Wednesday, July 31, 2013

DARK WATERS by Toni Anderson

DARK WATERS by Toni Anderson
Published: August 6, 2013, Montlake Romance

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The last thing Anna Silver expected was a panicked telephone message from her ex-convict father, stating something about having taken money....again.....and running for his life. He also says she is not safe and has to look up his ex-cellmate, Brent Carver, the only other person he trusts in this world. She gets the message just as the police, who have come to notify her of her father's deadly 'accident', leave. Scared witless and not particularly trusting of anyone, including her mother and stepfather, Anna immediately grabs the bare essentials and takes off for Vancouver Island, where she hopes to find the man who became her father's best friend in jail.

When an unexpected visitor surprises Brent Carver in the middle of the night, the last person he expected to see was the daughter of the man who had become like a father to him over the years. He is shocked to find out his friend is dead and although he avoids social interaction at all cost, he can tell Anna is in trouble and he owes it to her father to help and protect her at all cost. He calls in the help of the few contacts he has, to try and find out what is going on.

AXEL (Corps Security) by Harper Sloan

AXEL (Corps Security) by Harper Sloan
Published: July 24, 2013, Harper Sloan

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It's been two years since Isabelle managed to escape her nightmare of a marriage that lasted six years. She still can't believe she got caught being the wife of an abusive bastard of a husband, even less that she finally managed to get away from him. Thanks to her good friends Dee and Greg who managed to pull her battered and broken body out of the house. Now all she needs is his signature to make the divorce final, but as per usual, life makes nothing easy for Isabelle. Her ex has found her, and is leaving threats. 

Izzy gets protection from her friend Greg, who is calling in his partner in a security company to help make sure that she is adequately protected. All Izzy wants to do is forget the past and get on with the fiefs she has started building for herself, but she grudgingly acknowledges that she might need to ramp up her security until at least the divorce is finalized. But when she suddenly comes face to face with the person who is supposed to protect her, she believes she is looking at a ghost.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

COVER REVEAL!! "ONLY FOR YOU" by Marquita Valentine


Title: Only For You (Boys of the South ~ Book 2)
Author: Marquita Valentine
Expected release: September 2, 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Cover designed by: Marquita Valentine
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com


Book Description:

Loose ends left loose for too long tend to strangle.
Cole and Violet knew it wouldn’t be easy. They knew their relationship would take work. But when the press finds out about Violet Lynn’s newest boyfriend, they start digging.  And when his past come to light, exposing all of his family’s secrets, their relationship begins to fray.
Country Music’s Golden Boy, Jaxon Hunter, has it all, except the girl that got away. What she saw, she really didn’t. What she thought happened, he allowed her to believe for reasons so insane that no one would ever have believed him if he hadconfessed. But now that everything’s out in the open, he’s going to do his damndest to convince her that he’s the only one for her.
Now Violet must choose between Jaxon— her first love and the guy she thought had cheated on her—and Cole—the guy who helped her heal and love again.
Or will one of them make the decision for her?


About the Author:

New York Times Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South.

Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn't work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children.

Author social media links:




COUPON for Susan Mallery's "THREE LITTLE WORDS"

Susan Mallery's new book is available today!! As an added bonus, click on this COUPON Link to receive a $1 rebate when purchasing "THREE LITTLE WORDS".

You can read my review posted on July 21st below.






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NOWHERE SAFE by Nancy Bush

NOWHERE SAFE by Nancy Bush
Advanced Reading Copy
To Be Released: August 27th, 2013, Zebra Books

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Detective September Rafferty already has her hands full the first day back at work after having been stabbed in the shoulder. Her ex-stepbrother was found tied to a flagpole, just about naked, with a sign around his neck, but still very much alive. He was luckier than the victim they found a few months earlier, also naked and bound, but he had frozen to death. The crimes are eerily similar even though September's ex-stepbrother insists he was simply robbed, but no one is buying that story. He is obviously hiding something. 

When a virus strikes down most of her colleagues, September finds herself running the department almost single-handedly and the bad news keeps coming in. Now she has a young woman missing on top of her ongoing investigation. And while all this is going on, she is supposed to be moving in with Jack, her high school boyfriend she just recently rekindled a romance with. 

Friday, July 26, 2013

ASHTON CROFT CONFIDENTIAL by Ava Moore

ASHTON CROFT CONFIDENTIAL by Ava Moore
Published: July 22, 2013, Ava Moore

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Tricia Parker had a serious case of writer's block and it was no wonder, she was a sex columnist for a celebrity gossip magazine and hadn't been close enough to a man in so long, she had a hard time even imagining sex anymore. It didn't help that her nightmare of a boss never let up on the pressure and now she was facing a 9:00 am deadline on a weekend! Good thing her girls were coming to the Big Apple tonight for a night on the town.

When a typical bad boy hunk sits down in the booth across from Trisha and her friends in the club, with his Barbie posse of two, and proceeds to paw one of his blond sidekicks, Trisha can hardly believe what she is looking at. But when his eyes meet hers, his hands still busy on the girl sitting next to him at the table, she is locked in to his gaze and can't turn away. Her body is responding in a way she has become almost unfamiliar with. 

SLOW SUMMER BURN by Elisabeth Barrett

SLOW SUMMER BURN by Elisabeth Barrett
Advanced Reading Copy
Published: August 12, 2013, Random House Publishing

My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐

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After losing their mother at a young age, as the oldest of four brothers, Val Grayson took on a role as caregiver. Since his father's passing and now that his brothers all seem to have settled into a good life with significant others, he finds himself looking at the world around him with a different interest. Focusing more on himself, which is how he suddenly notices that there is more than meets the eye in the beautiful, high society shop owner, Cameron Stahl.

Cameron has fought hard to find her own way in the world. Never quite comfortable with the circles her parents like to parade her in, she prefers to stay as far away from those status obligations as she can. That is part of the reason she opened her second antique store in beautiful Star Harbour. She loves the little cottage she is able to rent for when she is in town, and she has made some amazing friends there. But inevitably, those family obligations keep pulling on her, and she is summoned back to Boston to appear at one or other charity function to smile and make small talk. 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

THE MERRY GO ROUND by Donna Fasano

THE MERRY-GO-ROUND by Donna Fasano
(U.S. link:The Merry-Go-Round )
Published: December, 2009, Hard Knocks Books


Lauren has waited a year to try and get her husband to sign the divorce papers. She was so angry a year ago when she kicked him out of the house and she still carried around the anger. As an attorney, she had things planned and organized or so she thought, but Greg had always been irresponsible about finances and sank their ship. She needed to make a clean break and start over so she could take care of her father and herself. She has had to move her father into her house, because she no longer can afford his apartment alongside her place. 

When the judge awards her a piece of property with a ramshackle barn on it in the divorce, it only fuels Lauren's anger with her ex, Greg. Yet another thing she hadn't known about! The barn houses an old merry-go-round that is going to require some serious TLC, or a wrecking ball. In doing a bit of research, however, she discovers that the merry-go-round might actually prove to be quite valuable, that is, if she can find a way to restore it.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

SOME LIKE IT HOT by Susan Andersen

SOME LIKE IT HOT by Susan Andersen
(U.S. link: Some Like It Hot )
Advanced Reading Copy
To Be Published: July 30, 2013, Harlequin HQN

Growing up, there was nothing Harper Summerville loved better than travelling with her father. Something she continued doing even after he passed away. But now her job had landed her in Razor Bay, Washington, and she had to admit, the place had just about everything you could want in beautiful surroundings. Water, trees, mountains and the delectable body of a certain deputy sheriff she wouldn't mind getting a closer look at. 

Despite his more than miserable childhood, Max Bradshaw was always determined to come back to Razor Bay and make his life there. He was working for the sheriff's office now and started shedding some of the old shadows that haunted him for years. And since the arrival of that gorgeous Harper at the resort, he even finds himself cracking a smile very now and then. But he believes she is well out of his league, and seems to be reduced to mere grunting whenever he is around her.

Monday, July 22, 2013

My Big Guy.......the Gardener

And while I spend my time reading and reviewing, chatting and networking.......my VERY significant other doesn't only bring home the bacon, he grows most of our food during the summer months.

His hobby - the garden, my hobby - the kitchen, makes for culinary bliss (if you love your veggies!).

  
                             
His fresh basil and yellow squash, with some potato and my spice mix and olive oil, now roasting in the oven. Life is good!

He has two weeks vacation as of today, so this may not be the last time you find him distracting me from my task.

PLAY ME by Diane Alberts

PLAY ME (Take a Chance) by Diane Alberts
(U.S. link: Play Me )
Advanced Reading Copy
To Be Published: July 29, 2013, Entangled Publishing

When single mom, Kiersten Worth caught her fiancée banging his secretary a year ago, she decided right there and then, that love and relationships were just not her thing. The hurt and the anger from giving your love and trust and having it thrown back in your face, is just not worth the risk. To mark the one year anniversary of what should have been the happiest day of her life, she is planning to let loose with some no holds barred sex. A one night event with no consequences or strings. And she knows just the guy to let loose with!!!

Garrett Kelly has known the Worth family since they were all in high school. Mike and he are best buds and coach the basketball team together, and Kiersten's son Chris is one of their top players. Garrett and Kiersten have also remained good friends over the years, although Garrett has carried a silent torch for Kiersten for many years now. 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

THREE LITTLE WORDS (Fool's Gold) by Susan Mallery

THREE LITTLE WORDS (Fool's Gold) by Susan Mallery
(U.S. link: Three Little Words )
Advanced Reading Copy
To Be Released: July 30, 2013, Harlequin HQN

Isabelle Beebe has come back to Fool's Gold to run the family bridal store, while her parents are on vacation and help get it ready to be sold. Her own dream, to open up a designer fashion store in New York, is on hold until then, but the plans and her designer friend are ready and waiting for her return to the Big Apple. By that time she hopes some of the sting of having been left by her husband, for another, may have softened a bit. The fact that the 'other' was a man, didn't do much for her confidence.

Fourteen years ago Ford Hendrix left Fool's Gold to join the military and he had only recently returned to work for CDS training bodyguards and organizing corporate team building outings. When he left, he had just been dumped by his fiancée and couldn't get out of Fool's Gold fast enough, but that heartbreak turned out not half as bad as it sounds and he ended up spending most of his 14 years overseas as a SEAL. What got him through his tough times, where the letters he received from his ex-fiancée's younger sister, Isabelle. They kept him sane for all the years she was sending them.

Isabelle can do her best to avoid Ford all summer, afraid he will think she is stalking him, what with all those letters she wrote him over the years, but since he does live in the apartment over her parents garage and she is staying In her parents house, that might turn out to be a it awkward. Deciding to confront things head on, she looks Ford up, convinced her childhood crush has long since passed. Unfortunately, Ford doesn't seem to have lost any of his boyish charm, in fact he has gained some very manly attributes and if anything is more dangerous now than he was before.

Ford almost swallows his tongue when he sees little Isabelle all grown up. Very nice in the looks department, with a spunky attitude to boot. Good thing Ford doesn't do the love thing, but he is going to enjoy making a friend out of Isabelle!

******

A new release in the very popular Fool's Gold series by Susan Mallery, it is always easier to have read at least a few of the earlier books (if not all), to get a feel for the town and it's recurring characters. Having said that, it is not absolutely necessary, because each of the books are individual stories and can be read by themselves. I have not read each and every one myself, but enough to 'know my way around'.

The story I have summarized above is the main story of this book, but there is actually a secondary story, with separate leading characters. It deals with Kent, Ford's brother and Consuelo, Ford's colleague at CDS, and I would have liked to have seen that fleshed out a little more. Consuelo's issues are unusual ones and would have been interesting to have seen explored.

I enjoyed the growing relationship between Isabelle and Ford, slowly morphing from friends to buddies to friends with benefits to lovers. All with a natural ease and progression, light and fun. The chemistry is  most definitely there, as is the humour and the lighthearted banter. The characters are recognizable, far from perfect and therefore credible and likeable. I much prefer to have heroes with a few warts, so I at least I can somewhat identify myself with them, and that is hard to do when they are too perfect........

The supporting cast in all of Susan Mallery's books are always full of character, and it is again evident in this book. Although they aren't the story, they do make the story richer.

I read THREE LITTLE WORDS, beginning to end without interruption, and although the end came a bit too soon, felt a bit too abrupt, I enjoyed the book very much.

A playful, sexy summer tale!

**ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Harlequin HQN in return for an honest review.**

Friday, July 19, 2013

DEFIANCE by Stephanie Tyler

DEFIANCE  by Stephanie Tyler
(U.S. link: Defiance )
Published: June 10, 2013, Carina Press

When Tru Tennyson left the Defiance compound three years ago, she was escaping an almost pre-ordained future of submission to violence and abuse. Tru could no longer quietly condone and suffer the treatment women received in the rough male-dominated culture of motor cycle clubs, so she did the only thing she could at that time, and ran leaving her abusive father, her friends and the one guy she would protect at all cost behind.

Her taste of freedom was short lived, because only a few years later, Chaos happened. A build up of natural disasters that annihilated millions and completely changed the natural and structural order of things. Living in a state of almost lawlessness, where everyone is fending for themselves and fighting to survive, groups, gangs and motorcycle clubs like Defiance, stand strongest.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

ON THE SCENT by Angela Campbell

ON THE SCENT  by Angela Campbell
(U.S. link: On the Scent )
Advanced Reading Copy
To Be Released: July 25, 2013, Harper Impulse

When Hannah Dawson signed on as Ellie Parham's nurse years ago, she had no idea she would be left the unexpected owner of Ellie's rescue pets; Abbot, the cat, and Costello, the dog. But it didn't stop there, Ellie had also left a $10 million dollar fortune in trust for the animals, to be managed by Hannah!! Even though Ellie had passed away 9 months ago, this information had recently become public by accident and now it seems that someone has declared open season on Abbot and Costello. 

Zach Collins couldn't be more surprised to walk into the waiting room of his private investigation firm and find a beautiful woman, with a cat in a carrier, trying desperately to detach her dog from his leg, where he had attached himself, furiously humping. When she finally rescues him from the amorous canine, she introduces herself and explains she needs his help. Hannah claims she remembers him from his stint on the TV-show 'The Psychic Detective' and hopes he can communicate with her animals to find out who is after them. 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

THE EDGE OF NEVER by J. A. Redmerski

THE EDGE OF NEVER: The Edge of Never Series, Book 1 by J. A. Redmerski
(U.S. link: The Edge of Never )
Published:  March, 2013, Forever

The last year has been one knock down after another, and twenty year-old Camryn Bennett has all but gone numb. She can't even seem to cry anymore. When her best friend Nat drags her out to a club one night, she finds herself in a situation that brings about the last straw. The very next day, Camryn packs a few clothes, grabs her purse and hops on a Greyhound to wherever, as long as it is away from home. 

She doesn't really have any plan, other than to head to Idaho, which is the first thing she could think of when buying a ticket. Somewhere along the way a young guy gets on the bus and sits behind her. 
At first she is pretty much just annoyed with him and his loud music, but he is only nice to her and eventually she finds out his name is Andrew Parrish and he is on his way to visit his sick father.