Thursday, October 30, 2014

Blog Tour: Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy


If you’ve visited Wit and Sin in the past, you’ve probably noticed that I’m a huge Elle Kennedy fan. Her books are always engaging and hotter than hell, and they run the gamut from fun contemporary romance to dark and gritty romantic suspense. Ms. Kennedy’s Killer Instincts falls into the dark and gritty category, and the fifth book, Midnight Action comes out November 4th. Midnight Action was my most highly anticipated book of Ms. Kennedy’s to date, and as you can see from my review, I absolutely LOVED Jim and Noelle’s book. In fact, it might just be my favorite book of Ms. Kennedy’s to date (and that’s saying something).

Intrigued yet? If you’re on the fence (or simply can’t wait for the book’s release), scroll down and read an excerpt from Midnight Action. I dare you not to be tempted by Noelle and Jim ;) Also, don’t forget to check the bottom of this post – there’s a giveaway from Ms. Kennedy’s publisher, Signet!


Excerpt from Midnight Action:

Midnight Action CoverHis body was magnificent.

Not an ounce of fat on it, just a solid mass of muscle and raw masculine power. Noelle eyed Jim’s molded biceps and triceps as those strong arms propelled his body forward. Long legs kicking through the water, tight buttocks flexing with each commanding stroke.

She hadn’t seen him naked in years, and she was intrigued by the scars— both old and new— that marred his sleek, tanned skin. She wondered how he’d gotten each one. A big part of her wished she had been the one who’d inflicted them on him, but alas, she hadn’t laid a hand on the man since they’d parted ways in Paris all those years ago.

Her hands suddenly tingled with the urge to alter that. To pound into his flesh and administer pain, bruises, any kind of mark to serve as proof that she could cause him damage.

God, he deserved to die for what he’d done to her. So why did she continue to let him live? She used to tell herself it was because she wanted to torment him first, but lately she’d been questioning her motives. Wondering if maybe the reason she hadn’t killed him was because she simply didn’t want to see him dead.

But why not, damn it? All she’d ever dreamed of was wiping him out of existence, out of her life and her thoughts.

And clearly she wasn’t the only one. Someone else wanted Jim terminated, someone who was willing to pay a small fortune to make it happen, and instead of acting like the professional she was and getting the job done, she’d come here to warn him.

To warn him, for fuck’s sake.

A soft splash recaptured her attention, and she lifted her head in time to see Jim hop onto the deck. Water dripped from his warrior form, rivulets gathering between his heavy pecs, running down his rock-hard chest and clinging to his washboard abs. He was unconcerned with his nudity, unfazed by the erection jutting from his groin.
His arms rose in a lazy stretch, roped muscles bulging as his gaze found hers. His cobalt blue eyes gleamed mockingly.

“Say your piece and leave, Noelle.”

Midnight Action CoverShe rose from the deck chair with a careless shrug. “Someone wants you dead. Offered me five million big ones to eliminate you.”

Jim slanted his head. “Who?”

“Not sure. The client is using a middleman.”

“Interesting.” He swiped a towel from the stack on one of the lounge chairs and wrapped it around his trim hips.

The second his erection was out of sight, Noelle was able to breathe again. It sickened her that her body was capable of responding to his aroused state; her heart had actually skipped a beat and her core had ached with need.

She wasn’t allowed to get turned on by Jim Morgan. It was a weakness she refused to possess.

“He gave me five days to get the job done,” she added. “After that, the contract hits the open market— two million bucks for your head on a silver platter. It’ll be an assassin free-for-all.”

“Thanks for the heads-up,” he said gruffly. “Any idea who the client might be?”

“No, but I can give you his associate’s information. Gilles Girard, a lawyer in Paris.” She took a step toward the flagstone path that led to the terrace. “Happy hunting, Jim.”

“Did you take the job?”

She kept her back to him. “Of course. Turning it down might have raised a red flag.”

“You planning on following through on it?”

“Nope.”

His husky laughter grated. “Why not?”

“Why do you think? I’ll kill you on my own terms, not under orders from some anonymous asshole.”

“Right. You’ve still deluded yourself into thinking you’re actually gonna off me.”

She slowly turned around. The amused glimmer in his eyes made her want to reach for the pistol at the small of her back and shoot him right in that mocking mouth of his.

“Right back atcha, baby,” she said softly.

“Oh, I already explained why I haven’t killed you. I’m not done making you suffer.”

“Whatever you say, Jim.”

She took off walking again, but he came up beside her, matching her hurried strides.

“Where you headed?” he asked.

Midnight Action Cover“What do you care?”

He ignored the question. “Back to Paris?”

“Yes,” she said grudgingly.

“Good. I’ll catch a ride with you, then. Give me twenty minutes to gather my gear.”

He was on the terrace and marching inside before she could protest, leaving her standing there in annoyance. Presumptuous ass. She’d rather slit her wrists than let him board her jet.

So why are you still here?

The snide voice raised a valid point. Jim couldn’t force her to give him a ride. All she had to do was walk out of the house, get into her car, and drive to the airstrip. Without him.

Or, she could put a bullet in his brain and finally be done with him.

But Noelle chose neither of those options.

Instead, she lit up a cigarette, took a deep drag, and waited for Jim.

~~~~~

“You really think it’s a good idea to handle this alone?” D’s gravelly voice sounded from the doorway, where the tattooed mercenary stood with his arms crossed over his broad chest.

Morgan tossed a couple pairs of pants into his large black duffel, followed by a few T-shirts and a handful of rolled-up socks.

“No other choice,” he muttered as he packed. “I need my A-Team in Ecuador, and the rest of the men on other gigs.”

“Sully, Liam, and Ash are all off rotation,” D pointed out. “Take them with you.”

“No.”

“Morgan—”

“No,” he repeated. “I have no idea what I’ll find in Paris, and I’m not dragging anyone else into this until I know for sure what I’m up against. I’d rather they stay at the compound— you can call them in for backup if the rebel job gets too hairy.”

D scowled. “They’d be of better use serving as backup for you.”

“They stay here.” He spoke in a firm voice, refusing to yield to D’s menacing expression. No way was he endangering any of his men in what could very likely be a dangerous wild-goose chase.

As if reading his mind, D stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “She could be fucking with you.”

Although Morgan had been entertaining the same notion, his brain kept dismissing it. He knew Noelle better than he knew himself, and he believed with absolute certainty that she’d told him the truth.

But what were her motives for sharing the information? The cynic in him assumed she’d come to gloat, but that didn’t sit right with him. As crazy as it was, he suspected she might have actually come to warn him.

Figure that one out.

“Nah, she’s on the up-and-up.” He checked the clip of his semiautomatic, shoved the weapon in a smaller canvas case, then stowed the gun bag in the big duffel. “Question is— who was stupid enough to hire an assassin to take me out?”

“Speaking of stupid, don’t go teaming up with her,” D said curtly. “If you don’t want to bring the boys, fine— that idiocy is on you. But at least work it solo, then. You can’t trust that woman.”

“No kidding.” Stifling a rush of resentment, he straightened up and met D’s coal black eyes. “Though I’m surprised to hear you dispensing the advice. Weren’t you the one cozying up to her for the better part of a year?”

As usual, D’s expression remained shuttered. “Doesn’t mean I trust her.” There was a pause. “It’s over now, in case you were wondering.”

“Already knew that, never cared either way.”

“If you say so.”

Morgan could have sworn he glimpsed a flicker of amusement in the other mercenary’s deadly eyes, but if he had, it was gone now. Still, the idea that D didn’t believe him— no, even worse, that D was challenging him— made his blood boil.

As far as he knew, out of all the men in his employment, D was the only one who’d made use of previous connections to dig into Morgan’s past with Noelle, and it pissed him off that the man might’ve gained even a smidgen of insight about their turbulent history. Fortunately, D had raised the subject only once, never to mention it again.

But it still fucking grated.

“Anyway, if you need backup, just say the word.” With a shrug, D opened the door and disappeared into the hall.

Morgan finished packing his gear and left the room a moment later. He strode down the long hardwood corridor toward the east wing of the house, where Kane and Abby’s suite of rooms was situated. He’d heard them come upstairs a few minutes ago, and sure enough, they were in their bedroom when he knocked on the door.

Midnight Action Cover“I’m taking off,” he said once Kane appeared in the doorway. “D’s got the details about the rebel job. Call if you run into any trouble.”

“Yes, sir.” Kane’s green eyes took on an irritated light. “Would you please consider taking backup? Sully and Liam are—”

“Staying here,” he finished, swallowing his own irritation. “I just had this same argument with D, and I’m not in the mood for a repeat performance. If I need help, I’ll call ’em. Until then, they stay here.”

“Fine.” Kane sighed. “Keep in contact, all right? Don’t go AWOL on us again.”

“I’ll try not to.” He peered past the man’s shoulders and nodded at Abby, who was perched on the edge of the bed. “Don’t even think about joining them in Ecuador, Sinclair.” He shot a pointed look at her stomach. “You’re grounded for at least another six months.”

“Don’t remind me.” The redhead sighed, her hand absently lowering to rub the slight bulge. “Christ, what am I going to do with myself? I’ve never had this much time off in my life. Is there such a thing as knife withdrawal?”

Morgan had to grin. Abby was probably the most skilled operative he’d ever worked with, but she was definitely way too fond of her knives. He wouldn’t be surprised if her and Kane’s kid popped out with an immediate case of bloodlust.

“I’m sure you’ll find ways to occupy yourself.” He glanced at Kane. “And you, don’t screw up this job. The pay is too good.”

“Like you need any more money,” Kane cracked.

Chuckling, Morgan carted his duffel down the hall again. His scuffed-up combat boots didn’t make a sound as he descended one of the twin spiral staircases and stepped into the parlor.

When he slid out the front door, he found Noelle waiting on the pillared porch, a cigarette in her hand and a frown on her face.

“Let’s go,” he muttered.

She rolled her eyes disparagingly. “Yes, sir.”

They walked toward her Mercedes. The three feet of distance between them was nowhere near vast enough to reduce the tension surrounding them like a dark cloud. If anything, Morgan was even more on edge than before. They had a twelve-hour flight ahead of them, and he wasn’t looking forward to it in the slightest.

It suddenly occurred to him that for the first time in years, they were about to be alone together for more than five minutes.

Just the two of them. On a small jet. Tens of thousands of feet in the air.

Christ.

Maybe he should’ve packed a parachute, just in case.


About Midnight Action:

Midnight Action CoverShe’s got a broken heart... and a fully loaded arsenal.

Ex–army ranger Jim Morgan leads a team of elite mercenaries, but eighteen years ago in Paris, he was part of a black ops unit whose mission was to hunt down a rogue operative. In order to trap the criminal, Jim seduced Noelle, the man’s daughter—a ruthless act that cost him the love of his life and turned her into a mortal enemy. Now he can’t trust her, but he still desires her. He also needs her help....

Older, wiser, and unwilling to play the fool again, Noelle runs a group of highly skilled assassins. And she’s just been offered the hit of the century: Eliminate Jim Morgan. History gives them no reason to trust each other, but with their lives in jeopardy at the hands of a common enemy, the lines between love and hate are soon blurred. Now Noelle and Jim must face the past if they want to have a future—let alone a future together.

My Review | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | BAM! | iTunes


About Elle Kennedy:

Elle KennedyElle Kennedy is a RITA-nominated author grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University.

Find Elle Kennedy on the Web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads






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Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Review: Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy

Midnight Action by Elle Kennedy
Series: Killer Instincts, Book 5
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Romantic Suspense Midnight Action Cover
ISBN: 9780451465702
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Elle Kennedy Reading Order

She’s got a broken heart…
and a fully loaded arsenal…


Ex–army ranger Jim Morgan leads a team of elite mercenaries, but eighteen years ago in Paris, he was part of a black ops unit whose mission was to hunt down a rogue operative. In order to trap the criminal, Jim seduced Noelle, the man’s daughter—a ruthless act that cost him the love of his life and turned her into a mortal enemy. Now he can’t trust her, but he still desires her. He also needs her help....

Older, wiser, and unwilling to play the fool again, Noelle runs a group of highly skilled assassins. And she’s just been offered the hit of the century: Eliminate Jim Morgan. History gives them no reason to trust each other, but with their lives in jeopardy at the hands of a common enemy, the lines between love and hate are soon blurred. Now Noelle and Jim must face the past if they want to have a future—let alone a future together.

Midnight Action is flat-out spectacular. In a series filled with strong heroes and heroines, sinfully hot love scenes, and adrenaline-filled action, Elle Kennedy has outdone herself with her most compelling, emotional Killer Instincts book to date.

I admit, I almost didn’t want to start Midnight Action. After four books of Jim and Noelle’s tense-in-all-ways confrontations, I had incredibly high expectations for their story. Warily, I cracked the first page of Midnight Action… And didn’t set the book down until I finished it hours later. I should never have doubted Ms. Kennedy, for this book not only met, but blasted through all my expectations for Jim and Noelle. These two are the scariest of badasses – powerful, commanding, and yet strangely vulnerable. Their shared history has ensured that there’s no thin line between love and hate for them; both emotions furiously mix together, making their story intense from page one.

Though they’ve been major players throughout the Killer Instincts series, Queen of Assassins Noelle and ruthless mercenary Jim were an intriguing mystery to me. I loved peeling away the layers of their characters over the course of the story, and what I learned tugged at my heart. Ms. Kennedy does an impeccable job of weaving their past and present together, and I’m thrilled we got to see Jim and Noelle’s history. It’s not easy for these two to even work together, never mind fall in love. Both clearly loathe one another, yet even when presented with clear opportunities, neither one can kill the other. It takes an unusual set of circumstances (which I won’t spoil) to get them to team up. The fireworks when they do would put a Fourth of July celebration to shame. Quite simply, the pure passion Jim and Noelle have for one another is insanely hot. I was rooting for these two every step of the way, and though it’s an incredibly rocky road for them, Ms. Kennedy makes the journey worth it.

There is so much I’d love to say about Midnight Action but can’t, for I don’t want to spoil the story. Suffice it to say I’ve only touched on the surface and readers are in for one hell of a ride. Fans of the series will get to catch up with some of their favorite mercenaries, and man, oh man, am I eager to see what Ms. Kennedy has in store for Liam. That being said, don’t be afraid to dive into Midnight Action if you’ve never read a Killer Instincts book before – it can easily be read as a standalone.

Midnight Action rocks! It’s a tempest of emotions that’s impossible to put down, and it’s also a sizzling thrill ride that will feed the appetite of any romantic suspense lover. Don’t miss this book!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Review: He's No Prince Charming by Elle Daniels

He’s No Prince Charming by Elle Daniels
Series: Ever After, Book 1
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance Hes No Prince Charming Cover
ISBN: 9781455545551
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

A wounded beast…
It took Marcus Bradley forever to find a suitable bride. And then he lost her-all because some meddling matchmaker with a crazy notion about "true love" helped her elope with another man. Now, to save his sister from a terrible marriage alliance, he needs a replacement-an heiress to be exact . . . and he knows just the woman to help him find one.

A spirited beauty…
Danielle Strafford believes everyone deserves a fairytale ending-even the monstrously scarred and notoriously brooding Marquis of Fleetwood. Not that he's left her a choice. If she doesn't help him secure a wife-by any means necessary-he'll reveal her scandalous secrets.

A passion that will consume them both
The more time Marcus spends with Danielle, the less interested he is in any other woman. But the Beast must do the impossible: keep from losing his heart to a Beauty he is destined to lose.

Beauty and the Beast gets a Regency romance remake in He’s No Prince Charming. Elle Daniels’s debut novel is bursting with energy and emotion, and I’m looking forward to seeing how her talent develops.

Danni is a charming heroine. She’s smart, outspoken, and though she sometimes behaves rashly, she does so out of a genuine desire to help others. Danni aches for love, and she finds it with Marcus, the man society refers to as the Beast. Though Marcus isn’t a bad man, he does do some beastly things (blackmail and kidnapping) because he sees no other way to protect his sister. Less-than-gentlemanly behavior aside, my heart broke for him, as Marcus has been abused and shunned for most of his life. He has severe problems coping with what was done to him in the past, and I liked that Ms. Daniels didn’t magically cure him of his troubles. As a couple, Marcus and Danni were surprisingly sweet. They come alive in each other’s company, even though their relationship has a tumultuous start. It’s easy to fall into their burgeoning romance, though their love story is not without its obstacles (some of them imposed by the hero and heroine themselves).

Where He’s No Prince Charming faltered for me was the believability factor. I have no problem suspending disbelief, especially for fairytale retellings, but I was asked to do so far too often in this story. Danni and Marcus act, at times, too modern for a historical romance, and there were multiple glaring historical inaccuracies (too spoilerish to reveal) that pulled me out of the story.

Issues aside, He’s No Prince Charming is an enjoyable story and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Daniels takes her Ever After series next!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Review: One in a Million by Jill Shalvis

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book 12
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary Romance One in a Million Cover
ISBN: 9781455529544
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jill Shalvis Reading Order

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love…

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past-and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she-and his son-deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

Jill Shalvis has the magic touch when it comes to delivering sparkling romances that grab your heart. One in a Million is a charming, utterly addictive read – the kind of book you want to start all over again as soon as you finish.

Callie has joined the list of my favorite heroines and she has a special place in my heart. She’s a smart, funny woman who is afraid of love after being hurt more than once. Even though she has wonderful new friends in Becca and Olivia, a loving (if zany) grandmother, and a good career, there’s something a bit lonely about Callie. I loved watching her open her heart over the course of the story. Meeting Tanner is, of course, the catalyst for her change. He’s the high school crush that never noticed her, but the football superstar of her past has been replaced by a man who had to grow up fast and hard. Tanner is now a divorced father of a teenage son he’s trying desperately to reach, and the way he puts those he loves first endeared him to me from the start. Tanner’s development as a father is every bit as important to the story as his relationship with Callie, and of course Ms. Shalvis handles both storylines beautifully. Tanner and Callie have fantastic chemistry; their scenes together are sexy, funny, and sigh-worthy – everything I’ve come to expect and adore from a Jill Shalvis couple. It’s not easy for Callie and Tanner to go from attraction to real relationship, but Ms. Shalvis makes every step of the journey worth it.

One in a Million is the twelfth book in the Lucky Harbor series, but it can be read as a standalone. Tanner’s best friends, Cole and Sam, along with Olivia’s newfound friends, Becca and Olivia, all play strong supporting roles, which is sure to please readers who loved It’s in His Kiss and He’s So Fine. Other past Lucky Harbor heroes and heroines also appear or are mentioned throughout the book. This works not just in the context of the story, as Lucky Harbor is a small town, but also as Easter eggs for fans of the series. It would be remiss of me to write about One in a Million without mentioning the town’s resident social media superstar and self-proclaimed matchmaker, Lucille. The geriatric firebrand has a bigger role than ever in One in a Million, which is no surprise since Callie is her granddaughter. I have a soft spot for Lucille – how could I not after twelve Lucky Harbor novels? – and though her usual brand of quirk is on display here, there are some honest and heartwarming scenes with her as well.

One in a Million is (as of right now) the final full-length book in the Lucky Harbor series, and Ms. Shalvis ends things on a perfect note. Tanner and Callie’s story is sweet, sassy, heartbreaking, and uplifting. I couldn’t have loved them more and I cannot wait to read their book again!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Saturday in Review

September was a slow month for me in terms of reading and reviews. There was a massive wildfire fairly close by which took over my life at work. I can't even begin to say how grateful I am for the firefighters and other emergency personnel who worked (and are still working) to contain the fire.

On to happier things. Below are the newest reviews I’ve written. The master list and categorical lists on the right-hand side are updated as well.

- Rules for a Proper Governess (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 7) by Jennifer Ashley
- What a Duke Dares (Sons of Sin, Book 3) by Anna Campbell
- One Night of Scandal (After Hours, Book 2) by Elle Kennedy
- Dare to Love (Dare to Love, Book 1) by Carly Phillips
- He’s So Fine (Lucky Harbor, Book 11) by Jill Shalvis
- The Accidental Abduction by Darcie Wilde

Upcoming reviews:
- Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy, Book 1) by Ilona Andrews
- Skies of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 3) by Zoë Archer
- The Seduction of Elliot McBride (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 5) by Jennifer Ashley
- The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 6) by Jennifer Ashley
- Scandal and the Duchess (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 6.5) by Jennifer Ashley
- Wild Man (Dream Man, Book 2) by Kristen Ashley
- Make You Remember (Dumont Bachelors, Book 2) by Macy Beckett
- Down for the Count (Dare Me, Book 1) by Christine Bell
- Down and Dirty (Dare Me, Book 2) by Christine Bell
- The Professional: Part 2 by Kresley Cole
- The Professional: Part 3 by Kresley Cole
- He’s No Prince Charming (Ever After, Book 1) by Elle Daniels
- How to Ravish a Rake (How to Series, Book 3) by Vicky Dreiling
- Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
- Some Like It Hot (Rising Star Chef, Book 2) by Louisa Edwards
- Hot Under Pressure (Rising Star Chef, Book 3) by Louisa Edwards
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch
- Cowboy Take Me Away (Rainbow Valley, Book 1) by Jane Graves
- His Game, Her Rules by Charlene Groome
- Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar, Book 3) by Laura Lee Guhrke
- Captured (Fallen Siren, Book 0.5) by S.J. Harper
- Reckoning (Fallen Siren, Book 2) by S.J. Harper
- One Taste of Scandal (Redcakes, Book 2) by Heather Hiestand
- Darling Beast (Maiden Lane, Book 7) by Elizabeth Hoyt
- Beauty Bites (Biting Love, Book 6) by Mary Hughes
- The Volatile Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons, Book 4) by Sandy James
- Breathe (In Vino Veritas, Book 2) by Lauren Jameson
- Linger (In Vino Veritas, Book 3) by Lauren Jameson
- When the Rogue Returns (The Duke’s Men, Book 2) by Sabrina Jeffries
- How the Scoundrel Seduces (The Duke’s Men, Book 3) by Sabrina Jeffries
- Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen
- The Sweetheart Secret (Sweetheart Sisters, Book 3) by Shirley Jump
- Archer (Hard Body, Book 1) by Debra Kayn
- Midnight Action (Killer Instincts, Book 5) by Elle Kennedy
- Before You Break (Between Breaths, Book 2) by Christina Lee
- Caught Up in You (Loving on the Edge, Book 4) by Roni Loren
- Sweet Harmony (Cricket Creek, Book 7) by LuAnn McLane
- Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, Book 1) by Bec McMaster
- All Fired Up (Hot in the Kitchen, Book 2) by Kate Meader
- Keeping Secrets in Seattle by Brooke Moss
- Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen, Book 2) by Janet Mullany
- While You Were Writing (Watkins Pond, Book 2) by Virginia Nelson
- Raw Desire by Kate Pearce
- Soul Sucker by Kate Pearce
- The Fifth Favor by Shelby Reed
- Laugh (Burnside, Book 2) by Mary Ann Rivers
- Festive in Death (In Death, Book 39) by J.D. Robb
- Dark Witch (The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
- Nights of Steel (The Ether Chronicles, Book 4) by Nico Rosso
- Secrets of a Gentleman Escort by Bronwyn Scott
- One in a Million (Lucky Harbor, Book 12) by Jill Shalvis
- Archangel’s Legion (Guild Hunter, Book 6) by Nalini Singh
- Archangel’s Shadows (Guild Hunter, Book 7) by Nalini Singh
- Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss, Book 1) by Nalini Singh
- Barefoot in Lace (Barefoot Bay Brides, Book 2) by Roxanne St. Claire
- Primal Law (Alpha Pack, Book 1) by J.D. Tyler
- Easy by Tammara Webber
- Takeover by Anna Zabo

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Review: Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley

Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 7
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romance Rules for a Proper Governess Cover
ISBN: 9780425266038
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Jennifer Ashley Reading Order

To Kiss a Thief…

Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most sinister criminals in London--but the widower's two unruly children are a different matter. Little Caitriona and Andrew go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing in tears. There is, however, one woman in town who can hold her own.

Roberta "Bertie" Frasier enters Sinclair's life by stealing his watch--and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children from a dangerous situation and returning them to their father. Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair asks the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing that the unconventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in love.

Rules for a Proper Governess is both touching and cheeky good fun. Jennifer Ashley’s seventh Mackenzies & McBrides novel is fast-moving, engrossing entertainment, thanks to the story’s utterly lovable characters.

Sinclair McBride has been a living ghost since the death of his wife. Though he fights passionately for what is right, the only reason he keeps going is his two children. It broke my heart that Sinclair had forgotten how to truly live. Of course, when Bertie enters his life his world is turned upside down in the most delightful way. Bertie Fraiser is one of my favorite Jennifer Ashley heroines. She grew up on the streets and has lived a hard life, but she hasn’t lost her sense of wonder. She’s got a huge heart and it opens almost instantaneously to Sinclair and his two children, Andrew and Cat. Bertie isn’t exactly governess material – on paper. She’s a woman from the streets with quick fingers and a charming smile. But she’s exactly what the McBride family needs. I loved watching her with Cat and Andrew; they need love as much as their father does. The four of them made the most wonderful family, even before they realized that is what they’d become. As for the romance between Sinclair and Bertie, it was easy to become invested in it as the two have crackling chemistry. It doesn’t hurt either that both of them are incredibly likeable. Quite simply, it was pure pleasure to watch their relationship develop.

There’s a bit of danger and intrigue in Rules for a Proper Governess, mostly tied to vile letters Sinclair receives regarding his late wife. But truly, what makes this book stand out is the focus on family. Sinclair may only be related to the infamous Mackenzies through his sister, but that doesn’t make him any less one of them. Fans of the Mackenzies & McBrides series are surely going to delight in the roles their favorite past heroes and heroines play in Rules for a Proper Governess. The Mackenzies are as entertaining as ever, and I had to smile every time my personal favorite Mackenzie, Ian, showed up on page. That being said, Ms. Ashley did a fantastic job of not letting the boisterous Mackenzies overpower Sinclair and Bertie. The two of them not only held their own, but shined even among the crowd, which is as it should be in their book.

Rules for a Proper Governess was a joy to read from beginning to end. The Mackenzies & McBrides is one of my favorite series, and Sinclair and Bertie’s book shows just why. Ms. Ashley has once again delivered a wonderfully engaging romance filled with unique characters who capture your heart and stay with you long after you’ve finished their tale.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Author Interview: Lynley Wayne

I adore Lynley Wayne's sexy, emotional romances. Her newest book, Facing Demons was just released and I admit I've been on tenterhooks for Seth's story ever since falling in love with him during Rocky's Road. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Wayne, so scroll on down to read the Q&A along with an excerpt from Facing Demons!

Q&A with Lynley Wayne


Q: What inspired you to write FACING DEMONS?
Facing Demons Cover A:
FACING DEMONS is book three in the Scars series. After I finished book two, Rocky’s Road, I tried several times to write Seth and Cam’s story. After more than a year of tossing pages out, I had more or less given up on ever writing this story.

While working on edits for ROCKY'S ROAD, my editor asked if Seth was going to get a book. I said I wasn’t sure and explained how I had tried, unsuccessfully, for over a year. My editor told me to keep at it, because readers were going to want to know Seth’s story.

She was right.

I tossed out half a dozen starts to this book before I finally realized I had been trying to start it in the wrong place. Once I had that epiphany, the book began to come together.

I’m not exactly sure where the inspiration for this book came from. I’ve always known Cam’s backstory and I just used that to build what I felt was a reasonable present day.

Q: Do you have any favorites of the characters you’ve written?
A:
I have a soft spot for Jace and Nathaniel because SCARS was the first book I sold. I fell in love with the scarred soldier who is afraid of being seen as weak and the street kid who always sees the silver lining in any given situation.

Facing Demons CoverQ: How do you come up with the names for your characters?
A:
Occasionally, they will pop into my head already named. Which was the case with Jace from SCARS. Other times, I have to look through names until one jumps out at me. In SCARS the character names all came from people I went to school with. I didn’t have a baby naming book or a smartphone at the time, so I used what I had, which was old yearbooks. Now days, I use baby naming apps, websites, or The Writer’s Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Q: Do you base any of your characters off of people you know?
A:
The only character, to date, that I’ve based on a real person is, Nathaniel. He’s also the one character that people tell me is the least realistic. It always makes me laugh.

Q: What are you currently working on?
A:
I’m working on the sequel to A LIFE INTERRUPTED. As well as, trying to finish a few of my two hundred plus, works in progress.

Q: What’s one thing about being an author you wish someone had told you before you were first published?
A:
That writing was a very small part of being an author. As a published writer you have a lot of hats to wear. Writer. Editor. Social media/Public Relations expert. Marketing expert. Accountant. Business manager. Researcher. I’m sure there are a few I’ve missed, but those are the big ones.

Q: When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
A:
When I’m not writing or doing something writing related, I mostly spend time with my husband watching television, or sleep. If I’m lucky I can find time to read. These days, however, reading time is scarce.



About Facing Demons:

Facing Demons CoverAt the age of fifteen, Seth Dempsey gave his heart to Cameron Reyes. Three years later, Cam shattered it when he walked away. When Cam blows back into Seth’s life years later, Seth knows he will do whatever it takes to ensure Cam doesn’t slip away again. Even if it means going up against a corrupt DEA agent and a drug cartel.

Cameron Reyes was born on the wrong side of the tracks. He fell in love with Seth, but knew the only way to keep him safe was to leave, no matter how much it hurt. Eleven years later, when his life implodes, he knows the only person he can trust is the boy whose heart he broke all those years ago.

While they fight to stay one step ahead of everyone and clear Cam’s name, can they learn to work together in order to face down the demons of the past and find the happily ever after they have dreamed of?

MLR Press | Amazon



Excerpt from Facing Demons

Fingering the black business card and lost in thought, Cam didn’t hear Seth come up behind him.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing.” He shoved the card into his pocket. “Why?”

From the arch of Seth’s brow, Cam knew he wasn’t going to let it go until Cam told him something. Seth had one of the most expressive faces of anyone he knew. Over the years, Cam had become a master of reading those subtle movements and facial expressions.

“Then why did you jump? Whatever that card was had you so lost in thought I startled you. That’s not like you.” The little frown line appeared between Seth’s brows and Cam knew he was worried.

With a sigh, he pulled Seth down on the couch next to him. “It’s nothing really. Someone gave me a card to get into a club. That’s all.”

“Oookay. And that required all of your thought, why? What kind of club is it and why did they give you this card?”

He couldn’t help the wicked grin that appeared on his face. “Well…” Cam shifted. “I’m not sure I should tell you.”

“Why is that?”

“It’sasexclub,” Cam mumbled, suddenly bashful. Although he wasn’t sure why. He had been sleeping with Seth for the last year and a half. There wasn’t much they hadn’t tried at least once. Plus, there was the whole, Cam didn’t get embarrassed, ever, thing.

Leaning forward, Seth turned toward Cam. “What was that?”

Angry at himself, Cam growled, “It’s a sex club.” Louder than he meant to.

It took a few seconds for it to sink in, but he knew the moment it did. Seth’s eyes widened, his jaw dropped open, his mouth forming an “O.” Cam let his eyes drop lower and saw the pulse in the side of Seth’s neck as it picked up speed.

Glancing lower still, Cam watched as Seth’s body reacted to the news. From the look of things, the idea of a sex club was something that appealed to him. At least in theory.

“Stop that,” Seth chastised. He grabbed the nearest throw pillow and covered his lap with it.

It made Cam smirk. “You like that idea, yeah?”

“Maaaybe.”

“So, you want to go check it out with me this weekend?” He didn’t have a clue what he was thinking inviting Seth to a club he was supposed to be going to in order to find out if they were moving drugs. He didn’t want Seth involved in anything to do with that part of his life, but with the way he had reacted, there was no way Cam couldn’t take him. Besides, having someone with him might make him seem less suspicious. Right?

A smile spread across Seth’s face and his eyes sparkled with excitement. “Are you serious? You really want to go to some sex club?”

Not really. “Sure.” Cam shrugged. “Why not?”

“Okay. What about Landon?” Facing Demons Cover

“What about him?”

“Should we see if he wants to go, too?”

Cam gave it some thought. If Landon was there, he could keep Seth occupied while Cam did a little snooping. So maybe that wasn’t a bad idea. “Sure.”

“He’s going to freak out. Can I be the one to tell him?”

Chuckling, Cam shook his head. “Knock yourself out.”

Seth popped up and headed for the kitchen to call Landon. A few seconds later he heard the laughter in Seth’s voice when he demanded Landon get his ass over here, now.
There was a pause and Cam assumed Landon was asking why. His suspicions were confirmed when Seth next spoke. “I’m not going to tell you on the phone. So get over here.”
Seth was still snickering, his eyes dancing with merriment, when he joined Cam in the living room.

“He’s going to flip.”

“You, sir, are enjoying this wayyy too much.” Unable to resist a happy Seth, Cam leaned up and kissed him. Seth’s earlier laughter turned to moaning in a matter of seconds.

As always, Cam’s body responded to Seth, to his taste, to his touch, to his nearness. He shifted, trying to readjust things a bit. His jeans grew tighter by the minute.
His oxygen starved lungs burned and he had to pull away. They were both breathing heavy and Seth’s eyes had the sexy glazed look that turned Cam on. Anytime he heard the term “bedroom eyes” this was what he pictured.

Grabbing at his shirt, Seth stood and tried to haul Cam with him toward the bedroom.

“We can’t.” Cam cursed himself and Landon, even as the words left his mouth.

“What? Why?” Seth gave him puppy eyes and Cam almost caved, but he wasn’t about to have Landon catch them in the act.

Facing Demons Cover“Landon,” Cam said, prying Seth’s fingers open.

“What’s he got to do with it?”

At Seth’s genuine confusion, Cam laughed. “You called him not five minutes ago and told him to get his ass over here. Did you forget?”

With a noise close to a whine, Seth dropped back down on the sofa. Not even attempting to hide it, Seth adjusted himself and Cam moaned at the bulge in his boyfriend’s pants. It was such a shame to waste a good hard-on.

“You think he’s left yet? I can call him and tell him to give us an hour.” Cam started shaking his head in the negative before Seth even got it all out. “Why are you shaking your head at me?” Seth huffed. His lower lip stuck out in an all too tempting way.

“For one, he’s probably already left. For two, there is no way you are going to call Landon and ask him to wait so we can fuck.”

“Fine.” Seth let out a sigh worthy of a drama queen.

Cam leaned over and kissed him again, sucking on the bottom lip that had been taunting him. Seth reached for him, drawing Cam closer and doing his damnedest to get Cam to straddle him.

“No.” Cam pushed Seth back, ignoring the growl his action elicited. He stood. When Seth reached for him, Cam jumped back, shaking his head and holding out his hand in the stay back gesture. “No more kissing until after Landon leaves.” He put enough steel in his voice so Seth would know he was serious.

Which was easier said than done, seeing as he was breathing like he had run a marathon.

He pointed to the chair on the other side of the room. “I’m going to sit over here. You.” He pointed at Seth. “You are going to stay right there and behave.”

As he lowered himself into the chair, Seth leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. A lecherous grin on his face. “Or what?”


About Lynley Wayne:

Lynley Wayne Lynley Wayne is the pen name of a thirty-something female living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. When not writing, she can usually be found reading and thinking up creative ways to avoid housework. She is married to a very understanding man who doesn’t complain when she spends hours in front of the computer, or talks for hours about whatever story she’s working on, or asks random off the wall questions. He also keeps her fed on those occasions when her muse has taken over and she loses days at a time. Yeah, basically he’s vying for sainthood.

Lynley strongly believes everyone is entitled to their own version of happiness, no matter how it may differ from the norm. She writes characters she wants to read and hopes others like reading about them as much as she enjoyed writing them.

It is her hope that one day society will be able to look past the labels and see the person behind them. That they will realize we are all the same. Until that time comes, she will continue telling stories of a love others may believe is wrong, but she thinks is nothing short of beautiful.

Find Lynley Wayne on the Web: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Read Pink® 2014!

Read Pink

Read Pink® in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Support the Next Chapter in Innovative Research

Penguin Random House Marks Five-Year Partnership Milestone and $125,000
in Donations to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

What’s black and white and pink all over?  The initiative by Penguin Random House called Read Pink® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)!

Today the scientific community has left behind the “one-size-fits-all” breast cancer treatment to emerge with targeted, more effective therapies. As a result, after remaining stagnant for more than 50 years, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by 30 percent. The Read Pink® initiative by Penguin Random House is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter in the fight against breast cancer, supporting the bold research of The Breast Cancer Foundation® (BCRF), while leveraging its passionate readers to help increase awareness and education about the disease. This literary embrace of a life-saving cause has resulted in nearly 1.5 million best-selling novels shipped with Read Pink seals and information about BCRF across all five years of the promotion.

Penguin Random House is thrilled to partner once again this year with BCRF, as 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs.

The $25,000 donation that Penguin Random House contributes, regardless of sales, provides vital funds to support the mission of BCRF.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Penguin Random House’s Read Pink® editions, we are featuring a few participating authors and what Read Pink® means to them…

Beatriz Williams (2014 Read Pink® Spokesperson), A Hundred Summers
“Every life lost to breast cancer leaves behind a hole that can never be filled again: a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, an aunt, a grandmother. I’m so grateful for organizations like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for their efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease, and honored to support breast cancer awareness, detection, and research through Penguin’s READ PINK program in 2014. With your help, we can move closer to the day when breast cancer leaves behind only survivors.”

Karen White, The Time Between
“Since 1989, death rates from breast cancer have been decreasing due to earlier detection and improved treatment because of the efforts of organizations like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Books have always been an important part of my life, and I am honored that my book will be part of Penguin’s Read Pink program that supports breast cancer awareness and research through reading. It is my greatest hope that through efforts like this we might find a cure within my lifetime.”

Nora Roberts, Sea Swept and The Witness
“To all the moms and daughters, wives and sisters, lovers and friends, Read Pink is here for you and yours. Help support breast cancer awareness and the strong, brave women who fight or will fight this disease and Read Pink in October.”

Catherine Anderson, Perfect Timing
“I am so delighted to be included in the Read Pink campaign again this year with Perfect Timing being featured, along with so many other great books, to raise funds for breast cancer research. I can remember when a diagnosis of breast cancer was often equivalent to a death sentence. Nowadays, the survival rates have increased greatly, and I personally know women who have prevailed over this terrible disease. Sadly, I’ve also known a few women who lost the battle. So I call upon all of you to join ranks with me and countless other women in a war to defeat breast cancer. ‘Read Pink! Buy books bearing the Read Pink logo as gifts for the women you love.’ By standing together as sisters, we have it within our power to make a huge difference!”

Jayne Ann Krentz, Dream Eyes
“This is the time of year when we celebrate the progress that has been made in the battle against breast cancer and acknowledge the work that lies ahead. No, we aren't there yet. There's a long way to go. The greatest weapon we have to fight this disease is research and research costs money. That is why this breast cancer awareness campaign is so important and why I am proud to participate.”

Marie Force, I Want to Hold Your Hand
“I’m so thrilled to be part of the Read Pink effort to help raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research. I hear frequently from romance readers who tell me my books and those of other romance authors have helped them get through breast cancer treatment. I want to hear from fewer of them in the future. I want to hear they took our books on fabulous vacations rather than treatments. Please Read Pink in October to support all the courageous women fighting this disease and to fund critical research. Thank you for Reading Pink!”


Full List of 2014 Participating Authors:
Jojo Moyes, The Last Letter from your Lover
The Last Letter From Your Lover Cover








Karen White, The Time Between
The Time Between Cover








Nora Roberts, Sea Swept and The Witness
Sea Swept CoverThe Witness Cover








Jennifer Chiaverini, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker
Mrs Lincolns Dressmaker Cover








Beatriz Williams, A Hundred Summers
A Hundred Summers Cover








Wendy Wax, While We Were Watching Downton Abbey
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey Cover








Catherine Anderson, Perfect Timing
Perfect Timing Cover








Marie Force, I Want to Hold Your Hand
I Want to Hold Your Hand Cover








Janet Chapman, The Heart of a Hero
The Heart of a Hero Cover








Lisa Gardner, MacNamara’s Woman
MacNamaras Woman Cover








Jayne Ann Krentz, Dream Eyes
Dream Eyes Cover









Mark your calendars and remember to join in the conversation with @BerkleyRomance and @PenguinGroupUSA on Twitter in October.  Make sure to use the hashtag #ReadPink!

For more information about the Read Pink initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit penguin.com/readpink.

Read Pink® Blog Tour Schedule
Please support the blogs taking part in this special, Read Pink® Spotlight Tour!

October 1 – Exclusive guest post with spokesperson Beatriz Williams on LizandLisa.com