Monday, April 28, 2014

Cover Reveal: Behind the Scandal

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PRESENTS. . .

Cover Reveal

for

Behind the Scandal

by

M.A. Stacie

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Release Date: July 31, 2014
Summary:
Sent to the family ranch to overcome his addiction, Taylor Reese is angry and hurt. Feeling rejected by his father and brother, Taylor throws himself into ranch life to help him forget. He struggles with his addiction, though he refuses help. But it isn’t long before it hits him hard how much his life has spiraled out of control. He begins to question every aspect of his life, and the confusion leaves him floundering and looking for something, or someone, to cling to. Libby Karlin is cautious, wary of Taylor’s presence. His brutal honesty and lack of respect claw at her composure. Her dark past makes her reluctant to let anyone near her family, but when Taylor strikes up a friendship with her son, Libby finds herself drawn to the sadness within him. His experiences are no secret to her. She sees where his world turned upside down and offers him a helping hand. But her own secrets stay buried, locked away until a knock on her door has her gasping for breath. Libby’s fear paralyzes her as she comes face to face with her demons and, determined to stay strong, she battles for a way out. Could dealing with their pasts really give them a future?

Excerpt:

Taylor thought for a moment, intrigued that she never quite made eye contact with him. She looked everywhere but right at him. “I think we should leave that discussion for another time. I was about to say . . . I should apologize for the way I shouted at your kid.”

“You should or you will?”

He rolled his eyes. “Look, if you don’t want the apology, then fine. I gave it to you anyway.” He weaved around her, heading for the door.

“You didn’t,” she said, her voice low. He spun around, the movement causing his hair to flop into his eyes. He blinked. “Excuse me?”

She shifted from one foot to the other, staring over his shoulder. “You never really said sorry. You said you should apologize, but you didn’t say the words.”

He gawked at her, certain he had said it. Hadn’t he? He battled for what to say next, and Libby crossed her arms. The woman might be uncomfortable looking him in the eye, but she did a good impression of acting like he didn’t intimidate her. He was rather impressed.

“I would remember it—if you did say you were sorry. You don’t seem like the kind of person who says it often, so I’d commit it to memory.”

“Sassy,” he said, his brain trying to think of a wittier retort. “And there’s no need to remember me. I’m right here, every wonderful inch.” He wiggled his brows and grinned.

Libby sagged, her eyes rolling upward. “Forget the apology. It wouldn’t be sincere. I doubt you can even feel such a thing.”
“And how do you know that?” he asked. 

“Because there is no room for anything but your damn ego,” she said, her vibrant eyes finally meeting his.
 
His gut tightened, and this time it wasn’t due to the lack of drugs. The sensation came from something else entirely.
Pushing it aside, he snorted. “You don’t even know me. You’ve been in my presence for what? Ten minutes max?”
 
“Ten minutes was all it took for me to work out how self-absorbed you are.” She threw her arms out, palms up. “Why am I even wasting my time on you?”
 
“I don’t know, Blue. I think it’s because you simply can’t help yourself.”
 
Libby thrust out her chin. She moved toward him, determination shining in her eyes. Her red hair framed her intense expression, one that could kill if he looked too long. Medusa. She was Medusa and he was about to be turned to stone.
Her finger prodded his chest, punctuating each word as she spoke. “Do. Not. Push. Me. My name is Libby.”
 
“That’s some temper you have . . . Blue.”
 
Her banshee’s wail was so high pitched it could crack glass, and all he could do was laugh. He’d gotten right under her skin. Maybe his time here wouldn’t be as boring as he’d first thought. A little light sparring would relieve the monotony. That’s if he got out of this one with his balls intact, because Libby looked set to tear them off.
 
“I know what you’re doing, and you won’t get to me. I love Josh. He is the reason I’m backing away now, so go and thank your uncle.”
 
He smiled. “You wouldn’t even leave a scratch, pussycat.”

     
mstacie_hi-res  

About the Author:

  M. A. Stacie is never without a book or her eReader. A voracious reader, with a love of sexy, yet angst ridden novels, she adores getting lost in new worlds. Her need to write did not grip her until after her second son was born, when her previous rambles became fully fledged stories. She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Running keeps her sane, along with knitting and listening to loud music.

Connect with M.A. Stacie on:

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Review: A Betty's Pledge

A Betty's Pledge
Volume One
By 
Emma Husher

Release Date: 24th April 2014
Genre: Romance/ Erotica
Published by: The Writers Coffee Shop
Available from: AmazonKoboBarnes and Noble, and TWCS PH


Summary: 
There is an exclusive group called the Grants who only allow the most seductive women into their circle, and Madeline Cain would give anything to get in. After years of disappointing sex, Mady is ready for more. To her, it seems like men prefer a fifty thousand dollar plastic surgery bill rather than finding any substance in a woman. She wants more than stale sex, and the Grant Program could be just what she needs.  

Isaac Wilson has been dissatisfied more times than he can count. Usually, it just meant another long month of disenchantment on his part when he realized the new batch of women were no good. The Grants found several candidates that fit his needs, but as was often the case, they lacked that certain spark Isaac was looking for. Until a gorgeous Betty comes to the mansion, and Isaac can’t seem to get her off his mind.




Author Bio:
Emma Husher is a storyteller with a mind occupied by romantic fantasies, comedy, and steamy nights between the sheets. She spends her extra time putting pen to paper, creating characters and storylines that leave her readers begging for more. Her works delve into her world of late nights, hot bods, and erotic dreams. Emma lives on the West Coast where she enjoys sunsets, walks on the beach, and writing in the warm sun.



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Fast cars, expensive dinners, extravagant gifts, exotic vacations…money will buy you everything. If you’re part of the exclusive Grants it will even buy you a carefully selected, highly sexual wife. Eventually. But in the meantime you’ll be able to fuck your way through the rich young women that become Bettys.

Mady Chase isn’t satisfied with her sex life in the least. She’s sick of screwing men who have no idea how to please a woman and having to rely on her BOB is getting old. With the help of a friend she becomes a Betty and enters the secret world of the Grants. Mady only wants to explore the sexual side of herself that she’s never been able to get in touch with before but soon learns even a Betty can’t separate sex and emotion.

Isaac Wilson is instantly attracted to Mady. Being part of the Grants has its perks but over the years he’s become bored—until Mady crawls onto a bed for her masturbation trial. Intrigued by the beauty, Isaac wants to be the first to—ahem—welcome her to the Betty world. But will she be able to hold the attention of a man who has fucked so many women that he’s grown bored of sex?


I wouldn’t say Mady was naïve about sex, just a little inexperienced. Although for someone who had never even had the nerve to speak up and tell the guy she was doing that he was failing to get her off (the girl never had a guy give her the big “O”) I found it a little hard to believe she didn’t have any hesitation when it came to Diane. Even if it was a fantasy of hers and something she wanted to do, I think anyone, especially someone with her limited experience, would be slightly freaked out by everything happening. She showed no signs of apprehension.


And what the fuck was with Isaac’s mood swings? Sexy and cocky can be hot. But even sexy and cocky will not make up for a man with more PMS fits than a ragging bitch without chocolate.


While the writing was good and the story hot, I can’t say I really understood the idea behind the Grants. It was really nothing more than a high class brothel. A high class brothel meets sorority house with a tad bit of dating service—since the purpose of all this was for the Consorts to meet a “mate” in the end (a fact hidden from the Bettys).


I had major issues with the cliffhanger, though. Its book one of whatever, so I get that it’s not going to be all nicely wrapped up in one book. However, this one felt like it was an end of a chapter and the author just forgot to write the rest. There is a better way to end a trilogy than just picking a chapter and saying, “That’s that.”


That aside, it was a good read and I would recommend it if you’re looking for something different.
                                            

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Monday, April 21, 2014

Cover Reveal: Pieces of Broken Time

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PRESENTS. . .

Cover Reveal

for

Pieces of Broken Time

by

Lorenz Font

Pieces_of_Broken_Time_Hi-Res_Cover

Release Date: July 24, 2014
Summary:
When wounded soldier Blake Connor returns from Afghanistan, he wants nothing more than to hide from the world. He’s plagued by the memory of his best friend’s death and the pain of his own injuries. On top of all that, he has another burden to carry. Take care of our girl. Blake’s vow to watch over the woman who was left behind is overshadowed by his self-contempt and bitterness, making it impossible for him to reach out to her like he’d promised. Jennifer Owens had expected to get married the moment her fiancé returned home from the war, but the news of his death changed everything. Shattered by her loss, she is still struggling with feelings of guilt when she receives an unexpected letter that raises new questions and reopens old wounds. Jennifer’s need for answers leads her to Blake’s doorstep, but she is met with hostility and rejection from a man who only vaguely resembles the head-turning charmer she remembers from so long ago. Blake is determined to keep her at arm’s length, and Jennifer soon discovers that she must decide whether to push back or let him go. Caught up in circumstances beyond their control, Jennifer and Blake have to learn to accept the truths that lie below the surface. She comes to recognize the beauty underneath the scars, and Blake realizes that he’s broken in more ways than he cares to admit. Nothing will ever be the same for this ex-Army Ranger once he faces the truth. If he can learn to accept the help he needs, he might be able to overcome his warped self-image and emotional scars. To be the man Jennifer deserves, he must heal his wounds before he loses the woman he loves forever.

Excerpt: “What is this?” She traced one finger along the shape of the body art.
“It’s Trent’s dog tag,” he whispered. “Why are you wearing his name?” “It is tribute to a brave man and a friend.” His gaze was unwavering, so intense that she shuddered. When she didn’t say a word, his voice was filled with uncertainty. “Am I disgusting you?” Jennifer shook her head and spoke in a firm voice. “I love everything about you. This . . .” She traced a finger on the raised skin. “Is what makes you, you. I would never ask for anything more.” She lowered her mouth to kiss each scar, feeling his breath hitching with every touch of her lips. He cupped her face and planted a kiss on her lips. “I want to be perfect for you.”

FINAL 945C0814   About the Author:
Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels Hunted and Tormented, the first and second book of The Gates Legacy trilogy, Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller, and Feather Light, an erotic romance. Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories. Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job as a hospital office manager and her busy writing schedule.

Connect with Lorenz Font on:

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Saturday, April 12, 2014

Cover Reveal: The Memory Healer

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PRESENTS. . .

Cover Reveal

for

The Memory Healer

by

Julie Filarski

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Release Date: June 19, 2014
Summary:
On a wet summer morning in the historical township of Port Brandon, South Eastern Australia, talented artist and psychic Beth Montgomery reluctantly agrees to carry out a psychic assessment of Carrington House. She soon becomes frightened by a string of nightmares that could be warning her not to tamper with the metaphysical. Despite her fears, she braces herself for what is to come and continues to unearth the secrets of the past. As soon as she enters the historical home, the image of a distraught Victorian maid appears, and then a young woman manifests on the staircase. Beth is transported to another era, where a magnificent four-poster bed, an engraved watch, and an exquisite ring evoke fleeting memories. When Beth spies a calendar, the date fills her with dread, but she cannot remember why. Returning to the present time, Beth agrees to work for the irresistible Dr Matthew Jamieson, the new vet in the district. Each time they meet, memories of another lifetime flood her heart. She senses an eternal bond between them, but with two unfaithful partners in her past, she is reluctant to become romantically involved with him. As her passion for Matthew intensifies, she regresses to 1895. In her past life as Mary Clark, she meets the darkly handsome Samuel Methven and falls in love with him on sight. But is he as honourable as he seems? Faced with Samuel’s apparent betrayal, Beth is plagued by fears that Matthew will also be unfaithful to her. She knows that to learn the truth, she must return to her past life, but that means facing an unbearable tragedy. Does Beth have the courage to move between lifetimes and relive that dreadful event? Will she be able to discover whether her soulmate was faithful to his twin soul?

Excerpt:  
Beth found herself in a bedroom cluttered with furniture and bric-a-brac of the Victorian era. Flowered wallpaper covered the walls and acted as a backdrop to the assortment of photographs and paintings hanging throughout the room. Most were of children. When Beth moved forwards to take a closer look, part of the carpet vanished, and the image of a road appeared in her mind. A puddle of blood oozed through the cracked tar, and she shivered. Something terrible had happened to at least one of the occupants of this house. But what? And to whom? In which era? The woman was sleeping on a magnificent four-poster bed. Rays from the light of the rising sun flickered over the grand canopy. Beside the bed was a small table. A few antique knickknacks lay upon it, and lying face-down in an open jewellery box was a gold watch. Beth read the inscription: Mary Adelaide Clark. She frowned and looked at the sleeping woman, searching her memory for some form of recognition. None came. Next to the watch was a ring. The sight of the exquisite black and white stones, shaped in the form of a yin-yang symbol, sent another shiver down Beth’s spine. She was struggling to remember why it would when she noticed an ornate calendar hanging just above the bedside table. The year was 1908, and the month, October. Most of the days had been crossed out. Her eyes reached the date yet to be marked. 30 October 1908. Her mind repeated the date, and she panicked. She had to leave at once and return to the present time. As the giddying rush of years went by, she heard the words I’m coming soon.

Julie Filarski Photo for The Memory HealerAbout the Author:
Julie Filarski’s love of reading quickly progressed to a love of writing. While writing The Memory Healer, she studied Professional Writing and Editing at Chisholm Institute in Berwick, Australia. Much of the novel was written on the train while she travelled to and from work at the University of Melbourne.
Julie first began studying the metaphysical realm in the early 1980s. After a few sessions of Hatha yoga, she quickly became drawn to yoga philosophy and the belief in reincarnation. Since that time, Julie studied the topic in depth, as well as researching a wide range of other spiritual topics. Her studies have led her to understand that mankind has an inherent belief in immortality and that there is a deep and underlying spiritual purpose to all life. Julie lives with her husband, Murray, near Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. They have two children and five lovely grandchildren.

Connect with Julie Filarski on:

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Friday, April 11, 2014

Review: Sexting


Sexting

Title: Sexting
Author: G.B Hope
Publication Date: November 1. 2013
Source: NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads): Warning: Graphic sexual content.
English writer, Michael Lincoln, embarks on an internet relationship with a younger fan, Elise McHugh, who comes from Singapore.
Despite her innate shyness, and his concerns over the age gap, things quickly hot up, becoming raunchy and intense. But there is also a touching, soul mate bond there between them, as they follow each other’s successes and troubles in their real lives.
Elise, nineteen years old, is an absolute darling: petite, black-haired, black-eyed, very cheeky, and, despite being the daughter of a wealthy property developer, she is genuine, sweet and principled – a well brought-up girl in strict Singapore.
Michael, thirty-seven, is recently divorced, trying to keep up contact with his daughter, while working at selling his crime novels. He instantly adores Elise, but struggles to justify the eighteen years and 9,000 miles between them. He finds her to be great company, using his love of words to fulfil her wish to be brought out of her shell. Soon they are enjoying conversation, cheeky banter, sex stories and eventually, frantic, explicit sexting.
At the same time they both explore relationships where they live, while trying to get to a place where they can see about possibly getting together.
Will they ever find time to meet up in the real world?




This one was almost a DNF for me. I gave up multiple times but, even though I didn’t enjoy the book, there was something that always pulled me back. It kind of felt like sleeping with someone you didn’t like. You have no idea why you’re doing it because you know you’ll regret it in the morning but you don’t really care in that moment. That’s what this book was. A book I didn’t even like but one I couldn’t stop reading.

Sexting is a big thing with a lot of couples—and non-couples. And it’s never really been the center topic in a novel before. I was intrigued. My curiosity once again got the best of me and in the end I felt like I needed a shower to wash off all the creepiness of this book. Let me make it clear, I knew that I was getting a book that featured sexual content blah blah blah. I like those kinds of books. I enjoy those kinds of books. This, while it had sexual content in (although it really wasn’t as graphic as most erotica that I’ve read), was not one of those books I enjoy. I feel this had so much potential but it was completely wasted.

While I didn’t like the book I do feel like the emotions and the personalities of the characters are actually very honest and real. The confusion, the anger, the guilt that’s inside these characters and their actions are very believable.

First, let’s talk about Michael. Michael’s a creep—one of those very typical internet “player” creeps. The way he interacts with his female Goodreads friends is very much like most men interact with women on dating sites or chat rooms or whatever where they’re really  not looking for anything meaningful just someone who will get them off. The flirting, the inappropriate sexual comments, playing with their emotions, etc. is exactly what this guy did. He pissed me off to no end, like all men who act like him do—which is why I say his character is very real and believable.

There’s a part in the book where he’s having a conversation with Elise about being a virgin and orgasms and later he thinks to himself that he won’t talk to her about orgasms anymore since it seems inappropriate. But two seconds later he’s thinking of asking for a nude pic of her. So orgasm talk is off the table but show me your goods?

And this girl, Elise, is either really naïve or just totally stupid. After a few messages back and forth with some guy who then asks for nude pics of her and she’s totally all for it because he wants it “artsy”?? WTF?! I know there are girls out there like this and seriously I just want to punch them in the face to knock some sense into them. To Elise’s credit she didn’t actually send full nudes—until later that is. And then she only sent one because Michael got pissed at her, deleted and blocked her as a friend and she wanted to get him back. This again, to me, seemed like a very real action for a young girl who thinks she might be in love with someone she’s never met. She missed him, wanted to desperately please him and crossed a line she wasn’t really comfortable with just to get his attention again.

Irene is another one of his email pals, but this one rarely messaged him and then only did to ask for money. Michael of course sees this as an opportunity to expose the girl to get a cheap thrill. I actually found the whole money asking thing believable because I have had people on GR message me asking if I could “donate” to their education, but I had an issue with Michael’s response. At first he was thinking of it as an act of charity and then a split second later it was a “pay for play” kind of thing. I’m not even sure many people would have even replied with a “quote a figure” response to someone who they have messaged with twice,but then this guy seems to fancy himself a player. After getting an erotic pic from her, Michael than tells her she doesn’t have to do it again and their communication basically ends there.

While Elise was his main GR virtual hump buddy, he was also friends with Cindy. Their friendship was actually the most normal and their conversations generally were about their day to day lives—even though communication was sometimes blurred because of Cindy’s poor English.

Another thing that annoyed me was the story had too many characters that didn’t really need to be there. It was like they were thrown in just to lengthen the book, there was no point to them at all. Rimski, all the Garrands and even the Prince of Darkness weren’t really characters that benefited the book in any way. I skimmed over their parts for the majority of the book for that exact reason. If you’re going to have characters in the book at least have them in there for a purpose. Of course people could argue their purpose proved in the end, but really, that could have happened with any random Joe.

The ending was something of a surprise. It takes place two years later and Michael is actually in a real relationship with someone and settled. But it’s like it’s just suddenly thrown at you with no explanation of how it happened or why Michael chose the person he did to be with. I would have liked to have read how that came together, and since Elise was such a major character in this story, what happened to her as well. We do get some hint as to where she ended up and it almost leaves an opening for a squeal to this, but I just felt like there could have been more of an explanation of things.

I’m not entirely sure how to rate this one. Like I said, I didn’t really like it but I did feel like there were parts of it that very honestly described real life…..
                                              
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