Saturday, November 28, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Ride It Out by Aden Lowe and Ashley Wheels

~Synopsis~
All Hound wants is some peace and quiet away from his everyday life. A stay at the beach house is the perfect opportunity, but when he arrives, he sees *her*. From that moment, his thoughts are anything but peaceful.

Anne has spent her life in relative obscurity, with other people in control of her every move. Fed up with it all, she orchestrates a little getaway to show them she's capable of a normal life. But Blake(Hound) invades her solitude and independence like the storm that hovers on the horizon and makes her want the extraordinary. 

When the hurricane warnings come, Hound decides to stay put and ride it out with Anne. Will the emotional storm be worse than the weather?




~Book Review~
3.5 Stars

Blake, known as Hound to his fellow Hell Raider MCs, is adapting to a new lifestyle. He’s still part of the club, but his ride these days is a wheelchair instead of a motorcycle. While regrouping at the beach, he meets Anne. She’s no stranger to life in a chair on wheels, but she has lead a sheltered 22 years.

I really appreciated the premise to this story.  Having both the H and the h share a disability was unique and original and for the  most part they didn't let it get them down. It was refreshing to see a disabled couple in romance with a positive presentation. The story has a lot of promise, but I definitely wish it would have been fleshed out more.

Told by their dual first person POV, Blake and Anne both present as interesting characters from different backgrounds but with shared circumstances and challenges.  When Anne isn’t falling into the innocent virgin, won’t-utter-a-cuss-word troupe, and Blake isn’t going all alpha male pissing contest with her brother, they have a lot of potential.  Too bad we didn’t see more of them working to make a life together. Instead the lust and love are insta.

While I was glad it avoided the angsty plot twists that generally befall the MC genre and the couple are exclusive, it missed other opportunities for tension and development. The circumstances of the hurricane for one. It doesn’t exactly advance the plot in any way. Like other parts of the story it’s rushed. It also requires some suspension of disbelief. (No one around them—her overprotective brother and his MC buddies— seems to know a category four hurricane is coming!)  

With a good editor and proofreader (tense changes cropped up a few too many times), the story could definitely garner a much higher rating. None the less, if you’re looking for a short afternoon read, this is still an engaging one to pass the time. 

Friday, November 27, 2015

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: Ask Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant

Series: Something #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

~Blurb~

How do you ask the question when you know the answer may change everything?

Sasha Brooks has been focused on one thing her entire life: her career. Newly promoted as the vice president in a New York advertising company, she has beauty, brains, and one hell of a fierce reputation. But she also has a secret that she keeps carefully guarded.

Brian Carpenter is finding out that managing his newest VP isn't without its challenges, but when it comes to Sasha, he'd expect nothing less.
His easygoing personality and Southern charm are the yang to her yin and the calm to her storm.

Over the last eight years of their friendship, their flirtations, innuendos, and chemistry have almost led to more, but Sasha has convinced herself they're better off just friends.
Almost.
Until the moment she thinks he's with someone else.

Is she too late to admit her feelings?
Gathering the courage to ask the question, Sasha discovers she isn't the only one keeping secrets.

You think you know someone....

Full Length Standalone book with no cliffhanger. Second book of the “Something Series” 

Recommended for mature readers due to situations of language, and sexual content. 

~Book Review~
4 Stars

Sasha Brooks has worked with Brian Carpenter in the advertising industry for several years. Her last promotion made him her boss and that’s part of the reason she’s kept their relationship in the friend zone. Sasha’s a “fierce” business woman on the surface, but on the inside she’s fighting a long standing anxiety disorder. Brian, on the other hand, is easy going and laid back…until he takes his clothes off and then he’s in dominant mode.
“‘I want you to lose the towel, honey, lie in the middle of the bed with your knees apart and your pretty pussy on display for me. Put pillows under your head and relax because when I come out, I plan on spending a lot of time down there.’”
So Brian has some rules for this new relationship with Sasha, taking them from just friends to friends & lovers. Rule number one being fucking before fighting when angry! 

The pair is no strangers to bickering, and their verbal sparring provides some giggle out loud moments. It was fun when Sasha would piss Brian off. See rule number one.
“‘I underestimated your ability to talk dirty. Your approach is subtle, yet I’m on the dance floor with a hard-on now.’”
Aside from the sexy times, to which they are plentiful, the story has a good message of how images and facades can be alienating as well as how striving for perfection can lead to loneliness. I was a little uncertain about Sasha and her insecurities in the opening. I didn’t exactly connect with her at first, but after how she handled the “bathroom gossip” scene, I wanted to high five her. And then she kept going with the kick ass bravado that she summoned up despite her anxiety issues. She really came to show how a woman can be strong in the face of personal adversities.
“I held my head high and walked away with as much dignity as a woman with panties balled up in her fist could.”
Told via Sasha’s first person POV (aside from the epilogue) Ask Me Something is the second book in The Something series. It can be read as a standalone, although Josh and Haylee from Tell Me Something and many other secondary characters also appear.

AMAZON US / UK / AU / CA

~Excerpt~

His voice was doing funny things to me, so I gulped down more water. I couldn’t believe we were standing in my kitchen having this conversation. “Maybe I like to call the shots with the men I date.” Quite frankly, if they didn’t like it, then too bad, I almost added. 

“Yeah, and how has that worked out for you, Sasha?” 

His smug look made me want to wipe it off. “I’m not into long-lasting relationships, therefore it's worked out just fine,” I retorted. 

He gave a low chuckle and moved, boxing me in against the countertop. With his forearms on either side of me, he leaned in. His voice was low and gravelly as he murmured against my ear, “I was talking about the sex, honey. How was the sex?” 

I wasn’t sure I wanted to discuss my sexual history, let alone admit it lacking. Meanwhile, his nearness was wreaking havoc on my senses. 

He pulled back and danced his fingers down my arm. “Actually, I could tell you how it’s been for you.” 

I shivered at his nearness and sexy voice. “Do tell,” I challenged on a whisper. 

He smirked, knowing exactly the effect he was having on me. “It was fine. And the word fine is a throwaway word. It’s what you respond with to the doorman when he asks how your evening was: “Fine, thanks.” It’s what you say to the client when they ask how your flight was: “fine.” But it shouldn’t be the way you describe your sex life. Hell, maybe the first time was okay and promising. The second time, maybe a little bit better, but by the fifth time, you realized that’s it. That was the main act with the encore. But it was fine, so you stick it out for a while. After all, it’s nice to have a reason to wear something new and lacy with someone to notice. Nice to get dinner with someone. But then you find yourself bored and staying late at work even when you don’t have to because, frankly, the alternative isn’t as appealing, and that’s not so fine.” 

“Okay, enough.” I moved one of his arms and stepped out of reach to lean against the opposite counter. He’d touched a nerve, hitting too close to home on my sex life or at least the one that I could remember.

“I only tell you this because I’ve been there, and now it’s time for something better than fine.”


~Also Available~



Aubrey Bondurant loves to read, write and travel. When she isn't working full time or spending time with her family, she puts her fingers to keyboard and crafts a story.

As a former member of the military, she's passionate about veteran charities and giving back to the community.

Her writing style is a combination of chick lit and erotic romance or "smutty chick lit" as she calls it. The "Something Series" will consist of 5 books. The first one, Tell Me Something, came out in June 2015. The second book, Ask Me Something, is now available.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER   GOODREADS   

Thursday, November 26, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Santa Baby, I Want A Bad Boy For Christmas by Justine Elvira

~Synopsis~
Morgan is having a miserable week. She broke up with her boyfriend, can't afford to go home to spend the holidays with her family, and has to work every day leading up to Christmas.

Enter mall Santa.

When Morgan is forced to tell Santa what she wants for Christmas, she doesn't hold back. She wants a bad boy for Christmas. He must have chiseled arms, smoldering eyes, and a panty-melting smile. 

Will Santa send Morgan her perfect bad boy?




~Book Review~
4.5 Stars
“‘I want a bad boy for Christmas, Santa. I want a strong man with chiseled arms. I want dark, smoldering eyes and a panty-melting smile. I want the illusion of him being dangerous. I want a man who takes charge. A man who knows what he wants and gets it. I want a man that grabs me by the hair, pulls me in close, and takes my mouth with his. He should open doors for me and pull out my chair, but after dinner I want him to lay me on the table and ravish me with his tongue. I want to submit to his needs because he wants me to. I want his first instinct to be to keep me safe. And for God’s sake, I want him to know where to find my g-spot.’”
25 year old bartender Morgan has a tall order for a Santa sporting drops of whiskey in his beard rather than cookie crumbs. 

Santa Baby, I Want A Bad Boy For Christmas is cute, sexy, and festive novella. Told via Morgan’s first person point of view, I was wiping drool off my chin too when Morgan’s wish walks into her bar and makes her Christmas dreams come true. Hello Hottie! Here's a holiday bedtime story sure to produce visions of that bad boy dancing through your head.

Amazon     iBooks    B&N    Smashwords

Monday, November 23, 2015

COVER REVEAL: The Good One by Amie Nichols

Release Date:  January 5, 2016
River Scott is the daughter of a billionaire. She runs her father's company and does what she is told, including cleaning up after her out-of-control, socialite, wild-child baby sister. 

After a tragic night fifteen years ago, River feels she has no choice but to continue on the path of being the good one, keeping her sister in check and always pleasing her father. 

She's in a dead-end relationship, but all she wants is love, passion, and sweep-you-off-your-feet excitement. 

Because of her sister, she meets ex-male escort, Damian Matthews. Their attraction is by far like nothing either have experienced. He gives her everything she wants and so much more. 

Unfortunately, this is not the guy River's father would approve of. He approves of Ryan Lane, a wealthy, successful playboy who is ready to settle down and start a life in politics. She knows Ryan is the smart choice, but no one makes her feel like Damian does. 

When River starts dating Damian, a set of events are put into motion changing everything she thought she knew about her family. 

Can River get what she wants without losing everything and hurting the one person she has sworn to protect for the rest of her life? 

This is a standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual situations, this book is meant for adults over 18.

GOODREADS
Cover Designer:  Sara Eirew


I've have met some amazing woman on my journey so far, and have learned so much. (Sometimes the hard way.) I've been like a sponge soaking up all the information I can on how the publishing world works. It's been a rollercoaster ride with its ups and its downs. 

No matter what, I will never regret anything I've done. You can't succeed if you don't try, and if you don't try you won't succeed. One of my favorite quotes "If the dream is big enough the facts don't matter".
Some other info about me, I love my family, friends, wine and anything caffeinated. I also love writing HEA. For the same reason, I won't watch a movie that I know will make me cry, (with the exception of Steel Magnolias) I will never write a book without a HEA. There might be a few twists and turns, a cliffhanger or two. But ultimately my stories will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. For me, reading is entertainment, a way to escape this crazy insane world. If a book leaves me feeling sad, mad or gut wrenched, it is not for me. There is enough gut-wrenching sadness in this world, I don't need to read about it too. 

I started writing four years ago and have no plans on stopping. So keep your eye on me because with the help of some amazing people and my wonderful fans, this girl is going to be on the New York Times bestselling list someday.

Friday, November 20, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: Eighteen (18): Based on a True Story by J.A. Huss

~Synopsis~
Eighteen is hard.
And so is Mateo Alesci.
He’s hard to read, hard to predict, hard in every way that counts. He wants things from me.
Dirty things, nasty things, forbidden things.
And I have to give in.
His attention is completely inappropriate, but I can’t say no. The way he looks at me… the way he watches me through my bedroom window… the way he drags me deeper and deeper into his completely forbidden fantasy world just… turns me on. 
He knows it turns me on.
He holds all the power. He holds all the cards.
He holds my entire future in his hands.
And I have to give in.
Because Mr. Alesci is my teacher.
And I need everything he’s offering.


~Book Review~
4.75 Stars

Shannon Drake celebrates her eighteenth birthday by getting extra courses piled on to graduate, attitude from her fellow students, and a punch from her brother-in-lawthe only family she has left aside from her infant niece. Shannon has about the hardest life you can probably imagine for your average high school senior.

Enter Mateo Alesci, 28. Tattoos, biker boots, leather jacket, and the occasional suit. Yep, you read that right. Mr. Alesci, or Mateo as he insists, is a dichotomy of identities and a walking enigma. And that’s some of the magnetism of Mateo right from the start, not that Shannon’s story isn’t engaging because it hooked me from the very beginning.

But Mateo had me glued to this book, page after page, all afternoon. He takes what he wants, which is a lot of liberties with Shannon, cuts right to the chase, and oh lord the things that come out of his mouth! He’s definitely not a cookie-cutter book boyfriend, which was refreshing to say the least.

“‘What are you doing?…’
‘Fucking you….’
‘You can’t fuck me.’
‘I can if you don’t stop me.’”
He’s alpha and demanding, secretive and unethical. He makes a few missteps and isn’t always a prince but he’s original and best of all he’s NOT a manwhore.

Shannon is mouthy, headstrong, and sometimes immature although that’s fitting for her age. But she’s most definitely not a weak female character even when she’s falling under Mateo’s spell. She’s got plenty of guts and bravado, which she needs to overcome her circumstances and play with the likes of Mateo.

A lot of the story is lust, with the romance seeping in on select scenes. But holy cow is this story hot and it doesn’t take long to heat up.

“I stand there naked in front of him as a condition of being given the opportunity to learn trig, take a test, give him a blow job, get at least one question right, and get my pussy licked.”
With the exception of the epilogue, it’s told via Shannon’s first person POV which helps maintain an air of mystery to Mateo. It’s a super sexy page turner with just the right amount of intrigue, twists, reveals, and excitement.

While the author in the “End of Book Shit” describes the book as “for people who relate to drama and angst,” I honestly never saw it that way (which is a good thing because I detest angst.) Perhaps it’s the influence of real people and events (which she details further in that section) to the writing that made what I could only assume are the “embellished” parts entertaining rather than over the top drama. It is a taboo relationship, and Shannon has a tough life where she’s hit with a lot of heavy issues at a young age, but the story never made me groan in frustration or roll my eyes like angsty stories do.

Instead I found my eyes bugging out at times, my mouth dropping open, and my hand waving madly at my face to fan myself.

“‘I like you. Keep going.’”
That also sums up how I felt about the characters and the story so I closed the book wanting more of Mateo and Shannon. :)
AMAZON    B&N

COVER REVEAL: The Sun and the Moon by Leslie McAdam


Series: Giving You... #1 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
 Release Date: December 15, 2015

~Blurb~

She follows all the rules.

He’s going to teach her how to break them.

After a heartbreaking tragedy, successful attorney Amelia Crowley has numbed herself to the pleasures of life, clinging to a specific set of rules, finding strength in order and organization. When she meets easy going surfer Ryan Fielding, that organized life is turned upside down by a sea of washboard abs and sun-kissed hair.

Sexy and charismatic, Ryan looks for pleasure however he can find it in an effort to silence his own inner demons. Until Amelia crashed into his life the only thing he chased was the next wave. Refusing to break their connection and determined to break through her carefully crafted walls, Ryan sets out to throw out every rule in her book and show Amelia that pleasure can't be planned.

Can Amelia let Ryan take the lead or will she cling to her rules and wipe out their chance at love?
Cover Design: Tracy J. Parker
Pre-order Links
AMAZON US / UK


Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance, Little Dude, and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie always encourages her kids to be themselves - even if it means letting her daughter wear leopard print from head to toe. An avid reader from a young age, she will always trade watching TV for reading a book, unless it's Top Gear. Or Football. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men you fantasize about. She's unapologetically sarcastic and notoriously terrible at comma placement.

Always up for a laugh, Leslie tries to see humor in all things. When she's not in the writing cave you'll find her fangirling over Beck, camping with her family, or mixing up oil paints to depict her love of outdoors on canvas.

~Giveaway~

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

RELEASE BLITZ: Good Girl vs. Bad Boy by Jessie Evans

Series: Brody Brothers #1
Genre: Sexy Romantic Comedy

~Blurb~


Let the battle of the sexes begin… 

He’s hot, wild, unpredictable, untamable, and her best friend’s older brother.

Colton Brody is everything a good girl like Phoebe Page should avoid. But since her sister Kelly’s death, Phoebe isn’t as worried about being good as she used to be. She wants to live big with no regrets, the way Kelly did, and she intends to start with having a top secret, super steamy, no-strings-attached holiday fling with the man she’s crushed on her entire life.

What could go wrong?

Except everything?

Wounded in action and discharged without a chance to prove himself, all Colton cares about is getting back into the Marine Corps where he belongs. He will not get sucked into small town drama, will not take that promotion at the firehouse, and certainly won’t fall in love with his little sister’s best friend. He’s down for friends-with-benefits, nothing more, and plans to leave town long before quirky, bossy, cute-as-a-button Phoebe can get under his skin.

He is in control.

At least until a certain sexy brunette turns his world upside down.

It isn’t long before Colton finds himself buying flowers, talking feelings, and wishing Phoebe wanted more than another night of hot, no-holds-barred sex. Because when he’s with Phoebe even hot and dirty feels like making love.

Now Colton will have to decide what’s worth fighting for—the dreams a plane crash stole from him or the dream he’s holding in his arms. 




WARNING: Good Girl vs. Bad Boy contains a mix of heart-warming romance, quirky characters, laugh out loud moments, and blisteringly hot banging. If you don’t like hot sex, laughter, mentions of humping unicorns, turkey bowling, off-beat town rituals, or graphic descriptions of artisanal pancakes, steer clear.

AMAZON US / UK
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS


~Coming Soon~
RELEASES FEBRUARY 16, 2016


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary romances she loves to read.

She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.
 

Learn more at jessieevansromance.com

~Giveaway~

Monday, November 16, 2015

REVIEW/RELEASE BLITZ: Slide by T. Gephart

Series: Black Addiction #1 (A Power Station Series spin-off)
Genre: Rock Star Romance

~Blurb~

Touring as an opening act for a huge rock band and landing a record contract means you’ve hit the big time, right?

Sadly, neither of those things gave Rusty Crawford, lead guitarist of the band Black Addiction, worldwide fame and fortune. Which was a shame because he had the lifestyle down to a fine art—without the clichéd stint in rehab.

Even being back in the Bronx, paying his dues didn’t rattle the charismatic axe man, ladies loved him and men wanted to be him. Fate would just have to catch up. Seemed like fate had more than just a platinum album planned for his future.

Alison Williams had the perfect life. Or at least she did until her world came crashing down around her, in the most epic way.

With her future no longer a certainty she finds herself out of her comfort zone and into unchartered territory—a place where Rusty Crawford likes to spend most of his time.


Will the charming and ridiculously hot rock god help her find her feet, or send her further down the rabbit hole? One thing was for sure; both of them were in for the ride of their lives.

~Book Review~
4.25 Stars

Rusty Crawford is the guitarist from Black Addition, introduced in the previous Power Station book that featured lead singer Angie. Alison Williams is a down-on-her-luck gal who previously admired neighbor Rusty from a far but gets the chance to know him up close and personal. A series of events has Alison and Rusty becoming insta roomies and while the pair have as much in common as Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple, they have a smoking hot apartment full of attraction.
“Like a sexual vigilante on a mission, I stormed into his room and saw he had a mission of his own happening.'” – Alison
Who could blame the girl for wanting to jump the cool and collected rocker’s bones? Rusty is smooth and relaxed, a real panty wetting kind of guy with a heart of gold.
“‘I’m not great with chick-flicks but I’m happy to comfort you after and I can buy a pack of tampons without breaking a sweat. If you could just give me a heads up when you are going to have a period, that would be cool. As for me being on the road, you don’t have to worry about that either. I’m over the groupie thing, so keeping my dick in my pants isn’t an issue.’” – Rusty
Rusty’s sweet and loyal ways had me swooning. He was a guy with a lot of integrity. Alison is a girl that really needs some love. She’s uptight and awkward and lacks self-esteem. When the plot was about Alison getting her groove back, it was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed two-thirds of the story. Then there was a twist I didn’t see coming and while it was an interesting reveal, the story changed course after that and lost it’s fun in exchange for unnecessarily relationship drama which up until then it had avoided nicely.

I was really disappointed in Alison towards the end.  I understood her until then but how she acted with the reveal was just stupid, her problems having nothing to do with Rusty and yet she did what she told Angie she’d never do. At that point, her issues were no longer tolerable. I honestly lost interest in what happened with them as a couple because my patience with Alison was shot.

Like the previous books, the writing and narration is entertaining and witty, and the rocker hero is the star of the show. Rusty is absolutely the best part of the book! Told via Rusty and Alison's alternating first person POV, Slide is an overall light-hearted read that while part of a series, can be read as a standalone. 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
~Excerpt~


“Hello, ladies.” His voice purred, sending vibrations through my body. 

It was him. My beautiful mystery man. The one who I’d seen plenty but never spoken to. He was standing in front of me, smiling. 

In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been so surprised. There weren’t many bars in our little neighborhood where you didn’t need a Hep C shot before you entered. This particular establishment promised an impressive beer menu without the risk of a communicable disease, so it would stand to reason he would know about it too. 

“Hi.” Was all I was able to manage, convinced he was probably talking to someone else. Perhaps he meant the Amazonian redhead who was sitting to my left, openly staring—that would make a hell of a lot of more sense. They could probably shoot joint commercials for teeth whitener and make adorable, if not freakishly tall, children together. 

“I couldn’t help but notice your friend stole your drink. Ordinarily I’d overlook such thievery, but I’d hate for there to be a brawl in my favorite bar. So in the interest of keeping the peace, I’d like to replace it for you.” His voice smooth, as was his delivery. I had to remember to breathe. 

“She wasn’t going to drink it, but you can totally buy her another drink,” Renee answered before I’d gotten the chance. Her smile widened as she turned to face me and mouthed the words “he’s hot.” She needn’t have bothered; his hotness was not something that needed to be confirmed. 

“That’s okay, I’m good.” Thankfully words came out of my mouth even if they sounded in no way intelligent. 

“Well, glad to hear you’re good. Nice to meet you, my name is Rusty.” He smiled as he moved in closer, his hand signaling the bartender. “What were you drinking?” 

In what I can only explain as temporary insanity—probably from the shock of having the beautiful man talking to me—I blurted out, “I have a boyfriend.” 

I officially wanted to die. 

While I did have a boyfriend, and hopefully in a few hours I would be moving into his upscale apartment, there was no reason to announce it so dramatically. Almost as if to prove that I hadn’t secretly fantasized about him while in the shower every day this week—which I had. Sweat prickled at my brow. 

“Is that some code for you’re not thirsty?” Rusty’s lips curved in amusement. While the words weren’t sexy, the humor in his voice was a definite turn on, a hot button straight to my libido as he stood there grinning at me. 

“No, I-I just mean I can’t accept . . .” What was the word again? “A drink from you.” Yes, that’s what I wanted to say. “Or . . . or anyone else. N-not just you.” My mouth tried to regain some composure. It really wasn’t doing a great job. 

“Well, would you look at the time? I have a thing, wouldn’t want to be late.” Renee tapped her naked wrist—her watch missing in action, as was her tact. “Call me, Ali.” She gave me a hug and whispered, “If you don’t screw this guy, you’re dead to me.” And just like that, she evaporated from the room. 

Awesome. 

“Your friend always bail on you like that, Ali?” Rusty’s voice curled seductively around my name as he smiled, moving to the barstool Renee had vacated.

“It’s Alison.” Ali was just too personal, like him kissing me on the mouth. I totally would not have been okay with that. Mostly.


~Also in the Series~




~Author Bio~
T Gephart is an indie author from Melbourne, Australia.

T's approach to life has been somewhat unconventional. Rather than going to University, she jumped on a plane to Los Angeles, USA in search of adventure. While this first trip left her somewhat underwhelmed and largely depleted of funds it fueled her appetite for travel and life experience.

With a rather eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history, T struggled to find her niche in the world.

While on a subsequent trip the United States in 1999, T met and married her husband. Their whirlwind courtship and interesting impromptu convenience store wedding set the tone for their life together, which is anything but ordinary. They have lived in Louisiana, Guam and Australia and have traveled extensively throughout the US. T has two beautiful young children and one four legged child, Woodley, the wonder dog.

An avid reader, T became increasingly frustrated by the lack of strong female characters in the books she was reading. She wanted to read about a woman she could identify with, someone strong, independent and confident and who didn't lack femininity. Out of this need, she decided to pen her first book, A Twist of Fate. T set herself the challenge to write something that was interesting, compelling and yet easy enough to read that was still enjoyable. Pulling from her own past "colorful" experiences and the amazing personalities she has surrounded herself with, she had no shortage of inspiration. With a strong slant on erotic fiction, her core characters are empowered women who don't have to sacrifice their femininity. She enjoyed the process so much that when it was over she couldn't let it go.

T loves to travel, laugh and surround herself with colorful characters. This inevitably spills into her writing and makes for an interesting journey - she is well and truly enjoying the ride!


Based on her life experiences, T has plenty of material for her books and has a wealth of ideas to keep you all enthralled.

~Giveaway~

Thursday, November 12, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: The Mad Wager by Hera Leick

~Synopsis~
Adelaide Queen, Struggling Artist 

Worst. Valentine’s Day. Ever. After a tragic date at Wonderland Hotel, I get trapped in the lift with James Hatter. He. Is. Lush. Ripped to shreds. Rough around the edges. Cocky as hell. And God, does he know it. It's a ride from Heaven and Hell. He’s everything my dreams and nightmares are made from, and it’s hard to resist his pull. It’s playing with fire. I should know. I’m still healing from the last burn. 

James Hatter, Wealthy Corporate Shark 

Who in the hell is this girl? I've never met a chick who bites back so fast and gives as good as I do. And damn it, they fix the lift before Adelaide succumbs to my charms. Following her into the casino I'm determined to win her over, but she’s having none of it. My plan? Offer her deadbeat date a wager in a high-stakes game of blackjack. If I win, I get Adelaide for the night. 

I. Never. Lose. 

Queen 

This Valentine's Day from Hell has just reached another level. It has to be April Fools’ Day, right? Somebody is playing a cruel joke and I'm waiting for the punch line. So I flirted with him a little, but what right does he have to wager me in a poker game? British men. . . they drive me mad. I agree to go to his hotel room, but not for the reasons he thinks or wants. It's time to give James Hatter exactly what he deserves. 

Revenge is sweet. 

Hatter 

Revenge also backfires. . . 
I’ve set my eyes on her now. I’m not letting her go. 


~Book Review~ 
4 Stars
It’s Valentine’s Day and Adelaide Queen as well as James Hatter are both on a drab date…but not with each other. Their paths do collide though and a wager ensues as the Queen enthralls the Mad Hatter.  
“‘Is it because the world is too small or because are fates are intertwined?’”
The story has some fun with the Alice in Wonderland theme/names in this very low angst, mainly light-hearted tale.  The author’s disclaimer: “It does NOT have: cheating; a cliffhanger; other woman; sex outside H & h; years of separation; dark pasts; sexual abuse; daddy issues; insta-love; and man whores…” essentially sold me on 1-clicking. A story like that is getting too rare these days so I can only hope this sparks a new trend.

Told from their dual 1st person POV, Adelaide and James originate from different sides of the tracks.  James is a successful corporate investment banker from an affluent family. Adelaide is an artist who falls back on her Burlesque dance/semi-strip routine when money is tight. The minimal conflict arises from those differences, but otherwise the story trades in drama for banter surrounding the wager in their initial meeting and cute quips and anecdotes revolving around their family and friends.
“‘Louder…I want my mother to hear.’”
Their relationship really felt more like a real life couple than most fictional romances portray. Taking a chance, opposites attract, and communication are all meaningful themes depicted in the story.

Plot and climax wise, I would have liked to see some retribution or karma in regards to the people that contributed to Adelaide’s issues and caused her distress.  It would have spiced up the story just a tad.  As far as characterization goes, James was great guy—hardworking but fun; Adelaide had spunk, but she did let her hang-ups get in the way at times; and the supporting characters were colorful, far from stereotypical, and a fun addition to the story.  I would definitely be interested in more books from this author with her author promise!