Tuesday, March 31, 2015

ARC Review: "Force of Attraction" by D.D. Ayres

Force of Attraction
by D.D. Ayres
Book 2, K-9 Rescue


The only thing more powerful than fear is desire…

A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner—a protective canine named Hugo—Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants…until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge.

FORCE OF ATTRACTION

Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they’ve been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they’ve rekindled…

Force of Attraction is book 2 in the K-9 Rescue series.

A big thumbs up for this book.  Of the three books currently in this series, this is the most cohesive and well-balanced. The suspense plays very well into the romance.

Scott and Cole broke up while Scott was deep undercover in a white supremacist biker gang.  Perhaps he took his role too serious or maybe he was just in too deep, but the stress ruined his marriage.  Cole always believed that he chose his job over her.  Scott is also plagued by a sense of inadequacy, trying to live up to his can-do-no-wrong brother, Gabe, who was killed in battle.

After divorcing Scott, Cole goes to work for another police department in the K-9 unit.  She has a way with dogs and her aptitude is noticed by the DEA.  They invite her to be a part of an undercover operation being lead by her former husband, Scott.

One of things I enjoyed most about this relationship is Scott’s need to discover that the Nikki he divorced is not the same woman Cole is today.  Not only does she have a different nickname (her real name is Nicole), but she has a different attitude, is more assured and confident as a police officer and woman. He is still madly in love with her, but he doesn’t know how to win her back.  In other words, I liked the way he really had to work for it.

I also liked the villain in this story.  I thought he was unbalanced and menacing.  Never quite sure what he is going to do, this part of the story is suspenseful, much more so than previous books.

My one critique of the writing is that we are constantly reminded that Scott feels inadequate when compared to his brother, Gabe. Gabe was recently killed in action as a member of the special forces, but even before then, he had very big shoes to fill.  It is one of the major themes of the story, but I felt it is slightly over done. 


IN A NUTSHELL:
A good read with lots of suspense and a dog.  Dogs are featured in this story and who doesn’t love a dog?

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

A veteran author of romance and women’s fiction, D.D. Ayres is new to Romantic Suspense. She believes the lure of romance is always the human connection. Put that connection in physical jeopardy, and and we learn a bit moreabout who we really are.

With her K-9 Rescue series, D.D. hopes you will enjoy her sexy, suspenseful portrayals of K-9 teams at their best.

D.D. lives in Texas with her husband and a soft-coated Wheaten terrier named Zoe.


Monday, March 30, 2015

BLOG TOUR, REVIEW, EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY: "Total Surrender" by Rebecca Zanetti




Total Surrender 
by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 4,  Sin Brother’s series.

A fight he must win...

Piper Oliver knows she can't trust him. They warned her that the tall, dark, and sexy black-ops soldier Jory Dean would try to win her over with his steel-gray eyes and deadly charm, but she won't be conned by this man they call a traitor. All she has to do is figure out the science necessary to save his life, and she's done. Something isn't adding up, though, and she won't rest until she uncovers the truth-even if it's buried in his deep, dangerous kiss.

A passion she can't resist...

Jory will do anything to reunite with and save his brothers-even kidnap the gorgeous woman who's working to deactivate the deadly chip in their spines. But the forces determined to destroy his family won't let them go so easily. Keeping Piper alive is more than he bargained for-and so is his burning desire for her. But with every second bringing him closer to certain death, can he afford to lose himself in her hot and willing embrace?

Jory Dean
Piper Oliver

Wow, it’s been a wild ride.  What started as a double take on a hot-man cover (I may not judge a book by it’s cover, but an attractive cover can catch my attention!), ended up being a suspenseful journey.  Total Surrender rockets out of the starting block.  With a countdown clock in the background, Jory must find a way to deactivate the chips embedded into their spinal cords.  These chips are designed to ignite an explosive if the correct codes are not inputted at a specified time.  That time is rapidly approaching for the Dean brothers. 

Having read Nate, Matt, Shane’s stories, it’s Jory’s turn.  Jory is the youngest brother, and thought dead.  The brothers were given video of Jory’s murder, except they refused to believe it.  Jory was shot and was in a coma for two years.  He is now awake and being held in a facility by the brothers’ old nemesis, the “Colonel” and Dr. Madison.  He needs to escape and find those codes to shut down the chips and he is not above using any means necessary to do so, including manipulating the computer expert hired by the Colonel to access Jory’s damaged chip. 

Piper Oliver recently joined the organization hoping to learn more about her father, the Colonel.  She’s a whiz-bang computer hacker and needs to bring Jory’s chip back on-line.  Their attraction is immediate, she helps him escape, and he helps her out from under the Colonel’s manipulations.  I’m not going to complain (again) about the insta-love because in this case, it makes sense.  With the deadline looming over all the brothers, it’s as if they must live life in a concentrated measure.  So, yeah, they do make that commitment swiftly and deeply.  It works.

There are escapes, explosions, and exclamations (in and out of bed).  We are introduced to several new characters and there are a few plot points that could be developed into a spin off series.  (One can only hope). Rebecca Zanetti makes the most of this final story.  The conclusion is sweet and virtually everything you want in a happily ever after. 

This is not a standalone.  If you are fan of these series, this is a satisfying ending to a high-octane series.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.


A young mother with two toddlers hustled toward the entrance, their heads ducked to avoid the wind. Piper sucked in air.
If she screamed, they were screwed.
Jory pivoted and put her against the wall, covering her mouth with his before she could let out a sound.
Warmth and woman. An electric shock flared his entire nervous system alive. Soft and sweet, she breathed in as he pressed against her. He’d meant to subdue her, to throw her off balance, but shock ricocheted through him.
Need compelled him. He shot both hands into her hair, tilting her head so he could go deeper. So fucking deep he could get lost.
The second he tasted her, all cinnamon and woman, hunger slaked him. Devastating in its intensity, a demand he couldn’t deny. Her smooth, velvety lips softened under his, and for once, he lost himself.
Strands of her silky hair caressed his hands as he held her jaw, nearly lifting her up to meet his mouth. There was nothing but getting . . . more.
She stilled against him, her mouth parting. He swept his tongue against hers, taking in a primitive claim too powerful to deny.
Her gasp mingled with his low groan. She pressed harder against him, her mouth curving under his, and he forgot . . .everything. Who he was, where they were, the fire and danger. Only the woman against him, warm and willing, sweet and sexy, filled his mind.
He clasped her tight, forgetting any gentleness. Any seduction, any mission. Only this woman and this moment mattered. Letting go of himself, he allowed the creature inside, the one so rarely let loose, to take over. To push deep, to demand more. To take.
And give everything.
His mouth overtook hers, memorizing every groove, every small nuance. His free hand gripped her butt, hauling her up against his steel-hard erection. Heat from her core nearly dropped him to his knees. Pain and sparking pleasure flared along his skin, and he deepened the kiss, tightening his hold.
He needed to get inside her. Now.
A siren trilled on the lower street, and he jerked his head free.
Danger.
She blinked, her eyes the green of a rain-filled meadow. Desire burned there, hot and bright. Somehow sweet.
Possessiveness gripped him with a chokehold. One kiss. One kiss and she’d changed him. He had to get her out of the parking lot before guns fired again.
That quickly, realization crossed her face. Then shock, as she tried to take a step back. Her hands rose and shoved against his chest.
Denial gripped him to be quickly quashed with cold, hard training. So he grabbed her wrists and hauled her closer, his face lowering to hers. He wiped away any expression and shoved down all emotion. “Those men don’t care who they shoot. They’re scrambling and might kill you—or innocent bystanders.” He spoke low, commanding.
She blinked, her mouth opening but no sound coming out.
“If you fight me, they’ll find us, and they might shoot. Collateral damage doesn’t mean a thing to them.”
She shook her head and looked around.
He pulled her closer and lowered his voice to pure, no‑bullshit command. “We’re getting in that four-door Jeep, and we’re leaving here quietly. Your only choice is alert or unconscious? Decide now.” He let conviction ring in his tone. If he believed he could knock her out, then she’d believe it, too.
No fucking way could he knock her out. Scaring her held little appeal, but he didn’t have a choice if they were to both live through the night.
She quickly nodded. Gulping air, she relaxed her body as two teenagers giggled while walking by.
He knew full well she agreed to keep bystanders safe and not because the kiss had changed anything for her. She had no reason to trust him, and she’d never really know him. Why that pierced his chest with the cleanness of a sharpened dagger, he’d figure out later. For now, they had to run.

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Social Media Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

BOOK RELEASE: "Jake Understood" by Penelope Ward


Jake Understood
by Penelope Ward

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length standalone companion novel and sequel.

A different side to the story: Jake’s side.


“We’re getting a new roommate,” they said.

I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis.

Nina...

It was a mismatch made in heaven: innocent girl from the boonies moves in with tattooed, pierced, badboy engineer. 

I came up with a bet, a plan to tutor her in math and coach her through her phobias. What I wasn’t betting on was becoming addicted to her.

But I was living a double life on weekends, and once she found out about it, she’d be gone.

I had to protect myself and that meant one thing: I couldn’t fall in love.

In Jake Understood, pivotal scenes from Jake Undone are retold from Jake’s point of view combined with all-new material from both the past and present time where Jake Undone left off. It can stand alone but if both books are read, should follow Jake Undone. Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+.
 

There's a SALE - TODAY ONLY


Get your copy TODAY!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers. She spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family friendly career.

Penelope lives for reading books in the new adult genre, coffee and hanging out with her friends and family on weekends.

She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 8-year-old boy, both of whom are the lights of her life.

Penelope, her husband and kids reside in Rhode Island.

She is currently working on her fifth novel and loves friend requests from readers!

Penelope Ward is celebrating the release of her book on Facebook.  Drop over for lots of giveaways and fun! 





Friday, March 27, 2015

PRE-RELEASE BLITZ: "Deep" by Kylie Scott


ABOUT THE BOOK 

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins' ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben
Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben's the only man she's ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn't looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She's his best friend's little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he's not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he's always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible...but will it lead to a connection of the heart?

EXCERPT:

“Where have you been?” My sister rushed forward, catching me up in a tight hug. “I’ve been trying to call you all day. We checked everywhere and couldn’t find you.”
“Sorry. I just needed some alone time.” I squeezed her back, unable to stop from smiling. The thought of Anne turning her back on me had scared me more than I liked to admit.
“Well, I get you might want that.” She stepped back. “But you could have told someone.”
“You can’t just disappear like that.” And Ben kept right on frowning. “Shit, Liz, you’re pregnant.”
“Don’t upset her,” snapped Anne.
Ben ignored her. “I don’t know what the hell’s going on in your head. But you need to let me know where you are.”
My eyebrows went up and my mouth opened, ready to rip him a new one.
“She doesn’t answer to you. She’ll let you know if and when she decides to let you know,” said Mal, laying down the law to his bandmate before turning my way. “You will text your sister next time you decide to go wandering for a day, understood?”
My mouth, it still hung open.
“Christ, man.” Over and over, Ben’s hands rolled into tight fists before releasing again. “Can you cut the shit and get off my back for a fucking minute?”
“Don’t swear at him.” My usually sensible and staid sister poked a finger dead center in Ben’s broad chest. “You’re the one that caused this mess, thank you very much. She might still be a little young and naive, but you’re definitely old enough to know better.”
“That’s right.” Standing about as tall as a skyscraper, despite only coming up to Ben’s nose, Mal stared him down. Or up. Whatever. “This is a family matter. You can leave, thanks.”


Meet Ben and Lizzy on March 31st!

Amazon US | Amazon UK Barnes & Noble Kobo iBooks



Stage Dive Series Reading Order
Lick (Book One)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1LQBlbE
Play (Book Two)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1EDFuqc
Lead (Book Three)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1N35Jgb
Deep (Book Four)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1In7cek

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1N8QEb1

Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/1CT657M





ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads