Novellas #1: Reviews & Giveaway

I know some readers are not a fan of novellas but I’m especially fond of them. They can provide a romance and wrap it up in just a small amount of pages providing you with the quick fix you crave if you’re short on time.  Or they can whet your appetite for a series.  A talented writer can use those pages and dazzle!  I thought it would be fun to showcase a few novellas that I’ve enjoyed.  I’ll give away a choice of two novellas from the ones reviewed below to one lucky reader!

Roman Holiday #1: Chained by Ruthie Knox

Expected Publication: November 11th 2013th by Random House: Loveswept

Pages: 40

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book: 

Meet Ashley and Roman—complete opposites who can’t hide their attraction—in Episode 1 of Ruthie Knox’s eBook original serial, Roman Holiday.

Ashley Bowman is having a bad week. Reeling from the death of her beloved grandmother, she returns to the Florida Keys only to learn that a heartless Miami developer has gotten hold of the crappy vacation rentals she calls home. Ashley has one day to clear out before Roman Díaz destroys the only place in the world that matters to her. Chaining herself to a palm tree in the bulldozers’ path seems like a good way to stop him . . . until she realizes she should’ve brought food and water. And pants. Also, it would help if the evil developer weren’t so ridiculously hot.

The last thing Roman Díaz needs is some sun-kissed blond protester getting her picture in the newspaper and messing up his plans. He bought the property fair and square, and the resort he wants to build on the site is the key to realizing his highest ambitions. But when a hurricane blows through, Roman has to hustle Ashley to safety if he wants to protect his reputation—and that means giving in to her unreasonable demands.

Roman needs to learn a little compassion, and Ashley’s decided to teach it to him . . . even if she has to drag him all over the Eastern Seaboard to do it.

My Thoughts:

Roman Holiday is the start of a 5 part mini-series, each installment released one week apart. Chained is the first installment and starts out fun and snarky with our potential love interests, Ashley and Roman, completely at odds with each other.  Some of the best romances start off that way, don’t you think?  I certainly do.

When we meet Ashley and Roman they are locked in a battle over Sunnyvale Vacation Rentals.  Roman is the cliché heartless businessman who wants to tear them down Ashley’s beloved family vacation apartments to build Coral Cay, a fancy high dollar resort.  Come the day of the tear down, Ashley impulsively chains herself to one of palm trees to halt progress. Roman is NOT happy.  She could potentially ruin everything if his investor backs out because of all the drama. 

Chained makes you laugh with wacky humor, and sets the stage for a sizzling romance.  All those feelings of hate when mixed with intense attraction can lead to combustible results!  And with the way Chained ended I think things are about to get very interesting!  Danger is a-brewing!

Even with such a small page count there’s a depth to both Ashley and Roman’s characters, and something darker and painful hinted at.  I expect we’ll get a little more of what makes these two tick as the story progresses.  I think both Ashley and Roman’s initial rush judgments about each other may prove wrong. 

Chained releases November 11^th and then we get a new installment each week with the last one on December 9^th.  I can’t wait to pick up the next one!

A copy was provided by Random House: Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. 

4 Suns

Otherwise Alone (Evan Adren Trilogy #1) by Shay Savage

Publication Date: December 15th 2012

Pages: 56

Purchase Link: Amazon 

About the Book: 

Lieutenant Evan Arden sits in a shack in the middle of nowhere, waiting for orders that will send him back home - if he ever gets them. Other than his loyal Great Pyrenees, there's no one around to break up the monotony. The tedium is excruciating, but it is suddenly interrupted when a young woman stumbles up his path.

He has two choices - pick her off from a distance with his trusty sniper-rifle, or dare let her approach his cabin and enter his life.

Why not? It's been ages, and he is otherwise alone...

My Thoughts:

I wanted to pick up another read by Shay Savage after reading and LOVING Surviving Raine, and I'm not disappointed. 

This novella, really just a morsel, is only 56 pages but it's a brilliant set up for what promises to be an addictive series! And it was HOT, with a capital H!! Oh Ethan, I hope you're around if I get lost in the desert! He's dark, mysterious, dangerous, and I want more! He's a couple of quotes for you:

"You say the word, and I'm going to give it to you just how you need it." 

My lips smash down on hers, and my tongue invades her mouth. She gasps and cries out into my mouth, but I don't stop. I don't even slow down. I need this as much as she does. 

I'm left with lots of questions that make me want to pick up the next book Otherwise Occupied ASAP! 

4.5 Suns

The Diary of Brad de Luca (Innocence #1.5) by Alessandra Torre

Publication Date: September 30th 2013 by Patchwork Press
Pages: 55

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

I was happy with my life. And who wouldn’t be? Beautiful women, money, a job that I could sleep through and still make bank. But I was bored. And I never could walk away from a challenge.

This challenge turned out to be brunette. Feisty. Just the way I like them. But innocent. Too innocent for me. Too innocent to do anything other than sample and then toss back. Anything more would be too risky, too much work.

I was unprepared for Julia Campbell. I should have done my homework, should have looked before jumping off that cliff. Ditching her proved to be problematic, my sexual needs greater than my common sense.

She was different. She became more than a challenge.

She may just bring my world crashing down.

*

This novella is meant to complement, and be read after, Blindfolded Innocence, a #1 Erotica Bestseller.

My Thoughts:

The Diary of Brad De Luca was a companion novel to the first in this series.  It’s scenes from the first story told in Brad’s POV instead of Julia’s.  I must admit I haven’t read the first book so my thoughts are limited because I’m not clued into all that happened.  I only got glimpses, jumping forward in time and events.  In spite of that, I was drawn in and I can see this could be an addictive, erotic series.

Brad comes off as completely arrogant and without much in the way of morals. He’s good-looking, and a successful lawyer who seems used to getting what he wants.  I have a feeling Julia might take him down a peg.  Instead of being obsessed over he’s the one doing the obsessing. 

She should be texting, emailing, calling, begging for more of him. Instead, silence. She was doing godknowswhat with godknowswhom and not giving him a second thought. It was maddening, made even worse by his realization that he had noticed the slight.

At this point I don’t really care for Brad.  He’s screwed about four different girls in the space of 55 pages. Plus, Brad takes Julia to a strip club and more than just Brad and Julia were involved. Not my cup of tea, and not a place I’d find appealing to be taken for a date. I’m all about animal passion and lust, but I like there to be a deeper connection as well.  What can I say, I’m more of a vanilla, sweet romance kind of girl!  Maybe this will change as the story progresses and their feelings for each other grow.

I will say this is a scorcher and I suspect that the rest of the series would probably light your panties on fire! 

A copy was provided by the Patchwork Press in exchange for an honest review. 

3 Suns

I’m giving away a choice of two of the above novellas to one lucky reader.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Note: Otherwise Alone is only available through US Amazon.  The others can be fulfilled through US Barnes & Noble or US Amazon.

Review: Sticks & Stones by Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban

Sticks & Stones (Cut & Run, #2) by Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban
Published on January 25, 2010 by Dreamspinner Press

About the book
Cut & Run Series Book Two - Sequel to Cut & Run Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they're ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone's sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they've so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty's father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods... where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other

Arlene's Thoughts:
Loved it!!!

“You’re okay,” Zane said quietly but clearly. “Just focus on me for a few minutes. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?” While talking, he was gently wiping away the blood. Ty blinked at him, opening his mouth as he thought the very first thing that came to mind when Zane prompted him. I love you. He snapped his mouth closed and stared at Zane, unable and unwilling to answer.

Wow! It’s only book two in the series, and I am seriously hooked on Cut & Run. Ty and Zane sure know how to fly off the pages of my eReader and send me on an adventure that’s filled with drama and intrigue, but not without a fair share of moments that make these characters feel real and full of life. Having been suffering from a chronic case of reader’s slump, I know I can count of my favorite duo to wake up my imagination and send me on a fictional journey that fuels my senses. Love these two characters!

In Sticks & Stones, Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are still trying to recover from the tri-state murder case they recently wrapped up. They are having a hard time adjusting after being targets of a serial murderer. When Zane fails his psychological exams and Ty isn’t showing much progress either, they are both pulled off the line of duty and ordered to take a mandatory vacation to hopefully get their heads back in the game. Their adventure takes them to the Virginia mountains on a hiking excursion that turns more dangerous at every turn. Being thrown back into survival mode and re-living past experiences that trigger destructive reactions, they are both dependent on each other to make it off the mountain alive and hopefully somewhat intact.

I could easily have a full on gush-fest when it comes to Ty and Zane. There’s so much about these two characters that attracts my attention and keeps me reading long into the night. It’s rewarding to see the progress they continue make all the while taking steady steps toward a relationship. Their shared moments are perfectly executed and when you couple that with the never-ending drama they constantly face, my imagination truly has no downtime.

“It’s twice you’ve saved my life,” he reminded in a gruff voice. “Time you stopped thinking of yourself as the weaker half.”
It was great meeting Deuce because I loved seeing how he handled his brother Ty, as well as Zane. I hope we see even more of this character in books to come.

Finally, the ending left me pining for more and I definitely won’t waste any time picking up the next installment because I hear this series just gets better and better, which I already agree with. Overall, Cut & Run is my brand of reading entertainment and Sticks & Stones was never short of fire, excitement and well executed drama. Well done!

5 Suns

Crystal's Thoughts:
I love these two guys!!  They have made me swoon and squee more than any other couple and I am not lying!  The first book in this series was fantastic and this second installment doesn't disappoint at all!

Ty and Zane after a bad experience are now on desk duty until they can both pass all their evaluations with flying colors.  Unfortunately neither one of them like being stuck behind a desk and when Zane fails his psych evaluation he and Ty both are told to go on vacation to clear their heads.  Burns, their boss, even goes as far as suggesting Ty visit his family in the mountains.  Needing someone to help him shield himself from his family he decides to take Zane along with him.  Neither one expect a relaxing hike to turn into a deadly adventure.

The story in this one kind of took a backseat for me.  Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it I just wasn't as invested in the mystery like I was in the last installment.  The treasure hunter angle was a good one, but I think it fell off somewhere and we were just left with a strange babysitting storyline that didn't turn out well.  Once that part was over I felt like the story got back on track and everything played out nicely.  Well there is a mountain lion so I guess nicely isn't the right word, but you get my drift.

It was a good story, but Ty and Zane stole the spotlight and I wouldn't have it any other way.  These two are explosive and have the perfect kind of chemistry.  I don't know how to explain it but if you ever pick these up I know you will agree with me.  What makes this one so special though is that we get to see another side of both Ty and Zane that I have been waiting for.  These two are way alpha, but their tender moments are some of the best I have ever read and I just want more.  The last page will forever be imprinted on my brain and it left me squeeing for days!

This series is my new addiction and I honestly don't know what I am going to do when I am caught up with it!  Lucky for me I have 6 more books to get through before that happens.

5 suns

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Fighting Fate by Linda Kage

I loved Fighting Fate by Linda Kage so I'm so excited to be part of the Blog Tour!  This tour is hosted by AToMr tours.  Click HERE for a complete tour schedule.  For my stop I have my review and an AWESOME GIVEAWAY so don't forget to scroll down below for a chance to win!

Fighting Fate (Granton University #1) by Linda Kage

Publication Date: July 18th 2013 by Omnific Publishing

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

*New Adult Romance*

Forgiving your brother's murderer may be noble, but falling in love with him borders on betrayal.

When Paige Zukowski enrolls at Granton University in honor of her dead brother, she has no idea fate will land her on the same campus with the very guy who killed him. But Logan Xander isn't quite the murderer she's always believed him to be.

A day hasn't passed since the tragedy that Logan doesn't wish he could go back and undo everything. It doesn't take Paige long to realize he's suffered as much as she has. Forgiving him for ruining her life might not be so impossible after all. But when she actually starts to like him and realizes he likes her in return, their true anguish begins.

My Thoughts:

I adored this story! I had so many emotions bubble up in me, and spill over with both happy and sad tears.  I can’t believe I’m still a bit weepy as I type up this review (happy tears)!

It’s amazing to think that with one stupid and thoughtless act you can ruin so much.  That’s exactly what happened to Logan on one tragic night while in high school.  His mistake reverberated through both his family and Paige’s.  For three years they both have been in their own nightmare of grief. 

Paige’s brother was killed while she was only fifteen and his death tore her family to shreds.  Determined to carry the torch for her brother, she goes off to his dream college, taking classes in his intended major, and thereby give honor to the life he intended to live.  Not in her wildest dreams did she think she’d run into the person responsible for all of her pain, her brother’s murderer: Logan.  She thought he was a proud, arrogant and entitled boy, able to get out of justice by having a rich family and a lawyer for a father, but what she finds out is completely opposite. 

Logan hates himself for what he did.  He knows and expects Paige to hate him, and she really does, at first. So he takes care to try and avoid her lest he cause her any more pain.  But as time goes on, and they keep crossing paths and he can’t help but look for her presence.  Witnessing her transformation from the nervous, miserable girl she was when she first arrived to the confident and proactive one he sees now heals him just a little bit.  Logan finds he’s drawn to her even though he knows in his heart that any relationship with Paige would be impossible.

He fully realized he had to be the biggest loser on earth, crushing on the most forbidden girl he could possibly dream about. But Paige was just so…

It broke my heart to discover all that both Paige and Logan went through.  The hate that Paige had for Logan at first, and the way it sliced him wide open, tore me up, too!  She had every right to feel those feelings, and seeing Logan, letting him know how she felt was a good thing.  It started a healing process in Paige that she really needed.  I also think that Logan needed to hear how she felt for him to move on as well.  Paige had no idea how much Logan suffered or all the things he did as a penance for his sin.  And Logan didn’t know the full extent of her suffering either. 

What they didn’t expect was the connection and understanding they’d form because of this shared tragedy.  I loved this romance! It was gradual and believable and a slow burn!  Both Paige and Logan thought being together would be impossible, and I could really see why. But that didn’t make me root for them any less.  The heat coming off these two was palpable and intoxicating!

“It doesn’t seem to matter how wrong it is or how much I fight it, I’m drawn to you. I can’t get you out from under my skin.”

When his lashes flickered apart, he looked dazed and half-drugged. She felt his desire mirrored from every organ in her body. 

Oh my stars!

This is the first time I’ve read anything by Linda Kage, but it won’t be the last.  Her storytelling captured my heart and resonated deeply.

Some favorite quotes (might be a bit spoilery):

“I can’t remember the last time I really wanted a girl. But I want you, Paige. In every way possible. I know it hurts you to hear this, but you’ve healed me like nothing else has. You’ve made me feel…forgiven. And hopeful. And complete.”

“I am so far from okay, it’s not even funny. I’m too elated, overjoyed, gratified—“she yawned “—and exhausted to be a measly okay.”

4.5 Suns

\

About the Author: Linda is a contemporary romance author from the midwestern USA, where she lives with her wonderful husband, daughter, and nine cuckoo clocks. The eighth and final child of dairy farmers, she was forced into having a vivid imagination if she ever wanted to do something one of her siblings hadn't already tried. Feel free to visit her at her website: www.LindaKage.com

Connect with Linda Kage:

Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads | Website

As part of this tour we have this AMAZING giveaway to present!  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win:

(5) eBooks of Fighting Fate – International

(5) Print copies of Fighting Fate - International

(1) $25 Omnific Publishing Gift Card - International

Cover Reveal: A Perfect Mistake (A Perfect Secret #2) by Zoe Dawson

I loved A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson so when I found out there was going to be a story revolving another one of those irresistible Outlaw Brothers, I was beyond excited! I'm honored to be part of the cover reveal for A Perfect Mistake which is Verity and Boone's story. So without further ado here it is:

Perfect Mistake (A Perfect Secret Series #2) by Zoe Dawson

Expected Publication Date: December 9th 2013 by Blue Moon Creative

New Adult/Adult Contemporary/Mystery

Cover by: Okay Creations

About the Book:

How can they have a future when their past is based on a lie?

The perfect preacher’s daughter, Verity Fairchild, has something that only she and God know about and she wants to keep it that way. Her mistake was easy to keep secret when she was out of town, but now that she's come back to Hope Parish for the summer, she comes face-to-face with the guy responsible for it all. Boone Outlaw nearly ruined everything for her and despite the fact that he's now working at her father's church, she's determined to stay as far away from him as possible.

Boone Outlaw doesn't understand Verity's anger towards him. He barely knows her. In high school she was Holy Mary Verity and she was off limits - except in his dreams where Verity seems way too real. Most of the time he was wasted in high school, not the type of boy Verity would ever look at twice, but he can’t shake the feeling that something might have happened between them. He’s going to break his own rules to get the answers he needs straight from Verity.

What will Verity do when she finds something in Boone that she never knew existed and her perfect mistake is the only thing that could stand between them and their happiness? Will she sacrifice Boone to keep her secret?

About the Author: Zoe Dawson is the alter ego of Karen Anders, award winning, multi-published author. Her writing journey started with poetry and branched out into fiction. With a couple of college English courses under her belt, she penned a historical, then moved onto contemporary romance fiction. Today, she is happy producing romantic suspense, romantic comedy/mystery, new adult, urban fantasy. The words feed her soul and the happily ever afters feed her heart.

Connect with Zoe Dawson on:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Goodreads | Newsletter

Waves of Sunday #50

Welcome to our weekly edition of Waves of Sunday where each Sunday we spotlight a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR. 

 Today we are spotlighting:

The Thrill of It by Lauren Blakely

Expected publication: November 21st 2013

A new adult story of Love. Sex. Addiction. Blackmail. And Power...
Some say love can be an addiction. Others say it's the thing that makes life worth living. Let me tell you everything I know about love...Love isn't patient, love isn't kind. Love is a game, a chase. A thrill. Love is wild and war-like, and every man and woman must fight for themselves. At least that's how it was for me. A high-priced virgin call girl by the time I started college, I was addicted to love and to sex. Even though I've never had either. I controlled love, played it, and held the world in the palm of my hands. Then I fell down from those highs, and I'm being blackmailed for all my mistakes, forced to keep secrets from everyone, except the only guy I don't regret.
Trey...
With all the other women, I knew what they were. They were temporary. They were pills, they were bottles, they took away all the pain, and numbed the awful memories that wore down my ragged, wasted heart. Until I met Harley. She's the only girl I ever missed when she walked away. But now she's back in my life, every day, and there are no guarantees for us, especially since I don't know how to tell her my secrets. What happened to my family. All I know is she's the closest I've ever come to something real, and I want to feel every second of it.
How can you love with no regrets when regret is all you know?

Rachel's Thoughts:

I'm not sure how someone can be a "virgin call girl" but this does sound intriguing, and twisted. Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

Brandie's Thoughts:

I agree - I don't know how that'll work, but I am definitely curious!  It's a different subject matter and that's exactly what I'm looking for these days.  Also, Lauren Blakely is an author I've seen getting a lot of attention lately and I've been wanting to try one of her books.

Review: Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Published October 1st 2013 by Simon & Schuster

Purchase: Amazon / B&N

About the Book:
When the world ends, can love survive?
For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.
When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.
Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?

My Thoughts:

This was my first ever zombie/apocalypse themed read, and I loved it! I really didn't know what to expect when I started it, and had hoped it would be realistic enough for me to get into it. Not only did it suck me in, it was full of on the edge of your seat suspense that made it hard to put down! I found myself looking forward to every chance I got to read it because I was loving it so much.

The book is told in the POV of three strangers who are trying to survive the apocalypse and get to safety. The challenges and horror they experience while trying to stay alive are sometimes completely gut-wrenching and terrifying. But there are glimmers of hope throughout the book that keep you reading to see if they make it. Even I got teary-eyed a few times because it was emotional to read through the pain and terror these individuals went through.

I was really happy with the way it ended, although everything can't be flowers and roses, it was still enough closure and goodness for me to end the book with a smile on my face. I definitely look at zombie stories in a whole new light, thanks to Jamie McGuire. I know this was not her normal writing, but I think it's a fantastic read and I'm glad she was brave enough to write something completely different! Well done!

5 Suns

Cover Reveal: Thou Shalt Not by J.J. Rossum

Okay, any read that Tarryn Fisher recommends is an automatic buy in my book!! I can't wait for December!

Thou Shalt Not by J.J. Rossum

Expected Publication Date: December 9th 2013

Cover Reveal organized by Shh Moms Reading

About the book:

Luke Harper was finally starting to settle into his life - a life that had previously been full of more heartbreak and pain than most people ever experienced. He had a job he loved, and was blissfully content in his on-again, off-again relationship with the striking, and highly sexual, Holly. But, life throws Luke another curveball with the arrival of the alluring April, a woman stuck in a tumultuous, violent marriage to a famous athlete. Luke soon finds himself torn between what is safe, familiar, and right, and what is dangerous, unknown, and forbidden.

Praise from Tarryn Fisher: 
“Salty. This book is salty. There is no sweet. You'll be hard pressed to find a unicorn. It is sexy and frustrating. I grow so tired of "perfect" steamy hero's. i don't like perfect. I like my men a little nerdy and aggressive. Luke is way nerdy. We have a lot of male perspective books coming out, but most are written by women. I'm really wondering at this point if we are getting it right. As for the actual storyline...I was riveted. Hero is playing with married woman fire. He has a hot, little blonde on the back burner. I didn't know who to root for. The author's writing style is what I'll praise most. It's so different. Polished. And I love being in a man's head. They're simple, but damn are they dirty. I.LOVE.THIS.BOOK.”




About the Author: 
JJ Rossum traveled the world as a child, and called many places "home". Currently, home is Portland, Oregon, where he is at work on other novels that were hatched while people watching during many airport layovers.

Connect with J.J. Rossum:

Facebook | Goodreads

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Off Chance by Sawyer Bennett

I've enjoyed Sawyer Bennett's writing and so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be on the tour for her newest: Off Chance which is the 5th book in the series.  The tour is hosted by AToMR tours and you can view the complete schedule by clicking HERE. Thanks for allowing us to participate! As part of the tour I'm reviewing Off Chance, and there is an AWESOME giveaway of 1-$50 Amazon Gift Card and 5-Swag Packs (US only) are being given away so don't forget to scroll down and fill out the rafflecopter!

Off Chance (Off #5) by Sawyer Bennett

Publication Date: October 19th 2013

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

He is seeking absolution.

Flynn Caldwell has a hero complex and it’s one of the reasons he joined the New York City Fire Department. He has spent his entire professional career trying to atone for that one person he failed to save. Because, if he can do that, then perhaps he can be worthy of love again.

She is seeking escape.

Rowan Page’s life is nothing short of a disaster. Always immersed in trouble, she has only herself to depend on. She’s determined to pull herself out of this mess and make something of her life, despite the hard years she has lived on the streets of New York.

Together, they have the chance to become complete.

Flynn and Rowan’s worlds exist miles apart, but when a chance meeting brings them together, neither of them can deny the instant pull that connects them to each other. What starts as a tiny spark eventually flares into a fire so hot, it refuses to be extinguished.

For it to work, both of them will need to jump feet first into the flames to see where it takes them, despite the risk of being burned.

My Thoughts:

Off Chance was a sweet romance with a hunky, protective fire fighter and girl down on her luck.  I have a soft spot for a man in uniform and Flynn did not disappoint!

Flynn Caldwell lost his first love while in high school in a house fire.  A death he feels he could’ve prevented.  He’s now a firefighter trying to make amends for his perceived error.  When he saves Rowan Page from burning to death after being left unconscious in a building fire, he can’t help the protective feelings that overwhelm him when he sees she has nothing to her name, and nowhere to go.  Rowan is very distrustful of anyone, and fights any help Flynn tries to offer, but he is determined and persuasive, and so she gives in somewhat, becoming his reluctant roommate.  Little by little Flynn’s patience and care breaks down Rowan’s barriers, and both can’t fight their growing feelings. 

I have to say, Flynn just melted my heart.  He can be my hero any day!  He was so selfless and generous with Rowan, taking care not to demean her in any way for the situation she found herself in. Flynn had the patience of a saint not pushing too much, but still trying to help Rowan improve her lot in life.  Flynn and Rowan have an immediate and intense physical attraction:

“F*ck,” he hisses. “If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be responsible for the way you walk tomorrow.” His sinful words shoot lust through my body as I imagine Flynn f*cking me so hard I can’t walk and my eyes slam back to his. The gaze only lasts a second before his mouth is back on mine and his hands are tangled in my hair.

Did I say SMOKING hot?  Well, I guess you’ve got that now!

Yet, Rowan will not give into her feelings so easily.  I have to say, I really had a hard time with Rowan.  She had a troubled past, and didn’t have any friends she could trust until Flynn came along.  The fear of losing that friendship makes her hesitant to take things to the next level. Even though I didn’t like her reasoning, I could somewhat understand, BUT the thing that tweaked me is the fact that Rowan kept going back and forth, giving in to some lusty moments and then pushing Flynn away!  Not once or twice, but several times and that had me wanting to strangle her!  Like I said, Flynn had the patience of a saint, and I wouldn’t have blamed him if he just moved on.  I would’ve been disappointed because I really wanted this romance to work, but I wouldn’t have been able to fault him.  Fortunately, Rowan does eventually get some sense. 

In spite of my issues with Rowan, I did enjoy this installment, and I recommend this series for anyone who loves a romance with a slow buildup and sparking chemistry. 

Any fan of this series will appreciate the glimpses of the previous couples, and a momentous occasion for one in particular.  The epilogue shoots us several years into the future and it filled my heart with joy to see how everything turned out for this big extended family.  Sawyer Bennett gave me the blissful HEA I’m always craving!

4 Suns

About the Author: USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Connect with Sawyer Bennett:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

As part of this tour there is 1-$50 Amazon Gift Card and 5-Swag Packs (packs are US only) up for grabs.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win!  Good luck!

Review: Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin
Published in August 2005 by Bantam Spectra

About the book
The first volume of A Song of Ice and Fire, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. GAME OF THRONES is now a major TV series from HBO, starring Sean Bean.

Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must … and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark’s family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

My Thoughts:
I am a huge fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones and honestly I was a little scared to pick up the books.  Normally I would have devoured them the minute I fell in love with the show, but I love the show so much that I was terrified I would hate it by the time I was finished with the book.  I think every series that I have read that has been turned into a TV show has been so far off the mark that it just really turned me off from either the show, book, or in some cases both so I decided not to pick up the books.  Well after the season finale of the third season of Game of Thrones I just couldn't stand it any longer.  I need to know where this series is going!  I finally picked up the first book in the series (I did do some research to make sure the book was somewhat like the show) and OMG I loved it!  This is the first time where the show has followed the book 100% and I am one happy reader!

If you haven't seen the show or heard about it then think Gladiator (you know the one with the hottie Russell Crow) but dirtier, sexier, and deadlier.  This book is like nothing I have ever read before and I have read quite a few fantasy novels.  George R.R. Martin is fearless with his characters and he will pretty much do whatever he wants regardless of his poor readers hearts.  This first book is a good example of that.  One of my favorite characters is pretty much decimated in this one and it shows me I really need to guard my heart.

If you have seen the show then I can guarantee you will love the books.  They really did a phenomenal job at keeping things the same, but what I like better about the books is that I can hear or rather read everything.  Sometimes it was hard for me to hear who the characters in the show were talking about so being able to read who is who and what is going on really helped me and I even uncovered a few things that I missed in the show.  That is one of the big reasons why I am so glad I decided to start from the beginning and not just grab the book that would be the fourth season.

This world is so gritty and dark.  You really have to understand that the setting is completely different and so long ago or you will be uncomfortable.  The characters in this are young and I mean thirteen years old and what they go through is not easy and downright horrific at times I won't lie.  If you can get past that then what lays underneath is a spellbinding world that has many many ribbons of truth, lies, deceit,  and murder. 

The one big difference though was Catelyn Stark.   I really liked her in the show, she was a fierce mother trying to protect her family.  In the book she is downright selfish, irresponsible, and rash.  Her actions caused so many of the fall outs that occurred and I find myself hating her.  By the end she does know in her heart that she caused the war, but that doesn't help the situation any.  I am really curious how my feelings toward her will change with the next few books since I know what lays ahead for her.

Now my favorite character is Tyrion and Dany.  They are my favorites in the show so it is good to know that I still love them in the books.  I cannot wait for their story lines to explode.  So much happens in this book that I couldn't even begin to start a summary.  Which is one of the reasons why I love this.  I love to get lost in a world where everything is happening at once and you never know what will happen next.

If you are looking for something intricate and wonderfully written then this book is for you!

5 suns

Review: Forgotten in Darkness by Zoe Forward

Forgotten in Darkness by Zoe Forward
Published on September 22, 2013 by Wild Rose Press

About the book
After an unjustified two-century stint in purgatory, Scimitar Magus Dakar returns to the human realm, renewing his eons-old curse. Once again he must murder the woman he loves. To break the vicious cycle, he must kill her before she strikes her deathblow, something he's never done in the past.

Archaeology grad student, Shay McGinnis, suffers a near-death attack in pursuit of a piece of Scimitar Magi lore. But did the magnificent warrior who pinned her to the wall injure her or the daemon he fought? In her search for answers, she draws the attention of both an ancient evil sorcerer and the warrior Dakar. The attraction between her and Dakar is instant, and for Shay confusing. She wants to be with him, but intuition equates him with death. Not random death. Hers.

Will this be the lifetime they break the curse before they are murdered by an age old enemy or worse kill each other yet again?

My Thoughts:
Oh how I love this series!  The first book Dawn of a Dark Knight completely grabbed my attention and I am so excited to say that this installment was even better!

Forgotten in Darkness starts off with a bang and the action never stops.  I thought this book would have been about one of the guys we previously met, but I was wrong and I am so so glad that I was wrong.  Dakar is full of awesomeness and I am happy that he got his story before the others.  I think we needed his story so that some of the dots could be connected and pave the way for the others. Without Dakar I am not sure I would have understood half of what I needed to.

This story definitely answers some of the questions I had from DoaDK.  I have to give Ms.Forward major props for creating this whole Scimitar world.  The details that she throws into each book especially this one are just amazing.  I honestly don't get how she can keep everything straight while trying to weave in characters and settings.  Her writing though makes it all seem effortless.  I understand who everyone is and I have a pretty good grasp on this world.  I still have a few lingering questions but I have a feeling that with every book we get those will all be answered.

 I know I said before that this world resembles my other favorite series BDB and I can now say that Ms. Forward has pulled ahead on her own.  Yes there are still those few small similarities, but her series can definitely hold its own among the others on the shelf.  It is different and unique with all the magik flying and the guys are just awesome.  I love that they have each lived before and they will each have their memories restored.  I can't wait for them all to have their story especially Javan.  He is one messed up person and well we all know the messed up ones always have the best stories!

Okay I have rambled on and on about the awesomeness of this book and I haven't said a word about the plot I know.  So here you go!  Basically this revolves around an ancient curse that states when Dakar meets Shani in each lifetime they are destined to love each other and then in two weeks time one will kill the other.  Bummer right?!  So this time around things are different and Dakar makes a vow to try and change their fate.  I am not totally convinced that their story is over so I am excited to see the other guys' story play into this incredible storyline.   

Dakar and Shani are perfect for each other.  My only complaint is that I wished Shani would have stopped all the inner monologue about what she needed to do.  Either get over what he tried to do or walk away woman! Other than that I really did like these two together. They had crazy chemistry and I loved their feistyness!

Okay one thing I must drop in before I close this review.  We are told that only one will end the big baddie and OMG I want him to return like NOW!  From what we are told this guy is totally unstable and unpredictable...I say sign me up!  LOL!

4 suns

Thank you to the author for sending this for review! 

Blog Tour & Review: Cage by Harper Sloan

Waves of Fiction is thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Cage by Harper Sloan!

Cage by Harper Sloan
Published September 9th 2013 by Harper Sloan
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

About the book:
"Alpha heroes you'll want to kidnap and keep, heroines to root for, and sizzling love scenes
with emotional punch." Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author 

Greg Cage was born to protect. While growing up, he was his mother and sister’s shield
against the world… until he failed. For the last decade, he has carried that guilt and need for
vengeance around… until it was stripped from him. Now, with his best friend getting married
and no longer needing his protection, he is even more lost, completely adrift, and desperate
for some control. All he has ever known was how to protect: his family, his friends, and his
country. Can he go against everything he has ever known, and give up that control? 

Melissa Larson will never let anyone hold the reins in her life. She has been the rock in her
family for more years than she can remember, and the fight to keep them together is her
main priority right now. She has always been fiercely independent and proud. The last thing
she will ever do is ask for someone else’s help. But when that choice is out of her control,
forcing her to rely on others to save her and her family, and pick up the pieces that are left,
will she be able to let someone else be her strength? 

The second Greg locks eyes with Meli, he knows that she is someone he needs. Someone he
craves. Meli knew the second she met Greg that he would be nothing but trouble and
heartache. Her life takes an unexpected turn, and that bitch Fate is back to wreak more
havoc on another member of the Corps family. 

All hell breaks loose, leaving Greg no choice but to call in a favor. He hooks back up with his
old friend Braxxon Breaker from the Breakneck MC. Together, they make sure that nothing
threatens anyone Greg loves again.
CAGE is a complete story with a HEA.

My Thoughts:
I loved the first book of this series, Axel, and really loved Greg Cage in that book. He's your typical protective alpha male who loves and takes care of the women in his life. So, I was excited to read the next installment in the series because it was about Cage!

Cage is haunted by some issues in his past where he failed to protect someone he loves, and it's because of those issues that he is so overprotective now. Melissa, who's had her fair share of tragedy, has a lot going on and isn't willing to be controlled by any man, especially after seeing what men have done to her mom and sister. 

There's no denying their attraction to each other and how great they are for each other. But their similar pasts and secrets will threaten to tear apart the relationship they have started to build.

Full of drama, angst, crazy ex's, alphas males, and sexiness - this is a great read. I wasn't in love with it as I was the first book, but I will still keep reading this series!

3.5 Suns

Author Info:

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of 
Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they 
dubbed 'Estrogen Ocean', much to her husband’s chagrin. Harper has a 
borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her 
with her ereader attached. As an ex-reviewer and blogger, Harper's passion 
for reading runs deep. It wasn't until 'Axel' decided to take up residence that 
she realized her true calling.

She started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep 
at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It 
didn't take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at 
nothing to have their story told.

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