Sunday, August 31, 2014

Bound By Her Ring

Luciano Morelli has perfected a plan to get revenge on his runaway wife; confronting her at the opening gala for her father’s hotel. What he didn’t plan on was the flaring of emotions the moment he sees her again. Jasmine Anderson has no memories of her husband. Her only link to him are the wedding rings she wears. Luciano storms back into her life announcing he is her husband, demanding she join him on a business trip or see her father’s livelihood crumble. Passion reignites as they rediscover what first drew them together. But more than just memories are lost. Can their bond be rebuilt or will secrets infect their already shattered trust?
***
Nicole welcomes you to the city of Perth in this intense novel of rekindling a whirlwind romance and marriage that was lost due to amnesia. Jasmine has lost any memory she has of the previous few months, yet she continues to wear her rings because their mere existence calms the uncertain storm of emotion that is raging inside her. Luciano (Lukas to Jasmine) has other intentions when he begins to seduce his WIFE again by having her escort him on a business trip to the city of Broome: Crush her like she did him when he found out the news. 
"She won't be my wife for much longer and I'd appreciate you not interfering with my personal life."
Cupid had different plans for these two. Lukas couldn't help but fall in love with his wife all over again while Jasmine couldn't pinpoint why she was instantly drawn to him. Lukas was a source of comfort, love and joy to Jasmine, she just wished she could remember how they got to this point. I must side with Jasmine in her frustration of everyone "leaving her to find her memory out for her own." I would be Googling myself or something. :)
There was this one moment in all their rekindling that just stood out to me. He presented his wife with a gift during breakfast and the playful banter that ensued gave me hope for the two. 
"You can rip it open you know," his dry tone telling her he was impatient for her to reveal his surprise.
"I like to savour the moment, draw it out for as long as possible."
"To torment the gift giver?"
She smiled cheekily over at him. "When the gift giver is you, yes."
The road to love in this book was not an easy one. As her memory revealed itself, both Lukas and Jasmine were hurt again. Would their love be enough to move forward and start a new life together? Jasmine and Lukas both had demons in their past, and with a very persistent father not wanting this marriage to exist - this trip to HEA would be anything but smooth sailing. 
Details about the plot? NOT from this reviewer. But, here are a few things you will get from me:
  1. Nicole writes a wonderful story of second chance at a first love, and does it with such raw, real and intense characters. You do get your HEA, but not without a few well placed bumps. 
  2. Nicole is from Australia, and I have decided that I adore reading books by authors from other countries - the language and terminology is different, and I like to learn new words and phrases. 
  3. And finally - you have another book after this to look forward to, Bound By His Desire. (This one stars Nick, Lukas' business partner and this means I am sure we will get to catch up with our favorite Italian Stallion, Luc and his wife, Jasmine.) 
Before I leave you to go and pick up this great romantic read by the uber awesome Aussie, Nicole, I want to leave you with my FAVORITE quote from this book. I adore grand gestures and this is why I find myself drawn to romances. Every girl needs John Cusack to stand outside of her window with a boombox on his shoulder confessing his love to her. And now that I have revealed my inner nerd to you, I must confess the one thing that can give a good romantic grand gesture a run for it's money, in my opinion, is a good NERDY conversation. 
"Where is Doctor Who with his Tardis?" she muttered.
"Probably morphing between one realm and another. We don't need him, Darryl is an excellent pilot. I only employ the best."

How do you NOT fall in love with Luciano right at the mere mention of morphing between realms? :) Last, but NOT least:
LET'S SHOW NICOLE SOME LOVE:

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Rebel Roused (Dare & Ree's final episode)

With a ring in his pocket, and the future on his mind, Dare Wilde comes home to discover that his worst nightmare has come true. Ree’s been taken, his best friend shot, and his father is still on the loose. 

He thought he'd won. He thought everyone he cared about most in the world was finally safe. But his life has never been that easy. 

Now it's a race against time—and his monstrous father—to save the ones he loves most. Can he help Rex and rescue Ree? Will he even survive another encounter with his father? 

Ree and Dare's story comes to a close in this final book of their epic saga. But will the end be a happily ever after or an epic tragedy? 


Y'all know we are HUGE fans of this series. We have said it once, and we will say it again - this series is going to BLOW up. Like FSOG blow up. Victoria Green & Jinsey Reese have the ability to write a book so full of depth, emotion, cliffhangers (*evil stares* at the authors who are giddy every time they have left us hanging!)

"DARE"ing moments
Catherine: We have seen Dare in his darkest moments and his brightest moments during the first 4 episodes. During this final installment sent of his story, you see a well-rounded Dare. A Dare who knows what he wants and knows he isn't letting it go. Now, that doesn't mean this is a clean-cut story full of roses and sunshine. Dare has his moments. For me, most his moments are swoon-worthy. *NO SPOILERS* I will just share a few of my favorite Dare moments.

Kristyn: I love Dare in this book. I love how he fights for her. I love how him and Archer bond in this book and storm her fathers office. I just love the love that they have for each other.  

"All the gods in the world wouldn't be able to save him from my wrath."

I glanced up and could practically see the steam coming out of her ears. "Wow. Sounds very blue blood," I said with a laugh. "Do you think we'll be invited?" 

I glanced around the room. "I'm in the hospital?"
He nodded. "We really gotta stop meeting like this," he said with a smile.

"REE"ally eye-opening moments
Catherine: Ree. Ree is such a strong individual. A loving individual. She has never had the relationships that have allowed her to show this side. When you see her with Rex, you get a glimpse of her lack of confidence and her uncertainty. When you see her with Dare, you get a glimpse of true love. "This moment was what raw, real love was all about. It wasn't perfect. It was carnal, painful, beautiful, and even a little desperate." When working with the kids and their art - you get a glimpse of her true passion and calling. I have a TON of REEally eye-opening moments I would love to share, but I will stick with my favorite line from Ree. 

Kristyn: I agree with Catherine. Ree grew up with some really messed up stuff happening to her. Her parets are really horrible people. Its really amazing that she still is able to show such compassion and still love so much and with such an open heart. With everything she had been through, Im surprised she wasn't a whole lot worse.

"Dare au naturel. Be still my fucking heart."

"WILDE" additions
Catherine: Dax, Dalia, Dash and the band. Oh I love the Wilde's. (Except Daren... Grrrr!) I won't lie and tell you that this final episode is filled with our favorite supporting Wilde's - but the hinting at them is just enough to keep you going until the next Wilde gets their series. Dalia is my favorite - with her openness and her demeanor being the only girl with this guys. No wait, then there is Dax. When he hits on Ree, I just giggle. He might be my favorite. Oh, but then there is Dash. In a band, hidden stories about his past. Oh geez... 

Kristyn: I just cant wait for so much more from this family!

"God, Dare," Dax said as he and Dalia came up the front walk. "Do you ever let the girl breathe?"

"ARCHER" hits the bulls-eye in this one
Catherine: Archer is such a touchy area for me. I want to punch him for being a privileged douche, but he didn't have control over his situation. And then I wanted to punch him for allowing Ree to be as messed up as she was in the beginning, but she is her own person with her own ability to right her wrongs. And then I wanted to punch him for ALL the parts he took in manipulating her, but he sincerely cared for Ree. I think Archer won me over in this installment. Won me over enough to want me to petition Victoria & Reese to write his story. 

Kristyn: I loved Archer from the first book. He was such a female version of Ree. Both grew up in a messed up privileged life. Both drowned their feelings in meaningless sex and drugs. There were time that I didn't like him but I think he was the one person who did love Ree before Dare came along. I am excited to see the woman that can take Rees place in his heart.

"Reagan has always been the type to march to her own drum. She'd just spent too much time living life on mute until you came along. I might not be happy to admit it, but you're the best thing to ever happen to her." 

"REX"knows best
Catherine: While Rex has never been a lead character in this story, he is one of the most important parts of the story. He shows himself as the glue that holds everything together. He saved Dare when Dare was just a little kid. With saving Dare, he saved the other Wilde's. He took Ree in when she had nowhere to go. "With everything that had happened the past few months, I was more than grateful that Rex had been Ree's knight in paint-speckled armor." Rex is filled with so much wisdom, so much love and so much unending acceptance. 

"...What if i make a mistake?"
He shot me a big, lopsided grin. "Let's hope you do. Mistakes are the best way to learn."

"Real power isn't measured by the fire you breathe nor the pile of ashes you leave behind...it's about the hope you inspire."

"ROUSE"ing final thoughts
Catherine: 
1) I was GIDDY to see our names in the acknowledgements.
2) The entire 5 part series gets a HUGE 5 STARS for me. 
3) Ree's family continued to be a perplexing group, but luckily - there were some pleasant moments for me. 
4) I do not understand how EVERYONE has not read this series. 
5) I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! 
Kristyn:
I Loved this book so much. I loved the happy ending. I don't even have words to describe how much I loved this book. I cannot wait for more from the Wild family.



Definitely a 5 star read!!


Show these ladies some MUCH deserved LOVE:














Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Reasonable Doubt: Volume 3 Release


Reasonable Doubt: Volume Three

Publication Date: To Be Released 
Purchase from: Amazon • Nook 
Add to Goodreads.


Synopsis: I hate him...


I hate that I fell in love with him, hate that he didn't love me back, and I hate the fact that I just made a life-altering decision just so I could get the hell away from him.

He'd always said that he was unchangeable, heartless, and cold...

I really should've believed him...

Final book in the Reasonable Doubt series...

Also in the series:




About Whitney Gracia Williams

A self diagnosed candy addict, travel jun
​​
kie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them. She is the "imaginary bestselling" author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul. When she's not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgbooks@gmail.com
Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Sex, Lies & Lipstick

Sex, Lies and Lipstick is the second installment in Kris Calvert's Moonlight and Magnolias series.
Mac Callahan, a seasoned FBI agent in Washington, D.C., has given up the fast lane to live a life of sweet tea and sunshine in Alabama with the girl of his dreams, Samantha Peterson. But Mac’s years of bringing down drug lords and psychotic criminals is about to catch up with him just as he’s resigned himself to leave it all behind. 

Finally getting the husband and family she’s longed for, Sam finds that life at Mac’s plantation, Lone Oak, is a Southern girl’s dream full of romance, love, lipstick and pearls. It’s all Southern charm and Champagne between the sheets until a psychotic stalker sets his sights on completing an unfinished grudge. Carefully planning, Hector Quintes has patiently waited to crash Mac and Samantha’s happily ever after. No one Mac Callahan loves is safe – least of all Samantha. When they said, “until death do us part,” neither knew how soon that could be and as Hector becomes intimately close to their family, the line between friend and foe grows strangely blurred. 

It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, but who is chasing whom? 


In this installment, another POV is added to the mix. Polly. I adored Polly in the 1st book, and glad to have her a larger part of this story. Mac and Sam are as sweet as ever with their vows. One line that stuck with me throughout the book was, "...and I promise not to keep score, even if I'm totally winning." You welcome back (with open arms) your favorites (and NOT so favorites) from the previous book while being introduced to some fun new ones like Z. Dr. Leo Xanthis. Dr. Hot-Ass-What-The-Hell-Am-I-thinking-Xanthis. And if that wasn't a mouthful, Leo is short for Leonudus. 
"Like, Greek warrior king of Sparta? Leonidus?" 
"He's a Greek god. Don't you think?" she asked, all aflutter. 

Hector shows his ugly head at Mac & Sam's wedding with a simple message, Remember Me? Instead of their jet-setting plans to Paris, the whole family spends time in hiding while the FBI (and Mac) try to get Hector for good this time. The depth of this story reveals itself gradually while relationships strengthen in the close quarters. Lives are lost, potential loves are kindled, quite a bit of feet sweeping is occurring.
"Having a true Southern man make over you as if you were the only woman in the world was a feeling that could never be duplicated. And when you did grow accustomed to it, it was hard not to hold every other man to that standard."
Miss Celia is as sharp-tongued as ever, and will probably always be that way as long as Mac continues to slip up. "Mac, I love you," interjected Miss Celia. "But if one more foul word comes out of that mouth, I'm taking you down, son." 
This book is filled with more mystery and suspense, and I loved every Southern second of it. You can tell by the way Mrs. Calvert pens the simplest scene that she is indeed Southern to the core. I will not give any of the story away, but here are a few things you can expect: 
  • you fall for the way Dax & Mac interact throughout their changing relationship
  • the love a Daddy has for his baby girl is like no other
  • TRUE love conquers all
  • TRUE friendship can weather any storm
  • Children have such pure, untainted views of the world
Besides, Polly, King and Z - my favorite character is still Mimi. 100 years old and full of sass and quite the appreciative eye of attractive agents. ""I'm so old my friends in heaven are gonna think I didn't make the cut." 
If I was asked to pull a theme from this book, it would be "Try to live for all the small moments that don't seem to matter very much at the time. As you age, you'll discover these are the ones that are the sweetest to revisit in your old age." This applied to Mac & Sam, time spent with the kids, Mac & his aging Mother, Polly and Sam, Polly and Z AND it is what I took away from this book. I read a little longer to my kids, hugged them a little tighter and made sure I told them I loved them. Before I leave you to go grab your copy of this book (or the 1st one, Sex, Lies & Sweet Tea if you haven't read that one!) I have a few more favorite moments to share with y'all: 

"I was a psychology major that need psychological help." -Polly

"Hew and haw?" she asked quietly, taking my over-the-top tone down a notch. "I love it when you talk... Southern." - Micah 

Not wanting to be seen, I fanned my face and gave him my best Southern belle drawl, "Why, Mr. Xanthis, you do go on." - Polly

"Mark Twain once said, 'My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.'' - Mac

"It's a gift. Like knowing when to stroke the balls while giving a spectacular blow job or taking steaks off the grill at medium rare." - Polly to Sam

"Honey," she sighed putting her hands on her hips. "If Leo Xanthis is calling you cher? You need to be wearing better panties." - Girl at the shop

Now, let's show the sweet tea serving Kris Calvert some LOVE for this AMAZING 5 Star read!!!


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Trouble with Sexy/I Put a Spell On You

The Trouble With Sexy
"If a woman doesn't get any of those heart-shaped boxes of candy or a dozen red roses, she'll sit in front of the TV with a pint of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, crying pathetically while watching  The Notebook."

By now, y'all know I am a HUGE Codi Gary fan. I kind of devour everything she writes. I am sure if I lived near her, I'd find out where she grocery shops who I could read her lists! But, somehow I missed her very first story that got her in with the lovely folks at Avon. 'Trouble With Sexy' stars the prim and proper, Ryan Ashton who has pined for her boss, Gregg Phillips. With a little help from an unlikely friend, she shows him there is another side to her.

This story takes place during the 7 days before Valentine's Day in the quaint town of Rock Canyon. Ryan and Gregg work together at the local photography studio. Friends who constantly bicker with each other, you can see where a closeness might form.

He tries to invite her out for Valentine's Day since both are unattached, but she politely declines. That leaves him unsure with her feelings toward him and leaves her asking Gracie for help finding her "sexy," but not before what I find to be an uncomfortable interaction between friends.
She swallowed a little. "Gregg, we're friends right?"
He cocked his head and gave her a small smile. "Of course."
She twisted her hands in her lap. "And you'll be honest with me?"
He sat on her desk and nodded. "Sure."
She cleared her throat and whispered, "Do you think I'm sexy?"
After the makeover of a lifetime, Ryan and her new friend, Gracie head to Buck's to show off her new look. Heads turn and her dance card fills up pretty quickly. She can't help but compare them all to Gregg. The signs seem to be there for everyone to see, except each other. I will tell you, I am such a sucker for a man who gets all protective of his woman. When he laid Wayne out - I was a goner. 

Things progressed pretty quickly for these two friends while they admitted to feelings that were always there. I adored the awkward and clumsy moments that the dolled up Ryan had. She had an unfortunate incident with a pair of heels that showed Gregg's sweet and silly side. 
"Why don't we just pretend it was a clever ploy on your part so that I'd be forced to hold you tight?
Her mouth twitched. "That's awfully chivalrous of you."
He shrugged. "What can I say? My mama raised me right."
She laughed and started to pull away. "Thanks for catching me."
"Anytime."
And finally you get to the auction. Oh man, that auction was the perfect setting for disaster. Jealously runs wild in situations like these. Codi's spin on an obviously tense scene made me love her style even more. You see a demanding side of Ryan and a hilarious side of Gregg. Oh course, I am NOT going to give it away - but I will hint at you the outcome.
The kiss ended when Buck tapped Gregg on the shoulder. 
"I love a romantic gesture as much as the next guy, but maybe you folks could move it off the stage?"
AN EPIC start to an amazing series. I can see why Avon snatched you up Codi!

********

I PUT  A SPELL ON YOU
"I am about to impart my last bit of wisdom on you, Deana Sawyer. You will never be one of the popular people, with their perfect hair, faces and charmed lives. You will always be a clumsy, bookish girl who people will tease and ridicule."

I was excited to find that Codi's Loco, Texas series also had a short story beginning. This sweet story about a second chance at a first love will have you on the edge of your seats. Deana and Finn had a whirlwind crush-ship (not relationship, not quite friendship) in high school that abruptly ended leaving De devastated. Reunited, there were obviously still some feelings. "They were hot, smexy feelings." Finn left Atlanta and came back to the little town of Loco surprised to run into De. (Otherwise known as Disaster De to everyone else) Deana continues to blow off the advances of Finn until he pulls the COP CARD. 
"Ok, well, very very drunk, you are disturbing the peace, so let's say I take you home?" Finn asked, reaching out to grab her waist. 
"Yours or mine, handsome?" She quipped, trying to hold a sexy face before she erupted in a fit of giggles. "You are handsome, almost pretty. Do you think he's pretty?" 
In this short story, you are enticed by cops who fill out the uniforms so well, worried by the curses brought on by a smashed pumpkin when you were eleven and the stalker who is out to get you on Halloween. I adored all the layers to this story. While you were falling in love all over again with Finn, you were watching over your shoulder and worried about the next accident. Would it be your hair? Would you trip on your heels? 

It is fun to see Red, Jake and Rand before their stories took place. And this couple is such a riot to be around. One minute she is walking in a Red Hiding Hood costume that is TOO SMALL refusing a ride from him. The next minute he is offering to sleep on the couch and this is what happens. 
"Do I still need to make up a bed on the couch?"
Taking the lobe of his into her mouth, she countered, "If you try, I'll have to kill ya." 
The only thing I could have hoped for in De and Finn's rollercoaster/scary movie moment is that is was made into a full length novel. Both characters seems like this wasn't the end of their story. Maybe an appearance or two in future Loco books?. After all, what is better about a small town then knowing everyone's business?

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Indiscretion: Volume Three

In no particular order, I would like to share with you a list of my FAVORITE things to come out of Canada:
  1. Scott Pilgrim
  2. Ellen Page
  3. Michael J. Fox
  4. Jim Carrey
  5. Peanut Butter (Probably one of the most important food innovations of all time. First patented by Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1884.)
  6. Ryan Gosling
  7. Elisabeth Grace! (Although, this cliffhanger puts her on thin ice!)
  8. The word, "Eh?"


Now that I have warned Elisabeth with my list, LOL, I will get back to why you are here. THE BOOK. 


***I received a copy in exchange for an honest review***


Elisabeth introduces some Portuguese to you while bringing you back into the wonderful world of Max Richfield and Chloe Griffins. 


"Saudade (Portuguese) (n) a nostalgic longing to be near again to something or someone that is distant, or that has been loved and then lost


After Chloe finds what was left for her on the counter she storms to Max's hotel to confront him and end things, per her bosses direction. Life (and LOVE) isn't always as easy as planned. An explosion of emotion and explanations leads them to participating in what some might call "an illicit affair."  Hot, right? In a small town like this, is can be excruciating to accomplish. 


During a weekend getaway out of town, both Max and Chloe are able to let their guards down and act like a couple. Max sees a side of Chloe that he can't help but smile at, and he sees a whole different side to her love for architecture. One of my favorite encounters between the two was when he asked to tell him something he didn't know.

I smiled and lifted an eyebrow. "You're going to have to fill me in on what exactly a word nerd is, I'm afraid." I had no idea what she was talking about, but I was sure whatever it was would be adorable as hell.

"I have this habit of wanting to learn really strange English words, or lear
n words in other languages that don't have a literal translation to English."

Later she gets to asking him, and while she can obviously see he is hiding something deeper, he shares with her too. 


"Okay. I secretly loved The Notebook," I deadpanned.


"Really?" She laughed. "Movie or the book?"


I gave her my best are-you-serious face? "I'm not completely giving up my man card, Chloe. The movie. I wouldn't read the book."


There weekend getaway gave me hope in a situation where there doesn't seem to be any. There are glimmers of true feelings in this 'summer fling' and that warms and breaks my heart at the same time. How can this work? And then Max goes and does the GRAND GESTURE thing that gets me in every love story, and I am LOST! There is no turning back, Max has my heart.


Wait? Did you think I was going to share it with you? Nope! Sorry! I may spoil hints of the story with my love of quotes, but not giving that one away! You will have to ONE-CLICK the book on September 1st to find out that one. And when you finish this book, I would LOVE to know your thoughts on Elisabeth's incredible ability to suck the air of out my lungs with her no warning cliffhangers. I know. I know. Third installment in a 3 part serial. I should know this, but really? And if you know Elisabeth, as she read that last line she is laughing evilly at the pain she has caused my heart and soul. 
"Jaaneman... It means 'the soul of me.' The Persian word for sweetheart or darling."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a hot spot for alpha males! I currently live outside Toronto, Canada with my hubby and two small children. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share my love of reading and writing with others. (Her Goodreads Blurb)

Monday, August 18, 2014

Beauty and the Brit

Tough and self-reliant Rio Montoya has looked after her two siblings for most of their lives. But when a gang leader makes threats against her sister Bonnie, even Rio isn't prepared for the storm that could destroy her family. When their dreams are shattered in one dangerous moment, Rio seeks refuge for them all at a peaceful horse farm in the small town of Kennison Falls, Minnesota.
Rio should feel safe in Kennison Falls, but her budding romance with the stable's owner, handsome British ex-pat David Pitts-Matherson, feels as dangerous as her past. The incredibly sexy David is as far from her type as any man could get, yet he tempts Rio in a way she never expected. But Rio knows that her time in Kennison Falls is limited, that her family is still in danger, and that she and David come from completely different worlds—a recipe for disaster.
David has his own secrets, and even the sparks he feels flying with the fiery and beautiful Rio may not be enough for him to let her into his heart. Can the beauty and the Brit ever find common ground? Or will their pasts stand in the way of true love?

***I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

Let me get this out of the way first. I giggled when I first saw this cover. I must tell you "David" on the cover looks like Neil Patrick Harris. Tee Hee Hee... Now on to the review! 

I loved this book. Full of intrigue, family, romance and a British accent. *Insert One Direction Tween Fangirl worthy SWOON here* You meet Rio, Bonnie and Paul. A family of siblings who are living in the gang filled streets of Minneapolis. While running into some trouble, Rio takes her younger sister to the community center ran by a friend, Chase. At the Crossroads, Rio is taken aback by David. 

"You're Br-"
"Bruised up?" David cut her off with a teasing wink. :I'm not, though. Honestly. Please don't worry."
"Worry?" She scoffed although her eyes remained wide. "I'm trying to figure out what the Duke of Edinburgh is doing in a place like this."

David Pitts-Matherson is not your typical American cowboy. David has his secrets and his faults. Rio can't see them through his kind gestures and sultry accent. Bonnie and Paul find themselves in the middle of some gang-related trouble which may or may not lead to an arson, and the next thing you know Rio and Bonnie are heading to Chase's place until things can get figured out. That is until some pipe related issues claim Chase's house and she has no other choice than to take up the offer of David. 

Relief slowly takes over Rio as Bonnie makes friends and seems to be starting a life in Kennison Falls. Relief is quickly replaced by confusion, lust and many other emotions as Rio figures out what she wants in life - and if David is apart of that plan. I love his attempts at "courting" her, and the difference in their understandings and backgrounds. The snark and laughter exchanged between David and Rio just might be my favorite thing. 

"You didn't really say that!" She laughed. "Not many girls could come up with lines like that in the middle of a conversation. Did you learn poetry in Scouts, too?"

"Did you know your accent gets heavier when you start talking faster?" The lightness returned to Rio's eyes. 
"Sorry. I try not to let that happen, but I don't hear it."
"It's-"
"If you say sweet I'll clock you."
"Sexy.:

"Do you use it for anything?"
"Only my trysts and illicit liaisons?"
She whipped her head around to stare at him, and he made a face.
"Dork," she admonished. 

Other than the obvious love story, you also fall in love with Kennison Falls. I want to eat at the Loon Feather and buy a hot dog to support the library. I want to meet the new sheriff and see Dawson make all the high school girls swoon. Heck, I wouldn't even mind getting to know David's mum and his ex, Kate. (If I was bored and had nothing to read! LOL) Rio described the town best when she said "I swear this place is covered in pixie dust or something. It's like having coffee in Cinderella's Castle." 

This was a first read for me from Lizbeth Selvig, but it DEFINITELY will not be my last. This was a well written love story full of mystery and suspense. I was eager to unfold all the layers of the back story, find the why's behind the what's and see the deserving people find their HEA. 

Lizbeth knows her way around a romance. This is the EXACT reason why I am so grateful for being an Avon Addict this go around! I am sure I would have found Ms. Selvig in my weekly window shopping of books, but with the help of Avon - I didn't have to wait, and now I am hooked! 

FOUR STARS for 'Beauty and the Brit' 
Releases September 2nd, 2014

Now, let's show the author some LOVE! (Or some Fondness!) 

Sinful Rewards 4 Cover Reveal!

Four years ago, Bee Carter left her tiny hometown, escaping her tormenters. She concealed her 

tarnished reputation under a good girl persona, hiding her history from Nicolas, her strong and 

silent billionaire, Hawke, her tattooed bad boy biker, and Cyndi, her man crazy best friend.

Today, she’s returning home... and she’s not alone. Some of her deepest darkest secrets 

will be revealed. Trust will be tested. Clothing and inhibitions will be discarded. Bee and her 

hometown will never be the same.

When her past and her present collides, will any of Bee’s relationships survive?

Link to Follow theTour: CLICK HERE

Goodreads Page: CLICK HERE

Buy Links

Amazon: PRE-ORDER HERE



Barnes and Noble: PRE-ORDER HERE



 iTunes:  PRE-ORDER HERE

Author Info

Cynthia Sax lives in a world filled with magic and romance. Although her heroes may not always 

say, “I love you”, they will do anything for the women they adore. They live passionately. They 

play hard. They love the same women forever.

Cynthia has loved the same wonderful man forever. Her supportive hubby offers himself up to 

the joys and pains of research, while they travel the world together, meeting fascinating people 

and finding inspiration in exotic places such as Istanbul, Bali, and Chicago.Please visit her on 

the web at www.CynthiaSax.com

Author Links

Author Website: http://cynthiasax.com/

Blog: http://tasteofcyn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.sax

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CynthiaSax

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card or Digital Set of SINFUL 

REWARDS Book One and Two)






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Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Something Strange and Deadly - Susan Dennard

There's something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia...

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family as fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walkers by. But this is nothing compared to what she's just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor... from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she'll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including the maddeningly stubborn yet handsome Daniel, the situation becomes dire. An now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.



I remember being at RT and getting swag from this author. Bookmarks and whatnot. They looked good and I'm finally just getting around to reading them. This is a historical YA paranormal book. I love historical books but I Hate the women of that time. I love strong, kick ass heroines and Eleanor Fitt is not one of them. She was annoying, cowardly and at times I thought she was going to pee herself. But she had a smart mouth and the potential to be better than the women of her time. I guess this book was the perfect example of character growth and development. If you have ever read a story where the kick ass heroin hints at a time when she wasn't so kick ass and some hard times or extenuating circumstances made that character who she is today, that is that story for Eleanor Fitt. This is the story that defines the type of woman she will become and its not a cowardly woman of her time. She becomes strong and brave. She ends up with war wounds that no one should have. I can't wait to read more from Miss Fitt of the Philadelphia Fitts. This sums it up perfectly...

"When you first came into our labs, I thought you were a snobby princess who only cared about herself. Just the sort of person I hate."
I bit the inside of my mouth, trying to keep the thirsty ache away. "A-and now?"
"Now..." He shook his head and gazed at his cap. "Well, you're none of that. I was wrong. You're an empress with grit and brains, and I wish..."

There was just as much mystery in this book than there was the walking dead. It all started with her father and the people her father called friends. There is betrayal, bullying and secrets. There is so much more to Clarence than you see in the beginning. I loved the spirit hunters. Daniel especially. there wasn't much spark in the love interest department as I think was intended. I really didn't feel for either guy until the end.

"The Fault is not in our stars," I whispered to the ceiling. "But in ourselves. This was my choice."

This book didn't really get good until the end because I just didn't like her much. I did start to like her more and more throughout the book and towards the end it was really good. I will be reading the whole series and I intend to start the next one immediately.

And with all the strange and deadly things in the world, what was there even to dream about.


I give this book a 3.5 stars and I have a feeling this series is only going to get better and better and I will be there for the ride.

Show the author some love!
 
 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Sinful Rewards 2

Belinda "Bee" Carter isn't quite sure what she's gotten herself into. She's been receiving mysterious messages from a secret admirer who is sending her more and more erotic dares. Each time she fulfills his desires, she gets rewarded. She's convinced that her mystery texter is one of two super-hot men—Nicolas, the handsome billionaire, or Hawke, the sexy biker—but she can't tell which one it is. And she's coming to realize that beneath her peaches-and-cream exterior beats a heart that longs to play out all of her most secret fantasies.

As the stakes are raised again, will Bee succumb to the sensual allure of this latest dare?


Welcome back to Bee's story. She heads to work with her latest "reward" in hand when approached by the man who triggers tightness in her body with just a thought. Hawke offers her a ride to work on his bike, but she declines knowing what the bike represents. "Expect more offers. I can be a persistent pain in the ass, especially when it comes to pretty little women with long brown hair and big brown eyes."

Bee continues to work by her normal means of transportation - the bus. Only today is no normal day. She walks into Shark Week. "Shark fans make Black Friday shoppers appear civilized." Hopeful to arrive at work on time until "The man finally calls her a seal lover, the ultimate insult." 

Bee arrives to work - late. Still unsure as to if she is being offered the permanent position, but she is ever hopeful. Hopeful and eager for 5, which means her billionaire will be picking her up. "I didn't make you wait on the street corner like some two-bit hooker." Nicholas repeats my words fromyesterdat, his voice lilting with amusement. "I also introduced myself when I called."
"There's hope for you yet."

During this second installment you learn SO much about the characters. I am going to list my favorites, since I don't do spoilers. And you can savor over these fun tidbits until the 3rd one is released.

  • You learn how much attention to detail Nicholas pays. "When you feel bad, I should bring you ice cream." His fingers fold over mine once more, his grip comforting. "Since I haven't yet made you feel bad, that remains outstanding." "Give it time" I grin at him. "I suspect you'll have ice cream within the week."
  • You get this glimpse into Hawke's past. Do you learn his real name? No. "We thought it sounded cool when we were sever,: Crimson creeps up his neck, my tattooed biker adorably embarrassed. 
  • Finally you get to see Hawke's protective side. "If he makes you cry, I really will have to kill him," a familiar voice drawls. 

I shall leave you the way the incredibly talented Ms. Cynthia Sax left me - wanting more! :) This serial, like other stuff I have read from Ms. Sax, is all-consuming and addictive. Who sent the text? Will she get the job? Will we ever get to go to R? Will be ever get to know more about her Dad?
A easy FIVE star to give! 




Show my girl some LOVE!!!