Showing posts with label romantic suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romantic suspense. Show all posts

Monday, May 23, 2016

Deception Island by Brynn Kelly (4 stars)

About Deception Island

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: HQN Books (May 31, 2016)

A stolen boy 
A haunted soldier 
A cornered con woman… 

Rafe Angelito thought he was done with the demons from his past—until his son is kidnapped. Blackmailed into abducting an American heiress, the legionnaire soon finds himself trapped in paradise with a fiery, daring beauty who’s nothing he expects…and everything he desires. But when he uncovers her own dark secret, Rafe realizes he’s made a critical mistake—one that could cost him everything.
Playing body double for a spoiled socialite was supposed to be Holly Ryan’s ticket to freedom. But when she’s snatched off her yacht by a tall, dark and dangerous stranger, the not-quite-reformed con artist will make a desperate play to turn her captor from enemy to ally, by any means necessary.

Yet as scorching days melt into sultry nights, Holly is drawn to the mysterious capitaine, with his unexpected sense of honor and his searing touch. When they’re double-crossed, they’ll have to risk trusting each other in ways they never imagined…because in this deadly game of deception, it’s their lives—and hearts—on the line.

Purchase Links

Review

Rafe and Holly are thrown together by crazy circumstances. Rafe is desperate to save his son from a madman. To do so, he's being forced to kidnap and kill a Senator's daughter. Except things aren't as they seem. Holly has a convoluted past--one she's trying to overcome by putting her life in peril.

Thus begins a fast-paced cat and mouse game where the two must work together if they have any hope of coming out alive. 

From the very first word, you are thrown into this story, and the action doesn't let up. Two desperate people must learn to trust each other to save themselves and Rafe's son from a man with nothing to lose. Along the way, they find themselves drawn to each other.

Trust is an issue, but desire and attraction are not, as Rafe and Holly bond. Desperate and intense situations explode into a strong connection between them, one of passion and need. Both will have to let their guard down in order to survive. 

(And if you like a strong, kick-butt female character like I do, you'll connect with Holly right away.)

Interesting characters, heart-pounding action, scorching heat... these prove to be a great story-telling combination and a fast read. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down. 

Rating: 4 stars

About Brynn Kelly

As a journalist Brynn Kelly once spent her days chasing stranger-than-fiction news reports. Now she spends them writing larger-than-life novels, in a happy bubble of fiendish plots and delicious words. Brynn has a journalism degree and has won several prestigious writing and journalism awards, including the Valerie Parv Award and Pacific Hearts Award. Her debut novel Deception Island was a Golden Heart finalist. She’s also a bestselling non-fiction author in her native New Zealand.

Connect with Brynn



Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 
Please visit other stops on Deception Island blog tour page.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Fall and Rise of Kade Hart by AM Hargrove Cover Reveal


The Fall and Rise of Kade Hart by A.M. Hargrove
Genre: Romantic Suspense 
Release date: June 25, 2015


Cover Artist: A.M. Hargrove
 "Hello, my name is Kade Hart and I’m a drug addict." Isn't that what recovering addicts are supposed to say?  Hell if I know. I’m not sure about anything anymore. Not since I met her. Juliette. She's my game-changer.  

I’ve lived on the streets, been in places no one ever wants to see, survived pure hell with the bastard who raised me. I thought I'd finally managed to put all that behind me, come to terms with who and what I am. Until she walked into my life. She’s running from the people who slaughtered her family, people who want her dead, too, and she makes me want to be the kind of man who can protect her, who can save her. But I'm not sure I’m that guy. I'm no one's hero.  


Or am I?


One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss, and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a Naughty and Nice Romance Author. Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon Series (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent, and Beginnings); Dark Waltz, Death Waltz, Tragically Flawed (Tragic 1), Tragic Desires (Tragic 2), Exquisite Betrayal, Dirty Nights; and lastly Freeing Her, Freeing Him, and Kestrel—all part of the Hart Brothers Series.

Other than being in love with writing about love, she loves chocolate, ice cream, and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.







Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Rebel Souls by Sarah Ashley Jones Cover Reveal & Excerpt


Cover Reveal

   Rebel Souls by Sarah Ashley Jones

Releases on November 13th
New Adult Romance Suspense

Elias Anderson believes he can right the wrongs of the world.

As a member of the Rebel Souls, a self-appointed vigilante group whose only goal is to take down those who prey on the innocent, he is trained to kill or be killed.

Claire Olsen wants revenge.

After being attacked and left for dead, she is forced to watch her sister’s kidnapping. When the police refuse to pursue the case, she decides the only thing left to do is to take matters into her own hands, even if that means becoming a Rebel herself.

Elias knows how to deal with the new Rebels.

To ensure her loyalty, he must train her. And to train her, he must break her. But Claire refuses to give in and let a man strip her of who she is. Her stubborn ways and feisty mouth only deepen Elias’ desperation for control while she revels in knowing she is the reason behind his slow undoing. 

It’s not until they discover the truth about her sister’s disappearance that everything inside their already dysfunctional world changes, and they soon learn that their survival depends solely on one another. 

The line between right and wrong will be blurred.

Blood will be shed.

And the guilty will pay.


Check Out The Cover!!



And the full cover wrap



Excerpt

“You want answers, Blondie.” Claire turns her head and I snatch her chin in my free hand. “You truly want to know what it feels like to kill somebody - to watch the life drain from a stranger’s eyes because of your actions?” 

Her heart beats against my chest and I drop my hand s to her shoulders, spinning her around and forcing her down into the chair next to us. Her knife pings as it hits the concrete floor. “

It feels like nothing else in this world.” I lean forward, pushing all my weight into my palms as the y rest on the arms of the chair. “It’s every feeling a per son could possibly experience all at once. It’s blissful, calming, terrifying, satisfying, excruciating, but most of all - it’s powerful,” I whisper the last part. “Once you finally do it, murder someone, you can’t go back. You carry them with you anywhere you go. You see their faces when you sleep. You see their eyes when you at your own in the mirror. It doesn’t matter if they were a saint or a sinner. You become the reason they no longer exist. Do you really think you can do that, Claire?” 

I’m stuck staring at her, watching the way her lips parts as she nods, her sharp breaths cascading over my cheek. Her intense eyes seek solace in mine as i f she’s listening to a bedtime story - not a horror story like how it plays in my mind. 

“Then why do you continue to do it?” 

It’s a simple question. Eight words I ask myself day in and day out and depending on when you ask me, I will answer differently each time. 

“Because if I don’t - no one else will.”

About Sarah Ashley Jones

Sarah Ashley Jones w as raised in San Diego, California, but currently wrangles her three dogs in Clarksville, Tennessee. When she's not writing she works in a pottery studio and comes home covered in paint on a daily basis. She has a slightly unhealthy obsession with cupcakes, chapstick, and all things Alice in Wonderland. She is an eternal optimist and can often be found dancing and singing to music at any given time. It's rare t o see her not smiling or laughing, but if you do, just bring her a cupcake and it will cheer her up.

The books of the Promise Me Series is the first novels Sarah Ashley Jones ever sat down to write. The story weaseled into her heart and wouldn't leave her alone until she typed it all out. Now, stories won’t stop making themselves heard as she continues to write whichever character’s story is the loudest!

She is a lover of all things adventure and romance and is constantly working hard on future releases. Her overactive imagination probably has something to do with being a theatre geek as a child and teenager and now she puts it to good use as an adult, creating and sharing stories that many already love.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com /AuthorSarahAshleyJones
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarah ashjones
Blog: http://www.sarahashleyjones. com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6971371.Sarah _Ashley_Jones

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Blue 52 by Elaine Cantrell (4.5 stars)

About Blue 52
(from GoodReads)

"First Lady Kills President Lovinggood"
December 29, 2018

Thirty years later Hank Lovinggood embarks on a quest to prove his mother's innocence and punish the killers who took his family from him. Together Hank and lovely physicist Kathryn Sinclair confront an implacable, twisted, merciless enemy who'll do whatever it takes to hide the truth forever.


Buy on Amazon

Review

The Lovinggood's are political royalty, but they've paid some steep dues along the way. Years ago, Hank Lovinggood lost his parents--then the President and First Lady--tragically. Something he could never fully accept. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows him to change his fate, and theirs, will he have the courage to take it? If you could go back and change the course of your own life, would you?

I don't want to give away too much in my review, especially since the book synopsis doesn't. What I can say is... Wow! I love the concept of this book from start to finish. It's a mystery, but with the twist of being set in the future (and all the possibilities that entails). But it's also about love--not just romance, but the importance of family and how they affect who we will be. 

For those who love the exhilarating feeling of being on the edge of your seat, this book will keep you engaged. But it's so much more, because the characters are rich and intricately interwoven and the romance has heart. My only slight complaint... I felt Hank's romance was rushed. But given the intense circumstances, it's understandable. I just wanted to savor it a bit more.

Honestly, I didn't want the book to end. Simply wonderful.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I also greatly enjoyed this author's book, The Enchanted. Read the review here.

About the Author

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina where she obtained a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University.  She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators, Romance Writers of America, and EPIC authors.  Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest.  When she’s not writing or teaching, she enjoys movies, quilting, reading, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments. 

 
Visit her website at www.elainecantrell.com. Also, connect with Elaine Cantrell on Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Deceiving Lies by Molly McAdams (4 stars)

About Deceiving Lies
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (March 4, 2014)


The irresistible, blazing-hot sequel to New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams’s Forgiving Lies

Rachel is supposed to be planning her wedding to Kash, the love of her life. After the crazy year they’ve had, she’s ready to settle down and live a completely normal life. Well, as normal as it can be. But there’s something else waiting—something threatening to tear them apart.

Kash is ready for it all with Rachel, especially if “all” includes having a football team of babies with his future wife. In his line of work, Kash knows how short life can be and doesn’t want to waste another minute of their life together. But now his past as an undercover narcotics agent has come back to haunt him . . . and it’s the girl he loves who’s caught in the middle.

Trent Cruz’s orders are clear: take the girl. But there’s something about this girl that has him changing the rules and playing a dangerous game to keep her safe. When his time as Rachel’s protector runs out, Trent will turn his back on the only life he’s known—and risk everything if it means getting her out alive.

Review

Rachel and Kash have not had the typical road to happily ever after. Kash's job is intense and dangerous, but they were both hoping they'd already faced their demons. Then, someone from Kash's past comes back to haunt them. Rachel's plans for their upcoming wedding are derailed when she's kidnapped.


Captive and scared, Rachel finds herself in a nightmare. Hope comes in the form of one of her captors. Trent starts to fall for Rachel, but can he keep her from harm. Meanwhile, Kash is going crazy trying to find her. Will she make it out alive? If she does, will she ever be the same?

I definitely recommend reading Forgiving Lies (the prequel to this book) first. Otherwise, I think readers will be confused and less engaged. Kash and Rachel are tough characters, but it's because of the intensity of their backgrounds. There's no light, fluffy romance here. Actually, there's little romance in this follow-up. But for those who enjoy a fast-paced thrill ride with characters they already know, it's a real score.

Still, I wanted more romance to balance the intensity, and I wasn't thrilled with the events surrounding Rachel and Trent. Fear is an amazing motivator, though, so I did understand the bond. But I was put off by both Rachel and Kash's reactions after. Not everyone reacts the same to a traumatic event, and the author definitely had me emotionally invested in the outcome. Another win.

Overall, I'd recommend Deceiving Lies to fans of Molly McAdams and especially to those who were already invested in Kash and Rachel from the first book. Plus, the ending really scored with me!

Rating: 4 stars 

If you would like to read my review of Forgiving Lies, please find it here.

About the Author

Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry four-legged daughters. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a homebody and dishing out movie quotes with her hubby, or hiding in her writing cave trying to get her characters’ stories out.

Visit Molly at her website, read her blog, connect with her onFacebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the Deceiving Lies blog tour page.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Shady Deals by Cindy McDonald Spotlight



Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Pages: 196

Purchase at AMAZON

Kate West and Dr. Holden Reese have put their troubled past behind them and are ready to set a wedding date. There;s only one thing in Holden’s way: a powerful drug Lord at Keystone Downs Thoroughbred Race Track has Holden under his thumb, and he’s not letting go!

Kate’s family is determined to get to the bottom the of horse drugging ring, and when the West’s get too close to the truth the Drug Lord sends them a brutal message that can’t be misinterpreted.  Now Holden is on the run, and he’s dragging Kate with him.

Can he escape his indiscretions?

How long can he keep Kate in the dark?

Excerpt

“Take your clothes off.” Dr. Holden Reese said, as he closed the door to his veterinarian office at Keystone Downs Thoroughbred Racetrack. His hot gaze slid over Kate West’s slender curves. He dropped the deadbolt into the locked position. A shiver skittered down Kate’s spine as she turned to him. She wore a red tank top and a pair of tight Levi Jeans. Her long blonde tresses were pulled back into a ponytail. The florescent lighting glinted off the silver hoop earrings that dangled from her ear lobes.
While her full lips parted, her eyebrows rose. “Ever heard of sexual harassment, Dr. Reese?” Kate put in.
He strode toward her unbuckling his belt. He took the vet box from her hand to set it on a nearby shelving unit, and then pushed her against the block wall. Holden was six-foot-two of solid muscled male. His deep brown eyes burned into her baby blues. Caging her between his arms, he reached back to pull the band that held her hair letting it spill like a golden waterfall about her shoulders. He fisted his fingers through the locks tilting her head back to hold her in place. He said, “Oh, I’ve heard of it, Miss West, and I have every intention of taking you on my desk,” he nipped at her earlobe making his way slowly down her neck, “do you want to scream?”
Kate’s fingers splayed wide on the wall that she was pinned against. Everything female in her clenched at his teasing nips and licks and the way he smoothed his lips over her heating skin. She could feel her nipples pushing to stiff peaks against the inside of her bra. She swallowed hard letting go of a groan from deep in her throat. She rasped, “Do you want me to scream, Dr. Reese?”
Holden smiled against her shoulder. He whispered, “When I make you come.” He pressed his lips to hers pushing his tongue into her mouth savoring the taste of her, tangling his fingers tighter through her hair, possessing her. Kate wrapped her arms around his waist pushing up on her toes to capture more from the kiss, when suddenly Holden let go of her hair grabbing her by the shoulders. Kate blinked back, astonished that the kiss had ended so abruptly.
“You were stripping...” he said, stepping back to take in the show about to start. Kate planted her hands on her hips, biting her lip. His gaze never wavered as he unbuttoned his jeans, while urging, “the desk is waiting, my pretty little assistant.”
“And if I refuse? Will you fire me?”
He lowered his zipper with slow unerring precision, “You won’t refuse.” He stated. He whipped his T-shirt over his head tossing it to the floor, baring his sculpted biceps and abs, while sporting a sinful come-on look that should’ve been in the category of a felony.
“That’s not fair!” Kate blurted.
His mouth curved into a wicked smile. “I’ll use whatever weapons at my disposal to get you naked. I’ve been fantasizing since yesterday about doing it on my desk with my sexy little employee.” Glancing at the desk, Kate noted that it had been cleared for the event. Holden added, “You won’t mention this to your boyfriend, will you?”
Kate rolled her eyes at his suggested role-play. Quirky. What fun. She went along. “He’s the jealous type, you know. Not to mention that he could probably beat the snot out of you.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Holden rolled his right index finger in the air at her, “Let the stripping commence.”
Knowing that he rather enjoyed a demure display, she peeked at him through her lashes. Kate slowly slipped her tank over her head, tossing it to the floor, leaving him to ogle her dainty blue lace bra. She unbuttoned her jeans, lowered the zipper bit by bit, and then she shimmied her hips until they slipped down her legs to pool at her feet, swiftly she kicked them aside. She could see the column of his erection bulging from his boxer brief through the open fly of his jeans, as she stood before him in a tiny lace thong and the lace bra. He licked his lips. She was driving him crazy. She liked it. Her lips curled at his delicious anticipation.
Slowly she reached back to unhook the bra, but rather than allowing it to fall to the floor, she cupped her breasts in her palms holding the bra in place. Holden sucked in a deep breath while he watched her bite her lower lip as she kneaded her breasts in a circular motion, until she slowly let the bra slip down her arms to fall at her feet.
Holden grabbed her hands restraining them behind her back before she could hook her thumbs through the bands of the thong. Sealing his mouth over hers, he kissed her hard while pulling her against his arousal. “Leave a little for me,” he snarled, releasing her hands to grab her buttocks and lift her until she wrapped her legs around his waist. Lips locked, he carried her to the desk, setting her down gently. He murmured, “I don’t want to hurry my fantasy. I want to savor it, baby.”
Kate pulled away from the kiss. She whispered, “I don’t know, my boyfriend will be coming to pick me up soon for the bonfire party at our farm tonight. He doesn’t like it when I’m late.”
Holden’s eyes brightened. “I almost forgot about that,” he brushed a lock of hair from her cheek with the pad of his thumb. His eyes narrowed when he asked, “Is the whole party taking place outside?”
Kate cocked her head, confused by the question considering the position they were presently in. She answered, “Yes...”
“No one will be in the barn?”
“No...”
Carefully he laid her across the desk admiring her dusty pink nipples standing at attention waiting for him to nip. Thoughtfully, he ran his fingers along the inside of the elastic band that secured her thong. Kate’s tummy tightened at the sultry tickle. The sinful grin returned to his handsome face. “Mmmm, another fantasy just came to mind, Miss West: The rugged cowboy breezes into town and seduces the sassy cowgirl in the hayloft. At first she isn’t willing, but soon she succumbs to his cowboy charms.”
Shaking her head, Kate chuckled, “Please, one fantasy at a time or I won’t be able to keep up, cowboy.”
She was right. So he decided to fulfill this fantasy right now. There would be plenty of time this evening for the other—if he could get her alone in the loft. He smiled to himself thinking of a clever way to lure her into the barn loft of her father’s Thoroughbred farm, Westwood.
 Dropping both of his hands on either side of her, he lowered his face to kiss her between her breasts, when the cell phone in his hip pocket began to ring and vibrate. He groaned.
Kate giggled. “That’s a mood killer.”
“Not for me,” he said, running his tongue over her stiff nipple.
“Aren’t you going to answer it?”
“No.”
“Holden, someone could need the vet. You should at least look at the number.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“See, I knew there was a good reason that I proposed to you. You keep me on track. By-the-way, have you told the family about our engagement?”
“Answer the phone, Holden.”
He let out a frustrated sigh as he yanked the phone from his pocket to look at the screen: Chip Walker. Shit. Reaching across her body, he grabbed the handle to the middle drawer of the desk, pulled it open, flipped the phone in, and then slammed the drawer shut.
“It’s nobody important enough to interrupt this moment.” He looked into her crystal blue eyes full of desire. Raking his fingers through her hair, he said, “Nothing is more important than you are.” His fingers slipped from her hair, down her neck until he cupped her breast in his hand. “Now where was I?”

                                                                 ****

Chip Walker thumbed the END button on his cell phone, hard. Doc Reese hadn’t answered his calls or his texts in three days. Reese was getting too independent. He wasn’t respecting his authority. Reese could blow his whole operation to smithereens. The operation had been compromised six months ago, but he had managed to dodge that bullet. He couldn’t afford another mishap. Reese needed to conform. Reese needed to fall in line. Immediately. 

And how damning will the truth be when it’s finally revealed?

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE.

About the Author

For twenty-six years Cindy Mcdonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance: She was a professional dancer/choreographer for most of her adult life and never gave much thought to a writing career until 2005.Suddenly, she felt drawn to her computer to write about things she have experienced (greatly exaggerated upon of course) with her husband’s Thoroughbreds and the happenings at the racetrack.

Why didn’t Cindy write about my experiences with dance? You might ask. “Eh, believe it or not life at the racetrack is more…racy.” Cindy says. “The drama is outrageous—not that dancers don’t know how to create drama, believe me, they do but race trackers just seem to get more down and dirty with it which makes great story telling—great fiction.”

Cindy didn’t start out writing books, The Unbridled Series started out as a TV drama, and the Hollywood readers loved the show. When the series didn’t sell, Cindy recalls, “One of the readers said to me, ‘Cindy, don’t be stupid. Turn your scripts into a book series.’” And so she did!

In May of 2011, Cindy took the big leap and exchanged her dancin’ shoes for a lap top—she retired from dance. “It was a scary proposition,” Cindy confesses. “I was terrified, but I had the full support of my husband, Saint Bill. It has been a huge change for me. I went from dancing hard five hours a night to sitting in front of a computer. I still work-out and I take my dog, Harvey, for a daily run. I have to or I’d be as big as a house.”

Does Cindy McDonald miss dancing? “Sometimes I do,” she says. “I miss my students. I miss choreographing musicals, but I love my books and I love sharing them with readers.”

Visit her website at www.cindymcwriter.com.

Connect & Socialize with the Author: Facebook & Twitter.

Please visit other stops on the Shade Deals blog tour page.


Thanks to Pump Up Your Book for including me on this blog tour.