Book Review: Hidden Magic by Melanie Crouse

February 7, 2014February 7, 2014Leave a comment

3.5 Stars

BLURB:

When Jenny has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister, a small slice of freedom is all she’s really hoping for when she has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister. Instead she finds something else altogether: electricity.

That’s what Jenny feels when she looks at Arram. She knows he’s drawn to her too, but the mage-in-training does his best to hide it.

Stung, Jenny turns to Arram’s former best friend, Jack. But Arram and Jack’s rivalry is much darker than Jenny suspects, and so are Jack’s intentions. Soon she’s caught in a mystery of old murder, ancient prophecies, and magic hidden where no one has thought to look.

When Jenny uncovers a secret magic, she is offered two choices. Arram wants her to do the safe thing. Jack wants to show her the easy way out. Whatever Jenny decides, her life will irrevocably change.

Either way, freedom may be the one thing Jenny can never have.

Excerpt

Jack put his finger to his lips and motioned toward an empty bedroom across the hall. Not knowing what else to do, she went in, her heart thudding against her ribs. “Jack,” she whispered. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“What? No welcome home kiss?” His voice was mocking.

Trying to keep her voice steady, she said, “So Arram was right. You do want to kidnap me after all.”

“Kidnap you?” Jack looked horrified. Underneath the horror though, Jenny could see that his eyes were sparkling with mischief. “I should have known Arram would fill your head with something stupid like that. No, you wonderful, impossible girl, I’m here to rescue you.”

Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW:

I received an ARC of this book for a honest review. This book was a major surprise to me. From the beginning, I was drawn in trying to figure out WTH was going on. Now if a paranormal book does this from the first page, then I’m hooked.

Innocent Jenny, just likes excitement and adventure in her life and you see that from the beginning. She’s an undercover rebel in a family who chooses to shelter and treat her like a child when she is no longer one. Jenny has a naive vulnerability that grabs at your heart and you can see that she has a big heart but is also very curious. Living in a world where paranormal beings exist, Jenny’s upbringing tells her to steer clear of these individuals, however she feels drawn to them.

There are so many twists and turns in this book and all of them are very exciting; many I didn’t see coming. But I did feel like the romance between Jenny and Arram was rushed. It seemed like he was there then not, and all of the romance and relationship blossoming didn’t take place. I had a better feel of the relationship between Jenny and Jack as you could read and feel the attraction and mutual connection to “courting” taking place. However once you read the book you will better understand the disconnect. Both Jack and Arram were complete jerks at many points through the book, but there were traits about each that you would like.

The magic that happens in this book was great, and no I’m not talking about sex. It’s a paranormal book so magic should appear somewhere, and when it did, it was at the right time. From shapeshifting, to manipulating fire, dragons, magic stones and so much more; this book will keep your attention. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Book Review: Crash Into Me (Heart of Stone #1) by K.M. Scott

February 6, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

4 stars

Blurb:

What would you give up for everything?

Tristan Stone was powerful, commanding, sex incarnate. And he wore it all so well. From the moment his mesmerizing gaze met mine, I had no choice but surrender to everything he was. His power. His decadence. His passion. He was all I never knew I needed.

He wanted to possess me, and I wanted to be his everything. All I had to do was accept what he offered. But everything has a price.

The world he gave me fulfilled my wildest dreams, but would that be enough when the past crashed into the present?

MY REVIEW:

This is one of those books where you are saying to yourself along with the main female character, “This is too good to be true.” So just from that you can tell how frustrated I was with one alpha male named Tristan Stone. A man of very few words, but willing to give one lady the world…..What’s the catch???

I’m trying to give the goods of this book without giving spoilers and for this book this is a challenge for me. Tristan is a powerful, wealthy man who walks into Nina’s life one evening while she was working and she instantly knew that she was attracted to him. Considering she was at work, and he’s surrounded with a female entourage, she knew he was way out of her league. Once her shift was completed and she was ready to head home, Nina found herself in the dark alley startled by that same man who appeared to be waiting on her. With quick decisions to make, Nina found herself on the ride of her life, but when she thought it had ended, it had only just began.

This book has lots of secrets, and it’s those secrets that keep you so drawn into the book. Nina is unsure of her relationship status as lines have been blurred and Tristan is definitely hiding something. The frustration I felt toward Tristan is unbelievable as I could feel that he was hiding something, and for the life of me I didn’t understand why to me it appeared that Nina ignored this small detail, choosing to focus on other surface issues. You will definitely get some hot body action, but the vulnerability that stands out for both Nina and Tristan you can’t sweep under the rug. They both have some things to work through and a past that intertwines like no other. Can love overlook some of Nina’s worst fears of her past, and can Tristan hold onto something he never thought he would find????

You will certainly enjoy the ride that K.M. Scott takes you on with this couple but if I could offer any advice………….pay attention to details in this book. You know those nagging little questions that pop up when you read a scene and have that WTF moment, or the raised eyebrow indicting you’re not buying it. I was pissed at the end of this book, because I did not see the ending unfold as it did in this novel. This book does have a cliffhanger so you might want to grab book two when you get this one so that its waiting. It’s a must read so grab it and add it to your TBR list.

Blog Tour & Book Review: Sparks by RS MCcoy

January 30, 2014Leave a comment

3 Stars

Sparks by RS McCoy

New Adult Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Blurb:

“Everyone
in the world has a spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.”

Myxini
School for Children specializes in training young men and women who have
powerful sparks. Strikers are taught to manipulate fire. Trackers learn to find
animals in the most formidable terrains. Handlers are instructed in
communication with large predators. But forty years have passed since the last
time they had a Reader – a student with the ability to read minds.

When Lark
Davies enrolls at Myxini, he knows there aren’t many like him, but he doesn’t
realize just how rare his abilities really are. He thinks nothing of being
asked to keep his spark a secret; after all, he can barely control it. Thoughts
and emotions flood unbidden into his mind until he can scarcely walk or hold a
conversation. But just when he needs it most, his ability fails him.

Larks meets
Khea, a small frightened girl who mysteriously insights his protective nature.
He has no explanation for the curious strength of their relationship, and it
doesn’t help that she is one of the few people in the world whose thoughts
can’t be read. As he struggles to get to the root of their unique bond, Lark
begins to unravel more power than even his mentor expected, but in the process
makes himself a target to political leaders eager to take control.

Buy Sparks on Amazon for $3.99:

Teaser:

Wearing only my loose brown pants, I crawled into the most
comfortable bed I had ever known and sank into the soft down pillows. I had just
started to drift off when I heard a knock at the door. I’m going to kill Avis.

“What do you-“ I started until I realized it wasn’t Avis. It
was a stunning blonde with blue eyes. Khea.

“I’m sorry to wake you. I just- I had to see you.” Her arms
moved to wrap around my waist and hold me tight as I questioned if I was really
sleeping or not.

“Uh, do you want to come in?” We both knew the rules about being in someone else’s
room after hours, so I pulled her in and sat down on the edge of the bed, still
a little surprised she was there.

In the dim light her hair looked a little darker, but her
face was still sweet and there was no denying that the last two years had done
her well. Who would have thought such a beautiful young woman would come from
that skinny little girl in Lagodon?

“How’d you know I was back?” I asked her, trying to appear
less tired or shocked than I was.

“A friend told me.”

“I didn’t think you-“ Cared? It wasn’t the right word, but I
was beyond amazed that she was interested in my whereabouts. I hadn’t seen her
since that night at the Moonwater and it had changed everything for me since
then. But for her, I wasn’t aware that she had been affected in any way.

“Ride with me tomorrow?”

“Uh, yea, of course.” It was a struggle to cover how little
I wanted to wait. I would have given anything to have her stay.

A wide smile erupted across her sweet lips as she said, “meet
me at the lake at noon.” With a lingering kiss on my cheek, she walked back
through the door and disappeared into the dark stone corridor.

What just happened?
I hadn’t seen her in person in years, and we were hardly close before that. And
now she arrived in my room in the middle of the night and kissed me on the
cheek. Was it a kiss like a friend would give another? Or more? I couldn’t make
any sense of it, but there was only thing I was sure of. I would be at the lake
at noon if it was the last thing I did.

MY REVIEW:

This book was a struggle initially for me as I was trying to get into the story. I didn’t necessarily get the OMG I can’t put this book down, but I did find myself still reading as there were questions in my head that needed to be answered from the beginning. The biggest one was “Where the hell are they going?” lol I know this question seems insignificant, but if you decided to read this novel, you will understand why that was my question. There were points in the book where i wished the author would have spent more time giving details or laying the foundation. Some of the book felt really rushed as though there wasn’t enough time to talk about what was happening and I believe it was because of that notion that someone how I felt cheated as if important points in the story were missing. Lots of the events that happened in the novel all happened so quickly whereas it reduced the probability of the readers truly engaging and enjoying the journey. Overall the story was a decent read and some what easy to follow, and ending was surprisingly better than the beginning of the book. I did enjoy the characters in the story including the bad ones…lol. They had a sort of camaraderie that really help transport the book and made it what it was. Though Lark had my attention, I really liked Khea’s character. I must say, despite the fact that I did struggle reading this book in the beginning, as I continued to read things became more of an element of surprise. Remember my question that initially kept me reading? The author did have a way of making me feel like one of the characters in which I had to take the journey to the school with them, with absolutely no idea of what was going on or what to expect. If you like fantasy then this is a good book to read.

Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Keep Me by Faith Andrews

January 28, 2014January 27, 2014Leave a comment

Title: Keep Me

Author: Faith Andrews

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: January 28^th 2014

Hosted by: Truly Schmexy Productions

Buy the book: Amazon : B&N

Synopsis:

Sexy, tatted up, underwear model Marcus Grayson is every girl’s dream—or more likely worst nightmare. He’s a player, a self-proclaimed bachelor for life, and he’s got no problem living up to his man-whore status. But when his older sister’s friend comes back from the past, he may just have the chance to turn some of his adolescent fantasies into reality.

Tessa Bradley is a self-sufficient, take-no-bull, single mother—well, now she is. Finally rid of her abusive, alcoholic ex, she’s making a new life for herself and catching up with old friends; the ones she was forced to break ties with because of her controlling husband. When she runs into Marcus, her friend Riley’s once-adorable turned smoking-hot little brother, she has no idea how he’s about to rock her world.

You wanted me then, now you can have me. Just promise you’ll Keep Me…

Chapter 1

Marcus

I, Marcus Grayson, am a man-whore.

How did I know this?

“Marcus M. Grayson, you’re a man-whore!”

See what I mean?

My sister, Riley, shrieked through the house, searching for me. I knew it was only a matter of time before she chewed me out for this one. I may have taken it too far with Fiona, but she was asking for it—practically begging for it even. She wanted me—a lot more than I wanted her—but who was I to deprive an attractive, horny woman of what she so obviously desired?

Even if she was a married woman.

Oops.

“Marcus, where the hell are you? I’m going to wring your tattooed neck when I get my hands— ” Her voice grew closer as she neared my hiding spot behind the couch in the living room. “There you are!”

I couldn’t hide forever. “Hey, Ry. Where’s the fire?” The innocent act was so not going to work this time. Her ears could have been smokestacks; big, steaming clouds billowing out with rage.

“Cut the shit, Marcus. You crossed the line this time. What were you thinking? Fiona just got married three months ago! Her marriage is going to be over. Her husband’s gonna kick your ass.” Her hard-ass, reprimanding, mom-like demeanor faded for a second as she smiled in amusement over her last remark.

“Yeah, I’d like to see him try. Besides, it couldn’t have been much of a marriage. . . the girl had her hands in my pants during dinner, Ry. What was I supposed to do?”

“Not fuck her. That’s what you were supposed to do. Stay away. Think with the head on your shoulders, for once! Jesus, Marcus! She’s my friend. Well, she was. Now she’s never gonna talk to me again.”

I’d seen this look one too many times. I didn’t mean to do it—over and over again—but I couldn’t help it if all of her friends were needy sluts.

“I’m sorry, Ry. I really am, but. . . ”

“Don’t apologize to me. You should call Fiona and apologize to her.”

“Apologize my ass! She’s a grown woman who was fondling my goods during her main course. I’m just a man-whore, remember? I gotta live up to my reputation.”

“Well, you’re doing a pretty damn good job of that.”

And this is how it goes. Every time Riley brought me out with her and her friends, it ended the same way. It wasn’t even fun anymore. It was predictable. The result was always the same—a one-nighter with a girl who would go into hiding or lose my sister’s number afterwards. Or worse, hound her for mine, wanting another go at it or the chance to tame me and drag me into a relationship.

It was never going to happen. Period. End of story. I didn’t want that. I was content with my whoredom and that I had a new face to wake up to at least three times a week. And my sister was a glutton for punishment for repeating the same foolish behavior, time and time again.

I loved that we were close. Hell, she was my best friend, but she should have known by now that if she brought me around there was a one hundred and ten percent chance that I was going to sample the merchandise. And I loved me some merch.

Man-whore had been my title for a while. But, of course, it wasn’t always that way. Every guy like me has to start out somewhere, and by somewhere, I mean nowhere. There was a time when I was just some geeky, pre-teen virgin, eyeing the merch with no chance for even the teensiest sample. Those girls didn’t know it, but at thirteen their eighteen-year-old bodies were better than any Playboy magazine or Spice flick. These girls were the real deal—the girl next door types, the seemingly innocent beauties, teenagers blossoming into women right before my very eager eyes.

I had no shot in hell with those girls. I was an idiot to think I did, but even back then I had what all my sister’s friends would call “the cute factor.” The charisma to command a room and make myself memorable. I was the adorable, funny, younger brother who hung around to entertain them while they were getting ready to go out on the prowl for the men who would be getting samples, or the whole damn cow for all I knew. They would pinch my cheeks as they walked out the door in their skintight jeans and skimpy, cleavage-showing tank tops, always laughing at the skit I’d performed to keep them around my kitchen table long enough to muster up a fantasy for that particular lonely night.

My sister was to blame. It was all her damn fault. She was flaunting her friends in front of me like dangling a fresh, fleshy carcass for a starving lion. I could have stayed young and innocent a lot longer if it weren’t for those girl-women traipsing around my house night after night.

Riley snapped me back to the present with one of her favorite redundancies. “What am I going to do with you, Marcus?” Noble older sister strikes again.

What was I supposed to tell her? I had no intention of changing my ways anytime soon. What was that expression? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “Don’t worry about me, sis. Worry about Fiona. Such a sin. She was a hot piece of ass.”

I ducked, avoiding the waste-of-money accent pillow she convinced me to get, flying towards my head. “You’re gross. You know that?”

“That’s not what she said.” My eyebrows did a silly dance above my eyes. Getting under her skin was so amusing.

“Seriously, Marcus. You think you’ll ever settle down? Dad worries about you. I worry about you. This is going to get old soon.”

Really? I couldn’t imagine any of it getting old. Not the thrill of the chase—not like they ever really made me chase them. Not the sheer delight in knowing I didn’t have to answer to anyone or wonder about their feelings. There were no feelings involved with one night stands. And they knew that’s what I was. Marcus Grayson, Bachelor for Life. I loved the ring to that. Maybe I should get cards made up.

“How many times, Ry? You’re like a broken freaking record. I don’t want what you want.” She wanted the knight in shining armor and the fairytale. I was content with everything on the other side of the pretentious castle. I was the Big Bad Wolf to Riley’s Red Riding Hood.

“Besides, I’m too shallow and I can’t think past five minutes from now. Who’s going to put up with that, huh?”

She eyed me sympathetically, a reaction I’d never understood. What the hell was there to be sympathetic about? I wanted this!

“There’s a lid for every pot. Alls I’m sayin’.”

Blah, blah, blah. That was chicks. That was what I was trying to avoid. I didn’t mind the women if it was my sister or. . . my mom. But unless they were riding me or letting me ride them, I had no use for the depth of a woman. Too complicated. Too complex. I was the complete antithesis. . .simple. I had to get Riley off this save-Marcus train. There was nothing worse than trying to convince the inconvincible. A change in subject was needed. “So. . .Sunday dinner with Dad?”

“Yup. He’s been nagging me all week.” She stopped to do her best impression of our grumpy, lonely father. “‘Make sure you tell that brother of yours. Who sees him anymore?’ You know, I’m tired of making excuses for you, Marcus. You need to make more appearances. He needs you. You were always his buddy. Mine was Mom.”

God, I’d rather she ream me out for sleeping around than make me look at her face when she spoke about Mom. It’d be four years soon, but Riley still held on to it like it happened yesterday. Her eyes welled up, telling me she was on the verge of bawling.

Instinctively, I pulled her close, one arm around her fragile shoulders. “I know. It sucks. I miss her too, but don’t do this now. She wouldn’t want you crying over her, she’d want you to rip deeper into me for screwing up your friendship. . .”

She lifted her drooped head, smacking her tongue with an audible tsk. When she slapped my hand away, I knew my work was done. “It’s always about you. That modeling gig is going to your head, little bro. Time for a change.”

Another thing I had no intention of changing. My agent called me day in and day out with bookings. When I was up to no good as a kid, my mom used to tell me I was lucky I was cute. She also used to say that I wouldn’t get by solely on my good looks. Turns out my mom was wrong about that part. I made a damn good living off my looks and had no problem showing off the goods for the right people. Hell, I showed off my goods for a lot of the wrong people too. But it was all good. Plus, the money was sick.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be, Ry? You’re bad for my ego.”

“Exactly! Maybe I should hang around all day and deflate it for you.”

As much as I loved the idea of chilling with Riley, I had shit to take care of. And by shit I meant figuring out which club to hit tonight. Beck was free and I hadn’t seen him in a while. He’d met a girl and things were getting serious, which meant the party was over. Beck had obviously missed the bros before hos memo. Funny, because he was a reformed player himself. His new woman had such a tight grip on his ball sack he was starting to sound like Mariah Carey and her obnoxious screeching every time he spoke.

“I’m beat. I’ll see you Sunday.” There was no need to elaborate. Riley knew I was a man of few words.

She turned to leave, grabbing her ridiculously large bag from my sofa.

“I really am sorry about Fiona. I didn’t mean to make it your problem.”

As she heaved the bag over her shoulder, I had to wonder how her posture remained so perfect, toting around baggage like that. How many tampons did a girl have to carry along with her anyway?

“It’s okay. It wasn’t entirely your fault. But I’m not bringing the good ones around you anymore.”

I picked up the pillow she’d flung at me and tossed it back at her, whacking her in the back of her head. “Oh, good! Bring the bad ones my way. They’re always more fun!”

“Goodbye, Marcus!” She sang as she left my apartment.

I laughed as I heard the door slam shut behind her. I’d kill any guy who treated her the way I treated women. She deserved so much better than a prick like me. She was just like Mom: caring, compassionate, warm, selfless. She took over Mom’s role even in her own grief, making sure Dad and I were looked after, fed, clean, happy. She was going to be a great mother herself one day—she just needed to find the right guy. He was out there somewhere and I almost wish I could find him for her, but hanging out in the places I did, with the people I did. . .the guy for her didn’t lurk amongst my lifestyle. Guys deserving of her were nothing like me.

About the Author:

Faith Andrews lives in New York where she is happily married to her high school sweetheart. They have two beautiful daughters and a furry Yorkie son, Rocco. If she isn’t listening to Mumford and Sons or busy being a Dance Mom, her nose is in a book or her laptop. She’s a sucker for a happily ever after and believes her characters are out there living one somewhere . . .

Website: Facebook : Goodreads : Twitter:

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TEASER ALERT: Love, Your Concierge by Jessica Ingro

January 20, 2014January 19, 2014Leave a comment

**********TEASER ALERT**********

TEASER ALERT: Love, Your Concierge by Jessica Ingro

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Eye of the Storm by M. Stratton

January 20, 2014January 19, 2014Leave a comment

Title: Eye of the Storm (Storm #2)

Author: M. Stratton

Release Date: February 21, 2014

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Cover Designed by MGBookCovers

http://www.mgbookcoversanddesigns.com

Synopsis

Evie Taylor loves her life in Boston, running her bookstore and café, but an accident has made it so she needs to return home to take care of her grandmother. With extra time on her hands, she decides to start looking for the monster that haunts her best friend’s nightmares. A chain of events starts no one could see coming.

When the last person she ever expects shows up and rings her grandmother’s doorbell she finds herself in the middle of danger. Bound together in a common mission, they’ll search the world looking for answers. But can they find them in time or will they end up paying the ultimate price?

As the storm rages around them, they find each other, and the calm in the Eye of the Storm.

Excerpt

PROLOGUE

Jeremy Ellison laid back in the bed staring up at the ceiling listening to the gossip show coming from the other room. Right now, he hated his life. He knew it was temporary, but he couldn’t wait for a change to come. A change he was going to make.

He was formulating his plan. He’d spent considerable time and money keeping track of everybody while staying hidden. He knew Anthony Maldono as well as he knew himself and he knew what Anthony would do next. It was almost time to put his plan in motion. He wasn’t done ruining Anthony’s life. It was time to step it up.

After nine long months of watching the authorities run around trying to find him and Anthony being made a free man, it was time to start moving. It made his blood pump that he was finally going to be able to do something. He looked into the other room where the woman he had to depend on was shoving fist after fist of popcorn in her mouth. He wanted to get up and stick a knife in her gut. He hated her. He wanted her dead. But he had to wait since he had a plan. A plan that would increase the stakes in the game he was planning.

CHAPTER ONE

Evie Taylor sighed and sat down hard in the chair. She tossed the dusting rag on the table, tilted her head back and closed her eyes. She was bored and longed to get back to Boston to run her bookstore and café. The past nine months she’d spent two extended stays back home. Once for Lexi and now for her grandmother. She’d heard from Jesse and everything was running fine but she missed the weekly shipments coming in and setting up new displays. Not to mention getting to sample new desserts from the café. She loved helping someone who loved to read find a new author. In fact, she’d set up a whole section of the book store for indie authors. It was opening up a whole new world to regular customers.

She looked around her grandmother’s living room. Knickknacks as far as the eye could see. She hated dusting. But that was a testament to how bored she was.She’d come home to Ipswich, Massachusetts when her best friend, Lexi Hanson, had been attacked. She remembered the fear that coursed through her veins when she got the phone call. The drive had been a blur. In the weeks that followed, she hadn’t been able to leave her. It brought back all of the memories of Lexi’s first attack. But her friend completely amazed her. She was so strong and she’d come so far.

Evie sighed, remembering Lexi and Noah’s perfect wedding on the beach just a few weeks ago. Now she was back again, taking care of her grandmother who’d broken her arm partying with one of the male guests in a hotel room. She shivered thinking about what they’d been doing that could have gotten her grandmother’s arm broken, knew at the very least that it hadn’t been pretty since her grandmother had been naked when the paramedics arrived.

“Evie honey, do you want something for lunch?” Evelyne Stone called from the kitchen.

Evie sighed and hefted herself up out of the chair and walked into the kitchen to put her hands on her hips. “Grandma, why am I here if you insist on doing everything yourself?”

Evelyne tsked. “Now honey, you know I need you, but there are some things I can do myself. Besides I need to get my wing back in working order, sooner rather than later with the girl’s cruise coming up in a month. There are going to be men that need taming.” She tried to wave her arm around, almost knocking over the pitcher of iced tea on the counter.

Evie rushed over and caught it, giving her grandmother a look. “Can you please take it down a notch? You aren’t fifty anymore.”

“Pah! Come on honey, lighten up. I know you’ve got it in you. Maybe you should go with us. I know there will be some young hot guys there.”

“And how do you know this?”

“Because we signed up for a party cruise. Average age is twenty-four. I know that’s a bit young for you, but hey, you can still have fun. I know you can.”

Evie closed her eyes and mentally prepared herself for the call from the cruise company to come pick up the Troublesome Trio from somewhere. Although now that Lexi was married to Noah, he might have better connections and be able to get them home quicker than commercial flights. Something to bring up to them when they got back from their honeymoon.

A knock sounded at the door. “Hold that thought.” Evie went to answer the door, absently trying to push back the hair that had escaped her ponytail. They’d rented out the cottage on the back of her grandmother’s property and the tenant was due to show up today.

She could see the shadow of a tall built man through the frosted glass. Evie had hoped the renter would be a family to distract her grandmother so she might get some rest and not chase around after some man.

Evie opened the door and looked up—right into the face that haunted her best friend’s nightmares.

Meet M. Stratton

M. Stratton is an International Amazon bestselling author in the romantic suspense and mystery suspense categories for her debut novel After the Storm. She is a self-proclaimed dork that loves to make people laugh and can trip over nothing. Her inner rock star is always on stage performing to a sold out crowd but is quiet and shy on the outside.

She lives with her husband and son in Arizona, which is a big difference from where she grew up north of Chicago Illinois. As an only child she learned to tell herself stories to make the long winters go by quicker while dreaming of summer vacations. Now as an adult she still makes up stories to pass the time, but now she writes them down to share with other people.

When not writing you can find M. watching football (Go Bears!), NASCAR, or classic movies, watching her husband and father restore classic cars, and seeing who can be sillier, her or her son, and of course reading.

Things you don’t know about M. Stratton:

1. She loves the movie Twister… she can say all the lines along with the actors. She will also use those lines in real life as often as possible.

2. Halloween is her favorite holiday. She starts planning months in advance. She has more Halloween decorations than Christmas.

3. She once made up a monologue about her love of chocolate chip cookie dough for her high school drama class.

4. There are times she thinks she is so funny she has tears running down her face while laughing at herself.

5. M. can play the clarinet but is in awe of anyone who can play the guitar, piano or drums, pretty much anything where your hands have to do two different things at the same time.

6. Cary Grant is her favorite actor. When she was in high school after Cary Grant died one of the cable stations ran a marathon, she watched his movies from 6 in the morning all day and night until 4 AM the next day.

7. Reading has always been an escape for her. She can devour a book in hours. When she moved in with her husband she literally donated over 1,000 books and saved over 1,000 for herself. She can reread books over and over again if she loves them. There are some that she has reread about once a year for the past 20 years.

8. She eloped after knowing her husband for only two months in 2006. They are still married over seven years later.

Google+ | Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Other Books by M. Stratton

After the Storm (Storm #1)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Alexia “Lexi” Hanson moved across country and rebuilt her life after the attack that could have destroyed her. She enjoys her simple life in the beach cottage. Life was complete in her eyes.

Noah Matthews is Rock & Roll’s hottest star and on top of the world. After years without a break he finds the solitude he craves at his beach house. Enjoying his early morning coffee Noah was surprised to watch his neighbor sneak into his garden and start crawling around.

They never saw what was coming that fateful morning. Someone else was watching them. Someone who thought she belonged to him and would stop at nothing to have her.

Lives are changed forever when they meet amongst the blooms in his garden. Even when things seem darkest, there is always light After the Storm.

Giveaway

eBook of After the Storm + 1 ARC of Eye of the Storm (3 Winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted By

Love Between the Sheets

Book Review: This Man Trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas

January 19, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

This Man (This Man #1)

Young interior designer Ava O’Shea has an appointment for a first consultation at The Manor with the owner, Mr Jesse Ward. She is expecting nothing more than an overweight, cravat wearing, well-to-do countryman, and on arrival, nothing would suggest otherwise. How wrong could she be? This Man is devastatingly handsome, charming and confident. He is also a conceited, hedonistic playboy, who knows no boundaries. Ava desperately does not want to be attracted to him, but she can’t control the overwhelming affect he has on her. Every instinct is telling her to run, so she does, but Jesse Ward is not so willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her. She knows she is heading for heartbreak, but how can she run when he won’t let her?

MY REVIEW: 3….2….1….zero!!

So with all of the year-end polls I just had to figure out who Jesse Ward was. Not to mention one of my favorite authors said that she got her inspiration to write her book after reading this series. In an attempt to enlighten my curiosity, I just had to read this series, and can I say it did not disappoint.

Ava O’Shea goes on what she believes to be a first consultation with the owner of The Manor, and her initial instincts lead her to believe that said Jesse Ward was going to be anything but the man she found herself in the meeting. The sparks were flying all over the place so much to the point where one needs a restroom break just to attempt to gather themselves. (fanning myself) Poor Ava, she didn’t have a chance, but who would with a hottie like Mr. Ward. However, there is one problem, Ava is not looking for a new relationship, especially one with a client, she has just found her independence and working through her past. Jesse on the other hand has no intention on letting Ava get away that easy and the things he does will have you both angry as hell and perhaps a little moist (yup I said it lol). The chemistry is off the charts between the two, but as must as Ava wants to run away, she finds herself in some interesting situations with Mr. Ward. I can’t say that I’m not jealous.

Jesse had it all under control and he was quite accomplished, but what he didn’t know was that his meeting with Ava O’Shea was going to change so much, including the fact that he was now chasing a women, when the norm is that they threw themselves at him. The more Ava ran the more he wanted her, and his actions were at some point outrageous. There were times I was reading and was like WTF!!!!????? Did he really do that? Jesse always seemed to make the situation turn out in his favor, but what Dominant male doesn’t. Yes, I admit some of it is swoon worthy, even to the point where you are perhaps crossing your legs. :-) But there are points that make you want to cry and genuinely hurt for the characters.

The plot of the story draws you in and yes you will be hooked from the first page. The various degrees, and relationship stages will have you on this wild roller coaster that you won’t want to get off….or perhaps you will. I especially loved the innocence of Ava in this novel, though she knew so much, at some things she was very naive and that really helped to develop the novel.

This is definitely a must read. Add it to your TBR list if you haven’t already done so. It’s an intensive, possessive, steamy, addictive read.

SYNOPSIS:

Beneath This Man (Book #2 of the erotic This Man trilogy)

Jesse Ward drowned her with his intensity and blindsided her with his passion, but he kept her away from his dark secrets and broken soul. Leaving him was the only way Ava O’Shea could survive. She should have known that Jesse Ward is impossible to escape–and now he’s back in her life, determined to remind her of the sensual pleasures they had shared. Ava is equally determined to get at the truth beneath this man’s steely exterior. That means letting herself get close to the Lord of the Manor once more. And it’s exactly where Jesse wants her–within touching distance…

MY REVIEW: The Lord of the Manor is back, but so is his leading lady. I was a little sad at the end of the first novel, but am very happy that Ava has begun to grab some courage and face some of their problems. Jesse has sent her through some challenging scenarios but here we also get to see a few vulnerabilities that peek out through his overbearing, controlling, sometime radical behavior. Ava as well have grown in this novel and is no longer as naive as she started out being. I was shocked at how the author revealed so many disturbing things from the past and how it was affecting their relationship. I could totally feel Ava’s emotions and actions and hell some of it I was all for, others had my jaw drop to the floor with a statement of “this chick has lost her marbles” (but hell if you went through a relationship with the Lord of the Manor you probably would too). Can you tell I was really into this story???

The sex of course is insanely hot. What’s fun about this book is that you see the immaturity of both Ava and Jesse and it’s really believable. There is one lady in this story that is a little sad, and I wanted to pull her hair and throw her down the stairs…….Sarah. Yes, she is one bitchy hell cat and will go to no lengths to deter the relationship between Jesse and Ava. Now this is where it got a little disturbing to for me. You will feel like you’ve been through a train wreck when you’re done reading but wait…..the story isn’t over. If you liked book 1, you will definitely like the second installment of the dysfunctional love story that is Ava and Jesse. I do recommend this to be added to your TBR list.

SYNOPSIS:

This Man Confessed

THE STUNNING CONCLUSION TO THE THIS MAN TRILOGY!

The Manor, the very place where their passionate love affair began, fills with guests on what should be the happiest day of Ava and Jesse’s lives. She has accepted that she’ll never tame the fierceness in Jesse-and she doesn’t want to. Their love is profound, their connection powerful, but just when she thinks that she’s finally gotten beneath his guarded exterior, more questions arise, leading Ava to believe that Jesse Ward may not be the man she thinks he is. He knows too well how to take her to a place beyond ecstasy . . . but will he also drive her to the brink of despair? It’s time for this man to confess.

MY REVIEW:

Just when I thought I had my head wrapped around the Lord of the Manor, damn did I get a wake up call. This is not your typical D/s relationship. These two characters can push each others buttons to the point of INSANITY!!! Just like the first two books, this one also has a lot of sex, punishment fucks, fucking sense into her, and sleepy sex. I can’t seem to figure out if I love Jesse or hate him, I know there is a lot about him that disturbs me about him. Jesse has a lot of baggage and I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole went for him.

Though their relationship does take a natural progression, the relationship between Ava and Jesse is still really new as in they haven’t been together long, but with all they’ve been through you wouldn’t think so. Just when Ava thought she had finally broken the exterior of Jesse, he has more to expose. There are so many disturbing scenes in this book, at points it was hard to read, but I could not put this book down. If you want extreme drama, all you have to do is read this book. There are many WTF moments for both characters and even the sub characters. The author does eventually answer all of your questions in this book so you will not be left hanging. The book was the ultimate roller coaster ride of the series but you will be hooked. What I loved the most was the epilogue……it was the perfect ending with a look into their future, even though I want more. Perhaps I will be able to read more of Jesse and Ava if the author decides to give us a story on the other characters. A girl can hope, can’t she?

I truly enjoyed this series. I started the first book and could not stop until the last page of the third book.

TEASER ALERT: Love, Your Concierge by Jessica Ingro

January 19, 2014Leave a comment

******TEASER ALERT*******

Book Review: Tell Me I’m Dreaming (The Kali Lockton Trilogy, #2) by JL Durfey

January 15, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

Seeing things before they happen has made twenty-four year old Kali Lockton quite the celebrity in the elemental world, only the attention is far from good. In fact, she lives each day with a target over her head. Her only defenses are her visions and Jared Miles, the man who holds her heart and has made it his duty to protect her from his own world.

When both of those things are jeopardized, Kali is forced to retreat from her safety net and put her trust in the dangerously sexy Alexander Payne, someone she’s always viewed as manipulative and self-serving.

Just when Kali believes her life couldn’t unravel further, everything she’s known about herself, including her value to the elemental world, disintegrates with a few shocking revelations. Kali learns she is not only the key to an elemental king’s power, but that she carries the responsibility of the continued existence of worlds she’s learned to fear, people she’s never met, and the ones she loves dearly. But such responsibility never comes without a price.

MY REVIEW:

I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal).

Let me start by saying that this book exceeded my expectations. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting to read but it wasn’t what was written. It was a pleasure reading this sequel! The author really left me speechless with the way in which the plot was intricately woven to create an awesome reading experience. I enjoyed the romance scenes and really would like to thank the author for the way in which it was presented it to the readers.

The suspense was well-kept and it really made me even more anxious as the plot continued to develop though out this novel, if it’s at all possible. The twists and turns that the author creates were very much appreciated and the revelations about which the blurb hints is really sort of life altering not only for Kali but also for the readers. It’s from this creativity that the author forms a bond between the readers and the characters which has us picking sides and rooting for one person more than the other. Are you team Jared or team Alex? Though I’m leaning more towards Alex, there were a few things one could like about Jared just as there are some things about Alex that some don’t like.

Now let’s talk about Alex! This sexy, hot character did catch my attention. He was totally the bad boy with a good heart, who looks out for something that he considers his. Yup, I get it and I fell for him too. I really enjoyed the banter between him and Kali when they lived together. It was really funny how they pushed each other buttons (as most couples do) and they lived to torture each other. I really enjoyed the increasing intensity and intimacy between Kali and Alex. To me it was a much-needed change, but fit very well into all the other things happening in the story. The power-packed action really spiced up this novel and made it a much more interesting read. The emotional turmoil that Kali faced is really heart wrenching and it made me hurt with and for her.

Having a lot of responsibilities dumped on you is not quite pleasant neither is seeing events before they happen but when you realize that your decisions and actions are powerful enough to effect and change your world then it becomes something mush bigger than yourself. I’m not sure how well I could handle some of the things Kali faced. In this sequel Kali’s character evolved as a strong, confident and totally dependent female. I enjoyed her journey and how the events developed her into an awesome female heroine.

Now the only thing that still has me pissed off is…….the cliffhanger. Yup this novel has it and it will irritate the hell out of you. However, I’m anticipating the next novel in this series to see where the story evolves from here. I do recommend this book, so add it to that TBR list.

Book Review: Take Me (Stark Trilogy #3.5) by J. Kenner

January 15, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes a fast-paced, erotic eBook novella from J. Kenner. Following The Stark Trilogy—the bestselling novels Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me—“Take Me” continues the story of Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild, and introduces Evan Black, the enigmatic man at the center of J. Kenner’s upcoming novel, Wanted .

I’ve long dreamed of my fairy tale wedding, but it wasn’t until I met Damien Stark—who captured me with his kisses and undid me with his touch—that I began to believe it was my destiny. Though we both carry secrets and scars, our shared passion heals us, binding us together. We have surrendered to each other completely, and our mutual ecstasy is the brightest light in my life.

But darkness still snakes through the cracks in our armor. Ghosts from our past have moved in, bringing fresh pain that cuts deep and threatens to destroy everything we hold dear.

Damien is my anchor to this world, and I am his. But if we are going to keep each other, we have to fight the shadows of our pasts to move forward into our future.

“Take Me” is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

MY REVIEW:

Picking up with the wedding planning, Nikki and Damien still has me captivated in this quick read. Despite all that they have been through, the past still refuses to stay in the past. At a time when Nikki should be glowing and her happiest, the threat of a relapse into her past behaviors is even more prevalent now. There are countless things that need to be done for the wedding and the closer the date approaches, the more challenges she face. Damien knows that Nikki wants to be as involved as possible with the wedding planning, but he also knows that she has a breaking limit and that’s what he is looking to avoid. Even with all the money that can hire the best wedding planners, Nikki’s a do it yourself kind of girl. That is until a surprised guest shows up on their doorstep and that catches Nikki off guard.

With this unexpected visitor in town, Nikki finds herself caught in a chain of events that seek to break her progress. But with Damien at her side to intercept the damage the visitor seeks to inflict, some things are righted while others have yet to be discovered. It’s their final act of defiance together that let’s you know these two were meant for each other.

I enjoyed reading this short prelude into the “Wanted” series. We get to see Damien and Nikki finally unite in more ways than one and we are also introduced to Evan Black. Though I know this is not the last glimpse of Nikki and Damien, it was a really nice conclusion to this part in their journey. Now I’m looking forward to Evan Black and glimpses of the Starks.

Book Review: Losing Control (Losing Control #1) by Desiree Wilder

January 15, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

2.5 Stars:

SYNOPSIS:

Gia feels broken inside after several miscarriages and a failed marriage. Now she’s just looking to have some fun…

During her marriage, she and her husband tried for several years to have a baby, she got pregnant three times and miscarried all three. Her husband couldn’t bear to give up his dream of having a family so they grew apart and eventually divorced. Gia feels like a total failure since she couldn’t carry a child. But now, it’s time to move on. She just wants to have a little fun. She needs to have a little fun. Secretly hoping of a wild sexual encounter with someone who craves to devour her inch by inch, she and a group of her closest friends set out to have a wild weekend at a rock festival which they look forward to every year. This is what she wants and what she needs, but is she really ready for this?

Ethan has been working too hard for the past ten years to have a serious relationship, but he’s always fantasized about one woman…

Ethan’s put his heart and soul into this venue and this year it looks like he might finally make a profit. Each year it hosts a rock festival and every year he looks for one person, the same person, the problem is he doesn’t know anything about her, he doesn’t even know her name. Finally he meet’s her and she’s everything he always hoped for, except for one thing…she seems to be looking for a wild sexual encounter. This causes a bit of a dilemma since all he really wants is to get to know who this mystery woman is. He needs to know who she is. While trying to fulfill her every desire he gives her the most carnal sexual experience of her life, hoping she will open up to him and give him a chance to discover who she truly is.

MY REVIEW:

This was a very quick read, but overall a good book.

Gia is a basically a good girl who likes to have fun. She has been through some tough situations in her marriage that has caused her to question herself and her self-confidence. Having gone through three miscarriages, a failed marriage that lead to a divorce, and a one night stand she couldn’t go through with, Gia has finally decided that its time for a little fun. Using the annual rock festival as her playground, Gia has her mind made up that all she wants is that once in a lifetime chance sexual encounter with a hot guy to redeem herself confidence.

Ethan has been struggling to turn a profit on the camp ground that was once his grandfather’s and this years annual rock festival is looking pretty good. With high expectations of a profit this year, Ethan also has one other thing on his mind….to find the mystery women who has taken root in his mind for the last ten years. Not even knowing her name, but naming her “Hottness”, Ethan seeks to finally approach this woman and get to know her.

When the opportunity arrives and the two meet, Gia feels like she’s the only person in his world by the way he looks at her, and Ethan is captivated by her beautiful eyes and she is everything and more than what he was expecting. However, what they both need and desire seems to be complete opposites of each other and thus creates a problem for both.

Ethan realizes that Gia is looking for that one night stand when in fact he really wants to get to know her, however Gia feels both turned on and rejected by Ethan due to his reluctance to want to rush into sex, but it’s what she really wants. Finally deciding to give Gia what she wants, Ethan caves. After their awesome sexual encounter in his office, Gia has a moment of reflection as things aren’t how she thought they would be.

I was really enjoying the story, especially Gia’s personality once she made up in her mind that she was going to get what she wanted one way or another. I also expected a little more from Ethan in the form of an alpha male but I didn’t necessarily get that. Ethan was just a really sweet guy, who really wanted to “do the right thing”, I sort of felt like the author was holding back on his character. I was also left feeling like where’s the rest of the story at the end. There was no lead into a sequel, though I’m certain there will be one, but the story just cut off……”What the hell?” was all I could say. I also would like more on Trey and Dana as there is definitely a blossoming relationship with them. I would like to read more and hopefully the author really gets into developing the plot for Gia and Ethan.

Book Review: The Girlfriend by Abigail Barnette

January 15, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

3.5 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

Unemployed, blacklisted, and pregnant, Sophie Scaife’s life is totally upside down. Her relationship with publishing magnate Neil Elwood is on the rocks. Her best friend’s career is igniting. And Sophie is afraid she’ll make one of the toughest decisions of her life alone… When a devastating diagnosis forces Neil to return to London, Sophie throws caution to the wind to follow her heart across the Atlantic. Keeping a scorching D/s affair as red-hot in sickness as it was in health is a challenge, even for two lovers as inventive as Sophie and Neil. But Sophie is more than willing to try anything her Sir commands, and their fantasies of control become a welcome refuge from the daily stress of illness. While Neil’s wealth and privilege make adjusting to her new situation easier, Sophie finds herself rebuilding her life around an uncertain future. And while both of them face the changes between them head-on, they’re all too aware that their happiness may be fleeting-and Sophie could lose Neil forever.

MY REVIEW:

Just when Sophie thought being unemployed and blacklisted was enough, she now has learned of her unplanned pregnancy and Neil’s life threatening illness. Could things look any worse? Having to make a decision on the pregnancy rather quickly Sophie tells Neil and together they make a decision. Not willing to lose the man that she has lost her career for, Sophie makes the decision to leave her life or what’s left of it behind, and head to London to be with the man who has stolen her heart in his time of need.

Still looking to explore their D/s relationship further, Sophie gathers some rather interesting experiences despite Neil’s illness. The two of them work hard on each other, however Sophie still finds the world that Neil lives in rather intimidating, not to mention despite the hurdles they have to overcome for their relationship, she now has to come face to face with his past which includes one bitchy ex.

This book was a fun read. Some of the D/s experiences that Sophie encountered were rather steamy, but there were also some revelations about Neil that was a little shocking to me. I will admit that there are some parts in this part of their journey that might have you on the verge of tears, especially since it includes a journey through illness and pregnancy. But it’s a very believable plot.

Now the bitchy ex is one most women can relate to and at some point I really wanted to smack her and put her in her place. I think that happens when you really get into a book. But Sophie was pretty respectful despite the woman antagonizing her, but you already know that there is only so much a woman can bare, and when Sophie let’s lose it’s very satisfying.

The relationship between Sophie and Neil though still fresh and despite all the challenges seem to be stronger. Sophie begins to understand her position in Neil’s life, but is it really a position that she wants to embrace including what it could mean for the future? Neil is going through an illness that puts a strain on him physically as well as his relationship with Sophie but it’s bearable with her there, however he struggles to remain in control of a situation that he has no control over; his illness and his relationship.

Now though I know how this novel ends, there has got to be more to the story (hint). It wasn’t so much of a cliffhanger as it was an opening to expand the story and I sure hope the author does. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.

Book Review: The Boss by Abigail Barnette

January 15, 2014March 9, 2014Leave a comment

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS:

Sophie Scaife almost ran away once, trading her ticket to college for a ticket to Tokyo. But a delayed flight and a hot one-night stand with a stranger changed her mind, putting her firmly on track to a coveted position at a New York fashion magazine.

When the irresistible stranger from that one incredible night turns out to be her new boss – billionaire and publishing magnate Neil Elwood – Sophie can’t resist the chance to rekindle the spark between them… and the opportunity to explore her submissive side with the most Dominant man she’s ever known.

Neil is the only man who has ever understood Sophie’s need to submit in the bedroom, and the only man who has ever satisfied those desires. When their scorching, no-strings-attached sexual relationship becomes something more, Sophie must choose between her career and heart… or risk losing them both.

MY REVIEW:

Who said you can’t mix work and pleasure…..

Sophie finds herself in quite the situation when what should have been a regular day at work turns out to be one of the worst she has ever had. Neil Elwood reenter Sophie’s life at the most unexpected time and can we say under the worst of circumstances.

Years ago due to a delay in their flights, Sophie and Neil met at an airport. It was at this time that Sophie was faced with the decision of running from her problems or facing them head on, Sophie chose to run. With a chance meeting at the airport, Sophie and Neil hit it off well and when I say well, I mean it led to an unforgettable one night stand for both of them. But it was also that night that her decision was altered by an unforeseen change in events. Now years later Sophie is standing face to face with the man who is a re-occurrence in her dreams and fantasy and truthfully the person that she compares every male to sexually. With opportunity knocking at the door how can Sophie pass up the one chance she might have to make her dreams a reality even if they cost her another dream?

Sophie is this young vibrant lady who has a job that she both loves and hates, but it’s the journey that has gotten her there that she holds onto the most. Neil changed her life in one night and now here she is in front of him again with no idea what the future holds for her career or her love life.

Not willing to let him forget her or that one night, Sophie takes a few matters in her own hands, but what she willingly got herself into was probably more than she could handle.

Neil is a billionaire and publishing magnate and was pleasantly surprised when he met Sophie in the airport years ago, and now here she is in the flesh once more. With his life going through changes, a new company to run and strained relationships, how can he make it all work? Sophie submitted to him that night can he get her to do it again? Oh the Dominant in him was certain of it, but at what cost?

Now this was an exciting book. I found myself loving the plot as Sophie has the chance to capitalize on a fantasy, but at what cost to her career? Though the no-strings attached sexual relationship sounded like a really good idea at the time, how did she even think it was going to be just that when Neil is a man she hasn’t been able to get out of her head in years. Some of the events in the book made me laugh and some I had to re-read as I was totally thrown with the development. Nope I’m not giving a spoiler!!! lol But you will definitely enjoy the journey the two take and the decisions the both have to face both good and bad.

What was even more interesting was the relationship between Neil and his daughter and the most embarrassing introduction Sophie has ever received in her life……you’ll enjoy this part. Oh let’s not forget the huge age difference between the two which causes a few more problems. Now grab the book and start reading.

Cover Reveal/Giveaway: SOMETHING WONDERFUL by M. Clarke

December 5, 2013December 5, 2013Leave a comment

We are so excited to take part in this cover reveal!

Author M. Clarke (a.k.a Mary Ting) has given her Something Great series a completely NEW look. This series is NEW ADULT.

Not only are we revealing the cover to SOMETHING WONDERFUL — book 2, but we are also re-revealing the NEW cover to SOMETHING GREAT, the first book in the series.

Check them out! Make sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts.Covers were designed by Laura @ BookFabulous Designs

Release: February 10, 2014

Early praise for SOMETHING WONDERFUL…

“Something Wonderful is amazingly brilliant! Sexy, Romantic, Page turning good, could not put this book down!” – Janie @ CrossAngels

Sometimes falling in love means letting go of the past…

Jeanella’s confidence and trust in Max continues to grow, and life seems to be on track. Then Crystal decides to pursue a sexual harassment lawsuit, and Jeanella’s world turns upside down. Once again, she wonders if she will ever be enough for Max. Jeanella is forced to make a decision; stay and fight for her man or leave him for good.

Becky’s unexpected friendship with Matthew continues to blossom, as they try to define the boundaries of their relationship; but a one-night stand threatens to ruin it all. As Matthew’s feelings for Becky grow, he’s torn between guilt and heartache over his deceased fiancée. Can Becky break through his wall and help him heal?

Note: Sexual Content

When he probed with more questions about what I looked for in query letters, I told him I liked romance novels and I basically looked for potential book boyfriends.

“Book boyfriends?” He chuckled out loud. As I watched, his chest moved to the rhythm of his laugh. “Really?” He took his last bite and chugged his coffee.

“Yes…really.” I had already finished my plate since I was too nervous to talk.

“Is that like for people who can’t get one in real life?” He was totally amused by this notion.

“No…silly,” I giggled. “Readers read books to help them escape from the daily routine of life. Many of these romance books have a swoon-worthy, gorgeous guy with really nice abs and a six pack, who can deliver wild, hot sex.” Just the thought alone made me turn red and I froze when he gave me a heated look. Then, his eyes concentrated on my lips, shifted to my breasts, then back up to my eyes when I said ‘wild, hot sex.’ I just described him and what he could potentially do.

Gravitating toward me, his eyes locked lustfully on mine. His lips were just inches away as they parted to speak and I didn’t know how he got so close to me. “I would like to be your book boyfriend,” he said with the hottest sound that could sing out of his lustrous, lick-able mouth. The puff of his breath on my lips sizzled way down to my sex. He reached out to my face, his thumb sensually sliding, feather light to touch my bottom lip with one long, slow stroke. As I watched his tongue glide over his bottom lip at the same time, I quivered beyond control.

Completely dumbfounded, I sat there staring at him and in my mind, I had already taken off my clothes for him. Blinking because that was all I could do, I wanted to say yes, but my pride and my head knew better and stopped me.
Suddenly, he broke his gaze and it felt like he had just dumped ice water over my head. “Is that what a book boyfriend would say and do?” he chuckled as he picked up our plates and took them to the kitchen.

What just happened? I was almost certain my face was deep red, because I felt it down to my toes.

Check out the NEW cover to SOMETHING GREAT…

She didn’t know what she was missing…until he found her.

Maxwell Knight was positively trouble, dangerously good-looking, and seductively charming. He was everything Jeanella didn’t need in her life. Only Maxwell didn’t see it that way. His pursuit was relentless, making her even more determined to push him away.

Fresh out of college, life was simple and plain for Jeanella Mefferd. Every part of her life was smooth sailing; her friends, her job, and even the guy she’d started dating. Then one night, while at dinner, she spotted someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding and breathless heat. Thinking she would never see him again, she brushed it off, but when she started to run into him unexpectedly, all she could think of was how he made her feel with his sweet flirtations. Everything about Maxwell Knight screamed trouble, especially when she found out he was her new boss’s son. Now, heading to a New York fashion show, would she be able to focus on her career instead of Maxwell, who had been scheduled to attend with her? As much as she tried to forget their encounters, his good looks, smooth words and determination to win her over gravitated her toward him. The next thing she knew, her mind was utterly consumed by him. Would she be willing to ignore all the dangerous signs and jump into his arms? Or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?

SOMETHING GREAT on Amazon & BN for only $.99!

Join the Facebook cover reveal party where author M. Clarke will also be giving away tons of prizes! https://www.facebook.com/events/461039670671783/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

M. Clarke aka Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter

Blog Tour: Author Interview of Merry Farmer

November 26, 20131 Comment

Trulee V’s Spot Author Interview: Merry Farmer

Author Merry Farmer stopped by V’s Spot and of course I took the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Read below to learn more about her, as well as current and future projects.

1. Tell me how you came to love writing.

I think my love of writing was inborn. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love words and stories. I started writing for fun and, frankly, as an escape from a pretty rotten childhood at a young age, when I was about ten. It was my favorite entertainment and a great way to block out the world when it was being unfair.

2. What other jobs have you done while working to become an author?

I have an oh so exciting day job working in the insurance industry as an admin/analyst. I am a master pencil-pusher! But I’ve actually had a lot of jobs here and there. I was a hairdresser for several years, and I worked as a teacher’s aide and special ed teacher for a while too. I would love to teach again someday.

3. Tell me about your book.

In Your Arms is a story about belonging. My heroine, Lily, is Native American, but was raised in the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and lost national identity. She has become a teacher and a strong advocate for the rights of all children. My hero, Christian, is the town justice of the peace. He feels deeply responsible for the people of Cold Springs, Montana and works to promote their welfare. Only, what Lily sees as helping people and what Christian sees as helping are two very different things. Sparks fly when they go head-to-head!

4. What kind of research did you do for the book?

I did a lot of research for this book about the way that Native Americans were treated at the very end of the 19^th century. In Your Arms takes place in 1897. This was long after the era of “Cowboys and Indians” and the struggle for the west. By this point, the west was settled and well on its way to matching the economic and technological advances of the east, but the attitude toward Native Americans was still, sadly, backwards. It was a bittersweet time period to research because so many things were surprisingly modern and progressive while so many other things were archaic.

5. What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write?

I try to keep myself to a pretty strict schedule of writing. I think you have to if you’re going to make a living at it. I get up at 5:30am every morning and write for about 45 minutes before getting ready for the day job. When I get home from work, I sit down and write for another hour or two in the evening. I also try to get a few hours per day in on the weekends. That includes “doing social media” too. These days, maintaining your platform as an author is as important as the actual writing. And don’t the bosses at my day job, but every now and then I get a bit of writing done in the slow periods at work.

6. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Honestly, self-confidence. I tend to be a naturally insecure and impatient person. Always have been. Yet here I am, following a dream that takes a LOT of self-confidence and self-motivation. I have gotten to the point where I can write whether I want to or feel inspired or not, but I wallow in the misery of how badly I suck when I do! I have to constantly remind myself that the first draft of anything is going to be terrible, the real writing is in editing and revising, and I am the harshest critic of my work.

7.What’s the best thing about being an author?

Hands down, it’s being able to share the stories and characters in my head with other people. I have always loved sharing the things I’ve written with other people, because it’s like sharing the best of myself. As a published author, I have the ability to do that on a huge scale. There’s no better feeling.

8. What advice would you give writers?

When it comes to all of the publishing choices in the world right now, be sure you really, really know what you want to do and why before you commit to anything. Both sides of the Self-Publishing/Traditional Publishing argument are very loud and will insist that their way is the only way and everyone else is foolish. Don’t listen to that! But do pay attention to what is involved in each kind of publishing. I self-publish, but I will be the first to tell you that it’s not for everyone. It is incredibly hard work (if you’re doing it right)! It’s time-consuming, you have to be fiercely vigilant about the quality of your work, and you have to venture way, way outside of your comfort zone to market. If you don’t feel up to the work, consider traditional publishing.

9. What question do you get asked the most, and how do you answer that question?

The question I get the most is “Why do you Self-Publish?” My answer? Because I enjoy the challenge. Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m crazy. I’ve had writers and editors in the industry tell me my work is on par with the books being traditionally published and that I’m nuts to want to self-publish, but it’s the method of publishing that really sings to me. I actually like working my fingers to the bone and striving to write at a professional level. I like the challenge of formatting and finding the best cover designers and editors to work with. I don’t like marketing, though. It’s not in my nature. But I do like working with my publicist, who is awesome! I also have a yen to tell stories that the traditional publishing world isn’t ready to publish yet – stories with non-traditional characters and plotlines. My Montana Romance series involves four full-length novels and three novellas (so far!), and the fourth full-length novel is an m/m romance. No traditional publishing house would include an m/m romance in a mainstream series at this point in time.

10. What are you working on now?

I’ve been busy working on the second novella (fifth story overall) in my Montana Romance series, The Indomitable Eve. The heroine is Eve deLaurant, sister of Amelia Quinlan (who is the heroine of the second novel in the series, Fool For Love), and the hero is none other than Rev. Mark Andrews, who has been a minor character in all of the novels of the series. It was intended to be a holiday novella, but as I started writing it I realized the themes and issues involved (overcoming tragedy, being unable to reconcile with family after something horrible happens) are very heavy. I’ll still be releasing it around Christmas, and the story takes place at Christmas, but I’m not calling it a “holiday” novella now.

11. Are you a morning or night person?

I’m DEFINITELY a morning person! I get up at 5:30 every day. “Sleeping in” for me is 7:00! And I have a really hard time staying out past dark or staying awake after 9:30pm. Most nights you’ll find me in bed before 9:00 with a book.

12. What are your favorite hobbies?

I used to say that writing was my hobby, but now it’s my career! Nowadays I would say that my hobby is cricket. Yes, the sport that they play practically everywhere else in the world except for the US! I got involved with cricket in the Philadelphia area about four years ago and I love it with a passion. I took a scoring course offered out of England and all I need to do to become an international-level cricket scorer is to take the exam. I’m perfectly happy keeping my scoring talents with my team, though, the British Officers Cricket Club. I love the guys of BOCC so much that, well, let’s just say when I start writing a certain series set in the Regency on the high seas by the end of next year, the crew of the ship involved may just look familiar to people who know the cricketers I know.

13. Do you prefer eBooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I prefer eBooks. I honestly do! I know there is a strong element that says they will never trade in the feel of a paperback, but I love being able to hold my Kindle with one hand, to put it down without losing my place, and to buy books the moment the spirit moves me…which is a dangerous thing, now that I think about it!

14. List five adjectives to describe yourself.

Quirky, Brainy, Curious, Adventurous, Persistent

15. Where can readers stalk you?

http://merryfarmer.net

On Twitter – @MerryFarmer20

On Facebook –

On Goodreads –

V’s Spot wanted to give a huge thanks to Merry Farmer for taking the time to allow the readers insight into her personal life and personality. I think we all enjoy getting to know more about the authors who’s books we get lost in. I look forward to reading her novels.

Until next time……………keep reading!!!!

Question…….

November 24, 20131 Comment

What is your favorite genre to read?

Three Rules Blog Tour: Interview and Q&A of Author Marie Drake

November 24, 2013November 24, 2013Leave a comment

While stopping by V’s Spot on her Blog Tour, I was able to ask Marie a few questions for the readers. Check out the interview below.

Q&A with Marie Drake, author of Three Rules

1. What is your name?
Marie Drake

2. What is the name of the book or series youíre promoting?
Three Rules

3. Tell me how you came to love writing.

The first time I remember writing a story was in third grade. When the teacher handed it back to me, she said, “Very well done,” and discussed my story with me. I was hooked.

4. What other jobs have you done while working to become an author?

I worked in a motel for several years before I got married. I ran a home daycare for over ten years after I got married. My husband and I became foster parents because of an emergency within my own family, and once it was resolved we decided to continue to foster other children. We fostered fifteen children over a five year period. More often than not we were raising eight children at a time. Currently, I have a small home based online business. I design and sell crochet afghan patterns on my website.

5. Tell me about your book.

I thought about writing this book for years — the setting, the characters, and so forth. I didn’t have the time to actually put any of it on paper, however, until my kids grew a little older. The book takes place in a small, fictional town. It’s on a lake, like my own hometown. It isn’t anything too specific because it is centered on the main character’s feelings and state of mind more than the location. It is written from Hope’s perspective, the main character. She suffered years of abuse and never told anyone about it for fear that no one would believe her, and later that there would be repercussions within her nuclear family causing her mother and step father pain. She buried all the pain and anger inside, year after year. When her former abuser is pronounced dead in a mysterious boating accident but they don’t recover the body, it magnifies her feelings of paranoia and fear. She has recurring nightmares, and she thinks she sees him, feels him following her.

6. What kind of research did you do for the book?

Well, the story is based in a small town, on a lake, so I didn’t have to stretch my imagination very far on that. I drew on my own personal life experiences when describing the feelings and emotions of the main character. I survived some things in my childhood that scarred and changed who I was forever. It affected my outlook on life, on the world, and affected my decisions and the way I lived until I was nearly thirty years old. I often wonder how different I would be if they never happened. I have also been a care giver for children who had suffered abuse, which I can’t go into detail about for privacy reasons.

7. What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write?

I usually get up at 5:30 AM when my husband leaves for work and our four boys are getting ready for school. They are all out of the house by around 6:20, and I sit down with my coffee and write for a couple of hours before I have to start the regular day —answering emails and doing customer service for my online business, cooking, cleaning, laundry, taking care of our dog, Lady Jade. I sit at my desk in my office and write, usually in my pajamas, always with a cup of coffee. I find that is the best time for me. I have tried going back in the afternoons to write a little, but I think my best ideas come early in the morning.

8. What is the hardest part of writing for you?

The hardest part for me is letting others read what I write. Writing it is thrilling, exciting; I am passionate about it. It wasn’t until recently my husband convinced me I should let other people read it. To me, it is very personal. It is a piece of me, and when others read it, it doesn’t belong to just me anymore. Then it becomes a book, material for random people to pick over, piece apart, and find fault. Accepting criticism is a difficult task, but it is a necessity. I try to do so graciously, and use it constructively.

9.What’s the best thing about being an author?

I have found the best part of being an author is also letting others read what I wrote, when some one enjoys reading it — when somebody else shares the excitement I felt writing the book while they are reading it.

10. What advice would you give writers?

Don’t give up. Life gets in the way; it may slow you down but it can’t stop you if you keep moving toward your goals, even if it is an inch at a time. It can be challenging, but follow your dreams.

11. What question do you get asked the most, and how do you answer that question?

I think the question I get asked the most is “Was it worth it, spending all this time writing a book?” My answer is yes, to me it was worth every moment I spent at the keyboard. I know they are most often speaking financially. That is not how I measure my success. I feel accomplished and proud of finishing something that I set out to do. I feel the most reward when some one enjoys what I wrote.

12. What are you working on now?

I have started writing my next novel, tentatively called Don’t Cry For Me. It is another fiction novel that I hope to release in 2014.

You can read more about Marie Drake @ http://www.mariedrake.com or contact her @ mariedrake72@gmail.com

13. Where can readers stalk you?

Blog: mariedrake.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieDrake
Twitter: @MarieDrake72

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/MarieDrake
Amazon: amazon.com/author/mariedrake
Other: mariedrake.com