August 29, 2014

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: Wanted: Wild Thing by Jessica Sims

Wanted: Wild Thing by Jessica Sims
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars

The final book in a romance series set in a “fun, sexy world” (USA TODAY), where paranormals seek love through a dating service called Midnight Liaisons.

Ryder is hiding a dark secret from her coworkers at Midnight Liaisons. Every time she’s sexually attracted to a man, her dragon side breaks through. Not exactly man-bait! But she needs to lose her virginity before her twenty-fifth birthday, or she’ll become a dragon forever.

Her solution? Big, hunky Hugh, the appointed guardian of her chastity. He’s clearly hot for her, but he has powerful reasons to resist Ryder. Can temptation—and love—possibly find a way?

The Midnight Liaisons Series is a fun, wacky and sexy paranormal series. It’s completely different, but so much fun. I love them all. Wanted will draw you in and take you on a fun ride. I loved bubbly and happy Ryder and grew to love Hugh. Hugh is from a different time and drove me nuts sometimes, but there were reasons behind his behavior. I really enjoyed Ryder and Hugh’s journey and their story. I recommend this series for paranormal romance lovers looking for a unique, sexy and fun series.

*Review copy provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $7.59 http://geni.us/3Zhj | Amazon PBK $7.19 http://geni.us/13AC | B&N $7.99 http://bit.ly/1qa4EZ2 | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1ojRKnk

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY:
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Wanted: Wild Thing
Jessica Sims

Chapter One

As we pulled up in front of my house, my date, Jordan, parked the car and glanced over at me. “I had a nice time tonight, Ryder.”

I gave him my cheeriest smile. “It was a lot of fun. Thanks for asking me out.”

He grinned back, handsome in a cocky, confident sort of way that I found appealing. After a moment, he reached out to touch my blond hair. “You’re really sexy, you know.”

I shied away, narrowly avoiding his touch with a laugh. “I’m a lot of things, Jordan, but sexy isn’t one of them.” And I batted his hand away with my pink Hello Kitty purse, which acted as both shield and proof that I wasn’t anyone’s idea of sexy. I was cute.

Cute like puppies and kittens and pink lipstick with glitter in it (which I was currently wearing). My hair was in two tight blond pigtails high on my head, and I was wearing a bright pink A-line dress with a Peter Pan collar, yellow stockings, and matching pink Mary Janes that looked like something Baby Spice would wear. When my date had seen me tonight, he’d commented that I looked like I was dressed up for Easter. I wasn’t. I was dressed up for Tuesday. I just liked bright, happy things and loved to wear them.

You know the saying “Fake it until you make it”? I lived that every day of my life. On my date I was nervous as heck, but you’d never know it from the way I giggled and flirted and chattered nonstop. I was in Ryder On mode. When Ryder was on, I was an endlessly effervescent personality. When I was Ryder Off? Well, I didn’t show the world Ryder Off.

No one got to see Ryder Off but me. It was best for everyone involved.

Jordan stroked a finger down my arm in a flirty move and I shuddered, thankful that I’d worn long sleeves. I held my breath, waiting for something bad to happen, but nothing did. The nervous knot in my stomach eased a little. “I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you all night,” he said in a seductive voice, sliding a bit closer to me.

I giggled inanely again, inching away. I knew where this was going, and I was terrified. My palms were sweating profusely, and my forehead broke out in an anxious sweat. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to kiss Jordan; he was handsome and funny and attentive. I wanted to kiss him more than anything. Heck, I wanted to drag him inside and introduce him to my bed.

But that wasn’t going to happen. I knew that deep in my bones.

Still, I was on this date because I was an eternal optimist. I had to hope—or I had nothing.

“Ryder,” he said softly, sliding even closer to me.

I pressed up against the car window to put as much distance between us as possible. “Jordan, I really like you, but I don’t know that we can take this further than friendship.” He gave me a surprised look. “If you like me, why do you say that?”

“It’s . . . complicated.” Extremely complicated, in ways he couldn’t possibly imagine.

“I like you enough to work with complicated,” he said in a smooth voice, reaching out to touch my hair again.

I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting . . . but nothing happened, and I relaxed. Maybe . . . maybe this time it’d be different?

Hope rising, I didn’t flinch away when he scooted so close that I felt his warm breath on my skin and smelled his scent. Fresh. Clean. Human. A quiver of pleasure shot through me at being so very near an attractive man.

Jordan gently brushed the backs of his fingers over my cheek. I felt a tingle, but it was muted, and I smiled at that. He took my smile for encouragement, and the next thing I knew, his lips were pressing
on mine.

Shock flickered through me, quickly followed by a burst of pleasure when his tongue darted into my open mouth. A man was kissing me. Oh, wow! It was even better than I’d expected. I made a small noise of pleasure, closing my eyes and sinking into the feeling.

Then my cheek rippled. Not in a pleasant, shivery way; more like the sensation of something coming alive and trying to escape. Of skin trying to pull away from bone.

My eyes flew open and I pushed at Jordan’s chest. “No.” My good luck had just run out. Jordan wasn’t The One.

His eyes remained closed, his mouth seeking mine as if my protests would be swallowed by another kiss. If I’d been any other woman, they might have been.

But I wasn’t any other woman. One could argue I wasn’t even human.

An awful prickling sensation crept through my skin, like a thousand needles. My feet cramped painfully and I felt the press of claws inside my shoes. I groaned, pain flickering all over my body, and I felt my skin shift and creep again. Now my bones ached; I had only seconds before they’d pop and crack with the onset of my transformation.

And Jordan was going to see it all if I didn’t do something fast.

I pushed frantically at his chest again, breaking away just as fangs cut through my gums and I tasted blood. I fumbled for the car door, tumbling out backward and falling onto the driveway.

“Ryder!” I heard his car door open and his gasp when he saw me sprawled on the concrete. “Oh, my
God, are you okay?”

I jumped to my feet and ran for my condo. Thank God I was on the first floor. I ran down the hall, heading for my door and safety. My forehead throbbed, hard and bony protrusions growing under
my skin as I fumbled for my key with claw-tipped fingers. My legs were cramping hard, and the bulges
protruding from my back would soon rip through my cute pink dress.

With shaking hands, I managed to unlock the door. I slipped inside and locked it, then leaned back against the thick, heavy wood, relieved.

Safe.

Leathery wings suddenly burst from my back with a wet snapping noise, and I groaned in pain as my loose, swingy dress became chokingly tight. I clawed at the zipper in the back, then gave up and shredded the fabric with my thick, curved talons until it pooled at my feet. My shoes were the next to go, wrecked by the transformation, and I pressed my hands to my awful face and slid down the door until my tail and ass hit the floor.

Damn it. For a brief, shining moment, I’d really thought that Jordan was The One. But he wasn’t. He wasn’t even close.

I was unsurprised when he knocked at my front door a moment later. “Ryder,” he bellowed, his concern evident. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“No means no,” I yelled back, hoping he wouldn’t notice the growly rasp in my voice now. “Don’t call me again.”

“Open up so we can talk about this.”

“Go away.” I meant it, too. Jordan was nice, handsome—and completely and totally useless to me. Just like every other human man out there, his touch triggered my curse.

The monster under my skin had something to do with sexuality. I could flirt harmlessly all day or hug a female friend. Shake hands. No problem. But the moment a man’s hand caressed me with sexual intention? Out came the scaly fanged beast. I ran a finger over the thick fangs now protruding from my gums over my canines. Those always hurt the worst and were the last to disappear.

“Please, Ryder,” Jordan said, his voice softer. “Can’t we talk through this? I really like you.”

“You’re not who I thought you were,” I yelled back. Oh, the irony of those words. “Go away before
I call the cops.”

There was a long moment of silence, then he slammed a fist on the door. “Fuck you, cock tease.” I heard him stomp down my sidewalk back to his car. A moment later, it screeched out of my driveway and down the street.

Well, now. It was a good thing Jordan wasn’t my True Love, because it seemed like he was hiding a douchey side. Not a surprise. We all had our hidden sides.

Mine just happened to be scarier than most: I was a changeling.

At least that’s what the old fortune-teller had told me. I’d had my first experience with my monster shortly after getting my first period. I was fourteen, and I’d made out with a guy on the docks at
summer camp. He’d blushed and gotten a boner; I’d grown scales and a tail. My date had chalked up his horrific monster visions to some bad mushrooms. Me? I’d been terrified, so I’d done what any logical fourteen-year-old would have done—I’d stolen my mother’s wallet and taken a bus across town to consult a fortune-teller and get some answers.

It turned out that was the best thing for me. The moment I’d met the tall, willowy fortune-teller, I’d known she was different from other humans. She’d had a soft radiance that I hadn’t been able to identify then. I now knew what it meant—she’d had fae blood.

The fortune-teller told me as much a few minutes into our conversation. She wasn’t entirely human, her fae ancestry coming from her greatgrandmother. Her great-grandmother had schooled her in the occult arts, teaching her everything she’d needed to know about the supernatural. Greatgrandma had married a satyr, she’d told me, and I’d scoffed. The woman was clearly nuts.

Now, ten years later, I worked at a dating agency for the supernatural and had set up more than one lonely satyr on a date. Life was funny that way.

Anyway, the fortune-teller had had all the answers. She’d told me I was a changeling. That back in the days when the fae folk mingled more openly with humans, the fae would steal a human child and
leave a changeling in its place for the parents to raise.

I’d heard the fairy tales, but I’d always thought that changelings were scary, legendary things. I’d been a cute blond teenager who’d happened to look thoroughly human until someone touched me.

The fortune-teller had explained that, too: my natural guard was down in those moments, and the “glamour” that had been cast on me faded. By the time I hit twenty-five, if I remained a virgin, the glamour that made me look human would be unable to overcome my beast side, and I’d be a monster forever.

At fourteen years old, I’d been shattered. Not only were my parents not my real parents but I was also a monster of some kind and would be cursed forever if I didn’t beat the deadline?

The fortune-teller had patted my hand and given me a ray of hope. According to her great-grandmother, every changeling had a perfect match in the world. He’d be The One for me, my True Love. If I found that man, I’d be able to touch him without triggering my monsterlike changeling side. Then I could break the curse, securing the glamour so I remained human, not scaly-clawed-bonygargoyle-ish. I couldn’t even say what my monster form was; it just seemed like a mix of everything hideous.

So I had to find my perfect mate. And like the fairy tale where the girl kissed a lot of frogs? I had to touch a lot of men. I flirted freely, just a happy, cheerful, young woman. When I got the nerve up, I’d touch a guy. Just to see.

It triggered my monster every time. I’d become a master at escaping before people noticed. I’d feign food poisoning and hide in a bathroom until my creature side faded. I’d bail on a date through the back door—I did that a lot—and transform in the dark parking lot, where no one could see me. My changeling side never lasted long. Already, I could feel my fangs throbbing, a sign that they were about to slide back into my gums. I extended a hand, watching the hint of scales on my skin disappear, my curved, clawed fingers returning to their regular length, my pink-tipped manicure still flawless.

This guy hadn’t been The One, but that didn’t mean the right guy wasn’t out there. I’d keep looking for the answer to my problem, and I’d find it. I wasn’t about to let a little monster side slow me down.

The fact that my twenty-fifth birthday was less than a month away? I didn’t dwell on that.

I worked at a dating agency for the supernatural, after all. Midnight Liaisons catered to vampires, shifters, monsters, and everything else that went bump in the night and wanted a mate. If there was a perfect, magical man who would break my curse, and if he was out there for me, I’d be able to find him through connections at work.

I just had to keep on kissing my frogs until then.

✦Midnight Liaisons Series by Jessica Sims – Reading Order✦
✦Series Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1sPewHg
BEAUTY DATES THE BEAST
DESPERATELY SEEKING SHAPESHIFTER
VIXEN (novella)
OUT WITH A FANG (novella in the UNDEAD IN MY BED anthlogy)
SPEED MATING (novella)
SINGLE WOLF FEMALE (novella)
MUST LOVE FANGS
BEAR NAKED (novella)
CLAWS & EFFECT (novella)
WANTED: WILD THING

Jessica Sims lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband. She hates writing a bio, so something cool will undoubtedly go here later when she actually thinks of something interesting to write. She has some cats, but what writer doesn’t? She plays video games and confesses to reading comic books. And she likes writing, but that one was pretty obvious.

Website: http://jessica-sims.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaClare?hc_location=timeline
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Sims-Books/138752452878377?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/_JessicaSims_
Twitter: http://twitter.com/_JessicaClare

✦FREE ➢ Single Wolf Female by Jessica Sims
Kindle: http://geni.us/v4t
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1nzGe7F
iBooks: http://geni.us/7tk
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1sxR1T8
Not available for free on B&N but you can download for free from Smashwords in Nook format.

Posted in 4 Stars, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, paranormal romance
Tagged Jessica Sims, Pocket Books, Review & Giveaway: Wanted: Wild Thing by Jessica Sims, Spotlight
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August 28, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: CLAUDINE by Barbara Palmer

CLAUDINE by Barbara Palmer
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Reviewed By: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

Don’t miss what Publishers Weekly calls a “splendid exploration of sensual performance” in this enticing debut erotic thriller…

Maria Lantos is a post grad Yale student researching illicit 18th-century literature. She’s become exceptionally well-versed in the narratives of classic erotic fantasy. She’s also Claudine, an in-demand escort specializing in sexual role play for an elite clientele.

Anonymous. Satisfying. And discreet.

Until the tenuous separation between her worlds starts to crack.

It begins with the murder of a stranger. Where it leads is to two men who will test Maria’s limits of control and awaken her own sexual desires. As her private nights bleed into day, Maria will discover the dangerous places that extend beyond the imagination, and secrets no longer consigned to the dark.

I was expecting something a little different when I picked up Claudine, but I ended up really enjoying this book! It’s an erotic thriller and while it is really hot there’s very little romance. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a love story. I always want a happily ever after, but this book was so well written I didn’t miss it. Barbara Palmer draws the reader in and pulls you into the story. A spine tingling thriller! It’s a story about a grad student who is a high-end escort. Even though she has a bodyguard and does background checks on her clients she ends up with a stalker. This story kept me on edge with the suspense and the danger. The sex was hot and the more you read the more you find out about Claudine’s backstory. I don’t want to give anything away in the review so that’s all I’m going to say about the story. If you’re looking for a great erotic thriller than you’ll enjoy this book.

*Reveiw copy provide by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $7.99: http://geni.us/46f0
Amazon PBK $9.49: http://geni.us/1hqW
B&N (PBK $11.70/ Nook $9.99): http://bit.ly/VRsf5N
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iBooks $9.99: http://geni.us/1ZkT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Show World Live! bore little resemblance to the infamous Times Square district Show
World club; the original naughty venue was long gone except for a tattered storefront on Eighth Avenue. In contrast, the new Show World Live! was aimed at upscale customers and boasted glitzy lounges with hourly strip shows. Booth babies danced naked amid blue and
pink bubbles in Plexiglas boxes. A tranny bar featured top-notch talent from the Bay area, and the porn cinema was made up to look like a grand old theater with plush upholstered seats and velvet curtains tied on either side of the screen. Claudine was booked to perform two vignettes at the coveted Saturday night show for ticket holders in the club’s famous Round Room, and after, a private performance for a select client. She’d decided on a straight old-time burlesque show for her first act, and Lillian worked wonders transforming her into a likeness of the famous burlesque queen Lili St. Cyr…….
The lights dimmed. The performing area, a bare circle of blond hardwood, was illuminated by a spotlight that left the booths in shadow. A pink divan at center stage sat beside a table
holding a fan of luxurious black ostrich feathers and an oversized perfume bottle, the old-
fashioned kind with a rubber squeeze top. The master of ceremonies, a short sprite of a man
dressed in tails and a white shirt, strode to center stage carrying a gold-topped cane.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, from the white lights of Manhattan, for one night only, the exquisite, the infamous, Claudine.”
For an instant, her stomach pitched in fear. Would her stalker be out there, watching from one of the booths? Would he be bold enough to hurt her in front of everyone, thinking to
catch her off guard with a public attack? Andrei was stationed to one side of the entrance with a full view of the booths. As long as he was here she was safe. She calmed herself with that thought and the thrill that always came before a performance began to beat through her veins.
The white-blue beam of the spot swept to the performer’s entrance. She heard the first notes of the music and stepped into the circle of dazzling light. Her platinum hair, styled in an updo, was cinched with a wide ribbon of black chiffon to match the flowing semitransparent fabric of her floor-length dress. It glowed under the lights. She wore arm-length kid leather gloves that fit like a second skin and flashy high heels.
Parading to the music, she shimmied, pivoted, struck various cheesecake poses. She gave her audience a sinful smile, winked, and thrust out her boobs in full burlesque mode, running her hands tantalizingly over her cleavage. Turning her back to the viewers, she wiggled her ass and unhooked the skirt of her gown, tossing it aside.
The pleasure and playfulness of the dance gave her extra zing and for a moment she felt as though she could vanquish her unseen enemy by the sheer force of her sensuality. Only the long tail of chiffon and a tiny thong covered the crease of her bottom. She stepped saucily back into the spotlight, unhitched the tail and bent over so that her buttocks were on full display……..She kicked off her high heels, unfastened her stockings from her garters and rolled them down, slowly exposing toned thighs and shapely calves. She picked up the fan from the pink divan and, holding it in front of her with one hand, undid the eyelets of the bustier at her back with the other. She tossed the bustier to the floor, and squeezing her naked breasts together, dipped the fan down, revealing generous nipples glittering with rhinestone pasties.
The audience went crazy…….. Then, to the delight of the customers, she fanned herself as if she were too overheated to continue. She pranced around a little longer, making sure that each booth occupant got a good look at her full tits and her round tush in the tiny black thong. She returned once more to center stage, where she reclined languorously on the divan, giving herself a spray with the perfume. Every move had a comic edge but she knew the men in the audience weren’t laughing. She felt their breath halt, their eyes on her—and savored every moment of it.

The author is a bestselling, international award-winning Canadian novelist whose work has been published in twenty countries. She’s writing under the pen name Barbara Palmer, inspired by the famous 17th century English courtesan and royal mistress.

Author Social Media:
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/barpalmer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008201312726
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8388002.Barbara_Palmer

Posted in 4.5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Features, Blitz, Blasts, Giveaways
Tagged Barbara Palmer, Berkley NAL, Review & Giveaway: CLAUDINE by Barbara Palmer, Spotlight
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August 26, 2014

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: The Highlander Next Door (Spellbound Falls #6) by Janet Chapman

The Highlander Next Door (Spellbound Falls #6) by Janet Chapman
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rated: 4 Stars

From the New York Time bestselling Janet Chapman comes this delightful tale of a young woman who’s had enough of men…until she meets her spectacular new neighbor.

Legend has it love is carried on the rising mists of Spellbound Falls, and not even time-traveling highlanders are immune to its magic…

Birch Callahan has seen the trouble men can cause. After witnessing her mother’s four marriages, Birch now runs a women’s shelter and doesn’t want a man in her life. But there’s something about her neighbor, Niall MacKeage. Birch can’t figure out how the cop can be so big and gruff and yet so insightful and compassionate—and sexy. Or how she’s falling for a man who acts like someone from the twelfth century.

Niall knows that Birch is attracted to him, even if she seems to distrust all men. Yet he also knows she has a secret—something that drives her to place herself in harm’s way for the women of her shelter. Niall would gladly rush to Birch’s side to protect her from harm, but with their secrets standing between them, he’ll have to reveal his own truth if he wants to keep her…

Another fun and exciting trip back to Spellbound Falls with its lovely inhabitants. It took me a little bit to warm up to Birch (I just love her name). She was too much of a bitch for me to believe Niall or anyone would fall for her but I carried on because I love these stories. Thankfully her behavior changed and she became worthy of Niall. Now him I liked from the start. With his Highlander heritage struggling to conform to modern times he was quite enjoyable. This fun romance was exciting and filled with danger. Past characters I grew to love are there and add the sense of camaraderie that makes you feel a part of things. You can read this book as a stand-alone, but reading the series makes it easier to understand the magic and backstory of this wonderful little area.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $5.99 http://geni.us/1M17 | Amazon PBK $5.78 http://geni.us/1Pkk | B&N (PBK $7.99/ Nook $5.99) http://bit.ly/1tHXKLc | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1AKToHi

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Prize: Paperback Copy of The Highlander Next Door (Spellbound Falls #6) by Janet Chapman
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Spellbound Falls Series

Janet Chapman is the author of twenty-two contemporary and magical romance novels, all of which are set in her beautiful state of Maine. She lives in a cozy log home on a beautiful lake with her husband, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of wildlife that she finds both entertaining and inspiring. Probably best known for her Highlander Series (a saga of twelfth century warriors rebuilding their clans in modern-day Maine that now spans three generations), Janet also has two spin-off magical series (Midnight Bay & Spellbound Falls) and several contemporary family series set on the coast and in the mountains. With over three million books printed in six languages, her stories regularly appear on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller’s lists.

When she’s not writing (well, when she should to be writing but isn’t), Janet and her husband are traveling the state in their camper throughout all four seasons; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and generally rubbing elbows with Mother Nature while always keeping an eye out for colorful new characters—human and beast—to put in her stories.

Website: http://www.janetchapman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janet-Chapman-Author/316468300541?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/janetwrites
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28375.Janet_Chapman?from_search=true

Posted in 4 Stars, Donna's Reviews, Giveaways, paranormal romance
Tagged Berkley/NAL, Janet chapman, Review & Giveaway: The Highlander Next Door (Spellbound Falls #6) by Janet Chapman, Spotlight
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August 19, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Risky Business (A Bomb Squad Novel) by Melissa Cutler

Risky Business (A Bomb Squad Novel) by Melissa Cutler
Publication Date: August 19, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad–an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. But the season’s biggest match-up isn’t on the ice as one of their own prepares to go head to head with his new boss…

Allison Whitely’s ex left her with a mountain of debt and Cloud Nine, a struggling boat rental business. With zero job skills, her only hope of getting back in the black lies in a brooding ex-soldier who has her seeing red…

Theo Lacroix’s teammates are counting on their star player to help them win an upcoming high profile hockey game. But when a sexy tornado of a woman sweeps into Destiny Falls and expects him to help her with Cloud Nine, Theo is tempted to skate away from it all.

Theo vowed never again to be someone’s knight in shining armor, but his feelings–and desire–for Allison are becoming harder to ignore. He longs to save her, but to win Allison’s love, he’ll have to throw out his old playbook and take the ultimate risk…playing from the heart.

Risky Business is the first book in Melissa Cutler’s new series, The Bomb Squad. I love Melissa Cutler’s books and was really looking forward to her new series. After reading the first book I’m hooked. Hot military guys that play hockey together. Ummm…yep that sounds good to me. I loved it and can’t wait for more books in the series. Risky Business is full of action, suspense, and steamy romance. It captured and held my attention from start to finish. I highly recommend this book for romantic suspense lovers.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest at review.

Kindle $4.27 http://geni.us/NHC | B&N $4.99 http://bit.ly/1ApfWNF | Kobo $4.99 http://bit.ly/1uJJa9D

What Do You Call A Soldier Wearing Ice Skates?

What do you call a soldier wearing ice skates? A Bomb Squad team member, that’s what! Bomb Squad is the name of the men’s league ice hockey team that Theo, the hero of my latest contemporary romance, Risky Business, plays on. The team is only open to veterans who have been wounded in combat, and, because of that, the team members have formed a strong brotherhood that I’ll be exploring throughout the series.

Why Ice Hockey?

For a few reasons, the first being that ice hockey is my favorite sport and I’ve always wanted to write a romance featuring an ice hockey player. Then, the initial idea to write a series about a group of combat wounded veterans and their post-military lives came to me about the same time as the last winter Olympics, which were followed by the Paralympics. I wanted the ice hockey sled teams with awe. Those athletes are amazing! Which got me thinking…was there a standing paraplegic hockey team? And, of course, I soon discovered that there are tons of them the world over.

But even if you’re not a hockey fan, this book is for you because it’s a sweet and sexy contemporary romance, first and foremost. You’re going to love Allison, the woman who wins Theo’s heart. I have to say, their road to happiness is a bit bumpy, though. As you can tell from this scene…

A Sneak Preview of RISKY BUSINESS:

As of a few hours ago, Allison had a new mantra. Don’t think about it.
She could live with the aggravation and desperation that Theoren evoked in her, as long as it kept her from the other thought threatening to take precedence in her mind—that thought being about how he’d looked wearing nothing but a pair of sopping wet boxer shorts, as he had been a few short hours earlier on the deck of his houseboat.
Nope. Because she was his boss and that would be totally inappropriate.
He paced to the sink and paused to stare out the window. Allison’s eyes settled on his backside, now clad in worn jeans.
Don’t think about it.
She wrenched her gaze to the table and the cup of chamomile tea she’d poured an hour earlier. It was cold now, but she couldn’t bring herself to bully past him to the microwave to warm it up.
“Theoren… will you just sit down so we can talked about this civilly?”
“It’s Theo. And what was it that you wanted to civilly talk about?”
For the moment, annoyance won the battle over her desperation—and lust. “Don’t play stupid. You know we have a lot to talk about or else you wouldn’t still be here throwing a tantrum like a…like a…hungry bear.”
He prowled to the table, narrow eyed, and braced his hands on it, leaning toward her. “Have you ever seen a hungry bear? Because they don’t throw tantrums. They devour.”
She mimicked his pose, leaning in, getting in his face. “Are you going to devour me?” The second the words crossed her lips, her cheeks heated.
Stop thinking about that, Allison. For real, this time.

(I love that scene so much! That Theo is such a grouch sometimes… *swoon*)

And don’t forget to add Risky Business to your GOODREADS shelf: http://bit.ly/1cRHpbY

Giveaway: I’ve got a special treat for one lucky commenter. My reader friend Jackie has created handmade wallets with all three Bomb Squad book covers on them. I took the liberty of adding a $10 Starbucks gift card into the one I’m giving away on Reading in Pajamas blog today. For a chance to win the wallet and gift card, please comment on this post and let me know what your favorite sports and/or sports romance book is. Good luck! – Melissa Cutler

Bomb Squad Series by Melissa Cutler
Risky Business (A Bomb Squad Novel, Book 1) – August 2014
Undefeated (A Bomb Squad Novel, Book 2) – November 2014
Game Changer (A Bomb Squad Novel, Book 3) – April 2015

Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world writing sexy contemporary romances and romantic suspense. She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s enjoying Southern California’s flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids. She loves hearing from readers at melissa@melissacutler.net, or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MelissaCutlerBooks ) and Twitter (@m_cutler). Visit http://www.melissacutler.net to learn more about Melissa and her books and don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/16mkpCs

Posted in 4.5 Stars, Author Guest Post, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, romance reviews, romantic suspense
Tagged Berkley/NAL, Melissa Cutler, Review & Giveaway: Risky Business (A Bomb Squad Novel) by Melissa Cutler, Spotlight
29 Comments

August 6, 2014

Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: Temptation by Robin Covington

Temptation by Robin Covington
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

She needs to be good.

Five years ago, Kit Landry was homeless and alone at sixteen. Determined to ditch her crappy life, she moved to Nashville with only $200, her guitar, and a notebook full of songs. She hit it big as America’s country sweetheart, but a year of living like a rock star plus a stint in rehab has killed any good will she had with her label. The suits have ordered Kit to shape up or ship out of the limelight. The last thing she needs is a hot, sexy distraction with a sinful smile.

He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.

Max Butler is as far from a celebrity as you can get and he likes it that way. A Nashville firefighter, he’s living the single life with a revolving door of parties, friends, and a different woman in his bed every night. When his normal life suddenly collides with the girl on his favorite Rolling Stone cover, he sees the perfect chance to fulfill his ultimate fantasy and see just how bad Kit can be.

Sometimes bad is so very good.

With three weeks until Kit leaves for her big tour, Max promises to give her a break from being the good girl–no strings attached. But when hot days lead to sultry nights, the lines get blurred and suddenly three weeks of bad might not be good enough.

I loved it! Temptation is a hot new adult romance between a sexy firefighter and a country star. It captured and held my attention from start to finish. I devoured it and want to read it all over again. Temptation delivered the heat and burned up the pages. I love Robin Coivngton’s writing style. She’s a must read author for me that I highly recommend for all romance lovers. You won’t be disappointed!

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $0.99 http://amzn.to/1QggGNX | B&N $0.99 http://bit.ly/WUD08D | Kobo $0.99 http://bit.ly/1s1YjSt | iBooks $0.99 http://bit.ly/1tK7lnR

GIVEAWAY: Robin is giving away a $50 Giftcard to the online bookstore of the winner’s choice. This is an International giveaway.
Rafflecopter code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc4d7a9045/

I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss. How she’d tasted, how she’d felt in my arms. Despite the difference in our size, Kit fit perfectly against me—like she was made to be there. We had chemistry, alright. But that was all it was or would ever be.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find Shannon Jones?”
The voice came out of nowhere and I lurched up, banging the top of my head on the edge of the fire truck door. Biting back the “fuck me” that could get me written up, I straightened, turned, and found myself looking right into the eyes of the woman I’d just been obsessing over.
Kit was standing there in my station, an expression of surprise and then concern on her face as she glanced to where I’d clonked the living shit out of myself just seconds before. She was wearing a low-cut, little blue sundress and cowboy boots and everything else was miles of bare skin and dark curls. My brain went mushy. Maybe I’d hit my head harder than I’d thought.
Her voice was full of concern as she moved closer. “Max, are you okay? I didn’t mean to sneak up behind you.”
I stared at her like an idiot. In person, I was reminded again of just how gorgeous she was. She walked towards me and I couldn’t move, couldn’t take my eyes off of her. If you looked up “dumbstruck” in the dictionary, you’d see my goofy-ass face pasted right next to it.
I still hadn’t answered when she stopped in front of me. Standing on tiptoe she touched my recent injury. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Her voice was feminine, with a whiskey-edge that tied my gut up in knots. Her hand was cool on my over-heated skin and, as she moved closer, I could smell her sweet, summery, honeysuckle scent. All I wanted to do was pull her lush curves against my body, take her mouth, and find out exactly where this crazy chemistry would take us.
I definitely had a head injury because suddenly I realized that I had her close enough to do all those things and I wasn’t doing anything about it.
Get your shit together, Butler. Carpe the fucking diem.
I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards me, turning us so she was backed up against the door of the fire truck. She still held her packages in her hands and I missed the feel of her touch on my body, but I could work with what I had.
She stared up at me, her big, blue eyes wide with shock but mostly what I saw there was curiosity. She licked her lips and that was all the invitation I needed. I leaned into her, bypassing the prize of her mouth to press a kiss to her throat, just above the place where her pulse pounded against her skin. She was delicious all over, sweet and warm, and I wanted to drag her down to the floor and bury my cock inside her body for hours.
I looked down and realized that my hands were shaking, my breath as quick as hers—and I hadn’t even kissed her yet.
“When we fuck, it’s probably going to kill me.” It came out as a growl, as I tipped her face up to mine and wasted no more time in taking what I wanted.
Kit didn’t play games, no pretending that she didn’t want this, too. She opened to me, meeting my tongue more than halfway when I dove inside. She was as hungry as I was and the kiss was anything but the usual finesse I used on women. There was no slow seduction here. It wasn’t in my power to play games. I was at the mercy of whatever she would give me.
I slanted my mouth over hers, barely giving her a chance to take a breath before I went at her again like I was starving.
And I was famished. For her. It was the craziest thing I’d ever experienced, but I wasn’t going to let a little insanity stop me. It never had before.
I wrapped my arms around her waist, inserting my body in between her legs. The skirt of her dress rode up high on her thighs as I pressed my hard-on against the hot cleft of her pussy. I rolled my hips against her and she dropped the bags in her hands with a thud against the concrete, weaving her fingers into my hair with a pressure that brought a little pain with the pleasure.
I didn’t care. She could do whatever she wanted to my body as long as I got to do exactly what I was doing right now. As long as she let me do this and so much more.

Listen to the songs that inspired Temptation:
Code to embed Spotify playlist:

Direct link to the playlist: http://open.spotify.com/user/robincovingtonromance/playlist/4dOJEhR69scTCgmQIOqzQK

Robin Covington, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romance.
A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut novel was a 2012 finalist in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Awards, earned 4.5 stars and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she’s not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.
Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington and Maryland Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today. You can find Robin on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter (@RobinCovington).
Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppy.

Website: http://robincovingtonromance.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5812874.Robin_Covington
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinCovingtonAuthor?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robincovington
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Covington/e/B008BX1HY6

Posted in 5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, New Adult Romance, romance reviews
Tagged Review & Giveaway: Temptation by Robin Covington, Robin Covington, Spotlight
1 Comment

August 5, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole

Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to heal him—or vanquish him forever.

Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Endless Yearning
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

I loved it! Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark Series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series and I’ve been looking forward to Thronos and Lanthe’s story. Dark Skye is now one of my favorites in the series. It was filled with action, suspense, humor, and passion. It kept me on edge and flipping the pages until the end. Thronos and Lanthe’s love story was epic! A scorching hot and emotional story. I highly recommend this new book in this incredible series. Kresley Cole never disappoints and always leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book. One of the reasons I love her books so much is because when I pick one up I slip into another world and feel like I’m taking the journey with the characters. Not many writers can create that kind of experience for readers. If you haven’t read the series you should start at the beginning and if you’re a fan you’ll love Dark Skye. I can’t wait for the next book!

*Review copy provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle http://amzn.to/1FG1h3z | Amazon HBK http://amzn.to/1Ofa6Fo | B&N http://bit.ly/TXQRJ2 | Kobo http://bit.ly/1qshZL5

Click to access DARK-SKYE-Excerpt.pdf

★Dark Skye by Kresley Cole (Hardback or Ebook) GIVEAWAY★
✦Mobile Link: http://tinyurl.com/kua7xd4
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.

Her IAD books have been translated into twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals.”

WEBSITE: http://kresleycole.com/paranormal-romance/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/KresleyCole
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/kresleycole
BOOKSHELF: http://kresleycole.com/bookshelf/
YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/immortalsafterdark

★THE IMMORTALS AFTER DARK SERIES★

A sizzling paranormal series from Kresley Cole and Pocket Books

Introduction to the Immortals After Dark

Every creature or being that was thought to be mythical . . . isn’t.

They all secretly exist alongside humans and enjoy the gift of immortality. There are hundreds of different kinds: from Vampires to Lykae, from Furies to Shifters, from the Fey to Valkyries.
These immortals call their world The Lore.

You may have had a brush with one of Lorekind already. The eccentric billionaire with hypnotic charisma—and an aversion to sunlight. The ethereal waif of impossible beauty—whose fingernails look more like claws. The Highlander with a seventeenth-century Scottish accent and animal magnetism—who can never be penciled in on the night of the full moon.

They walk among us, but they war among themselves. Each faction has its strengths, weaknesses, and age old prejudices against the others. Every five hundred years, the Accession, a battle for supremacy, rages. That time is now. . . .

★THE IMMORTALS AFTER DARK SERIES ~ READING ORDER★
✦Novella: The Warlord Wants Forever ➢ $1.99 Amazon http://amzn.to/1yh1Ktf | B&N http://bit.ly/I1b2k3 | Kobo http://bit.ly/1bYcpc0
✦A Hunger Like No Other ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/145JxdA | B&N http://bit.ly/1efUPCC | Kobo http://bit.ly/I2SXSZ
✦No Rest for the Wicked ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/18Y0dqP | B&N http://bit.ly/17Ic2zF | Kobo http://bit.ly/1bYbZm1
✦Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1cd4HeS | B&N http://bit.ly/1jjgwBV | Kobo http://bit.ly/1cF1Smg
✦Dark Needs at Night’s Edge ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1e13idc | B&N http://bit.ly/1dSSmNB | Kobo http://bit.ly/1hUHl43
✦Dark Desires After Dusk ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1crWLGR | B&N http://bit.ly/18Mht0S | Kobo http://bit.ly/17IhliL
✦Kiss of A Demon King ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/19VY9k8 | B&N http://bit.ly/1bMPWk4 | Kobo http://bit.ly/17Igiz9
✦Deep Kiss of Winter Anthology ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/17qDvby | B&N http://bit.ly/1dSSLzx | Kobo http://bit.ly/1apxduA
✦Pleasure of a Dark Prince ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1crXnfN | B&N http://bit.ly/1bAOhdY | Kobo http://bit.ly/1b5EJgb
✦Demon from the Dark ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/14gGejG | B&N http://bit.ly/I19PsS | Kobo http://bit.ly/1hUGIrl
✦Dreams of a Dark Warrior ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/145Kdzt | B&N http://bit.ly/185JMg8 | Kobo http://bit.ly/1aDLUJA
✦Lothaire ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1aM2glC | B&N http://bit.ly/I1adaS | Kobo http://bit.ly/1degr59
✦Not part of the series, but I recommend reading before MACRIEVE ~ Shadow’s Claim (The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist Series, Book 1) ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/18t6DvY | B&N http://bit.ly/1fcEpOm | Kobo http://bit.ly/17kSioO
✦MacRieve ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18WSMQx | B&N http://bit.ly/1aprRPS| Kobo http://bit.ly/1b5Ef9I
✦Dark Skye ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1FG1h3z | Amazon HBK http://amzn.to/1Ofa6Fo | B&N http://bit.ly/TXQRJ2 | Kobo http://bit.ly/1qshZL5
✦Sweet Ruin ➢ Amazon http://amzn.to/1POawCt

Teasers from Kresley Cole’s Page

Posted in 5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, paranormal romance, Teasers
Tagged Dark Skye, Gallery Books, Giveaway, Immortals After Dark, Kresley Cole, Review & Giveaway: Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole, Spotlight
1 Comment

July 14, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Her Temporary Hero (Once a Marine Series) by Jennifer Apodaca

Her Temporary Hero (Once a Marine Series) by Jennifer Apodaca
Publication Date: July 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

Former beauty queen Becky Holmes and her baby are on the run from her dangerous ex. With her dreams of love and marriage destroyed, she’ll do anything to protect her child…even agree to hide out in her boss’s cousin’s house while he’s away.

Wealthy, sexy, and emotionally haunted Logan Knight needs a temporary wife to get his land, per his dad’s rules. No wife, no inheritance. But when that wife lands on his doorstep and comes with a baby, his darkest memories are triggered. He tries to keep his distance, but his efforts are shattered when he starts to have real feelings for his fake wife and child.

Just as Logan begins to think he may have a future with Becky, his attempt to have it all backfires into a betrayal that forces Becky into a heart-wrenching choice no woman should ever have to make.

I loved it! Becky is a single mom on the run from an abusive and dangerous ex and Logan Knight is just the man to protect her. He’s dealing with his own emotional issues from serving in the marines. I loved him! Sexy cowboy who knows how to talk dirty. Yum! Her Temporary Hero is fill of plenty of action, danger, and smoking hot romance. I couldn’t put it down! Jennifer Apodaca who also writes as Jennifer Lyon always delivers a great story and is one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next book in the Once a Marine series. Also be sure to check out the erotica romance series and paranormal romance books she writes as Jennifer Lyon. I love them all!

*Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle http://amzn.to/1KznO6H | B&N http://bit.ly/1rhbImT | Kobo http://bit.ly/1wfNs4K

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY: (EBOOK COPY Kindle or Nook) Her Temporary Hero (Once a Marine Series) by Jennifer Apodaca
ENTER: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingInPajamas/photos/a.523273397722860.132625.523268664390000/787027954680735/?type=1&theater

*NOTE ebooks will be gifted from Amazon or B&N and paid for by Reading In Pajamas

Chapter One

“Diapers are expensive, baby girl. What do you think about giving them up?”
Becky Holmes smiled at her daughter perched carefully on her hip, while dropping the precious diapers in the backseat of her weathered Toyota Corolla. Three months of experience had taught her to handle almost any task one-handed. Sophie babbled her answer while Becky secured her in the car seat. The baby’s intense hazel eyes flecked with gray were full of mischief.
“Is that a no?” Fixing the shimmering lilac bow on her oh-so-kissable bald head, she laughed. “Then we’d better get home so I can work on that pageant dress, now hadn’t we?” Setting a cloth book on Sophie’s tummy, she backed out and closed the door. Once they got home, if the baby slept two hours, then she’d be able to finish the dress. With luck, she
could deliver it tonight on her way to her cleaning job and—
Her back hit a warm object. Not a car. A man.
Elemental fear shot down her spine. Becky forced herself to breathe and angled her head enough to catch the reflection in the window of her car. Oh God. Fisting her car keys, she spun around and faced the man who’d put her in the hospital a year ago. “Dylan, you’re out.” Of prison. This couldn’t be happening. He’d taken a plea deal for a hit-and-run accident and been sentenced to a few years in prison. It’d only been five months since he went away. But there he stood, five feet, ten inches of boyish charm, unchecked arrogance, and a carefully cloaked snake-mean streak.
Becky wasn’t afraid of snakes.
She was terrified of Dylan.
His sky blue eyes flicked past her to the backseat. “You’re such a cliché, a dirt dumb ex-beauty queen. Of course I’m out. I’m a Ridgemont. By this time next year, that conviction will be overturned, and the state of Texas will be paying me for their grave error.”
Culture and education flowed through his voice. But he wasn’t totally wrong—she had been dirt dumb to believe that son and heir of the Ridgemont Empire had fallen in love with the scholarship girl from the trailer park. Even dumber not to see the signs of his vicious side. But she’d wised up and wasn’t letting him hurt her baby.
Their baby.
“Okay.” She needed to keep him calm and get away. What did he want? Becky looked around the grocery store parking lot, but there was no one to help. “I don’t want to keep you if you’re heading into the store. I need to get going.”
Dylan curved the left half of his mouth. “Back to your trailer with the new For Sale sign that your ugly ass dog likes to pee on? Or are you taking my kid to work with you tonight cleaning the Wyatt Medical group offices? You don’t go to work until much later, so maybe you’re going to your mom’s new digs at the cemetery?”
Chills skittered down her spine. Greasy sickness coated her mouth. He knew where she lived, worked, and that her mom had died. “You’ve been following me.” The words spilled out and her fear ratcheted up. And up. Until it pounded in her head with the beat of, run, run, run.
Dylan leaned in, slapping his hand on the roof of her car, lowering his voice to a whisper. “I have people to do whatever I need done. I know exactly where you are at all times in case I want to finish what we started the day you ratted me out to the cops over a useless bum that no one gave two shits about.”
“You’ll go back to prison if you touch me.” Becky leaned against the door to keep baby Sophie safe from her father. That whole terrible night replayed in her brain…but the worst of it had been his cold callousness after he hit the man with his truck. Dylan had left him on the street in a pool of blood, driving away with Becky screaming in the passenger seat.
No, don’t think about that, stay focused.
“Keep telling yourself that.” He leaned so close she smelled coffee on his breath. “Oh, and you’d better start saying your good-byes to the brat. I have a team of lawyers working on getting full custody of the kid. You caused me major problems with my family by having it.”
What? No! “You won’t win.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach, desperation hammering up her spine. The thought of Sophie in his care was too much. Too awful. Losing Sophie would kill her, but her real fear was for her child’s safety.
“You tried to destroy my life by ratting me out and having that kid after I told you to get rid of it. Payback’s a bitch.” He turned and strode off.
Becky ran around her car, jumped in, and locked all the doors. Her hands shook so badly she couldn’t get the key in the ignition. In the backseat, Sophie gurgled and tried to pick up the book in her fat fists.
Oh God, what to do? Run, but where? How? Her best friend, Ava, lived in a tiny place with two other girls. She couldn’t go there. Maybe a shelter? Leave Dallas, or the state of Texas altogether? Finally getting the key in, she started the car and got them on the road. She hurried home, watching her rearview mirror the entire time.
Was Dylan following them? How long had he been watching them? She needed the money from the sale of the trailer to make a new life for her and Sophie. Or pay lawyers
if it came to a custody battle.
She’d thought she had more time, but she’d been wrong. She had to find a safe place to stay while selling the trailer. There was only one person Becky could think of who might be able to help—her boss, Lucinda Knight.

…

Award winning author Jennifer Apodaca grew up in Southern California and met her very own hero at the dog pound. She worked there, he came in on a business, and it was puppy love. They married and had three wonderful sons.

While her husband worked on his master’s degree, Jen did the mom thing by day and went to college at night with the intention of perusing a marketing degree. But her true passion was writing. With time at a premium, she had to make a choice.

Choosing writing, and with the full support of her husband, she poured herself into her dream. A mere eight years later, she published her first book DATING CAN BE MURDER. In her career, Jen has written a fun and sexy mystery series and a variety of contemporary romances. Taking the pen name of Jennifer Lyon, she also created a dark, sizzling paranormal series, and most recently, The Plus One Chronicles, an emotional and sexy adult contemporary series.

Jen has achieved many of her dreams except for attaining a self-cleaning house, a latte delivery service, and finding the holy grail of nonfattening wine and chocolate. She can live with those disappointments as long as she can keep writing the stories she loves to share with readers.

Website: http://jenniferlyonbooks.com/jennifer-apodaca/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferlyonbooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jenniferlyon

*****
CHECK OUT BOOK 1:
✦The Baby Bargain: A Once a Marine Series Book by Jennifer Apodaca
Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/s3d0RZ-283
Kindle http://amzn.to/1dmJoM4 | Nook http://bit.ly/1gyUgEV | Kobo http://bit.ly/1cwqQSL

Posted in 5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Cori's Reviews, Giveaways, romance reviews
Tagged Emtangled Publishing, Jennifer Apodaca, Jennifer Lyon, Review & Giveaway: Her Temporary Hero (Once a Marine Series) by Jennifer Apodaca, Spotlight
1 Comment

July 14, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: Enemies on Tap (a Sweet Salvation Brewery Novel) by Avery Flynn

Enemies on Tap (a Sweet Salvation Brewery Novel) by Avery Flynn
Publication Date: July 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars

Brewing up trouble one pint at a time.

Enemies …After years away, Miranda Sweet returns to Salvation, Virginia to save her family’s brewery, but her fate is in the hands of her lover-turned-enemy, Logan. What’s a girl to do when the only person who can help her is the man who betrayed her?

Lovers …Logan Martin can’t believe his luck when the woman who smashed his heart to smithereens walks into his bank asking for his help. What she doesn’t know is that he needs the land her brewery is on–and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

An Irresistible Combination …Their wager becomes a battle between their attraction and their determination to win. But it’s in each other’s arms that they realize there might be more at stake now than their bet. With the town against the Sweet Salvation Brewery’s success, Logan has to choose between what’s expected of him and what he really wants…

A very enjoyable story showcasing small town bias and Miranda’s determination to rise above it. Ms. Flynn gives us believable characters that you come to care about and yes, some you just hate. But that’s what makes the book a fun read. I loved how Miranda and Logan’s hot romance developed even with all the deep seated angst thrown at them. I can’t wait to see who’ll be next in this new series and what the town of Salvation will brew up next.

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle http://geni.us/15rN | B&N http://bit.ly/1wfNKIR | Kobo http://bit.ly/1wfNERH | iBooks http://geni.us/tHG

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY: (EBOOK COPY Kindle or Nook) Enemies on Tap (a Sweet Salvation Brewery Novel) by Avery Flynn
Enter: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingInPajamas/photos/a.523273397722860.132625.523268664390000/787008948015969/?type=1&theater

*NOTE ebooks will be gifted from Amazon or B&N and paid for by Reading In Pajamas

http://averyflynn.com/books/enemies-on-tap-sweet-salvation-brewery-1/enemies-on-tap-giveaway/

Enemies on Tap By Avery Flynn
***EXCERPT***

“Tell me something, Miranda.” Giving into the need ready to eat him alive, Logan positioned himself between her open legs and placed his palms flat on either side of her luscious hips.

The pulse in her neck kept pace with his own rapid heart rate, and his body throbbed with want. He couldn’t help but inhale a deep breath of her teasing scent. If he didn’t watch it, he’d be falling for the enemy. Again.

“What counts as fair?”

Her teeth raked across her bottom lip before she sucked it in. “Stop bribing contractors not to work with me.”

He shouldn’t just say no, but hell no. That squirrelly guy from the brewery had been right. Logan hated to lose. Hated. It. But he didn’t give a rat’s ass about all of that right now, not with Miranda so close he could count each one of the freckles decorating her cleavage until they disappeared
beneath the V of her sweater. Even with the bet and their personal history hanging over them, he needed to count the freckles hidden by the soft cashmere.

Could there be a way if they fought fair? Was he ready to take that bet?

Miranda’s tongue swiped across the center of her very pink bottom lip, but her hooded gaze never wavered from his eyes.

Logan slid his hands over her jeans until his palms lay across her firm thighs, thumbs against the raised inseam of her jeans. The feel of her against him heightened everything except his sense of self-preservation. Fuck it. He was all in.

“I’ll stop bribing contractors not to work with you.”

The single sentence hung in the inch of air between them. Tension pulled his balls tight, and need swirled at the base of his spine. Primal. Bone deep. All-encompassing. Worlds were created or destroyed in moments like this.

She flexed her muscles beneath his touch, leaning forward as her lips parted. “I don’t want to want you, and this doesn’t change anything.” Her words brushed against his parted lips, taunting him with their nearness. “I still hate your guts.”

“Liar.” His mouth crashed down to hers, and he surrendered to the combustible cocktail of frustration, lust, and something too new to define drowning them both.

***

Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Website: http://averyflynn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AveryFlynnAuthor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AveryFlynn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AveryFlynn

July 7, 2014

SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: MY HUNGER (Inside Out Series Novella) by Lisa Renee Jones

MY HUNGER (Inside Out Series Novella) by Lisa Renee Jones
Publication Date: July 7, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/Donna
Rated: 3.5 Stars

From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, an Inside Out series e-short told from Mark’s point of view, as he battles his all-consuming desire for Crystal.

Devastated by Rebecca’s death, Mark is facing the chaos of the press and the police investigation alone, his reputation, his business, and even his freedom under threat. When a family emergency sends him back east to New York, he puts Crystal—who’s as capable as she is challenging—in charge of his San Francisco art gallery. A Master, all about control, right now he feels that he has none. With his secret sex club and his relationships of the past in the spotlight, Mark finds sanctuary in the one place he promised he would never be again—but cannot seem to resist. Crystal’s arms.

If you’ve been following the Inside Out series, you will love this novella. Mr. Control shares his inner turmoil and guilt over things that have transpired and Crystal is the one woman strong enough to meet him head on. A short and sexy story that truly leaves you wanting more. I do wish it wasn’t so dark and emotional but there is no way around it at this point in the saga. I also get frustrated with cliffhanger endings unless the next installment is ready to be read.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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“Hi,” she says softly, almost timidly, and this part of her is as much who she is as the one who screamed more at me. The contrast appeals to me. She appeals to me.

“Hello, Ms. Smith,” I reply.

“Make up your mind,” she insists. “Is it Crystal or Ms. Smith?”

My lips curve. “I find I’m surprisingly willing to keep my options open where you’re concerned. Let me help you with your coat.” I step behind her, my hands settling on her shoulders, my actions making my words a command rather than a question. I do not intend to ask Crystal Smith for anything.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, shrugging out of the trench coat.

Testing the tension between us, I drag it down her arms, letting my hands caress the sheer red chiffon sleeves of her dress, and she shivers. The attraction between us is a simmering heat ready to boil over, and no matter how absolutely wrong she is for me, or me for her, we aren’t through with each
other.

The waiter appears and I’m handing off Crystal’s coat when she whirls around and intercepts it. “I’ll keep it here,” she says quickly.

The way she holds it close tells me she’s preparing for a fast retreat, which means I’d been right. She ran from my hotel room.

I motion to the seat, silently suggesting we sit, but she doesn’t immediately move. Of course not. That would suggest a hint of submission, and she doesn’t intend to submit. And since I don’t intend to ever convert another woman who isn’t already living the lifestyle, we have no options. We cannot fuck again, no matter how much tension is in the air.

So we stand there, the seconds ticking by, and I arch a brow. Her sweet little pink tongue flicks over her lush, red-painted lips, and I think of how close I’d been to having that tongue and mouth on my cock. I slide into the booth, noticing how Crystal sits far from the center, where lovers might gravitate. We, though, are not lovers. We are “just a fuck.” Not even two.

The waiter returns and offers us menus. Crystal accepts hers, opening it, and glances across the table at me. “Do you have a recommendation?”

“We’re both virgins tonight,” I say.

She laughs, mischief in her eyes. “I’m pretty sure you weren’t a virgin even when you were born, Mark Compton.” The waiter chokes and Crystal flushes, as if she’d forgotten he was there.

I cut a look at the college-age waiter, who is looking like a deer in the headlights, not sure if he should go or stay. “Do you have a recommendation?”

Looking relieved, he quickly replies, “Best burger and fries in New York City.”

“Just fries for me,” Crystal says. “And a Diet Coke.” She slides her menu across the table. “The diet drink makes up for the grease.”

This somehow perfectly fits the logic I’m coming to expect from her. “I’ll take the burger with my fries,” I say, also offering my menu to the waiter. “Well done, with bacon and cheddar cheese.” My lips quirk. “And a Diet Coke to combat the grease.”

He snatches up our menus and departs. Crystal smiles at me. “I’m a good influence on your diet.”

“Had I known Diet Coke killed grease, I’d have given up my gym routine and healthy eating for burgers and fries a long time ago.”

She sighs, and the tension I’d sensed in her seems to be fading. “Truthfully, I normally force myself to order a salad, but I’m just too exhausted to care tonight.”

“I trust you had our contracted courier handle the delivery of the auction items?”

“Yes. They should arrive tomorrow.”

“And I’ll head back to San Francisco tomorrow. They hope to release my mother from the hospital on Thursday, so if all goes well I’ll be back by then.”

“Don’t worry about Riptide. I’ll take care of the auction house and let you know if I have a problem I need help with.” Her tone sobers. “You can count on me, Mark. Nothing is going to change that, and I’m very attached to your mother.”

“As she is to you.” My curiosity about why she doesn’t work for her family’s computer empire gets the best of me. “Are you close to your mother, as well?”

“I love her very much, but we’re very different. I think I bond with your mother because we’re so alike.”

“Driven and hard-headed,” I comment. “I’d have to agree. And your mother is . . . ?”

She seems to consider her choice of words before saying, “Submissive.”

“Submissive,” I repeat, reminded of a few other comments that make me wonder if she’s more familiar with the BDSM world than she’s let on. “To your father?”

“To him and to everything. It’s her personality.”

“Then you inherited the dominant gene from your father, I assume.”

“I’m adopted, so what I inherited are overly protective, loving parents and two brothers. If they all had their way, I’d work for the family business and I’d live in a luxury apartment I didn’t earn myself. They’d examine the resumes of any men wishing to date me and ask for a medical report on anyone I slept with, and in general my world would be those roses and chocolates I mentioned.”

Her words seem playful, but there’s something dark in her eyes, something vulnerable—and if I’m right, there’s pain. “How old were you when you were adopted?” I ask, choosing my questions cautiously.

“Fourteen, and yes, it’s an old age to get adopted.”

I know what it’s like to bury something that hurts that you don’t want to be known, and I know when I see it in someone else, as I do now with her. Suddenly there’s so much more to Crystal Smith than there was before, an explanation for why I’m drawn to her.

About to ask where she was before the adoption, I silently curse when the waiter appears and places our drinks on the table.

“So,” Crystal says the instant we’re alone, as if she’s trying to direct the conversation away from whatever I might ask next. “You mentioned wanting to talk to me about something. What is it?”

Seeing no point in waiting, I reply, “I assume you know what happened with my gallery back in San Francisco?”

“I know your sales rep Mary was arrested for trying to move counterfeit art through Riptide, and shockingly Ricco Alvarez was involved. I’m not sure what makes a famous artist worth millions do such a thing.”

Jealousy over Rebecca. “The important thing is that you’re prepared for customers who might have read about it and have questions.”

“Your mother and I discussed how to handle press inquiries and customer concerns.”

There’s one problem solved. “Do you know about Rebecca?”

“The last I heard, she was on a leave of absence.”

A band seems to tighten around my chest. “She was.”

Brow furrowing, Crystal asks, “Was? She’s back or . . .” Her eyes go wide. “Oh no. Was she involved in the counterfeit situation, too? Your mother seemed to think so much of her. That would destroy her.”

She’s right. My mother was fond of Rebecca, much like she is of Crystal. “She wasn’t involved. She’s dead.”

————

Posted in 3.5 Stars, Author Spotlight, Donna's Reviews, Giveaways, romance reviews
Tagged Pocket Star, Review & Giveaway: MY HUNGER (Inside Out Series Novella) by Lisa Renee Jones, Spotlight
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July 4, 2014

Spotlight, Review & Interview: For the Longest Time: The Harvest Cove Series by Kendra Leigh Castle

For the Longest Time: The Harvest Cove Series by Kendra Leigh Castle
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

For Samantha Henry, it took a ten-year absence to appreciate the close-knit New England town with an appeal all its own….

After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years.

Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.

I loved For the Longest Time! This is the first book in Kendra Leigh Castle’s new contemporary series, The Harvest Cove Series. I’m a fan of Ms. Castle’s paranormals and when I saw she was coming out with a contemporary series I grabbed it. I was not disappointed. For the Longest Time is fun romance with great characters and a great storyline. I loved the interactions between the eccentric and sarcastic artist Sam and the sexy town veterinarian Jake. Jake broke Sam’s heart in high school and while she has her guard up I like that she was not afraid to risk it again. They had great chemistry that heated up the pages. Their banter had me laughing. The story flowed easily and made this a great romance to read. Great summer romance to pick up and read by the pool or beach this summer! There were several secondary characters that I’d love to see get their own books as well. I loved the book and can’t wait for the next book in this fun new romance series.

*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle $6.28 http://georiot.co/2Nkf | Amazon PBK $6.61 http://georiot.co/3lcb | B&N (PBK $6.61/ Nook $7.99) http://bit.ly/1sOWolp | Kobo $7.99 http://bit.ly/1vkAVfV

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Reading in Pajamas Interview – FOR THE LONGEST TIME by Kendra Leigh Castle
Cori’s Interview With Kendra Leigh Castle

1. What are you currently working on? Anything else planned for 2014 and 2015?
Oh, I’m always working on something! For the Longest Time is my only release for the rest of 2014, but the sequel, Every little Kiss, will come out in March 2015. That’s finished, and I’m writing the third book in the series, which I’ll turn in this October. I’m also hoping to write a connected novella in the coming months. We’ll see if I manage it!

2. You write both contemporary and paranormal romance. Do you have a favorite?

I thought I would, but I don’t. I love the fantastic element of paranormals, where I can create worlds and supernatural creatures out of thin air. But it turns out that I also love the warmth and realism of contemporaries, and the way I can really focus on the characters’ relationship and bring my sense of humor more fully into the story. It’s been lovely to stretch my writing muscles and try something new, and I have to say I really enjoy both subgenres.

3. I love to read anything that falls in the romance category. Do you have a reading preference? Favorite author?
My favorite romance author is Nalini Singh. Her Guild Hunters series is just amazing, and I’ve already pre-ordered the next book in it. My reading tends to be all over the map. I love romance, but I also read fantasy, horror, general fiction…anything that looks interesting. Mainly I just like to read!

4. Where do your story ideas come from?
I wish I knew! They just sort of arrive. According to my parents, I always had an active imagination.

5. Do you know the full story when you sit down to write a book or do the characters lead you down a different path as you write their story?
No, I never know the full story. I know where it starts, and roughly where it finishes (though the ending has turned out to be a bit different than I expected often enough), but the middle part is an adventure. Every writer works differently, but for me, I think knowing exactly what was going to happen would take all the fun out of it. I like not knowing, and I love the moments where the pieces click together and I discover something new about my characters and the story I’m telling. Those “A-ha!” moments are the best.

Kendra Leigh Castle is a RITA award-nominated, multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where her love of curling up with a blanket and a good book came early, she penned her debut novel as a Navy wife living in the Nevada desert. Since then, she has managed to continue working in her pajamas while moving around the country. Kendra currently makes her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, three children, and a menagerie of pets. She drinks too much coffee, stays up too late, and loves to hear from her readers, who make this crazy job worthwhile.

Website: http://www.kendraleighcastle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkendraleighcastle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendralcastle
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1180263.Kendra_Leigh_Castle

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