Don't Hate the Player...Hate the Game by Katie Ashley

 

Book Blurb:

 For Noah Sullivan being the best friend to a douchebag and player like Jake Nelson has never been easy. It's been a rocky road since kindergarten when Jake duct taped Noah to his chair before recess. With just six weeks to high school graduation, Jake accidentally blows his drunken ass up on his grandfather's tractor, and Noah finds himself immersed not only in a whirlwind of grief, but on a quest to find a mystery girl from Jake's past.

While cleaning out Jake's room, Noah and Jake's dad make a startling discovery. Instead of the obligatory porn collection or pot stash, they find a ring, but not just any ring. Its half a carat of commitment in a platinum setting-proving even man whores have taste. After Jake's mom pleads with Noah to find the girl who meant so much to Jake, Noah begins a modern day Grail quest to track the girl down.

Since Jake was a notorious player with a legendary collection of trophy panties, Noah finds himself in over his head. There are the usual suspects like Avery, the Ice Princess Jake dated for appearances, or Presley, the school mattress Jake dated for convenience. But the trail begins to point to the most unlikely of suspects: Maddie, the Valedictorian and choir girl who was trying to help the unmotivated jock graduate--the girl who also has surprisingly caught Noah's eye and meddled with his heart.

Hanging out with Maddie shows Noah a different side of Jake--one that was deeply human and surprisingly douche-free. And the more he tries to solve the mystery of the ring and of Jake, the more Noah starts to discover about himself and of love.

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Angie J's 4.5 star review:

I got this book because I have loved everything that I have read by this author.  I was intrigued to read a sweet YA because people I don't generally do YA.....sorry SMUT /Paranormal/rock star/ bad boy biker addict here :)  I am sooo glad I did.  I loved this book for the complexity of it.  I mean the way the book starts it seems very "traditional" and reminds me of high school.  The high school jocks who bang the girls.  The prom queens.....The school sluts....The artsy kids who are popular....the nerd...etc.  Seriously you sooo remember someone from high school who fit this mold.  Well Jake was the popular Douche who screwed a different girl a night and even charmed a few girls into cashing in their V cards.  Noah is his best friend since Kindergarten.  Noah is a party guy but also responsible.  Jake on the other hand...not so responsible or is he?  So the book starts with Jake getting killed and Noah (after being told to by Jake's mom) is to find the girl Jake wanted to MARRY!!!!  YES Jake the DB had fallen in love and wanted to change his life around for THIS mystery girl.

Noah is totally blow away after talking to the preachers daughter Maddie about Jake.  Jake did mission trips?  Jake helped care for Maddie's sick little brother...this leaves Noah Scratching his head.  He has a clue as to find "the mystery" girl and when he does discover who it he, he is sad.  He has fallen for the girl and doesn't want to tell her "hey my DB buddy loved you and he wanted to give you thing ring buuuut he is dead so can I have ya???"

So i told you this novel was traditional right?   Well man was there a curve ball thrown in there about Jake and his intentions.  I. WAS. FLOORED!!!  I guess a leopard CAN change their spots.  There is a side story about Noah and his mom and dad that helped Noah put things in perspective for sure.  I think the epilogue was great and I loved what Noah's girl...yes he gets the girl.....has planned for them :)  WHAT YOU DIDN'T THINK HE WOULD!!!! ?????

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About the Author:

SQUEE  Twinsie Angie E and Angie J with Katie in Nashville :)

 

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Katie Ashley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of The Proposition. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her two very spoiled dogs and one outnumbered cat. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, Shakespeare, Supernatural, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.

She spent 11 1/2 years educating the Youth of America aka teaching MS and HS English until she left to write full time in December 2012.

She also writes Young Adult fiction under the name Krista Ashe. 

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AUTHOR GUEST POST-C.A. Szarek

Reflections of an RT Virgin.

          Recently I attended Romantic Times annual reader/author convention that was held at the Crowne Plaza Sheraton in Kansas City, MO. This was my first time attending as an author. In 2012, I went for the weekend as a reader, and it was immense fun! I even got to meet my bestie, Jo-Anna for the first time in person! (we met originally on FB).

 

 Attending as an author for the full convention this year was awesome! Even better, Jo came again with her sister, Shawna, and I also got to meet Angie J and Melinda, two other friends from FB! It was so much fun!!!!!!!

 

I learned so much at RT! I did many workshops regarding the craft of writing, strategies on how to accomplish more as a writer, and even fun interactions with readers!

I would recommend that any authors, aspiring or published, attend a conference or convention like RT.

The information is INVALUABLE!

I would say that the MOST helpful thing I did was an all day plotting class with best-selling author, Cherry Adair!  She is so much fun, as much as she is a FANTASTIC teacher! Funny, and an all-around fabulous person!

Cherry is a very organize plotter, so I took her class with the hopes I could learn her process and actually plot. Traditionally, I have always been a pantser, as in I write by the seat of my pants. Most of the time, I just sit down and write. Sometimes I know what will happen in the scene, but there are a lot of times I just go with the flow and see what I come up with.

But as you continue to move forward in this field, career, as you will, it becomes harder and harder to meet deadlines without planning books. So, I am trying to change my whimsical ways!

I learned sooooo much from spending the day with Cherry! She plots on a board. Every element of the story is represented by a different color sticky note, and they go on the board.

The idea is to start with the danger (orange) (I write Romantic Suspense, and so does Cherry, but this is not to say this can’t work with any genre) and work backwards, applying them to the board in the appropriate chapters. Then you do the villain and his henchmen (purple), also plotting backwards through the story on the board.

Hopefully you know the story well enough where you write all info on the post-it notes before you place them on the board.

For pantsers like me, this involves a lot of thinking!

The rest of the story is plotted forward, using the appropriate colors. Hero is blue, his backstory light blue. Heroine is pink, her backstory pale pink. Locations are green. Fuchia is my favorite part, the SEX!

And the most important post-it is the WHITE one, which is the “What’s the Point of the Scene” post-it. ALWAYS ask yourself this BEFORE you write.

Tough, I know, when you don’t plot.

I can’t say I will be a Cherry star pupil, but I will try. And I did learn.  If you want more info on the system, please email me. (My email is below in where to find me).

Here’s my plotting board for my WIP, Chance Collision (Crossing Forces Book Two):

Hopefully writing the book will be easy. As you can see, I didn’t finish the plotting process but I did enough to know where the book is going. Just need to work hard, like always!

I am currently in working Chapter 8, so we’ll see how I am able to continue!

This was the 30^th Anniversary for RT and many pioneers of the Romance Genre, the GREATS, were there! I got to meet JULIE GARWOOD! Talk about a fangirl moment! She’s always been one of my faves and she was so sweet. Awesome and approachable! I loved talking to her!

I met some fantastic authors and readers at RT as well as got in touch with old friends. I did two signings, and got to share MY book with the world! RT was such a positive experience. I love conventions, conferences and writing. I love smoozing in the writing and reading world and wouldn’t trade it for anything!

          See you next year, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blurb:

For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald.

Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser—magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight.

Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera.

Preorder: May 17, 2013

Prerelease:  May 31, 2013

General release: June 28, 2013

Badboy, married to his job FBI agent Cole Lucas always gets his man. So when the unthinkable happens and one gets away, Cole grits his teeth and hunts human trafficker Carlo Maldonado all the way to Antioch, Texas, where he collides with Detective Andi MacLaren.

Cole doesn’t do small towns and he doesn’t get involved with women he works with, but Andi tempts him in ways he doesn’t want to acknowledge.

Two murders, her partner shot and leading the investigation on her own, the last thing Andi needs is a cocky FBI agent that sees her as no more than a tagalong.

Widow and single mother Andi is used to being on her own. When Cole gets stuck without a place to stay, crashing on her couch puts them in dangerous territory.

Attraction and passion bring Andi to a place she left behind when her husband died.

Her three-year-old son quickly wiggles his way into Cole’s heart, and he starts contemplating things—family, love—that he’d never planned for himself.

Can being forced to work together make them stronger or will their differences jeopardize their case and their hearts?

CA is the author of fantasy, paranormal, romantic suspense and the occasional YA. Sword's Call (King's Riders Book One) AVAILABLE NOW from Gypsy Shadow Publishing! Collision Force (Crossing Forces Book One) releases July 1, 2013 from Total-E-Bound Publishing!

She is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She is married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
She works with kids when she’s not writing.
She’s always wanted to be a writer and is overjoyed to share her stories with the world.

Where to find C.A. online:

Blog: www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caszarek

Twitter: @caszarek

“I LOVE to hear from readers!” Email me: ca@caszarek.com

The Light In Her Eyes - KR Haynes

The Light In Her Eyes (In Her Eyes, Book 1)

KR Haynes

Book Review by Brenda Wright

Book Blurb:

[Siren Classic: Erotic Consensual BDSM Romance, bondage, flogging, spanking, wax play, HEA] Officer Jon Randall might be the bad boy of the Kingston Bomb Squad team, but in the bedroom he's a Dominant force to be reckoned with. One night while serving his latest suspension on patrol, he runs into his former high school sweetheart, Chloe Watson. There's just one hitch. Chloe doesn't remember him. With her sassy attitude still having the power to rev up his Dominant side, Randall is more determined than ever to not only make Chloe remember their time together, but also see her submit to his Dominance once again. When Chloe's life is threatened by an unknown source, Randall will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. If that means she needs a good spanking now and then to ensure that happens…well, so be it. But how can he protect her life when his day job puts his own life in jeopardy every single day? ** A Siren Erotic Romance

My Review:

Chloe Watson hasn’t been in town for long.  She gets pulled over by a cop for minor infraction, he offers to take her car to his friend to get fixed.  She is drawn to this cop for some reasons unknown. 

Jon was suspended from the bomb squad for two months and was put on street patrol.  Nights!  He pulls over a lady with a busted tail light.  He can’t believe his eyes!  It’s his Chloe!  The girl he loved, 10 years ago!  She acts like she doesn’t recognize him.  He plays along.

What Jon doesn’t realize is that Chloe has a memory gap of about 6 months.  She cannot remember anything starting on her 16^th birthday.   Jon remembers how much he loved her then and what a great submissive she was. 

Chloe has been getting some threatening voicemails.  Surely it can be nothing serious.

Jon decides to NOT tell Chloe that they know each other.  He wants to make her remember how she felt about him.  The threats continue and get stronger.  Once Jon finds out about them he promises to protect her.  Chloe is a little stubborn and doesn’t like to be told what to do. 

Jon and Chloe start to build a “new” relationship.  She feels at home with Jon.  Jon wants to make Chloe his sub again.  Chloe finally succumbs to her feelings for Jon and they think everything is perfect. 

Then he says those words…..the same words she’s been hearing in her dreams since she was 16…  “My precious one. My only one.”

Chloe finally realizes that Jon is the one from her dreams.  But how could that be.

Well Chloe’s stubbornness and “not following instructions”.  The stalker finds her….GASP!

Jon freaks out, he can’t lose his Chloe now, after all these years.

There’s a more drama, but I don’t want to spoil what happens….

I’ll be waiting for the second book to find out what happens with this darn stalker!

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars

Hero Hotness:  3 stars

Heroine Hotness:  3 stars

Lovableness of couple:  4 stars

Tearjerker: 1 star

Story Depth:  3 stars

Story Plot:  3 stars

268 Pages

Published October 2012

· BDSM Rating:  mild, nothing too harsh

· Would I re-read this book: No

· Would I read future books by this author: Yes

· Was there a cliffhanger:  yes/no – the “stalker” was not caught

· Do I love the characters: I could

· Do I want more of their story:  I want to find the stalker

· Is this part of a series:  Yes, Book 1

About the Author

K. R. Haynes currently resides in Tasmania, Australia.
She has turned her love of reading erotic romance novels into a passion for writing her own erotic suspense BDSM series. Her debut novel series In Her Eyes followed swiftly by His Dark Promise, an erotic novella, has fans around the world eager for her next creation.

When not writing and brainstorming new ideas for future books and sexy characters, K. R. Haynes enjoys cheering on her favorite AFL team, the Adelaide Crows, reading romantic fiction novels and catching up with friends and family for a good laugh, a hearty gossip session or relaxing by the fire with a glass of her favorite Tasmania white wine.

http://krhaynesauthor.weebly.com/index.html

Brie Faces Her Master's Fears by Red Phoenix

 

Book Blurb:

 Brie is thrilled by the secret Master reveals. Their D/s relationship and love deepens as he teaches her his preferences and shares another aspect of his past. Tragically, a meeting with her nemesis starts a disastrous chain of events. The aftermath of which leads her Master to make a decision Brie never sees coming.

The fourth novelette in the ‘After Graduation‘ series will tantalize and surprise with its naughty twists, laugh out loud moments and scorching encounters.

Extended Description:

Brie is excited her dreams are about to come true. Unfortunately, only one thing lies in the way... Mary. In a cruel twist of fate, Brie is forced to confront her nemesis. Along the way, a tragic event is averted, but Master is faced with one of his greatest fears. Brie will gain insight into Mary’s betrayal, discover Baron’s compassion, understand Tono’s heart, and uncover ghosts from Master’s past.

Adult Material (18+)

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content and scenes that some readers may find objectionable.

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Angie J's Review:

I received this book from the author.

WHERE TO BEGIN!!!  AS usual Mistress Red had me in knots at the end of the last installment of Brie.  When this book begins and my heart is in my chest.  I was excited to find out why Brie and Master had to end their trip so early in Russia.  I mean to leave Rytsar it HAD to be important.....Good Golly that man is some scary hotness!!!

I was so excited to see Lea again.  I have missed her friendship and love how we cant always count on her for a good couple of jokes...even if they are just so bad they are funny.   *breath in and out* Mary....Brie has to talk to Mary.  Wow what an exchange that was.  I will say that I felt a little different towards her AFTER everything was discussed in regards to the Wolf and the graduation ceremony.

Tono....*Sniff*  My heart breaks because I so loved him and was sad Brie didn't want to be his little subbie BUT Sir just had Brie and my heart.  I was happy to see the two re-connect and maybe even build a friendship outside of the training center (insert Wicked Evil Laughter because if you haven't read this book you have no clue the cliffhanger. )

Sir......I fell so much more in love with him.  He has such demons and is so scared for what he feels for Brie.  He sends her mixed signals and her naive self takes it all the wrong way but that is what we love about Brie...her tender heart and soul right??!!!  Sir has some major issues he needs to work through due to his mom and dad's relationships.

AND LASTLY...the documentary plays a big part of this book.  I am glad to see Brie chasing her dream.  I am happy that Sir is also forcing her to work versus following him all over the world while he does business.

If you haven't read Brie in the Training Center please do that first and then start reading the After Graduation books.  I am such a Red Phoenix fan.  I feel in love with her books when I read Blissful.  I haven't found a book of hers that I wasn't telling people to buy and read.  She is an awesome writer and person as well....Another great book...Oh and guess what peps the ending was CLASSIC and I said "HOLY SHIT" when it read the last line!!!!  

About the Author:

Website

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Ms. Clark

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I am a happily married woman who believes (based on personal experience) that love conquers all. It is a running theme in my writing.

One thing you will notice about my work, I'm all about variety. If a character beseeches me to write his/her story, I willingly give myself over no matter the genre or subject ~ as long as it includes hot, steamy sex. ;)

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ARC review of Lunar Exposure by Shona Husk

***Expected Release is May 10, 2013***

Blurb:

Bounty hunter Callen wants to capture Noga—a terrorist—both for the money and for revenge. But catching a criminal on the sensual resort of Decadent Moon without giving in to all the destination’s sexual pleasures is harder than it seems.

Haliday is the darling of the media, a socialite known as much for her casual relationships as she is for her charitable donations. No one knows she hunts down criminals.

Lust and ambition clash, and Callen and Haliday will have to find a way to work together, despite the distraction of their passionate bond. To succeed they must trust each other, something neither Callen nor Haliday is willing to do.

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Angie J's Review:

I received a copy of this book as an ARC for an honest review.

*takes in a big breath of air and releases it.  Swallows and licks lips* WOWZERS...yup that's what I got!!!  This book was delicious in its naughtiness.  There were some pretty hawt hook ups.  I can't even tell you which hook up was my favorite because they all have something funny or amazing about them.  I do have to say I think the hook up in the bar behind a little screen was pretty amazing.......

This story is a quick 68 page read so I don't want to go toooo much into the story but just hit some of the highlights for you.  If you are a regular on this blog you know I tend to ramble soooooo I want to not blab the whole story before you get the chance to read for yourself.  Alrighty, here goes......Bounty Hunter Callen is tracking a big bad guy named Noga.  Noga is a huge terrorist that slipped through Callen's fingers and because of that a lot of people died in an explosion.  Callen goes to a remote Sex Moon pretending to want to screw the beautiful socialite Haliday.  Well guess what peps Haliday has a huge secret life.  She is hiding from a not so nice crime boss.  She also has a REALLY BIG secret that when Callen finds out, his eyeballs pop outta his head!!!

This novel was a new kind of read for me because the main characters are aliens.  There are several species of aliens described and mentioned.  I did get a little confused but just kinda went with it.  By the end of the novel it is nicely set up for a book 2.  I can't wait because Haliday and Callen have a plotted and made plans!!!

 

About the Author:

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Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back. Drawing on history and myth, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally.

With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she is published with Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Carina Press and Sourcebooks.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lunar-Exposure-Hunt-ebook/dp/B00BFCUHOQ/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lunar-exposure-shona-husk/1114588348?ean=9781419945076