Tag Archives: contemporary

October 10, 2015 · 5:00 am

Wicked White by Michelle A. Valentine (Book Review)

 

After his mother dies, rock star Ace White—lead singer of the red-hot band Wicked White—is done with the celebrity game. The phony people, the meaningless one-night stands: he doesn’t want any of it anymore. Quitting in the middle of a sold-out tour, Ace sets out to find some place—any place—where he can be alone.

Aspiring singer Iris Easton’s life has never been easy. First, her mother walked out on her when she was a kid. Now she’s buried in debt, weeks after losing her beloved grandmother. When a mysterious and sexy new guy moves in next door, Iris can’t help but be drawn to his soulful gaze. She can tell there’s something from his past haunting him—something he’s not telling her.

Just as Ace starts falling for Iris, the media go on a worldwide hunt to find the missing rocker. Will true love conquer all, or will the truth be the very thing that tears the couple apart?

 
 
REVIEW 
 
I realize some women are into poets and poetry, but for me, quoting Shakespeare during sex is not sexy or romantic at all. I was actually rolling my eyes as I was reading it. Now before anyone assumes I am not a fan of Shakespeare and that’s why I found the scene unappealing, let me set you straight. I actually rather enjoy Shakespeare. I was one of those students who didn’t moan and groan when we read works by him. 
 
However, for me, their first sex scene fell flat. I know Shakespeare played a vital roll into their reunion but…eh. 
 
In Chapter 17, I found myself turned off by their lovemaking there too. During the section where they are discussing going bareback, she admitted to him she had one previous lover. Him: he talked around it, explained his reasoning for his number, but never actually stated how many. In the end, they went latex-free. 

I don’t know about you but I would’ve dragged him to the nearest clinic first. 

All in all, I wasn’t a fan of either character. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two of them. 

The only reason why I gave this a 2 instead of a 1 is because of Birdie and Adele. I liked those two supporting actresses. 

 

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤
 
 
  

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October 4, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase/ Interview and Review of the “Tempered Series” – Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Welcome, Pamela S. Thibodeaux!!
 
 
1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you
be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your
start in the writing business?
 
(Pamela) Hi Kam, thanks for having me today! Thirty-three years ago,
after reading one-too-many insipid little romances, I picked up a notebook and
started writing. It took several years from that point to develop my skills and
confidence enough to start submitting what I’d written. In 1989 I recommitted
my life to Christ and committed my writing to Him, which caused my focus to
change from secular/sensual romance to inspirational. Years later, after
numerous rejections because my writing was too “steamy and gritty” for the CBA
market, Tempered Hearts (book 1 in my
series) was picked up by Writer’s Exchange Epublishing out of Australia and the
rest, as they say, is history.
 
2.  Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
 
(Pamela) Writer’s block for me usually comes when I’m overwhelmed,
overworked or just plain not listening to my characters and/or the Holy Spirit
in regards to how/where the story should go. To handle it, I take a break, get
some rest, repent if necessary and pay closer attention to my characters and/or
God.
 
3. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance
writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us.
With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend
your time?
 
(Pamela) I love to read and that’s how I spend most of my spare time.
I also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and being out in nature…oh, and dancing!
I really enjoy a night out on the floor…two-step, line dance, waltz…doesn’t
matter as long as I’m out there moving.
 
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their
pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are
their thoughts?
 
(Pamela) There was a time when I was a closet writer but not any
more. Although I’m careful not to brag or shamelessly promote myself, if I
don’t tell folks about my writing/book, chances are they may never find out and
my closest family and friends are my biggest supporters.
 
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If
you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
 
(Pamela) Nora Roberts is my ALL-TIME favorite fiction author. I also
enjoy Francine Rivers, Julie Lessman, and too many Pelican Book Group
authors to list LOL! I read a lot of nonfiction though and my favorite authors
are Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, Cheryl Richardson, Jillian Lambert,
Catherine Ponder and Louise Hay, but I’ll read anything that captures and keeps
my attention.
 
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen,
yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
 
(Pamela) One book…that’s a tough one…. I believe the Tempered series
would make a wonderful television series…similar to Heartland which airs on UP
TV, but that’s not really answering your question. If I had to pick only one
book I think it would have to be The
Inheritance. As for casting the characters I like Melissa Gilbert (or
Sandra Bullock) and Matthew McConaughey.
 
 
 
 
7. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now?
That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I
swear it’ll go no further.
 
(Pamela) Currently I am working on completing a couple of short
story/novellas for an anthology. I also have a women’s fiction novel in the
works as well as Tempered Truth, another to add to my series, and a whole host
of ideas just waiting to be developed.
 
 
 
 
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular
reading order?
 
(Pamela) All of my titles can be purchased at Amazon for Kindle and my full
length books are available in print at Amazon and B&N. Although the
Tempered series will stand alone, some people find it’s best to read them in
order (Hearts, Dreams, Fire, Joy). Ebooks can also be found online at
Smashwords and all Pelican Book Group titles can be found here.
 
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans
can contact you?
 
(Pamela) Fans can contact me through my Website or Blog and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter (@psthib), Linked In and Pinterest. To stay
informed about my writing, they can sign up to receive my newsletter which only
goes out a couple times a year.
 
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you
have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(Pamela)Yes I’d like to Thank You again, Kam, for having me on your
blog and I’d like to encourage readers who don’t really like “Christian”
romance and yet, are tired of the more sensual/erotic reads, to give my books a
shot. They are not as conservative as other Christian/Inspirational works, yet
they stay within Biblical principles. In fact they’ve been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and
reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without
decreasing the message.”
 
 
 Pamela S. Thibodeaux, it was a great pleasure meeting you. Thank you again for taking time out of your day to chat with me. Very sweet! 
 
Now folks, it’s your turn to let your voice be heard. If you have any
questions or comments for Pam by all means, leave her a message below. 


However, before you do that, lets check out the Tempered Series. Shall we? 🙂
 
 
 (book 1 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1noOBov 
 
Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.  Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.  It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.
 
Excerpt
Tamera awoke in a mild state of panic and confusion. Glancing around, she realized where she was and who was beside her. A blush warmed her cheeks as she struggled to sit up. She released the filly and fumbled with the front of her gown.

 
“I couldn’t sleep.” she explained, glancing into the steel gray eyes. His gaze, soft and warm like liquid metal, made her blush harder as he brushed strands of hay out of her hair with a gentleness that seemed out of character.
 
Craig knew he was treading on dangerous ground, that people were expecting them, but couldn’t seem to get past the moment at hand. “I guess a kiss is out of the question,” he queried, his voice tender, gaze unwavering.
 
Emotions, raw and unfamiliar, shivered through her. Tamera attempted to scoot away from him, emitted a shaky little laugh and tried to quench the feelings escalating to frightening proportions. “A kiss? Why would you want a kiss? I didn’t think you even liked me.”
 
Craig wound his hand in her thick hair, stopping her movements. “Like has nothing to do with desire,” he moaned and crushed her to him as his mouth covered hers in a thorough kiss. “Absolutely nothing,” he assured as she clung to his shirt and trembled in his arms.

 

Purchase Links:
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1Elwhpx
Kindle http://amzn.to/1rdBRzW
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1uRZMfy
Nook http://bit.ly/19C6Q5q
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/16sLHL9
 
 
 (book 2 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1jeGwm8
 

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

 
Excerpt
“Spend the day with me,” he urged. “We’ll go to my place. I’ll take a short nap after which we’ll do whatever your little heart desires.” 

 
“Anything?” she teased.
Her voice was as enticing as silk and just as alluring. Her excitement set fire to his blood. “Anything.” he assured in a thick voice.
His smoldering gaze, as tender as a caress and just as potent, lowered to her lips, lingered, then raked over her in a hungry gesture before returning to capture hers in a heated embrace. Trina felt as though he was touching her in the most intimate of ways. Her cheeks grew hot, her breath lodged in her throat. Desire washed over her in angry waves. She swallowed hard and tucked trembling hands in her lap, desperately trying to form a coherent sentence. “Please, Scott, don’t look at me like that.”  
He could actually feel her trembling response across the table. His voice lowered another notch. “Like what?”
Trina shook her head. “Like you’re starving to death and could eat me up. Didn’t you have enough food?”
Pushing his plate away, Scott stood and held his hand out to her. Trina placed a trembling one in his firm grip. Pulling her gently to her feet, Scott raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Food is not what I’m hungry for,” he informed her in a husky whisper.
Trina waited as he paid for their meal then followed him to the parking lot as gracefully as possible on legs that wobbled. He paused and in a silent gesture, signaled for her to give him her car keys. His fingers brushed sensuously over her wrist and palm, grasping hers gently when she placed them in his hand.
Locking his heated gaze with hers, Scott raised their clasped hands to his lips, this time lingering over the kiss. He nibbled on her knuckles, teasing the back of her hand with his mouth, then, in one swift movement, turned his attention to the sensitive flesh of her palm and wrist, relieving her of her keys and her senses.
Trina felt the caress to the very core of her being. She moaned, leaning against his hard frame when he pulled her closer. His heat enveloped her until she burned with him, for him. And his lips had never even touched hers.
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1vJEqjk
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1q4Q8hV
Nook http://bit.ly/1b1jrNu
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/13l0LK4
Smashwords http://bit.ly/173ypSN

 

(book 3 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/Qf1N3c
 
Amber Harris is a good girl on the brink of womanhood. Stanley Morrison is a young man at the start of his life. For each other, they have always felt the fireworks that two people in love should feel. But the questions about his past, his pride, and Amber’s father might be the end of what could be a strong relationship. As the two try to protect their budding romance, some unlikely but powerful forces conspire to keep them apart. Will they survive the wishes of everyone around them with their relationship intact?
 
 
Excerpt
Emotion burst to life within her and swarmed through Amber until it overflowed, warm and wet down her cheeks.

 
Stan tasted her tears and groaned. Loosening his hold he broke the kiss, burying his face against her shoulder. “God,” he mumbled, lifting his head to meet her gaze. “I’m sorry.”
 
She looked at him wide-eyed and trembling. Anger, desire, and wonder warred in her eyes. She rolled them in an exaggerated gesture. “Now, he apologizes,” she muttered then leveled her gaze on him.
 
“Why haven’t you kissed me like that before?”
 
His breath heaved while he struggled for control. “Didn’t think it was proper, still don’t.”
 
“So that’s what you meant by all lips and teeth and tongue?” she asked, her voice quivering with awe.
 
He stepped back, touching her cheek with his uninjured hand. “Yes.” His voice was raw, eyes fierce. “But not with anger, never with anger. I’m sorry.”
 
Grabbing his hand, she pressed a kiss into it. “Show me,” she urged her eyes soft and warm. “Kiss me again, Stanley.”
 
“No, Amber.” But she was pressing against him, her arms sliding around his neck. Senses dulled by fatigue, resistance clouded by pain, control ravished and weakened by desire, Stanley succumbed with a groan. Hauling her gently but firmly against him, he buried his lips on hers, this time with devastating tenderness.
 
His mouth embraced hers tasting, teasing, savoring her lips as though he were a starving man biting into his first meal in weeks. His teeth nipped at her lip, tugging a moan from deep within her. Amber clung to him weakly as they slid to the floor.
 
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1uRR2WW
Amazon Print: http://bit.ly/Zwr3X2
Nook http://bit.ly/13HR0xX
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1p1xeyI
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1h4vmLr
 
 
 (book 4 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1fVfLUl
 
All around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love.  He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.  A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief? 
 
Excerpt
Her eyes narrowed when he took a step closer. “Ace,” she warned and wielded the brush like a lethal weapon.

 
Raising his hands where she could see them, he watched her try to brush some semblance of order to the thick mass of unruly auburn hair. The simple chore made him want to sink both fists in the silken locks and gave him a whole new insight to the word erotic.
 
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkled vivid green and spewed wrath. She glared at him as though the tangled tresses were his fault alone. Her chest quivered with each breath she took. He took another step closer and could feel her tremble. Locking his gaze with hers in the mirror, he reached around her and picked up a bandanna off the dresser. He ran it through his fingers in what could have been a caress then slid the cloth beneath her hair and left it trailing over her shoulders.
 
With hands that shook, Lexie pulled the ends together and tied her hair back into a ponytail. Those bright gray eyes had gone soft and warm, like liquid metal. Mouth dry as dust, she swallowed hard.
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1uto0eH
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1xwIx12
Nook http://bit.ly/11zMuVx
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1vpUpoG
Smashwords http://bit.ly/14KH0bX

 

 
 (short story spin-off of Tempered Fire)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1jeGJWt

 
 Lori Strickland (introduced in Tempered Fire) has always been known as her father’s “wild child” with no desire to change until she meets ex-bull-rider-turned-preacher Rafe Judson. Her attempts to change her wanton ways come to naught until she realizes redemption only comes with true repentance.

 
Excerpt 
Lori headed toward Recluse, Wyoming after another round of rodeos where the cash and prizes vaulted her to the next level of achievement. She hadn’t thought of Rafe in months. Hadn’t allowed herself to think of him, and wouldn’t indulge in useless fantasies now.

 
She’d made peace with the fact she was nothing more than a bad seed and there was no way around it. Oh she tried to be good. She stayed out of the bars for weeks on end, attended the prayer services before or after each rodeo when available, even visited with a group of supposedly devout believers who traveled a state-wide circuit within the national itinerary, but nothing seemed to help or make an impact on her life. Nor had she found the support she’d hoped, only judgment and criticism. Answers to her questions only incited debates until she was scorned for her doubt and unbelief or shunned completely. Maverick was right when he said there was no in between and since she couldn’t succeed at being good, Lori figured she’d be bad. 
 
Just as she had all of her life.
 
More than once she thought about calling Stanley or Amber or even Lexie for counsel, but was too ashamed to admit the total mess her life was in. She even considered quitting. Just give up and go home. But she was too close to making pro status, too close to the culmination of the dream that began in her heart nearly four years ago. 
 
A dream she once thought came as a directive from God.
 
Now, she knew better.
 
God didn’t give success to losers; the devil lured them into it then left them to their own devices no matter how hard they tried to be good. Besides, even at her best, there was no way she’d ever be good enough for a preacher.

 

Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1CPrpHo
Nook http://bit.ly/16bn7Jn
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1a1Mm6q
Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/14Hm4Cs
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
1.)  Tempered Hearts: I have mixed feelings on this book. At times, I felt connected to Craig and Tamera. Case in point, the snake bite/hallucination scene. I can’t see many readers not getting invested in the pain pouring out in those pages. Delusional from the venom, Tamera “sees” her father and begs to join him and her mother in Heaven. Craig’s heart was literally ripping in two. 
Powerful!! 
However, the rest of their love story fell flat for me. I didn’t like Tamera raising a hand to Craig out of anger. Pamela kept speaking of God and their faith yet she deemed it “heavenly” to attempt to strike another person. I know Craig verbally unleashed his anger but violence? When is violence ever the answer? 
 
2.) Tempered Dreams: Pamela’s faith is prevalent throughout Scott and Trina’s tale. She spoke of God and the scriptures many times over. Also, the difficulty in forgiving others of wrongdoings. Tom (her father) beat her mother and, due to those injuries, her mom passed away. This act of violence was a the truest test of her faith. One, I see, many people failing. 

Did she?

Now, I think you already know the answer to that question. What sort of Christian writer would Pam be, what sort of religious woman would Pam be, if she didn’t have Trina forgive him? So yes, as you expected, forgiveness was delivered.

With all that said, something nagged at me.

As I mentioned above, this story was all about faith and forgiveness yet Pamela picked and chose when to follow this way of Christian living. I’m speaking in regards to Scott not “turning the other cheek” when Trina was abused by her ex-husband. He asked her to forgive her father when he beat and murdered her mother/his wife but why didn’t he when faced with a similar “test”? Seems hypocritical to me. 

Practice what you preach!! 

 
3.) Tempered Fire: I throughly enjoyed about 50% of this love story. It had many sweet, touching moments. However, the reason why I didn’t love it 100% was because it was just more of the same. A man struggling not to cave into his desires and bed his virgin love. Scenes where they kept apologizing for wanting to, repeatedly proclaiming to wait, and talk about the need to marry as soon as possible. Another reason why I didn’t wholeheartedly enjoy this installment was because, once again, Pamela had a woman strike a man. Violence is never the answer!!! 

 


4.) Tempered Joy: This is a true love story. Unlike the first three stories in the series, this couple didn’t speak harsh words or raise a hand to each other. Ace and Lexie played, joked, and were a joy (no pun intended) to read. Great job on this story, Pamela. 

 


5.) Lori’s Redemption: Pamela has a preacher (Rafe) punching a man. As a writer and a Christian woman, I found her actions contradictory. She can’t “preach” about “turning the other cheek” and also demonstrate an “eye for an eye”. You must pick a philosophy and stick to it — to your faith.  
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤ for books 1,2,3
❤❤❤❤ for book 4
❤ for book 5
 

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September 26, 2015 · 5:00 am

Cocky Bastard by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (Book Review)

 

He was someone who belonged in my wildest fantasies instead of a rest stop in the middle of Nebraska.

A sexy, cocky, Australian named Chance was the last person I expected to run into on my cross-country drive.

When my car broke down, we made a deal. Next thing I knew, we were traveling together, spending sexually-tense nights in hotels and taking unplanned detours.

My ordinary road trip turned into the adventure of a lifetime. It was all fun and games until things got intense.

I wanted him, but Chance wouldn’t make a move. I thought he wanted me too, but something was holding him back.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for the cocky bastard, especially when I knew we’d be going our separate ways.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

 
 
REVIEW
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Amazon for suggesting this book to me. I love romantic comedies and this book was right up my alley. Chance had me in stitches on multiple occasions. Ex: the vibrator scene, the fainting goat, and every sexual innuendo that slipped from his mouth. 
 
Oh and the cover…….Just mmmm!!! They couldn’t pick a hotter model. Nick Ayler is simply yummy. (website link)
 
 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

 
 BUY NOW AT  AMAZON:

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September 22, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase/Interview and Review of “King Stud” – Liv Rancourt

Danielle’s got three months to make her grandmother’s rundown Craftsman house livable. Her game plan is to get in, get grubby, and get back home to L.A. She needs a carpenter, and her best friend’s younger brother is a good one. It’s hard to ignore the buffed body under Ryan’s paint-splattered sweatshirts, but her friend declares he’s off-limits so Danielle reluctantly agrees.

Ryan doesn’t have the cleanest record, anyway. His recently ex-ed girlfriend wants him back, and he has a reputation for brawling. He’s also had a crush on Danielle since he was a kid. Despite their nine-year age difference, he knows she’s worth pursuing.

Soon the paint under Danielle’s fingernails starts feeling more natural than the L.A. sunshine. She’ll have to navigate plumbing disasters, money problems, and one seriously cranky best friend to find something she hasn’t had before: a real home, and a man who loves her.

Excerpt
“Right.” He flipped the ice
pack from one hand to the other. “Why’d your grandmother leave you the house?”
 “Because I’m cute.” She scraped back a stray
hank of hair, her smile as blank as she could make it. Danielle suspected her
grandmother had left her the house because it had always been her safe place,
but Ryan didn’t need a rehash of her poor-little-rich-girl saga.
His eyes still held a
question, but after a moment he nodded and stepped farther back. “Let’s get
those boards.”
“Cool.”
They carried in the
two-by-sixes, silence buffering their actions. Over the weekend, Ryan had
widened the doorways on either end of the dining room, though the rough edges
needed to be enclosed in trim. Once they carried in all the supplies, Ryan
stroked the molding she’d sanded. “Nice work with these.” A half grin showed
off his dimples. “This place is going to be sweet when we get it done.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
She went over to the kitchen sink, looking out over the old wooden porch to the
Sound. A single light moved across the blackness. “Was it hard to open up the
doorways?”
“Just had to work around the
king studs.”
I bet I could work around your king stud just fine. “The what?” Danielle broke
out a super-plastic smile, hoping Ryan couldn’t guess what was on her mind.
“The extra support beams
framing the doors and windows.” He glanced at her, doing a quick double-take.
“What?”
She dredged up willpower from
some deep internal source, in need of every shred to keep pretending he was
just a remodeling buddy. “Nothing.”
“The homeowner’s always
right.” He chuckled and headed back into the living room. “If you’re happy with
my work, next summer you can hire me to rebuild that nasty old porch out back.”
Danielle’s feet stuck as she
got a sudden visual of Ryan, shirtless and sweaty, working in her backyard
under the sun. By the time she could move again, he had his jacket on and was
headed for the front door.
“Well, thanks for dropping
stuff off,” she said.
“Need more ice on my
shoulder.” He paused with his hand on the doorframe, assessing her with that
perfectly controlled heat, an expression way too grown up for only twenty-four.
“I’ll swing by tomorrow and work on the trim.”
Her fluttery response demonstrated
all the maturity of a teenager.
“Oh, and while I’m thinking
about it, Mom said to make sure you know you’re welcome to join us for
Thanksgiving dinner,” he said.
Since she couldn’t hug Ryan,
Danielle hugged herself. “Really? That’d be awesome.”
“Maeve didn’t mention it, did
she?”
“No, but it’s not the night
before.” She laughed, because Maeve had always sucked at planning things in
advance. Her laugh made Ryan laugh, and then things were better. 
Almost.

Purchase Links:

Amazon – Evernight Publishing  – Barnes & Noble

 
 
 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

I understand the “no dating my brother” rule when you’re in high school, but when you reach your 30’s, shouldn’t you have put that childish behavior behind you. It’s time to act like adults. Right?
Unfortunately, I found Danielle, Ryan, Maeve, and Cherry acting more like teenagers than the mature adults. 
Maybe if I ever coveted any of my friends’ siblings or had one covet mine I would understand their behavior better. For me, it all seemed ridiculous. 
Now, I could see where the age gap might be a factor. It is for some, but the real issue stemmed from the rule. 
As for Danielle and Ryan’s exes, I didn’t feel anything was truly resolved there. Maybe in a follow-up story, we shall see the resolution or maybe more drama will unfold. 
Only time will tell. 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:❤❤❤
 
 

 

 

Let’s Meet The Author, Liv Rancourt!! 

 
 
1.     Welcome,
Liv Rancourt. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a
dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your
start in the writing business?
 
(Liv)I
always told myself I’d be a writer someday, but it wasn’t until I turned 47 or
48 that I realized, ‘hey, if I’m going to do this, I better, like, do it.” So I
started drafting short stories and taking classes on-line, and one thing led to
another…
 
2.    
Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
(Liv) My
approach toward writers’ block is pretty much informed by nine years spent as
cantor for my church’s Saturday evening Mass. Every week I showed up with the
hymns planned and the Psalm rehearsed and a solo piece for Communion. I rarely
took a Saturday off, and if I didn’t feel like singing, I just…sang. Because it
was my job. And with rare exceptions, I found my way to a reasonable place by
just doing it.
Now
writing is what I do, and while there are times I’m scrambling for ideas, I’ve
never truly been blocked. I take a one-word-at-a-time approach, and it all
seems to work out.
 
3.    
Contrary to what some people envision about a
romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority
of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you
spend your time?
      (Liv) My
day job as a nurse practitioner and my husband and kids take up most of my free
time. We also recently started a kitchen remodel, and like all good projects
its drawing my attention to the Next One On The List.
4.    
I know many writers, such as myself, keep their
pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are
their thoughts?
 
(Liv) My
family and close friends do know I write, and they’re proud of what I do. Some
people at the day job know, but not all. I write under a pen name because when
people do a google search for the nurse practitioner, I don’t want them getting
hits about vampires. (lol!)
(Kam) OMGoodness, that made me snort!! 
 
5.    
Will you share with us your all-time favorite
authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
      
(Liv) This
is a tough question – even when you make it a top ten list – because there are
so many amazing authors out there, but if I read something I love, I don’t
necessarily go out and get everything else the author has written. I’m weird
that way. I could probably come up with thirty five authors (50? 150?) whose
work I really like but wouldn’t necessarily count them as ‘favorite’.
      So
with that as a preamble, I can think of two authors whose work I love, and who
have taught me a whole lot, both about writing and about how to be a good human
being. They are Alexis Hall and KJ Charles. Alexis is a magician with words,
and KJ has a fantastic sense of romance (and I am in awe of her mad plotting
skills). They both are thoughtful, intelligent people who stand up for what
they believe in and use their literary profiles to support the things they care
about. Look them up. They’re worth it.
 
6.    
If you could choose one book to go to the big
screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
      (Liv) Oh…I
kinda suck at the ‘who would you cast’ thing, but I’ll give it a go. I would
love to see KJ Charles’ Think of England made into a movie, with a young Russell Crowe (maybe?) as Archie and a
young Adrian Brody as Daniel. The story’s a murder mystery of a sort, set in an
English country house right after WWI, and it counts King Solomon’s Mines by Henry Rider Haggard as a strong source
of influence. I love this book so hard, and there’s so many nuances a good
director could play with, that I think it would make an amazing movie.
 
7.    
Would you care to tell us what you’re working on
now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my
ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
(Liv) No
secrets. J I’m finishing up edits on a story for a
charity anthology that will be available just in time for the holidays. The
proceeds will benefit the Ali Forney Center, an agency that works to support homeless
LGBTQ youth. You can keep an eye on my
blog for info on when it will be
available.
I’m
also working on my very first co-writing project with my friend Irene
Preston. Our working title is
“Vampire Porn”, and I’m going to let you draw your own conclusions from that.
So far – and this may be because I’m an alto so all about the harmony – working
with someone else on a writing project is the most fun I’ve had in a long, long
time.
8.    
Where can we find your stories, and is there a
particular reading order?
(Liv) So
far all of my books have been stand-alone stories, although my newest,King
Stud, is the first in a series. You
can find them all on my Amazon Page.
9.    
Would you please share how your present and
future fans can contact you?
 
(Liv) I can be found on-line at all hours
of the day and night at my website & blog (www.liv-rancourt.blogspot.com), on Facebook(www.facebook.com/liv.rancourt), or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/LivRancourt). Come find me. We’ll have fun!
 
  
10. Before
we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like
to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(Liv)I
just want to say thank you, Kameron, for having me as a guest on your blog and
introducing me to your readers. Those were some great interview questions!
 
And thank you partaking in this questionnaire and for introducing me (us) to your work. I know others will be chomping at the bit to read King Stud. So come on folks, buy this book but before you do, drop us a line below. We just <3 our fans being vocal!!  
 
 

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September 20, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase/Interview and Review of “Innocence” – Holly J. Gill

 
Welcome,  Holly J. Gill!
 
 
 
1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?
 
(Holly) I am a wife, mum and a nana to twins. I live in England and work as a care assistant in a residential home. I write whatever genre takes my imagination, currently I have an erotic series out now called Desires and a sweet adult romance called Innocence all published with Secret Cravings Publishing. In my spare time I enjoy camping with hubby, spending time surrounded by my family socializing with friends, and reading. I also enjoy travelling around the stunning English countryside and visiting stately homes and castles.
 
I started writing back in my childhood and written in my spare time ever since.  
 
 
2.  Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
 
(Holly) I rarely suffer with writers block and if it occurs I listen to the tunes that I have used to inspire me for the story, and in time my imagination soon re-boots.
 
3. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
 
(Holly) Spending quality time with my family, sitting and reading, chilling out when able.
 
 
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?
 
(Holly) Most people are aware I write, their reaction is ‘wow’. I have in the past come across jealous people who try to humiliate me, but for me I just walk away I don’t have time for those people.
 
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
 
(Holly)
Jane Austin
Jason Luke
Lilly Harlem
Silvia Day
Gosh there are so many more fantastic authors out there!
 
 
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
 
 (Holly) Innocence and this because of the heart-wrenching scenes littered in disbelief. Pepe Toth would have to play himself, as he was the guy I used for the main hero/ heroine of Calvin Edwards
 
7. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
 
(Holly) Book Two in the Innocence series called ‘Innocence Of Love’
 
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
 
(Holly) All my books come in the series needing the correct reading order, I haven’t yet managed to write a series as stand-alone. I never actually start a book and think this is going to be so many books long, I truly never know until getting close to the end of the book. Innocence was only going to be one book…ended up four. And my erotic series Desires, the first two books were written side-by-side and the third and fourth were written two years later and book five came to me five years after the original. I just never know where the characters will take me. That is the fun about being a writer.
 
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
 
(Holly) 
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjgillauthor?ref=hl
Erotic Holly: http://hollyjgill.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=b9ccabad8f15e367
Romance Holly: http://hollyjodygill.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollyJGill
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107879443337932231480/posts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860426.Holly_J_Gill
Pinterest: http://uk.pinterest.com/gill0839/
 Tsu: http://www.tsu.co/hollyjgill
 
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(Holly) I would sincerely love to thank all the people who have supported me through all these years of writing and encouraging me to never give up in the publishing world. I would love to thank my readers and fans for all their support and I hope they enjoy Innocence as much as I did writing it.
 
Finally, I would like to offer some advice to want to be writers, to be a writer you need to write, even if it’s a paragraph a day. To get published give it all you have, never be afraid to ask for help or advice we don’t bite!
 
 
Holly, you’ve given some sound advice which I hope others will act upon. Thank you!
 
Now though, we’ve come to the part of the show where I give my two cents on Innocence. I hope you decide to stick around and read it. I also added a trailer for your entertainment. 
 
Enjoy! <3
 
 
 
 

Calvin Edwards, has everything he could dream about, perfect lifestyle, running the family real-estate company back in London. He takes a holiday up North to visit his parents, only when out walking on his parents land, he finds a young pregnant woman attempting to take her life. Calvin wishes to help, becoming a friend through her troubles, only fears he’s out of his depth, let alone discovers his past comes back to life, sending his life crashing.

Kacey is pregnant and her life is out of control, with nowhere left to go. She descends on her mum for one last chance for help, only the door is slammed in her face. At her wits end, alone, scared and helpless until Calvin comes along. He becomes a dear friend giving her kindness. Only what she’d pushed to the back of her mind through selfish pain, is back. Her past has come back to life!

 
 
 
images-17
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
If you ever wished a man would NOT bottle up his emotions, then you’re going to love Calvin. I truly believe I’ve never “seen” a man cry as much as him. Yeah, some of his tears were justified. Ok, about 90-95%. However, when he finally wiped those tears away and snapped —-Holy Moly!! 
 
He sure let Kacey have it and rightfully so. Lead a man to believe one thing and then disclose another. The first was heart wrenching enough but the latter was just as hard to process. 
 
Yes, I’m being vague on purpose. After all, Holly and I want you to read the book. 
 
Warning: Cliffhanger ending. 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
I’ve notified Holly the various sites/links she sent me are now invalid. I’m sorry for this. Hopefully, this feature will be updated soon so sales can be made.

 
(Updated 9/28 w/new purchase link)   
 
 
 
Book 2. Innocence of love COMING SOON
Book 3. Breaking Innocence
Book 4. Return To Innocence
 

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