Thursday, June 6, 2013

Guest Post: Emily Greenwood



Title: A Little Night of Mischief
Author: Emily Greenwood
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Pages: 384
Buy LinksAmazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Blurb:

Every Prize Comes with Complications...

A game of chance saves James Collington from the prospect of debtors' prison, and grants him ownership to Tethering estate. Little does he know that his winnings come with serious complications--not least of which is a beautiful but impoverished young lady who insists his new manor belongs to her.

If He Can't Stop Her, He Might as Well Join Her...


Felicity Wilcox is determined to run Mr. Collington off her land, Though James's charm and devilish good looks are a serious distraction. What she doesn't know is that she may be haunting him right back.


Guest Post


Tell us about a time you got into trouble as a child.

Thank you very much for having me here today! This topic made me smile because in my debut, A Little Night Mischief, my heroine gets into lots of trouble. Though of course she’s all grown up and should know better—but where’s the fun in that?

I’m sorry to say that I was pretty much a good girl, save for a few transgressions that now seem really boring and minor, like the time I got busted for not singing along with the other students in music class. I had to stay after school and write an essay atoning for my misbehavior and also copy out all the stanzas of the song. I can still remember the first line: “Somebody robbed the Glendale train, this morning at half-past nine.” I still hate it. 

Yes, things were a little uptight at my Catholic grade school, so even if you behaved perfectly 99% of the time, if you messed up once every few years, they came down on you so hard you felt like a reprobate. My parents, on the other hand, were pretty permissive, and I can’t remember them ever getting mad about anything I did. So if you’re wanting something else that resulted in disciplinary action, the best I can do is an incident from my teen years.

Over the summer before high school my family moved to a new place, so in the fall I started freshman year at an enormous public high school where I didn’t know anyone. The students all seemed rowdy and confident and a lot wealthier than me, and my main goal was to not attract any attention whatsoever. This desire was thwarted a couple of months into the school year when we had an assembly with Officer Friendly. 

All five hundred of us freshmen filed into the auditorium to hear him talk about stuff we shouldn’t do. One of the things he wanted to warn us against was shoplifting, and for that he apparently needed a perpetrator. I was wearing my favorite sweater, which was a preppy kelly green, and I guess it stood out well, because Officer Friendly looked down from the stage where he was standing and indicated that the girl in the bright green sweater should come up there. Of course, I wanted to die.

While I stood up on stage with this tall, uniformed man and stared out at all those strangers I’d been passing in the hallways, he proceeded to talk about how awful it is to get caught doing a crime, and then he handcuffed me and invited me to discuss how that felt. 

Interestingly, being handcuffed by a stern police officer actually does make you feel like a criminal, especially when you’re standing in front of five hundred teenagers you’re certain are silently judging you. I managed to conjure enough bravado to mutter something about it not being very pleasant, and felt ridiculously grateful when he finally released me.

As much as I hated the experience, afterward it actually turned into a way of meeting people, because I had become “the girl who got handcuffed.” It was a sort of forced introduction to everyone. And it made me see that many of those kids from whom I’d wanted to hide were actually pretty nice.

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Monday, June 3, 2013

Review: Tempted Into Danger



Title: Tempted Into Danger
Author: Melissa Cutler
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: June 1, 2013 (Kindle); June 4, 2013 (Paperback)
Pages: 288
Buy LinksAmazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

"Keep the asset safe or die trying."

When a simple mission to deliver the beautiful and brilliant Vanessa Crosby to a safe house goes horribly wrong, ICE agent Diego Santero's life gets complicated. Keeping the anti-crime analyst safe from the notorious mercenaries after her program will put everything he's worked for at risk.

Relentlessly hunted and not knowing whom to trust, Diego takes Vanessa on the run, deep into the heart of the deadly Panamanian rainforest. Vanessa reminds herself that she's just another asset to the ruggedly handsome black ops agent...until their intense situation leads to a release of passion neither expected. But even if they make it out alive, how can they ever have a future together?


Review

BEST. BOOK. I'VE READ. THIS YEAR. OR EVER.

Disclaimer: This review is probably an understatement of how marvelous this book really is. Truly, there's not enough words to describe the magnitude of awesome-sauce this book has.

Diego
He was the kind of guy who had trouble saying the right things, especially to a woman. He was one of those alpha males who just didn't like the idea of weakness. He was all macho and tough, but he had a soft gooey center, just like my favorite Lindt Truffles. Diego was so intense, a woman just can't help but fall in love with him. I also pictured him as super buff. He was one sexy beast with the most entertaining quotes!

"The fact that I am standing here with you in the middle of this god-forsaken jungle means I have a perfect record when it comes to protecting people. I don't mess up. I don't fail. And I'm sure as hell not going to screw up that reputation with you. Are we clear?"

"Roger that. Mouth shut. Weepy chicks get tissues except girlfriends, then you have to offer yourself as a tissue."

"Do not tell me what I think you're about to or I swear to God, I'm going to fly to Brazil and go all black ops on this guy for cheating on you."

Vanessa
She was a nerd. A sexy nerd at that. She was absolutely adorable, if naive. She almost got them killed once, but she had a really good reason. She also didn't know any better. Anyway, after spending just 24 hours with Diego, she changed and became braver and more sure of herself. I love how she was able to get Diego to do what she wants. As macho as he was, he went all soft when it came to her. She was such a trooper, I think I have a girl crush on her.

Ryan and Alicia
I sure hope these two get their books one day. Ryan would just be such an amazing character to read about. He has that mystery and calm exterior. Exactly the kind of guy I'd want to get to know more. Then, there's Alicia. She's the kind of woman who refused to sacrifice luxury just because she was a black ops agent. If anything, I pictured her as super hot and sexy with all kinds of weapons strapped to her body. Yet another girl crush.

Other things that I enjoyed in this book was the role reversal aspect that the author successfully created. Vanessa was the aggressive one in this book. She took the kisses she wanted from Diego without permission. I absolutely loved it whenever she would get that "look" on her face that Diego came to know as her "I really want to kiss you right now" face.

Another thing I enjoyed was the mathematics aspect of this book. Oh my goodness, who knew math was so erotic??

Finally, I just really enjoyed the humor in this book. This book just made the genre of romantic suspense at the top of my favorite genres. Melissa Cutler, you are a romantic suspense goddess. I bow down to you.

Now, for my favorite scene :)

Diego: "Time for some shut-eye. You sit here with me and take deep breaths. Try to relax. Everything's going to work out because I'm going to make it work."
Vanessa: "Because that's your job right?"
      With eyes half-lidded and drowsy, he grinned and twined his fingers with hers, then pulled their joined hands on to his lap. After another huge yawn, he closed his eyes.
      Vanessa looked around. Everyone, even John through the rearview mirror, was gawking at her. She offered them a tentative smile and decided to bulldoze through the awkward moment with levity.
Vanessa: "No big deal. I'm sure he holds all the assets' hands, am I right?"
Alicia: "Oh yeah. He's real touchy-feely that way."
Diego: "Still awake here." He grumbled without opening his eyes. "And I can hold whoever's damn hand I want. Get over it."
Vanessa: "So, John, back to that Michael Jackson story. You said this album saved your life?"

So, obviously, there's nothing left to do but to buy this book, right?!

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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Review: Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal



Title: Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal
Author: Jayne Fresina
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Pages: 384
Buy LinkAmazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)
Source: ARC from Publisher

Blurb:

When a Perfectly Proper Lady...

Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It's what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she's obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there's one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can't rein in; whose chaos she can't contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue...

Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn't mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people's business. And it just so happens that Mercy "Silky Drawers" Danforthe still owes him a wedding night...

A Scandal's Never Far Behind


Review

This was a great book, but it didn't quite satisfy me.

The first half of the book felt like an obligation for me. I felt like I was dragging my feet reading it. The quarrel between Mercy and Rafe was a bit too much for me. I didn't feel the affection that I assumed was supposed to be there.

The second half of the book, however, was interesting. When the scandal started, that's when things started going good. Mrs. Kenton was such an annoying character, I think the author did a great job on her. Mercy liked to fix and meddle with things. She just couldn't help it. I also loved that horses and hedges were used as a metaphor. It was a nice addition.

Overall, the book was entertaining. I'm hoping the final version would be a little more gripping, though. Mercy was quite endearing the more I read the book, and eventually, the name-callings became endearing as well. Mercy and Rafe meant well, even though they thought the worst of each other at first.

Mercy: "Rafe, Darling?"
Rafe: "Hmm?"
Mercy: "Do mind my gown. It's very fine silk."
With a low growl, he rolled over and silenced her with another kiss. Before too long, that very fine silk was discarded on the floor in any case, and soon assaulted by his rough cord breeches, his torn shirt, and his muddy boots.

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Promo+Review: The Shadow Slayers

Today, I have the wonderful Cassi Carver! I've met her a few times and she's just absolutely amazing. She's a very animated reader! I'm hoping to see her tonight! Meanwhile, check out her series below!




Title: Dark Flight
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #3
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Pages: 263
Buy LinkAmazon | BN | Samhain

Blurb:

In a world of shadows, a pure heart can be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Kara has been training for months to help take down Brakken—the merciless black-wing who is making life hell for the Demiáre. But when Julian discovers a scout has been tracking Kara, he wants her out of the fight—even if it means breaking her heart in the process.

Gavin isn’t much better. He’s already lost so much to Brakken and has no intention of allowing the woman he loves to be the next sacrifice. He and Julian have their hands full trying to fight Brakken’s army and keep Kara safe, especially after her recent visit to the mythical white-wings. Since her return, she’s been acting decidedly…strange.

With a terrible battle looming, Kara doesn’t have time to think about her conflicted feelings for Gavin and Julian—or the fact that she’s developed an unnatural taste for Gavin’s blood. But if she thought it was complicated evading mysterious scouts and fending off vicious black-wings, she’s learning that’s nothing compared to loving two strong-willed men.

Product Warnings:

This book contains angels that aren’t what they seem, a heroine with mad midwifery skills, and a metamorphosis that will change life as we knew it. 


Title: Shadow Rising
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #2
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Pages: 272
Buy LinkAmazon BN | Samhain | Sony

Blurb:

Her lover is back from the dead…but now there’s hell to pay.

When Kara Reed learns her bondmate, Julian, is truly dead, and that Gavin has seemingly skipped town, she figures things have hit rock bottom. But soon, a string of bizarre accidents has her doubting those closest to her. And to make matters worse, the demon-king’s brand carved into her best friend Abbey’s stomach is deteriorating by the day.

Then a powerful coven of witches issues Kara an ultimatum. Bring them the blood of a true fallen angel—the only thing that will heal Abbey—or die. Kara would do anything to help her friend. Problem is, the only fallen angel she’s seen lately is the disoriented black-wing who attacked her scouts. One who looks suspiciously like Julian. Getting his blood might be easier if he was more interested in kissing her than killing her.

Caught between a coven of vengeful witches and a murderous dead lover, Kara must deliver the blood, heal the slow poison of Abbey’s brand, and save Julian from being consumed by the Abyss. But to do this, she may need the help of the one man she swore never to trust again…Gavin.

Product Warnings:

This book contains an angry demon returning from the dead, a clan lord hiding a terrible secret, and a hunted heroine cracking open a can of whoop-ass. Watch out for creepy kitties, exploding bad guys, and some very sudsy shower sex.



Title: Slayer's Kiss
Series: The Shadow Slayers, #1
Author: Cassi Carver
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 272
Buy LinkAmazon | BN | Sony | Samhain

Blurb:

When the past flies in your face, clip its wings.

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.

When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

Product Warnings:

Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”. 


Review

Sex, sex, and more sex. Oh my Og.

I'm not lying when I say half of this book is literally SEX. When I first started reading it, every page was filled with it; I can practically see the stench coming off the page. Whether that's good or bad is still yet to be decided.

What I enjoyed the most about this book was the action scenes. Whenever Kara or any of the winged men would fight, it was more a turn-on than all the sex that happened. Is that weird?

Gavin and Julian. Wow, this book sure was NOT predictable. I didn't like either Gavin or Julian until towards the end. I won't lie, I did want Gavin to be the guy at the end with the happy ending. I won't give it away whether he got it or not. Julian, on the other hand, seemed to me like a raging man who was way too possessive. Let's face it, I didn't like him. My opinion changed when he performed one act - the one act that he swore he would do until his last breath - protect Kara. I sure love men and their testosterone when used in battle!

The fighting scene during the climax of this book was so intense! I applaud the author for such vivid imagery. I was, however, quite disappointed that the volcano island wasn't really described. I was hoping I could travel there through the book. Oh well, the fight scene was enough.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm not the biggest fan of fantasy, but this book did make me want to keep on reading. The coupling left little to be desired. The seemingly gigantic girths didn't really turn on the charm for me. Other than that, bravo!

Almost forgot, I absolutely loved Jaxon!! I hope I see him more in future books :) Check out this quote with him and Kara!

Kara: "Couldn't you have taught me these things after the lessons in how to resist soothing? I don't know crap about these people."
Jaxon: "I've done as much as I could in one week. Not much time was left after your lessons to me each night on the various flavors of Ben and Jerry."




About the Author:

Cassi Carver lives in sunny Southern California with two dogs, four kids, five chickens, and one hubby who gives great massages. She gets to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for research (okay, happy hour) as often as possible. She’s never saved the world, but she keeps sexy boots on hand just in case the opportunity arises.

When Cassi isn’t busy plotting or writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, caring for pets, getting outdoors, and watching sappy movies that deliver reliably happy endings.


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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Alpha Quote: His Risk to Take


Title: His Risk to Take
Author: Tessa Bailey
Pages: 162

Blurb:

The greater the risk, the hotter the reward…

            Homicide cop Troy Bennett had a reputation on the Chicago PD for being fearless and in control—until the night his daredevil partner is killed during a raid. From that moment on, he swears he’ll never again be responsible for the loss of a loved one. To escape his demons, Troy transfers to the NYPD, bringing him up close and personal with Ruby Elliott, a beautiful, street-savvy pool hustler.

            Reckless and stubbornly independent, Ruby embodies everything Troy’s avoiding, but when she walks into O’Hanlon’s Pub and blows his carefully laid plans to hell, Troy knows he has to have her—risks be damned. But there’s a connection between Ruby’s shadowed past and a case Troy’s working involving a notorious Brooklyn felon, throwing her safety into jeopardy. Confronted with his biggest fear, will Troy push Ruby away to keep her safe or fight to keep her in his arms where she belongs?

ALPHA QUOTE: "I'm going to take you to my bed and pleasure the fuck out of you. But the panties stay on. It's nonnegotiable."

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