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Monday 29 February 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Desire in Frost by Alicia Rades




Desire in Frost (Crystal Frost #2)
Release Date: January 25th 2016

Blurb :

Crystal Frost just recently discovered she can see ghosts and predict the future, yet the mystery of Hope Ross's abduction still haunts her dreams. While traveling to Florida for Thanksgiving, Crystal's visions of Hope only grow stronger. She enlists the help of her soon-to-be step-cousin Robin, a decision that complicates the entire picture—and her feelings. Can she figure out what happened to Hope and learn why Robin is so guarded, or will her newfound abilities fail her?

Add to Goodreads

Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost #1) on Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon


My Musings :

I received a free copy for an honest review. This in no way impacts my thoughts on the book.

This was a much awaited sequel and I have to say that the author didn't disappoint. And now I can't wait for the next book! This is one series I love.

The book takes off from where it ended in the first book. The mysterious disappearance of Hope which was left as a cliffhanger previously is focused on in this book. Though this series has been tagged as fantasy, I would say that it is more of a paranormal mystery. The reason is that Crystal's focus is always on solving a mystery in each book.

This book sees Crystal grow in her paranormal powers and also in her personal life. Romance wise, I was surprised with the introduction of a new love rather than pairing with Derek though Emma likes him too. Another point which came across as a surprise was Emma also developing her powers. It was logical but still it didn't gel for me.

Plot-wise, it was rather a unsurprising read. But the writing style and the interaction between the characters was real and involved. The pace was also steady throughout the book and it was a very fun read! I can totally see myself reading the entire series multiple times in the future.

My rating : 5/5


Book Trailer:



About the Author




By day, Alicia Rades is a freelance writer, blogger, and editor. When inspiration strikes, she is also an author. Alicia has been captivated by the YA paranormal and supernatural genre since reading The Seer series by Linda Joy Singleton when she was 12 years old, and most of her stories are born out of the love for the genre. In college, Alicia majored in professional writing. Alicia lives in Wisconsin with her husband and too many fish to count.

Don't miss a thing related to Alicia's books. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.aliciaradesauthor.com/news...

Author Links:

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Blog Tour Organized by:

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Sunday 28 February 2016

Book Musings - Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews

Title : Silent Blade
Author : Ilona Andrews
Series : Kinsmen Series, Book 1
Genre : Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source : Purchased

Blurb :

Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder.

On Meli Galdes' home planet, the struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport--in business and on the battlefield. For years her lethal skills have been a valuable asset in advancing her family's interests. She's more than earned her right to retire, but her kinsmen have one last favor to ask.

Kill the man who ruined her life.

Celino Carvanna's razor-sharp business acumen--and skills with a blade--won him the freedom to do as he pleases. There's only one thing he can't seem to control--his reaction to the mysterious woman who tantalizes his senses. Her eyes alone set his blood simmering, stirring ridiculous adolescent fantasies about breasts and honey. With a few words she dissects his soul. Who is she? And how does she slide so easily under his well-guarded skin?

It's almost too easy to draw Celino within the kill zone. Meli plans to revel in him. Drink him in. Wring every drop of pleasure out of every moment.

And when she's sure he belongs to her, she will finally repay a decade's worth of pain--in a single, brutal dose of reality.

My Musings : 

The author is no one new to me. I am a big fan of her Kate Daniels series and I had been hesitating for a while about picking up her other series to read. I am both happy and disappointed after finishing Silent Blade.

I am a sucker for a cover with a girl wielding a sword and in that way, the book totally had my attention from the start. The blurb also piqued my attention since it promised a good tale of revenge. First let me tell you what I liked about the book. The author has delivered a wonderful world similar to her other series. This world too was unique and the protagonists were memorable though their acquaintance was too short. The interactions and the dialogue between them were reminiscent of the author's usual writing style, witty and quirky. They have never failed to entertain me and this tale was no different. I was lost in the scenes and the story was easy to digest. It wasn't so complicated to process and it was a fun few hours of easy reading. Meli was a strong heroine and Celino was an alpha through and through. Their characteristics also made their sparring quite entertaining.

Usually the author's writing makes me reread the book quite often and they always tend to be a 5 star book. But this time I was a bit disappointed. For one, the book was too short, so short that only the protagonists made the story and there was literally no supporting cast. There were only shadows of other characters and the world building while what I glimpsed was interesting was sorely lacking. I wasn't able to get a clear idea about it. Coming to the protagonists, though they had my attention, didn't deliver as promised in the blurb. I was expecting more hand on action and fight scenes from Meli while Celino mellowed out rather abruptly at the end. All in all, though a good short read, there was something missing from it. Of course, this doesn't stop me from wanting to read the sequel. I hope there's a next book soon since it is a series.

My rating : 3/5

My reread factor : 3.5/5

My one line review :  A short fun easy read with witty repartee.

Floryie

Saturday 27 February 2016

Book Musings - Love, Exes, and Ohs by Violet Duke

Title : Love,Exes, and Ohs
Author : Violet Duke
Series : Cactus Creek, Book 4
Genre : Contemporary Romance
Source : Purchased

Blurb : 

He may very well be the perfect ex. Isaac McKnight has had enough loss in his life to know never to take anything for granted. So when the perfectly-imperfect-woman-for-him puts an end to their relationship out of the blue, it's Isaac that makes sure they remain friends. Now a year later, whether it's at his gym or her brewpub, or the dog park they visit every weekend--though neither of them own a dog--he and Xoey are steadily getting sucked deeper into buddy-zone galaxy, with its dangerous proximity to watch-me-settle-down-with-someone-else abyss. It's a reality he's resigned himself to. That is...until one drunken confession changes everything.

She's looking for the perfect oh. For Xoey Montenegro, history has taught her that sometimes, it's Prince Charming who vanishes without a trace. And fairytale love? Highly overrated. Heck, give her a real and perfect 'oh' over that fantasy any day. So as far as rock-solid tequila-fueled plans for her love life go, coming up with a match-finding formula based on the qualities of the men responsible for her three most epic ohs seems brilliant. Except for the fact that one-third of her genius little man-quation is all about her friend Isaac. Actually, more than a third if Xoey were being honest with herself--which she's not. Because full honesty would require thinking not just about how perfect Isaac really is, but also about how perfect the fourth epic oh she's kept buried deep in her past once was.

My Musings : 

I was browsing Amazon for new reads when I came across this book. The blurb totally caught my fancy with the first line - "He may very well be the perfect ex..." I was intrigued since it isn't often that I come across an ex boyfriend who turns best friend read. Actually this is the first such read and I can see myself reading more books of this theme in the future.

While the blurb made me fall for the story though it is a bit lengthy, the book cover wasn't much to pique my interest. It has a general romance read feel to it but it doesn't add anything special. The story doesn't suit the cover as far as I am concerned.

This is the first book I have read by the author and I am looking forward to her other books too. She has gone onto my list of To-Be-Read romance authors. The story starts off good with the present situation of Isaac and Xoey being best friends inspite of having broken up as a couple a while back. The backstory about their relationship is shown as the story progresses. The protagonists share a deep connection in this tale. Their emotions are clearly defined and they shine through each page.

Xoey is a free spirit with strength of character who deals with the world on her own terms but her vulnerable side is shown in short glimpses while Isaac is a patient and calm guy who perfectly complements Xoey. The other characters I encountered while reading totally made me fall for this series. This is the fourth book and I can't wait to pick up the first book. The supporting cast is colourful and unique in their own rights adding the right vibe to the tale.

Since the author made it clear that Xoey and Isaac are destined for each other, it didn't have much twists to the plot except a couple. The first one was kind of anticipated while the second blindsided me completely but it does connect the threads of the story seamlessly. I read this book in half a day and the layers of the story kept me invested in the characters, the town and the story.

Though it is a fun read it has an emotional tone to it which makes it a not so frivolous read. I read it purely to know about the struggles Isaac and Xoey go through to get to their happily ever after inspite of knowing the ending. In short, it is a great book to connect with the characters and I was lost in them. I can recommend this book to all romance readers out there without any hesitation.

My rating : 4.5/5

My reread factor : 4/5

My one line review : A emotional romance with strong and real characters in a delightful scenario.

Thursday 25 February 2016

Cover Reveal - The Daydreamer Detective by SJ Pajonas

Today is the cover reveal for The Daydreamer Detective by SJ Pajonas. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

The Daydreamer DetectiveThe Daydreamer Detective (The Daydreamer Detective #1)
By SJ Pajonas
Genre: Mystery/ Cozy Mystery
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 31 march 2016

Blurb:
Luck? Forget it. Mei Yamagawa is fresh out of it. She's just been downsized from her 3rd job in five years and her bank account is dry. Now, to keep her head above water, she must leave Tokyo and move back to her rural Japanese hometown. And there's nothing worse than having to face your old rivals and ex-boyfriends as a failure while starting life over as a farm girl.

But when her best friend's father is murdered, and her best friend is named the main suspect, Mei turns her daydreaming ways towards solving the crime. Between dates disguised as lunches with the town's hottest bachelor chef, searching for clues, and harvesting sweet potatoes, Mei has a lot of non-paying work cut out for her.

Will she catch the killer before her bad luck turns worse? Or will she fry in the fire with the rest of her dreams of success?


You can find The Daydreamer Detective on Goodreads

You can pre-order The Daydreamer Detective here:
- Amazon

The Daydreamer Detective teaser 1


The Daydreamer Detective teaser 2


SJ PajonasAbout the Author:
Stephanie (S. J.) is a writer, knitter, amateur astrologer, Capricorn, and Japanophile. She loves foxes, owls, sushi, yoga pants, Evernote, and black tea. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing or spending time outside, unless it’s winter. She hates winter. Someday she’ll own a house in both hemispheres so she can avoid the season entirely. She’s a mom to two great kids and lives with her husband and family outside NYC. They have no pets. Yet. When it comes to her work, expect the unexpected. She doesn’t write anything typical. Find her online at http://www.spajonas.com.

You can find and contact SJ Pajonas here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Tumblr
- Instagram
- Youtube
- Wattpad
- Amazon

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Obsidian by Kimberly Loth




Obsidian 

Release Date: February 17th 2016

Blurb : 

Aspen---a skydiving, rock-climbing, bear-cuddling---adrenaline junkie, finds herself in real danger when she unwittingly ensnares the heart of Obsidian, the dragon king.


$0.99 for a Limited Time!

Buy Links:

AmazonGoogle PlayiTunesKobo

My Musings : 

I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Another new author who has been added to my watchlist. I am going to read her other series as soon as I can because I loved her writing in this book.

The beginning of the tale was good piquing my interest with various isolated incidents with the death of a human, the introduction of Obsidian and Aspen. This momentum was carried on through the book. The mysterious fear of Aspen also had me turning the pages eagerly to know more about it. The characters were portrayed well. Aspen came across as a very strong girl with glimpses of her vulnerability and Obsidian actually made me feel that he was sort of shallow. But that opinion was slightly changed by the end of the book. The jury is still out on it.

I was actually surprised when I saw the time after finishing the book. I had literally gobbled up the story in a few hours. The  reason was that the story was a bit slow paced at times and I thought I would feel the passage of time keenly. But the author had me so engrossed in the tale with her concise writing that I was suddenly at the end. And talking about the end, I just can't wait for the sequel!! The author did a cliffhanger end and it has me looking forward to the next book in the series.

My rating : 4/5

About the Author


Kimberly Loth can’t decide where she wants to settle down. She’s lived in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, California, Oregon, and South Carolina. She finally decided to make the leap and leave the U.S. behind for a few years. Currently, she lives in Cairo, Egypt with her husband and two kids.

She is a high school math teacher by day (please don’t hold that against her) and YA author by night. She loves romantic movies, chocolate, roses, and crazy adventures. Kissed is her first novel.

Author Links:

WebsiteGoodreadsTwitterFacebook


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Book Tour Organized by:
YA Bound Book Tours

Monday 22 February 2016

Sales Blitz - The Affiliate by K A Linde

K.A. Linde’s The Affiliate is on sale! I am so excited about this young adult fantasy! Grab your copy today!!!  

The Affiliate Sales Blitz

TA Amazon

The Affiliate Synopsis: 

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen as an Affiliate to the Queen. Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have... King Edric himself. Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

  Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Itunes

Exclusive Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

“Let them in.” King Maltrier pulled in a shuddering breath and then coughed raggedly for a minute.
“Your Majesty, are you sure?” his longtime servant asked. He had the same relentless attitude that he always had, but he sounded more earnest than ever, as if he could will the King not to die.
“Get them, Solmis. Now.”
Solmis walked wearily across the darkened room. He heaved open the weathered door to the King’s bedchamber and spoke to the pair of guards standing watch, “Get the boys. The King wishes to speak with them.”
One guard punched his right fist to the left side of his chest in a formal Byern salute and then walked into the outer chamber. A moment later, he returned with two young boys with the same dark hair and blue-gray eyes that marked them as Dremylon heirs.
“This way, boys,” Solmis said. He was one of the few people who could get away with calling the Princes boys.
“Thank you, Solmis,” Edric, the crown prince, said with a smile and the confidence of someone who never wanted for anything.
The second son, Kael, pushed past them both, mimicking his brother’s stride. His face was set in a scowl. Some of his youthful exuberance had already drained out of him, and in its place was cynicism from losing a mother too young and from having a sick father, but mostly, it was from being second.
“Father,” he called out.
“Come here, Kael,” the King said. He patted the side of the bed. “You, too, Edric.”
Edric walked to his side and settled into a chair while Kael hoisted himself up onto the bed.
With Edric being fifteen and Kael at thirteen, both were much too young for this kind of loss.
The King had seen his youngest, Jesalyn, earlier that day. She had cried the entire time, understanding what was coming and knowing she could do nothing to stop it. In tears, she had run out of the room and straight into Consort Shamira’s arms. She had all but raised the child after his wife, Queen Adelaida’s unceremonious death.
But he couldn’t waste thoughts on that now. He was tiring with every passing moment. The boys…they had to know.
“Solmis,” the King said, regaining a shred of strength.
His servant, his old friend, left the room, giving them the privacy they needed.
“Father,” Kael repeated impatiently.
“I’m dying,” King Maltrier said.
Silence followed the declaration. Kael looked aghast. Edric tried to hide the shock of what he knew would be coming next.
“Edric will succeed me.”
“I’m too young to be king,” Edric whispered.
“Fifteen is not too young.” The King thought that was questionable, but he would not dispute it with his son. Edric had to be strong. He had to rule. “You have the Consort and my High Order to help and guide you.”
Edric swallowed and nodded. “Yes, Father.”
“Trust in yourself, and all will go as planned. I have formed an alliance with Aurum for Jesalyn to be queen and another with Tiek, who has offered you their young Princess Kaliana. Honor these matches to keep our people safe. A strong king is one with an heir.”
The King leaned over and coughed into a handkerchief for several minutes. His throat was raw, and his lungs ached. He didn’t know how much more he could take, but he had to pass on their legacy.
But could he put that burden on them?
He had to decide now.
No. He would tell only one. He would pass it on to the boy most like himself—the one who could handle the knowledge, the one destined to rule.
The King turned to one of his sons and said, “I need to speak with your brother alone for a moment.”
His eyebrows knit together as hurt and confusion clouded his features. “But, Father—”
“Go,” King Maltrier commanded.
He clenched his jaw, stood, and left without another word.
It was the last time the King would ever see his son.
The door closed roughly behind him.
King Maltrier turned to his other son. “You know the story of our ancestor Viktor Dremylon.”
He nodded, but the King continued anyway.
“Viktor struck down the evil Doma court that subjugated our people. Then he claimed the throne for himself with the sole purpose of ruling in a fair and just system.”
“Yes, Father.”
“History is told by the winners.”
“What do you mean?” He tilted his head and looked concerned.
Perhaps he thought the King had already lost his mind.
“Viktor did destroy the Doma court, and he ushered in a new era of Dremylon rule that has persisted two thousand years up until you today. But what is not in the stories is that the Doma court had ruled because they had powerful…abilities.”
His son laughed like his father was telling a fairy tale.
“Listen!” the King snapped. That sent him into another fit, and his son helped him sit up, so he could cough into his handkerchief.
When King Maltrier leaned back again, the King saw blood had coated the white silk.
“Father, you should rest.”
“I need to tell you—” He was interrupted by another cough. “—the truth. Viktor beat the Doma court and the most powerful leader they had ever known, Domina Serafina, by stealing magic—dark magic, a magic that cursed Viktor and all his ancestors. It cursed me…and you…the entire Dremylon line.”
His son remained silent and still. The King had gained his attention.
“Now, I must leave you with this, Son.” The King retrieved a heavy gold key from around his neck and placed it in his son’s hands. “A lockbox in the wall in my closet contains Viktor Dremylon’s writings. Collect it, and tell no one. You must continue our legacy. Anyone who has Doma blood and discovers their magic must be eliminated. They threaten our power, your power. They threaten the very world we live in.”

unnamed  

  K.A. Linde Bio:

kalinde copy

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde is the author of The Affiliate, the first book in the Ascension Series. As a military brat, she traveled the world with her family, imaginary friends, and ever-increasing supply of books. She has spent much of her life dreaming up new worlds and characters and forcing them into uncomfortable, usually life-threatening scenarios. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a masters degree in political science, she began spending every waking hour putting those characters onto paper. When not writing, she spends her time dancing, collecting paperbacks in the hopes of filling a Beauty and the Beast style library one day, traveling to visit her friends who live all over the country, and still reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two puppies, Lucy and Riker, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

  Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Saturday 20 February 2016

Book Blitz - Toma by Ariel Marie



Title: Toma
Series: The Dark Shadows 2
Author: Ariel Marie
Cover Designer: Natasha Snow
Releasing: February 20, 2016

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis


For centuries, the Dark Shadows have been charged with protecting the Vampire nation. Necromancers, their mortal enemies, are growing bolder and stronger in their attempt to destroy the vampires.

Anika Massey, best friend to the vampirian princess, has lusted after her friend’s older brother, Toma, for years and he doesn’t seem to even notice she exists. At least, she didn’t think the Dark Shadows warrior did, until the necromancers turned their focus on her.

He noticed her. One touch and Toma Olaru knew he wouldn’t be able to give her up. Since their first meeting he could not get the curvy human female off of his mind. He knew it wasn’t right for him to have feelings for his sister’s best friend, but fate had decided that she’s his mate. She’s human and according to Vampire laws, he cannot have her and should have never touched her.

Anika understands the ways of the vampires and knows she must let Toma go, but will Toma be willing to let her go?



Toma Olaru is the middle offspring of the Vampire King. He’s one of the most deadly members of the Dark Shadows. His presence has been known to produces fear in the heart of most… except Anika’s. Fear is the last thing that comes to mind when he’s around her.

Online Facebook Release Party (2/20/16)

Come party with Ariel Marie at the online Facebook release party for Toma (The Dark Shadows 2)! A bunch of great authors and blogs will be helping her celebrate the new release. There will be a ton of games and giveaways! Make sure you join this party! https://www.facebook.com/events/1768046083423048/


Sneak Peek

After working a 12-hour shift she took a deep breath and stared out into the eerily quiet parking lot. A pitch-black parking lot, she added, laughing nervously to herself. Anika Massey never thought that she would be too chicken to walk out of the hospital at night by herself.
You can do it, Massey!" she muttered to herself.
She had become accustomed to having her vampire guard trailing her everywhere she went after her best friend, Nadira, had been attacked about a month ago. Today was her first day with no guard and she was more nervous than a prostitute walking into church.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door to the hospital and practically ran to her silver Toyota Camry. She looked into the car first, made sure no one was hiding in the back seats and then jumped in and locked the doors.
This is crazy!” she said, shaking her head as she started the car and put it into drive.
She didn't live far from the hospital and made sure that she drove a little faster than normal to hurry home. She thought of all the tips that her Vampire guard, Idris had given her before he was pulled from guarding her. He had taught her tips on how to spot someone following her; he had installed a new alarm system in her condo and even taught her a few self-defense maneuvers, just in case someone threatened her.
Her best friend Nadira Olaru, a vampire princess, wanted to have a purpose in life and had become a nurse. They met back in nursing school and have been inseparable since. Nadira was even able to pull some strings to help Anika get her nursing job at Lutheran Hospital, a private paranormal hospital that few humans were privileged to know about and Anika was one hundred percent human. She was one of the few humans that work at the hospital.
In all of her twenty-nine years, she would never have thought that there were supernatural beings walking this Earth with humans. Nadira was patient in explaining about her being born a vampire and the other paranormals.
A little over a month ago, Nadira became the target of a group of powerful beings called necromancers who were currently at war with the vampires. An attempt was made to snatch Nadira, and Anika was with her right before it happened. As a precaution, Nadira’s father, the king of vampires, assigned a guard to watch over Anika. It had been a month now and since there were no other occurrences involving Anika, it was decided that she would no longer require a guard.
I’ll be fine. The necros do not want a pleasantly plump human,” she tried to reassure herself as she pulled into the parking lot of her condominium.
She didn't live in the best of neighborhoods but at least there were plenty of street lamps illuminating the parking lot. Her building was an all brick three-story building with two condos on each level. Goosebumps spread across her arms as she began walking up to her third floor condo. The Cleveland night air could be chilly in the fall.
She hurried up the stairs when a feeling of dread began to appear in her belly. She slowed down as she made it to the top of the stairs on her level. She silently cursed herself for taking the top floor condo and the buildings lack of an elevator.
At five foot five and one hundred and sixty pounds, she wasn’t drastically over weight but she was definitely out of shape and had thought it would be great exercise when she first bought the place. She definitely wasn’t what was plastered all across the supermarket magazines.
The condo across from her had been empty for a few months. The previous owners moved due to the husband’s job transferring him to Phoenix, Arizona. She stopped outside her door, putting her ear to it to listen to see if someone was in her apartment.
Get a grip Massey, there is no one in your condo!” She unlocked the door, and immediately noticed something was wrong. She pushed the door open and flipped the light switch in her entryway and immediately a scream tore from her throat.
Oh my God!”
Her place had been ransacked. Everything was flipped over, her pictures slashed and thrown across the room. The pillows in her couches were slashed and the filling scattered across the floor. Even her television didn’t make it; it was cracked as if someone kicked it in.
Snowball?” She called out for her little West Highland white terrier that her parents had given her for her birthday seven years ago.
She didn't come running like she normally would when Anika came home. She frantically wiped her face as tears flowed down her cheeks. She knew she shouldn’t go into the apartment but she had to find her beloved dog.
Baby, mommy is home,” her voice cracked ending on a whisper.
She pulled out her phone as she carefully entered into her apartment stepping over her broken coffee table and slowly making her way down the hallway. She stopped dead on her feet at her bedroom door, frozen, as she stared at Snowball’s tortured, bloody body hanging from the ceiling fan in her bedroom.
No….” she moaned falling against the doorway, sobs racking her body.
She backed up, bumping into a solid mass. She quickly turned around and saw a hooded figure. A scream flew out of her mouth, quickly cut off as the figure grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off her feet, then slammed her into the wall.
Where is she?” the figure growled.
She shook her head as she clawed at his hands. She fought to get a breath as he pulled back and slammed her again against the wall causing her world to go black.
****


About the author



Ariel Marie fell in love with books at an early age. She can still remember her first favorite book from childhood. She read the book so many times that it fell apart and she was devastated! Fast-forward thirty years later, Ariel now writes books she hopes readers will fall in love with and read over and over. Paranormal romance is her favorite genre. Who doesn’t love Shifters, Witches, Faes and all the other paranormals? She just loves writing about couple’s first meeting, the magnetism of when their eyes first meet and the first kiss! Her favorite part of writing paranormals is creating the world that the characters live in.


Ariel Marie’s Social Media Links







Purchase Links:


Thursday 18 February 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - Taking the Score by Kate Meader





TAKING THE SCORE
Tall, Dark and Texan #2
Kate Meader
Releasing February 15th, 2016
Entangled Brazen


A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

His office temptation is now his full-blown fantasy…

Paying down her sister’s debts has left Emma Strickland with little more than the thrift store suit on her back. And as if the suckfest couldn’t get worse, she’s forced to moonlight as a waitress to support herself and her cat. At a strip club. Her uptight, sexy-as-hell boss Brody Kane can never find out.

Texas property tycoon Brody Kane hired Emma for her spreadsheet skills, but her prim and proper demeanor sealed the deal. There’s no room in his life for a sexy distraction … and yet, he can’t stop lusting after the delicious Ms. Strickland. And then he takes an important client to a Chicago strip club and gets the worst lap dance in adult entertainment history. From Emma.

Now that he knows his office good girl has a naughty streak, Brody makes it his mission to uncover her secrets, one steamy, illicit, over-the-desk encounter at a time. But Emma is hiding more than her side job, and her final secret could end up destroying them both.


BUY NOW
Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo


I received a free copy for an honest review. This will in no way impact my thoughts on the book.

It's been a while since I have read such a hot story. Yes, the book isn't for everyone.The author has made the book a very hot and heavy story with all the in the face sex. I felt that at times it was off putting. I get that the protagonists have very good chemistry but all the sex was over the limit inspite of being one of the Brazen titles.

Aside from that, I loved the interaction between Emma and Brody. The entertaining dialogue and the struggle of feelings impact the story in a very good manner. Emma is a strong character inspite of her badness and Brody is a bundle of contradictions in the scenes because of his previous personal disaster. It was a fast read with all the fun incidents and had me finishing it in one sitting. 

Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. This has piqued my interest in the first book. I will be checking it out! 

My rating : 4/5 



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Originally from Ireland, Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Mills & Boon thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.


Don't Miss the First in the Tall, Dark & Texan Series
EVEN THE SCORE

Blog Tour / Book Musings - A Friendly Flirtation by Christine Warner




A FRIENDLY FLIRTATION
Friends First #3
Christine Warner
Releasing February 15th, 2016
Entangled 


One kiss can change your life...

Allison Hall is fed up with being a social outcast. Even at the tech company where she works for her brother and his best friend, Jared, she's the invisible nerdy girl. What she needs is confidence—and that requires a makeover and dating tips. And she knows just the man to help…

Jared Esterly is shocked when Allison asks for his assistance and turns her down, knowing that her brother—his business partner and best friend, Nick—would kill him if he dated her, even if it is just for practice. But when Al’s attempt to make changes on her own fails spectacularly, Jared reluctantly steps in. Things heat up quickly, and soon lessons move from the salon to the bedroom.

When overprotective big-brother Nick discovers Jared is dating Allison, their friendship and business partnership sour. Allison, consumed by guilt, must make a choice: stay with Jared, even though that means ruining his friendship with Nick and possibly his career, or leave the one man who sets her on fire.



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I received a free copy for an honest review. This will in no way impact my review.

Another book in one of my favourite themes, the hero loving the best friend's sister. I have read so many books with this theme and none has disappointed me so far. This book too, made me fall in love with Allison and Jared. I loved Allison's makeover and Jared's reaction to it.But there was one point which irked me. It was Allison suddenly feeling too confident. It was too sudden. It could have been built up to it gradually. 

Nick's reaction to their love affair was realistic and added the right amount of negative feel to the story along with Allison and Jared's struggle to give in to their feelings. This was a sweet story with a charming set of protagonists and all the fun along with the romance have made eager to try out the author's other works too.

My rating : 4/5



She leaned her forehead against his chin, then tilted her head back, parting her lips and inviting him in for another kiss.
And he wanted seconds. More than he’d ever imagined. The soft blush creeping over her face, the way her breasts strained against her blouse as she tried to regain her breathing only encouraged him. Holy. Fuck. With her it’d be too easy to forget where the hell they were. And he didn’t like an audience. Not now. With Allison, not ever.
But that didn’t stop him from running his thumb over her bottom lip. For a second he lost sense of where they were when her eyes grew dark and her lashes fluttered gently over her skin. She looked so beautiful, and that protective urge— or maybe he should just call it what is is…lust—overtook him. He couldn’t picture her with anyone but him. Fuck. He didn’t want her with anyone else. Screw Nick. He’d deal with him later.
If anyone would teach Allison how to please a man, let a real man do the job.
Him.
She was ready, so was he. He was willing, and so was she. And they were both adults. “Al, I don’t want you with any of these men.”
She sighed, sagging against him. “Are we really going to have this conversation again? I—”
He took her mouth in a hard kiss, parting the seam of her lips with his tongue and thrusting inside, swallowing her gasp. She melted against him. He slid his hands down her throat, past her shoulders, and lower still until he curved his arm around her back and squeezed her rear. She smiled into their kiss, and this time he melted. “Do I need to rephrase?” he whispered against her mouth.
She shook her head, their mouths still touching. “I really only wanted one man in this room, but I didn’t think he wanted—”
You better be talking about me.” He leaned back just far enough so he could watch the way her emotions flickered across her eyes. Excitement. Uncertainty. Acceptance. She nodded, her lips parted and moist.
Are you telling me—?”
I’m telling you I’ve come to my senses. Or lost them completely.”



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Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her family, three laptops (she might have a slight addiction, or maybe it’s a fear of one imploding from overuse) and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and her website at christine-warner.com.


Don't Miss Any of the Friends First Romances

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Blog Tour / Book Musings - The Millionaire Makeover by Naima Simone




THE MILLIONAIRE MAKEOVER
Bachelor Auction #2
Naima Simone
Releasing on February 8, 2016
Entangled Indulgence


Plain-Jane computer programmer Khloe Richardson needs a date—one to make the prince of her dreams jealous. Maybe then he'll finally see her as a desirable swan and not the ugly duckling in the second office from the left.

But when she bids on a bachelor at a charity auction, the man she wins is millionaire Niall Hunter—who once made intense, passionate love to her and then left without a word. She's determined not to let her guard down again—among other things—around the infamous Irish lothario.

Niall never imagined his penance for one hot-as-hell night with his best friend’s little sister would be transforming her from a shy wallflower to a sultry siren. Helping her attract another man is torture...especially when he promised his friend he’d stay away. Plus, she wants forever, and he's not a forever kind of guy. But Niall can't stop wanting her. Can't stop touching her. Can't stop, period. And damn if he can remember why he has to...

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I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't impact the review in any way.

The book was better than what I expected. It is a mix of various themes like falling for older brother's best friend and a Cinderella makeover and a bachelor auction. What primarily caught my attention was the whole love for the best friend's younger sister and his denying his attraction for her. I fell in love with Khloe with her spunk and Niall with his obvious hotness. 

Inspite of being a book of cliches, it was a sweet and fun read. The story was able to keep my attention with the steamy romance and the heated dialogue. There was no way the author could go wrong with it. But she added more to it with her characters. 

This was my first Naima Simone book and I can see myself trying out her other books too. She is sure to feature on my list of favourite authors. 

Rating : 4/5


A bead of sweat rolled down Niall’s spine as every pint of blood in his body seemed to flow south and congregate in his cock. Somewhere there was a woodshed with his name on it for the lessons he’d taught Khloe that night. As much as he’d been drinking, he shouldn’t have been able to move, much less fuck. But he’d taken her like a man possessed. Over and over. On her back. Her stomach. Her side. On his back. And he recalled each and every moment as if the sheer heat of those hours had burned away memories that should’ve been fogged by alcohol. Maybe that was part of his punishment for laying a hand on Michael’s much-loved baby sister. Damned to never forget the most explosive, mind-blowing sex of his life…and doomed never to repeat it because of his friend’s last request before his death.
Yeah, God was definitely a woman.
Only a female could be that fucking diabolical.



Naima's love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey and Linda Howard many years ago. Though her first attempt at writing a romance novel at 11 never saw the light of day, her love of romance and writing has endured. Now, she spends her time creating stories of unique men and women who experience the dizzying heights of passion and the tender heat of love. She is the wife to Superman - or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent - and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.


Don't Miss the First in the Bachelor Auction Series
BEAUTY AND THE BACHELOR


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