Monday, August 31, 2015

#Review Getting Lei'd by Ann Omasta #Romance #Comedy


Title: Getting Lei'd
Author: Ann Omasta
Rating: 3 stars

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

The first thing that struck me about this book was its title. I have to give the author props for that because it's unique and appropriate to the story.

This is the first book I've read by this author, so I had no idea what to expect. The set up is kind of slow. We don't even get to meet the hero until chapter seven. There is also a lot of extra stuff that goes on with her family that I really could have done without.

I did, however, enjoy Kai and Roxy's romance. It was cute and fun. The author threw a little twist into their relationship that I wasn't expecting. While it was a bit odd, the author provided a believable explanation. It did, however, make me wonder if the author's other books have a similar twist.

The editing in this one is decent, however, there were some issues. Nothing that pulled me out of the story too much, though. My biggest issue with the story is that I wanted more of Kai and Roxy and less of Baggy, Roxy's grandmother, and Roxy's sister Ruthie who often times seemed to steal the show as it were.

I would recommend this book to those looking for a light, fun romance surrounded by family hi-jinks.

Amazon



Author Bio


These bios are generally rather dry, so I thought I'd shake up the format a little bit. Here are ten not-so-interesting tidbits about me: 1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin. 2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle. 3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea - I love it all. 4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a big dog who is overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return. 5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dog referenced above. 6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word. 7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home. 8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up, with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie 'Sleeping with the Enemy', but I can't seem to control this particular quirk. 9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain. 10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it or even think about it. Great - now I'm thinking about it. Ick!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

#TeaserTuesday The Apartment by Amanda Black




The Apartment: The Complete Affair by Amanda Black

Lily and Ethan’s passionate affair, now available in one complete volume with two new stories!
Lily has spent a lifetime putting everyone else’s needs before her own. Ethan is struggling to find a place in the home he left behind.
But when the two meet by chance in an empty apartment, everything changes.
Drawn together by an inexplicable desire, Lily and Ethan discover a passion neither knew existed. And so, they make a pact: Nothing from their outside lives will enter the apartment—not even their names.
But when the apartment’s walls inevitably come down, neither of them will ever be the same. Can their love survive the real world?
This book is intended for mature audiences.
The Apartment: The Complete Affair includes both The Apartment and The Blank Canvas, along with two brand new stories by romance novelist Amanda Black.



Now 50% off through the end of August when you purchase through the FFFDigital store!

BUY NOW!   Enter the discount code RWA2015 at checkout for your 50% discount!



~EXCERPT~

She walked in slowly, looking from side to side in the empty room. It was dark and gloomy, but that could have been due to the fact that the sun had already begun to set. Lily reached over and flipped the light switch. Nothing. Mrs. Knight had failed to mention that the electricity had been cut off.
Deciding that she needed to make the most of the dwindling sunlight so she could see the room, she wandered around looking for windows. There was a small one above the sink in the kitchen that helped brighten things a bit when she opened the blinds.
Not bad, she thought. Not good, but not bad. There was a little bathroom with a shower and what looked to be one bedroom on the other side of the living room.
As she walked further into the dark apartment, she instantly noticed how warm it was. Slipping her jacket off and dropping it to the floor, she stopped to flip the light switch on the opposite wall by the bedroom as well, just to make sure. Still nothing. Frustrated, she fumbled her way through the darkness until she found the doorknob to what she hoped was the bedroom. Right as she started to turn the handle it began to spin in her hand. Before she realized what was happening the door was pulled open swiftly, causing her to stumble forward and land against a very solid chest.  
“Shit!” she yelled, trying to right herself without putting her hands all over this… stranger.
For right on the other side of the door she had just fallen through  was a man. He made no move to help her from stumbling, nor did he even blink at her outburst; he simply looked down at her as if he'd only now realized that she was in the apartment.
“Who the hell are you?” Lily gasped as she stepped back a few feet, praying that she wasn't about to become the first in a string of brutal rape/slayings to terrorize the Midwest. She was just about to yell at him again when she actually managed to get a good look at him.
He was leaning against the door jamb, wearing a white dress shirt that was unbuttoned a few times at the collar and what looked like designer jeans that had been artificially distressed.  Lily knew there was no way jeans that clean could have so many holes in them. His hair, which was a rich, burnished gold, was sticking out in every direction as if he'd been shoving his hands in it repeatedly. His cheekbones and jawline were so chiseled that it almost hurt to look at them, and his thick growth of stubble only served to enhance their beauty.
Lily moved her eyes up slowly, hovering on the most luscious pair of full, pouty lips she had ever seen in her life. They looked soft and pink, and for some reason she couldn't help but wonder how they would feel against her own, how they might taste. Continuing upward, she took in his long, straight nose before finally landing on a sight that made her breath catch in her throat.
Piercing jade eyes stared back at her, surrounded by longer lashes than any man had the right to possess. They were swollen and red, and it was obvious that he had been crying. She had never felt like more of an intruder than she did in that moment, but she couldn't tear her eyes away.

He looked tragic, and broken, and heartbreakingly beautiful.


Amanda Black

Amanda Black was born and raised in the Midwest, where she still lives with her husband and spoiled-rotten dogs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art before deciding that she actually needed to pay some bills, which is when she took a position as an ophthalmic technician.
For the past few years she’s been a closet romance writer in her spare time and would love nothing more than to make it a full-time career. When she’s not writing her next steamy love scene, her interests include reading, sketching, and annihilating her friends and family in movie trivia.



Visit the author on:
Facebook: /AmandaBlackAuthor
Twitter: @AmandaBlackAuth
Tumblr: amandablackauthor.tumblr.com/
Spotify: /user/amandablackauthor
Blog: amandablackauthor.blogspot.com/


Monday, August 24, 2015

#Review Hot Pursuit by Lynn Raye Harris #RomanticSuspense


Title: Hot Pursuit
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Rating: 4 stars

As far as I know, this is the first book I've read by Lynn Raye Harris. I'm not a big fan of romantic suspense anymore, but when I read the synopsis for this story I wanted to check it out.

Evie and Matt have history. A lot of history. I was curious how the author was going to have their relationship play out...especially with the suspense angle.

As I said before, I'm not a huge romantic suspense fan. I tend to enjoy the development of the relationship rather than all the action. That was the case with this one as well. I could have done without much of the action, however, there was enough of the romance sprinkled in to balance things out.

The book is well edited and a great start to the series. My only complaint was that I could have done without the other points of view. I don't think they really added to the story itself.

Even though I'm not a huge reader of this sub genre, I might have to check out the next book in the series. Matt was pretty amazing and I'm sure the rest of his HOT teammates are as well.

I would recommend this book for lovers of romantic suspense and military romance.

Amazon
B&N



Author Bio



Lynn Raye Harris is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the HOSTILE OPERATIONS TEAM SERIES of military romances as well as 20 books for Harlequin Presents. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband and two crazy cats. Lynn's books have been called "exceptional and emotional," "intense," and "sizzling." Lynn's books have sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

Website

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Sign up for Erotic Anthology Cover Reveal & Blog Tour

The following authors will be releasing an erotic anthology titled Irrevocably Claimed on November 6th. 

Lori King
Sherri Hayes
Susan Ward
Mary Elizabeth
A.M. Shrum
K. Webster
Cherry Shephard
Michael Schneider
K.D. Jones
Demi Duke

It will include short story selections from each author that center around a taboo or forbidden type of romance/sexual encounter. 

The cover reveal is scheduled for September 10th. If you'd like to participate in either the cover reveal or the release day blitz, or if you'd be interested in reading and reviewing the anthology, please fill out the below form with your information. 


Tuesday, August 18, 2015

#TeaserTuesday The Journey Collection by Lisa Bilbrey





The Journey Home

The Sharks’ star quarterback, Travis McCoy has it all, until an injury ends his season early. When he receives an invitation to attend the big homecoming game from his alma mater, Travis decides it’s time to face his past. The journey home sends Travis down a path that he never expects. Will he be able to come to grips when everything around him is spiraling out of control?






The Journey of Champions

Travis McCoy thought the journey home would be the hardest choice he ever had to make. It isn’t until he finds himself walking out the door and leaving his family behind that he realizes his journey is only just beginning. Now, with only a handful of weeks until Christmas, Travis tries to find his way back home. This time, he plans on staying forever.


The Journey to Forever

Finally back in the warm embrace of his family, Travis McCoy relishes every moment he gets to spend with his wife and son. After almost losing them due to his own selfishness, he makes the decision to never let go of his family again. With his plan set in motion, Travis, Penelope, and Max start a new journey, one that leads them to forever.



The Journey to a New Life

Travis McCoy’s journey has led him down a road of changes where he found the love of his life and their child. Travis, Penelope, and Max have struggled during their time apart, found their way back home, and finally tied their lives together as a family. Now, Penelope and Travis find themselves on a new journey, one that leads them to the greatest gift of all.






#TEASER


A month later, Travis walked out of his apartment building and slid into the yellow taxi cab that had been waiting for him. He instructed the driver to take him to the airport and then shifted his attention out the window. Travis had finally been able to take the brace off his shoulder a couple weeks ago, but his shoulder was still stiff and ached when he used it too much. There wasn’t much mobility left in the joint, which just added to the rumors of his career being over. After a lot of thought, Travis had decided that in order to figure out his future, he needed to face his past. However, instead of replying back to Jack Garrison confirming that he was coming back to Clarendon for homecoming, Travis had merely booked a flight back to Texas.
“Sir, we’re here,” the driver said, pulling Travis out of his inner reflections.
“Thanks,” he replied, opening the door and climbing out. Travis dragged his suitcase from the backseat and let it flop onto the ground before he fished his wallet out of his back pocket, slipping a couple of twenties out. “This should be more than enough.”
“Oh, well, thanks.” Hesitating for just a moment, the driver picked up his log book and flipped it to the back page. “Can I get an autograph? You know, for my son?”
Travis laughed and took the book and pen the man had dug out of his pocket. “Sure thing. What’s his name?”
“Harrison. He’s a huge fan of yours. Only four-years-old, and he’s already convinced that he’ll be a big star just like you.”
“Well, good luck to him,” Travis murmured. He scribbled his name and a note that said ‘Keep dreaming’ on the log book before handing it back to the driver. “I hope he makes it.”
The man looked down at his book and smiled. “I just want him to be happy.”
“Most fathers do.” Travis pushed away from the taxi and headed inside the airport.
Half an hour later, he’d managed to check in for his flight and was sitting outside of his gate. He had on a pair of black sunglasses, and he was leaning his head against the wall behind his chair. Travis stretched his legs out, crossing them at the ankle, and folded his arms in front of his chest. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get his shoulders to relax.
When Travis left, he’d crushed the one woman who’d ever cared about him: Penelope.
She owned his heart and soul; she was the one person who’d ever believed that he’d be able to do anything he set his mind to. The day he’d left her had been the hardest moment of his life — at least until now. Going home was proving to be even harder.



Obsessive, compulsive, slightly crazed, but enough about her personality. First and foremost, Lisa Bilbrey is a mom to three and a wife to one. She loves to write, and spends the majority of everyday writing. It's who she is, and what she's meant to be doing. Words are her life, the air she breathes, and the nutrients of her soul. Finding a love in the written word, Lisa Bilbrey started writing as a way to express herself and let her voice be heard. From the first word she wrote, she'd found her heart and soul.
Always willing to learn, she's spends much of her time trying to improve as a storyteller.

Links—





Monday, August 17, 2015

#Review In Too Deep by Tracey Alvarez


Title: In Too Deep
Author: Tracey Alvarez
Rating: 4.5 stars

I first discovered this author when I agreed to read and review the third book in this series, Ready To Burn. I loved it so much that I went looking for more from this author and found that this first book in the same series was free. Of course that meant I had to download it right away and I'm so glad I did.

Hard as it is to believe, I think I fell in love with West and Piper even more than I did Del and Shaye from Ready To Burn. Both West and Piper are strong characters and stubborn in their own way. But everything that happened between the two of them was believable. I completely understood Piper's feelings about what had happened in the past, both between her and West and with her family. It was nice to see the evolution of all of that and how the author both resolved things and also set up the next book in the series.

The editing in this one was almost flawless. There was one plot point that was repeated as if it was new information and it briefly pulled me out of the story. Other than that, I was once again amazed by this authors storytelling.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well rounded romance with a touch of family drama.

Amazon
B&N



Author Bio



Tracey Alvarez lives in the Coolest Little Capital in the World (a.k.a Wellington, New Zealand) where she’s yet to be buried under her to-be-read book pile by Wellington’s infamous wind—her Kindle’s a lifesaver! Married to a wonderfully supportive IT guy, she has two teens who would love to be surgically linked to their electronic devices.

Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, she’s the author of contemporary romantic fiction set predominantly in New Zealand. Small-towns, close communities, and families are a big part of the heart-warming stories she writes. Oh, and hot, down-to-earth heroes—Kiwi men, in other words.

When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or procrastinating about writing, Tracey can be found reading sexy books of all romance genres, nibbling on smuggled chocolate bars, or bribing her kids to take over the housework. 

Website

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

#TeaserTuesday The Gates Legacy by Lorenz Font

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Series: The Gates Legacy
Author: Lorenz Font
Genre: Romance / Paranormal
Release Date: June 4, 2015

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Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

~~EXCERPT~~
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  It was when he brushed his hand down her cheek that she felt his tenderness firsthand. It was a slow caress she hadn’t expected from a man with so much strength in him. Isidora leaned into his touch. “I know you won’t.” She closed her eyes. If this was as far as he’d allow himself to go, it was enough for her. “Issy, you have no idea what your offer is doing to me.” Cyrus’ breathing grew ragged. “What am I doing to you?” She opened her eyes just in time to see the hunger etched in his face, his fangs elongating until they were punching his lower lip. “You make me want to rip off your clothes. Stop teasing a hungry dog with a big bone.” In this quiet moment, Cyrus was all she wanted. The air grew electric, and the magnetism between them was undeniable, so strong she could touch it. Her gaze slid down to the massive tenting in his pants and couldn’t deny her own hunger. “You’re going to kiss me.” “Damn right I will.” He closed the small gap and crushed his mouth against hers, his kiss hard and filled with urgency. Issy rode the tide, tasting, stroking, and feeling the jolt of life from his lips. She pressed her body closer, but he ended the kiss abruptly. Way too soon. “You better run, little girl.” He turned away. “I’m not going to run. Take what is freely given to you.” She touched his shoulder, caressing the taut muscle.    

~~OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES~~

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~~SUMMARY~~

The vampires of New York City are breathing easier after the demise of the tyrannical former head of the Vampire Council, Goran. Under Rohnert, the revered and newly ascended leader, their future looks promising. However, an unknown enemy is manipulating events, killing humans and vampires alike, and exposing their secrets to the human world.
11214177_699625673498474_7383337547356939759_nThis is bad news for new vampire Cyrus and his band of fighters at Tack Enterprises. Events derail his plans to find Zane, the sadistic vampire who tortured Cyrus and forced immortality on him. Armed with hatred deep in his bones, all Cyrus cares about is getting even, and Zane has it coming. Cyrus soon finds himself torn between the crippling desire for revenge and his responsibility to his friends. When he begins to spend time in the company of the beautiful and pureblooded vampire, Isidora, her presence in his life makes him rethink his priorities.
Isidora is able to read minds. The thoughts she hears from the respected and irresistible vampire, Cyrus, are filled with both anger towards Zane and a deep admiration for her. Being closeted all her life, Issy has no idea what to do in the face of the outside world’s war, death, and challenges. One thing is clear. She craves Cyrus, but his need for vengeance is clouding his mind. After discovering a previously hidden family member and being called to serve the Council, Issy is at a crossroads in her life and struggles to find the right path.
Both vampires face tough choices. Should Issy pursue her feelings for Cyrus or wait until he can return her affection? Will Cyrus deny his attraction to Isidora so he can kill the man who made his life a living hell on earth? Every decision leads to a reckoning.
 
~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~

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Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels Hunted, Tormented and Ascension, Books 1-3 of The Gates Legacy Series, Feather Light, an erotic romance, Indivisble Line, a romance thriller and Pieces of Broken Time, a military romance.
Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job and her busy writing schedule.
 


~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~
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~~OTHER TITLES BY THE AUTHOR~~
 
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