Friday 30 January 2015

Book Review of Franco's Fortune: Redemption Book 2 by Cara Marsi



Book Title: Franco's Fortune (Redemption Series #2)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 172
Author: Cara Marsi
Date Published: 28 February 2013


Synopsis:

"When a female bodyguard is hired to protect a rich playboy, she finds saving his life is easier than protecting her heart."

When the past and present collide...

Somebody wants rich playboy Franco Callahan dead. When security expert Josephine Fortune arrives on his doorstep thanks to his sister Doriana, Franco finds it hard to refuse. He's had a secret attraction for the diminutive bodyguard since they met at Doriana's wedding five years before.

But attraction is all it is. Combat boot-clad Jo is not the kind of woman Franco usually loves and leaves. Which makes the ruse that Jo is his new live-in girlfriend just that until Jo gets a makeover. Suddenly seduction is on his mind and Franco has all the time in the world to pursue it—and Jo.

Martial artist Jo can take down men twice her size without blinking, but Franco's appeal outmaneuvers her emotional defenses. Jo's tough exterior hides a dark past, and Franco seems determined to learn her every secret. But he has secrets of his own.

The more Franco gets to know Jo, the more he realizes he needs her in his life, and not as his bodyguard. But as the threats to Franco escalate, Jo must use every one of her combat skills to protect him.

Can Jo keep both Franco and her heart safe, or will they pay the ultimate price for love?

Review:


Franco's Fortune (Redemption #2)Franco's Fortune by Cara Marsi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Redemption series. I really enjoyed it.

Franco Callahan is a fantastic character. I first met him in the first book of the series, Logan's Redemption, but he only had a cameo appearance in it; he was only in a couple of scenes. I was glad of the opportunity to get to know him better. He is a playboy, but only on the surface. Underneath this facade, he is a very serious and determined man, with a surprising gentleness which made me melt. He has now taken over the family business, but a threat against his life has him scared. That is, until Jo Fortune stepped into his life. Now he's afraid of losing his heart.

Josephine (Jo) Fortune is also a fantastic character. I really liked her; she is very capable and determined, and is dangerous in her own way. Again, this is another character which made a cameo appearance in the first book. Jo is more comfortable in her fatigues and combat boots, but to keep her boss's brother-in-law safe, she will have to step out of her comfort zone. Falling for her charge is not in the plan, but as she gets to know him better, she finds herself more and more attracted to him. However, Jo has not had a happy childhood and an event in her past threatens to drive her into running away before her heart gets broken by the sexy playboy.

I started to read this story and was quickly swept into it. The story is told from the points of view of both Franco and Jo. I am a sucker for romance novels with a bit of mystery, intrigue and danger in them; this book has it in spades. The action and danger begins almost straight away and grabbed my attention. The mystery and suspense surrounding the threats to Franco's life kept me wondering. There are several twists and turns, as well as red herrings, which kept me guessing right up until the end. I loved the way the characters interacted; Franco's arrogance and Jo's stubbornness kept each other in a pressure cooker filled with passion. When it erupts, both of them are scorched. There are some other characters in the story, but they somehow feel like background extra's, with very little character development. But, we do get to meet Franco and Doriana's cousin Anita again, and Harris, Jo's partner and friend. We also get to meet Detective Dave Morelli, who is in charge of the investigation into the attempts on Franco's life. Again, this is a rather formulaic romance and similar to many other romance novels I have read over the years, but I really did enjoy it from beginning to end. I am now looking forward to reading Luke's Temptation as soon as possible.

Cara Marsi has written a wonderful contemporary romance. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. Her characters are not perfect and have flaws, but this makes them seem more realistic and alive in my opinion. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

Due to scenes that are a little explicit in nature (although not as explicit as some books I have read), I do not recommend this book for readers under the age of 16. However, I highly recommend this book if you love steamy contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton

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About the Author:



Cara Marsi, an award-winning author and self-proclaimed TV junkie, is a former corporate drone and cubicle dweller. Freed from her fabric-covered cage, she can now indulge her love of all things romance. She craves books with happy endings and loves to write about independent heroines and the strong heroes who love them. And she loves to put her characters in dangerous situations or situations merely dangerous to their hearts and watch them fight for the happy endings they deserve.

An eclectic author, Cara is published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. She's also published numerous short romance stories in national women's magazines and online. When not traveling or dreaming of traveling, Cara and her husband live on the East Coast in a house ruled by their fat black diva of a cat named Killer.

Author Links:





Wednesday 28 January 2015

Book Review of Craved by an Alpha (Eternal Mates Paranormal Romance Series Book 5) by Felicity Heaton



Book Title: Craved by an Alpha (Eternal Mates #5)
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Pages: 163
Author: Felicity Heaton
Date Published: 27 January 2015


Synopsis:

Having turned his back on his snow leopard pride, Cavanaugh has been counting the days until he’s free of a role he never wanted—one that separated him from his fated female and stands between him and the future he craves with her.

Just days from the night he will finally be free to be with the low-ranking beauty who stole his heart, she walks back into his life and threatens to destroy everything he’s worked towards in the five long years they've been apart.

Eloise has travelled across continents searching for the male who was once her best friend and so much more to her, but was now her pride’s true alpha. Desperate to fulfil a promise to her kin to save them from the tyrant he left in charge, she convinces Cavanaugh to return to his pride, but as they journey to Bhutan, doubts bloom and old feelings resurface, tearing her between duty and her deepest desires and impossible dreams.

Will Eloise be able to resist the burning need that Cavanaugh reignites in her and remember her place in the pride? And can Cavanaugh find a way to save his kin and claim the future he craves with the woman he loves?

Review:


Craved by an Alpha (Eternal Mates, #5)Craved by an Alpha by Felicity Heaton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Eternal Mates Series. I loved it!

Cavanaugh is a fantastic character. I was intrigued by him when he was first introduced in Kyter and Iolanthe's story, Hunted by a Jaguar. It has been a pleasure getting to know him better. He is a snow leopard shifter, who has left his pride and his responsibilities as pride Alpha, so that he could be with the woman he knows to be his fated female. When Eloise unexpectedly turns up in Kyter's bar, Underworld, Cavanaugh finds himself facing a difficult decision.

Eloise is also a fantastic character. I liked her very much. She is also a snow leopard shifter and has travelled a long way to find Cavanaugh and bring him back to the pride. Can she convince Cavanaugh to take back the title of pride Alpha in time?

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book, as I have come to love this series. I started to read the story and was quickly pulled in, and didn't put the book down until I had finished.

The story is told through the points of view of both Cavanaugh and Eloise, which gives the reader a chance to see their thoughts and feelings. The story is very well told and the descriptions of people and places brought the tale to life. However, I don't know why, but I found the fight scenes not as vibrant or as exciting as they would normally be. The author is usually very good at describing battle scenes, but I felt there was something lacking in the action on the main fight scene. However, I think it's because it was only a fight and not an all out war that made me feel a bit short changed; I'm used to epic battles in this series! That being said, the story was full of the usual heat and passion I have come to expect from the characters in this series. I'm surprised that the snow didn't melt due to the heat generated by them!

This story had a gentler romance arc compared to the other books in the series, as Eloise is more subservient in demeanor (that is, unless she forgets herself and speaks her mind), due to her belief that this is how a lower-ranked female should behave towards her Alpha. Cavanaugh, on the other hand, wants an equal to be by his side, but he is too scared to push Eloise due to the trauma she faced at the hands of the stand-in Alpha. I think he underestimates her inner strength; I wanted to egg him on to push her into standing up to him more.

I reached the end of the book and gave a huge sigh of satisfaction. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Bitten by a Hellcat, as soon as possible.

Felicity Heaton has written another fast paced, sexy paranormal romance that I thoroughly enjoyed! I love her writing style, which flows effortlessly from scene to scene. She is number one on my favourite authors list!

I do not recommend this book to younger readers due to the extremely HOT and explicit sexual scenes. However, I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love sexy paranormal romances full of vampires, elves, werewolves, cat shifters, succubi, incubi, angels, dragons and demons. - Lynn Worton

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Tuesday 27 January 2015

Release Day Blitz Tour: Billionaire Untamed by J.S. Scott (Adult 18+)


Synopsis:

Lara Bailey isn't in Rocky Springs for the hot springs, the resort activities or the fabulous skiing.  She has come to Colorado for one reason and one reason only: to find and get close to Marcus Colter, the eldest Colter brother.  Unfortunately, trouble finds her in the form of Tate Colter rather than Marcus. The youngest Colter brother is arrogant, cocky, smart, and tenacious in his attempts to find out why she wants to find Marcus even though she's never met him. Lara isn't willing to divulge that information, and Tate is determined to uncover her motives.  It makes Tate one hot, wickedly sexy, adorably dimpled, alpha male pain in her backside.

Lara is really confused when Tate helps her out of a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. It leaves Lara wondering if he really is the cocky, arrogant jerk that he pretends to be, or if there isn't much more to Tate Colter than she'd initially thought.  

Tate Colter wants Lara Bailey in his bed...badly.  When she completely blows him off and ignores him when they meet, he's even more determined to find out her secrets and get her to submit to the molten desire that radiates between the two of them. The fact that she's one tough female, a woman who can give back exactly what he dishes out, makes her even more intriguing to him. 

Sparks fly as Tate and Lara become involved in a battle of wits and wills that will ignite flames of passion and desire like neither one of them have ever experienced.  But when deception is discovered and a betrayal takes place, can these two adversaries who are so much alike work together without letting the white-hot passion burning between them incinerate them both?

    
 
Purchase Links

 Other books in the series
Mine For Tonight 



FREE

The Billionaire's Obsession (Complete Collection) 
99C/77P


This complete collection of The Billionaire's Obsession includes:
Mine For Tonight
Mine For Now
Mine Forever
Mine Completely

Heart Of The Billionaire (Book Two)



The Billionaire Salvation (Book Three)




The Billionaire's Game (Book Four)



     Billionaire Undone - Book Five






If you want to try the prequel first you can check out Jason and Hope in this short read
FREE
Google Play http://bit.ly/1nzq7qI

Billionaire Unmasked - Book Six



Book Synopsis 

 Jason Sutherland is a billionaire investor who has it all: good looks, billions of dollars, and every expensive toy a man could ever want. What he doesn’t have is the one thing he wants the most: Hope Sinclair. Unfortunately Hope, the little sister of his best friend, was off limits. But when he finds out that she’s getting married, he decides that he’s staking his claim before it’s too late, and it will take more than a little deception and risk to accomplish his goal. Hope could end up hating his guts, but after spending one forbidden night with her that he can’t forget, he knows he has to try to make her his forever.

Hope Sinclair was born into money, but being rich has never made her happy. The one thing she wants is a man to care about her and not her bank account. The closest thing she’s ever found to real happiness was the magical, passionate night she’d spent in the arms of Jason Sutherland…until that night turned into heartbreak. So when he unexpectedly comes back into her life in the strangest of ways, Hope is determined to resist her attraction to him.

Thrown together by Jason’s deception and with their passion still burning hot, can the two of them survive after the billionaire is unmasked?

18+ only. Not suitable for children and teens under 18.


Google Play http://bit.ly/1sR0PvA




About The Author


J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary erotic romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way!

Please visit me at:  Facebook  Amazon 
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http://eepurl.com/KhsSD

A few interesting facts about Author J.S. Scott
Author J.S.Scott trained and worked for years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist before becoming an Author.
She self published in April 2012 with no experience at all. “I put together my own bad covers and edited the stories myself. (Big mistake!) I used KDP Select when I first started and offered up the stories for free, alternating the freebies. To my surprise… I actually started selling some books.”  Then she really hit it when she started working on a serial romance trilogy that readers started to follow enthusiastically — The Billionaire’s Obsession, which she eventually packaged into a “complete set” last February, selling the lot for one very low price. “I was lucky enough to have the book sell very well… well enough to hit the USA Today and NYT Bestsellers. Since then, I’ve written complete novels that have also done well.”
All the books that she writes almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way!

Sunday 25 January 2015

Book Review of Surrender (Surrender Trilogy Book 1) by Jennifer Burrows



Book Title: Surrender (Surrender Trilogy #1)
Genre: Romantic Thriller/Suspense
Pages: 312
Author: Jennifer Burrows
Date Published: 28 July 2014

Synopsis:

Katherine Anderson was living a dream life. She came from an influential family, had a successful career as a food critic, and was about to marry the man of her dreams. Her life suddenly takes a change for the worse when she finds her fiancé in the arms of another woman. Her dream wedding now cancelled, she tries to find herself in Italy, on a trip she was supposed to be taking with her new husband.

Massimo "Tony" Bertalucci has had his life destroyed by a cartel known to be trafficking black market olive oil out of Italy and around the world. While the cartel thought the entire Bertalucci family was dead and buried, Tony remains very much alive and determined to find a way to get his life back.

When Tony and Katherine’s worlds collide, she becomes Tony’s only hope of escaping Italy alive. What Katherine doesn’t realize is that this charming, unassuming Italian man is using her to save his own life. Will she be able to get back to the states safely, or will she be subjected to the same fate as Tony's family? Will Tony find a way to stop running? Or will he have to surrender his life to the cartel?

Review:


Surrender (Surrender Trilogy, #1)Surrender by Jennifer Burrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was sent a book recommendation by a friend for this book. I read the blurb and became intrigued, so I decided to give this book a go. I am glad I did, because I loved it!

Katherine Anderson is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is a food critic, with the power to make or break a restaurant or café. After coming home early and finding her fiancé in a compromising position, she decides to take the honeymoon trip to Italy in an attempt to figure out what to do. Meeting a charming Italian man wasn’t part of her plans, but Tony Bertalucci is unlike any other man she has met.

Massimo “Tony Lupito” Bertalucci is also a wonderful character. I liked this charismatic and charming man. His family has been involved in the production of olive oil for several generations, but after an attack by a black market cartel that left his family dead and him running scared, he sees Katherine as his salvation.

I started to read this story and found it to be an exciting and thrilling read, which hooked me from the first page. I could fully picture the story in my own mind with clarity, due to the descriptive writing of the author. I have never been to Italy, but the way it is described, especially the city of Florence, I felt like I was there. But, the descriptions also made me feel sad that I really wasn’t! I am seriously considering visiting Italy for real.

The story is told through not only Katherine’s and Tony’s points of view, but also through the eyes of an American FDA agent, Special Agent Daniel Thompson. I liked this agent, as he is dedicated and seems to be honourable. He and his Italian compatriot, Agent Andreo Manchetti are investigating the cartel and the connection to the Bertalucci family. The story is full of twists and turns, and has a villain that chilled my blood! He is completely psychotic, and his identity is a total shock! The feeling of terror, paranoia and disbelief that Tony feels is palpable and had me jumping at perfectly normal noises at home. It also had me feeling sorry for Katherine, as she had no idea through most of the story about the danger following Tony. But, once she is involved, I was completely in awe of her level head and inner strength. I am not sure if I would be so calm in a similar situation, but I suppose since her life had already imploded, she just took it in her stride. I did find myself in tears several times throughout the story, so a tissue may be required. I reached the end of the story and nearly screamed out loud in surprise, because there is a huge twist. I couldn’t wait to see what happens next, so I have downloaded Shattered, the next book in the trilogy, and I hope to start reading it as soon as possible.

Jennifer Burrows has written a fantastic, intense and suspenseful thriller. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow of the story is wonderful. I am definitely planning on reading more books by this author in the future.

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are a little on the explicit side, as well as scenes of violence, I do not recommend this book for younger readers or those of a sensitive nature. However, I highly recommend this book to readers who love romantic thrillers, mysteries or suspense novels. – Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


           

About The Author:



Jennifer Burrows released her debut book A Shot in the Dark July, 2013. Recently she has released the sequel Into the Light and currently working on her third book Surrender.

Jennifer is a retired Registered Nurse who holds a Master's degree in Nursing Administration. Emergency room nursing is her passion. She enjoys going to the gym, traveling, snowboarding, scuba diving, hiking, and camping. In her free time, Jennifer is an avid reader who loves to talk about stories with her best friend.


Jennifer currently resides in Southern California with her husband and their three amazing boys, two dogs, too many fish to count, and a desert tortoise.

Author Links:




Thursday 22 January 2015

Release Day Blitz: Possession (Club X3) by K.M. Scott (Adult 18+)

Possession RD

Possession (Club X3)

K.M. Scott

Possession

About the Book

Kane Jackson, the ruler of the fantasy section of Club X, has always been different from his brothers. The bastard son of Cassian March III, he grew up without the money and privilege Cassian and Stefan enjoyed from the March name, instead only knowing his father as the man who abandoned him and seeing himself as unloved and unwanted. He let love in once and like everything else in his life, all that came from it was pain. His heart hidden behind the walls he's built since then, Kane is now just the dark figure who rules over the fantasies of others but has none himself.
Abbi Linde can't seem to get a break. Too many bad men and bad choices have left her bruised and broken, but the opportunity to dance at Club X could change everything. For the first time, she might be able to make a life for herself and find the happiness she longs for. After what feels like a lifetime of heartbreak, Abbi still believes one day her dreams will come true and she'll find the love that's eluded her.
Even the darkest heart craves the light, but will the darkness be too much for love to overcome with these two souls?

Watch the fan made trailer

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Possession Teaser 01
Possession 4


Possession 5

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More Book By Author

Club X Series

Club X Series

Watch the fan made trailer for Temptation (Club X 1)

Temptation (Club X1) ---> https://vimeo.com/99169807

Surrender (Club X2) ----> http://vimeo.com/109055074

 

Purchase Temptation (Club X 1)

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Purchase Surrender (Club X 2)

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Heart of Stone Series

heart of stone reading order

Watch the fan made trailers for the Heart of Stone Series

Crash Into Me: Book 1 ---> http://vimeo.com/88279178

Fall Into Me: Book 2 -----> http://vimeo.com/88404254

Give In To Me: Book 3 -->http://vimeo.com/m/84985264

Ever After: Book 3.5 -----> https://vimeo.com/92669319

 

Purchase Heart of Stone Box Set

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About the Author

KM Scott
A resident of Scranton, PA. K.M. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller of contemporary romance stories. A writer for all her life, she finally decided to take the plunge and seek publication in 2011. Under her Gabrielle Bisset pseudonym, she writes erotic paranormal and historical romance, but in 2013 she decided to branch off into contemporary romance.
Loving what she does, her contemporary romances are filled with steamy sex, great dialogue, and happily ever afters that stay with the reader long after they finish her books.

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Wednesday 21 January 2015

Release Day Blitz: Why Me? by T. Renee Fike



Jordyn Stevens, an independent woman, has managed to keep her head down and get through high school. She's seen the good and ugly in people and prefers to rely only on herself. Hoping that college will be different, she opens up to her roommate Candace and her best friend, Chase. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Jordyn finds herself in the crosshairs of someone who would rather make her life a living hell.

Wanting to help and protect Jordyn, Candace enlists the help of her sexy football star brother Avery, who is also one to keep people at bay. Brought together by a common bond, neither expects to develop feelings for one another. However, a simple friendship doesn't work out as planned. When tragedy strickes and miscommunication occurs, Jordyn and Avery are lead down a dark and dreary path that she is all too familiar with.

Will Avery be able to make her see that things aren't always what they seem?

Will Jordyn be able to survive or will her WHY ME mentality destroy her?


“Jordyn, do you want to be with someone?” he asks changing his tone.


“Maybe.”


“Maybe?  What do you mean maybe?”


“I’m good with just me.”


“But you can’t tell me you don’t get lonely.”


“Sure, everyone does.  But I don’t think I can really put myself out there.”


“You should try.”


“Why?”


“Because then maybe Ryder would let you alone.  Oh, oh better yet, date Avery,” he says like it’s the most amazing thing ever.


“What?  No, I’m not dating Avery.”


“That sounds like a great idea Chase,” Avery says, as he enters our room.


“What?” I shriek.


“Just think about it, Ryder would let you alone because he and I are friends, so it would make you off limits,” Avery says like it’s nothing.


“See, told you,” Chase laughs.


“No, that’s ridiculous and don’t you have a girlfriend?”


“When have you known me to have a girlfriend?” he asks with a look.


“I don’t know.  Well, why don’t you have a girlfriend then?” I ask confused.


“I’m about to.”

T. Renee Fike was born and raised in Pennsylvania. When she's not writing, she's either working a full-time day job, or pursuing her Master's degree. Aside from work and school, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading a good book, watching football, (GO EAGLES) or hanging out with her nieces and nephew.

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