Book Review: Silent Tears by Lacie Nation

Braxton Godfry thought he had it all. He’s filthy rich, women lined up just to be with him, and his family was the most powerful mafia family in the world. Everything changes in the blink of an eye when his father announces Braxton is to be married to the daughter of his father best friend and ally. Braxton realizes his wife to be, Camellia DeLuca, is the only girl he had ever loved. Camellia isn’t the same carefree girl Braxton knew when they were young. She is a trained killer and a savvy business woman who has secrets that could end Braxton. When a mafia war erupts and threatens to rip Braxton Godfry’s family apart, he will know the pain of silent tears. Blood will flow like a river and vengeance will be had as Braxton fights for the life of his love and his family.

I love mafia stories, especially this one! Brax and Cam are perfect together! Friends since the cradle and first loves since puberty, the spark they feel whenever they are is sizzling and the sexual tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. So like mob meetings go, the story starts off with a general mob family meeting, with the heads of each mob family and their right hand in appearance. Braxton is surprised to see Camellia, the only love of his life. After a sudden break off of their otherwise happy courtship, Cam comes back after twelve years and the spark is still there. As all mob love stories go, there's an arranged marriage between families and war breaks out when someone in the shadows is trying to pick apart the Godfry's empire. The mystery keeps you thinking and when you think you know who's behind the the attacks, BOOM! You get blindsided by a piece of the puzzle that doesn't seem to fit with the rest. Throughout the story Cam and Brax's love for each other is rekindled and their relationship/marriage face trials from Cam's past. 

I really like Cam's strength to pick up the pieces of her life after she suffered a horrific event in her young life. Despite the ugliness of her past, Cam worked hard to train herself to be able to protect herself and to build up what little dignity she had left. Her strength as a mother and love for her son make her such an admirable character. Braxton is a strong and protective person. The Godfries are all the stereotypical alpha male persona, but they do have feelings, they just keep it bottled up until they're in private. ;) I really enjoyed this book and I absolutely loved the ending! :D I am kinda hoping for a sequel that's more focused on Jonah and Mari. They're such a cute couple. Who are Jonah and Mari? You're just gonna have to read Silent Tears to find out! :) I give this book a rating of......

5 stars!!!!

BUY LINKS

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

SECRET CRAVINGS PUBLISHING

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

She lives in Columbus, Ga with her fiancée and their dog, Libby.  She spends most of her time reading and writing.  She writes from a very personal place and finds that creating a story based off of things she has been through is very cleansing.  She is extremely close to her family so she tends to use little quirks that she loves from her family members to create characters that are realistic.  

You can find out more about Lacie Nation on her Facebook page or her website Soul Shaking Romance. 

Release Day Blitz: When Love Propers by Melanie Macek

The timing of the job at Larsen Financial is perfect for Helen Randall. Coming off of a several failed relationships, she desperately needs not only the boost to her bank account but also to her self-esteem.  When her immediate supervisor leaves for a two week vacation, Helen will be forced to work with Trevor. When her personal life intrudes on her professional one, Trevor becomes an unexpected ally. It becomes difficult to keep from thinking about her boss in a less than professional manner. Trevor Mcintosh is good at his job. When the CEO of Larsen Financial offered him the opportunity to start up and run the San Francisco branch office, he jumped at the chance. After six months in the city, he’s getting tired of the constant round of parties, women and meetings. When he’s forced to work one on one with Helen, he finds that the woman he barely acknowledged in the past poses a serious threat to his sanity. He’s ready to give up his late nights out in exchange for evenings in with one woman. Can he convince her they would be better as a team outside of work too?

Buy it here: Amazon

Melanie has been writing in some form or another as long as she can remember. From songs to plays (a bad one) to poetry (not her forte) to romance, the urge to write has always been there. She read her first romance book at the age of 13 and hasn’t looked back. A voracious reader, Melanie has been making an effort to expand her reading horizons, thanks to forced college papers. Other genres have captured her imagination, but Romance will always hold her heart.

A native Californian desert rat, Melanie has lived over half of her life on the Texas Gulf Coast. Braving mosquitoes, humidity, and the occasional voluntary hurricane evacuation, she and her husband and their two 4-legged children – who have their own page on the blog – spend time with family, friends, and planning their next travel adventure. She writes in most of her spare time and always makes sure to take a pen and paper with her just about everywhere she goes.

Author Links:

Amazon author page. http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Macek/e/B00B44HEPA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1365541352&sr=8-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6899613.Melanie_Macek

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/melaniemacek/

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/MelMacekauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MelDFMac

Blog: http://featherpenstartandreams.wordpress.com/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/melanie-macek

Book Review/Blog Tour Post: A Life More Complete by Nikki Young

Can you ever really outrun your past?
Krissy Mullins, an overworked, obsessive-compulsive publicist has been giving it her best shot for the past ten years. Throwing herself into her work and devoting all her time to her teenage starlet client, Krissy finds little time for anything else. But as fate would have it, her world is turned upside down when she falls in love with laid-back California native, Ben Torres. Unfortunately, her only frame of reference on love and marriage is her parents and they weren’t exactly the poster children for a happy relationship.
As Krissy attempts to navigate the precarious world of love, acceptance, and compromise, her past comes flooding back like she never expected. An ex-boyfriend returns from a life she has tried to forget, stirring up feelings in Krissy she had thought were long gone. Pulled in opposite directions as her past and present collide, she makes a rash decision that will forever change her life.

Right off the bat, I have to say this was an awesome read. Nikki Young does a very good job building her characters. The leading lady has OCD, a fear of the dark, severely overworked and ran away from home. Krissy ran away from a cutthroat, ice queen of a mother so I won't harp on that too much. From what I read, I'd run away from home too. Krissy comes off as a hardworking, neurotic individual, and full of self-doubt. Dealing with young talent who developed a God complex is not the easiest job in the world. I know I certainly don't have the patience for it. 

What I mainly liked about this book was the chemistry and relationship between Ben and Krissy. It's explosive and balances out. Their meeting was cute and something like a movie. She's a jogger and joggers like to run near the beach. Ben's a surfer with a cute dog. You do the math. :D Ben is such a nice guy! I thought this book was awesome with the multitude of endearing characters, lots of heartache and results of  wrong decisions. I seriously cried at the end of the book. Krissy goes through so much and granted it's all from her own inability to bare her soul, but a person can only take so much hurt. I give this book a  rating of...

4½ stars!

Click here to read other people's reviews on Goodreads

Here's an excerpt to entice you even more!

Excerpt #1

“Ben?” I call quietly. He rounds the corner a few seconds later. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen wearing boxer briefs. He looks tired and runs his hand through his hair. When his eyes finally meet mine his mouth falls open in surprise and I run to him. I jump into his arms wrapping my legs around his waist. I can’t stop kissing him, my lips press firmly against his, my tongue moving with ease in his mouth. I run my hands through his hair and down his chest and back up again. He sets me on the table and I part my legs to allow him closer to me. He attempts to pull away, but I tighten my grip on him and continue assaulting him with my mouth and hands. When the urgency finally subsides, my kisses turn slower and softer. He presses his forehead to mine, his hands on either side of my face, his eyes closed as he breathes heavily.

“I’m glad to see you, too,” he whispers.

My heartbeat quickens and my stomach flutters. I can’t hold back any longer and the words slowly roll off my tongue, “I love you.”

“What?” he nearly gasps. He steps back slightly and a smile builds as the shock of it all fades away.

“You heard me.”

“Say it again.”

“I love you.” I smile and pull him to me, kissing his neck.

“God damn! Took you long enough!”

“Six years. Why’d you wait on me?”

“Krissy, I knew the moment I met you that I loved you. I’m drawn to you like never before. My dad told me once that I’d know, but I thought he was full of shit. He was so right.”

“I’m sorry I made you wait.” I breathe out.

“It was worth every second,” he mutters as he leans down to kiss me. His lips linger softly against mine before pulling away. I tilt my head back exposing my neck to him and he follows my cue. I stop breathing as the tip of his tongue traces my jaw and his lips glide down my neck. I breathe in hard; my fingers ache to touch him as I pull him in closer. “Not here,” he whispers in my ear and a shiver of pleasure fills my body. He lifts me from the table, his hands gripping me tightly and I need this more than anything. When his body covers mine, my need only grows. Ben’s hands follow the curves of my body and with every touch his fingers leave my skin aching for more. When he’s finally inside me, my body is so sensitive, so acutely aware of his every movement that it takes only seconds for me to lose myself in him. All the insecurities that plague my life fall away and I can’t remember ever feeling this free, this safe…this loved. 

As a part of this blog tour, there will be a giveaway for a signed paperback and two eBook copies of A Life More Complete. Click the link below to enter now!

~*~*~GIVEAWAY~*~*~

Nikki Young was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago where she still currently lives with her husband and two boys. She is a third grade teacher and spends her days forcing her love of reading and writing onto a group of poor unsuspecting eight year olds.

Website: Nikki Young

Nikki's Facebook Page

Nikki's Goodreads Page

Click the links below to order a copy of A Life More Complete by Nikki Young!

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Series in the Spotlight: The Play by Play series by Jaci Burton

Football pro Mick Riley is an all-star, both on the field and in the bedroom. But a sexy, determinedly single mom just might be the one to throw him off his game...

For years Mick has been taking full advantage of the life available to a pro athlete: fame, fortune, and a different girl in every city. But when he meets and beds confident, beautiful event planner Tara Lincoln, he wants much more than the typical one-night stand. Too bad Tara's not interested in getting to know football's most notorious playboy any better.

As the single mother of a teenage son, the last thing Tara needs is the jet-set lifestyle of Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand was unforgettable. Tara's life is complicated enough without being thrust into the spotlight as Mick's latest girl du jour. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn't intend to put herself out there again, especially with a heartbreaker like Mick.

But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind.

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

 The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

 Football star Cole Riley is notorious for doing as he pleases—on the field and off. He parties hard and fights harder, but if he doesn’t clean up his act, his career is over—so Cole reluctantly agrees to work with image makeover consultant Savannah Brooks. He’s not used to being told what to do, especially by some (admittedly hot) Southern belle. As for Savannah, she’s not convinced she can transform this cocky (and aggressively sexy) force of nature. But she’s determined to give it her best shot.

When the sparks start to fly, Savannah lays down the ground rules: no personal complications. If she can turn off the tingle she feels every time Cole gives her a hot stare with his gorgeous baby blues, he can turn off his desire as well. But for two people determined to have it all, a hands-off policy can only last so long before one of them yields. 

 Sports medicine specialist Alicia Riley has the job of her dreams, until she's assigned to star pitcher Garrett Scott. Undergoing shoulder rehab, it's make it or break it time for Garrett, and he needs to focus to get back on the mound in time for opening day. But close proximity and combustible chemistry is a dangerous combination, and both Alicia and Garrett have a lot to lose if this doesn't work.

 Race car driver Gray Preston enjoys fast cars and an uncomplicated life, until political aide Evelyn Hill enters the picture and complicates the hell out of it with a request that he help out his estranged father’s political campaign. Racing and politics don’t mix, but Gray and Evelyn’s sexual attraction sizzles like asphalt in August.

WOOOOOOHOOOOOO! The next book of the Play by Play series is coming out soon! Yay! I am excited to see where Jaci Burton is going with her series, now that all of the Rileys have been paired. I should have know she'd go off on a tangent to Garrett Scott's buddies since they were introduced in the last book. We'll just have to see where this goes :D Enter my giveaway below to win a paperback copy of One Sweet Ride. < 3

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Book Review: Bound in Evil by Marie Rose Dufour

For hundreds of years, evil is trapped beneath the ground. It never sleeps. It only waits to return.
A man turns his back against his magical family a long ago and the prophecy predicting a powerful witch with green eyes will release the imprisoned evil into the world. Nathaniel Caswell is determined to avoid the prophecy and the sexy new woman in town who could be his salvation or his downfall.
Meg Costa didn’t realize when she left her urban guidance counselor job for one on the sleepy coast of Massachusetts that she would catch the attention of the sexy green eyed sheriff and be thrown in the middle of a battle between good and evil.
Destiny throws these two together and along with the rest of the magical community, they need to figure out a way to save themselves and the world from being plunged into darkness forever.

When Nate was introduced I thought he was a petulant, sexist sheriff, with an Atlas complex, but this is explained later on. He's actually not a bad guy, but he does have an Atlas complex. It was prophesied that a witch with the green eyes would be born and is destined to release the ultimate evil onto the world. Nate tries his best to keep his powers under control and avoid the prophecy as much as he can. 

The leading lady is Meg. She is the newly hired guidance counselor. I absolutely LOVE her! She has a tough childhood but a loving mother who was taken away too soon. T___T Her mother is the epitome of a perfect mother and a perfect role model. Being a single mother is hard and even harder when the kids at school make fun of you for being poor. After her mother's death, Meg worked hard to improve herself in school. 

From the moment they met there was an instant connection, like the feeling that they knew each other. I will admit the private scenes between these two were scorching hot  and I was still blushing even after I finished the book. >.< This book got hot and heavy in record time and that's not necessarily a bad thing. ;) At first when things were getting a little steamy, I had to give Meg a sideglance. You just met the guy and you're already in love with him? (>.>)

A lot of memorable characters and plenty of ammo to write a series, Bound in Evil, is a great start to a paranormal erotic romance. In a town of witches, you never know what will happen. :D It's a quick read, but worth reading with a glass of wine. I give this book a rating of...

5 Stars!

Click below to buy a copy of Bound in Evil today!

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Series in the Spotlight: The Crossfire series by Sylvia Day

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness… 

He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires.The bonds of his love transformed me, even as i prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine. 

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity. 

We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...

From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn’t resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside–so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat. 

No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I’d been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession…

I am sooooo excited for the third book and according to Sylvia Day herself, the Crossfire series will be have 2 more books after Entwined With You. With characters like Gideon, Eva, and Cary, you can't fit their story in three books :D In celebration of Eva and Gideon's continued romance, I am giving away a packaged prize of 1 copy of Bared to You, 1 copy of Reflected in You, 1 copy of Entwined with You and some Crossfire swag as pictured below. Only one lucky winner will get the prize so enter everyday to increase your chances. The giveaway starts May 4th and ends on June 4th, which is the release day for Entwined with You. May the odds be in your favor. :D

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Book Review/Birthday Bash Post: Medusa, A Love Story by Sasha Summers

It's said love can change a person. Medusa wasn't always a monster... 

Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She's no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves... and curses her as the creature with serpent locks.

Ariston goes to war with a full heart... and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her. 

Poseidon will use Greece's war to get what he wants: Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.

This book was certainly a new take on the Greek myths. I have always loved reading about old Greek and Roman myths. My absolute favorite Goddess would be Artemis (CALM down, Dark Hunters) and favorite God would be Hermes. These choices do not  reflect the way they are portrayed in this book. So this book is about Medusa who was not always the fearsome monster with snakes for hair. She was once a woman who fell in love and suffered for it. Everything starts with prologue that ties into the story of Perseus. As you myth buffs may now, Perseus was a warrior and became a hero by killing Medusa and used her head as a weapon. The one major thing I noticed in this book was how human everyone appeared to be, even the Gods. I am reminded of something my philosophy teacher once said during a lecture, "We were nothing, but playthings for the Gods...to pass the time. We are their possessions, even in death." It kinda stuck with me because it made me think about how the religious worship a God or Gods and how their actions are dictated by rules and fear of punishment.

In Medusa, A Love Story, the book is just that. A story about a girl who falls in love with a man and is punished for it. The Gods involved are portrayed like a mob family. They all have things up their sleeves and if they see something they like they will stop at nothing to get it. I cried during the second portion of the book. I sympathized with the lovers and felt the pain of loss and the anger at the injustice of it all. All Medusa wanted was to be with Ariston and he with her. The Gods interfered and tore them apart, but not because they were an ill-fated couple; it was because they dared to go against the wishes of the Gods and for that grievous crime, one is cursed with snakes and one is cursed with death. 

There was one character that I liked besides Medusa and that character is Hades. Now I know what you're about to say. Hades? Why him? In all fairness, he isn't a bad God, if anything he's the most sympathetic of the bunch. He kept watch over Medusa and Ariston, despite having a reputation for not getting involved in Olympus business. Whenever I think of Hades, I think back to the Disney version and that cracks me up. Sasha goes on to write the story of Hades and Persephone in the next book in the Loves of Olympus series and I hope it's with a lot more romancing! Myths portray their courtship, or lack there of, as an abduction and entrapment. >.> Yup, that needs a new spin ASAP. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good underdog romance with a  dash of divine intervention. I give this book a rating of....

5 stars!!!!

Scroll down below to enter the giveaway for this post and get you own copy of Medusa today! :D

Book Trailer

CHECK IT! Here's a nice book trailer for Medusa

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90fH7xoZiCo

*~**~*Giveaway~*~**~*~

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Buy Links

Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Medusa-Love-Story-Loves-Olympus/dp/1937254518/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365971292&sr=8-1&keywords=Medusa+a+love+story

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/medusa-a-love-story-sasha-summers/1110296522?ean=9781937254513

Kobo:  http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Medusa-A-Love-Story/book-cog4uxv89UmZiEeyqsFLJg/page1.html?s=0jSPObkrOkmru6yVR9E3SA&r=1

All Romance ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-medusaalovestory-1115273-146.html

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13498668-medusa-a-love-story

Author’s Bio & Picture

Sasha is part gypsy. Born June 9, 1974, stories have always played an important role in her life. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Website/Blog:  http://sashasummers.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sashawrites

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sasha-Summers-Author/213036208773108?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759214.Sasha_Summers

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sashasummers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SashaWrites

Book Review: Devious by Mark Love

Jamie Richmond, reporter turned author, is doing research for her next book. Attempting to capture the realism of a police officer’s duties while on patrol, she manages to tag along for a shift with a state police trooper. A few traffic stops and a high speed chase later, Jamie’s ride takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses the trooper being shot. Although it is not a fatal injury, Jamie becomes obsessed with unraveling the facts behind this violent act. While she is trying to sort out this puzzle, she becomes romantically involved with Malone, another trooper with a few mysteries of his own. Now Jamie’s attention is divided between a blooming romance and solving the crime which is haunting her. Jamie begins to question the events that took place and exactly who could be behind the shooting. It was a devious mind. But who?

I loooooooooove mystery thrillers. I am a long time fan of James Patterson and his cop/mystery books. I liked how this book had a bit of a Stephanie Plum and Castle feel to it. Jamie Richmond, lead heroine, sounds like my kind of buddy. Jamie likes to write and jumps from job to job and is a free spirit. Resourceful and clever, yet clumsy, she managed to get a book deal and an advance on her second book. With a criminal mystery thriller in mind, Jamie contacts her ex-step-father, who also happens to be the captain of the police force. While researching her a character role for her next book, Jamie witnesses a shooting that leaves her escort incapacitated and bleeding on the road. Captivated by the mystery of the shooter, Jamie begins an investigation of her own, but someone doesn't want her to figure it out.

I loved the characters in this book. Jamie and her ex-step-father are kinda close, even after her mother divorced him. Despite his gruff exterior, he loves Jamie like she was his flesh and blood. Another good thing about this book, is how the police are portrayed as human beings, instead of power hungry and obnoxious peeps. While on patrol with her escort, Smitty, there are several incidences that show how much leniency a cop can deliver especially when warranted. Not all cops are bad people and there are a number of good ones, but I think with all of the caught on camera beatings and scandalous hood top sexcapades, people tend to forget that. 

Now about the hero of the story. I guess it's my fault for reading too much about muscley guys with guns and spy routines. I had a picture in my mind about the hero, Malone, but he turned out to be an average Joe who sweeps Jamie off her feet with confidence. Their attraction reminds me of the relationship between Cilla McGowan and Ford Sawyer in Nora Roberts' book, Tribute. It was an odd but reasonable pairing. Good-looking girl with the dorky average guy; you think it's impossible with how most romance novels feature a hottie with a body, but love and attraction can happen between average Joes and beauties. Another thing is the age difference. Malone is 42 while Jamie is 31, but there's not really a problem with age when it comes to love, but in society today, it's a stigma to be dating someone younger than you or vice versa.

The mystery behind the shooter was thrilling and kept me guessing until the end.  
This book had everything! Steamy sex scenes balanced with a sweet romance, crime, mystery, and fantastic plot lines. Overall I give this book a......

4½ stars!

I have been told by the author that there is a sequel to this series and I'm super excited to read it. I can't wait to see what Mark Love has in store for readers. :D

If you want to buy a copy and read it yourself, click on the following links below:

Amazon

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About the Author?

I am a Michigan native, who up until recently lived in the Metro Detroit area, where crime and corruption always seem to be at the top of everyone's news. So there's always the chance to find something that can trigger a story idea and enough interesting characters to jump start your imagination.

While I have worked in many industries and career paths over the years, one of my passions has always been writing. I was even able to parlay that passion for a while, working as a freelance reporter for a couple of newspapers in the Detroit area. Writing features and hard news helped me hone my talents. But while newspaper worked was interesting and paid a few bills, it was a far cry from the fiction writing that I enjoy the most.

I've always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers, the kind of stories that have a fast pace, that keep you moving and keep you guessing as to what's going to take place next. Mix those in with some elements of crime, perhaps a glimpse of the seedier side and you've got me. So it's always been one of my goals to write stories like that.

While taking a creative writing course in college, the instructor suggested I might have more success getting short stories published first. So I tried my hand at some short stories. And he was right. I was able to publish a number of these in small press magazines. Seeing my name and stories in print was definitely a kick. I realized my short stories looked like episodes from "The Twilight Zone" or "Tales from the Crypt", with a mix of humor and an unexpected twist at the end. Recently I packaged three of those together and published them on Amazon under the title "Three to Get Ready"

A few years ago I discovered a new online publisher looking for novels. I submitted one, a mystery/romance story for consideration. They jumped at it. Then I submitted "Fade Away" a thriller with a little sci/fi twist. They wanted that one too. Two more years and two more books were published. But sadly, they folded their operations. Fortunately, all the rights reverted to me. So I decided to put two of my novels, "Fade Away" and "Desperate Measures" on Amazon's Kindle Prime and see how things go.

Book Review: Finding Love Under a Rock by Allee Mae

NOTE: Allee Mae is another pseudonym of Davee Jones.

Kalista Bristow and Leandra Lehigh moved to Oklahoma not just to attend nursing school, but, to find some adventure. When Leandra reads about the sport of “noodling”, she is literally “hooked’, and reserves top-notch guides, Caleb Chandler and Owen Guthrie, to give them a true southern experience. 
Wading through the murky river, Kalista finds herself drawn to the handsome Caleb and his red-dirt good looks. He manages a few shy glances in her direction, intrigued by her tenacity. Could this cute city girl bring him out of his awkward insecurity when it comes to dating? However, thoughts of blossoming love move to the wayside as the girls find more than they bargained for under the surface of that shadowy river. They must rely on Caleb and Owen to keep them safe, all the while beginning to believe the mysterious legends the guys have been telling them are probably all true.

I gotta say, noodling looks cool but I sure as taxes wouldn't actually do it  in real life. The story starts off with two girls, Kalista and Leandra, who attend nursing school in Ada, OK. These besties have been through it all together and like birds of a feather, want to have some fun adventures together. After watching a reality TV show about noodling, Leandra decides to sign up for a noodling expedition, with Kalista reluctantly agreeing. The girls head to a cabin in the middle of nowhere that specializes in noodling expeditions and tours. Here Kalista meets their tour guides, Caleb and Owen. Caleb is nothing like the perpetual red neck persona, much to Kalista's surprise. As you could have guessed, Caleb and Kalista are attracted to each other and after the expedition, start texting back and forth. Their relationship begins to form more than tour guide and customer. They get to know each other through texts, phone calls and trips into the river looking for fish. 

I thought it was kind of a sweet story. I really liked how the story was structured. After a scene or two Allee Mae switches from the girls' POV to the guys POV. It's great because it brings in insights from different perspectives and it made Caleb more endearing as a character. :D On a second trip with the boys, the weird stuff starts happening. Kalista fins a big fish mangled and bloody. The group heads back to the cabin with the fish and try to figure out the mystery behind the mangled fish. Who would attack a poor fish? Let's just say it's the usual suspects. ;)

For an excerpt click here, to go to a blog post by Samantha Combs. Overall this book felt more like a mini novella than a novel, but it's certainly a good start to a mystery/romance themed series. I give this book a (drumroll).....

4 stars!

Release Day Euphoria! Volume 4, Issue 2

I've read some of Amanda Quick's, who also goes by the name Jayne Ann Krentz, work; Specifically, the Arcane Society novels. Today is the release of the second book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series.

Beatrice Lockwood, one of the intrepid ladies of Lantern Street, is in the middle of a case when her past comes back to haunt her.  Joshua North, a former spy for the Crown, has come out of a self-imposed retirement after a disastrous case that left him scarred and forced to use a cane.  He is hunting the villain who is blackmailing his sister.  

The trail leads him to Beatrice who is his chief suspect.  But when he realizes that she is not the blackmailer they set out to find the real extortionist.  Passion flares between them as they dodge a professional assassin.  Meanwhile a mysterious scientist intent on resurrecting his dead lover using an ancient Egyptian formula for preserving the bodies of the dead is also hunting Beatrice. He is keeping his dead love perfectly preserved in a special, crystal-topped sarcophagus filled with the special fluid.   But he needs Beatrice's paranormal talent to activate the reviving properties of the preservative in the coffin.  Time is running out for everyone involved. 

The two cases collide at a mysterious country-house filled with artifacts from ancient Egyptian tombs.  The drama concludes in the mad scientist's laboratory where Joshua discovers that the past he thought was dead is still very much alive -- sort of.

Get a copy today at Amazon or B&N

Book Review & Giveaway: The Forever Saga: Flash by Sean C. Sousa

I have to confess, I wasn't exactly eager to read this book. I tend to stay away from sci-fi based novels, which is odd because of my love for Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who, but I gotta say The Forever Saga: Flash was actually a well written and interesting book.

Long ago, the first reign of Grigori Geist nearly destroyed the Earth. Returned from exile, Geist is secretly rebuilding his kingdom beneath Antarctica, assembling his robotic Vaucan race to war against mankind. Only one obstacle remains: the war hero known as Brian Renney. Yet Brian is losing a battle against his fears. Scars of heart and mind linger from his days in Vietnam, fueling his failures as husband and father. This embitters his youngest son, Jason – a star athlete torn between pursuing the love of his life, and meeting the demands of a father who is far from the storied army captain he once was.And all the while, Geist is coming for them. In this dark hour, Brian and Jason encounter a war to end all others… and an unexpected ally who, once meant for evil, shall forever be a force for good.

This book was a bit overwhelming, but in a good way. It was quite a melting pot of different cultures, titles, customs, and lifestyles. Even though there were a lot of different pieces, Sean C. Sousa tied them all together beautifully. One of the main characters is Brian Renney, a survivor of the Vietnam war. He, like many others, still has strong memories and flashback of his time on the battlefield. His character is a little similar to the Walt Kowalski, of Gran Torino, but is more watered down. Brian is alienated from his sons, prideful, gruff billy goat personified, old-school, and retired, but he's not a bad guy. He does have moments of reproach where he does praise his son, despite otherwise. He also has bouts of PTSD that have increased since the accident. The things he's see and done during a period of blood and war still stays with him and causes a rift between him and his family. 

He knows he's sabotaging himself and his relationships, but it's like he has word vomit. The meanest things come out of his mouth, full of sarcasm, bitterness and anger, aimed at his family when he's projecting his self-hatred of himself. Despite this, his family refuses to give up on him and still love him, albeit from a distance. Brian has a love of skates, which one expects from Michiganians and was a hockey player back in the day. His youngest son, Jason, has picked up the mantel and is always under his father's constant scrutiny. Around Christmas time, everything changed for the Renney family. After an argument broke out during dinner, Brian is spirited away by Prince Ahya, later renamed Flash. From this point on, Brian is thrust into a journey that will ultimately lead to the battle of all battles.

As you read the book, Sousa switches back and forth between the realm of Regnum Aeturnum (a metropolis built under the continent of Antarctica) to flashbacks of the Vietnam war (told in Brian's POV) and then to present day. The mini world that exists is intricately designed and has a Game of Thrones feel to it with all of the politics and warmongering. :D There were many scenes that made my top 5, but my all time favorite stars Brian and his wife, Mary, when they are briefly reunited. I just couldn't help it; I'm a romantic. :) This book also kind of reminded me of this old movie I saw when I was a kid. It was called the Iron Giant. I kind of felt like it was similar in the sense that during their time together, Brian was teaching Flash to be more human and Flash challenged Brian's own view of his self-worth. The flashbacks and the ending made me tear up a little. Being Vietnamese with parents who fled Vietnam during the war, I appreciated Brian's flashbacks and his attempts to make things better. I don't quite remember if there are stories about real life soldiers who not only fought the war against communism in Vietnam, but also for the people. Brian is a fractured soul. He was described as quick to act and cared for the lives of others. This section made me tear up the most, 

"

He cared about the Vietnamese more than many of his fellow soldiers did. It didn’t matter to him that some folks back home hated us for fighting that war. He only wanted to win for the Vietnamese people.” (

Sean C. Sousa. The Forever Saga: Flash (Kindle Locations 7205-7207).) 

Despite his flaws, he was committed to the underdog and it cost him most of his mental stability, but it made him into the kind of hero you want to root for. 

This book was filled with imagery, adventure, pain, redemption, conspiracy, mystery, family, love, and fantasy. I am so glad Sean contacted me to read this book. I hope I have the luck of reading the next book by this up and coming writer! I give this book a rating of....

4 ½ stars!!!!

Today only (4-23-13)! The Forever Saga: Flash Giveaway - Like The Forever Saga's Facebook Page and receive a free e-book copy of Flash!" 

The Forever Saga Giveaway

For more info about The Forever Saga, click here and for more info about the author click here. 

SEAN C. SOUSA never planned on writing a novel – that is, until the idea for The Forever Saga came along. He first conceived it as a video game design concept, then a screenplay, and finally a written work of fiction. His debut novel, The Forever Saga: Flash, marks the end of one six-year journey toward publication, and also the beginning of another: to bring his stories to a worldwide audience.

His dream is to see fiction inspire positive social change in the world, calling attention to issues of social justice and mobilizing his readership to meet the needs of those afflicted.

Mr. Sousa resides in Southern California with his wife, Shelley, and when he is not writing further adventures about the Renney family, he is usually up to socially acceptable mischief with his friends and family.

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