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New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
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Showing posts with label contemporary romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary romance. Show all posts
Monday, July 22, 2013
Review: Making It Last by Ruthie Knox
Making It Last
Author: Ruthie Knox
Release Date: July 15, 2013
Publisher: Loveswept
Camelot Series, Book #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A hotel bar. A sexy stranger. A night of passion. There’s a part of Amber Mazzara that wants those things, wants to have a moment—just one—when life isn’t a complicated tangle of house and husband and kids and careers. Then, after a long, exhausting “vacation” with her family, her husband surprises her with a gift: a few days on the beach . . . alone.
Only she won’t be alone for long, because a handsome man just bought her a drink. He’s cool, he’s confident, and he wants to take Amber to bed and keep her there for days. Lucky for them both, he’s her husband. He’s got only a few days in Jamaica to make her wildest desires come true, but if he can pull it off, there’s reason to believe that this fantasy can last a lifetime.
What Nima’s talking about:
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Ruthie Knox has bookended her Camelot Series with Tony and Amber Mazzara’s story. Together the novellas represent the blissful beginning of their romance and then the reality of after “happily ever after.” Making It Last picks up Amber and Tony’s story fourteen years after the first book ends. We’ve seen them make guest appearances through sibling Caleb and Katie’s romances, but not enough to know more than the fact that they’re still married with children. We are allowed to assume that their love has given them the answers to wedded bliss, perfect hair, stress-free Christmases, a new car every five years, as well as expert parenting skills that make their lives the stuff of fantasy. So what’s there to write about? Knox bravely takes on the romance, or lack of it, inside of real married life.
I have to admit to a serious “This is Your Life” vibe that is no doubt coloring my glowing opinion of this story. I am an exercise instructor, stay-at-home mother of three high maintenance kids (including one with generalized anxiety disorder) who lives in a small suburb of Ohio, all things I share in common with lead character Amber. I even read the book at the beach with my family, not at a wedding, but a fiftieth wedding anniversary reunion. There are enough common markers, however, to give most married women with children that same feeling. We all struggle with fatigue, body image, being “the bad guy”, the economy, in-laws, eating all our fruits and vegetables, inconvenience, and guilt. We are also all human with finite resources and energy. Something’s gotta give.
Making It Last begins with Amber at one of those critical moments when if something doesn’t give, she will crack under the weight of her responsibilities… even when those responsibilities are desired blessings. I appreciate that Knox has woven her trademark humor into some serious themes and situations. It has always been my position that humor keeps us from becoming brittle, flexible enough to carry the stress of life without breaking into a thousand pieces. Knox treats the serious stuff with its proper due, it is poignant and thought-provoking, but it’s not over-worked into being a burden to read. Overall I found it to be a quick read, but one I wanted to return to again and again for validation and inspiration.
Especially significant to me as a reader was a personal note Knox tacked on to the end of the book. She talks candidly about some of the book’s themes and her belief in the romance of marriage. I’m giving this little novella my highest rating, which I rarely do, because it is difficult to write about this aspect of married life with authenticity, humor, and hope. We all love the newness of first love or the right love and the idea of finding our soulmate, but rediscovering the one you already have without being cheesy or cliché’ is a far greater challenge. Kudos Ms. Knox.
Nima’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
5 stars,
Camelot Series,
contemporary romance,
Loveswept,
Nima Review,
novella,
Ruthie Knox
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1 comments
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Review: Carolina Girl by Virginia Kantra
Carolina Girl
Author: Virginia Kantra
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Dare Island #2
ISBN: #978-0425251225
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Meg Fletcher spent her childhood dreaming of escaping Dare Island-her family's home for generations. So after she landed a high-powered job in New York City, she left and never looked back. But when she loses both her job and the support of her long-term, live-in boyfriend, she returns home to lick her wounds and reevaluate her life.
Helping out her parents at the family inn, she can't avoid the reminders of the past she'd rather forget-especially charming and successful Sam Grady, her brother's best friend.Their one, disastrous night of teenage passion should have forever killed their childhood attraction, but Sam seems determined to reignite those long-buried embers. As Meg discovers the man he's become, she's tempted to open her vulnerable heart to him. But she has no intention of staying on Dare Island-no matter how seductive Sam's embrace might be.
What Ang is talking about:
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Carolina Girl is a fun, smart, sassy story about second chances, learning to compromise and ultimately learning to trust oneself and those they love. The characters are completely realistic and charming in their own rights; even the secondary characters are well rounded and engaging, adding depth and color to the story without taking anything away. A rarity in the novels I have read lately. For example, I adore Tom, the dad and his no nonsense way about things. Of course this could be because I grew up in a ARMY home and totally relate to 'the all for one' attitude throughout Ms. Kantra's Carolina novels. I also found sweet, shy Taylor completely engaging and am anxious to learn more about her in the next book.
Another thing that I thoroughly enjoyed about this novel was the ebb and flow of the writing. Much like the tide of the ocean that the town is centered around, the descriptions and scenery pull you in allowing to see and taste every aspect of this hamlet of a community. For example, there is a place in the novel when Ms. Kantra describes the clouds as the mother of pearl found in an oyster shell, and immediately I found myself sitting on the front porch watching these clouds hover in the sky, tasting the salt air as the tide came in and being sung a lullaby by the gulls as they flew overhead searching for their evening meal. I would venture to say that Ms. Kantra has mastered the art of showing not telling in this novel and I loved it. Anytime I read I want to be transported to a different place, I want to walk the streets with the characters, I want to take a piece of their world way with me and I was given the opportunity to do that with this book.
I also completely loved the banter and tension between Sam and Meg as they find steady footing and explore what exactly they mean to one another after twenty years. The chemistry is apparent from the moment their hands touch at the luggage carousel. However, the fight Meg puts up to push Sam away as she discovers that allowing herself to have one dream doesn't mean giving jump another is well written, funny and something I think most can relate too. The idea that there must be balance, and sometimes you have to work for and make your own balance, is a path of discovery we all take at some point.
I also appreciated that as Meg walks her path of self discovery and works crazy hard at holding on to her present world, Sam works equally hard at helping her discover that sometimes your future is right where you left it, and in this case it is with him. He is not about to let her get away again, and I give him major props for that. I like that we are allowed to see Sam's vulnerability without it weighing the novel down, but I would have liked to have been inside his head just a bit more. I also would have appreciated slightly more information on his relationship with his dad. It goes from cold to hot so fast that it felt almost fake to me. This could have easily been fixed with a well placed conversation but was glazed over instead making it feel a bit unrealistic to me.
My one hope for this family is that they all learn to communicate their feelings a bit more. The use of the word “fine” was getting under my skin by the novel's end. I relate to it because you learn early in a military family to just deal with whatever the issue is without bring the family down or up with your feelings, because emotions can prevent people from doing their job and put them in danger. However, it's been more than 20 years since they left the Marines, and it is time they learn that emotions aren't good or bad--they are just feelings, and talking about them with someone can be helpful. I'm hoping Taylor might be the one to bring this about in the next novel.
Ultimately I love the idea that we can all go home again. Home is different for each of us, It maybe a place, a moment in time or a person, but if we are willing to pay the price and fight for it, we can all go home again and make peace with the past. In that process, we may even get a chance to fix the past and discover our happily ever after. Carolina Girl gives us hope that it is possible if we work for and at it.
Ang’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Review: Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley
Fire Inside
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Chaos Series #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (335 pages), e-book
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . .
For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She's too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can't say no. And he doesn't regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that's ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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If anyone forgets to tell me to join the party with a FABULOUS author that can weave a tale like nobody’s business, I’m gonna have a drama! Kristen Ashley is definitely one of the new-to-me authors from 2013 that is hitting the auto-buy list! This Chaos Series of hers? Yeah. I bought the first book already. I have to find out about Tack.
Fire Inside is the newest offering in Ms. Ashley’s Chaos Series. When I read the blurb about this book, I was totally on-board. I have been looking for a way to pick up something by this author, and the second book in a series usually isn’t too late. O.M.Geee! I am not regretting one moment in the reading of this title.
There’s background info from the first book in the series, but I was OK jumping in here (I totally want to go back and read for myself, though!). Screwed up from the death of her fiancé seven years ago, as well as the near-death stabbing of her best friend, Ty-Ty, Lanie Heron was fighting inner demons. It was time she stopped. That’s where the one-night-stand on steroids with Hop Kinkaid comes in. All the inner conflict both Hop & Lanie endure to be together is simply REAL. No one is ready – especially the second time around – to open up and let someone in. It takes a lot of time and patience to win the heart of someone who’s been burned as badly as this couple. The conflict between Hop & Lanie was INSANE! I had to put my Kindle down several times because the emotion became simply overwhelming.
At the beginning, when Lanie was insisting this was a one-night thing, Hop knew better. From square one: “We shouldn’t sleep together. Sleeping is bad. Sex is good, sleeping together is something else,” she stated and she was right.”
One of the things I truly loved about this title was the copious mention of Bob Seger. *fans self* Any dude that can sing Turn the Page is simply panty-melting hot. And Lanie definitely was hot when Hop sang to her. If you think about the lyrics to that song, it’s definitely a literary device to foreshadow Hop & Lanie’s relationship. I. Lost. It. Sobbed like a baby later on in the book when I figured it out!
One of the most telling moments was when Lanie was rambling on in her own head about Hop. She talked about how he was invading her life, but she didn’t mind one bit at the 31% mark. In reality, I think that Lanie was ready to move on, but she had to wade through her baggage before she realized it was ok.
Seriously. As a 40+ reader, I appreciated the older H/H in this story. Hop is 40, and Laine is in her 30s. I mean, not everyone has a whirlwind romance with someone they dated in high school after a breakup with an ex-, and ends up with a HEA. Some of us are deeply rooted in reality, and reality is something that Ms. Ashley has in spades with Fire Inside.
There were so many favorite passages in this book… well, readers will need to simply pick up a copy of Ms. Ashley’s newest offering in her world of sizzling hot bikers with a heart.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Review: Flirting with Disaster by Ruthie Knox
Flirting with Disaster
Author: Ruthie Knox
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Publisher: Loveswept
Camelot Series #3
ISBN: #978-0345546661
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Fresh out of a fiasco of a marriage, Katie Clark has retreated to her hometown to start over. The new Katie is sophisticated, cavalier, and hell-bent on kicking butt at her job in her brother’s security firm. But on her first assignment—digging up the truth about the stalker threatening a world-famous singer-songwriter—Katie must endure the silent treatment from a stern but sexy partner who doesn’t want her help . . . or her company.
Sean Owens knows that if he opens his mouth around Katie, she’ll instantly remember him as the geeky kid who sat behind her in high school. Silence is golden, but he can’t keep quiet forever, not with Katie stampeding through their investigation. It’s time for Sean to step up and take control of the case, and his decade-old crush. If he can break through Katie’s newfound independence, they just might find they make a perfect team—on the road, on the job, and in bed.
What Nima’s talking about:
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I have to say, I may not even be rational at reviewing Ruthie Knox any more, but I love being her cheerleader. She never fails to deliver. Flirting with Disaster is the third book in her Camelot series, and she’s proven, once again, her ability to put the reader at ease with humor and then dive in with a serious knife, cutting you to pieces with very real emotion. I want to be Ruthie Knox when I grow up.
The plot in this book, the series really, has been slightly more predictable than in previous offerings by Knox. There is a threat to one of the prominent characters, but it never felt like a real threat to me, I never felt the pressure of it; I was never really worried about something bad happening. That fact, however, becomes incidental to the genuinely intense emotion between the main characters whom I was worried about. Would they screw it up? Could they get out of their own heads enough to communicate? Communication itself was a legitimate challenge in a way that I’ve never seen presented in any other book.
The point of view flips back and forth between Katie Clark, Caleb’s younger sister from Along Came Trouble, and our unlikely hero, Sean Owens. Even in rapid fire situations, I didn’t get confused about who was thinking, acting, or speaking. I think I mention it only because it has been an issue in other books I’ve read lately and appreciated so much the clarity Knox gave me here.
Both of these characters are flawed, but exhibit such courage in taking on their problems (one sooner than the other) and working to make much needed changes in their lives. Sometimes those changes drive them apart and sometimes, wonderfully, they bring them closer together. Also, when you have two strong characters, sparks are bound to fly—even in the snow on the side of the road!
In an uncharacteristic move, Knox gives us an epilogue. I think I read somewhere that she hates them. I can’t find that reference now, so I could be totally off my rocker. That wouldn’t be a first with middle-age brain taking over my life. In this case, the epilogue makes sense. Once Katie and Owen know what happens next, we don’t need to see them make it happen; we just need to know how they felt about it. I for one, like being able to have just a little more happily ever after.
Nima’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4 stars,
Camelot Series,
contemporary romance,
Loveswept,
Nima Review,
Ruthie Knox
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0
comments
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Entwined With You by Sylvia Day
Entwined With You
Author: Sylvia Day
Release Date: June 6, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Crossfire series #3
ISBN: 978-0425263921
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publicist
About the book:
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From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn't resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside--so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I'd been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession...
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I want to go on record saying that I was glad to see Gideon and Eva again. I absolutely adore them as a couple, and I have no doubt that they make the perfect couple. I see that. I feel that. Stuff happens in the lives of every person out there, and they manage. Why should we be surprised that a couple as perfect for one another as Gideon and Eva are managing? We shouldn't. Marriage and commitment has become something that appears disposable in today's society. It's not.
With that said, I had some issues with Ms. Day's latest offering in her Crossfire series, which has increased from three to five titles. I do adore the characters, but I feel:
- Gideon was a hot mess in this book. A wuss.
- Eva...Brett... grr.
- Conflict was unnecessarily increased. No couple should have to endure this much crap.
- Eva seems like she drank the Kool Aid. She normalizes thinking errors.
- Eva pushes past 'NO' and 'Stop'. Which pissed me off.
- Why add in the Cary drama? Oh... wait... I see now. Nevermind.
- Don't leave me hangin' about Megumi. I like the sassy receptionist.
- San Francisco. Foreshadowing book 4. That is all.
- Deanna. No one flips from ticked to helpful in 30 seconds flat. Over a glass of wine. Once scorned.
- Spying. Not attractive.
So, while there's a list of things that annoyed the crap out of me, I have to say that this was sweet sexy compared to the intense and smokin' hot encounters between Gideon and Eva in the first two titles. Entwined With You seems to be a transitional piece, and as 'that' book, I think it works. I liked the fact that Eva stopped worrying about what everyone else thought, and that she did something for her. For her heart and soul. It's no spoiler that Gideon and Eva end up together. A love like theirs is intense. It's a burning that draws in anyone observing, including readers. The slow simmer of their heat is undeniable. I don't know how many other euphemisms I can use to describe them. You get the idea. What I liked about the journey of this title was watching them basically tell the rest of the world to bugger off and seeing to their own happiness. There's several specific things that I really liked, but no spoilers!
Sure, we're left with stuff unresolved. There's 2 more books to work out the rest of the kinks, after all. I suppose I'm rather annoyed that I have to wait for 2 more books to see how the ultimate HEA plays out. As far as I'm concerned, we have a HEA now, but there's still some conflicts to resolve. Not quite sure why it's going to take two more books, though. It's obvious that Gideon and Eva can weather any storm. I'm interested to see how Ms. Day finishes up the series, but I don't know whether I'm interested enough to read the next two tiles in the series.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, June 7, 2013
Review: My Wicked Devil by Ann Mayburn
My Wicked Devil
Author: Ann Mayburn
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Publisher: Loose ID
Club Wicked #3
Genre: BDSM, Contemporary Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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After a motorcycle accident left her with a fractured pelvis, former dare devil and actress Kira Harmony cannot have sex without pain. Unwilling to give up on her dreams of someday having a normal love life, she has come to Club Wicked to find a Dom. And not just any Dom. Kira is looking for the best sadist she can find, a Master who can help her learn how to turn her pain into pleasure and help her escape the prison her body has become.
Lord Bryan Sutherland has always had a taste for meeting the needs of masochistic submissives. When Kira contacts him, her plea for his help intrigues him. He's always loved curvy redheads, and they certainly have an explosive chemistry together, but he doesn't know if it is possible to establish the kind of trust needed in order to train her mind to convert agony into ecstasy. That trust is sorely tested when Kira continually pushes herself too far and refuses to safeword out.
Bryan must make a decision; continue to train Kira and run the risk of seriously hurting her, or walk away from the uncontrollable woman who holds the key to his heart.
What I’m talking about:
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Kira, former Hollywood actress and friend of Master Hawk, is a new member at Club Wicked. Injured performing a motorcycle stunt on a movie shoot, she cannot have intercourse without experiencing a lot of pain. Now a size 16 and uncertain of her own appeal and sensuality, Kira hopes that she can find a Master who will help teach her how to derive pleasure from pain.
Lord Bryan is THE Master sadist at Club Wicked. When Kira witnesses him performing a scene, she is immediately taken with his raw sexuality and dominance, and she realizes he is the Master for her training. Masters Hawk and Jesse help put the pair together for a “get to know you meeting,” and their fierce attraction is instantaneous. Yet Brian is cautious, knowing the skeletons from his past may end up harming Kira.
Ms. Mayburn returns to her Club Wicked series with another intense and deeply romantic tale. Although it can be read stand alone, this series is fabulous, and I recommend starting at the beginning. For those that have read the previous books, My Wicked Devil overlaps in time with My Wicked Nanny during the period Anya is in Paris.
Mmmm... I just love how wicked Lord Bryan is. The man enjoys driving a willing submissive to the point of extreme pleasure and exquisite pain. What makes him so sexy is the fact that he is completely shaken by Kira's presence. He wants her with a need even he can't explain, and because of this, he is so very cautious with her. There is a gentle lion underneath the tiger exterior, and that is so sexy.
Kira is the most spirited submissive of the series to date. She's got a mind of her own and doesn't like to be told she's wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed her strong will and watching her learn to love submitting to her Lord. However, she is sometimes stubborn to absurdity and she doesn’t even realize it. She reminded me of a teenager.
One of the things I love most about this story is the open honesty that both partners model. For example, Lord Bryan has a pretty dark secret that drove him from his British estate to the US. When Kira discovers the secret, she is honest about what she found out and how it makes her feel. This is so much better than letting it linger and having a horrible misunderstanding over it later in the book. (However, Kira’s sister also knows the truth, and having that out there added a nice bit of tension to the mix.)
Although Kira is honest, she has a lot of growing up to do before Bryan can completely commit. Bryan’s struggles over his lust and desire for Kira versus his need for her to be safe, are so raw and moving. I love how honest Bryan is with Kira when he tells her he can’t leave her but can't live with the fear of hurting her. He is very mature, but Kira gets so defensive when he tries to discuss the truth of her adrenaline junkie behavior.
My Wicked Devil is filled with tremendously sexy and naughty scenes. Once again, Ms. Mayburn pushes boundaries and explores kink in the arena of pleasure and romance. Sex is not used to shock or punish, but is one aspect of a healthy relationship.
The ending of the book is ushered in with a twist that I, for one, did see coming much earlier in the book. However, it works for the story and this couple, even if it wasn’t the shock perhaps it was intended to be. I enjoyed that Bryan and Kira worked out their issues and are both willing to compromise. They will have a bumpy road, but as long as they talk to each other, they will make it.
Overall, My Wicked Devil is another excellent addition to Ms. Mayburn’s Club Wicked series. I appreciate that each book in the series tells a different story, each with unique characters, styles and issues. Lord Bryan and Kira are a fiery, passionate pair that warmed my heart. I look forward to reading many more wicked tales in this series.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, May 17, 2013
Review & Giveaway of Blush by Lauren Jameson
Blush
Author: Lauren Jameson
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: NAL Trade
ISBN: 978-0451419729
In Vino Veritas #1
Genre: Erotic Romance
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
Keep reading for the details about a special GIVEAWAY of Blush!
Book Spotlight:
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Madeline Stone is determined to heal from her tragic past, one difficult step at a time…and she doesn’t need any distractions. Then she meets a mysterious and captivating stranger—and over a glass of outrageously expensive wine, her world turns upside down. Try as she might to banish the wealthy business mogul from her thoughts, Madeline can’t fight Alex’s staggering appeal or his enticing offer of intimate discovery.
Alex doesn’t date—at least, not in the traditional sense. Still, he wants Madeline…and his sexual intensity provides her with a much-needed escape. They embark on a tumultuous erotic affair, one that takes them to the pinnacle of obsession and desire. But underneath each explosive encounter lie dangerous secrets waiting to consume them both.…
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I have an unbidden love for Blush, the first in Lauren Jameson's new trio of titles surrounding rich guys that share ownership of a BDSM club near Vegas. While my logical brain says, “Um, WTH?” my heart has a bookmance going on with this story.
With that stuff out of the way, I have to tell you why my heart has a 'thing' for Blush.
I read this title in ONE EVENING. I even made dinner (yes, a real dinner, not picking up pizza or making box mac & cheese), ran laundry, helped with homework, and nursed a sick child. There's some serious internal conflict for our leading lady, Maddie; this conflict keeps Alex at arms-length, until secrets that have the potential to tear them apart are revealed. Wrap it up with some stellar external conflict, predicted earlier in the title, and tie off with a gorgeous red happily-ever-after bow. Mmmhm. That is Blush. HEAT INDEX: 3.5 out of 5. Sweet & spicy story.
I liked Maddie as a main character. I like her sassy-ness, and I like the fact that even though she's messed up in the head, she thinks before she acts. Even when it comes to signing a D/s contract for the hottest dude ever born. Even when Maddie doesn't think she deserves to be with Mr. Hottie Alex, she uses calming strategies to suck out the anxiety she feels. Let me tell you, I can totally identify with Maddie. Mr. VampBard is my anxiety sucker. I liked Maddie as a charcter, but I think that she could have been better developed, with more details about her at the end. When you read the last chapter and the epilogue, you'll understand. It's almost as though I'm waiting for the rest of the story. Ms. Jameson could be wrapping up Maddie & Alex's story in her next title of the series, however.
Alex is the billionaire-du-jour. I must admit that I'm a bit smitten by his ability to complete tasks and how he seems to love so completely, and with assurance. I fell in love with the way Alex portrayed a D/s relationship. How gentle he was with Maddie. How he seemed to worship her. It's all about TRUST. And, after all, isn't that what ALL relationships should be built upon?
One of the most awesome things about this title is that neither party appears to be coerced into divulging things about themselves before they're really ready.
While Blush, on the surface, seems to be another stab at the 50 bandwagon, it really isn't in the same category. With healthy relationships, boundaries clearly established, and a female lead character that has a set of steel cajones, I am totally in a bookmance with this title simply because it's REAL.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Enjoyed, strongly recommend (A-)
NOTE: There are a couple things in the NetGalley version that I read that really troubled Ms. Nit-Picky-English-Teacher. I mean **really** bothered. There were many usage errors, left-out words, as well as one significant (for me, anyway) inconsistency in the plot, that I was annoyed enough to go back and fact-check for consistency myself. I based my rating of the book trusting that one last pass by an eagle-eyed editor will snagged these issues.
About the author:
Lauren Jameson is a writer who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. She also writes erotic romance as Lauren Hawkeye. Visit her online at www.laurenjameson.com and twitter.com/LaurenHJameson.
Special Giveaway!
Thank you to the publisher, NAL/Penguin, for offering three (3) copies of Blush to 3 lucky winners (US/CAN only). To enter, please complete the RAFFLECOPTER form, below. Prize offered by publisher; I am not responsible for items lost in the mail.
Purchase Info:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Review: Merger to Marriage by Addison Fox
Merger to Marriage
Author: Addison Fox
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Publisher: Entangled
Boardrooms and Billionaires #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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One night of passion…
Mayson McBride has spent the last decade restoring her family’s magazine empire with her two sisters. She loves what she does, but she can’t shake the feeling something’s missing. Which is why she jumps at the chance–incognito–for a single night of no-strings-attached sex with Holt Turner.
A once in a lifetime connection…
Holt’s been unable to forget the woman he shared one night of explosive passion, and he’s thrilled to get reacquainted with her at a weekend house party. What he doesn’t expect are the immediate feelings of need and desire–emotions he keeps firmly in check–upon their reunion.
A forever commitment…
When Mayson and Holt’s single night together leads to unexpected consequences, both must decide what matters most. Especially when a threat from Holt’s past promises to ruin their relationship before it’s barely begun.
What Nima’s talking about:
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At under 150 pages, Merger to Marriage, the second book in Addison Fox’s Boardrooms and Billionaires series is better classified as a novella. It’s the perfect happy ending for an afternoon at the pool, two taekwondo classes, or three when-are-they-ever-going-to-let-them-out-of-this-show-choir-rehearsal’s?! Unfortunately, it also means that there isn’t a whole lot here to review.
The Boardrooms and Billionaires series follows the three McBride sisters. Merger to Marriage focuses on the youngest sister, Mayson McBride whose natural instincts for visual composition make her the perfect person to lead the design department of their family magazine empire. The story starts with instant chemistry between Mayson and Holt Turner at the wedding of Mayson’s oldest sister Keira to one time business rival Nathan Cooper. While this can be hold its own as a stand-alone book, I was missing some of the McBride family background I suspect was in book one, Tempting Acquisitions (which I did not read). Mayson often justifies keeping Holt at arm’s length based on this background and even though we are aware of it, I felt very little connection to it.
I wanted more connection. I liked these characters. They were genuine and real to me, especially Holt who had some significant mommy issues. Even if the resolution of the problems she caused was a little predictable, it was fun to see it come to fruition.
Something I found odd was the lack of power and wealth displayed as assumed by the series title. This is a romance, no question, and that is where the focus is, but for a billionaire courting a magazine magnet, there were no helicopter rides, or outrageously expensive fashions. The most we got was some very pricey wine which was critical to Mayson and Holt’s initial meeting and a mansion in the country. If we’re going to have this kind of fantasy set-up, then flaunt it.
Addison Fox proved that she’s a good writer in her Alaskan Nights series, capable of creating wonderful interactions and relationships. The intimate scenes are sexy, well done. I would have been very happy to have another 150 pages, however, to add the overall depth that was lacking for me. What is there is good, liked it a lot. I just wanted more.
Nima’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
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