He Belongs to Me by Theresa Rizzo: Review + Giveaway


He Belongs to Me
Author: Theresa Rizzo
Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance
Out Now

 Blurb:
Catherine Boyd will do anything to regain custody of her young son… Even reconcile with the husband accused of killing their son’s twin.
Catherine graduates from college, eager to start a new life with her six-year-old son, Drew.  But when she tries to bring him home, her parents refuse to relinquish control of the grandson they’d raised.
Wrongly accused of a horrible crime, Thomas Boyd has buried himself in his career, determined to forget his painful past and the family he lost.  But now, five years later, Catherine is back, requesting his help to regain custody of their son — custody he thought she had.
Though older and wiser, when courtroom battles reveal lies and secrets and generations of pain, will Thomas and Catherine find more tragedy and loss, or will old wounds finally heal?
My Thoughts                                                                              
He Belongs to Me is jammed full of emotion and intrigue and is a story about love, heartbreak, family and redemption. 

It begins with a happy family filled with hope for the future but soon it is all flipped upside down as a tragedy occurred. Catherine and Thomas's son, Bobby, suddenly dies and Thomas is falsely accused of murder causing them to split up over this tragedy. Filled with evil and lies Catherine's mother dwindles her way into custody of Catherine's living son. 

 Years of regret go by and then we see that love conquers all as Catherine through her heart so big for her son does everything in her power to regain him, even reconciling with Thomas who she has not spoken to in years. From this point on the story turns into a fierce fight filled of love for their son and love for their marriage, showing love can conquer all. 

 I liked the premise of the book. The idea of the story was good but I have to admit I found it hard to connect to the story for the first half of the book. It lacked something which I'm not sure I can even put to words. I couldn’t understand some of the heroines actions and wasn't able to fully engage with her. But I found as I read on I was drawn in and held captive. The second half of the story was when things kicked into high gear and the emotion flowed through in waves. The ending was a shock but overall I was left satisfied in the end. 

Despite some aspects of the book I really did enjoy this story. It flowed with twists and turns with an ending that will surprise. A good debut and I will definitely read more from the author. 

Rating: 3.5


                                            GIVEAWAY                                                         
Theresa kindly agreed to give ONE lucky winner a digital copy of her latest release HE BELONGS TO ME. To enter just leave a comment with your name and email address. 

Winners will be chosen at random. Ends 21 June.

 GOODLUCK :))

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Release Blitz + Giveaway - SHORT RIDES by Lorelei James

Short Rides by Lorelei James


Blurb:
Short Rides is an anthology compilation of two novellas and one short story in the Rough Riders world. These are NOT meant to be read as standalone stories, but are a peek into favorite character’s lives after the happily ever after…

The stories included in the Short Rides anthology are:

King of Hearts* — Deputy Cam McKay deals with a murder/suicide case on Valentine’s Day.

Rough Road — Chassie, Trevor and Edgard Glanzer spend a romantic weekend away from the ranch and kids celebrating their anniversary…only to return home to face their biggest challenge yet.

All Knocked Up — Keely and Jack Donohue are having a baby. Given Keely’s raging pregnancy hormones, will Jack need to wear a cup in the delivery room?

*previously published in the Guns and Roses anthology in 2012
                                         Quick Review:                            

 This anthology is perfect for fans looking for that quick cowboy fix that only James can satisfy. Each story gives us a glimpse into the lives of three couples after their Happily Ever After's as we see the new trials they face. 

 King of Hearts was my favourite of the three as the story focuses on Cam and his lingering PTSD triggered by a brutal crime scene. He has to learn to trust in himself and his family to overcome his demons. 

 The unconventional relationship that Chassie, Trevor and Edgard have is not an easy one. And when their children start receiving censor for their parents arrangement, they are forced to re-evaluate their lives. 

 All Knocked Up is packed full of hilarity and love, bringing the humour from Keely that we all expect as she's all jacked up on hormones. 
Short Rides was everything that I've come to love from Lorelei. Cowboy lovin', close family and humour. She's not afraid to hit up the hard and controversial issues and serve is up with love, laughter and most important, family. This one is a MUST READ for sure. 


 KING OF HEARTS excerpt;

A murder/suicide.
In Sundance, Wyoming.
It was one of the worst scenes Deputy Cam McKay had dealt with. And he’d seen a lot of horrific things over the years. He’d served several rotations in Iraq and witnessed the aftermath of suicide bombers. He’d seen animals used as vessels to hold bombs. He’d been in a caravan that’d hit a string of IEDs, resulting in death and dismemberment of his fellow soldiers. He hadn’t come away from war unscathed—he’d lost most of his left leg, part of his hand, and bore scars, both visible and invisible.
During his time as deputy in Crook County, he’d dealt with deadly car accidents, including a fatality involving his cousin, Luke McKay. He’d broken up domestic disputes where one or both of the parties were drunk, armed, angry, and bleeding. He’d stumbled across a wild horse slaughter.
But this? It was beyond sickening.
The hysterical 911 call from the neighbor who’d discovered the bodies hadn’t prepared him at all for what he’d found at the crime scene.
His stomach roiled as his brain flashed back to the carnage and he fought the urge to throw up.
Again.
But Cam hadn’t been alone in his reaction. Sheriff Shortbull had stumbled outside and heaved over the juniper hedge after his glimpse at the dead couple.
A murder/suicide.
In Sundance, Wyoming.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Maybe it seemed worse because Cam knew the couple. He’d graduated from high school with Jeff Wingate. Cam couldn’t fathom how the mild-mannered insurance salesman could carry out such brutality, especially to his wife. And Angela hadn’t fought back. She’d literally lay down and died.
What a fucking waste.
What a fucking mess.
There’d been no indication of domestic issues. No 911 phone calls in the last year. No history of violence. He’d seen them eating in Dewey’s Delish Dish two weeks ago. They’d acted… happy.
Because the crime scene was beyond their small county’s investigative expertise, they’d had to call in the DCI from Cheyenne. Which meant waiting for the crew to arrive. But neither Cam nor Sheriff Shortbull could stomach waiting inside the house where the bloodbath had occurred.
So they stood outside in the frigid February weather, taking turns warming up in their patrol cars. He and the sheriff were too disturbed to slide into their usual defense mechanism, cracking jokes—which was how most law enforcement officers handled unpleasant aspects of the job—trying to find any bit of humor to escape the horror of the gruesome scene.
      

SR-Release-Blitz

Giveaway


 Winners will be announced 4/27/13.
Grand Prize:  $100 Amazon, B&N or ARe Gift Card (winner's choice)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz Schedulue

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It Stings So Sweet Blog Tour


Title: It Stings So Sweeet
Author: Stephanie Draven

Genre: Historical Erotic lit
Publisher: Berkley 
Released: 5 Feb 2013
Rating: 4/5 
They vibrated with incendiary Jazz. They teemed with sexual abandon. The Twenties were roaring and the women–young, open, rebellious, and willing–set the pace and pushed the limits with every man they met…

In the aftermath of a wild, liquor-soaked party, three women from very different social classes are about to live out their forbidden desires.
Society girl, Nora Richardson’s passionate nature has always been a challenge to her ever-patient husband. Now he wants out of the marriage and she has just this one night to win him back. The catch? He wants to punish her for her bad behavior. Nora is offended by her husband’s increasingly depraved demands, but as the night unfolds, she discovers her own true nature and that the line between pain and pleasure is very thin indeed.
Meanwhile, Clara Cartwright, sultry siren of the silent screen, is introduced to a mysterious WWI Flying Ace. If Clara, darling of the scandal sheets, knows anything, it’s men. And she’s known plenty. But none of them push her boundaries like the aviator, who lures her into a ménage with a stranger in a darkened cinema then steals her jaded heart.
Working class girl Sophie O’Brien has more important things on her mind than pleasures of the flesh. But when her playboy boss, the wealthy heir to the Aster family fortune, confronts her with her diary of secret sex fantasies, she could die of shame. To her surprise, he doesn’t fire her; instead, he dares her to re-enact her boldest fantasies and Sophie is utterly seduced.
One party serves as a catalyst of sexual awakening. And in an age when anything goes, three women discover that anything is possible…


My Thoughts 

I really enjoyed It Stings So Sweet and finished it not long after starting. It is written in an interesting style with the three different stories that tie in loosely together. 

I found I was drawn in with each story and was held captive. I liked the style of writing and could easily connect to each story. We don't get to see a lot behind the characters but I think it all worked well, especially with everyone linking back to the party. 

Nothing is held back in this book. It explores the sexual explorations of individuals set in the 1920's. So pretty much this book contains smut galore brought in a sexy and fresh way. 

You won't be disappointed with the excitement and brimming sexual tension. Each story sensually caresses the page and seduces you to delve deeper into each couples' world. 


I'm looking forward to reading more from Stephanie Draven.  
.. Excerpt ..

At home, from the safe height of my fancy penthouse apartment with its gilded furniture and velvet drapes, I find my stash in the sideboard and pour myself a shot of hooch. Downing it too quickly, I cough at the burn. Then I wipe my lips and hurriedly hide the evidence of my distress only moments before the doorman brings me the red roses and the note attached.

 The man who sent them is waiting downstairs.

 “Can’t you shoo him away, Charlie?”

 “He’s not the sort to be given the bum’s rush, madam,” the doorman replies.

 No, I don’t suppose he is. Leo Vanderberg has come at the worst time, but I find that I want to see him. Maybe the reckless aviator is just the tonic I need. “Alright, send him up. Wait fifteen minutes, then have the car brought around, won’t you?”

 The penthouse, the doorman, and the driver are all perks of being a kept woman. I can afford without Teddy Morgan’s generosity, of course. But like I said before, I never turn down a gift. The days when I was clawing for crumbs in a cold one-bedroom apartment are over, but I haven’t forgotten them and I’m never going back.

 When I hear the aviator’s footsteps in the hall, my pulse quickens. I can see his lean body in my mind’s eye, and those dark looks, hot and heavy. I still remember what he whispered in my ear, and it makes me a little shaky to think of it. I don’t have to guess what he wants.

 When he comes in, I don’t turn around right away. “Why, Mr. Vanderberg, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, much less bearing gifts,” I say, arranging the roses so that blooms are on fine display. I have to admit, their perfume lifts my spirits. “Are you falling in love with me?”

 “Of course not. That would ruin the whole arrangement.”

 I want to turn around and look him in the eye, but I don’t. “What arrangement would that be?”

 “The one where I’m planning to debauch you and you’re planning to let me.”

 My lips part in amusement. “I’m afraid I was thoroughly debauched long ago.”

 “I’d like to test that—” He catches his breath when I finally turn from the mirror. He has both hands in his pockets, a languid slope to his shoulders, a snappy hat shadowing his face, but he can’t hide his surprise.

 And his wide-eyed astonishment makes me laugh. “What’s the matter, Ace? Haven’t you ever seen a girl without powder on her nose before?”

 “I—I just . . . I just need a second to get used to it, is all.”

 “Is my skirt too long, my hat too wide, or don’t you recognize me without my war paint?”

 “You look younger . . .”

 “Like a farm-fresh freckled milkmaid? Like a sweet daisy ready to be plucked from a field?”

 He shrugs. “Something like that.”

 “Well, don’t let the baby face fool you. I only go out like this when I don’t want anyone to recognize me.”

 “You’re Clara Cartwright. Why the devil wouldn’t you want anyone to recognize you?”

 There is nothing I can do but lie. “Because, I’m going to a matinee at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. I can’t go there looking like myself. My handprints are in the concrete forecourt right next to Charlie Chaplin’s. I’d spend the whole afternoon signing autographs.”

 He smirks. “Must be hard to be you.”

 “Positively a trial.”

 He’s still smirking—and I see it’s his natural expression, as if he has the utmost contempt for the whole world. “If you’re going to the matinee, Clara, let me take you. My treat.”

 My voice is low and husky with regret. “I’m not interested, Mr. Vanderberg.”

 “Yes you are. And like I said before, you can call me Leo.”

 “I haven’t decided if I want to be on a first-name basis. At the party I got the impression you weren’t just another wet blanket . . . you seemed reckless. A little bit dangerous. But flowers and a movie? Rather conventional, wouldn’t you say?”

 “The courtship’s for your benefit, doll, not mine.” Then he leans in and everything turns deadly serious. “See, it’s like this. When you’re in bed with me, squirming in embarrassment for all the filthy things you’ve let me do to you, it should comfort you to remember that I did court you as a lady . . . even though I intend to treat you as anything but.”
---------------------------------------------------------------


STEPHANIE DRAVEN is a bestselling, award-winning and RITA-nominated author of historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Her newest project, IT STINGS SO SWEET is a collection of 1920s historical erotic romances that celebrate sex, women, and the Jazz Age. 

 Her most recent novel with Entangled Publishing, IN BED WITH THE OPPOSITION, is a mix of humor and sex-appeal set against the backdrop of a zany political campaign inspired by the career of Baltimore legend William Donald Schaefer. Both novels are fun departures from her more serious Greek mythology-inspired series for Harlequin's Nocturne line, the debut novel of which was nominated by Romantic Times for Best First Series. 

 The series has earned critical praise for its originality and awareness of social issues and garnered the 2012 SWIRL award for excellence in multi-cultural romance literature as well as the CataRomance's Reviewers Choice Award. Writing historical fiction about Cleopatra’s daughter as Stephanie Dray, she won the Golden Leaf Award for SONG OF THE NILE.

  Stephanie is currently a denizen of Baltimore, that city of ravens and purple night skies. She lives there with her favorite nocturnal creatures–three scheming cats and a deliciously wicked husband. And when she is not busy with dark domestic rituals, she writes her books. StephanieDraven.com
Purchase Info
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Reviewing Rut.. is there such a thing?




Wow, okay I sooo didn't intend to be away this long. But as life does, it gets in the way and I found I didn't have enough time and lacked motivation to regularly blog. 

I was in a reviewing rut you could say as I could still read books but when it came to reviewing it - I'd feel bleh about it. Weird I know. 

I have so many books lined up for review it's ridiculous. But I'm slowly getting back on track. 

So I was wondering if anyone else has been in a 'reviewing rut' or if it's just me. 

If you have, how did you overcome and beat it? Suggestions welcome.  (:




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ARC Review: Trouble in Texas by Katie Lane


Trouble in Texas (Deep in the Heart of Texas, #4)Title: Trouble in Texas
Author: Katie Lane
Series: Deep in the Heart of Texas #4
Genre: Contemp Romance
Publisher: Grand Central/Forever
Released: 18 Dec 2012
*ARC provided by Netgalley 
Blurb                                              

THERE'S A FOX IN THE HENHOUSE

Inheriting the most notorious house of ill repute in Texas can spell trouble for a girl's reputation . . . especially when she's Elizabeth Murphy, Bramble's prim and proper librarian. Yet when she discovers a buck-naked cowboy handcuffed to a four-poster bed, she forgets all about the town gossips. Elizabeth has sworn off men, but the stranger's kisses melt her resolve faster than ice cream on a hot summer day.

Waking up in Miss Hattie's Henhouse isn't how Brant Cates reckoned on getting to the bottom of his great-granddaddy's murder. The plan was to solve the centuries-old crime, then get the heck out of Dodge. But after meeting Elizabeth and discovering that the buttoned-up beauty is a sexy siren in disguise, he just can't pull himself away. 

Now Brant needs Elizabeth to finally put his past to rest, but is she willing to risk her future on Bramble's newest bad boy?

** Guest Reviewer**
                                        My Thoughts                              

Having not read the first three books in this series prior to the fourth one it took me a while to understand the storyline and what was going on. Although this was the case,  once I understood everything I was hooked! I loved so much about this book and found it almost impossible to find anything which disappointed me. From the marvellous characters to the unbearable laughs, this book was for me!

This book starts off with the main hero, Brant Crates, stopping off at a whore house called Mrs Hattie’s Henhouse. He is on a dedicated mission to find out the reason for the crate curse that has been placed upon his family for years and has come to this whore house because he believes this is where the answers lie.

The main heroine, Elizabeth Murphy is an isolated Librarian, and now, the new owner of Mrs Hattie’s Henhouse from Inheritance. I absolutely loved Elizabeth. To me her background was extremely interesting – An isolated virgin Librarian, and now owner of a whorehouse against her own will, whose mother is crazy! This Background of hers alone had me wanting more with each page. 

Brant’s dedication to doing everything he can in order to lift this evil curse, made him extremely likable to me too. His dedication, love for his family and troubled past makes it almost impossible to be disliked by anyone. And I loved his romance with Elizabeth! As soon as she enters his life they instantly have a connection and It is obvious that they are perfect for one another. I found them acting like an old couple who have been together for years which had me laughing a lot of the time. 

Not only did I love these two, but the old hens of the whore house – Minnie, baby and sunshine had me in unbearable fits of laughter with every chapter making them impossible to not like!!  I found the parts with these three in it a very light and enjoyable read. Spending most their days in Lingerie chain-smoking and matchmaking, they brought most the humour in this book which I was very grateful of since I love a book with humour. 

Great characters mixed with humour that warms the heart is all this book needed in order to get five starts from me! A definite must read!

Rating: 5


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Review: The Prince by Tiffany Reisz


The Prince (The Original Sinners, #3)
Title: The Prince 
Author: Tiffany Reisz
Series: The Original Sinners #3
Genre: Erotic Lit
Publisher: Mira
Released: 20 November 2012
*ARC received via netgalley 

Blurb                                           

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer...preferably in bed. That's always been Kingsley Edge's strategy with his associate, the notorious New York dominatrix Nora Sutherlin. But with Nora away in Kentucky, now it's Kingsley's chance to take her place at the feet of the only man he's ever wanted -- Søren, Nora's on-again, off-again lover -- until a new threat from an old enemy forces him to confront his past.

Wes Railey is still the object of Nora's tamest yet most maddening fantasies, and the one man she can't forget. He's young. He's wonderful. He's also thoroughbred royalty and she's in "his" world now. But Nora is no simpering Southern belle, and her dream of fitting into Wesley's world is perpetually at odds with her dear Søren's relentlessly seductive pull.

Two worlds of wealth and passion call to her and whichever one Nora chooses, it will be the hardest decision she will ever have to make... unless someone makes it for her...

                                        My Thoughts                                 

Brutal. Beautiful. Gut wrenching. Gothic. Are but a few words to describe Tiffany Reisz's latest release, The Prince. Book three in the Original Sinner series takes us back into the seductive lives of Nora, Soren, Wes and Kingsley but with added threats and complications. 

 This book is different from the previous books in a few ways. The tone is darker and what happens in some scenes will push boundaries. The book is split up between The Past, which is young Soren and Kingsley as students and delves deep into how they met and the nature of their relationship. Then there is The North, at present time as Soren and Kingsley try to identify the deathly threat which is out to hurt them both. And then there is The South, which showcases Wes and Nora as he tries to woo her away from Soren. 

 The story is told in three different sections that jump back and forth between characters. I know if it were anyone else, I would have gotten confused or even annoyed, but it actually worked well.

It was gut wrenching to read about Kingsley and Soren (both past and present) because he is so obviously in love with the man. He would actually do anything and everything for Soren. He loves with all he is and doesn't hold back. It was breathless to watch. 

 Soren's beauty is showcased in this book as well as his hardcore sadism. Some scenes may push you out of what your're comfortable with. But you realise that pain is his way of showing love. He can't love without inflicting pain. My feelings towards him have thawed since the first book as I realize that nothing is as it seems. I now believe he is a truly good hearted man and deserves his slice of happiness. 

 To be honest I think we all know who Nora will end up with. I initially I thought Wes would be the better option, but after this book, I felt like something was missing between the two. They lacked a spark that Soren brings. Although I hope Wes does have a HEA.


 Once again the writing was flawless. Unexpected twists, thrilling suspense, erotic interludes and gut wrenching scenes and although there is no neat HEA like in The Angel, it is all leading up to what I know will be one grand finale. 


 I gasped countless times as I read. Things that we thought were true in previous books are revealed to be lies! The cliffhanger will have you shocked for days. I'm still reeling from what Tiffany threw at us, I didn't see it coming.

 This book, no this series, is so much more than your typical erotic BDSM piece of literature. What we have here is made of gold. It can't be slotted easily into one genre but encases a variety that mesh well together. The Prince was brilliantly done. I can not wait for the next book THE MISTRESS, which will wrap up the main story arc. Is it 2013 yet? 

Rating: 5/5 
Book 1: The Siren
Book 2: The Angel
Book 3: The Prince
Book 4: The Mistress (2013)
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Review: Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance, #4)
Title: Rogue Rider 
Author: Larissa Ione
Series: Lords of Deliverance #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Released: 20 November 2012
*ARC received via netgalley 

Blurb                                           

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride. 

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . . 

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

                                      My Thoughts                             

Wow! Miss Ione actually managed to do it. Redeem the unredeemable. Make me forgive and love the guy that for three books was the ultimate villain  So for that alone I have to applaud her. But on top of that, this book is so much more; a sweet blooming romance, some classic humour and some heart pounding action as per usual. A great finale to the series and I just hope for more in the this world. 

As I said in the beginning, this book is all about redemption. Making up for past mistakes and trying to do what is right. Reseph wakes up to find himself with no clue as to who he is and how he ending up naked, in the middle of no where. There is an evil that wants to overtake him once again and that threatens to destroy the world. As he meets Jillian, a friendly neighbour that takes him in, bits and pieces fall in to place and starts to realize that he may never be whole again unless he overcomes his demons.

If you have read the last book you will know that Reseph is no longer under the control of Pestilence, as his seal is once again whole. As his memory falls back into place he realizes how destructive he was and nearly looses his mind. I didn't think I'd feel for his character as much as I did. In the previous books it is easy to throw Reseph and Pestilence togther because they are technically one person. But you could just feel his agony and despair at what he'd done. It literally broke my heart. 

Jillian was a good match for him because she kept him balanced. Something to hold onto in the sea of turmoil. There romance was sweet and by the end I was rooting for both their HEA's.  It happened a little fast but it was enjoyable one to watch.

The last book in the main story ARC I was satisfied with the outcome. I felt like Larissa Ione redeemed Reseph brilliantly, which wasn't an easy task. There was so much emotion and angst that I'm glad they could triumph in the end. A great read by Ione - not to be missed!

Rating: 4.5/5
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