Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Burnished by Fire by Andrew Grey


Burnished by Fire, Andrew Grey, Dreamspinner Press
By Fire #3
Firefighters Lee Stanton and Dirk Krause need a vacation. Work seems to have other ideas: they spend the day before their holiday begins battling a fire that claims three lives. Thankfully, Lee and Dirk will have a whole week on the high seas to recover.
They’re having a wonderful time—until they spot Dirk’s miserable, closed-minded father on the ship. Between his father’s presence and his guilt over the lives he couldn’t save, Dirk feels sure his romantic cruise is going to tank. But then he saves another passenger’s life—and maybe he can salvage something else too.




Dirk and Lee are finally getting some down time. Their first vacation together is just what the two firefighters need after all the drama at the fire house. Unfortunately Dirk's homophobic father just happens to be on the cruise as well which adds tension and brings out Dirk's inner asshole.

Again I have to say that Lee is a saint, he not only brings Dirk out of his funk cause by a fire that didn't quite go as they would have hoped but he also helps Dirk deal with his father and the drama that that relationship brings.

This was a nice ending to Dirk and Lee's story and showed how much each character had grown over the three book arc, especially Dirk. The only thing that was missing was tying up the story line about which fire house would stay open, other than that this was a great trilogy if you are looking for a quick read about some scorching hot firemen!


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Monday, October 29, 2012

TOUR: Forbidden Life

Kimberly Kinrade talks about Beating the Drama of Writer's Block
To create better drama in your writing, you need to beat the drama of writer’s block.


This may be obvious. But when your curser is sitting on a blank page taunting you with the repetitive blinking and your mind spins and lurches, sifting through everything and settling on nothing, writer’s block can be debilitating.
So, how do you beat it?
I’ll tell you a secret that may make you hate me.
I never get writer’s block.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I definitely get lazy, or distracted, or addicted to tweeting. I have many things that keep me from writing. But I never get blocked.
How?
I shall fill you in on my dirty little secret.
The Games We Play As Children
My brother and I have this game we play. I now play it with my husband, who is also a writer. (And no, not THAT kind of game. Get your minds of the gutter!)
How does it work?
1. Pick a subject, any subject.
2. Then pick a genre. (poetry, short story, scene, essay, anything you want!)
3. Now, TIME IT! You and your partner (or partners) decide on a short time (1-3 minutes) and write about what you picked.
4. Finally, share and laugh.
A real life example.
The Subject: A woman in a living room, naked with a gun.
The genre: scene
The results…
My brother, Neil, wrote a scene about a woman who was using her gun for some special time when… oops! It went off!
I wrote a scene in which a woman was pregnant, trying to give herself an abortion in a very unlikely way. #itdidntwork
Now, say what you will about our mental stability, we rocked those stories and went on to write more. Poems about cigarettes. The alphabet as a story. A Dear Mom letter from camp. (You DO NOT want to know what my bro did with THAT one!)
You get the idea!
Why this works.
These games free up your creative muse. They get you thinking about things in a new and fun way and force you to write from a new perspective.
They also break you out of any block.
These games stood me well when I went to college and had deadlines for papers.
They saved me when I wrote professionally for newspapers. When you are on deadline of a few hours to get a front-page news story in, you don’t have time for blocks.
The truth is, we don’t really get blocked at all. We just get trapped in our own minds, over-thinking what should be a creative process.
By playing with our muse, rather than forcing it, we free ourselves to be the creative genius we most desire.
So get out there and play! If you don’t have a partner, play with yourself. #again #mindoutofgutter
Your muse will thank you. And so will your readers.




TOUR SCHEDULE
10/22   Bookish Things & More  Review and Interview
10/22   Andrea Heltsley Books   Review
10/22   My Other Book Blog  Review and Giveaway

10/23   A Soul Unsung  Spot Light, Guest Blog, and First Chapter
10/23   The story of a girl...   Review
10/23   Rea's Reading and Reviews   Review
10/24  For The Love Of Film And Novels   Review, Interview, First Chapter, and Giveaway  
10/24 Simply Infatuated   Spot Light and Giveaway
10/25  Lissette E. Manning   Review and First Chapter
10/25 Andi's Young Adult Books  Spot Light,, Guest Blog, Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway
10/25  A Date with a Book  Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway
 10/26  Princess of Pages  Review
10/26    Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books    Guest Blog, Review, and Giveaway
10/26   Doctor's Notes   Review and Giveaway
10/29  Nette's Bookshelf Reviews  Guest Blog, Review, and Giveaway
10/29  The Avid Reader  First Chapter
10/29   Guilty Indulgence   Spot Light, Guest Blog, First Chapter, and Giveaway
10/30  Reader Girls  Review, First Chapter and Giveaway
10/30  A night's Dream of Books   Review
10/30 My Cozie Corner Review and Giveaway
10/30  The Clumsy Coquette  Review
10/31 Dahl's Doll  Spot Light
10/31  The Bunnies Review   Review
10/31   Eternally Books  Spot Light,, Guest Blog, Review, Interview, and Giveaway  

Thursday, October 25, 2012

An ULTIMATE Wildly Inappropriate REVIEW

The Devilish DeMarco Men Series
By Eden Connor


BOOK ONE
Lila Walker has batted lead-off in Colton De Marco's fantasies for years, and now that he's stumbled upon her sunbathing in the nude, he decides to take his best swing.

Coping with her ogre-in-law, her inability to collect her late husband's life insurance, and the knowledge the entire town's counting the days she wears widow's weeds, Lila decides some between-the-sheets batting practice is just the distraction she needs--even if their sexy scrimmage won't last the summer. But is she missing Colton's signals that he's in it to win it? And can Colton knock it out of the park with the attractive widow before his thirteen-year-old nephew's foul attitude gets him thrown out of the game?


Review
The book starts off with quite the steamy scene but is really a sweet story. Widow Lila Walker is finding her place in the world after losing her husband and her only son joining the Marines. Despite being much younger, Colton DeMarco has been in love with Lila for ten years but he kept his distance since she was a married woman (that alone is a refreshing theme!). But now is his chance and he won't stop with just a brief encounter. Colton is raising his deceased sister's son and as the couple bond over baseball, their relationship becomes more than just sex. There's a real emotional element in Lila coming to terms with leaving behind the memory of her husband and forging on. The author doesn't sugarcoat and this makes it a beautiful love story albeit one that is different from your usual romance. Lila and Colton are great characters along with all the secondary characters who serve to add depth to the story.
Soft Sounds of Pleasure RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.


BOOK TWO

Desperate to save her grandmother from an unscrupulous loan shark, Cynda Avery agrees to Daniel De Marco's wildly inappropriate offer--control of her body for two weeks in exchange for time to talk him into selling his untended peach orchards.
Handsome Daniel isn't the redneck farmer Cynda expected. From the feminine clothes he wants her to wear to the confident way he handles every problem to the kinky way he likes to tie her up to have sex, he makes her want to please him. When she finds the key to his mother's disappearance and spends a weekend in jail, will Daniel decide Cynda's an itch he's already scratched or could he cling to dark flesh like hers?

Review

This book triggers a lot of emotions while exposing prejudice in a realistic format, uncovering history unknown in book one and introducing elements of domestic discipline. WARNING: Those of us in the south won't be shocked by some of the situations that arise but others might find it unsettling. Never have I seen this theme done so honestly. It is intrinsic to the development of the story. So much happens in this book and it is all woven so perfectly, so seamlessly, I didn't want to put it down. Including characters from book one was a great addition - readers will feel a part of the DeMarco family as they fall for Daniel and Cynda. There are a few light moments of humor and some suspenseful and tense scenes. The sex is hot, their chemistry is even hotter. This is truly an indulgent read.


Wildly Inappropriate RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.





Wildly Inappropriate EXCERPT

He plunked her down on a table in a spacious nook at the far end of a huge kitchen, kicking chairs out of his way as easily as he'd lifted her. Frowning, he touched his forefinger to the end of her nose.
"Don't talk."
When he dropped the coiled-up end of her leash onto the golden surface of the table it made a metallic jingle, sounding to Cynda like the lunch bell from her school days. She thought she might be the dish of the day until he turned away, disappearing through an open archway to her right. Leaning from side-to-side, she gingerly rubbed her abused butt cheeks. Those two spots burned as brightly as the copper hood over the massive stove. Cynda squinted at the dual oven doors beneath the six big burners and the fancy china lined along the plate rack over the pine sideboard to her left. Dark marble topped the counters. Through a storm door to her left, she spied a glassed-in room filled with plants. It didn't look like he needed any money.
He came back wearing jeans faded nearly white in places. He hadn't bothered to do up the buttons at the fly. The dark tangle of hair peeking through the wide-open vee made her heartbeat speed up, irrational though that was. Half-dressed, he was less intimidating, but the outline of his cock pressed along his abdomen was plainly visible. Shoving his huge arms through the ripped-out sleeves of a chambray shirt, he stared at her, his brows drawing together underneath the hair spilling over his forehead.
What kind of man gets hard and then gets dressed? Confusion more than his order kept her lips sealed. Without bothering to fasten the shirt buttons he moved to stand in front of her. His hands slapped the wood on either side of her hips, making her jump. Cynda froze as he leaned in close enough to kiss.
"I won't lie. I goddamn wanna touch you." He choked out a short laugh that didn't sound like he was amused. His breath tickled her lips. "Brian started out by sending balloon bouquets with his offer typed on a little card. They made great target practice. After a couple of years doing that, he sent a stripper over to the garage. She gave my brothers lap dances and left the little portable tape player with her music. I guess his offer was recorded after the music ended, but I don't know, because I threw it out, along with her. My middle brother didn't talk to me for a week." His sudden grin was lopsided. "That was an unexpected bonus."
The chill caressing her skin from the air conditioning seemed to disappear when he smiled. He straightened, but reached to pick up a strand of her hair that had fallen across her chest. "Do you braid it? Corn rows, I think it's called. With long stacks of those little wooden beads at the end? Ten or so, I should think." He rubbed the strand between his thumb and forefinger as if testing the texture.
"Plastic beads," she corrected automatically, forgetting she wasn't supposed to speak.
"Wooden beads." His tone became stern. "And not damn neon. White beads." His smile seemed to soften and the look in his eyes appeared almost shy but his words were bold as brass. "I'd like to hear them clicking together while you ride my cock. Plastic won't make the same sound. There must be a salon in town that has 'em. Straight rows, not those insane zig-zaggy ones I see sometimes. Those hurt my eyes."
His words seemed to sink into her skin. The hairstyle he described was unique to her race, she felt. White girls tried to wear it sometimes, but their hair was too soft to hold the braids for long, and the beads fell out.
"Last year Brian sent six skinny bleached blondes in bikinis. They were supposed to wash our trucks, I guess, but ended up washing each other." Some emotion flashed in his eyes. She thought it might've been scorn. "One of 'em wrote Brian's offer in shoe polish on my windshield." His expression became stern. "Getting those six back into that van was like herding wet cats. Two female customers who had their vehicles up on lifts and couldn't leave haven't been back to the shop since. Now, he's sent you. Why am I finding it so hard to throw you out?"
Cynda had no idea how to respond. The stinging hand prints on her butt were warning enough not to think out loud.
"So, I hope like hell Brian picked your outfit and not you. It won't matter, really, because if you want to go through with this, I'll be choosing your clothes." He shoved his fingers through his hair, whirling away to begin pacing back and forth. "What's your name?"
The soft feeling his comment about her hair had induced evaporated with his insult, but she answered his question. "Cynda Avery."
He continued talking, his long legs eating up the distance between the back door and the table where she sat. His pacing made her think he was the one on a chain, but that made no sense. "I'm not going to put my cock in you, Cynda, but if you'll allow me the privilege, I want to make you come. Look at this as an exercise in trust. And to see if we're compatible, before we discuss anything else."
This white boy is nuts. Cute as hell, but crazier than a bedbug. She laughed harshly, so off-balance by his odd assortment of declarations she forgot she wasn't supposed to speak. "Yeah? And what's in that for you?"
"I'm a man who likes to take control, Cynda, but I don't object to proving I deserve to be in control of a woman's body."
Most men couldn't find their way around a woman with a map. In her experience, the ones who bragged most about their prowess were the worst at sex, and this white guy wouldn't be any different. Still, she couldn't take her eyes off his hands. He propped them on the table again and leaned forward. Staring. She felt him staring, but kept her gaze on his hands. They were large and strong, covered in tiny cuts and scars. Though he wasn't touching her, the burning sensation on her ass made it feel oddly as though they were connected. Why does every man in the world think his cock entitles him to be listened to without question? Maybe I'm supposed to answer now. What choice is there?
"Okay."

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

GayRomLit Recap @Torquere



A MESSAGE from Kristi Boulware, General Manager – Submissions Editor of Torquere Press...


Hey y'all! I am still recovering from my first year at GayRomLit.  It was an amazing experience for Torquere Press as a whole. I was able to meet SO many great authors, great readers and just overall wonderful people. The organizers Carol Lynn, Theresa, Ethan, Damon and Heidi were just phenomenal in all aspects.  The volunteers were just running their little butts off especially Brandi and Randy. They were everywhere all at once it seemed.  The events were great from the pictionary, kinky crafts, karaoke, scrapbook party and more.  Torquere hosted an great mexican luncheon down in Old Town were we gave away tons of books for NOH8, enjoyed yummy food and made a big announcement.

Those of you that have been friends/fans of Torquere Press for the last almost 10 years know our history.  We were started by Shawn (BA Tortuga) and Lorna (Julia Talbot) because no one else out there at the time was willing to publish M/M.  They wanted a place that was a safe haven to publish what they were passionate about writing.  Well in the last 10 years Torquere Press has grown and flourished, as with any business there were some ups and downs but overall the company has had a steady upward growth streak.  Prizm Books is the Young Adult imprint from Torquere Press that was started in 2007 and has recently gone through a complete overhaul.  All this being said, at our luncheon Shawn announced that she is stepping down as President of Torquere.  Shawn is an author at heart and wants to write. That is her passion and what she "does".  Lorna also is working towards the same goal.  These two amazingly brilliant women knew that with the growth of the company continuing that this was a great time to pass on the torch. I, Kristi Boulware, have a background in business management and marketing. I will be running Torquere Press and Prizm Books as the General Manager and Submissions Editor.  We will be adding on staff as we continue to grow and hopefully by mid next year Lorna can also step down and focus solely on her writing.  We are so excited about the growth that is happening from updating our cover art on new and backlist releases, adding special calls, opening new genres and so much more.

Now, back to GRL.  We also hosted a bowling party that the authors and readers seemed to have the best time. We laughed, cheered, jumped around, drank beer and generally had a great time.  Both of our events seemed to really help the attendees with the chance to get out of the hotel and have a chance to be out and about.

Overall GayRomLit was a great experience and we are already planning next year in Atlanta.  Hope to see you all there and feel free to let me know what types of great things you suggest us to do when we get there.


Torquere Press, Inc.
Romance for the Rest of Us... GLBT Romance

Prizm Books, a subsidiary of Torquere Press
There's Room Under the Rainbow... Young Adult Fiction

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

But For You by Mary Calmes

Yes, yes I know I am posting a little late this week, but give me a break I am still on Albuquerque time. Jenn, Shari, Sid and I all had a FABULOUS time at GRL this past week but it's taking me a bit to bounce back from the time change and the travel. We made some new friends, Ellis Carrington and Hope Standifer. Got to meet some of our favorite authors, Amy Lane, Abigail Roux, Eric Arvin, and the ADORABLE TJ Klune,  and found some new to us authors like Damon Suede and Kate McMurray. It was also great to see Andrew Grey, Ariel Tachna and Carole Lynne again.There were many squealing fan girl moments and not all of them were from Sid. LOL A good time was had by all, but I think Sid had the best time when he wore his kilt an was basically the Belle of the ball! Next years GRL is in Atlanta and we are already making plans.

I have the last book in Mary Calmes A Matter of Time series and I have to say that I am a little sad to know that there won't be another one but I am hoping we still get snippets of Sam and Jory's life when we get Aaron's and Duncan's story. And we better be getting Aaron and Duncan's story or I am going to cry!!!



But For You, Mary Calmes, Dreamspinner Press
A Matter of Time #6
Jory Harcourt is finally living the dream. Being married to US Marshal Sam Kage has changed him—it’s settled the tumult of their past and changed Jory from a guy who bails at the first sign of trouble to a man who stays and weathers the storm. He and Sam have two kids, a house in the burbs, and a badass minivan. Jory’s days of being an epicenter for disaster are over. Domestic life is good.
Which means it's exactly the right time for a shakeup on the home front. Sam’s ex turns up in an unexpected place. A hit man climbs up their balcony at a family reunion. And maybe both of those things have something to do with a witness who disappeared a year ago. Marital bliss just got a kick in the pants, but Jory won’t let anyone take his family away from him. Before he knew what it felt like to have a home, he would have run. Not anymore. He knows he and Sam need to handle things together, because that’s the only way they’re going to make it.


For those of you, like me, who fell in love with Jory in the first Matter of Time novel you will not be disappointed in this last installment. Jory still attracts men, women and trouble where ever he goes and Sam is there to growl, fuck him against the wall , and save his ass. The couple are a bit older with two adopted children but that doesn't mean their lives have gotten less complicated.

All of the secondary character's that you have grown to love make an appearance and it really added to the "family" feel of this book. The day to day chaos of raising children had a very real feel to it. But I have to say if one of my children had been involved in the incident that took place at school I would have been the one with the axe in my hand.

Most of the tension in this book comes from Sam's past, seems Mr. Kage wasn't as lonely as he led Jory to believe when he was undercover. But we also had a family reunion, hit men and a shoot out on the highway to keep this book moving. And before I knew it I was at the end and it was bittersweet. I will miss Sam and Jory but like I said above I am hoping we get glimpses of them in Aaron and Duncan's story.

With her characteristic suspense, funny dialog and super hot sex Ms. Calmes gave us a perfect happily ever after story for two of my all time favorite characters.



RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Defining Moments, Faye Hicks


Are you looking for a change of pace to shake up your reading habits?  Then this might be the book for you....

Scientist Ellie Ward has discovered a window to the past. In fact, she discovered it at her childhood home when she was nine and she’s been using it to extract herself from bad situations ever since. Each time it's returned her to the 'defining moment' in her past - the point in time where a bad decision set her on the path to tragedy. The problem is, Ellie never knows what her defining moments were and so she never has any idea how much of her life she's going to have to repeat to avoid her latest ordeal. When Ellie’s research takes her to a remote area of northern Canada, she faces yet another crisis when her small plane crashes in the bush. Seriously injured and stranded more than 2000 miles from her portal to the past, this time Ellie has no way to ‘rewind the clock’. 

Told from Ellie's perspective but through the thoughts in her journal the reader lives Ellie's past by following along as one of her fellow stranded passagers reads her journal to pass the time.  As the past unfolds it becomes clear that the simplest decisions made at the wrong time can have dire consequences.  But with Ellie's secret time portal she is able to keep going back and trying to get it right.

Spoiler Alert....It's hard to say more without giving away too much of the story.  I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written.  I was also planning on writing a more detailed review right up until I got to the end of the book which in my opinion didn't exist.  If you are looking for a general contemporary fiction that will get your brain thinking about life and the choices you make then this is a great book.  And very, very well written.  However, given that this is a Romance Blog Site I have to be fair to our readers and say that this has very little romance in it.  All of her relationships go south and I found myself hoping that in each repeat of her life she would find the key to avoiding her previous relationship downfalls.  It seemed that her last relationship was with the right guy but she still messed it up and has to try to once again go back in time to fix things.  Unfortunately, the reader isn't taken on this part of the ride and is left hanging wondering if she ever managed to get it right.  Beyond frustrating!  With another chapter or two this could have been a five strawberry book.  As it sits now - sorry but I'm going to have to say it's a three.  As I mentioned - if you are looking for a book that makes you think and you need a break from the romance group then this is overall is a good book.  Just don't hold your breath for a nice wrapped up ending.

RATING: Three Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

This book was given to us by the author.   Many thanks.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Hot, Hot, Hot Head!

So you've missed us this week?  Wanna know where we've been????  Albuquerque, New Mexico - for GRL 2012.  OMG - it was serious fun and chock full of amazing authors - some favs and some new to us folks who we now adore and worship (equally - always adore and worship equally!)  

When we first arrived we met the delightful Ellis Carrington (whose reads you must also check out!) who suggested reading Hot Head by Damon Suede.  What's a good fan girl to do but whip out the smartphone and order up! Since I normally blog on Wednesdays, and I normally post some eye candy, you may be a bit confused to see it lacking here - stop, glance down, check out this cover! It will do nicely for eye candy..... Read on, dear readers, read on!

Hot Head, Damon Suede
Dreamspinner Press, June 2011


Where there’s smoke, there’s fire...

Since 9/11, Brooklyn firefighter Griff Muir has wrestled with impossible feelings for his best friend and partner at Ladder 181, Dante Anastagio. Unfortunately, Dante is strictly a ladies’ man, and the FDNY isn’t exactly gay-friendly. For ten years, Griff has hidden his heart in a half-life of public heroics and private anguish.

Griff’s caution and Dante’s cockiness make them an unbeatable team. To protect his buddy, there’s nothing Griff wouldn’t do… until a nearly bankrupt Dante proposes the worst possible solution: HotHead.com, a gay porn website where uniformed hunks get down and dirty. And Dante wants them to appear there—together. Griff may have to guard his heart and live out his darkest fantasies on camera. Can he rescue the man he loves without wrecking their careers, their families, or their friendship?


When you think about the elements of the perfect romance story, what comes to mind? Alpha males, page turning action, heart wrenching angst, and let us not forget about sex - really hot sex! And what flavors do we like our heroes to come in? Knights, cowboys, soldiers....firemen? Please, who doesn't love a man in uniform? Now, where can you find all of these morsels of perfection, you may ask? Inside the pages of Damon Suede's Hot Head - book 1 of the "Head" series.

Best friends, firefighters, witty banter and a walk along the razor wire of post-9/11 New York City. What's worse than almost losing your best friend on the day your world changed forever? How do our heroes come back from the trauma of loss after loss? What happens when two men discover they've fallen for the one who's been in their life forever? 

Mr. Suede maneuvers a story like a professional chef in the kitchen - serving up slices of life that resonate with the reader as both ordinary and extraordinary. His characters are utterly endearing, believable in their past pain and struggle to survive. Griffin and Dante captivate the reader with their love, honor and dedication - when one falls, the other is there to pick him up. Despite the fact that both men need their heads smacked multiple times in the story - it is that gut reaction that let's the reader know they are into something more that a pleasant romantic read. Far from glamorous, the financial disasters which lead Dante to salvage his dreams by performing for small time pay-for-porn and the angsty heroism of Griffin have the ability to wring emotions from the reader until the last page. 

At times brilliantly hilarious, seriously the laugh out loud, shake the bed cracking up funny - at other times so tearfully poignant the reader gets swept into the lives of Griff and Dante as they grow from love to in love. Lest you think this is a kittens and unicorns love story, page turning sexual tension simmers until it boils under the lights of HotHead.com cameras when the two men cross past the point of no return! How they handle the aftermath makes the story a resounding success.



Grab yourself a fan and some ice water (and maybe a kleenex) and enjoy a Hot Head escape! I give this Utlimate Indulgent Award winning book Five Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and maybe some of Dante's Cioppino cause it sounds delish! Yum!!!

BUY LINKS:
Amazon.com    B&N.com   All Romance eBooks   Dreamspinner Press

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

White Trash Beautiful


~New York Times bestseller and USA Today bestseller~

BLURB
"I’m not naive. I know I don’t get the happily ever after. My knight in shining armor took the highway detour around this god forsaken shit hole. I’ve made peace with that. That doesn’t mean I’m going to lay down like a doormat and let every cocky prick in the trailer park have his way with me."

Cass lives a depressing life in a small trailer park in Eddington, Ga with her mother and abusive boyfriend Jackson. She works hard to barely make ends meet. One day Tucker White, the lead singer in the band Damaged, walks into her diner. He tries to show her that there is more to life than the hand she has been dealt but being with Tucker will come at a high price.


REVIEW
Incredibly sad and yet completely riveting. Not entirely well-written but overwhelmingly emotional. This is a book that sticks with you for awhile after you finish. But there was something missing to help me connect with Cass. And then Tucker, despite how much I adored him, stayed a mystery until nearly the end of the book. Perhaps more depth in the characters would've helped. It was the plot that kept me going. This is definitely worth the read if for nothing else than the push it will give you to consider the reality of those living in poverty and, of course, the inspiration of rising above. 


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Dex in Blue by Amy Lane

Hello, hello, hello. It is a fabulous Tuesday and I leave for GRL in Albuquerque tomorrow at O'dark thirty, so I wanted to leave you with a review for one of the authors that I will be stalking....er hoping to meet. I hope to come back with lots of books and many new friends.

 It is also a little bittersweet for me. The reason I signed up to go to GRL was at the encouragement of William Neale, who passed away in March. I was looking forward to spending time with Bill and his partner and now I will be taking the time to remember a man who's books touched my soul. I miss you!

There are many names on the list of authors attending and I am happy to say that I have read a lot of them...not all but I think I made a pretty good dent in the list. I promise to share my experiences and thoughts with you all next week.


Dex in Blue, Amy Lane, Dreamspinner Press
Johnnies #2
Ten years ago David Worral had plans to go to college and the potential for a beautiful future in front of him. One tragic accident later, he fled to California and reinvented himself as Dex, top porn model of Johnnies.
Dex’s life is a tangled mess now, but the guys he works with only see the man who makes them believe even porn stars can lead normal lives. When Kane, one of Dex’s coworkers, gets kicked out of his house, the least Dex can do is give him a place to stay. Kane may be a hyperactive muscle-bound psycho, but he’s also a really nice guy. What could be the harm?
Except nothing is simple—not sex, not love, and not the goofy kid with the big dick and bigger heart who moves his life into Dex’s guest room. When they start negotiating fractured pasts and broken friends, Dex wonders if Kane’s honest nature can untangle the sadness that stalled his once-promising future. With Kane by his side, Dex just might be able to reclaim the boy he once was—and if he can do that, he can give Kane the home and the family he deserves.


WOW, just WOW! This series is not for the faint of heart, because they are not easy reads, but they are so worth the tears! When I realized that this book was the second in a series I had to go back and read the first book and I am really glad that I did, it gave me a much better understanding and feel for the characters.

When David was 17 years old he had his best friend, who he was in love with, and a promising future ahead of him. On what should have been the happiest day of his life, when he and Dex professed their feelings for each other, a tragic accident takes everything away from him. He leaves Montana, his family and his future with Dex behind to go to school in California.

Now 8 years later David is a successful porn star using the name Dex. When life gives him a second chance at everything he thought he could have will he have the strength to take it?

Please have tissue handy when you start this book. Having met David(Dex) in the previous book I was not prepared for the event that brought him to Johnnies. He is the heart and soul of the place, the guy that keeps everything running smoothly and takes care of everyone else. You think he so has it all together, but his insecurities when it come to his personal life are heartbreaking.

Carols(Kane) is just that funny. sweet, do anything for you kind of guy. But his need to be accepted and loved for who he is, is palpable. His sister made me so angry I just wanted to crawl into the book and strangle her.

I love the sense of family that Ms. Lane creates for these lost boys that end up at Johnnies doing gay for pay porn. Some of them are so far in the closet that they can't even see the door, but the acceptance and support that they find there saves them. She has taken what could have come off as a sleazy existence and gave it heart.

Another thing that is done well in this book is showing the difference between the sex that they have in front of the camera and the sex that occurs between two people in a relationship. This is especially important for Kane, because so much of his self worth is wrapped up in sex.

Watching the growth of Dex and Kane not only in their feelings for each other but in their lives as a whole was very cathartic and beautiful.

I would recommend this book and series for anyone who loves to read about second chances and believes that family isn't always blood related.





RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.

Monday, October 15, 2012

TOUR: Forbidden Fire


Forbidden Fire (The Forbidden Trilogy, #2) Playlist

The tone of the three books in this trilogy are very different. In Forbidden Mind, the story is really focused on Sam and Drake, their romance and their quest for freedom. In Forbidden Fire, while those themes are still prevalent, the book is more of a revolt, so the songs for this book are less romance and bittersweet and more kicking-ass-and-taking names.

This energy is represented in Youth in Revolt, Enemy, Burn It Down, We Are Young, and Uprising. These are the kinds of songs you want to raise your fist to.

Luke and Lucy have started a revolt at Rent-A-Kid, but Sam and Drake have their own conflicts and drama. A lot is revealed about Sam's life and past, her family history, and her relationship with Drake in this book, and the ending has some heartbreaking moments, so a few of these songs are very emotional. Waiting for the End, Shadow of the Day and Hallelujah in particular.

I cried while writing parts of this book, even more so than in Forbidden Mind.

FORBIDDEN FIRE
Candlebox - Youth in Revolt
Kevin Martin & The Hiwatts - Enemy
Linkin Park - Burn It Down
Linkin Park - Waiting for the End
Muse - Uprising
Linkin Park - Shadow of The Day
Rufus Wainwright - Hallelujah



TOUR SCHEDULE
10/15 Bookish Things & More  Review and Giveaway 
10/15  Andrea Heltsley Books   Review   
 10/15  Guilty Indulgence   Spot Light, Guest Blog, First Chapter, and Giveaway 
 10/15   My Other Book Blog    Review and Giveaway
10/15  For The Love Of Film And Novels   Spot Light, Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway  
10/16   A Soul Unsung  Guest Blog and Giveaway 
10/16  The story of a girl...   Review   
10/16  Simply Infatuated   Interview  and Giveaway   
10/16  The Bunnies Review   Review 
10/16   Eternally Books  Guest Blog, Review, Interview, and Giveaway 
10/16   Rea's Reading and Reviews   Review   
10/17   The Avid Reader  Interview    
10/17  My Cozie Corner Review and Giveaway   
10/17 Andi's Young Adult Books  Spot Light,, Guest Blog, Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway 
10/18  Dahl's Doll    Spot Light    
10/18  Reader Girls  Guest Post, Review, and Giveaway  
10/18  A Date with a Book  Review, First Chapter, and Giveaway  
10/19   Nette's Bookshelf Reviews  Review and Giveaway 
10/19   Lissette E. Manning   Spot Light and Review   
10/19   Princess of Pages  Review   
10/19    Doctor's Notes   Review and Giveaway
10/19     Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books   Review, Interview , and Giveaway 
10/19    A night's Dream of Books   Review 
10/19  The Clumsy Coquette  Review

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Fox Conquers The Virgin Proxy


The Virgin Proxy (Conquerors #2)
by Georgia Fox
Evernight Publishing

BLURB
When the Normans conquered England, Deorwynn lost almost everything, including her family. Only one beloved brother survives. To rescue him, she must sacrifice her virginity in the enemy’s bed. She should be well prepared. After spending fifteen years in a grim convent, punished for every sinful thought, Deorwynn can withstand any torment at the hands of a merciless, Norman warrior.
But nothing, she soon learns, could prepare her for falling in love.
Guy Devaux is delighted with the amorous virgin waiting for him on his wedding night. There’s only one problem. The saucy-mouthed wench is not his bride. Oh yes, he knows the veiled woman in his bed is an imposter, but he’ll go along with the game. For now. The punishment for her deception will come later.
Just as soon as he conquers this foolish desire, this yearning to hear her say she loves him.


REVIEW
The Virgin Proxy was an enjoyable historical romance. Light and funny more often than not, the story read fast. The banter between Guy and Deorwynn was fun and my head spun keeping track of the lies woven by each of them. It was a light take on an unlikely pairing with clues along the way that actually made these two make much more sense as a couple by the end. Readers will watch the lies they tell and the games they play slowly turn into love. And the sexual tension simmers, making readers wonder when the couple will move to the next step. The romance was both sweet and hot.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by the publisher. Many thanks.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Fall Reading Friday

Holy cow! I've been so unproductive lately! Since my son is done with football and I have a few spare minutes in the evenings it has made my insanely lazy. I feel like I've been reading the same book for weeks. Heaven knows I have plenty to be reading. In fact here is my fall reading list.....

*Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione. Is is Decemeber yet??




















*  Second Grave on the Right, Third Grave Dead Ahead and Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones. I got behind...how did that happen??? I'll blame Jenn lol:)




















* How To Drive a Dragon Crazy by GA Aiken. Again...how did I miss this on release day??I'll blame Tyra lol:)











My goal is to have these read before December. Here in a couple of weeks I will be out of service for 4-6 weeks with surgery. In addition to these books I'm going to read the Percy Jackson series. They are my daughters favorite and I have to see for myself what has her so captivatived. So watch for the reviews of these books. All are sure to be a hit! In the event you don't hear from me next week Jenn and Tyra threw me under a bus for blaming them for my lack of reading LOL (bury my in cool shoes)

PEACE

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Get Naked with Raine Miller

WE GOT THE CHANCE TO INTERVIEW Raine Miller.
Don't worry! We didn't take up too much of her time and keep her from writing the next book. Check it out - here's what she had to say...

GI: When did you first decide to write erotica?
Raine: I started writing 3 years ago.  I was home on a medical leave with lots of free time and my husband and kids gone during the days.  Once I started writing it became an obsession and I could not stop.  My first book still remains unpublished but some day I hope to get it out there.

GI: We loved this book and while there were some common themes we've seen in other books lately, you took a unique approach. What was your inspiration for Naked?
Raine: I was looking on Shutterstock for an image for a cover (for another book I was working on) and stumbled upon the image that's on the cover for Naked.  I thought it was beautiful.  I just got an idea of what it would be like for the model to meet the man who bought her picture.  ...And Naked was born.  I just started writing and got the first chapter done in a couple hours.  Then it was onward and forward with the story.  It sort of took on a life of its own.

GI: Have other authors inspired you? What are some of your favorite erotica authors?
Raine: Megan Hart is probably one of the first I erotic authors I ever read. (GI: Us too!) I love her and love her books.  JR Ward and Elizabeth Hoyt are other favorites of mine.  I admire their storytelling skills and buy every book they write.  I know they are not considered erotica but their books have very sexy, erotic scenes that touch the heart.

GI: In the book, your main character is an art student and nude model. Have you ever ventured into the arts or modeling? You seemed very knowledgeable.
Raine: I studied Art History in college, so yes I love the arts.  I have the painting/portrait theme running in most of my books.  Paintings always look like there is such an interesting story behind them.  I want to know, so writing a fictional account is the second best thing.

GI: What was the hardest scene you ever had to write? Why?
Raine: The hardest scene, by far, is one in my very first book.  The hero has to tell his grieving wife about the death of their premature twins, of how they were born alive and then just went to sleep as he held them.  She was not conscious during the birth and begs to be told.  He doesn't want to tell her because he knows how much it will hurt her, but she needs to know so she can move forward.  I cried gallons while writing that scene  (The book ends happy though).

GI: The elements of D/s relationships are quite indulgent. Tell us more about Ethan and Brynne.
Raine: D/s is another thread I have woven in most of my writing.  I write Dominant males.  Period.  Ethan and Brynne just click for many reasons and the D/s element is a BIG part of why they do.  Brynne has suffered some trauma that involved a sexual assault where she was tricked and unaware of what went on until a video surfaced and just destroyed her.  Ethan is very blunt and direct.  He tells her from the beginning that he wants to be with her and tells Brynne exactly what he wants sexually.  She likes that a lot.  The direct truth is very comforting to Brynne.  She knows what will happen and can decide if she wants to do it or not.  She likes that Ethan is in charge because she has little confidence in this aspect of her life.  The sex with him is explosive and by giving herself over to his care she can finally enjoy something that had been traumatic for her in the past.  Ethan is obsessed with Brynne.  He cannot help his attraction, it just is.

GI: Do you have a playlist for the book?
Raine: I do not.  That's something I should set up though.  I listen to anything and everything when I write.  From classic stuff like Jimi Hendrix to Imogene Heep.

GI: What are you working on now?
Raine: I am writing Part 2 of The Blackstone Affair. (GI: Thank God!)  It is entirely from Ethan's point of view.  The title is All In.  I've also outlined a spin-off series to follow this one.  Brynne's roommate, Gabrielle, will be the heroine in that series.


Here's an EXCERPT from Naked, The Blackstone Affair Part One
“It’s a very bad idea, Brynne. Don’t risk it. Let me give you a ride.”
I froze on the street. I knew who spoke to me without ever hearing his voice before. I turned slowly to face the same eyes that had burned me back at the gallery. “I don’t know you at all,” I told him.
He smiled, his lip turning up more on one side than the other of his goateed mouth. He pointed to his car at the curb, a sleek black Range Rover HSE. The kind that only Brits with money can ever afford. Not that he didn’t reek of money before, but he was way out of my league.
I swallowed hard in my throat. Those eyes of his were blue, very clear and deep. “Yet you call me by name and—and expect me to get in a car with you? Are you crazy?”
He walked toward me and extended his hand. “Ethan Blackstone.”
I stared at his hand, so finely elegant with the white cuff framing the grey sleeve of his designer jacket. “How do you even know my name?”
“I just bought a work entitled Brynne’s Repose from the Andersen Gallery for a nice sum not fifteen minutes ago. And I’m fairly sure I’m not mentally impaired. Sounds more PC than crazy don’t you think?” He kept his hand out.
I met his hand and he took mine. Oh did he ever. Or maybe I’d lost my mind shaking hands with the stranger who’d just purchased a huge canvas of my naked body. Ethan possessed a firm grip. And hot too. Had I imagined he pulled me a little closer toward him? Or maybe I was the crazy one, because my feet hadn’t moved an inch. Those blue eyes were nearer to me than they were a moment ago though, and I could smell his cologne. Something so gawd awfully delicious it was sinful to smell that good and be human.
“Brynne Bennett,” I said.
He let go of my hand. “And now we know each other,” he said, pointing first at me and then to himself, “Brynne, Ethan.” He motioned with his head toward his Rover. “Now will you let me take you home?”
I swallowed again. “Why do you care so much?”
“Because I don’t want anything to happen to you? Because those heels look lovely at the end of your legs but will be hell to walk in? Because it’s dangerous for a woman alone at night in the city?” His eyes flicked over me. “Especially one as beautiful as you.” That mouth of his turned up just slightly on the one side again. “So many reasons, Miss Bennett.”
“What if you’re not safe?” He raised an eyebrow at me. “I still don’t know you or anything about you, or if Ethan Blackstone is your real name.” Did he just give me a look?
“You have a point in that. And it’s one I can rectify easily.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a drivers license with the name, Ethan James Blackstone clearly printed. He handed me a business card with the same name and Blackstone Security International, Ltd. engraved on the cream cardstock. “You may keep that.” He grinned again. “I’m very busy at my job, Miss Bennett. I have absolutely no time for a hobby as a serial killer, I promise you.”
I laughed. “Good one, Mr. Blackstone.” I put his card in my purse. “All right. You can give me a ride.” His brow shot up again, and I got the sideways grin again too.
I winced inwardly at the double entendre for ‘ride’ and tried to focus on how uncomfortable my shoes really would be for walking to the Tube station and that it was a good idea to let him drive me.
He pressed his hand to the bottom of my back and led me to the curb. “In you go.” Ethan got me settled and then walked around to the street side and slid behind the wheel, smooth as a panther. He looked at me and tilted his head. “And where does Miss Bennett live?”
“Nelson Square in Southwark.”
He frowned but then turned his face away and pulled out into traffic. “You are American.”
What, he didn’t like Americans? “I am here on scholarship at the University of London. Graduate program,” I tacked on, wondering why I felt the need to tell him anything at all about myself.
“And the modeling?”
The second he asked the question the sexual tension thickened. I paused before answering. I knew exactly what he was doing—imagining me in my picture. Naked. And as weird as it felt, I opened my mouth and told him. “Um, I—I posed for my friend, the photographer, Benny Clarkson. He asked and it helps pay the bills, you know?”
“Not really, but I love the portrait of you, Miss Bennett.” He kept his eyes on the road.
I felt myself stiffen at his comment. Who in the hell was he to judge what I do to support myself?
“Well, my own personal international corporation never came through like yours did, Mr. Blackstone. I resorted to modeling. I like sleeping in a bed as opposed to a park bench. And heat. The winters here suck!” Even I could hear the snark in my voice.
“In my experience I’ve found many things here that suck.” He turned and gave me an expert blue-eyed stare.

Now we get to tell you what we loved about Naked... 
here's our BOOK REVIEW
Naked was an emotionally charged and engaging read. The suspense -the mystery- propelled the story along as readers waited to discover the past connections. Pieces were introduced throughout the book that slowly began to weave together to bring readers closer to the truth but still it ends with questions... which is why readers will be hanging on waiting for the next book.

Ethan and Brynne are a dynamic couple. A simple encounter brings them together -or maybe it was something else- but nothing seems to keep them apart. They are drawn to one another. Their chemistry is off the charts hot. They are one of my new favorite couples.

Ms Miller's voice is compelling as she tells the tale of these two unlikely lovers. She provides deep characterization and an incredibly deep mood setting. The writing is tight and seamless, making the book a quick read because readers will not want to put it down.




RATING 
5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 
This book was given to us by the author in exchange for a fair review. Many thanks.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


RAINE MILLER'S LINKS
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Monday, October 8, 2012

Strange Acadmey, Teresa Wilde


Today is one of those days that I am so thankful that I have the ability to write for our blog.  As someone who within the last few years rediscovered a love for reading I know first hand how recommendations have introduced me to authors that I would otherwise have never found out about.  Teresa Morgan first became know to us last year via reviews from Jenn and then from me in December.  I have loved her Sheik books ever since and was thrilled to learn that she had started writing another book under the name Teresa Wilde.  And now that I have read it I am absolutely thrilled to have the ability to share the story with you in the hopes that you will read it and love it as much as I did.  Before I dive in I want to mention that if you missed it – please scroll back to yesterdays post where Teresa was featured as our Guest Author of the day.  This post also includes the cover book summary and an excerpt of the book.

And I have to mention the Giveaway….


Want to be entered to win a digital copy of Teresa Wilde's Strange Academy (http://amzn.to/Q5SNKg), a paranormal romance set at a school for superheroes? In the comments, tell us who your superhero boyfriend/girlfriend would be, and why!

Make sure to include your EMAIL address (or you won't get a copy) and your PREFERRED DIGITAL FORMAT (or you will get a PDF).

Every person who comments will get a free digital copy of Handcuffed to the Sheikh (http://amzn.to/PHcQ3N), by Teresa Wilde, writing as Teresa Morgan.

So on to my review of Strange Academy (http://amzn.to/Q5SNKg)  By Teresa Wilde

Set in a beautiful historical school that predates Columbus’ arrival in the new world and yet it exists in Canada – Strange Academy is a school for the talented and gifted.  A school where Pippa Strange, Sadie’s Aunt and decedent of the school’s founder, has taught for years and recently died mysteriously in the library.  Sadie has always struggled with who she is.  Her aunt thought she was a witch and her older sister thinks she is a psychic – she thinks they are both crazy.  And yet something deep down causes her eye to twitch when ever she has to confront her feelings.  Out of options and determined to try to discover the truth about her Aunt’s death, Sadie accepts her Aunt’s former teaching position and becomes the newest resident of Strange Hall – one of the dorms on campus. 

As child, when her sister was sent to Strange Academy and she wasn’t, she developed a strong opinion that the school was full of snobs who believed they were better then everyone else and were really just strange people who couldn’t fit in.   Since then she has spent her whole life doing whatever she could to be normal and blend.  So it is a shock to her when she overhears the Principal arguing with a fellow faculty member that she should not be allowed to teach at the school.  As offending as this is, upon meeting the fellow teacher, handsome Lorde Gray, she is more offended at her body’s immediate attraction to him and his attraction to her. 

Lorde Gray is the heir to the Gray house and it is his burden to insure that the strong magical powers of the house continue by marrying another Meta (person with magical or talented powers) and producing an heir. It is also his duty to insure that Non’s (people without powers) never discover that Meta’s exist and that his nephew (a student at Strange Academy) is safe and happy.  So Sadie’s presence at Strange Academy is against everything he believes in.  1) She is a risk to all Meta’s that she will discover their secret and expose them 2) She is putting his nephew at risk and exposing him to Non’s which are off limits and mostly importantly 3) Sadie turns is blood on fire and she is off limits to him also! 

But Sadie won’t be dismissed so easily – as Gray tries everything he can to get her fired she refuses to be intimidated.  And so the verbal foreplay begins.  As they fight back and forth the sexual tension grows. They both begin to look forward to the banter until the temptation is too much to resist and the banter becomes something else.  But as Strange Academy’s secrets are slowly revealed along with the secrets to Sadie’s legacy as the founder’s heir can they both overcome all the obstacles that stand in their way?  Is the fire between them strong enough to overcome centuries of tradition and expectations?

Although this book has a very complete tidy ending I hope, with every finger and toe crossed, that Ms. Wilde chooses to continue with the other characters and make this a series.  This is a very well thought out vibrant world giving Harry Potter and Mytho’s Academy fans something even better.  I loved that it had the fun vibrancy of the school setting with all the unusual talented students and their wacky mythical pets and yet was told with the teachers as the main characters instead of the students.  This let the story have adult situations and mature feelings but with the whimsical youthful fun backdrop.  The interaction with the students gave the characters battles to overcome and comic relief.  Both characters were strong and funny.  For me the sign of a good book is if I can’t put it down.  The sign of a great book is if I am so sad to see it end that I immediately start rereading it.  I’m currently about half way through reading it a third time.  I simply can’t rave enough about it!

RATING:  Five Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with whipped cream, cherries, and every topping you can think of on top!!!!

Buy Strange Academy (http://amzn.to/Q5SNKg)
By Teresa Wilde

To check out Teresa Wilde's other books, go to teresawilde.com, and for Teresa Morgan's sheikh romances, see teresamorganauthor.com.

Many thanks.

If the comment box is not open click on the word "comments" to open it.  Please leave a comment to be entered in the contest!  You can also scroll back to yesterday and make a comment there to increase your chances to win.  Good luck!
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