Blog Archives
Audio Review: Lost Embrace by Kym Grosso
Lost Embrace
Kym Grosso
The Immortals of New Orleans Series, Book 6.5
Narrator: Ryan West
Release date: July 28, 2015
Dominant vampire leader, Kade Issacson, is devastated when his fiancée, Sydney Willows, is nearly killed by a demon and her transition into the supernatural tests the limits of their bond. Deep in the heart of New Orleans, they struggle to keep her alive while searching for an escaped killer who promises to end Sydney’s life once and for all.
4.5 Stars
Life Changes even for Immortals.
Once again Ms. Grosso gives her readers an intense, sexy and on the edge of your seat read. Lost Embrace has Kade and Sydney hitting a wall hard. Strength, trust and bonds are stretched and made deeper through love, friendship and passion. Fast paced and action packed this novella packs the punch of a novel. Action or passion will keep you turning the pages. Oh, the epilogue had my jaw on the floor and speeches.
Ryan West gives a excellent performance. Bringing a warmth and sensuality to Lost Embrace that intensifies the story.
Most people know I truly love the Immortals of New Orleans Series. Lost Embrace is a great addition to the series. Really leaving this reader wanting more.
ARC Review: Lukas by Carian Cole – Blog Tour
Book Title: Lukas (Ashes & Embers #3)
Author: Carian Cole
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 30, 2015
Hosted by: Book Fancy
Storm’s younger cousin.
Vandal’s little brother.
You’ve met him in the background.
The sweet one.
The nice one.
The one they can all rely on.
The good one.
He’s a tattoo artist. He plays metal and classical music – on the violin.
He’s got a body built for sin.
He’s 24.
In comes Ivy. She’s a 36 year old single mom who hasn’t dated in 18 years.
All she wanted was a tattoo.
She got a helluva lot more 🙂
Being good has never been so bad.
Storm (Ashes & Embers #1) Buy Links:
Vandal (Ashes & Embers #2) Buy Links:
I have a passion for the bad boys, those covered in tattoos, sexy smirks, ripped jeans, fast cars, motorcycles and of course, the sweet girls that try to tame them and win their hearts. My debut series, Ashes & Embers, follows the lives of rock band members as they find, and sometimes lose, the loves of their lives.
My first novel in the Ashes & Embers series, Storm, was published in September of 2014 and book 2, Vandal, was published in February 2015 with several more of this series planned throughout 2015.
Born and raised a Jersey girl, I now reside in beautiful New Hampshire with my husband and our multitude of furry pets and spend most of my time writing, reading, and vacuuming.
5 Stars
Lukas. That man has the soul of a saint after playing on a road paved to hell for too long. How is heart is so big and filled with compassion is the making of miracle. Smart, caring, and extremely talented. With scars that lay deep, Lukas is star shining is the blackness. He is the glue that helps hold his brother and cousins together, all while breaking apart inside. Not an Alpha, but a bit more than a Beta, if Lukas doesn’t warm his way into your heart, you just don’t know how to feel.
Ivy’s life changed in the blink of an eye. Leaving her a single mother and a bit lost. Left with fears and insecurities that any woman would be feeling, Ivy takes a leap of faith on herself and starts to live for her. Who knew that getting a tattoo would put into motion a chain of events that puts this average thirty something mother in a tail spin of pleasure, love and freedom.
Carian Cole set a very different tone with Lukas that had every hair on my body standing. Raw and real emotions fill every page of Lukas and Ivy’s story. Passion, lust, insecurity, feeling lost and being found. Written so well you can’t help to get sucked into this realistic story. Ms. Cole makes me feel and that is what I love. Whether it be happiness, sorrow or excitement woven into her words that make up her stories, I am able to feel that. That’s the making of a damn good writer.
Review: Gypsy Love by Jillian Neal
Gypsy Love
Jillian Neal
Gypsy Beach Series, Book 2
Arley life has taken a downfall in more ways than one. Career on hold, family pushing her go give up a part of who she is, throws caution to wind and finds herself driving hours to Gypsy Beach. A smart woman whom I had a instant liking for. Her life is hanging on a whim and she goes to the beach. So my kind of girl. Strong in ways that make Arley seem real. She may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but she will laugh along the way.
John has only seen the the dark side of love. Being a good divorce lawyer, has only proven his theory on love. John is sexy beyond belief and has the perfect dominance to make just about girl melt. Love is not a part of his world. When work has become too much and what he does best has failed, John realizes with a push from friend, a relaxing break is what is need from the stress of life. Gypsy Beach opens John’s eyes to something he never we knew he wanted.
Jillian Neal has a wonderful gift of showing the magic of love. John and Arley are a fun couple. With chemistry and passion flowing, they make a beach fling into something neither of them want to let go of. For people who don’t care for love they have a funny way of showing it.
Jillian Neal has created this amazing little beach town that I have come to love.
ARC Review: Dare To Rock by Carly Phillips
Dare to Rock
Carly Phillips
Dare To Love Series, Book 7
Avery Dare lives a quiet life in Miami as an online fashion/makeup video blogger. She has good friends, a close, large family and if her love life is lacking, she likes it that way. But when she receives an invitation to one of her ex’s concerts along with an invitation to meet him back stage, she decides to take the risk… and comes face to face with the reality of his rock star lifestyle – the press, the crowds, and the half naked groupies.At eighteen, Grey Kingston left everything he knew and loved behind to seek fame and fortune as a rock star, and he found it as the lead guitarist and singer for the band, Tangled Royal. Fans adore him, women throw themselves at him, and he can afford everything he couldn’t growing up. Yet at the height of his career, he’s ready to walk away and return home to a simpler life… and the woman he left behind, if he can convince her to give him another chance.
Except moving on isn’t as easy as Grey would like. When Avery is threatened by a stalker, it becomes evident Grey’s fans not only don’t want him to retire, they don’t want Avery in his life either. And Avery isn’t sure she wants the pressures that are part of Grey’s life… but she doesn’t want to lose him again, either. Can their recently renewed love survive the fallout?
But Meg’s future is one Scott has accepted he’ll never have, even if his growing feelings say otherwise …
4 StarsAvery Dare is an introvert and stay at home video blogger for makeup and fashion. Enjoying living her quiet life in Miami.Grey Kingston is a rockstar who fulfill his dream and is ready to settle down. His talents for music are more than what’s on the stage.
Dare To Rock, the seventh installment of the Dare to Love series, gives Avery and Grey a second chance at something they started years ago. Sparks still fly, the want and need raise quickly as Grey and Avery get to know each other all over again. Their lives as changed in many ways making them both different people. Over the years they still kept each other close to the heart. With the temptation right in front of them, wading through the obstacles of the past and press, show love, passion and compassion are what worth fighting for.
Carly Phillip rocks her readers to the core!
Reconnection, chemistry, insane passion and a bit of mystery. Great characters with talent, personality, charisma, vulnerabilities and st charisma, vulnerabilities and strength. A great story that will make you laugh and feel. Dare To Rock is fully involved, hot read!
I love the continuing saga of the Dare family! Dare to Rock can be read alone, however this series in deep and emotional that I feeling the full series bring much more meaning to this book!
Review copy provided by netgalley.
The Widows Choice by Hildie McQueen-Release Day Excerpt
The Widows Choice
Hildie McQueen
Brides of Coler Valley
Colter Valley calls to Rafe Preston, who decides to purchase land and settle there. When he accepts a temporary job at a beautiful widow’s ranch, he has no idea how much it will impact his plans.
Passion, deception and treachery, blend into a beautiful love story, set in 1860s Montana Territory.
Excerpt
Something in him stirred. In that moment a feeling of wanting to protect her lodged in his chest. A need to look over Charlie Kennedy, get to know her became strong. At the same time, he knew it wouldn’t come easy. Not good timing, either. Whatever had happened in her past, made her distrustful and aloof. “Will you be joining us for dinner tonight, Misses Kennedy? Or continue to avoid our company?”
She straightened and frowned. “Why do you ask such a thing? Surely it’s my choice when and who to eat with.”
“So you prefer to eat alone then?” he prodded, finding amusement when she bristled, scowling at him.
“Mr. Preston, is the wood not getting heavy in your arms?” Once again she returned to her sewing and pulled the needle through the fabric with deft smooth motions.
When Rafe put the wood on the edge of the porch, she looked up with a questioning expression, then frowned.
“Why do you mistrust me?” Rafe pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped the perspiration from his face. “Have I given you reason to?”
Charlie let out a huff. “I don’t know you, Mr. Preston. Of course, I don’t trust you. Around here it’s best to sit back, give people time to show who they really are. You’d best learn that if you plan to stay. Not everyone is trustworthy.”
“I understand that. But I rather give people the benefit of a doubt. Like you said, time will tell, but I trust that most people are good. And there is a difference between trusting fully and giving people the benefit of a doubt.”
She looked out into the distance, it was obvious her mind went elsewhere for a few moments. “I tried that, Mr. Preston, and paid a high price for it.”
Nikki Duncan’s NDcent Scavenger Hunt
Give me a W!
Give me an I!
Give me a N!
Yes that’s right! You might WIN! During an awesome blogger scavenger hunt, you have several chances to WIN Amazon gift cards and a larger Amazon shopping spree. If you can count $100 as a shopping spree, that is.
I was never picked for the cheerleading squad, but sometimes I like to celebrate like I had.
I’m thrilled that an awesome group of bloggers have agreed to be a part of this hunt, and I hope take the time to play. And of course I hope you enjoy yourself along the way.
The game is simple, fill in the blank below to be entered in a drawing for a $5 gift card here. Visit and enter at every blog site and you’ll be entered in the drawing for the $100 gift card.
Winners will all be announced on Saturday, August 22!
Journalist Lana Quinn has a way with hard-hitting news. The story she’s uncovered has potential, but she needs the help of her best friend’s FBI team. She’s been rescued by them, worked with them, and partied with them, but convincing the second in command to believe her theory—that a killer’s touch sets off a lethal allergic reaction—is a frustrating challenge.
Especially since he excites her, body and mind. He’s a danger she shouldn’t indulge.
Aidan Burgess is resistant to helping Lana, but not for the reason she thinks. She has a knack for landing herself in trouble, which means she needs protection. Protecting her means staying near her, a journalist, who like all journalists uses whatever—and whomever—it takes to get her story. It’s a case he wants to refuse.
Especially since she lights a fire in his blood. She’s a danger he can’t afford.
As Lana follows up on lead after deadly lead, learning to trust and rely on each other becomes their only lifesaving hope. If their pride doesn’t become their final pitfall.
Fill in the blank: He’s a she shouldn’t indulge.
Please leave your answer in the comments.
Here’s a hint for the next book you’re looking for: Chocolate covered sins can be tempting.
Look for the NDcent Hunt button on participating blogs for more chances to enter, and don’t miss checking out Nikki’s website (http://nikkiduncan.com/) to see what else she has to offer.
An NDcent Dame – The Revolving Bookcase: http://therevolvingbookcase.blogspot.com/
An NDcent Dame – Book Sniffers Anonymous: http://booksniffersanonymous.com/
An NDcent Dame – Sapphyria’s Book Blog : http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/
An NDcent Dame – Book Liaison: http://www.bookliaison.net/
An NDcent Dame – https://chridhesreads.wordpress.com
Kitty Kelly: http://www.thesmuttykitty.com
Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/category/blog/
Guilty Pleasures: http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews.com/interviews-and-guest-blogs
Book Obsessed Chicks: http://book-obsessed-chicks.blogspot.com/
Geeky Blogger: http://www.geekybloggersbookblog.com/
Coffee Books Life: http://www.coffeebookslifeblog.wordpress.com
Literary Escapism: http://www.literaryescapism.com/
Delighted Reader: http://www.delightedreader.com
Literature Lite House: http://www.literaturelitehouse.blogspot.com
Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/
Smexy Books: http://www.smexybooks.com
After Midnight Authors: http://aftermidnightfantasies.com/blog/
ARC Review: Lone Rider by B.J. Daniels
Lone Rider
B.J. Daniels
The Montana Hamiltons Series, Book 2
When danger claims her, rescue comes from the one man she least expects…
A cowgirl at heart, Bo Hamilton does her best thinking in wide-open spaces. So when money goes missing from the family foundation she runs—meaning one of her trusted, ragtag employees is a thief—Bo rides into the Crazy Mountains to figure things out. But a killer hiding among the sawtooth ridges takes her captive…and isn’t planning on ever letting her go.
Bo’s disappearance gets folks thinking she’s the guilty one run off with the money, but Jace Calder would bet his ranch that she’s innocent. Not that he has any reason to trust the beautiful, spoiled senator’s daughter. But she also gave his troubled sister a job when no one else would. For his sibling’s sake, Jace is going after Bo and bringing her home to face the truth. But in the wild, rugged Crazy Mountains, he finds Bo at the mercy of a suspected murderer. As her only hope, Jace is about to find out what they’re both made of.
My first BJ Daniels read will not be my last.
Lone Rider is a reach and grab you, holy crap did that just happen and damn I didn’t see that flippin coming kind of book. BJ Daniels has taken every aspect of a great romance and puts it all into one book.
Lone Ride is thrilling adventure that will have you turning the pages to keep up. Perfectly written descriptions keeps the reader in tune with the surroundings and complex characters. The suspense will keep you on edge while plot twist add a whole new ride to the game. A must read for any Romantic Suspense lover.
BJ Daniels gave this reader a one sit read in a subject that is not a top pic. She made me a fan with one book!
ARC Review: Collision by Laramie Briscoe
Collision
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy Book 2
Self Published
Published July 13th 2015
Collision—An instance of one person striking violently against another.
Secrets
Lies
Broken Hearts
When Cash and Harper are blindsided with custody papers for his brother, Remy, neither one of them know what to do other than what they’ve done in the past. Ask the Heaven Hill MC for help and hope for the best.
As they prepare for the fight of their lives against Remy’s parents, Harper wonders if the sins of her father will come back to bite her. A time in her life she thought she’d left behind rears its ugly head and threatens everything the two of them have been working towards.
When worlds crash, they are left looking at the wreckage and wondering if they’ve survived the collision.
4.5 Stars
The intensity never lets up!
Collision flawlessly pick up where Flagger slammed Cash and Harper into a brick wall. Quickly becoming a couple, moving in together and making a stable environment for Remy has put Cash and Harper in the fast lane trying to keep up. Where Flagger was all about the passion(in my opinion), Collision is cutting open all the raw, deep emotions.
Love is never easy. It’s a learning process, with a lot of trial and error. Whether you’re 20 years old or have been married for 50 years, love is something that has to be worked at and maintained. With her incredible characters, Ms. Briscoe perfectly gives the readers just that with the intense, emotional, ride that is Collision. A quick read that is over, leaving you wanting more before you know it. Passion still heats the pages, however expect to feel the so deep emotions right along with Cash and Harper.
With all the cards on the table, I very much look forward to what Laramie Briscoe has in store for the conclusion of the Red Bird Trail trilogy with In Tune!
An e-book was provided for an honest review.
Guest Post: Jamie Shaw-Kit’s Packing Guide
I am so excited to have Jamie Shaw, Author of Chaos, Book 3 of the Mayhem series.
Kit’s Packing Guide: Five Things to Bring When Touring with a Rock Band
1) Deodorant. Not for you—for them. Guys are gross, and after a few weeks on tour, they forget that everyone on the bus with them still needs to breathe.
2) Ear plugs. This one is important, especially if your bass guitarist just so happens to snore like a grizzly bear with two smaller grizzlies shoved up its nose.
3) Sweets. Trust me, you’re going to need the sugar. Just make sure to hide them where none of your bandmates will find them—like in a tampon box or in a makeup kit.
4) A change of clothes for every type of weather. It might be kind of chilly in Virginia, but it is not going to be kind of chilly in Florida. I learned this one the hard way a couple years ago.
5) Um… Protection. Your lead guitarist might be ridiculously hot… Just saying.
Chaos
Mayhem #3
By: Jamie Shaw
Releasing July 21, 2015
Avon Impulse
Blurb
From the moment she saw Shawn Scarlett perform at a school talent show, Kit Larson has loved two things: the guitar, and the gorgeous, green-eyed boy who inspired her to play. But one careless night in high school shatters her hope of ever being more than a notch on his bedpost.
Six years, two bands, and one mostly-mended heart later, Kit’s about to make her rock star dreams a reality as the new guitarist for Shawn’s band, The Last Ones to Know. He may not remember their reckless night together, but Kit has never forgotten… and she’s determined to make him eat his heart out.
The release of their new album means a month cooped up on a tour bus, sleeping inches away from the ridiculously sexy musician she’s never quite gotten over. And as Kit gets to know the real Shawn—not Shawn Scarlett, the rock god, the player—their attraction becomes too hot to resist. But the past is paved with secrets, and when they finally surface, Kit could lose everything: the band, the music, her dreams… and Shawn.
Excerpt
“Kit,” Kale complains, and I stop walking. At the top of the stairs, I turn and face him.
“Kale, you know this is what I want to do with my life. I’ve wanted to be in a big-name band since middle school. And Shawn is an amazing guitarist. And so is Joel. And Adam is an amazing singer, and Mike is an amazing drummer . . . This is my chance to be amazing. Can’t you just be supportive?”
My twin braces his hands on my shoulders, and I have to wonder if it’s to comfort me or because he’s considering pushing me down the stairs. “You know I support you,” he says. “Just . . .” He twists his lip between his teeth, chewing it cherry red before releasing it. “Do you have to be amazing with him? He’s an asshole.”
It’s not like I can’t understand why Kale is worried. He knew how much I liked Shawn before that party, and that night, he squeezed every last detail out of me. He knew I gave Shawn my virginity, so he knew why I cried myself to sleep for the next few weeks when Shawn never called.
“Maybe he’s a different person now,” I reason, but Kale’s dark eyes remain skeptical as ever.
“Maybe he’s not.”
“Even if he isn’t, I’m a different person now. I’m not the same nerd I was in high school.”
I start down the stairs, but Kale stays on my heels, yapping at me like a nippy dog. “You’re wearing the same boots.”
“These boots are killer,” I say—which should be obvious, but apparently needs to be said.
“Just do me a favor?”
At the front door, I turn around and begin backing onto the porch. “What favor?”
“If he hurts you again, use those boots to get revenge where it counts.”
I laugh and take a big step forward to squeeze my brother in a hug. “Promise. Love you, Kale. I’ll call you when it’s over.”
With a big sigh, he hugs me back. And then he lets me go.
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/06/chaos-mayhem-3-by-jamie-shaw.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23149165-chaos?ac=1
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/136893-mayhem
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Audible
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Jamie-Shaw-ebook/dp/B00N81I66I
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chaos-jamie-shaw/1120977542?ean=9780062379702
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/chaos/id915051939?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/chaos-42
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Chaos-Audiobook/B00V759IFA/
You can check out Coffee-Books-Life’s ARC Review of Chaos here
ARC Review: Chaos by Jamie Shaw
Author Info
Born and raised in South Central Pennsylvania, Jamie Shaw earned her M.S. in Professional Writing before realizing that the creative side of writing was her calling. An incurable night-owl, she spends late hours crafting novels with relatable heroines and swoon-worthy leading men. She’s a loyal drinker of white mochas, a fierce defender of emo music, and a passionate enthusiast of all things romance. She loves interacting with readers and always aims to add new names to their book boyfriend lists.
Website: http://authorjamieshaw.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieShawAuthor?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorjamieshaw
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1405416.Jamie_Shaw
GIVEAWAY
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjczOA==/?
ARC Review: Trouble on Tap by Avery Flynn
Trouble on Tap
Avery Flynn
What fun is life without a little bit of trouble?
Retired supermodel and forever wild child Olivia Sweet is nothing but trouble. The youngest Sweet triplet is back in her hometown, but instead of a triumphant return it’s a parade of humiliations. She’s broke, homeless and dealing with the fallout from her scumbag ex-boyfriend publishing naked pictures of her to a revenge porn website.
Staid and stalwart veteran Mateo Garcia has seen more trouble than a man ever should in his lifetime. He’s gone from pretty boy Marine to a small town police chief with a chip on his shoulder and scars covering the left side of his face. Now his former lover, Olivia, is back in town and living next door.
When the two are forced to work together to fix up the crumbling veterans’ center, the sparks fly between the beauty and the man who sees himself as a beast. Not everyone is happy that Olivia is back home though and Mateo has to choose between the town who wants her gone and an uncertain future with a woman who he thinks could never love him…
4 Stars
Mateo and Olivia have a history that books are written about. Hot, uninhibited and prefect.
Mateo claimed Olivia to be his good luck charm before going on missions. When she want more than the rules allowed, luck turned walked out the door.
Life happened causing major changes to Mateo and Olivia, rocking them to their core. Also bring them back to each other. A slight touch showed them the chemistry still flamed for two people that are the same but now very different people. While trying to keep each other away at an armslength, and forced to be together, may be more than these to can handle.
Avery Flynn shakes up small town romance with the Trouble on Tap. A feisty woman taking on a stubborn man with chemistry off charts. Woot! The pages will heat up and have you laughing at the same time. Prepare for a good dose of wit, some sarcasm and trouble. Perfect beach read.
A review copy provided by netgalley.
Coffee Books Life 