Author Archives: ReadingRenee

Captivating Bridge by Michelle Mankin @MichelleMankin @Brandeesbook #Review

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Took a nights sleep because mentally I was too drained to even write the review but…I will say I did get my redemption answer!

OK a few hours of sleep and now I am ready. Book 1 showed us the author had a great group of characters and displayed betrayal and drug abuse. Book 2 shows us that people can overcome drug addictions and function in society. Featuring Bridget and Justin both who had struggled with addiction. Book 3 goes back to War. the suicide and depression angle was great.

When War meets Shaina it is something special. These two are at a life impasse. I loved the struggles they both faced. The author does a great service to her readers showing them that everyone at one time or another thinks about suicide. People often feel worthless or under so much pressure they imagine peace. For War, losing his mother was hard. I think in book 1 he struggled with her and her parenting skills. I say that loosely. Now Shaina is a sitcom teen star, but really 21. She has pressure because she is holding onto the memories that haunt her. I loved how she wanted to help War overcome. Shaina thought her sister Cass’ suicide was preventable. Truth be told if you are in a dark place sometimes there really is no saving you.

 They struggle through her family and the extreme pressure put on her acting career and War’s old band.

Truthfully this was the best book in the series for me anyways. Please grab this series especially if you backstage band drama.

Now on a side note. If you do an author the service of reading their work in an ARC format I think you know what the genre is, if not then clue yourself into the cover. Just looking at the blurb and cover tells you it is going to be steamy. So dont take the book if you are a prude. 

 

Michelle Mankin is the author of the Black Cat Records series of novels.
Romance with subtext.
Reimagining classic stories with sexy rock stars and thought provoking issues.
For many years she worked in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn’t kill her but the hours and hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.
Black Cat Records in Vancouver provides the central backdrop for all of Michelle’s current novels. Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and Love Resolution are a Brutal Strength centered trilogy, combining the plot underpinnings of Shakespeare with the drama, excitement, and indisputable sexiness of the rock ‘n roll industry.
Things take a bit of an edgier, once upon a time turn with the Tempest series. These pierced, tatted, and troubled Seattle rockers are young and on the cusp of making it big, but with serious obstacles to overcome that may prevent them from ever getting there.
When Michelle is not prowling the streets of her Texas town listening to her rock music much too loud, she is putting her daydreams down on paper or traveling the world with her family and friends, sometimes for real, and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back. 
 
 
Tempest series:
Irresistible Refrain 
Enticing Interlude 
 
 
 
Connect with Michelle Mankin 
Facebook    On Twitter   Website 
 
Receive the Black Cat Records newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Lvgzf
 
 

The Mistaken (The Mistaken #1) by Nancy S. Thompson @NancySThompson #Review

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TheMistaken.indd

Writing this review is gonna be hard This was more than amazing rivals some huge authors. First I think this is a thrilling book with a slice of romance. I saw some comparisons and well, in my opinion there are none. There was no Stockholm syndrome, again in my opinion. Anyways the characters in the forefront are Tyler and Nick brothers. Nick is somewhat of a troubled soul. He was driving when he had an accident that results in the death of his parents and sister who was 15. Tough to read those parts. What is worse is that that event sets the entire book into motion. It brings feelings between two brothers that should never be spoken or felt. Nick knows his troubles with drugs and drinking are nothing compared to gambling.

The rest is a cat and mouse that I swear rivals any Stuart Woods or Patterson book out there. We at least know that Nancy wrote this book! The plot and the characters are excellent. I saw nothing but brilliant writing, characters and plot. I saw no spelling errors and the cover was outstanding too. There are so many interesting twists and turns here make sure you can devour the book fast because you will be sleepless over it.

If you like suspense with a romantic twist then PLEASE read this one. Book 2 is out and book one doesn’t leave you hanging so for that I am thankful. It is a marvelous start to a series.

  

Nancy is a California transplant currently living in Seattle, Washington with her husband of 23 years, their son, a student at Seattle University, their giant snow dog, Jack, and his kitty, Skye. She works as a freelance editor for her publisher and writer friends and also has her own interior design business within the model home merchandising industry. When she’s not writing or editing, Nancy keeps herself busy by cooking and baking.

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DIMITRI by Kym Grosso @KymGrosso @HeaBookShelf #cover #reveal

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DIMITRI
Author: Kym Grosso
Series: Immortals of New Orleans, Book 6
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Independent – MT Carvin Publishing, LLC
~ SYNOPSIS ~
An erotic paranormal romance…
Dimitri LeBlanc, sexy and charismatic beta of Acadian Wolves, survives a brutal attack after his wolf succumbs to a dark force, threatening his very existence. Waking up, tied to a bed, his amusement transforms into lust as a beautiful stranger heals his beast. Intrigued by his mysterious savior, the tables quickly turn, when in the heat of a dark desert night, he rescues her from a barbaric Alpha. Dimitri is inexplicably drawn to the alluring woman, and the discovery that she’s his mate rouses his hunger to claim her as his own.
Gillian Michel, a New York City photographer, conceals a secret hybrid past and mystical abilities. An entire lifetime, she’s deliberately avoided wolves, but a seductive encounter with an irresistible beta leaves her craving his touch, his lips on hers. Passion ignites her desire, leaving her yearning to submit to the powerful wolf who tests her sexual limits.
Deep in the heart of New Orleans, Dimitri and Gillian seek a cure to the parasite maligning his mighty beast. Still on the run from a malevolent force, they lure their enemy into the bayou. Will Gillian sacrifice her gifts to save the man she loves, destroying her own immortality? And will Dimitri eradicate the evil that has invaded his soul while protecting his mate from an adversary who threatens to kill them both?
Warning: This book contains several erotic love scenes and is intended for adult readers only.
 
 
~ COVER INFORMATION ~
Cover Artist: Cora Graphics
Formatter: Polgarus Studio
Cover Model: Stuart Reardon
 
~ RELEASE DATE ~
September 30, 2014
~ Pre-Oder Links ~
 
~ TEASER ~
 
 
~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~
Kym Grosso
Kym Grosso is the author of the bestselling and award-winning erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism and is a contributing essay author in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.
Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog and cat. Her hobbies include reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow-covered mountains. On any given night, when not writing her own books, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.
Social Media links:
 
Tour host: 
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TOURS, PR & MORE: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/

Turn Towards The Sun (Sunflower Trilogy book 1) by Jennifer Domenico @jendomenico #Review @GCReading

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This book is the first in a trilogy. It contains adult language and content. Ava Bradshaw is on a plane going to Arizona. She is leaving her old Colorado life behind to pursue a new beginning. On the plane she encounters someone sort of snarky, Enzo. She has no idea who he is, but it turns out he is the George Clooney of Arizona and the architectural world. Being Ava is stuck in first class sitting next to this handsome man, torture right? My heart was bleeding for her

When she was upgraded to first class she thought maybe things were on the way up but no! Things go wrong. Her apartment is rented but she has no belongings. The movers will be delayed 3 days. Tjings happen when Ava is invited to stay at Girasole with Enzo. It turns out he is the owner. She is aloof to his charms and reminds herself that she made a personal promise NO sex for one year.

The author creates a wonderful romance between these two people. There is a lot of angst here and so much steam. I am in love with this author’s style and penchant for creating a family with the Milano’s. one of many children, Enzo is surrounded by brothers and sisters who all have successful careers in many different creative ways. My fave was Franchesca aka Checca. She is the designer of Girasole and she is perfect. I really want more of the family.

 

What she didn’t plan on was meeting the intense Italian family, his giving heart, or falling in love. Enzo Milano a dream man, no?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON † B&N

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON † B&N

Jennifer Domenico

Jennifer Domenico started writing as a five-year old child in the back of her mother’s bible in church. It was a way to keep the fidgety child quiet but even then she took simple stories and twisted them into even more imaginative tales. As she grew, the stories grew with her and she filled notebook after notebook with her musings. As an adult, she knew she wanted to be a writer but she lacked the attention span and inspiration required to produce a full length story. Eventually she put away her notebooks and turned her attention to the business world where she toiled away for many years. She stopped reading fiction, stopped entertaining her outlandish imagination, and stopped dreaming of being a writer. Until one day, many months ago she went to sleep and a beautiful love story played out in her dreams. When she awoke she felt compelled to write it down. And she wrote and she wrote, for days and days she wrote. The result is part one of Enzo and Ava’s story. Turn Towards the Sun is her first, but certainly not her last, novel. Ms. Domenico lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores her, two cats that tolerate her, and wicked sweet tooth. She is currently working on part two in the series.

 

Victory RUN 2 (The Story of Victory Payne) by Devon Hartford @DevonHartford #Review

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Holy …I love Victory! I want her to make Kellan happy but Julian just intrigues me so much. It not romance it’s a rocker`s book LOL Well well I learned a lot in this book. DONT call he VIC for the love of all that is holy her name is Victory! This moves on with Victory and Kellan. There is a lot to love about this character’s perseverance. When I say anything that can happen to her in a bad way does, I mean it. I was so happy for her and then bam another major twist. It was almost painful to read it at times. 

Another love of the book was how serious Kellan and Victory were about their art forms. They both simply live to share their music. It was such an accomplishment to be asked to perform at a huge event and I was stressed just reading it. When the contest comes up and maybe Victory and/or Kellan can win a major cash prize I was so screaming win win win.

Yes I have another love of this series. When bad things happen, and they do, the author lightens things up with talks of tantric sex. When Victory goes to stay with her bosses and goes through their nightly routine I can almost pee my pants laughing at their dialogue. BRAVO  

Extinguisher_Lady

Lastly for my loves was the character of Julian. Here is a record label and marketing executive that Im thinking way too much about. When I love to hate a person I think the writer is behind an awesome plot. This was no exception. Julian had me going big time. Im actually stilll left guessing if I love, like or hate him.

Let’s just say this was a fab book. For me and all the ladies out there ROCK on and write more Devon we love u 

 

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A lot of people ask me, “Why is a guy writing romance novels for women?” The answer is simple. Everyone falls in love. Even men. Imagine that. 😉 But it goes deeper than that. I write romance to explore and understand my own emotions. No matter what most guys say on the subject, emotions are a part of the human experience for women AND men. Guys who deny their emotions, especially the difficult ones like sadness, grief, loss, and hurt, are missing out on a big part of life. Everyone has emotional scars. It’s impossible to make it from cradle to grave without getting banged up along the way. For all that pain, we can also heal ourselves. My stories feature characters who are on a quest to heal their pain, and in the process, find love. We all know that a loving relationship can be a conduit for both partners to heal together. When that happens, it’s truly a beautiful thing. It’s my hope that my readers can gain some perspective regarding their own emotional wounds, and perhaps heal in some small way by going through the emotional journey I went through while writing my stories.

–Devon

Georgia Girl (A Southern Series Book 2) by Angela March @AngelaMarch3 #Review

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  georgia girl 91sjJYvL7vL._SL1500_

 review Image14 pola

 

Virginia Costello’s story continues. Well the first chapter had me. Virginia is trying to acclimate to being home. She arrives home a little drunk and happy in the rain. There is someone on her porch in the shadows, OMG Im scared. She is not on her game cause of the rain and the Jack Daniels, wait no her new drink is Mandarin Absolute with Sprite!absolut mandarin

Now the shadow guess who??

Eli

NO

guess again…who????

Boone  YES he is tired from driving almost 12 hours to get to her. He didnt know her exact address so he used him memories of the places she talked about and loved to figure it out.

HOLY F wrap him up in a large aqua box with a ribbon and the silver Tiffany letters on it and send his ass to me!

BIG things happen here. When I say big I mean BIG, Jasper is with Ian next door. The perfect couple, right, YES. You know what I love about Jasper? Everything! He is closed mouthed. When Virginia is struggling with Liezel and still wondering what bee got into her bonnet, Jasper doesnt say a word. Jasper lets her figure it out for herself,. I loved how the author does that. While normally I would get mad, here I was happy. He didnt burst her bubble with the gossip and lies, he let her figure it out so he is coming clean too.

The Eli saga continues. The Liezel saga continues and we get the answers. In order of the most surprising reveal my list is as follows:

the-Winner-Is.001-001Boone

 

Liezel

The Jasper & Ian truth

Agatha and Harry

and lastly Eli, the person I want to drop off the face of Antarctica into an iceberg and get eaten by a penguin…ELI chomp chomp

penguins_on_berg

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Angela March has accomplished another “Life Goal” of writing a book series. Angela has always loved any and everything creative. She has taken all the aspects of the stories she likes to read, compiling them into her writing style. Add her own personal life experiences along with a dash of humor. Her *A Southern Series* (3 book series) were written loosely based off her life experiences thus far. Angela’s life motto is… You have one shot at life.. When my time is up I want to slide into home saying what a ride… what a wild ride.

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Georgia Girl (A Southern Series Book 2) by Angela March @AngelaMarch3 #Spotlight

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  georgia girl 91sjJYvL7vL._SL1500_

 

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Virginia Costello’s story continues in,
Book Two: Georgia Girl ~ A Southern Series ~

After her journey to visit family in Book One ~ Meet Virginia ~
Virginia returns to where her heart and soul live, Atlanta Georgia. Glad to be home from a much needed break from her life and the realization some things never change regarding family ties and expectations. And for this first time in her life, she knows and understands it’s okay to be who, what and how you are and love yourself for that.

After returning to Atlanta, Virginia realizes she has been blind to more aspects of her life than she originally expected. After more than a few issues are brought to her attention, Virginia no longer feels the need to take flight from the situations she cannot control, but to stand and start fighting to get her life back in order again.

Honesty hurts in more ways than one; sometimes we have to hurt ourselves in the process of finding and fighting for who we are, even if it means hurting other people in our fight for understanding your own journey in finding peace and life balance.

Unexpected guests, sensual pleasures along with back stabbing friendships are on the forefront in this story. Confrontation is an issue no one likes, but is sometimes needed to see beyond the smoke and mirrors some people feel safe living behind. After all who needs to live a life of lies and deceit? There is an old saying “The truth shall set you free.” Even though we all know the truth can and will crush you in its wake.

BUY IT NOW

Angela March has accomplished another “Life Goal” of writing a book series. Angela has always loved any and everything creative. She has taken all the aspects of the stories she likes to read, compiling them into her writing style. Add her own personal life experiences along with a dash of humor. Her *A Southern Series* (3 book series) were written loosely based off her life experiences thus far. Angela’s life motto is… You have one shot at life.. When my time is up I want to slide into home saying what a ride… what a wild ride.

Amazon Author   Twitter @AngelaMarch3    Goodreads     Facebook 

Tangled Paths (Intertwined Hearts book 3) by Kimi Flores #spotlight @KimiFloresReads

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~ Book 3 in a series but can be read as a stand alone ~ 

Is it possible to flee your past? Or does it sit patiently, waiting for your return? 

Tired of traveling the world in order to escape reality, Bri Hunter has finally found a place to call home. Settled into Santa Barbara, close to her brother and cousin, she’s ready for a little peace. Wanting to avoid the tormenting, incessant calls she receives, she throws herself into helping her sister-in-law’s growing floral business. It doesn’t take long to run smack into the one guy she’d given up on ever seeing again. 

It’s been five years since Josh Tucker has sobered up, left his Hollywood lifestyle far behind, and sheltered himself in his horse ranch in Santa Ynez, California. If it hadn’t been for his family, he probably wouldn’t be around to tell his story. When a beautiful brunette shows up at his cousin’s vineyard, something in her spiteful eyes tells him their paths have tangled together before. 

As Josh begins to uncover who Bri is, he finds himself falling for her. Will he find a way to convince her to trust him? And will she be able to let go of the past and move forward? When a traumatic event strikes, Bri will have to decide if she’s going to let life continue to cripple her…or set her free. 

**Although this novel includes mature language and adult situations, there are no detailed sex scenes**

 

Kimi grew up in the San Gabriel Valley (mostly Alhambra) and still lives in Southern California. She’s been married to her high-school sweetheart and prom date for over 20 years and they have two hilarious boys.

When she’s not reading or writing, Kimi spends her time in the kitchen trying to come up with vegan meals that don’t taste like cardboard. Her family might disagree with this however.

Although she doesn’t loyally follow or have favorite teams/athletes, Kimi loves a good hockey game or motorcross/x-treme sports event.

Volunteering is extremely important to her and she and her family work with several local non-profit organizations. A portion of her sales will always go to charity.

Books 1-3 in the Intertwined Hearts series, are available now and book 4, Grafted Vines (Dani & Zachary’s story) is anticipated to release in early 2015. 

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Victory Run 1 (The Story of Victory Payne #1) by Devon Hartford @DevonHartford #Review

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I’m so happy I’ve got the next book. So this was released in a different way. It is like a cliffhanger that will hurt badly until you realize that book 2 is out. Victory Payne is a guitar hero in a gorgeous female form. Victory has a few jagged edges that I liked. She is nothing like other rock stars in other books. So if you want a fresh and unique look at this life then grab it. I thought the story, plot and characters were hot and fresh. Victory was done wrong and she is strong enough to survive.  is the hottest lead guitar player on the night club scene of Hollywood’s infamous Sunset Strip. With nothing but her car and her guitar, she’s ready to claw her way to success. Victory never gives up. Scott was a turd and Im sad he broke her little heart but better things are ahead for Victory, I cant say what but yes it is a good helping of drama and angst!


Victory Payne, meet Kellan Burns.

BOOM I wish I knew the music in this book but I clearly listen to far too much rap. I did Google several of the videos though and was surprised it was a little more main stream than I thought.

Ladies, you will need a fire extinguisher for this one.

Extinguisher_Lady

Victory Payne, meet Kellan Burns.  BOOM. Ladies, you will need a fire extinguisher for this one.




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A lot of people ask me, “Why is a guy writing romance novels for women?” The answer is simple. Everyone falls in love. Even men. Imagine that. 😉

But it goes deeper than that. I write romance to explore and understand my own emotions.

No matter what most guys say on the subject, emotions are a part of the human experience for women AND men. Guys who deny their emotions, especially the difficult ones like sadness, grief, loss, and hurt, are missing out on a big part of life. Everyone has emotional scars. It’s impossible to make it from cradle to grave without getting banged up along the way. For all that pain, we can also heal ourselves.

My stories feature characters who are on a quest to heal their pain, and in the process, find love. We all know that a loving relationship can be a conduit for both partners to heal together. When that happens, it’s truly a beautiful thing.

It’s my hope that my readers can gain some perspective regarding their own emotional wounds, and perhaps heal in some small way by going through the emotional journey I went through while writing my stories.

–Devon

An Exceptional Twist (Intertwined Hearts Book 2) by Kimi Flores #spotlight @KimiFloresReads

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~ Book 2 in a series but can be read as a stand alone ~ 

What’s a girl to do when the one person she’s been forewarned about is the only one that her heart desires?

Leah Valdez is a sassy, intelligent, hard-working woman whose beauty shines from both inside and out. Friends and family have always come first, but it’s time for her to start thinking about her own future.

Stefen Hunter is a rich, charming, sexy playboy. With seemingly no effort on his part, countless women flock to him. That is, until he meets Leah. He can’t understand why it’s so difficult to win her over or what it is about her that intrigues him so much.

When an unfortunate event intertwines their lives, Leah finds herself in a war between her thoughts and desires. To forgive, and ultimately trust, Stefen, she will have to put her heart on the line. After what he’s put her through, she’s not sure she’s willing to do that.

As compassion meets resistance, will Stefen be able to step out of his comfort zone and accept that he can become the redeemed man worthy of Leah’s love? Is Stefen and Leah’s connection strong enough to withstand An Exceptional Twist?

**Although this novel includes mature language and adult situations, there are no detailed sex scenes**

 

 

Kimi grew up in the San Gabriel Valley (mostly Alhambra) and still lives in Southern California. She’s been married to her high-school sweetheart and prom date for over 20 years and they have two hilarious boys.

When she’s not reading or writing, Kimi spends her time in the kitchen trying to come up with vegan meals that don’t taste like cardboard. Her family might disagree with this however.

Although she doesn’t loyally follow or have favorite teams/athletes, Kimi loves a good hockey game or motorcross/x-treme sports event.

Volunteering is extremely important to her and she and her family work with several local non-profit organizations. A portion of her sales will always go to charity.

Books 1-3 in the Intertwined Hearts series, are available now and book 4, Grafted Vines (Dani & Zachary’s story) is anticipated to release in early 2015. 

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter KimiFloresReads

Web Page

BUY IT 

Amazon

Smashwords