Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Favorite Books of 2014

It's been a great year for writing and for reading. I've enjoyed many books over the course of the last 12 months and I know there are more precious gems wanting to be gobbled up by me in 2015. All my favorite authors have something new coming out. Yippee!!

Since I read so many genres, I'm going to break this out by genre. First up is my original romance love.. historical.

There were so many to simply read, so many to devour, and so many to love. For 2015 my favorite is:

Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah Maclean: Read my review here

Between The Devil and Ian Eversea by Julie Anne Long: Read my review here

Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran: Read my review here

Vixen in Velvet by Loretta Chase: Read my review here

The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan




Contemporary-- I love a good contemporary, but at times it's difficult to find one that breaks the mold
and explores tropes in different ways. There's so much of the same story out there, some done better than others. These are the few that really caught my eye and latched onto my memory.

Roulette by Megan Mulry: Read my review here

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James: Read my review here

The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild by Maya Rodale: Read my review here

The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale: Read my review here




Erotic - Technically most erotic I read is contemporary, but I believe all erotic falls into a separate category from other books I read. Because let's face it, erotic has more steam then a typical contemporary. I've had my boundaries pushed more in erotic books than any other genre... take note authors.

The Saint by Tiffany Reisz

Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz: Read my review here

Bound to be a Groom by Megan Mulry






New Adult- I don't read a lot of this genre...yet. What I do read tends to be hit or miss, but I've found
several authors I don't mind diving into. Also both the books I've listed did something unique. In A Little Too Hot there was a surprise to end all surprises. The author caught me completely off guard and pulled a giant whammy that worked in all the right ways.
Beverley Kendall took the unplanned pregnancy trope to new and exciting heights. I wasn't throw off the heroines, like I am in so many pregnancy books and there's something to be said for an author tackling a difficult trope like this and making it fresh.

A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

Trapped by Beverley Kendall




Finally my favorite book. The book to make me scream from the rafters is duh duh duh....

The Kraken King by Meljean Brook

This was a serial novel that had me on tenterhooks, made me weep, hurrah, and pound my fists in fury as I anxiously waiting new pieces of it to come out. I devoured this book, spent far to many hours exulting it to fellow readers and begging everyone to buy the damn thing. Officially the hero, Ariq, is the my book boyfriend to end all book boyfriends. I've said this to the author as well, who I had the distinct pleasure of meeting at RT 2014 in New Orleans.
The book is steam punk and if you've never given the genre a chance I highly encourage it. You can't go wrong with Meljean Brook. She provides adventure, romance, and action in such wonderful doses. Also, you can buy the whole thing in one package now. :D




I can't for more wonderful books to read in 2015. In fact, I've already read a few and so far I'm impressed. There's going to be a lot of good books coming readers. So prep those bank accounts. Here's to hoping I can read as many books next year as I did this one.




Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Inteviews with Victoria: Sam from Sam's Temptation by V.S. Morgan


Victoria: I'm happy to welcome Sam, from Sam's Temptation to the blog today. I plan on asking him a bunch of embarrassing questions. Let's start with my first, would you rather be caught with your pants around your ankles or tied naked to a pole?

Sam: I’d have to say caught with my pants around my ankles because at least I’d be somewhat mobile. If I was tied naked to a pole, with my luck my brother Nate would find me and dump honey on me to attract wildlife.

Victoria: Are you a love at first sight or love is for suckers type of person?

Sam: I became a love is for suckers type after my ex Veronica. So being on my own suits me just fine.

Victoria: When I say the word 'masticle' what do you think it means?

Sam: I have no clue, but Nate is looking over my shoulder and cracking up. So it’s sexual, right?

Victoria: I'll never tell. *winks* What's the kinkiest thing sexually you've ever done?

Sam: Okay, now Nate is really busting a gut. He doesn’t believe I’ve ever done anything kinky but he doesn’t know about the sexy time I had with my first college girlfriend in a department store changing room.
No, Nate, I’m not making that up….

Victoria: Tell readers in 1 sentence why your book is what they need?

Sam: If you enjoy food, family, sassy chefs, and ranches this book’s for you.  Oh, and Nate says sexy cowboys are in it too.

Victoria: Thank you Sam for swinging by. Now for all you readers here's some more about the book and a giveaway! 

Blurb: On a working vacation in Montana, Chef Gabi Inez’s schedule allows her to enjoy planned activities and hangout with her cousin and his new family. She’s not looking for love, but spending time with a hunky cowboy sounds perfect. Gabi works hard, but every girl needs some fun. What if flirting leads to something more?

Sam Malone is the brains behind Blackbird, a guest and working ranch. Since his parents’ death, his sole purpose has been family and the ranch’s survival. Burned by love in the past, he avoids the distraction that comes with beautiful women. But what’s a cowboy to do when a sweet and sassy chef gets under his skin, only to be told by her overprotective cousin she’s off limits?

Where to buy: Amazon ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

Giveaway: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Author: V.S. Morgan has lived all over the US but calls Minnesota her home now. Her family includes her hubby, son, and a menagerie of pets.

She's been writing stories since she could hold a pencil and dreams of happily ever afters - even for two hot men - because love knows no boundaries. V.S. writes MC/IR contemporary, paranormal, and suspense m/f and m/m with heart. 

V.S. is a GLBT ally and a lifetime contributor of The Trevor Project.

Author Links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Review: Hers to Own by Anne Lange

Genre: Erotic Romance

Review: A book with tons of potential and sexy romance. 

Let's start off with saying I really enjoy stories where a woman discovers herself and if she does it through the magic of BDSM then even better. I write and read a lot of the genre and I went into this book with pretty high expectations. 

As for characters Kade and Brienna are prime for some light bondage. Kade likes mixing things up in the bedroom and Brienna is still coming to terms with her body. Thankfully our hero loves her body and he wants to prove to Brienna that's she's every man's dream. After some coaxing, which may or may not include a few sexually exciting moments, our heroine agrees to give Kade a chance to show her how beautiful she is. 

Our hero is hot, successful, and a co-owner of a BDSM club called The Vault, The club itself is a character and as for showing off, The Vault does that very well. The author also laid the pipeline for a couple future stories. Lange's not only focusing on Kade and his brothers, but also the Doms and other participants in the club. This is a series with plenty of room to grow. Also, Lange grabbed my attention with other characters and sparked interest, too bad the villian didn't turn out as wicked as I hoped. 

Back to Kade, I liked him. He and Brienna do well together. I also enjoyed the dynamics that played inside and outside the bedroom. What through me in the story is how a lot of external conflict comes from lack of communication, and at times I wondered why Kade wasn't more open with the heroine. Regardless there's a good mix of external with internal conflict, but at times the story read a bit stilted, like the characters were on the verge of breaking through some walls, but maybe the route was a little too easy for them. 

Overall, the plot had me shaking my fist and evoked plenty of emotion. The setting is a small town which is interesting for a BDSM-themed series. It's new and fresh for sure. As for bedroom romps and scene-ing there's plenty of it. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 

Blurb: He’ll teach her to love her body…one spanking at a time.
Brienna Morgan has worked hard to look good. Ten years ago she stuck to the shadows, watching the popular kids, wishing she could be one of them. But when they weren’t calling her cruel names, nobody noticed the smart overweight girl with the glasses.
So when she braves her high school reunion and runs into Kade McBride, the boy she loved from afar, the last thing she wants is for him to remember her. It’s bad enough she still sees that girl every time she looks in the mirror. But Kade does remember—and he makes it impossible for Brie to refuse to go out with him. She’s not convinced it’s a good idea, but she can’t pass up the opportunity to be part of the in crowd.
Kade had no desire to go to his high school reunion. As far as he’s concerned, he’d rather forget those days. Especially the day he screwed up and left his best friend to pay the ultimate price. But when he sees the gorgeous woman enter the gym, he’s immediately drawn to her. Regardless of her claims that she’s not the girl he thinks he remembers, Kade realizes maybe he’s been given a second chance to right at least one wrong from his past. And he’s determined not to throw this opportunity away, even if he has to tie Brienna to a spanking bench to prove his point.
Buy Links: Amazon ~ Kobo ~ AllRomanceEbooks 

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Cover Reveal: Revival by M.K. Gilher

Blurb:
Your past only defines your future if you let it.

Ivy Summers is used to hiding her emotions, flaws, and almost all of her grim past. The past that no matter how much she tries, is bonded to her forever. Life has not been kind to her, and waiting for a better future has brought her to the breaking point.

It's when she meets Dr. Jacade Jordan, the new plastic surgeon with a bad boy attitude, that her entire universe spins in a direction she never knew existed. The force she feels towards him is undeniable.

No man has ever made her feel the way Jacade makes her feel, and no matter how hard she tries, she will not be able to stay away from him. The sparks he ignites inside her prove that she will never be the same, regardless of the numerous dark secrets that lie between them.

So, if logic tells us that our past controls our future, and our past is filled with heartbreak, is it possible to change your future? As Ivy and Jacade find out, your past is only in control of your future if you let it.

**For mature adults only**

Where to buy: Amazon


Author Bio:
I currently live in the Chicagoland area with my family and friends. I have been influenced by such greats as Danielle Steele and A.N. Roquelaure, which lead me towards the romantic genre. My first book Revival, Book One of the Return To Us trilogy, centers around two healthcare professionals with dark pasts, but hope for brighter futures. I feel the success of Revival is due to my own experiences working in healthcare that are weaved throughout the story. These first hand experiences along with imagination allowed me to craft a truly memorable narrative.

Writing has always been in my blood; in fifth grade and high school, I won national poetry contests. I grew up seeing my mother fall in love with romance stories, I knew I had to get my own story out. Although I hold degrees that are unrelated to writing, it is an undeniable part of my personality and one that emerges with Revival, my debut in the world of fiction. With compelling characters, sophisticated plot lines, and touching dialogue, Revival sets the stage for a complex yet relatable play that winds its way throughout the Return To Us trilogy.

When I am not writing, I enjoy volunteering, gardening, and spending time with my family. I attribute all of my success to my parents, friends, and family, who have supported me throughout my career.



Friday, December 19, 2014

Release Day: No Angel by Pippa Jay

Blurb:
How far would you fall for love?

Centuries ago, guardian angel Lucien committed a terrible sin. He gave into his own desires and revealed himself to the mortal woman he'd been charged to protect. By kissing her, he condemned himself. Torn of his wings and his angelic powers, thrown down into the City Below, Lucien now serves Satan as an incubus who claims souls for his master from the City Above, and who feeds on the energy stolen from his mortal lovers. Dark, sexy and charming, he's been top of his league for decades uncounted.

Until His Infernal Highness decides to send Lucien looking for a lost angel. Lucien has no idea what he did to deserve such a punishment, and the touch of an angel could destroy him. Yet the challenge and the potential kudos of seducing one of his former heavenly kin leads him on.

But when he finds the angel, he learns he still has more to lose than his already forsaken soul.


Please add it to your Goodreads shelf HERE, or sign up HERE for Pippa's no-spam newsletter for special previews on cover reveals, new releases, the latest giveaways and discounts, and upcoming news.


After spending twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals
laboratory, Pippa Jay is now a stay-at-home mum who writes scifi and the supernatural. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment playing guitar very badly, punishing herself with freestyle street dance, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in the historical town of Colchester in the UK with her husband of 21 years and three little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.

Pippa Jay is a dedicated member of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade, blogging at Spacefreighters LoungeAdventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include a YA science fiction novel—Gethyon—published through BURST (Champagne Books), a scifi romance novella—Tethered—published by Breathless Press, a YA paranormal romance—Restless In Peaceville—published by Lycaon Press, four self-published short stories (Terms & Conditions ApplyThe Bones of the SeaReboot and Hallows Eve), and she’s one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She’s also a double SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3rd place), and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2nd place).
You can stalk her at her website, or at her blog, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.
You can also find her on FacebookPinterestGoogle+, and Wattpad

Thursday, December 18, 2014

New Release: The Love Commission by Vicki Ballante

Blurb:
Gelsey is a savannah sprite—a fairy in Africa who works to preserve the earth. She’s a pro at eco-balance, but when the fairy queen gives her a commission to become a human to learn the meaning of love, she’s miserable. She has to give it her best as it’s the only way to get her dream job—to save the African Wild Cat.


After a short time in her new life, Gelsey is swept into the world of Evan’s love. Now, she must make an impossible choice—give up her life with the man who owns her heart or lose her fairyhood forever.


Giveaway: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author: I write spicy novels sprinkled with love. I'm a sentimental romantic with a naughty streak. There's nothing more fun than writing a sex scene sprinkled with lots of romance. I love reality TV programs like Masterchef and trying new recipes. I enjoy sunny days and seaside holidays. My dream is to swim with dolphins. 

Visit Vicki: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

New Release: Saving Sultan By Jennah Scott

A new book from Decadent Publishing's Beyond Fairytales line...

Blurb: Dillon Sultan never imagined he might some day lose Sultan Ranch. He’s got one month to find the money needed to keep bank from taking his family’s land. One month to find a miracle.

Liam Callahan hasn’t talked to his best friend since the night they kissed six years ago. Now he’s got a chance to make things right and catch the man of his dreams. But first, he has to help Dillon figure out a way to keep Sultan Ranch.

But when Dillon’s family is betrayed, and he learns that Liam hasn’t been totally honest with him, will he lose everything that matters most?


Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: Born and raised in Texas, Jennah is a transplant to Missouri long enough ago she should probably consider that her hometown. But she will forever be a Texan. She loves to write any story that will make a reader smile, laugh, and maybe even cry (although you won't ever hear her admit that she cries). Whether the next story she writes is contemporary, urban fantasy, LGBT, or whatever other crazy idea she comes up with, there will always be love and romance in the midst of trials and turmoil.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Who's afraid of a big, bad Wolf?

Blurb:
She’s a bad girlfriend.
Nothing Xio Davis does is right. When she abandons her pack, riding out of
town on the back of a stranger’s motorcycle, she finds she’s bitten off
more than she can chew. First, it’s small-time crimes, then bank robbery.
As Xio sinks into the criminal underworld, the FBI catches up with her.
Now, she’s got one way out: snitch.
When Xio turns state's evidence against a Mexican drug lord, Agent Marcus
Cazador steps up to take her home, giving up his career, his place in the
El Paso pack, and all he knows to protect her.
Xio claims she’s not the same wolf who left ten years before, but can she
convince Marcus she’s changed her wicked ways? Or will the Black Hills be
the end of the road on her long journey to redemption?


Pre-Order on Amazon ~ Releases on January 23rd, 2015

About Author: 
D. L. Jackson is a writer of urban fantasy, science fiction, military romance and erotic romance. She loves to incorporate crazy plot twists, comedy and the unexpected into her worlds. As a U.S. Army veteran, she naturally adores men in uniform and feels the world could always use more. She does her part by incorporating as many sexy soldiers in her novels as she can. When she isn't writing or running the roads, you can often find her online chatting with her peers and readers. Grab a cup of iced coffee, pull up your virtual chair and say hi. She loves emails and blog visits from her readers.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Release Day: Eggnog Kisses by Mirielle Chester



Eggnog Kisses Blurb:

It’s been six months since Kaley’s fiancé called things off, disappearing with barely an explanation, and the thought of spending Christmas alone is causing feelings of hurt and loneliness to ruin her holiday cheer. Tall, dark, quiet, and ever the gentleman, her next door neighbor has been sneaking into her thoughts more often than not lately. When she decides to ask him to go to a Christmas party on a spur of the moment whim, she has no idea she’s about to unleash a whole new dimension on her usually normal life. 

Born in Quelondain, Sean is no stranger to a broken heart. Though it’s been years since the one he loved fated to his best friend, the ache is still present and crossing over to the other world hasn’t helped like he’d hoped it would. When Kaley asks him to accompany her to a Christmas party his gut tells him to stay away.  It’s not that he isn’t attracted or tempted, but how is he supposed to explain his past and what he is.  Of course, it’s just one evening, right?  What could possibly happen in one night?

Two broken hearts…

Two worlds…

One fate…

Excerpt:

She managed to get into her apartment while keeping a curious JJ from escaping.  The fluffy white cat purred and rubbed himself against her ankles.

“Hey, bud.  Did you miss me?”  Kaley went to the cupboard and pulled out a few Whiskas treats for him.  She looked around her small apartment and suddenly, she didn’t want to be there alone.  “I’ll be right back.”

She didn’t bother putting on shoes before closing her door behind her.  Sean answered his door and smiled at the sight of her.

“What can I do for you, neighbor?”

“I…”  This was stupid. 

 “So, what brings you over here?”

“I just…”  Kaley’s good mood vanished.

His smile softened.  “First Christmas since Gale left?”

She took a deep breath and blew it out of her nose.  “It’s stupid, I know.”

Sean shook his head.  “Not at all.  I know the feeling.  I wasn’t engaged, mind you, but my first holiday after my girlfriend left I was a wreck.  We’d been together four years.”

“I’m sorry.”  She looked at the ground.  “What happened?”

He cocked his head to the side.  “I was just about to have a rum and eggnog.  Want one?”

She was tempted to turn him down, but curiosity got the better of her.  “Sure.”

He held the door opened wider so she could get in and directed her to the couch.  “It was your typical breakup.  We were young and life had other plans for us.”

She watched as he mixed the drinks and brought them over.  “Thanks.”  She took a sip and he took a long swallow of his drink.  “Anyway, it wrecked me when she left.”

“What did you do?”

“I moved here.”  He smiled.

Kaley frowned.  “That worked?  It helped?”

“Not even a little bit.  The only thing that helps is time.”

She couldn’t help the depressed look that took over her face.  “Five years, eh?”

Sean laughed.  “It’s been that long, but it didn’t take that long.  I’ve had a few other girlfriends since, I just haven’t found anyone else I want to settle down with, that’s all.”  He raised an eyebrow at her glass.  “Want another one?”

“Please.”

“So where’s your party at tonight?”

“Mel’s boss is throwing a bash for their office. He rented the Rex Hall.”

“Cool.”

Kaley noticed him glancing at the clock on the wall.  “Do you have something to do?”  She turned toward the door as someone unlocked it from the outside and he stood.

“Sean!”  The dark haired woman dropped her duffle bag and ran into his open arms.  Kaley watched dumbfounded as he hugged her close.  He had a girlfriend.

“I was getting worried.”  He took her coat from her and hung it up.

“My bus was delayed.  There was a crash on the highway and we got caught behind all the traffic.  I don’t think it was too bad.  I mean, there were ambulances and stuff, but the cars looked to be in not bad shape when we were finally able to go by.”

“And you didn’t think to phone?”

She shrugged.  “Ooh! Are you having rum and eggnog without me?”  The woman finally turned her attention to Kaley.  “Since Sean has zero manners, I’m Reese, by the way.”

“Um, Kaley.”

“Let me guess.  He didn’t tell you I was coming?”  She took the drink Sean handed her and settled on the cough beside Kaley.  “And he says I’m forgetful.  You’re getting old, big brother.”

He scoffed.  “And you get more immature the more years you put behind you.”

“Mom’s going to flip when she hears you finally have a girlfriend.  It’s about time you got over that stupid bitch.”

“Reese!”

“Well, what?  By the moons, she was.  None of us could figure out what you saw in her.”

“You were sixteen when we split.  Don’t tell me you gave a shit.”

Reese pounded back her drink.  “Of course I cared.  How many big brothers do I have?”

Sean rolled his eyes.  “Four.”

“Right.  But you were always my favorite.”  She skipped back to her knee high leather boots, slipped them on, and shrugged on her coat.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m meeting Heather.”  She gave him a peck on the cheek.  “I have my key.  Don’t wait up.”

“Just remember I’m leaving at eight tomorrow morning.  With or without you.”

“Yeah, yeah.”  Reese grinned.  “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.  Brat.”

She closed the door with a wave at Kaley.

“She’s, uh… she’s one of those high energy people.”  Sean smiled and went to refill their drinks.

“No kidding.  I had no idea you had a sister.  Or three brothers for that matter.”

“What about you?”

Kaley shook her head.  “Only child.  Your mom and dad?”

“Both alive and running the farm.  You?”

“My parents died when I was fifteen.  Drunk driver.  I went to live with Mel and her folks.”

“But you don’t do Christmas with them?”

“They’re not around since they retired.  Mel gets on a flight tomorrow to join them in Mexico tomorrow morning.  They invite me every year, I just… Christmas needs snow.  You know?”

He grinned.  “I agree.”

Kaley found her gaze moving to his mouth.  He had a great smile.  Had they really been living next to each other for almost six years?  How had she never noticed? 

“What?”

“Nothing.  I was just thinking that I can’t believe we’ve been neighbors all this time and we know nothing about each other.”

His smile softened.  “Yeah.  I guess that’s life.  Everyone’s too busy.”

She looked at her watch.  “Shit.  I have to go get ready.”

Sean stood and walked her to the door.

“So, you’re just home alone tonight?”  She looked up into his dark green eyes.

“Seems like it.”

“I was just thinking… Mel is bringing a date tonight and I’m going to be the third wheel.  Want to come along?”

“I don’t think…”

“Come on.  I’ll owe you one.  There’s this guy that works there that always gets drunk and hits on me.  You can pretend to be my boyfriend.”  Sweet mother of fuck.  Had she actually just suggested this?  She was thirty four years old for shit’s sakes.  Her face turned a deep shade of red.  “Sorry.  That’s so highschool.  I’m just going to leave before I make myself sound any more stupid.  Thanks for the drinks.”

Kaley rushed out of his apartment and back into hers.  Good god!  How many eggnogs had she had?

Purchase your copy at: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Smashwords

For more information on Mireille Chester and her books go to her website.
Author Bio:

Mireille Chester is a stay at home mom of three children and wife to an amazingly supportive husband. Her time is spent playing with the kids, reading, writing, and watching movies with her hubby.
Mireille is a fantasy author who loves to spend time in made up worlds filled with magic. She is a firm believer that no hero is perfect and that all villains are burdened with a tiny shred of humanity. While she writes her Adult and YA novels under the name Mireille Chester, she is now writing a middle grade series under the name M.G. Chester.