Friday, December 30, 2016

Review & Giveaway: Come Away with Me by Karma Brown

Come Away with Me by Karma Brown
Published August 25th 2015 by Mira
One minute, Tegan Lawson has everything she could hope for: an adoring husband, Gabe, and a baby on the way. The next, a patch of black ice causes a devastating accident that will change her life in ways she never could have imagined.

Tegan is consumed by grief, not to mention her anger toward Gabe, who was driving on the night of the crash. But just when she thinks she's hit rock bottom, Gabe reminds her of their Jar of Spontaneity, a collection of their dream destinations and experiences, and so begins an adventure of a lifetime.

From the bustling markets of Thailand to the flavors of Italy to the ocean waves in Hawaii, Tegan and Gabe embark on a journey to escape the tragedy and search for forgiveness. But they soon learn that grief follows you no matter how far away you run, and that acceptance comes when you least expect it.


Heartbreaking, hopeful and utterly transporting, Come Away with Me is an unforgettable debut and a luminous celebration of the strength of the human spirit.

My Thoughts 
Come Away with Me was one of those books I picked up because I was in the mood for something emotional. Well, Karma Brown definitely delivered! Not only was this story filled with a good amount of tissue material, but it also came with a nice little added bonus of a surprise twist that had me wanting to go back to chapter one and figure out why I let that little clue slide. I know where it happened, but I chose to ignore it.

In this novel, we meet Tegan Lawson who has just about everything going for her. She’s married to Gabe, an amazing husband, and they have a child on the way. However, Tegan’s life takes an awful turn when a horrific accident shatters her dreams and grief becomes her constant companion. In an attempt to move passed the pain, Gabe and Tegan take out their Jar of Spontaneity and embark on a journey that takes them to Thailand, Italy and Hawaii. As they travel to these beautiful places, they soon realize that you can’t run from your grief. You just have to face it head on in order to start to heal.

First off, I have to say how wonderful Gabe was in this novel. He’s one of those too-good-to-be-true fictional males that had me falling for him from the very first pages. I appreciated how he handled Tegan through her grief despite her anger and resentment that was often directed at him. There were moments where I lost my patience with Tegan, but I had to quickly reel that in because the loss she suffered is probably beyond anything I could ever cope with myself.

I also enjoyed the journey Tegan and Gabe took to several exotic locations. It was exciting to see these places through their eyes despite the constant shadow of grief and pain. The places and people they met along the way was an experience to remember.

Come Away with Me is my first encounter with Karma Brown. She definitely captured my interest, and I’ll be sure to check out The Choices We Make, which I’ve had my eye on for some time. Good story that was exactly what I was in the mood for.
4 Suns
I am giving away a paperback copy of Come Away with Me by Karma Brown as part of the Bundle of Books - Follower Appreciation Giveaway. For more details, click on the button below. 

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Review: Force of Temptation by Suzanne Wright


Publication Date: December 13th 2016 by Montlake Romance
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Harley Vincent is resigned to life in the human world. Sure, being a margay shifter is half her nature, but life among humans gives her the freedom to roam and do as she pleases. That is, until anti-shifter extremists target her, putting her life in immediate danger.
When an old acquaintance and onetime fling, Jesse Dalton, shows up to offer the protection of his pack, Harley hesitates. She may have feelings for Jesse that go beyond their one-night stand, but life among shifters means giving over her independence to the needs of pack. Plus Mercury Pack has its own threat to face: a rich half-shifter is determined to claim their territory at any cost.
Jesse, who lost his true mate as a child, has wanted Harley since their night together, and he’s not letting her go again. They may not be destined for each other, but he knows she belongs to him and with his pack. Even if he can convince her to join him now, can he convince her to stay?
My Thoughts:
After reading the synopsis I wondered if Suzanne Wright would be able to sell me on the rightness, and intensity of Harley and Jesse’s romance, just as much as the other true mate couples featured previously.  I shouldn’t have worried, because their connection was every bit as powerful and electric as a true mated pair!

True mates are shifters who are destined to be together, perfect for each other, the other half of a one’s soul. But as the description says, Jesse lost his true mate when he was a child, before they were ever involved, so IMO it didn’t make me feel like Harley would always be second choice. Plus, an imprinted mated couple can have the same connection (that is, if everything takes) that a true mated couple has, so after finding that out I was convinced Harley and Jesse had a chance. 

Jesse and Harley have a history, and Jesse’s always admired and longed for the strong, feline shifter.  She was friends with his sister Mia, tried to help her get off her addiction to drugs, but couldn’t.  Jesse and Harley had one night of passion, but sensing Harley wasn’t ready for a commitment, he let her run off but kept tabs on her until circumstances throw them together again.  I was thrilled Jesse was determined to claim Harley and keep her safe, but I could understand that Harley needed to be sure that she could be as important to him as his true mate.  Harley needed time to for trust to form, and let barriers between them come down, and I thought that was very reasonable. As far as Jesse’s devotion, there were no doubts in my mind, so it made rooting for them as a couple very easy. 

Coming together would be a challenge under stress free circumstances, but Jesse’s pack has problems of their own. Not only are there some adjustments in accepting Harley into the pack, a half-shifter creates security issues by buying the land next to their territory with plans to develop into a hotel. It becomes apparent that this half-shifter has ulterior (malicious) motives, making me very uneasy for the pack.  Some dangerous situations had me holding my breath a few times!

I always know I’m going to have a sizzling read when I pick up one of Ms. Wright’s romances, but I think Force of Temptation went up an extra level of hot!  Habanero pepper level of spicy? Maybe more! There tortuous games for domination were a fun, delicious thrill!

As a side note, I LOVE cats (yes, I’m that crazy cat lady!) and so the addition of Harley’s shifter side being a dangerous Margay cat was a treat!  Such a pretty kitty!


Margays
(click on image for photo sharing link courtesy of Flickr)

Ms. Wright captured and incorporated a cat’s fascinating behaviors in this installment.  That wasn’t the only other species she added, in the past the stories have focused mainly on the wolves, and I like the new additional varieties!  

I loved Force of Temptation! The captivating mix of intense, primal shifter connection with danger, action, and fun pack antics makes this series a must read for me! 

The Mercury Pack and Phoenix Pack are very tight, bonded packs with members crossing back and forth. I can't wait for the next book, Fierce Obsession, which will feature Riley, a raven shifter, and Tao, a Phoenix Pack Enforcer.

4.5 Suns





Connect with Suzanne Wright:

Website | Facebook Goodreads | Twitter



Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Waves of Fiction 2016 Reading Wrap-up & Giveaway

Wow, we can't believe how quickly 2016 flew by!! Here at Waves of Fiction, we've had a pretty good reading year. So in the spirit of sharing our fictional adventures with our blogger friends, we'd like to take a moment to spotlight a few of our favorites and not so favorites.

But that’s not all!! One lucky winner will get the chance to win a US$10 bookish gift. See below for details and be sure to comment for a chance to win. So, let's get  2017 started off on the right page. :)

Enjoy!!
I have to admit that 2016 has been my lowest year in terms of reading count. I rounded out the year with just under 60 books. I can't remember the last time I read so few books. However, I have to say that the ones I did choose to read were more selective and memorable, so I'm pleased with my reading accomplishments this year. 
Top 3 Favorites (All Genres)
It's no surprise that my top three also happen to be written by some of my favorite authors. It was great to see them publish new titles this year. I truly enjoyed them.

Favorite Series Installment

Greatest Disappointment - Because of High Expectations

Favorite Debut

Favorite Female Main Character
Parvaneh from A Man Called Ove
Noor LeBrac from Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil

Favorite Male Main Character

Favorite Book Cover
It’s a tie between:
Marrow and F’Love both by Tarryn Fisher

Most Interesting Book Title
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta
The title obviously caught my attention, and I learned it's from a Hamlet play.

Most Anticipated
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Both are from my favorite authors, and neither disappointed. They each landed on my top 3.
Top 3 Favorites (All Genres)
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Making Faces by Amy Harmon
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Favorite Series Installment
Steadfast by Sarina Bowen

Greatest Disappointment - Because of High Expectations
The Widow by Fiona Barton

Favorite Debut
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Favorite Female Main Character
Eva Rosselli - From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

Favorite Male Main Character
William York - The Shadow by Sylvain Reynard

Favorite Book Cover
The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda

Most Interesting Book Title
F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

Most Anticipated
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

I've had a great reading year with several installments of my favorite series' being released and I find myself switching between Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Romantic Suspense.  Not much else. I also haven't been trying as many new authors as I have in the past. I'd like to take a break on some new ones in 2017.  Also, I find that if I have a terrible book experience by an author I'm very reluctant to try them again. Tarryn Fisher and Colleen Hoover are two authors I previously loved and haven't picked up again after a monumental disappointment.  Maybe I should give them both a second chance in 2017.
Top 3 Favorites (All Genres)
Favorite Series Installment
Greatest Disappointment - Because of High Expectations
Favorite Debut 
a tie between:
Favorite Female Main Character
Kate Daniels from Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

Favorite Male Main Character
a tie between:
Adam from Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
&
Curran from Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews

Favorite Book Cover
Most Interesting Book Title
The Purloined Poodle by Kevin Hearne

Most Anticipated
Just finished White Hot (book 2) last week and LOVED it!!

This year was slow for me as well, but I did finally catch up on a few series I really needed to. 
Top 3 Favorites (All Genres)

Favorite Series Installment

Greatest Disappointment - Because of High Expectations

Favorite Debut
I didn't read any debuts this year. Something I will definitely fix for next year!

Favorite Female Main Character

Favorite Male Main Character

Favorite Book Cover

Most Interesting Book Title

Most Anticipated
INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY
We hope you've enjoyed our 2016 Reading Wrap-up. And now for the fun stuff!! 
We are giving away a chance to win a US$10 giftcard to either US Amazon or US Barnes&Noble OR up to US$10 shopping sprees to The Book Depository.  So, the giveaway is International as long as The Book Depository ships to your address.  Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter AND comment below for a chance to win! Let us know some of your 2016 favorites.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Review: Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton


Publication Date: July 5th 2016 by Berkley
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

From the author of Fly with Me and the Capital Confessions Novels comes the newest in the sexy Wild Aces Romance series.
 

Eric Jansen—call sign Thor—loves nothing more than pushing his F-16 to the limit. Returning home to South Carolina after a tragic loss, he hopes to fix the mistake he made long ago, when he chose the Air Force over his fiancée.

Becca Madison isn’t quick to welcome Thor back. She can’t forget how he shattered her heart. But Thor won’t give up once he’s set his sights on what he wants—and he wants Becca.

Thor shows Becca that he’s no longer the impulsive boy he used to be, and Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But will Thor be able to walk away from his dream of flying the F-16 for their love or does his heart belong to the sky?

My Thoughts:
Into the Blue was soooo good, even better than Fly With Me! A second chance romance at its best!

Becca's hurt and resentment touched my heart, she was so broken hearted! No one ever came close to holding the same position in her heart after him, and so seeing him ten years later came as quite a shock.

Eric regretted his decision to leave Becca all those years ago. One of the reasons he's never returned home is the fear of running into her. Eric doesn't know that she'd ever forgive him. There's never been anyone like Becca in his life and he knows he'll never find another love like theirs. Can he win her back after all the hurt? He's determined to try.

I loved everything about this romance! I could empathize with both Becca and Eric, even though I was mostly on Becca's side at first because of what Eric did, I did see his side of things as the story progressed. I was never frustrated by Becca's reluctance at letting Eric back in, as I have in other second chance romances, because it didn't feel unreasonable. If the same happened to me, I'd want to protect myself, too. Their relationship was a slow, steady progression, which felt completely right. When they can't resist, the romance is utterly hot!

Onto the next in the series!

5 Suns





Connect with Chanel Cleeton:


Monday, December 26, 2016

New Release & Giveaway: Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher

Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher
Publication Date: December 2016
When Fig Coxbury buys a house on West Barrett Street, it's not because she likes the neighborhood, or even because she likes the house. It's because everything she desires is next door: The husband, the child, and the life that belongs to someone else. 
Bad Mommy is LIVE!!!
★¸¸.•*¨*•★ BUY THE BOOK ★¸¸.•*¨*•★
 
Fig’s Feelings
 

Tarryn Fisher’s Bio Tarryn was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. She immigrated to America with her parents when she was thirteen, and spent the next eighteen years in South Florida where she earned her degree in Psychology, wrote her first novel, and had two children. In 2012, on a whim, she moved her family to Seattle, Washington where she currently makes her home safely away from the sun. Tarryn is the founder of Guise of the Villain, a fashion blog, and has written ten published novels. Tarryn is a Slytherin.            

Author Links


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Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas from Waves of Fiction

Waves of Fiction would like to wish our fellow readers and blogger friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May you enjoy the greatest gifts of all... family, friends and fun fiction!

Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 23, 2016

Waves of Fiction: Follower Appreciation Giveaway #4

Waves of Fiction has another Follower Appreciation Giveaway! I have five books in this bundle for one lucky winner. If you'll notice, each book cover is either set by the sea or a lake, which is where I'm sure most of us would like to be right about now during this cold winter. :) Be sure to let us know what book you're excited to curl up with and read this winter.

Thanks for all your support these last few years!
Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win, and let us know what book you're interested in reading. Because of the number of books we'll be shipping, this giveaway is open to US Residents only.
This week we are giving away the following, some of which are ARC editions:
The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis (ARC edition)
Last Summer by Holly Chamberlin (Paperback)
Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs (Paperback)
Come Away with Me by Karma Brown (Paperback)
A Week at the Lake by Wendy Wax (ARC edition)
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Review: One Hot December by Tiffany Reisz


Publication Date: November 22nd 2016 by Harlequin Blaze
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

Hard as steel…and hotter still!

Never mess with a woman who carries a blowtorch in her backpack. Welder and artist Veronica "Flash" Redding's playful sense of evil sometimes gets the better of her. Like when her insanely handsome, wealthy, suited-up boss gave her the most sensuously wicked night of her life…then dumped her. Yep, revenge is a dish best served hot.

Only Ian Asher isn't quite letting Flash get away quite so easily. He's not ready to forget the intensity between them. The searing heat when they touch. And the deliciously demanding control Ian wields in the bedroom. Now he has only the holidays to convince Flash that they belong together…and that even the most exquisite, broken things can be welded back together.
My Thoughts:
Veronica "Flash" fell hard for her boss Ian after months of crushing led to an unparalleled night of passion. Both body and mind were engaged that night, but Ian broke it off the next day and Flash has spent the last six months trying to get over Ian.

Ian had to break things off with Flash, but he never explained why. He, too, has had a difficult time getting over Flash, but their was situation impossible. Circumstances have changed and now he hopes he can convince Flash to give them another chance.

I think One Hot December had to be the most scorchingly hot of the series. Seriously flipping hot!! Man Tiffany Reisz knows how to push my buttons, making me a hot mess! Wth that said, I think Flash was the character I related to the least in this series, though, just because I'm not the really edgy type. Not saying I didn't like her, though, because she was a very likable character, just saying that being a welder in a male dominated construction job, having tattoos of women on my biceps, and short, flaming red hair is completely out of my comfort zone. I don't like to stand out so much. Luckily for Flash, Ian, the man she fell hard for, completely dug the whole package. It's a total "opposites attract" situation with Ian the classically handsome, straight-laced bachelor coming from privilege, and Flash the blue collar girl with a poor background, and Flash frets over this a bit. Their roles were completely tossed out in the bedroom, though, Ian was very dominant, bossy and in charge, just the way Flash craved!

I love that there was no lengthy unreasonable relationship drama, instead we get Ian and Flash all hot and totally into each other! I love the wintery setting, perfect for this time of year. A chalet at the top of the mountain, surrounded by snow sounds perfect! Ian and Flash warmed themselves up in all kinds of interesting ways!

3.5 Suns



Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Blitz Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes


I'm excited to be part of the Release Week Blitz for Grace Burrowes newest release The Trouble With Dukes, the first in her Windham Brides series, because I really enjoyed the story! I have my review, an excerpt and a wonderful giveaway to share as part of my post.





The Trouble with Dukes (Windham Brides #1) by Grace Burrowes
Publication Date: December 20th 2016 by Forever
Purchase Links:
Amazon |AudibleBarnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Play | iBooks | Indiebound | Kobo




About the book:

This first novel in a new Regency series from USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is a spinoff of her highly popular Windham series.
THEY CALL HIM THE DUKE OF MURDER...

The gossips whisper that the new Duke of Murdoch is a brute, a murderer, and even worse—a Scot. They say he should never be trusted alone with a woman. But Megan Windham sees in Hamish something different, someone different.

No one was fiercer at war than Hamish MacHugh, though now the soldier faces a whole new battlefield: a London Season. To make his sisters happy, he'll take on any challenge—even letting their friend Miss Windham teach him to waltz. Megan isn't the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she's fighting battles of her own. For her, he'll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart.

My Thoughts:
Men with impeccable manners and pretty words don’t impress Megan Windham.  She’s found out the hard way that a snake can be under all those social niceties.  That’s why Megan isn’t turned off by Hamish MacHugh’s lack of them.  Instead, Megan finds herself drawn to the unrefined, but genuine man, but does it matter when another schemes and plots to take her freedom away?

Hamish has a fierce reputation, nick-named the “Duke of Murder” by gossipers, but he’s braving the London social season for his younger sisters.  For some reason Megan isn’t scared off by his reputation.  She has no problem providing practical advice on fitting in, and Hamish relishes the extra one on one time they spend together.   

Hamish and Megan came into each other’s lives at the right time, for both need a bit of rescuing. Megan’s problems, thanks to the scumbag Sir Fletcher, were more worrisome.  Sir Fletcher, while handsome and perfectly mannered from outward appearances, made my skin crawl! Thankfully, Megan has many in her corner, and now the “Duke of Murder” on her side.   Their relationship is definitely beneficial on both sides, for Hamish struggles with guilt from his experiences in war.  Megan’s understanding and perspective help him push those feelings aside, and their shared confidences build trust, affection, and love between them.  Plenty of feelings fueled the attraction that they initially felt into an all-consuming fire!

Watching Megan and Hamish fall for each other while trying to overcome Sir Fletcher’s schemes completely sucked me in, and the 368 pages just flew by. I appreciated that neither fell solely because of looks.  Yes, they both were physically attracted to each other, but it was what was underneath that really bonded them.

The Trouble with Dukes is the start of a spinoff series to Grace Burrowes’s Windham series, but I enjoyed this story without reading the previous books.  There are a lot of characters from the previous series, Megan’s relations, that show up and I’m sure fans will appreciate their appearances.   I look forward to Colin MacHugh’s story next in Too Scot to Handle!

4 Suns





AUTHORS LOVE THE TROUBLE WITH DUKES!

“The hero of THE TROUBLE WITH DUKES reminds me of Mary Balogh's charming men, and the heroine brings to mind Sarah MacLean's intelligent, fiery women... This is a wonderfully funny, moving romance, not to be missed!” —Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of My American Duchess

“Grace Burrowes writes from the heart--with warmth, humor, and a generous dash of sensuality, her stories are unputdownable! If you're not reading Grace Burrowes you're missing the very best in today's Regency Romance!” —Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author

“Sexy heroes, strong heroines, intelligent plots, enchanting love stories...Grace Burrowes's romances have them all.” —Mary Balogh, New York Times bestselling author

“THE TROUBLE WITH DUKES has everything Grace Burrowes's many fans have come to adore: a swoonworthy hero, a strong heroine, humor, and passion. Her characters not only know their own hearts, but share them with fearless joy. Grace Burrowes is a romance treasure.” —Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author

“THE TROUBLE WITH DUKES is captivating! It has everything I love in a book--a sexy Scotsman, a charming heroine, witty banter, plenty of humor, and lots of heart.” —Jennifer Ashley, New York Times bestselling author of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie




Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace Burrowes grew up in central Pennsylvania and is the sixth out of seven children. She discovered romance novels when in junior high (back when there was such a thing), and has been reading them voraciously ever since. Grace has a bachelor's degree in political science, a bachelor of music in music history, (both from Pennsylvania State University); a master's degree in conflict transformation from Eastern Mennonite University; and a juris doctor from the National Law Center at the George Washington University.

Grace writes Georgian, Regency, Scottish Victorian, and contemporary romances in both novella and novel lengths. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, and enjoys giving workshops and speaking at writers' conferences. She also loves to hear from her readers, and can be reached through her website or her social channels.



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Monday, December 19, 2016

Kendall Ryan's Complete Series Hitched Now Available!





Special Price of 99 cents for 48-hours only! Regular price will be $6.99
About the Book:

I have to get my wife pregnant. I know what you're thinking, boo hoo, poor me, right?

The only problem is my darling wife hates my guts. The only reason we eloped was because our fathers, who are business partners, are jointly leaving us their $100 billion company. If we wed.

And she doesn't know this part yet, but it's contingent on us producing an heir.

I have 90 days to knock her up, which might be difficult considering she can't stand to be in the same room as me, let alone share my bed.

Challenge accepted.

Mark my words, I will have her begging for me. I've never backed down from a challenge and

I'm not about to start now.

Filled with hot and humorous moments, you won't want to miss the complete series of HITCHED!

PURCHASE LINKS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras
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