Ever After. Can an Amish girl and an Englisher find a way to merge their two worlds without losing their family and faith as their love for one another blossoms?

I loved Sarah’s kind heart, shyness and quite strength. As life and God brought difficult challenges her way she finally embraced her destiny. The dynamics between Sarah and her family was fascinating to watch as this young lady found her way in life. Moreover, Sarah’s family dynamics and closeness will warm your heart to the core. Her quick induction into what the Amish considered the outside world was fascinating to witness from her point of view, as she strived to remember her faith and not be influenced by the English culture.

Grant Williams is a smart, caring man who simply wants to give back to a community that in all honesty he knows little about, but has admired from somewhat a distance as his father served the Amish community. I love his patience and his sense of humor. His faith was strong enough for him to go after what and who he truly wanted in life, which made for an interesting twist in this riveting read.

Moreover, Sarah’s family dynamics and closeness will warm your heart to the core.Ms. Long addressed several difficult issues in Sarah’s Garden with finesse and grace. The primary theme that came through in all of these difficult issues is that people are more alike than they are different regardless of their race, ethnicity, or culture. In Sarah’s Garden, the Amish community struggled with some of the same issues that we struggle with, such as abuse in the family, unrequited love, religious differences, cultural difference, and the questioning of one’s faith to name a few. I loved how each difficult issue had a poignant message or lesson that one could learn. The dialogue was crisp and the combination of English and Pennsylvania Dutch spoken throughout the book only increased the believability of the story. Not only was the plot fleshed out well, but the characters were also well-developed and three-dimensional. The secondary characters increased the complexity of the story and piqued my curiosity in regards to what would happen with them, especially Jacob.

If you’ve been hesitating about reading an Amish book, then I strongly suggest that you checkout Sarah’s Garden. Ms. Long has penned a compelling, inspirational story that will warm your heart and lift your spirits as you embark on Sarah and Grant’s journey to find their Happily Ever After. The characters were simply amazing and as the story progressed, I began to feel as though I were a part of this fascinating Amish community where people believe in genuinely helping their neighbor because it’s the right thing to do, and young people struggle to find their way in life as different cultures converge on one another. There is definitely something poignant in Sarah’s Garden that everyone can take away and apply to their real life. Bravo, Ms. Long, as you’ve definitely hit a home run with Sarah’s Garden and I’ll definitely be checking out Lily’s Wedding Quilt, which encompasses Jacob’s story.

Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!

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Summary:

Grace Jensen survived a horrific fire at age 15. The flames changed her: badly scarred in body and mind, Grace developed an ability to feel other people’s pain. Unable to bear human touch, she has made a small life for herself in Northern California, living with her hoarder mother, tending wounded animals, and falling a little in love with her former doctor. Her safe world explodes when the magnetic Marly Kennet reappears in town; Grace falls right back into the dynamic of their complicated friendship. Marly is the holder of many secrets, including one that has haunted Grace for over a decade: what really happened the night of the fire?

When Marly exhorts Grace to join her in Las Vegas, to make up for the years they have been lost to each other, Grace takes a leap of faith and goes. Although Marly is not entirely honest about her intentions, neither woman anticipates that enlarging Grace’s world will magnify her ability to sense the suffering of others—or that she will begin to heal wounds by swallowing her own pain and laying her hands on the afflicted.

This gift soon turns darker when the truth of Marly’s life—and the real reason she ended her friendship with Grace—pushes the boundaries of loyalty and exposes both women to danger.

DEB

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Summary:

Quickies Volume 1 is a collection of three fun reads.

In “Her Best Mistake”, Lisa Dennison ends up in bed with the wrong man. Or maybe she doesn’t. Finn Roberts certainly doesn’t think it was a mistake.

In “Teach Me”, Leslie Mercer returns to her hometown to visit her old boyfriend and finds out his younger brother has had a crush on her for years. Grayson has been waiting for this chance all his life.

In “Cruising Speed”, the Larson men from the Art of Love Series are matchmaking without realizing it. A friend of theirs, Kia Anders, sells a bike to another friend, Mikkel Gunnarsen. Their instant connection is bad timing for both and yet too exciting to ignore.

Naunet’s Review:

Quickie Volume 1 by Donna McDonald and its theme of wonderful quickies is anything but. Ms McDonald is known for penning quality reads which contain so much meat and sides on the plate of sensualism that it is always a feast to be slowly savored.

The common threads twisting through the Quickie Volume 1 are the relationships of family, terms of endearment, and wonderful carnality’s. The tenderness and laughter are the glue that holds and connects the readers’ attention. Within Quickie Volume 1 the reader will share in three loving, tastefully sensual stories reminding me of a box of delectable, highest quality, semi-sweet chocolate truffles. Each of the stories are easy to identify with because of the strong, awesome, sexy characters who mirror people you know and love.

One of the messages I received from the stories is the promise of true love and there is time to acquire and delight in it. Ms. McDonald’s writing is as smooth, sassy and saucy as listening to the magical music from a Spanish guitar. She strums the strings of sensuality as a talented guitarist with passion that supersedes the boundaries of age. Ms. McDonald awakens the snoring, sleeping giant awaiting the moment to stand tall and thump its chest.

I enjoy Donna Donald’s work because of the smooth, easy rhythm of her writing style. Her dialogues and characters are intelligent, down to earth, mature and ohh so sexy. I can count on being entertained and encouraged as Ms. McDonald writes with the mature audience in mind. I have yet to be disappointed in her work. Her eye for detail is exquisite, and presents it with the clarity of an exquisite gem. If you are hungry for encouragement of how hot life can be, as well as cherished, happy and full throughout the mature stages of life then pick up a book penned by Donna McDonald. There’s no rocking in the chair on the porch for Ms. McDonald’s nonconformists.

Teach Me

Can you learn new tricks after aging into maturity? Sparks can fly and the magical man in the moon has the power to draw hearts and bodies together. Teach Me by Donna McDonald is a well executed lesson plan for a special student. Ms. McDonald captures the attention of her readers as they sit perched on the edge of their chairs. Will the lesson sink in and be retained as a demonstration of skill mastery and comprehension of the concept for the big exam? Ms. McDonald allows the flood of feelings from a crush manifest into pure unadulterated lust, tenderness and sincerity.

Donna McDonald decorates this classroom in Teach Me with eye catching stimuli and energy that only the visually impaired would miss, but would feel its vibration. Her main characters are beauty in body and soul. The settings are realistic to the point that I felt the sizzling heat not only from Texas, but also from the magical, sensuality two adults can share.

In the sweltering heat of Brenham, Texas Leslie Mercer visits her hometown and her old friends to catch up on the events in their world. There is a slight problem and Leslie does what all good friends/lovers do in the time of need …show up and lend a helping hand of support while pushing her feelings aside. This unselfish act may be the trigger to bring back the precious memories to the man who occupies the hospital bed as a result of sustaining a severe head injury after a car accident. Murphy Webb, a particular dear friend and high school love lays in the hospital bed with a shattered memory. Murphy, Grayson and the Webb family have adored and respected Leslie Mercer as a teen growing up in the neighborhood, but even more so as selfless woman and educator. She is passionate about giving to others and beautiful on the inside, as well as the outside. Leslie loved Murphy Webb until she discover the painful truth before leaving to attend an out of state college.

Grayson is a handsome, mature man and Murphy’s playful younger brother. Grayson has held on to a desire for Leslie since he was a kid. Wishing he could be more to Leslie than just the baby brother of her sweet heart.

I appreciated the positive strategies Leslie utilized to overcome a dreaded deed by kicking the flat energy of procrastination or avoidance and proceeds forward. It took eight long years for Leslie to visit the Webb family. I must admit that growing older can be worn proudly and looks damn good on both Leslie and Grayson. The aging process steeped in deep flowing magnetism is scalding between the teacher and student. Grayson is intoxicating, genuine, free, and respectful, which makes him all the more sexy, irresistible and squeezable.

Should age matter when two independent, intelligent adults are attracted to each other? Society has its opinion especially when the age difference is between a mature woman and a younger adult man.

As in all classrooms, the teacher often learns more than the students as she/he presents and models the lesson. This class appears to be brimming with all kinds of energy to create lasting memories. Great teachers are never forgotten.

Her Best Mistake

In Her Best Mistake, Ms. McDonald demonstrates that magnificent love can sometimes materialize under the wrapper unexpectedly. Someone will be fortunate to make such a mistake that contains so many blessings and gratifications of all varieties.

Life after a divorce is rarely easy to manage and adjust to after the fall out of painful moments. In Her Best Mistake, Ms. McDonald’s key character is a forty-something woman of substance and independence. Lisa Dennison is a member of the rapid paced corporate world and owner of a design business. She encounters a young, sexy business man by the name of Eric Roberts. He is an investor and all about making money and the social power that often accompanies prestige as a benefit of having the reputation of building wealth for clients under your advice. Eric Roberts’ notoriety of that of a man on top of his game. He and Lisa meet during a business conference in Boston. Is Lisa making a mistake by getting involved with a younger man?

Eric Roberts is young, handsome, sexy and has a little black book just in case. Eric has a brother who is also talented in his own right. Finn is a renown anthropologist who has been on digs all over the world and was recently in Egypt making discoveries. Finn is taking a short break from finding a relic to visit Eric, as well as to present a lecture at Harvard University.

Finn is also divorced and being out of the country on digs he made it difficult for him to hunt for a mate. Dr. Finn Roberts is handsome and sexy just like his brother Eric as the same characteristics run in the gene pool.

In Her Best Mistake, Lisa and Eric have an occasional drink and dinner after a meeting. Eric is attracted to Lisa, but Lisa is not interested in a relationship since her painful divorce. She is focused on building her clientele and taking her company to the next level.

Lisa and Eric were to have a dinner date just for fun and intelligent conversations, but things go array when Lisa’s raggedy cell phone is malfunctioning. The wires of communication become crossed and Lisa bumps into Finn since Eric has provided Finn with a exquisite suite at one of the best hotels in Boston. The location of where she and Eric were to meet for drinks. The crossed wires has Lisa’s fired up and ready to give Eric a good piece of her mind.

Lisa’s moment of mistaken identity creates a fantasy of steamy erotic dreams and romance. I will never forget the vivid depiction of sensuality and neither will the reader. Ms. McDonald hits all of the sensory neurons in Her Best Mistake with enough explosive ecstasy to shake a city . In Her Best Mistake, the settings and thoughts running rampant through Lisa’s mind are those many women can relate to. This quickie is one that will leave the reader salivating and envious. The story placed me in a state of bliss just as it did for the characters. Aren’t they Lucky?!

Cruising Speed

Keeping youth in the alive brings with it some complexities as most worry about tomorrow and how things appear to others outside trying to see inside of your soul and mind. Many people live their lives in fear of how they will be analyzed and perhaps allows this to inhibit their flowering into the beautiful, captivating person trapped inside.

Cruising Speed by Donna McDonald allows her characters Michael Gunnarsen, Michael Larson, and Kia Anders the freedom to let the wind blow briskly against their faces and hair as they roll along the road of life learning to enjoy the pleasures of the graciousness each day brings when things slow down enough to see the wonders of the world. I love the “way they roll”.

Ms. McDonald granted her characters the opportunity to rewind the clock of love and push aside the voices that bounced in their subconscious mind. In doing so, Kia and Mikkel may get a chance to enjoy the patience, kind, gentle unselfishness and the unrepentant of sensuality of seniors. The common physicality’s meshed with common interest and high energy can make the obvious manifest.

Kia is the woman many senior woman can envy because of her strength of character, independence, sexiness and self-assurance. Kia is a woman I would enjoy as a dear friend because she thinks outside the box like an adventure that accompanies a fast ride on her Harley and life. Ms. McDonald’s messages reinforce the positive images of women who have caring, loving, generous, free- spirits, who physically attractive and not afraid to climb boldly on the edge of the “norm”.

Cruising Speed’s secondary characters: Jessica, Will, and Carrie give this narrative the laughter, surprises, and support to keep the activities realistic and moving briskly. The setting is easy to visualize and the story rotates on its own spokes, which is delightfully entertaining.

As I read Cruising Speed, I pictured two of my friends in their sixties flying up the mountains of West Virginia and zipping around the southern end of Maryland on their bright, sparkling, burnt orange Harley. This placed a smile on my face remembering the joyful moments we share. Age is only a number because you are only as old as you feel. I know seniors who are slow moving, full of illness in their sedentary lifestyle. However, I prefer being lumped with the hot bodies Ms. McDonald depict in her stories. I give them a standing ovation for their active, abundant lifestyle with minor changes from the youthful, fun, missile flying intimacies. The choices we make keep the fires burning brightly through all kinds of communications.

Hearts in love do not lie nor can space and age keep those who share common indulgences away.  I can count on Donna McDonald’s novels to be entertaining, encouraging, easy, free spirited, reality based and well balanced from beginning to end regardless of the genre. Her writing style stimulates the reader with elements of exhilaration for engaging in a zestful lifestyle. In my opinion, Ms. McDonald’s love theory is incredible at all stages. Its complexities build intestinal fortitude, and increases my desire to stay in command rather give up the ship because of a number.

Rated 4.5 Seashells by Naunet!

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Summary:

On the outside, Devin Thompson looks like he has it all – charm, good looks, and a scholarship every art major at Sanhope would kill for. But on the inside, he’s dying. His family is falling apart, his grades are dropping, and his girlfriend just dumped him for his hockey team rival, who also happens to be his younger brother. Not to mention he hasn’t been able to snap a decent picture for his senior portfolio in weeks. But when a sultry redhead with fire burning in her eyes struts across his path, he thinks he may have finally found his muse…

Angela “Angel” Davis learned early on that life never offers any hand-outs. And she’s getting burned out. Between juggling her nights as an exotic dancer at a men’s private club and struggling to keep up with her elementary education courses during the day, she barely has time to think of the future. Not that she wants to. The future implies planning, and Angel is no stranger to broken dreams. Then she meets Devin, a man who’s so wrong for her, yet she can’t seem to stay away from.

When Devin offers to take her on as his private model, Angel finds the cash hard to refuse. Each has something the other desperately needs, and neither one is willing to walk away. As their professional relationship spirals out of control into something more, they learn sometimes the wrong person can be the only right person, and that life – and people – are rarely picture perfect.

Excerpt:

The Fox Hunt had several private viewing rooms for one-on-one’s and VIP parties, all coordinated with a different color scheme. Blue was close by, so it didn’t take long for me to get there. After readjusting my bustier, I applied a sultry smile and slinked past the curtain.

Soft golden lights dotted the room, the walls of which were hidden by dark blue silk curtains. Non-scented candles burned on the two onyx tables in the room, highlighting the sensual, relaxed atmosphere. Beneath the curtains, the walls were padded, making them all but completely soundproof from the noise out on the main floor. Plush satin pillows dripping in tassels lay strewn about the floor, gathering next to the centerpiece of the room – a massive throne carved with the same embellishments as the tables.

Spying the figure lounged in the chair, my ruby lips pursed then twisted into a sly smile. “Huh. What do you know. You did have the cash after all,” I said as I sauntered forward.

The stranger from earlier never flinched. One dark brow rose in a comical arc. “Do you always start these things by insulting your clients?”

“Depends. Do insults and word play turn you on, or are you a more of a physical kind of guy?” I grabbed a sash from atop the pillows, grasping both ends before hooking it around the stranger’s neck and climbing onto his lap. Most men shivered or showed some semblance of intimidation when I came close, but not this guy. He held himself like a man who was comfortable around women. Something dark and hot stirred deep inside me, shooting adrenaline into my veins.

Challenge accepted.

Good afternoon Camille and Welcome to The Readers Roundtable by Candlelight.

Thank you for having me!

Let’s start with a simple question. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing my whole life, but I’ve been actively writing for the past three years. (Yes, I had my fair share of fan fiction days when I was in grade school.)

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved to write, but for some reason I never considered writing as a profession until later in my life. I think it comes to you when you’re ready for it.

Tell us about your book.

Picture Perfect is a sweet and spicy new adult romance about these people with damaged pasts – and hearts – who find redemption through their love.

How did you come up with the idea for Picture Perfect?

Like most of my ideas, it just kind of hit me one day. I knew I wanted a story about a dancer and a photographer, and I knew what Angel would look like. Then it was just a matter of figuring out the rest and letting it come to me.

Will Picture Perfect have a sequel, or will other characters get a book?

No, it’s a stand alone story. There isn’t enough conflict in the background characters’ lives to drive future stories, and I have other books I want to focus on.

What’s your favorite love story?

Hard to say! I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. I also love the film Ever After with Drew Barrymore.

Do you think you’ll ever pursue traditional publishing?

Yes! I want to be a hybrid author, and I make no secret of it. While I like having total creative control, it can also be draining. I wouldn’t mind if someone else did some of the work.

Are you writing any other books at the moment?

I’m outlining a new adult series called New Haven Hope that I hope to start releasing by the end of the year. It’ll have a similar vibe to Picture Perfect.

What other genres do you write?

Currently, I write high fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance under other pen names. I’m also interested in horror, erotica, and sci-fi. I’d like to eventually try them all, just to see what I can learn from them.

What do you like to do for fun?

Aside from reading, I like to play around in Photoshop and draw. I also enjoy watching movies and hanging out with my husband.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read a lot and write a lot. Read outside of your genre and read as many books inside your genre as you can. Look at the New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers Lists. Those books got on there for a reason. Read as many creditble “how-to” books as you can, critique others’ works, and have your own critiqued. Don’t half-ass it. Put everything you have into it.

Camille, thank you so much for joining us today at The Readers Roudtable by Candlelight. Please feel free to come back anytime.

I’m a Southern girl who’s spent the last few years freezing my toosh off up north. Except for the snow, things are pretty good. I love sunshine, sweet tea, and romances that touch my heart. A lifelong romantic, I found my own prince charming at an online dating site. Six months later, he asked me to marry him. Picture Perfect is my debut novel.

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Summary:

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation–and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace’s powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do–even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.

AJ’s Review:

Carrie Butler is a new author to me, but I quickly found myself immersed in her compelling story full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The characters were well-developed, the words flowed smoothly over each page, the plot had depth, the paranormal twist was unique and made the story even more captivating, and the ending left me begging for more.

Ms. Butler’s world building was amazing and I simply fell in love with Rena and Wallace because their characters were three-dimensional, engaging, strong, and relentless. I loved the crisp dialogue and witty, yet at times intense banter, especially when the reader is allowed to witness Rena’s silent dialogue with herself. Although the chemistry between Rena and Wallace is explosive, will they be able to survive the overwhelming obstacles in their way to have a passionate, physical relationship? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.

The dynamics between Wallace and his twin brother Cole was intriguing. It was obvious that these two were nothing alike, but I must admit that I desperately wanted to know more about Cole even though my instincts were to pop him upside the head a few times like Cher did to Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck and say SNAP OUT OF IT!. I also loved the dynamics between Rena, Gabby and Aiden and can’t wait to see more of them as the series progress.

Strength is full of suspense and fast-paced action that’s dangerous and will keep your heart pumping. The mystery/thriller component that Ms. Butler incorporated into the plot only increases the reader’s angst level, as well as the complexity of the story. The characters are engaging, well-developed and flawed, yet lovable, the plot is entertaining, the dialogue is witty, especially when Rena says “All because I fell in love with a madman”, and the story is well-written. Ms. Butler has found a new fan in this reviewer and I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next for the Mark of the Nexus series. If you’re on the border regarding New Adult books and one of your favorite genres is paranormal, then be sure to checkout Strength by Carrie Butler because she’s hit a home run with her first book in the Mark of Nexus series. Bravo!

Rated 5 Seashells and a Recommended Read by AJ!

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Carrie daydreamed her way through college—until they thrust a marketing degree into her hands, slapped a summa cum laude seal on the corner, and booted her out into a less-than-stellar job market. Instead of panicking at the prospect of unemployment, she used her Midwestern logic to steer into the skid and point her life in the direction she really wanted to go: writing out those daydreams.

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Summary:

Mary is part Vietnamese. Carter is a complete jerk. Normally, they don’t talk much.

But when Mary’s in an accident on the way to school one morning, Carter nearly dies saving her life. The doctors say his chances of living are slim, and Mary’s feeling the full weight of survivor’s guilt.

However, Carter’s back at school in a matter of days, as if nothing had happened. Although, he is a little “glitchy,” and he’s developed a sudden and intense interest in Mary. She thinks he’s suffering from major brain trauma from the accident. Or that he’s been possessed.

As it so happens, Carter really is possessed. And the thing controlling him is having the time of its life learning to be human.

Featuring a diverse cast of characters, RADIANT is a funny “paranormal-lite” story about being human, being in love, and being healed.

Excerpt:

The bell rang again, and Mr. Hubert began the Pre-Calculus lesson. But Mary hardly paid attention as she thought about what Sienna had told her. Was Carter really here at school? Now? She only had her last class with him—Physics. He normally sat in the back with some of his friends, while Mary took one of the lonely desks near the front. She’d have to wait until then to see if he was in a body cast or something.

When Pre-Cal was finished, Mary gathered up her stuff and headed for the door with the others as usual. But the moment she stepped outside, she collided with another person. “Gah!” she cried as waves of pain surged through her bruised side, bringing her to her knees.

“Mary!” Sienna said as she came over to her. “Geez Carter. What’s wrong with you?”

Mary looked up. The person she had run into was Carter Maxwell. He wasn’t in a body cast and he didn’t have crutches or anything. He looked normal, actually. Except for the thick black sweater he wore over his school uniform.

“I am sorry,” he said. “I did not mean to cause harm.” He then knelt down and looked Mary in the eyes. There was a subtle spark of life in his green irises. “Are you all right, Mary?” he asked.

She didn’t say anything for a moment. Mary didn’t know that Carter knew her name, and she had never noticed he had green eyes before. Nor how nice they looked when he was concerned.

She shook her head quickly to break off his gaze. “No. I mean, yeah. I’m fine.”

The corners of his mouth curled into a half-smile. “I am glad.”

People were staring at them. Mary blushed under the added attention, and she quickly got to her feet.

“Need help carrying your stuff?” Sienna asked.

“Thanks,” Mary said. “But I’m just gonna swing by my locker. I’ll be fine.”

“All right. See you in Art.” Sienna shot one last warning look at Carter before heading down the hall.

Mary picked up her bag and turned the other direction. As she walked, she realized people were still looking at her. That’s when she noticed Carter was walking next to her. And he was doing it in a really weird way. He made each step deliberate, like he was doing mini-lunges.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I am walking,” he said.

“Um. Okay.” Mary looked forward again, thinking that when she got to her locker, he’d go away. But he didn’t. He stopped with her.

“I’m all right, Carter,” she said. “You don’t have to help me.”

“Okay,” he said.

Mary looked at him from the corner of her eye as she put her Pre-Cal stuff away and got her Art things. “Are you all right?”

Carter smiled. “I am. Thank you for asking.”

Sienna was right. Carter was acting weird. That bus sure did a job on his brain.

“Don’t you have to go to class or something?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said.

Mary closed her locker and headed towards Art. Carter followed. The halls were emptying as kids got to their rooms, but it was still embarrassing with him lunging next to her. Mary stopped and faced him. “Listen, Carter. I really am all right. You don’t have to walk with me to class.” In fact, she preferred that he didn’t.

He smiled. “You said that already.”

“Yeah,” she said. “So…stop following me.”

Carter wrinkled his brow. “Do I make you uncomfortable? Walking with you like this?”

Give the man a prize. “Uh, yeah,” Mary said. “Very.”

He looked a little sad suddenly. “I am sorry. I will leave you alone.” He turned and walked down the other hall.

Mary felt bad. She didn’t mean to make him sad. She just wanted him to stop following her. She sighed and headed down the same hall to apologize. But when she got there, she didn’t see him. “Carter?”

He was nowhere. Despite the weird lunges, he apparently could move quickly.

That’s when she remembered. For days, Mary had put herself through a series of guilt trips, thinking Carter was going to die or end up a vegetable. She had never considered everything going back to normal. Or, relatively normal. This was the first time she’d seen Carter since the hospital, and she had forgotten to thank him for what he had done.

Christina Daley made her first book with neighborhood friends when she was four years old. They “wrote” out some semblance of lettering with crayons, cut up a cardboard box for the cover, and bound it all together with clear adhesive tape. It was brilliant.

Quite a few years later, Christina is trying her hand at writing “real” books. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with a pet plant named Herb.

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MEGHAN S.

The author has been notified and will send you the book.

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Summary:

Mary is part Vietnamese. Carter is a complete jerk. Normally, they don’t talk much.

But when Mary’s in an accident on the way to school one morning, Carter nearly dies saving her life. The doctors say his chances of living are slim, and Mary’s feeling the full weight of survivor’s guilt.

However, Carter’s back at school in a matter of days, as if nothing had happened. Although, he is a little “glitchy,” and he’s developed a sudden and intense interest in Mary. She thinks he’s suffering from major brain trauma from the accident. Or that he’s been possessed.

As it so happens, Carter really is possessed. And the thing controlling him is having the time of its life learning to be human.

Featuring a diverse cast of characters, RADIANT is a funny “paranormal-lite” story about being human, being in love, and being healed.

Excerpt:

The bell rang again, and Mr. Hubert began the Pre-Calculus lesson. But Mary hardly paid attention as she thought about what Sienna had told her. Was Carter really here at school? Now? She only had her last class with him—Physics. He normally sat in the back with some of his friends, while Mary took one of the lonely desks near the front. She’d have to wait until then to see if he was in a body cast or something.

When Pre-Cal was finished, Mary gathered up her stuff and headed for the door with the others as usual. But the moment she stepped outside, she collided with another person. “Gah!” she cried as waves of pain surged through her bruised side, bringing her to her knees.

“Mary!” Sienna said as she came over to her. “Geez Carter. What’s wrong with you?”

Mary looked up. The person she had run into was Carter Maxwell. He wasn’t in a body cast and he didn’t have crutches or anything. He looked normal, actually. Except for the thick black sweater he wore over his school uniform.

“I am sorry,” he said. “I did not mean to cause harm.” He then knelt down and looked Mary in the eyes. There was a subtle spark of life in his green irises. “Are you all right, Mary?” he asked.

She didn’t say anything for a moment. Mary didn’t know that Carter knew her name, and she had never noticed he had green eyes before. Nor how nice they looked when he was concerned.

She shook her head quickly to break off his gaze. “No. I mean, yeah. I’m fine.”

The corners of his mouth curled into a half-smile. “I am glad.”

People were staring at them. Mary blushed under the added attention, and she quickly got to her feet.

“Need help carrying your stuff?” Sienna asked.

“Thanks,” Mary said. “But I’m just gonna swing by my locker. I’ll be fine.”

“All right. See you in Art.” Sienna shot one last warning look at Carter before heading down the hall.

Mary picked up her bag and turned the other direction. As she walked, she realized people were still looking at her. That’s when she noticed Carter was walking next to her. And he was doing it in a really weird way. He made each step deliberate, like he was doing mini-lunges.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I am walking,” he said.

“Um. Okay.” Mary looked forward again, thinking that when she got to her locker, he’d go away. But he didn’t. He stopped with her.

“I’m all right, Carter,” she said. “You don’t have to help me.”

“Okay,” he said.

Mary looked at him from the corner of her eye as she put her Pre-Cal stuff away and got her Art things. “Are you all right?”

Carter smiled. “I am. Thank you for asking.”

Sienna was right. Carter was acting weird. That bus sure did a job on his brain.

“Don’t you have to go to class or something?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said.

Mary closed her locker and headed towards Art. Carter followed. The halls were emptying as kids got to their rooms, but it was still embarrassing with him lunging next to her. Mary stopped and faced him. “Listen, Carter. I really am all right. You don’t have to walk with me to class.” In fact, she preferred that he didn’t.

He smiled. “You said that already.”

“Yeah,” she said. “So…stop following me.”

Carter wrinkled his brow. “Do I make you uncomfortable? Walking with you like this?”

Give the man a prize. “Uh, yeah,” Mary said. “Very.”

He looked a little sad suddenly. “I am sorry. I will leave you alone.” He turned and walked down the other hall.

Mary felt bad. She didn’t mean to make him sad. She just wanted him to stop following her. She sighed and headed down the same hall to apologize. But when she got there, she didn’t see him. “Carter?”

He was nowhere. Despite the weird lunges, he apparently could move quickly.

That’s when she remembered. For days, Mary had put herself through a series of guilt trips, thinking Carter was going to die or end up a vegetable. She had never considered everything going back to normal. Or, relatively normal. This was the first time she’d seen Carter since the hospital, and she had forgotten to thank him for what he had done.

Christina Daley made her first book with neighborhood friends when she was four years old. They “wrote” out some semblance of lettering with crayons, cut up a cardboard box for the cover, and bound it all together with clear adhesive tape. It was brilliant.

Quite a few years later, Christina is trying her hand at writing “real” books. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with a pet plant named Herb.

Author Links

Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille
Series: The Ferryman & the Flame, Book One
Publisher: Raven Books
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Length: 422 pages

Summary:

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn’t listen, and because of what she is– a Flame– one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

AJ’s Review:

Rhiannon Paille is a new author to me, but she quickly drew me into her magical world of evil kings and queens, mythical beings, scary beasties, talking trees, and charming characters with her vivid, picturesque settings that bring to life the uniqueness of each character, as well as the story.

Forbidden love is always one of my favorite tropes. Krishani is a Ferryman who not only dreams of death, but also finds himself in love with Kaliel, the Amethyst Flame. While both Kaliel and Krishani are put into an impossible situation that leads to war, it’s their strife to be together that keeps me engrossed in the story. Well, that and all of the adventure that reigns down on their parade as chaos explodes all around them. I love rooting for the underdog and as the story progressed, I couldn’t help but hope that Kaliel and Krishani found their Happily Ever After.

Ms. Paille does an excellent job of providing the reader with both points of view in regards to our hero and heroine, which increased the depth of the story, as well as the development of the main characters. The dialogue is bold, rich, and fresh as the reader is swept into this magical world of fantasy that is unknown, unfamiliar, but undeniably intriguing. I appreciated that Ms. Paille provided the reader with a scorecard/guide regarding the different characters, the word usages of the lands and the people, the different Avristar Traditions, the timeline, as well as the different creatures on Avristar, and the setting guide. It was truly helpful, especially as more characters were introduced into the story.

Surrender is a compelling, passionate story with engaging characters who exhibit raw emotions that are heartfelt, yet forbidden. The action is fast-paced, intense, and entertaining. The banter is witty and the plot is full of enough mystery and suspense to keep you guessing until the very end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Bravo Ms. Paille, as you’ve found a new fan in this reviewer and I’ll definitely be recommending Surrender to my friends.

Rated 4.5 Seashells by AJ!

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O Hai!

I’d like to tell you some fascinating things about me, but if I’m being honest, I became an author by accident…because I got kicked out of English class in grade six…for being too smart.

Utter boredom lead me to writing short stories that desperate classmates would read when they forgot to bring a book to school.

And then someone told me hockey was more important than writing and I stopped bothering with it because I can’t play hockey.

I wanted to be a vocalist, or a musician, or a teacher, and those things were also more important than writing.

But I didn’t become any of those things. I married my soul mate, had children, and became a metaphysical therapist (it’s just a professional term for psychic reader.)

And that’s when I began doing things by accident all over again, to the point where my first book became a bestseller and I didn’t even mean to write it.

Writing comes to me as naturally as a hurricane, and I slave over the disaster its left behind.

Namaste,
Rhi

P.S. If you’re really curious about my work as a metaphysical therapist, you could click here to read my professional bio.

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March 4th

Summary:

Grace Jensen survived a horrific fire at age 15. The flames changed her: badly scarred in body and mind, Grace developed an ability to feel other people’s pain. Unable to bear human touch, she has made a small life for herself in Northern California, living with her hoarder mother, tending wounded animals, and falling a little in love with her former doctor. Her safe world explodes when the magnetic Marly Kennet reappears in town; Grace falls right back into the dynamic of their complicated friendship. Marly is the holder of many secrets, including one that has haunted Grace for over a decade: what really happened the night of the fire?

When Marly exhorts Grace to join her in Las Vegas, to make up for the years they have been lost to each other, Grace takes a leap of faith and goes. Although Marly is not entirely honest about her intentions, neither woman anticipates that enlarging Grace’s world will magnify her ability to sense the suffering of others—or that she will begin to heal wounds by swallowing her own pain and laying her hands on the afflicted.

This gift soon turns darker when the truth of Marly’s life—and the real reason she ended her friendship with Grace—pushes the boundaries of loyalty and exposes both women to danger.

When I first began writing FORGED IN GRACE, or rather, when the character of Marly whispered in my ear while I stoked a fire in a little cabin overlooking a wild river, I knew right away this would be a story about female friends. I didn’t know it would be a dark exploration, but when all was said and done, I continue to think of this novel as a “dark love story of friendship.” That is to say, it’s a story that celebrates the powerful bonds that young girls forge with one another as they act as surrogates to each other for the mature relationships that will come down the road.

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of friends in my life, but as a girl, I only had one best friend, Sacha. The tried-and-true bestie who was part sister, part romantic stand-in, part keeper of secrets. She could make me feel good or break my heart all in the same day. She was an athlete to my bookworm, daring and brave where I was timid. She came from a loud family with brothers and two European parents. I was a latch-key kid from a “broken” home with two hippie parents.

Like Grace does Marly in the novel, I adored and was slightly in awe of Sacha. She bounced back from sleights while I wilted. She took the world head on, while I crept at it from the shadows. We fought, sometimes for days, but always came back together. Not until high school—though Sacha was a year older than I was—did a wedge come between us, and that wedge was, natch, another girl, named Shawna. A prettier, more sophisticated, worldly girl than me who didn’t use “too big” words and needed to wear a bra. Quickly I became replaced. It was a theme that would repeat in my life as part of the messy geometry of friendship. A theme that seems to happen to so many girls, teaching the painful lesson of jealousy and self-esteem, of loyalty and betrayal.

In FORGED IN GRACE, Grace has an unhealthy bond with the bold, beautiful Marly. Grace wants what Marly seems to have. And yet Marly is all pretense and façade. Her external world hides the darkness she keeps tucked away. What Grace thinks she wants, Marly may not actually have, and vice versa. And it’s up to Grace to realize her own talents and power in order to come to see the friendship for what it was, and is. A lesson many girls can use.

Many of my favorite books and movies about dark female friendships touch upon an overt or indirect sexuality between the girls. As an adult I can see now that most of these friendships are not, explicitly, sexual—barring those that really are, of course, and that’s not what I’m talking about in this piece—but rather girls, with their fluid and often early developed emotional lives, need to start exercising these feelings before the boys get around to it. They test them on each other, for better or worse. They project things onto one another that will someday be meant for their mates. In the best of scenarios, they forge life-long friendships; in others, jealousy and competition draw them apart.

As an adult, lucky to have a circle of dear, trusted women friends with whom I can talk honestly and show my dark and messy sides, I now look back on the friends of my youth with a clearer eye.  It was my girlfriends upon whom I first tested the strategies of what would someday become my grown-up relationships at slumber parties where we whispered to the night sky our deepest desires and fears. Like Grace, those early friendships are important artifacts that reveal precious information to me about myself.

Author Links:

Summary:

In his father’s eyes, Dylan Deveraux is just a playboy spending the family fortune on prostitutes, alcohol, and fast cars. And it isn’t even with the cars his father produces. Because of that, his father forbids his presence at the ball that will mark the launch of the US plant of his company, strategically scheduled on Valentine’s Day.

Hayley Allen is a failing model with the worse luck in the world. She always ends up in the hands of cruel designers and photographers. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Better than admit having a weak nervous system that always reacted during her gigs. Desperate, she would do anything to help her career.

Dylan shows up at her door, wasted as usual. Friends for a long time, Hayley is the only one able to put up with Dylan’s bullshit, and he appreciates that, but not the way her heart wants.

Even though he doesn’t believe in Valentine’s Day, Dylan has an idea for his father’s ball. When he suggests a deal to Hayley, a deal that could finally put her in the spotlight of success and help him impress his father, she doesn’t hesitate. Even if it means hurting her heart a little more.

Excerpt:

On tiptoes, Dylan crossed the short corridor and found Hayley sleeping on the couch. She looked peaceful, but he doubted she was really comfortable there. The pillow was on the floor, the comforter pressed in between her legs and arms, as if she was hugging it, her delicate feet propped on the arm of the couch. Her long amber hair fell around her shoulders, her tank top had ridden up, showing a piece of her soft midriff skin, and her breasts barely fit inside her tight top.

Shit. He turned his back to her, ashamed at having stared at her body.

But it was such a nice body, how could he resist? He peeked at her over his shoulder. He didn’t understand how she wasn’t a famous model yet. She was so, so beautiful.

He smiled, remembering the first time he saw her. They were at a party, and he spent over six hours trying to woo her, but she didn’t fall for his bullshit. No girl had ever resisted him—except Hayley. She was the first and only. And that’s how their friendship was born. Even though his instinct was to try and kiss her and sleep with her each time he saw her, Dylan had found a true friend in her, and for that he put his physical needs aside. She was the only one who understood his problems, his dark moments, who endured him, who saw past the bullshit, and didn’t throw herself at him. More importantly, she didn’t care about his fortune.

Hayley stirred, moaned, and opened her eyes. “What are you smiling about?”

Was he smiling? “Nothing.” He sat in an armchair beside the couch. As she sat up, she pulled the comforter up to hide herself. “Hey, hmm, sorry. I didn’t mean to take your bed.”

“I know.” She smiled and her green eyes shone.

“Was I too much of a jerk?”

“The usual.”

Their eyes locked and she lost her smile. There was so much he wanted to tell her, so much shit about his life, but he was always afraid he’d push her away if she found out every one of his little messes. Wouldn’t it be better, though? For her? To be away from him and his bad influence? But then who would give him pep talks and receive drunken him with open arms in the wee hours of the night? Who would tell him everything would be okay? Who would give him a hug when he was down because of his brother? He had driven many, many times from Princeton to New York just to have one of those hugs.

She was one of those rare jewels and he couldn’t afford to lose her.

Feeling like a coward, Dylan averted his gaze.

Nicknames: Ju, Juli, Seca (which is a slang for someone too thin in Portuguese – I was too skinny when a teenager)

Where do you live: Connecticut

Your favorite dessert: hm, anything with hot fudge and ice cream

Your favorite TV series: TVD, Nikita, Arrow, and Beauty and the Beast. I CANNOT choose only one from these.

Last book you read: Breathe by Abbi Glines

Last movie you watched: The Expendables 2 (horrible! good for laughs though)

Last song (or album) you bought: Lucifer by SHINee (South Korean boy band)

A book/series you could read over and over again: I’m not big into re-reading but I would say any book/series by Richelle Mead

Coke or pepsi? Both

Day or night? Night, though, after becoming a mother, I had to force myself to become a day person

Pen or pencil? Pencil

Summer or winter? Winter – I have super low blood pressure and faint a lot during the summer, so …

Cat or dog? Dog

Tea or coffee? Both

Plotter or pantser? I was half-half, but now I’m trying to become more of a plotter

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I’ve been writing since I was 13yo, but it was only a hobby. It was around 2009 when I thought I could try this seriously, but I took it very slow in the beginning.

What are you working on now? I’m writing NA contemporary romance called Breaking the Reins and I’m plotting The Everlast #2 which is unnamed yet. And I will not mention how many ideas are swirling around my mind. Too distracting …

If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? Why? Architect. I went to architecture school for 3 years. Loved it to death. Still do.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done in your life? Moved out of my parents’ house in a very small town when I was 16yo and went to live alone in a city with 1.5 million habitants.

Who is the one person that has singlehandedly inspired you the most in your life? My father. He and I always talked a lot, about everything, and he always pushed me to be a better person. Before I went to college (for Architecture, then Graphic Design), he told me I should do something where I could use my writing – he knew I was destined to be a writer, even when I didn’t.

What is one talent that you’re hopeless at, but you wish you had? Singing. And drawing. How I wish I could do both at least a little decently, but nah. I’m hopeless.

What is one trait or physical characteristic that you are proud of/love about yourself? Physical = my greens eyes. Trait = I always treat others as I would like to be treated. Respect is the law.

Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? Don’t give up. Each word you put down, you’re improving your craft. Several known authors wrote lots of manuscripts before finding and agent/selling a book. Your time will come. You just have to keep at it.

About the Author

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links:

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