Read-Love-Blog

May 2014 New Releases Release Day Event

May 2014 New Releases Release Day Event

Release Day Event…Tempting the Bodyguard by J. Lynn

by Jilly

We are extremely excited to celebrate the release of J. Lynn’s TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD!!! TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD is an Adult category romance novel being published by Entangled Publishing’s Brazen imprint and is a part of Jennifer’s Gamble Brothers Series!

TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

He can protect her from everyone except himself.

Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don’t protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he’s caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she’s at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose…

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Jennifer L. Armentrout/J. Lynn Bio:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website Twitter Facebook ** Jennifer L. ArmentroutGoodreads

Novel Goodreads ** J.LynnGoodreads

Blog Tour New Releases New Reviews Three Loves

Out of Control by Nina Croft….Blog Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’s a challenge he can’t resist.

Hollywood heartthrob Zachary Hunter loves women—as long as they don’t want more than a little fun in the bedroom. When his most recent movie stirs up the wrong kind of attention, the kind that includes an attempt on his life, he hires a friend’s company to locate the threat. The pint-sized redhead assigned to protect him isn’t what he expects—or wants. Worse, he can’t take his eyes off of her.

After ten years in the army, Danielle Sinclair knows how to handle men. With a new security gig to pass the time until she’s cleared to return to the military, she figures her sexy new client will be easy to manage. And then he opens his gorgeous mouth, and she can’t decide whether to kiss him or kill him. His sex appeal may tempt her into his bed, but his sexist attitude is unbearable, and she’s going to make him eat every single word…

My review:

Out of Control is the second book in author Nina Croft’s Babysitting a Billionaire Series and was a delicious follow up to the debut, Losing Control.

Writer Zach Hunter was used to lots of attention. It came with his profession and he never minded it. Especially of the female persuasion. But when the attention turns threatening and he is need of protection, he never would have imagined it would come in such a tiny package….Dani. He knows almost immediately that she’s unlike any woman he’s known and damn if that doesn’t up the ante for him. Dani proves that the pull of the forbidden fruit is alive and well and Zach soon realizes he could be willing to give up his playboy ways to be with someone like her. Now, if he could just figure out the whole death threat thing. Oh, and get Dani to agree to give him a chance…

Biding her time until she is cleared for active military duty, Dani Sinclair figures helping her friends with some personal security assignments would be a pretty great distraction. Also a pretty good distraction was the piece of man-candy she is set to protect. Too bad his playboy and womanizing ways were more of a turn off than his looks were a turn on. Fortunately Dani has been wrong only a few times in her life and her initial reaction toward Zach is one of those times. But sleeping with the client was totally off limits….right?

After their initial meeting, Zach and Dani start out looking for a temporary fling with the little time they have together. Which was great considering they both had very different plans for their future. Dani was headed back into the army and Zach was living it up in L.A. But their hearts have a different idea and may override any pervious plans when their time together is set to end…

Nina nails the sexy, sassy and smoking hot with Out of Control. The heat between Zach and Dani is delicious and the push and pull is fantastic. Add to that their very different personalities and their different positions in life and the whole opposites attracting thing was perfect. Dani is a strong gal with a sad upbringing that only made her strength more apparent. Zach is confident and sexy with a naughty boy edge that I really enjoyed.

And getting to see our fave characters from the first book was another really enjoyable aspect of this story.

All in all, if you’re looking for a quick and steamy read get Out of Control on your list. Thank you, Nina, for another fantastic book!

*reviewer note: Just wanted to mention that while Zach is, in fact, a Hollywood Heartthrob of sorts, he is actually writes books in the story. I noticed a bit of a discrepancy between the synopsis and the book and wanted to make a note.

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the author:

I grew up in the north of England, and after training as an accountant, I spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left me with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. I then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but have now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds.

I share the farm with my husband, four dogs, three cats, a horse, two goats, a three-legged Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, and a handful of chickens. It’s a perfect place to indulge my two great passions, reading and writing.

I write lots of different things, but mainly paranormal and science-fiction, usually with a strong element of romance.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren…ARC Review & GIVEAWAY

by Jilly

Sweet Filthy Boy releases May 13

Book links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Amazon UK

Synopsis:

One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away.

My review:

Sweet Filthy Boy is the first book in a brand new series from author Christina Lauren (aka: the dynamic duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings). I have been a fan of these authors since their debut and didn’t think I could love them more after the finale of their last series, Beautiful Player…well, I was wrong. Sweet Filthy Boy was insanely amazing and as much as I would love to write the phrase “buy this book” fifty times in a row as my review, I will spare you from that.

Quick note: there’s a pretty significant event that happens early on and plays a BIG part in Ansel and Mia’s story that I won’t give away in my review (you know I don’t do spoilers) but just know that I am leaving something great out.

Former ballerina Mia Holland has just graduated college and is headed to sin city with her two best friends for a weekend away. A last hoorah of sorts. Once the fall comes, she’s headed to Boston for grad school and she knows this will probably be one of the last weekends of freedom before real life begins. Mia has already been through some rough times in life and is beyond thankful to be where she is today and, of course, is looking forward to the future but is also mourning the loss of her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Life really sucked some times. However, the current view she has of the gorgeous guy across the bar totally doesn’t suck. Unfortunately, Mia isn’t a one-night stand kind of gal… but when the night is over and she finds out the handsome stranger is staying across the hall from her, Mia decides maybe fate is trying to intervene here. What’s the worst that could happen? A few drinks with this adorable, French accented cutie can’t hurt….right?

Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t exactly stay in Vegas. When their trip is over, not wanting to go home and face her hand-me-down future, and having met Ansel, Mia decides to throw caution to the wind. She decides to take this last summer and spend it with Ansel. In France. Hopefully the few weeks she has will scratch her itch and give her a lifetime of memories to talk about when she was old and grey. She has every intention of heading back to the US after her time is up. But you know what they say about the best intentions, right?

What starts out as a quick fling for Ansel and Mia quickly turns into so much more. Will they be able to let go when Mia’s time in France concludes?

Sometimes, when I’m reading a book that I really love, I get almost to the end, like a hundred pages away from finishing, and I just stop reading. I put the book down and I don’t want to pick it back up. Touch it or look at it. Why? Because I don’t want it to end. It won’t matter that I have 10 other books waiting for me to begin reading. It won’t matter that I have a review deadline. I just can’t bring myself to end it. This was one of those books.

Oh, how I just adored Ansel! He was exactly the embodiment of the title…a sweet and filthy boy. He is smart, kind, caring, impulsive, full of joy and happiness and has the art of dirty talk down pat. He lives life to the fullest and puts his all into everything. He went from melting my heart with his sweet and beautiful words to making my pulse race and my cheeks flame with his dirty talk. That dichotomy in his personality was so delicious and made him a character I will never forget. Mia was just as amazing. I mean, she packed up and went to a country she had never been to, knew no one and didn’t speak the language. I envied her that! Together Mia and Ansel are an amazing couple. They went through an uncomfortable and awkward stage that I know anyone who’s ever been in a relationship will be able to relate to. Especially if you’ve moved in together! Fortunately both Mia and Ansel want to try their best and make the most of the time they have. And oh how they do….

Of course, the ending had me a nervous, emotional, crying mess and I was so worried for these two! Don’t worry though. These authors know how to write some amazing endings and this was no exception. I was laughing and crying and loved each and every second of it!

So, I spared you from the fifty “buy this book”s in a row but really….buy this book. You will not be disappointed! Thank you, Christina and Lauren, for yet another truly awesome book!

Five Loves

Giveaway:

Giveaway New Releases New Reviews

About the authors:

Yes, there are two of us! Lauren (on the left) and Christina (on the right) have been writing all kinds of stories together since 2009. Separated by the pesky state of Nevada, these co-author besties talk several times a day, agree that Ruby Pumps is the best nail polish color ever, and would, if given the choice, spend all day staring at the ocean from the San Clemente pier.

Lauren Billings Christina Hobbs
Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. Married to the cutest boy in school, she has a thirteen year old daughter, is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter, and also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.

You can follow their shenanigans at:

@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On Tumblr! where we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff and Wattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!

66 Comments »

East of Ecstasy by Laura Kaye…Blog Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

Synopsis:

Annalise Fallston made peace with postponing her big-city dreams to care for her ill father, but lately she’s been filled with a restlessness not even her beloved painting dispels. Worse, the colors don’t speak to her as they always have, and all her efforts produce dark, foreboding images of a dangerous man and a terrifying future.

Devlin Eston, black-souled son of the evil Anemoi Eurus, is the only one who can thwart his father’s plan to overthrow the Supreme God of Wind and Storms. But first, Dev must master the unstable powers he’s been given. Distrusted and shunned by his own divine family, he never expected to find kindness and passion in the arms of a mortal.

But Devlin’s love puts Annalise in the path of a catastrophic storm, and in the final Armageddon showdown between the Anemoi and Eurus, sacrifices will be made, hearts broken, and lives changed forever…or lost.

My review:

East of Ecstasy is the fourth and final installment in author Laura Kaye’s Hearts of the Anemoi Series, which is one of my favorite paranormal series to date. I am terribly sad to see the end of this series but the happiness I feel with the way the series ended far outweighs the sadness. This book was incredible.

Before I begin my sure-to-be-long-winded review, I will say that if you haven’t read the entire series, I don’t think you should jump right into East of Ecstasy…if for no other reason than the relationships that have been built throughout the series really shine in this book and I would hate for anyone to miss out on truly feeling the emotions associated with having gone on the journey with these characters since the first book, North of Need.

Ok, here goes….

Artist and painter Annalise (Anna) Fallston was used to seeing the beauty in things. Even in the most bleak of circumstances, she could usually find something of beauty to carry her through. She had lost her mother and brother years ago and had been the sole caregiver to her ailing father for a few years now but even in all of that, she could find beauty in her memories of when her father was whole and healthy and when her family was all still alive. She could even find a bright spot in being colorblind…because when she painted, she could somehow see the colors. But finding the good was really getting tough to do lately. She was getting more and more tired and had been having these unexplained urges to paint certain scenes. Dark scenes. And when the man from those dark scenes shows up in her studio one night, she truly believes she’s finally lost her grip on reality and the stress has taken over. He’s real though, and after he informs her he isn’t going anywhere because he needs her help and after she panics a bit, she decides that maybe there really is a reason behind the frantic urges to paint the scenes. Maybe there’s more to her ability to see colors when she paints, but not any other time. Maybe she’s meant to help this darkly handsome stranger. Time to do what Anna does best ….jump in with both feet and look for the positive in this strange situation.

Devin Eston isn’t exactly in good standing with the rest of the Anemoi and he didn’t blame them. Not when his insane and manically power hungry father had done his best to make Devlin look like he was responsible for so much death and destruction. Growing up knowing only pain and torture, Devin could say he was used to the feelings of hatred and anger. Those were the only things he’d ever known. But now, with the storm raging between his evil father and the Anemoi he realizes he’s had enough. He can’t let more death and destruction happen. No more blood on his hands and no more sins to atone for. He would help destroy his father once and for all. Trouble was, it was a whole lot easier said than done. Deviln still hadn’t figured out how to leash and wield the tremendous amount of power within him and he had no one who would believe he wanted to end his father. Until he meets Anna. He had no idea that sneaking into an old barn for shelter would lead him to the one person he may be able to count on and who may be able to help him and the Anemoi. Now, if Devlin could only believe he was worthy of that help.

With things between Devlin, Eurus and the Anemoi coming to this final conflict, where lives will be lost, bonds will be forged and family will be strengthened, Devlin will finally have a chance to prove he isn’t anything like his father….and he will need Anna every step of the way.

If you follow me on twitter, you may have caught the convo I had with Laura Kaye after finishing this book. If you didn’t I will recap it simply by saying that I was an emotional wreck while reading this story….of course I loved every minute.

I have loved this series since Owen’s book and cried my ever-loving eyes out on a flight home last year reading South of Surrender. I was dying to get to this book. Well, I’m actually at a loss for how to describe how much I loved Devlin’s story. Devlin has been painted as one of the bad guys since the beginning and I pretty much hated him…until we got a teeny peek at some goodness within him in the last book. And that did it. I wanted to believe he could be saved and that he wasn’t Team Evil after all. Devlin is broken and hurt and had been tortured and abused all at the hands of his father. He was forced to live a life he wanted no part of and had major trust issues because of it. He didn’t believe himself worthy of any kindness and when he shied away from Anna in the beginning, I cried. He was the battered puppy that had grown into a fearful but powerful animal. He carried so much guilt over his father’s actions and it broke my heart. He so needed someone like Anna. She is strong and giving and willing to help Devlin get over his personal demons. She is a brilliant match for him and they make a beautifully balanced couple. There were more than a few moments shared between them that were beautiful and touching and it was a gift to read.

Beyond their growing relationship there is the fight with Eurus that has risen to a fevered pitch. Of course, that means we got to see the entire cast: Owen, Megan, Zeph, Ella, Chrys, Laney…and a few more that I can’t mention because I don’t want to ruin anything for you. The situations are intense and highly emotional but it’s one of the things I admire most about Laura’s writing. She has that gift to make the reader feel everything. Case in point: me sobbing uncontrollably during a scene with Owen and Megan. That scene is the most touching scene I have ever read….in any book….ever. And it will stay with me for years to come. (of course, I’m crying while typing just thinking of it!)

If you take one thing away from this admittedly long-winded review I hope it’s how much I loved this entire series. I recommend this for any romance fans, paranormal or otherwise. Thank you, Laura, for the Hearts of the Anemoi. You will continue to be one of my go-to authors and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for us next. Oh, and Team Boreas!

Buy at Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Catch up on the whole series with the Hearts of the Anemoi box set featuring the first three books: North of Need, West of Want, South of Surrender!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Giveaways:

There are TWO fabulous giveaways happening with this tour!

~ The first is a set of four signed books (each book in the Heart of Anemoi Series) and swag in a basket. (enter in the rafflecopter)

~ The second is for a tote bag and swag, open to international, and based on blog comments – Please comment on this blog post to enter to win and have include your email addresses to enter.

Blog Tour Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Paranormal

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

14 Comments »

Review….Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall

by Jilly

Book links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the west coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?

Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.

My review:

Dyed and Gone is the first book in the Azalea March Mystery series by author Beth Yarnall and let me say kicked this series off with a fantastic start! Funny, entertaining, suspenseful, and witty, this book was all that and more.

When hairstylist Azalea March packed up for a weekend away in Las Vegas for the biggest hair event of the year she had no idea that it would go from trying out new shears and blow dryers to trying to solve a murder. The reigning king of hair, Dhane, has been murdered and Azalea finds herself smack dab in the middle of the investigation. Not only because she happens to be new friends with his inner circle but also because her business partner, Vivian, had a past with Dhane and that past would be called into question. Especially when Vivian confesses to the murder. A murder Azalea is positive Vivian didn’t commit. Now, Azalea has a bigger mess on her hands than if she forgot to wear gloves while dying a blonde to a dark brunette. Adding even more to the debacle is Azalea having to rely on her sort-of-ex-fling and detective, Alex, to help her and Vivian out of this pickle. And to think, Azalea’s biggest worry just days ago had been what shoes to pack.

When I say this book has it all, I mean it. There were parts that had me laughing out loud and there were parts that had me worried. Parts that had me fanning myself and parts that had my upset. I loved how much was packed into Dyed and Gone. The characters are wonderfully colorful and delightfully quirky with personalities that leap off of the page. The murder mystery had me guessing from the very beginning until the last few pages. I couldn’t put my finger on who I thought committed the crime and I loved that I was kept on my toes until the very end. I say “very end” because just when I thought I got my killer, BAM, we were treated to a great twist. Azalea is a smart and witty heroine that I can’t wait to read more of! I’m dying to see what adventures she has in store and if things heat up more with her kinda-sorta-ex/kinda-sorta-boyfriend Alex. He is so opposite Azalea in many ways and they really compliment each other well. Great chemistry that totally deserves exploring!

Overall, I loved this story and would recommend it to any reader whether a mystery fan or a chick lit fan. There really is something for everyone! Thank you, Beth, for Dyed and Gone. I can’t wait to read more!

Four Loves

About the author:

Best selling author, Beth Yarnall writes romantic suspense, mysteries and the occasional hilarious blog post. For a number of years, Beth made her living as a hairstylist and makeup artist and co-owned a salon with her very best friend. Somehow hairstylists and salons always seem to find their way into her stories. Beth lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their dog where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

April 2014 Four Loves Mystery New Releases New Reviews

Fix You by Christine Bell…Blog Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

“Fresh, sexy, and addicting–you won’t want to put it down!“—New York Times Bestselling Author Jen McLaughlin

FIX YOU is part one in the new adult McDaniels Brothers serials from USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Christine Bell. Fans of Monica Murphy, Jen McLaughlin, and H.M. Ward will be seduced by Bash and Olivia’s story and will look forward to a new installment in this ongoing family saga every month!

Buy from Amazon

Synopsis:

Olivia Beckett’s once-charmed life is falling apart. Her family is about to lose everything, and she has almost no chance of continuing her college education. She can’t even seek solace from her high school sweetheart. He’s changed. She doesn’t recognize the boy she used to know— his violent behavior is escalating and it scares the hell out of her. Her whole world is crumbling, and she has no one to turn to……

Sebastian “Bash” McDaniels is an up and comer in the boxing world working nights at the local college bar until he can land the fight of his dreams that will get him the hell out of Boston and away from his family’s tragic past. He’s weeks from his goal when Olivia Beckett comes tumbling into his life in a flash of silky dark hair and haunted eyes. When he saves her from a potentially brutal beating, they begin to grow close, but Olivia’s ex isn’t ready to let her go so easily.

Bash can’t bring himself to walk away, but fixing Olivia just might leave him broken…

My review:

Fix You is the first book in author Christine Bell’s Bash and Olivia\McDaniel’s Brothers Series and I will warn you, has a bit of a cliff hanger ending. Now, I don’t mind those type of endings and even if you do, I totally say read this book anyway…it was THAT good! (and the second book comes out soon)

College student Olivia Beckett has entirely too much weight on her shoulders. Her family is going through a major rough patch and is losing all financial stability and she’s starting to realize her boyfriend since high school is turning into someone she doesn’t want to be with. His temper is getting out of hand and the excuses she’s been making for him come to an end when she is saved from a violent situation in a bar bathroom. As embarrassing as that was, it was the turning point she needed. There were no more excuses to be made for his behavior and her bartender in shining armor savior, Bash, is just what she needs to help her through this. But adding insult to injury, Bash loses his job over saving her. He insists it was just a job to tide him over until he gets in the ring, but she knows better. Seizing the opportunity, Olivia decides Bash is the perfect teacher for the self-defense lessons she fears she will need when she breaks things off with her boyfriend. Hopefully it will also help ease her guilt over getting him fired…the bigger question is, will is ease her wicked strong attraction to the gorgeous boxer?

Sebastian McDaniels, aka Bash, does not need this kind of distraction or complication in his life right now. He just needs to keep his focus on training and getting ready for his fights. He does not need to be involved in a clearly effed up relationship between some douchebag college kid and his girlfriend. Nope. Too bad there’s no way he could ever allow a girl to be hurt by a guy. Especially someone as beautiful as Olivia. Now he’s lost his job, thanks to his heroics, and she shows up asking for self-defense lessons. He wouldn’t be any better than her ass of a boyfriend if he turned her away and didn’t help her again. Now, if he can just convince himself that as soon as the lessons are over, he will be able to let her go….

What starts out as two people thrown into a situation by chance turns into a sizzling hot and undeniable attraction that will prove too strong to ignore. But with so many forces working against them, will they be able to make things between them work? Or will Olivia’s ex turn out to be more dangerous than just in the physical sense?

Oh man, I loved this book. Again, I will say that it has a kinda cliffy ending but please don’t let that turn you away from Bash. He is too delicious to ignore. He’s the strong, silent type that comes from the wrong side of the tracks but has a true moral compass and could never let a man hurt a woman. His hard edged looks are at odds with his soft heart and who doesn’t love that?! The bad boy boxer with a soft side is always a win for me and Bash was all that and a bag of chips. Olivia is in a pretty tough spot and I feel for her. She’s starting to realize her “boyfriend” isn’t who she thought he was and is changing right before her eyes. But she’s decided to get rid of him and knows it may become dangerous so she’s trying her best to prepare for the worst. I’m worried for her but knowing that she has forged a friendship with Bash comforts me a bit. I say a bit because something happens at the end and Olivia may be on her own for a little while, without Bash, and the boyfriend is mighty pissed. But the spark between Olivia and Bash can’t be denied and they are positively delectable together! (so HA to you, loser boyfriend!)

I cannot wait for the next installment in Bash and Olivia’s story and will be anxiously awaiting its release! Thank you, Christine, for one hell of a story!

Five Loves

Add FIX YOU to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Want to learn more about FIX YOU? Be sure to check out this exclusive interview with Christine Bell!

Follow the tour and win some awesome prizes!

Prizes:

A $50 e-giftcard to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice, open internationally) and an opportunity to have a character named after the winner in serial #3 of The McDaniels Brothers series!

Blog Tour Five Loves New Adult New Releases New Reviews

About Christine Bell

Christine Bell is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances, and one half of the happiest couple in the world. She doesn’t like clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but loves movies, football, and playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she’d be a wizard. She loves writing fun, sexy romance and deep, emotional new adult novels, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with rusty spoons.

Subscribe to Christine’s mailing list for exclusive content, ARCs, giveaways and more!

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

April 2014 Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Suspense

ARC Review…The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose

by Jilly

The Collector of Dying Breaths releases today

Synopsis:

A lush and imaginative novel that crisscrosses time as a perfumer and a mythologist search for the fine line between potion and poison, poison and passion…and past and present.

Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.

Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breaths he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.

My review:

The Collector of Dying Breaths is the sixth novel in author M.J. Rose’s Reincarnationist series and admittedly the first in the series I have read. However, not having read the previous stories did not leave me loving this story any less. It was a work of art.

This novel is essentially two stories happening centuries apart being told in tandem all leading up to an emotional and fascinating end.

The early tale being of René le Florentin, perfumer to Catherine de Medici, and his life from orphan to alchemy apprentice to de Medici’s personal perfumer, friend, and loyal subject and importantly, collector of dying breaths. René had been fascinated and compelled to learn about the possibility of reincarnating souls using the dying breath captured on one’s deathbed. Ever since his mentor and teacher, Brother Serapino, had died and René collected his last breath, he had been attempting to complete the proper mixture of ingredients to make reincarnation possible. He was a renowned perfumer and cunning adversary to de Medici, using his knowledge of scents and poisons to help keep her reign intact. René had no way of knowing then that eventually his loyalty to Catherine would tragically cost him the only love he’d ever known. Fortunately, a bond of true love had been formed and would end up spanning centuries, looking for a chance to grow and blossom without being cut short.

The later tale being of mythologist Jac L’Etoile and her journey of healing after the devastating loss of her brother. It’s because of that loss that she finds herself in the middle of a project her brother had been working on before his death. The project involved a wealthy heiress and her obsession with immortality. The heiress had amassed an impressive collection of items needed to complete an elixir and finally harness the properties of the dying breaths that had been captured all those centuries ago. But Jac would need help and calls on her former love, Griffin, to aid in her quest. While working on the project, Jac has experiences that tell her that this is much more than an eccentric woman’s latest obsession. This could be the chance for two lost souls to finally be reunited after hundreds of years of trying to get it right. Could she and Griffin be fated to be together in this life?

The two stories weaved together to make one harmonious and entertaining read. On top of the rich and beautiful storytelling with detail that made me believe I could smell the scents being so richly described, there was deceit, mystery, and murder. I felt a connection to René from the very beginning and was so emotional reading the end to his part of the story. Jac was smart and full of emotion being torn between not wanting to believe she had a connection to the past and opening up to the notion that it was possible. The heiress, Melinoe, reminded me of an old porcelain doll. The kind that looks beautiful at a glance but if you really look closely, and stare long enough, becomes unnerving and frightening.

My favorite parts of this experience were how gorgeously author Rose described everything from the perfumery workspaces to the décor in rooms to the scent in each moment. And finally, how it all culminated into a heartbreaking yet beautiful ending.

This is quite different from the books I’ve been reading lately, and I’m grateful I had the chance to read The Collector of Dying Breaths….it was the coffee beans to my reading palate. Thank you, Ms. Rose, for a stunning read.

Five Loves

About the author:

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… Books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

She lives in Connecticut with Doug Scofield, a composer, and their very spoiled dog, Winka.

Rose is a the Co-President and founding member ofInternational Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz. She runs the blog, Museum of Mysteries.

In 1998, her first novel Lip Service was the first e-book and the first self-published novel chosen by the LiteraryGuild/Doubleday Book Club as well as the first e-book to go on to be published by a mainstream New York publishing house.

Rose has been profiled in Time magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Business 2.0, Working Woman, Newsweek, andNew York Magazine.

She has appeared on The Today Show, Fox News, The Jim Lehrer NewsHour, and features on her have appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and abroad, including USAToday, Stern, L’Official, Poets and Writers, and Publishers Weekly.

Rose graduated from Syracuse University and spent the ’80s in advertising. She was the Creative Director of Rosenfeld Sirowitz and Lawson and she has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

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ARC Review…..Silent Bite by Tina Folsom

by Jilly

Book links:

Kindle | Amazon paperback | Goodreads | 1,001 Dark Nights

Synopsis:

New York Times Bestselling Author Tina Folsom presents: Silent Bite (A Scanguards Wedding), Scanguards Vampires 8 1/2

Newbie vampire Oliver and Ursula, the woman he saved from a blood brothel, are finally tying the knot. But with Ursula’s old fashioned Chinese parents arriving in town for the traditional wedding, chaos soon breaks out–with Oliver always one step away from accidentally revealing to his soon-to-be inlaws that he and his extended Scanguards family are vampires.

Amidst all the chaos and confusion, will there ever be a private moment for Oliver and Ursula to consummate their union in a blood bond?

My review:

Silent Bite is story 8 ½ in author Tina Folsom’s Scanguards Vampires Series as well as the 4^th novella in the 1,001 Dark Nights Series. I’m a huge fan of vampires and had been looking forward to this story and it was fantastic.

Oliver and Ursula come from two very different worlds. Sure, he’s a newborn vampire and she’s still human but besides that, Ursula’s family is Chinese and her parents believe in their traditions. Normally that wouldn’t cause too much of a headache except during a wedding, which is exactly what they are in town for. Ursula and Oliver’s wedding. Let the wedding stress begin! Of course adding the whole “my fiancée is a vampire” thing into the mix is bound to make things just a tad more stressful than the usual “what color taffeta should we use for the table runners” stress. And it does. As if all of that wasn’t enough, someone is lurking in the shadows, determined to kidnap Ursula and consume the blood that is calling to him.

Will their wedding go off without a hitch and will they finally be able to bind themselves together forever in blood bond union?

From start to finish I loved this story. I found myself laughing, fanning myself, and gripping my e-reader for dear life at points. Ursula and Oliver weren’t only sexy to read they were also very endearing and relatable. Relatable in the sense that their attempts at keeping things from Ursula’s parents brought me right back to the many times I tried to hide things from my own parents (sorry, mom!). The panic when you think you fudged your lie or your friends not remembering what they were supposed to say and the laughter that happens when it all comes out in the end anyway. Add that to the smoking hot connection they share and oh my, they are pretty amazing. The other aspect of this story I loved was the ever-present threat that was lurking in the shadows. The threat that no one knew about apart from the reader. It’s like those horror movies when you yell “don’t go into the basement!” at the screen. It was intense, nerve-wracking, and really well done. Now, I won’t give anything away but I will tell you that the ending was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for a better one for Ursula and Oliver.

All in all, Silent Bite was the whole package. Elements of suspense, romance, sexy heat, and humor make this novella a win in my book! Thank you, Tina, for a fantastic read!

Five Loves

About the author:

Tina Folsom was born in Germany and has been living in English speaking countries for over 20 years, the last 11 of them in San Francisco, where she’s married to an American.

Tina has always been a bit of a globe trotter: after living in Lausanne, Switzerland, she briefly worked on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, then lived a year in Munich, before moving to London. There, she became an accountant. But after 8 years she decided to move overseas.

In New York she studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, then moved to Los Angeles a year later to pursue studies in screenwriting. This is also where she met her husband, who she followed to San Francisco three months after first meeting him.

In San Francisco, Tina worked as a tax accountant and even opened her own firm, then went into real estate, however, she missed writing. In 2008 she wrote her first romance and never looked back.

She’s always loved vampires and decided that vampire and paranormal romance was her calling. She now has 15 novels in English and several in other languages (Spanish, German, and French) and continues to write, as well as have her existing novels translated.

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New Releases New Reviews

Immortal Hunter by Kait Ballenger…Blog Tour Stop, Review & Giveaway

by Jilly

Synopsis:

Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but at what price?

As an exorcist, David Aronowitz grew up the target of demonic assassins. Now he’s a member of the Execution Underground and hellspawn everywhere fear his name. But when a demon slips into the seductive body of the only woman he’s ever loved, David must confront the heartbreak of their past to save her.

The piece of her heart Allsún O’Hare gave to David so long ago left her trapped between two worlds: the Fae and the human. And when David comes to her rescue, fate reunites her with her greatest temptation—and her biggest mistake. Now, as they’re swept together into a wicked game with the demon who controls her, David must decide if saving Allsún’s life is worth sacrificing his own—and the future of humanity itself

My review:

Immortal Hunter is the second book in author Kait Ballenger’s Execution Underground Series and admittedly the first book I have read. First let me say that I wasn’t lost at all while reading even though I hadn’t read the first book. Second I have to say….I loved this book and will be reading all of the installments from here on out!

Exorcist and Execution Underground member David Aronowitz is used to seeing some pretty gruesome things. In his line of work he’s come across some of the most heinous demons imaginable and all sorts of things that go bump in the night. But the particular demon he just killed has him scared the most he’s ever been. Not because the demon was particularly terrifying but because the demon told David something that left his blood running cold….that other demons knew about Allsún and that she was the last fae in this world. She was valuable and vulnerable to the demon world and had remained hidden until now. Allsún, the love of David’s life. Once his fiancé, he would still do anything to protect her and right now she was in dire need of that. Right now she was in a hospital bed recovering from the last time he couldn’t protect her and there’s no way he’d let that happen again.

Suddenly awakened out of a drug induced coma and being pulled by an indescribable force, Allsún O’Hare knew something bad was happening in the demon world. She didn’t know what or where, exactly, just that she had to follow this feeling to where it led her and fight whatever evil lay ahead. She never expected to see David at the house her feelings led her to. It shouldn’t surprise her, really. He was an exorcist after all. But the horror that she encounters at the scene was truly a shock. This wasn’t like anything either of them had seen before and instantly they both know things are bad.

With Allsún in danger and David on the hunt for the most diabolical demon he’s ever encountered, they will be forced to work together to end this reign of terror. Of course spending time together after years of being apart is bound to bring up all of the feelings they once shared. Feelings that never truly went away.

Oh man, I loved this book! I think one of the things I loved most about this book, and the series, is that it takes a different approach. Yes, it’s paranormal and deals with demons and the underworld, but the rituals and weapons they use are different than others I have read. There is a lot of Judaism in the methods David uses to exorcise and I found that really refreshing. One of the other things I loved about this book was the love story between David and Allsún really took a front row seat instead of being on the back burner. I really enjoyed that. The have a whole lot to work through and I wouldn’t have been happy if their issues were resolved in a chapter or two. Luckily, Kait gave us plenty to read and time to understand the feelings fro both David and Allsún’s POVs. It made the connection to the characters so much stronger, which for the ending of this book was imperative. I was a nervous wreck for the last few chapters because I was so worried for David, Allsún and the whole Execution Underground crew! They have one hell of a fight on their hands (no pun intended) and I had no idea what the outcome was going to be. I loved that feeling!

I also loved getting a peek into Damon’s very guarded emotions in the end and I am really hoping we get to see his story soon! I can imagine it’s going to be gut wrenching.

Thank you, Kait, for your take on good vs. evil and for giving me a series to look forward to reading more from!

Five Loves

Book links:

IH on Amazon | IH on Barnes and Noble

Giveaway:

Book Tour Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Paranormal

About the author:

Kait Ballenger is a full-time paranormal romance author, wife, professional bellydancer, and graduate student. She lives in Central Florida with her husband, their doggie-daughter Sookie (like Charlainne Harris’ character), and two kittens, Elliot and Olivia (like the SVU characters). Kait believes anything is possible, and one day, she hopes people name their pets after her characters, too.

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Lie by Night by Cathy Marlowe…Book Tour Stop & Review

by Jilly

Lie by Night

by: Cathy Marlowe

Release Date: 3/24/14

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis:

When Emma Bailey’s brother disappears, leaving her in possession of dangerous information, there’s no one she can turn to for help. Her desperate search for her brother leads her to a remote island where she discovers the one man who can help her is a man she can’t trust.

Cole Stevens is on a mission to bring down the drug mastermind who threatens to destroy the lives of his family. His plans take an unexpected turn when Emma runs head first into his investigation. Not only is she a danger to his heart, but her brother is one of his key suspects.

Cole and Emma reluctantly join forces to unravel a web of deceit that reaches deeper into their lives than either had imagined. As the lies unravel they will be forced to choose between fear of betrayal and their willingness to put their emotions on the line in order to save the people they love.

My review:

Lie by Night is an Out of Darkness novel by author Cathy Marlowe and the first of her work that I have read. The cover alone had my attention and the story kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Emma Bailey was used to not knowing where her brother was, what type of mission he was off doing, or how long he would be gone for but one thing she always knew was that he would call her every Sunday. After all, they only had each other as family. So it was extremely unnerving when she didn’t get that Sunday phone call. Even more unnerving was the package she received from her brother for her birthday a couple of days later. Enclosed in the package was a cryptic note telling her not to trust anyone along with some important looking information. Without a doubt she knew he was in danger and she knew she was the only one that could save him. So she did what any sister would do…packed her bag and went in search for him.

Right in the middle of his top-secret investigation into one of the most dangerous operations headed by one of the most devious men, the last person Cole Stevens expected to see was Emma Bailey. But here she was in a very dangerous spot…literally. After saving her from her precarious position, he now realizes there is no was she is leaving his side. For too many reasons to count. One being she needs help finding her brother, the brother he has a suspicion may be a part of the operation he’s trying to squash. The operation that has already hurt too many people. Cole wanted to make sure no one else had to suffer…especially Emma.

Each with reservations about working jointly, Emma and Cole decide that maybe working together could actually be beneficial to taking down an operation that time and time again has proved to be infallible. But as time passes, and they spend more and more time together, their relationship threatens to grow from old acquaintances to so much more.

The story line in Lie by Night was intricate and weaved with deceit, drugs, danger, disloyalty, and murder. It was also weaved with love and compassion. All of that created a great balance and it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. There were a lot of players in the plot that I was unsure of and that kept me guessing and I really enjoy that aspect of a romantic suspense. Cole and Emma were well matched and were equally stubborn and yielding when it mattered. Overall, I was pleased with all facets of this story and the last few chapters had me almost speed-reading because I was so nervous! My lips are sealed but know that it was intense and, ultimately, very satisfying.

Thank you, Cathy, for a fantastic and suspenseful read!

Four Loves

Book links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | EP Link