Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Interview with Leigh Bennett




tell me about yourself, and your writing.  I am a stay at home mother of three boys who are all at school as of this year, so technically I should be writing full time now.   My first book is called Flirting with Magick and is a fairly light, chick lit story.

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?  I started writing around eight years ago but only started taking it seriously in the last five years or so.   I have one published chick lit book which was released in February 2013.

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?  I think my main and preferred genre will always be chick lit / women's contemporary fiction.   I have completed a first draft of a YA urban fantasy novel which I'M looking forward to working on, and as a horror / mystery fan I'M currently outlining one in that genre too.

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?  I tend to do a bit of both.    Having participated in National Novel Writing Month twice now, I completely understand now the benefits of 'pantsing'.  However I do prefer to write to an outline, however loose it may be just to give myself some guidance and structure.

What is a typical writing day like for you?  Right now my children are on school holidays so I'M not getting much writing done at all and am still trying to get into some kind of routine.   I tend to work around my other commitments, housework and school voluntary work, which often means I sometimes only write when inspired, but I do try and get something down every day, even if it's not much.

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?  Marian Keyes would be my favourite author.  I go out and buy her books without even bothering to read the blurb.   In a different genre I really enjoy the horror atmosphere that Susan Hill creates.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?  I'M hoping to have my second book out by next year, and be a little more cluey about the industry.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?  Shapeshifting would be cool.  Imagine how many different perspectives you could get if you could pretend to be someone or something else for a small time.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?   Oh, tough question!  I loved the Hippogryph in Harry Potter.  Would need a bigger back yard though.  And it might eat my chickens.  And probably my dog.


Tell us a little about your latest release.   It's about a young woman who decides to take control of her life by doing a love spell, after having successfully managed a career change through magick.   Her boyfriend left suddenly and it's her way of moving on.  It appears the spell worked very well as she soon meets a gorgeous musician and they begin a casual relationship which can't go any further due to his work commitments and in her mind, she's living a more independent life.  However her feelings get in the way and  knowing his stand on relationships, she decides to instead take a chance with a guy at work who had been flirting with her since she started.  On top of that her boyfriend has realised he's made a mistake and wants her back.   So of course many things go wrong until they can go right and she can have her happy ever after.    There are spells in between the chapters and overall it was just a fun story to write.  I hope it's a fun story to read too.


What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members).  My laptop.   My handwriting is terrible so there would be no way I could write by hand.

Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?   I'Ve been thinking about that lately actually and I'M wondering what the process would be.  I think I'D like to  work with someone who was good at mystery and twists.

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?  I can never answer these questions as my mind suddenly goes blank.

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?  At the moment  I'M really enjoying working on my house and garden.  I have absolutely no design skills whatsoever but get so inspired by reading house related magazines and blogs.   I also love cooking shows and getting into the kitchen to experiment.  I have a bookshelf that is filled with just cookbooks!

If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?  I think many of the books I like have already been done.   In all honesty I can't think of one a movie will do justice to.   Might have to get back to you on that.

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?  I wish I had more musical talent.  I tried really, really hard but it just didn't happen.

Favorite color?  Dark teal.

Weather: Hot or cold?  Hot.  We've just come out of summer here in Australia and I don't cope well in the cold.  My back tenses up from shivering, I just want to sleep and I think I get a little bit depressed.

Favorite place to read?  I have a couch that sits by the window and is in front of a fireplace.   It is a beautiful spot to read in both summer and winter.  Unfortunately, right now it's covered in laundry I have to fold.

Favorite meal.  Seriously, I love all sort of food so this question is really hard.  I would have to say, as much as I enjoy cooking, anything I don't have to cook myself would be a favourite.

Favorite non-alcoholic drink.  Coffee.  Definitely coffee.    I even named my dog, Latte.

If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?  Without those limits where wouldn't I go?  There is just so much to see and experience I would want to travel the world.  I think my first stop would be Europe.   Hmm, now I want to read a book set somewhere in Europe.


BLURB:  

When a new-age remedy fixes Abby Williams' career rut, the twenty-five year old figures a spell could heal her broken heart too...

Suddenly, she’s having hot sex with an even hotter musician, which might work as long as she doesn’t get in the way of his rock stardom. Her work colleague is flirty and fun, but could he be keeping something from her? And now, the guy who broke her heart wants to rekindle their relationship. Can she trust him enough to give it another shot?

So far, it seems Abby’s spell hasn’t worked. Or then again, perhaps it has?




His familiar silhouette was in the window. Typical, just like Josh to sit where he could see me coming. As I had expected, and before I could change my mind, he looked up and saw me, giving me a wave. I felt his eyes on me as I entered the cafe, his gaze turning to trepid- ation as I approached the table. He stood up, placing an awkward kiss on my cheek, and politely offered me the other seat.
“Thanks for coming, Abs.” He said shyly, now hardly looking at me, before clearing his throat. “How are you?”
“I'm fine.” I caught my voice losing the confident abruptness I’d been practicing. I signaled to the waiter and ordered a latte – something that could be finished quickly so I could get out of there. I wasn’t about to indulge in any long, friendly breakfasts with Josh.
His eyes were red rimmed with grey bags underneath, as though he hadn't had much sleep in some time. He took a deep breath and I prepared myself for his speech.
“I'm really sorry, Abby, for leaving like that.” He swallowed. “I'm not going to expect you to take me back, but I will do anything to make it up to you.”
I quickly took his pause to speak. “You never told me why you left.”
He looked down into his cup before meeting my eyes again. “I got scared. And this opportunity came up and I just took it.”
“Scared?” I didn’t understand. “Scared of what? Of me? Of us?”
“All that.” He took a sip of his espresso and appeared to relax, now that it was clear I wasn’t going to cause a scene or throw my drink in his face.
I sucked in my breath. Here he was right in front of me and I was beginning to feel the way I had been dreading. I’d missed the way he looked at me; the way his hair stood up, reminding me of how I used to run my hand along it; his broad shoulders carrying his muscular arms, which used to hold me as we lay in bed together. One look at him and, frustratingly, all my fantasies about yelling at him and telling him I never wanted to see him again had dissipated into the electrically charged air between us. I tried not to look at him, as each time I stole a glance all my emotions were in danger of brimming to the surface. Thankfully he took my lack of eye contact for contempt.
“I meant it when I said I still loved you.” His voice was as low as his gaze.
“I'm seeing someone.” I blurted out.
“I was wondering about that.” He said calmly, though a wounded expression flashed briefly across his face. “I kind of expected that you probably were by now, and that I’d be too late.”

Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS 

Review:                 Magic and spells are a force not to be reckoned with. They aren't for novices....

Flirting with Magic is a romance, chick lit, and comical story all rolled into one. Despite the title, this story isn't really all that much on the paranormal side.  It's a fun story, filled with moments that made me laugh out loud. It's light and refreshing. A nice story about relationships gone right and wrong.

All of a sudden, Abby has choices when it comes to men, and she's not sure which way to go about it. Is it the hot and hunky musician? Or a man with secrets?  Well, I wont't reveal my sources. What I will say is that this book was enjoyable and I'm glad I had a chance to read it. I'll be looking for more works from Ms. Bennett                                                                                                                                





Leigh Bennett is an Australian author who lives in Melbourne’s hilly and rugged outer east with her husband, three sons, a beagle x cavalier dog and five chickens.

Currently a stay at home mother, she has worked in the public service, education, road and music industries.

She enjoys reading, cooking and writing stories full of fun, drama, love and always with a happy ever after. 

Connect with Leigh!





Twitter: @LeightaBennett

Buy the Book!



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Monday, May 6, 2013

Blitz: Werewolves Be Damned


Werewolves Be Damned   

Magic and Mayhem, Book One
Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Date of Publication: April 15, 2013


Number of pages: 267



Book Description:   

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.


Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.


But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.






Excerpt
I’ve found you, fur ball.
Nexi peered from behind the large oak tree and spotted the small log cabin nestled in the thick forest. The porch light cast a warm glow into the night. Fog settled over the lush grass, and the night was dark, eerie.
Stepping away from her hiding place behind the tree, she strode forward and gripped the dagger tightly in her hand. Keeping the silver blade pointed outward, she climbed the cabin’s porch steps, taking each one slowly to avoid detection.
Once she arrived at the front door, she wrapped her hand around the door handle. Rich hunger for revenge burned in her veins and made her intent on one thing: to slaughter the werewolf who escaped the night of her parents’ murder. Not caring what awaited her, she stormed inside, dagger pointed, ready to kill.
The simple cabin had two large brown couches near a wood-burning stove, a kitchenette behind the living room, and a quilt-covered bed resting in the back. And that was it; there were no other rooms to investigate. No secret hiding places she could see.
No damned werewolf.
She cursed, shut the front door behind her, then trotted down the steps to return to her hiding spot. On her way across the yard, she glanced at the space to the right of the tree, which looked much like a heat wave, indicating that the portal to the Otherworld remained.
In some places around the world—or the Earthworld, as supernaturals had called it—there were permanent portals to the supernatural realm. This portal had only appeared because Nexi had travelled to this cabin from the Otherworld. Once she passed through the portal again, the gateway would vanish.
Magic had its perks. Quick travel was one of them.
Nexi shook her head at how normal all this magical stuff seemed now. Just over a month ago she’d never believed in anything that went bump in the night. Now she knew all those things existed, and in fact, she was one of them.
To her horror, she had learned that her birth mother, Tillie, had been murdered by a power-hungry vampire, Lazarus.  All those years ago, her birth father, Drake, had protectively decided to block Nexi’s supernatural abilities. He had planned for her to live and die as a mortal. Now with her return to the Otherworld and the removal of the block on her true identity, there was no going back.
She was no longer plain, human, Nexi Jones.
She was Nexi Jones, part guardian, part witch.
Looking away from the portal and to her hiding spot until the werewolf returned, she hurried her steps. She wasn’t ready to return to the Otherworld yet. Not until she had the werewolf’s head as her wall ornament would she dare go home.
Just as she neared the tree, a woodsy scent that had nothing to do with the forest mixed with the citrusy aroma of aftershave. A blink of an eye later, the dagger she held was now at her throat, a hard body closed in on her back.
“You smelled lovely when you arrived.” The low voice by her ear held a faint English accent. “But I never imagined you’d be so pretty.”
The blade pressed into her skin, not drawing blood, but implying that if the werewolf chose, she’d be destined for the grave. “I’m…”
“Going to explain yourself.” He lowered the dagger, took hold of her arm, and jerked her forward.
In a few short strides, the werewolf tossed her through the threshold of the cabin, and slammed the door behind them. He sauntered to the couch, sat down, and regarded her. “Now then, darlin’.” His olive skin was stunningly flawless, and his chocolate-colored hair was spiked tall. “Why would a pretty lass like yourself plan to attack me?”
“Don’t move.” That charm wouldn’t fool her. “Stay right where you are.”
“My mouth is the only thing moving.” His slanted amber eyes raked over her. “Would you like me to stop talking?”
“No.” She hesitated then added, “Only your mouth can move. Nothing else. Tell me what you know.”
He gave her a long look. “I’d be glad to tell you anything you’d like, love.”
His kind face and soft voice wouldn’t trick her. He was a werewolf. She was certain, which was another oddity.
After the block on her supernatural abilities had been lifted, she could identify a supernatural creature as if knowing the difference between a brunette and a redhead. “Tell me why you killed my family.”
“That’s an interesting accusation.” He cocked his head, studying her with a frown. “But I think the more important question is who are you?”
She lifted her chin. “The lass who’s going to cut off your furry wolf balls.”


About the Author:   

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.







Amazon Author Page –





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Blitz: Plus One


Plus One  

Brighton Walsh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Carina Press
Date of Publication: May 6, 2013

Number of pages: 100
Word Count: 22,000


Book Description:



Olivia hates the singles scene, so when her best guy friend, Ian, offers to be her plus one to a series of weddings she has to attend, she agrees. Although she doesn't want to complicate their lifelong friendship, she can't pass up the chance to have a steady date without the dating drama. What she doesn't expect is to now find Ian so incredibly sexy.


When Ian sees his old friend Olivia dolled up for wedding #1, the boyhood crush he once nurtured transforms into smoldering attraction. It doesn't take long for their no-strings arrangement to turn physical. But as Olivia's desire to stay "just friends" becomes clear, Ian's feelings are deepening. In the time they have together, how will Ian convince Olivia that one plus one can make for a lifelong pair?
Short Excerpt:
Given how their afternoon had unfolded, the heat that ricocheted between them throughout the evening really shouldn’t have been a shock. Olivia had felt Ian’s want since she’d emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a sleek, fitted, black dress. Through the wedding ceremony, tucked into his side as his arm rested innocently against the pew behind her, she thought she’d burst at the feel of his finger tracing her bare shoulder. It had been a mindless touch, something she hadn’t even been sure he’d been aware of, and yet it had set her entire body aflame.
And now. Now, she was pressed against him as they danced, his hand touching her bare skin thanks to the low, open back of her dress. He held her close, closer than he ever had before, and even though she was two martinis into the night, she still found herself tongue-tied.
His fingers slowly slid up her back, following the line of her spine, and though she tried to hold it in, a shudder ran over her body. Her nipples hardened, and a tingle grew low in her belly. All from a single caress against her bare back. Jesus, if an innocent touch like that had her wet and ready to go, what would happen if he stroked her not so innocently?
She looked up into his eyes to find him staring directly at her. His eyes bounced over her face, no doubt taking in her heated cheeks, eyes heavy with desire, and parted lips. He pulled her close, and brought their clasped hands up toward her face. He brushed a single finger down the line of her jaw, and instead of moving away, swept his finger over her lips. It was scarcely a brush of skin on skin, but she moaned. It was low and breathy, and barely loud enough for her to hear, let alone Ian. Yet she knew the exact moment he did.
His eyes, scorching with a want she knew all too well, bored into hers.
“Liv.” He managed to convey so much want and need with that single word.
She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry, and tried to not sound breathless when she answered. “Yes?”
Ian’s finger was still on her lip, caressing it back and forth, and his focus switched between her mouth and her eyes. When he didn’t say anything more, she couldn’t take it any longer. Her tongue darted out, lightly brushing against his finger. With their eyes locked, she took the tip of his finger into her mouth and sucked gently.
“Jesus Christ.” It was a low rumble, spoken under his breath, but she heard it clearly. With a soft pop, she released his finger, her eyes imploring him.



About the Author :

Brighton Walsh is a storyteller at heart. Whether through words or pictures, she's been weaving tales for as long as she can remember. After decades of cultivating her writing, she finally decided to give life to the voices in her head and set forth to write her first novella. Love is her first love, and writing about it is a dream come true. When she's not writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a steamy book or partaking in some retail therapy. She lives in the Midwest with her swoony husband and two energetic kids who (fortunately) know nothing about the naughty things she puts down on paper.

Find her online at www.brightonwalsh.com









                                                           BN
Posted by at 1 comment:

Unexpecting




BLURB: 

Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters preparing to embark on the next stage of their life. They've just ordered white furniture and are planning the vacation they've waited their entire lives to take.

Their lives are catapulted in a completely different direction when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she's the daughter they never knew they had! Their life becomes filled with dilemmas as they add not only another child, but also a baby to a household that was just about to become serene.

Shelley feels like she no longer fits in anywhere and to top it off, having two teenaged girls suddenly plunged into being sisters and school mates is not exactly warm and fuzzy. When Alexandra's behavior becomes erratic, the couple is faced with even tougher decisions to make.

Hold on for an emotional yet witty ride as you join this family of characters in a story of love, loyalty, heartbreak, and humor that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!



 Excerpt:  
Later that morning, Shelley looked at herself in the mirror while blow-drying her hair, recalling the first time she found out that she was a “cougar” and not a “MILF.” She and David were out for cocktails together at an upscale lounge and they were chatting with a bunch of people about various places to go. Telling David about a new wine lounge that just opened, a man had said, “You and your wife would probably fit right in.” He winked. “There are lots of hot cougars; the view is great!”
                She recalled feeling shocked that he referred to her as a cougar, which in her mind always held the negative connotation of an older woman pathetically trying to hold on to her youth, attempting to hook young men.
                This was quite different than years earlier when someone had jokingly referred to her as a MILF. She didn’t even know what it meant, so she’d looked it up on Urban Dictionary when she got home and found, MILF: Acronym for Mom I’d Like to Fuck. Slightly offensive, but in her mind also an indirect compliment, as it implied that even though she was a mom, she was still desirable—a status that can be hard to maintain when in the throes of mommy-hood.
                Back then, she’d gone through a time when she recognized that she’d become so overrun by her responsibilities to her family that she’d completely forgotten about her Self. She even gave it an official definition:

Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be.
Caused by pregnancy, play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.

                After “diagnosing” herself as a bonafide momnesiac, she’d taken active steps to find balance between “momminess” and “sexiness,” striving to find a way to be a supermom and an actual person with her own interests at the same time. And she’d done a pretty decent job of it.
                Now, years later, it seemed that she was going through another version of Momnesia, although at a different stage of her life:

Gramnesia (gram-nee-zhuh) -noun-
In which a woman is so busy trying to be all things to all people, she doesn’t fit into any particular category; She may be a grandmother, mother, wife, and friend, but doesn’t truly belong anywhere.

                Now that she was immersed in being Patrick’s grandmother and full-time caretaker, she felt like she was in a category all her own. A one-person category in a world full of groups.
                She didn’t fit in with the grandmothers whose homes were nice and tidy, who attended their knitting clubs during the day and visited their grandchildren on weekends, with the pleasure of being able to spoil them and then go home. She didn’t have that luxury, as not only did Patrick and all of his accoutrements live at her house, but as his full-time caretaker, she couldn’t very well go around spoiling him and leaving disciplinary issues to someone else, the way a regular grandmother could. Plus, at forty-six, she wasn’t ready for the knitting club anyway.
                She also didn’t fit in with the young moms in their twenties and thirties who were experiencing parenthood and marriage for the first time and were making the mistakes they all made during that time in their lives. She just didn’t have the patience for it. Or the energy.  Been there, done that.
                Likewise, she no longer fit in with the moms of older kids—her former friends who she used to spend time with, all of their children older and mostly self-sufficient. They would work together on booster club fundraisers, Rotary events, and see one another at the occasional high school theater or dance performance. They all had time to take care of themselves, having abandoned the young mom uniform of stained tee-shirts, jeans, and a ponytail in favor of tailored slacks, nice blouses, and professional manicures. None of them had babies and their cars were no longer filled with car seats, phonics CDs, or Cheerio crumbs.
                Now that she had Patrick (although she didn’t actually have Patrick, did she?), there was nowhere she truly felt right. When they were out and about, she wasn’t comfortable dressing in the playground attire she’d abandoned years earlier, yet she also found it decidedly uncomfortable to go to the playground dressed in her “adult mom” clothes. She had no time for manicures, hadn’t had a professional haircut in months, and was so exhausted all the time that her idea of a fun weekend brought visions of napping and being caught up on laundry.
                Patrick himself created so many mixed feelings that it was a dilemma all its own. A sweet, adorable baby, she couldn’t help loving him, just the way she’d loved her own kids when they were little. His chubby little arms reaching for her, the amazement of watching him soak up the world and learn about each little thing, whether the rustle of a leaf or the way dry sand doesn’t hold its shape the same as wet sand does. She wanted the best for him and made sure that his life was as safe, enriching, and loving as he—an innocent baby with his whole life ahead of him—deserved it to be.
                On the other hand, there was the undeniable truth that she felt resentful about the entire situation. The fact was, she and David had taken definitive steps to ensure that they wouldn’t have another baby. They had each enjoyed their babies back when they had them and they’d never felt the need to do it again. She’d dedicated the last nineteen years of her life to raising her two children, and did her best with all four after combining their families. She’d put in her time, so to speak, and had been ready to move on to the next phase of life: The phase in which she and David had time to travel, to be adults. To make love in a room other than their bedroom. To have nice things that didn’t get destroyed within a week of entering their home.
                Maybe it would have been different if Alexandra took more of an interest in Patrick. If Shelley felt like she were helping her, as opposed to the reality that everything involving the baby was her job with Alexandra helping on occasion. When she was forced to.
                Her head and heart spun constantly: How much should I help her? And how could I not? Should I try to leave Patrick’s caretaking up to her with the expectation that she will do it? Maybe if I don’t do it, she will. But he’s just an innocent baby and the fact is, she doesn’t do the things he needs! Can I sit by and watch as she neglects to bathe him and change his diaper? Wait until he gets a rash and the doctor has to tell her what to do? No! Or yes! I know that as long as I keep doing it, she’ll never do it. Would it be fair to Patrick for me to step aside and have him go through whatever trials and tribulations he’s sure to experience with an eighteen-year-old, uninterested mother? On the other hand, would it be fair for me not to “train her,” so to speak, so that she continues to be unprepared to take care of him? And what if she’s a drug addict? What will we do then?
                Practically frothing at the mouth from the stress of these spinning thoughts, she’d eventually screech to a halt with the big question: What will happen if Alexandra never matures into a mother than can give Patrick a proper life? Are David and I prepared to raise him ourselves forever?
                The thought of this was so mind-boggling, she’d have to stop there, unable to think any further.
                At times like these, the thought of being “a cougar whose presence makes the view very pleasant,” would start seeming like not such a bad thing. If only she had the energy. Rowl.






Author Bio:




Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, and
small business consultant since 1995. She has been
featured in major media including Lifetime Women’s
Network, the My Carolina Today Show, and Boston
Globe Forums Live.

Her public speaking has occurred at many
prestigious venues including North Carolina State
University, Nassau Community College, and many
more.

She has received two awards for her novel,
Momnesia, and her nonfiction, Everything You Need to
Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,
continues to be one of the most highly recommended in
its genre since 2005.

Lori is a happy married mom of two, step mom of
two more, and has two cats, both rotten. Originally a
native New Yorker, she now divides her time between
Raleigh, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA.

She is very excited about the release of
Unexpecting, and looks forward to her book tour,
interviews, launch parties, and other festivities!

Connect with Lori!


• Lori’s Website: http://www.LoriTheAuthor.com

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Friday, May 3, 2013

Review: Find My Baby


Title: Find My Baby

Author: Mitzi Pool Bridges

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genre: romantic suspense

Length: 270 pages

Reviewer: Storm Goddess

review Rating: 4.5 LIGHTNING BOLTS


Blurb: Someone stole her baby. That same someone wants her dead.

Pregnant Kayla Hunter is eagerly awaiting her child's arrival when she's kidnapped and forced to give birth in captivity. Kayla escapes her prison and certain death, only to have the police think she's trying to cover up killing her own child. Just one man agrees to help find her son, and he stirs feelings she can't afford.

Houston homicide detective Luke Garrett can't turn away from the beautiful brunette with unforgettable blue eyes, no matter how wild her story. Before long, he's falling for her, but Luke knows he doesn't stand a chance of winning her love until they find her son.

As people connected with the case turn up dead, Luke realizes that whoever stole her baby is still after Kayla. Can they find her baby before the trail grows cold, or will the killer find them first?



Review: Having a baby should be one of the best days of your life, not one of the most horrifying. For Kayla,  getting a chance to enjoy her beautiful son is not an option. Instead, she's trapped inside any mother's worst nightmare- kidnapped, her baby somewhere that she can hear, but not see, only getting a chance to take care of him a few times.

     Kayla's escape isn't the end of the nightmare, however. She still has to find her son. The problem? What would you do if no one believed you? It's not going to be the easiest to convince the police that Kayla had nothing to do with her son's disappearance.
 
   Find My Baby is riveting romantic suspense at it's best. With an emotional subject that will touch any heart, the pace only grows stronger as the book continues. Kayla connects with a family member that is willing to listen and help, plus she meets Luke Garrett, a man that will come to love and care for Kayla.  He has his own private heartache, but gets caught up in Kayla's worries.

I couldn't put this book down, simple as that. As the plot unravels, leading readers into the search for a missing infant, secrets and truths will come out. One thing we know is Kayla will stop at nothing to get her son back, and Lucas will do anything to protect this vulnerable woman. I'm adding this author to my watch list!

Find My Baby is a heart pounding romantic suspense that should not be missed.


The Wild Rose Press

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Review: The Devil of Whiskey Row

Title:  The Devil of Whiskey Row

Author: Renee Rose

Publisher: Stormy Night Publications

Genre: Erotic

Reviewer: Jen

Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS

Blurb:

 Forced by miserable circumstance to work in a gold rush brothel, Cora Underhill hates what her life has become. When a fire sweeps through, she welcomes death as an end to it all. But then Jake Diggory crashes through her window for an

unwelcome rescue, offering her shelter and a paid position at his establishment. She accepts, in spite of Jake’s fearsome reputation as ‘The Devil Diggory’, and soon sees another side to Jake—the firm but caring side of him which led his girls to name him ‘Daddy Diggs’.

Life at Daddy Diggs’ is an entirely new experience for Cora. Jake has strict rules which he backs up with over the knee discipline, but he will not tolerate any mistreatment of his girls and he can go from playing beautiful music on a piano to defending them with his bare fists. The strangest thing of all, however, is the fact that every girl at Daddy Diggs’ swears that Jake has never slept with her, or with any other woman for that matter, since his fiancee’s death back in Ireland fifteen years ago.

The other prostitutes at Daddy Diggs’ enjoy the power they hold over men, enjoy making money, and even find pleasure in sex. Cora attempts to emulate them, but she still finds no pleasure in the company of men… until the day she inadvertently arouses the passion of The Devil Diggory and his fierce lovemaking thaws some frozen part of her. But it seems Jake is only attracted to her because she resembles his dead fiancee  Confused by his new feelings for Cora and guilt over his broken vow of celibacy, Jake pushes Cora away. Can he come to terms with his past and claim Cora for his own, or will his grief keep them apart forever?

Publisher’s Note: The Devil of Whiskey Row is an erotic romance novel that includes both consensual and non-consensual spankings, anal play, exhibitionism, graphic sexual scenes, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Review: If I had to classify this book into a genre, I would call it: Erotic Western. Renee Rose did a wonderful job of combining erotica and a great story into one enticing read.

The story begins with a prostitute named Cora being saved from a fire in the brothel where she works at, by the intimidating Jake Diggory. Jake, aka, "Daddy Diggs" is what his working girls call him; offers Cora a place to stay and work at his own brothel now that hers has burned to the ground. Having suffered under her former pimps hard treatment, Cora is leary but has no other options. She takes the job and quickly finds that "Daddy Diggs" is someone who may be gruff and rough on the outside, but he is protective, kind, and fair to everyone who works for him. Jake has been celibate for 15 years by choice, and is able to curb his desires by spanking his working girls when they need discipline. Cora finds out that his form of punishment is not all that bad, and soon the sparks fly between her and Jake. They also make beautiful music together while playing on the piano, and this just adds to the attraction that they feel for one another. Jake fights the attraction though, as Cora reminds him of a past that he just as soon forget. Will he be able to stay away from temptation, or will he finally give in and end his celibacy?

This western has everything from brothels, gun slingers, and even can can girls! It is a highly entertaining read from start to finish. The sex is sizzling hot, kinky, and not for the faint of heart. The characters are loveable, and even some of the secondary characters are ones that are a pleasant addition to an already great read. I will surely be checking out other books written by Renee Rose as I found her writing to be smooth and easy to devour in a short period of time. This  story is an excellent addition to my library, and I can't wait for more!

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Review: My Wicked Nanny (Club Wicked, #2)

Title: My Wicked Nanny (Club Wicked, #2)

Author: Ann Mayburn

Publisher: Loose Id

Genre:  Contemporary Erotic romance

Reviewer: Crystal

Review Rating: 5 LIGHTNING BOLTS

Blurb: Young nanny Anya Kozlov takes a job at the elite BDSM club, Wicked, in order to pay for her upcoming trip to Paris. Donning a mask to disguise herself she uses the fake name of Dove. On her first night she is shocked when she finds out that the man she is a nanny for and has an enormous crush on, Jesse Shaw, is also a member of Wicked. When Jesse expresses his interest in teaching her about the dark pleasures of Dominance and submission Anya is helpless to resist, even though she is lying to him about who she is.

Jesse can't seem to get Dove, out of his mind. It's been five years since his wife passed and for the first time he feels something beyond physical lust or friendship for a woman. He is angry and hurt when he finds out that Dove is really Anya, his meek and mousy nanny. With only a few weeks left before Anya leaves for Paris, Jesse is determined to get her to not only tell the truth, but also mark her heart and soul so that she doesn't forget him when they are an ocean apart.

Review: Now this was one hot read.

I loved Jesse's and Anya's story. It pulled me in from the first page and I never wanted to see it end. I know that I will get to see more with each and every new book that I get to read. I love the club and I love meeting the Doms. Every character is so different and unique. When I read books like this is helps me to get into their minds and it is like becoming them.



It always amazes me that an auhtor can write such a wonder story and can keep the reader in the book the whole time. It takes an author with skill and one who loves what they do. That is what I got when I read this book. I could let my imaignation go with all the descriptions that the author used. To just imagine it in my mind is what makes the story more believable and lets you get into the book like you are really there, experiencing everything that is happening.



Even though both characters kept something from the other and didn't mean to. I can understand what Anya was going through. To finally have the man she has been wanting and getting to use a different name without him knowing who it is. I liked that Jesse let her go and experience some of the world for herself and loving her enough to do it. That is how you know it is true love. Something that we all want to find. Doesn't matter if it is in true life or in a book.



So if you love a book that take you out of this world and lets you see other things then this is the book for you.


Loose Id

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