Search Results for: Chill Out

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Nicole Kimberling

February 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Nicole Kimberling
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (60 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Cactus

Small town Pacific Northwest reporter Peter Fontaine wants to level up. A job offer in Austin seems to be the answer to his prayers, but there’s one catch: his boyfriend, Nick Olson, artist, recluse, and snow-loving outdoorsman.

When Peter agrees to go to the Freezing Man snow sculpture competition, he thinks he’s going to get a lesson in making love in a hollowed-out snowball in the woods. He thinks he’ll either find a way to convince Nick to come to the Lone Star State or be forced to say goodbye. But one frozen corpse derails Peter’s personal plans entirely…

Two hot men in an igloo for a weekend, what could go wrong? That was the question Peter was asking himself before embarking on a weekend trip with his boyfriend. This sequel to the popular, Primal Red, picks up two years after the other ended as Peter and Nick are now an established couple living together. Unfortunately Peter wants more than being a reporter for a local newspaper but Nick has no intention of moving. Not to mention there is the small problem of a dead body on their romantic getaway.

Although this is a sequel, the story can easily be read as a stand alone. There is enough information given so anyone can pick up the story and be immersed into the characters and setting easily. One of the trademarks of Kimberling’s writing is great, visual details and this story is no different. The crisp, wintery cold comes alive so much that you’ll want a blanket and hot drink while reading. There are numerous bits of humor included from sleeping in an igloo – sorry () – to Peter’s unintended investigation. If you want to purchase cialis cheap online continue reading these guys from reputable pharmacy for good prices and purity of the medicine. A poor lifestyle is responsible for stress and anxiety disorders and for the second, they recruited 507 non-clinical adults through the cheap cialis viagra Internet. Things such as work requirements, stress, the demands of purchasing here cheapest cialis different types of clients. This is applicable downtownsault.org viagra sample pills to Night Fire capsules are the best sex enhancer herbal pills to increase ejaculation force and volume naturally. The story is not actually a comedy as the seriousness of the murder does combine with potential problems between Peter and Nick. Thankfully the author deftly handles the humor and the serious tone so neither one overwhelms.

The characters are well drawn and perhaps even more so since time has passed from their first meeting. I wasn’t such a fan of Primal Red and felt the characters were too flat and one dimensional, but here Peter has developed and matured offering a much better man. Nick is still a mystery since the novella is told from Peter’s point of view and Nick is hardly the chatty type. Their relationship is shown through a number of subtle details such as Nick’s smirk or his physical affection towards Peter. This comes to a head when Peter starts to question the people around them in conjunction with the murder and no one is happy about it. Nick shows why Peter’s loyalty and love for him are deserved even as Nick rarely actually says what he’s feeling.

This story is the perfect size with a decent murder mystery, wrapped up easily so the focus can be on the men themselves. The murder and subsequent mini-investigation help Peter and Nick clarify their priorities and their willingness to compromise. The look back into their relationship was very welcome and in my opinion, an even better story than the first. This can easily be read on its own without having read the prior book so readers won’t feel lost. This chilly, wintery romance is a great treat when you want to bundle up and indulge.

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Shoebox Baby by Sharon Bruce – Spotlight and Giveaway

August 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Shoebox Baby is a creative non-fiction story based on the life of Susan Fenton and her family. Sue was born in Nova Scotia on a blustery winter night in a crude weather-worn shack with dirt floors. Although the doctor told Sue’s mother that her baby would be dead before the morning, she made every attempt to keep her infant alive.

Sue and her siblings were born into poverty, survived the Depression and the fall-out of World War II, and contended with tuberculosis, unemployment and polio. This book is filled with family antics, joy, sorrow, laughter, and mystery, covering the trials, triumphs and hilarious exploits of the large and colourful cast of characters that is the Fenton family.

Sue’s courageous determination to live a full life, regardless of the limitations others imposed on her and the circumstances that came her way, made her a remarkably resilient woman.

Enjoy an Excerpt

There was something about that turbulent winter night that sent a deep chill through Grace like no other. She felt the howling bitter ocean wind coming through the walls of the weather-worn shack she called home. Newspapers stuffed between the boards did little to keep the chill out of the air. Grace hoped that the meagre fire in the wood stove and the few old grey woollen blankets would keep her five children warm enough, and she longed for her husband Marshall.

In May of 1929, at the start of the Great Depression, Marshall and his brother Alexander were laid off from the local mine. They had to leave Pictou and found work in the sawmill in Yarmouth, three hundred miles away on the other side of the province. Poverty became the norm and food was as scarce for the Fenton’s as for most families. Grace was thankful they were still able to pay the rent on the home they lived in, even though it could be considered more of a shack than a house. So many families were homeless, and several of the less fortunate had died on the streets.

In the following three years, Marshall and Alexander could only find short-term, menial jobs that compensated minimal wages. The Fenton family was already impoverished and barely able to survive before the Depression.

About the Author:

Writing has been Sharon’s passion since childhood. At seven years old she won first prize at a local fall fair for her story about a stuffed pink elephant. Since then, she was hooked. Articles, poems and the book Beyond the Forests of Yesteryears are part of her publishing portfolio. Curiosity mixed with a love of hearing and writing unique stories about others is the subject of her work. Some call it being darn right nosey, others call it vivid creativity. During her career she worked in the social services field with individuals, families, groups and organizations to address social and cultural issues. A significant part of her job included inspirational speaking and sharing stories. Sharon was raised in Northeastern Ontario, Canada, where she resides with her husband. Together they enjoy retirement and organizing activities for seniors, which includes writing and acting out comical skits for small audiences.

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Sun, Sea and Summer Songs by Megan Slayer – Spotlight and Giveaway

July 20, 2021 By 6 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a Prize Pack featuring a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Two men, one song and a summer to reconnect.

Jude Sanders walked away from Blake Payton three years ago and vowed not to look back…but the song he wrote and recorded with Blake has become a hit and he’s forced to perform the song with Blake all summer. He’s got to make a decision—face the mistakes in his past and give Blake another try or turn his back on their love forever.

Blake Payton knew the moment he and Jude recorded Summer Song that they’d created a hit. Summer hasn’t been the same without Jude in his life and he sees the tour as the ultimate chance to prove they belong together.

Will the tour, their lost love and the song of the summer be enough to put the pieces back together for good?

Reader advisory: This book contains references to excess drinking and cocaine addiction, references to abusive alcoholic father and childhood poverty. There is a scene involving sexual assault.

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Remember the song I did with Jude Sanders? Three years down the road, it’s a hit. Summer Song is the defining song of this season—according to the charts. What do you think about that?” He’d known the song was a hit when they’d recorded it, but Kel and others had seen it as a liability.

“Gag. You know why that is?” Kel asked. “Because a few disc jockeys and their veejay friends worked with influencers and kids on the internet to promote it. They made it happen. Big deal.”

“If the numbers are right, then it is a big deal and will be a good payday.” He switched off the monitor. “I could use the money and chance to get back to playing music instead of doing these lousy movies.”

“You’re doing the movie. Period. You don’t need to record music any longer. You can do this and get more attention. Remember how you wanted to do that bio pic? The Rat Ragland film? If you keep doing these and show your range, you’ll get that film.” Kel folded his arms. “You do realize you get more eyeballs this way.”

“Eyeballs don’t help when I’m not getting paid for the work.” He fiddled with the mirror again. The memory of his reflection came to mind. He’d been made up to look old, and the creases and dark circles did him no favors. He wanted to record again. He came alive in the studio and music flowed in his soul. Playing the movie star wasn’t his thing, no matter how much he wanted to do the punk rocker’s bio flick. He hated trying to remember his lines while being someone else. Being himself was hard enough. His fans expected Payday, the flamboyant pop star with no holds barred. They wanted spectacle and sass.

“You’re getting paid.” Kel swatted Blake’s arm. “Grow up and stop getting pissed. It’s crap.”

“Why?” He watched Kel flip through the book on the counter. Blake doubted Kel read much of anything, especially not Shakespeare. He wouldn’t know a rhyming couplet from expository writing. Kel tossed the book onto the couch and glared at Blake. His stare could bore holes through steel when he got angry. Kel liked to use his hands and his thundering voice to get his point across. Most of the time, the tactic worked and Blake benefitted, but sometimes Kel could be abrasive and cruel.

“You have the whole summer ahead of you, so stop thinking about the past and enjoy the sun. You’re in California. There’s sun, fun and chicks. Get laid and shut up.” Kel shook his head. “Ever since Jude got into your brain and messed with you, you’ve been off your game.”

No kidding. Jude had churned up the feelings Blake thought he’d buried. Then again, Blake hadn’t come out to Kel, and Kel had no idea Blake wasn’t attracted to women. Christ. His behavior and appearance, wearing makeup and the rainbow colors, should’ve clued Kel in by now. Every time he did a collaboration, he did it with camp and style. He preferred to sing with other men and be flamboyant.

“Let me find you a chick. We’ll get you sexed up and you’ll chill out.” Kel nodded. “I’ll be back.”

Blake sighed as his promoter left. He didn’t want to be with a woman, random or otherwise. Truth be told, he wanted to be with Jude. That wasn’t going to happen now, and he’d have to listen to their song all summer as a reminder of what he’d given up.

©Megan Slayer, 2021, All Rights Reserved

About the Author:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. Find out more about Megan and Wendi at her website.

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Buy the book at First for Romance, Amazon, Books2Read, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, or Google.

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How to Rope a Rich Cowboy by Anya Summers – Spotlight and Giveaway

December 3, 2020 By 2 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a randomly drawn commenter a $25 Amazon/BN GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Colt Anderson is burned out. Every part of his daily life has become a tedious chore. He cannot remember the last time he took a day off or, better yet, felt a woman’s willing surrender. And it’s just his luck that on his first day off in ages, he runs into a sexy squatter on his property, never expecting that single interaction would alter the very fabric of his world.

Still, he cannot seem to stay away from the sultry scientist, Avery. Colt feels bad for her, worries that she is running from something, and decides to cover her stay at the ranch. After all, he owns the place and has plenty of cash. Although that tiny little detail is a secret he plans on keeping to himself. It is addictive having a woman look in his direction and not see dollar signs for a change.

Because when Avery casts those goddess eyes his way, he’s just a man, a man she craves and submits to body and soul, like he’s her man, and his longing for her has him tied up in knots. With trouble and danger drawn to her like magnets, Avery pulls out his protective, dominant nature. The woman needs a keeper, and he’s the perfect man for the job.

Now he has less than two weeks to convince her to stay, to make her fall for him before she discovers he’s rich. But will she hate him when she discovers his deception?

Enjoy an Excerpt

Tank snorted and tossed his head, breaking Colt out of his somber reverie.

“What’s up, boy? Smell something?” That’s when he noticed that the daylight had darkened considerably.

The wind that had been a gentle, humid, summer breeze now whipped tumultuously through the trees. He glanced up and his stomach dropped. Shit.

Dark clouds advanced on a warpath across the sky. Bright flashes of lightning arced across the heavens. And a deep rumble of thunder crashed, increasing in sound and tenor as the storm barreled into the area.

A midafternoon squall was common at this time of year. They could also be deadly this high up. There was a cabin nearby, one of the higher elevation getaways that Colt knew was vacant at the present time. Without a second to lose, he veered Tank off the path, and plodded toward the back-country road. He prayed that they would make it before the storm unleashed its fury in earnest.

Tank sensed his urgency with the approaching tempest, and increased his pace.

Luckily, the cabins all had a small barn with two stalls inside that were attached on the side, for visitors who brought their own horses with them for the trails and didn’t want to pay to stable them at the main barn. He’d get Tank settled out of the elements and would then chill out in the cabin while the storm raged. He might be spending a night up here after all. It could be exactly what he needed. He had a satellite phone in his bag in case of emergencies. The cabins were stocked with wood for the fireplace. And while all he had was a sandwich and water, he’d make do with what he had. At least the house keys in his saddlebag also had master keys for the ranch. Directly inside each barn door was a small lockbox on the wall that held a key to the cabin. The lockboxes were all keyed the same for maintenance. Since so many of their cabins were quite a way from the main hub, it was easier when they were on calls to be able to head directly to the next cabin and not have to worry about whether they had a key to enter.

When they were about an eighth of a mile out from the cabin, the rain began to fall in thick, heavy sheets. Lightning flashed. Thunder boomed. Tank snorted, tossing his head at the bellowing roar as the storm arrived with vehemence. Colt raced Tank as fast as was safe. He wouldn’t risk hurting the stallion. Rain dripped off the rim of his ivory Stetson. Water coated his blue jeans and gray tee shirt, and slipped down his calves into his brown leather cowboy boots. At least they were one of his older, well-worn pairs he reserved for working the stables.

They crested a tiny ridge. The hickory cabin sat on an open half acre of land encircled by a grove of trees—a mixture of aspen, cottonwood, and spruce. Hail began to fall with the rain, pelting them. The trees receded and in the open terrain, Colt pressed his knees against Tank’s flanks to increase their speed. Tank needed no urging from him.

But as the cabin came into full view, Colt spied a battered, tan SUV parked in front of the wooden structure. And there was a sprite of a woman, long dark hair plastered to her body, carting what looked like telescopes inside the building.

What the hell? Who was she, and what was she doing here?

About the Author Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

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Amazon Author Page | BookBub | Instagram | Newsletter

Buy the Silver Springs Ranch Series, How To Rope A Wild Cowboy, Book 1 and How To Rope A Rich Cowboy, Book 2, at Amazon.

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Top Five Tips to Make a Flight More Pleasant by Bru Baker

June 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Bru Baker who is celebrating today’s release of Under a Blue Moon, a Camp H.O.W.L. book.

Top 5 Tips To Make a Flight More Pleasant
I fly a fair amount, which is probably why I like to put my characters on airplanes, too. That poses a much bigger problem when your character is a werewolf, though. Can you imagine how terrible it would be with all your senses amplified?

Today I’m sharing my top 5 tips for making a flight more tolerable.

Drown out the sound

My husband gave me a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and I absolutely love to use them on planes. They drown out the roar of the plane so you can listen to music without blasting it at ear-drum rocking levels. I couldn’t believe how much difference it made.

Take the pressure off

I used to hate to fly because my ears are sensitive to the pressure changes. More often than not I’d actually lose my hearing during a flight–and even for a few hours afterward. It was annoying and painful, and no amount of popping my ears in-flight seemed to help. When I started flying with my kids, I bought them something called Earplanes, a product that normalizes the pressure in your ears so you don’t have to pop them. They also made them for adults so I gave it a try, and now I panic at the thought of flying without them. I only need them during take off and landing, but man, what a difference they make!

Don’t overpack your under-the-seat carry on

I’m a work in progress on this one. As much as I try to go minimalist, I always seem to end up with a lot more in there than I need. Do you really need your Kindle and four paperback books? Will you actually eat the five different snacks you’ve stuffed in there? Do you really need two sweatshirts just in case? Trust me, I survived a 30-some hour trip from hell with an overnight layover with just my electronics and chargers, one sweater, and my headphones. Your back will thank you when you don’t have to lug a heavy bag around.

Be realistic about how you want to spend your flight

I always bring my laptop so I can work, but most of the time I end up reading on my Kindle or watching the in-flight movie instead. If you’re honest with how you want to spend your time, it makes it easier for you to pack your bag with things you’ll enjoy. If you know you’re just going to watch movies, then you can prepare by downloading them in advance so you have a selection. If you’re going to work, make sure you have a way to keep your battery charged and everything you need so you can avoid the frustration of being 30,000 feet in the air without a critical file downloaded.

Bring a treat

This doesn’t have to be food (but mine always is–I always have Sour Patch Kids on a flight!). If you’re always cold on planes, indulge in a light-weight and easy-to-pack blanket that feels awesome on your skin. Buy yourself a new book or magazine you can look forward to after take off, or carry your favorite chocolate or snack if that’s what will help you relax. Or even order a drink–whatever can help you chill out will help you have a better, more restful flight. Just don’t bring a burrito–everyone will hate you.

Once in a blue moon, opposites find they’re a perfect match.
You are advised to consume these herbal stamina enhancer supplements cheap levitra daily two times with plain water or milk after intake of meals. It enhances blood circulation throughout the body especially viagra cost to the penile area. A mutual understanding about each other’s viagra 50 mg feelings and desires give them ample opportunity to tackle with whatever sexual problem they suffer from. They have negative impact on a male’s sensual cialis 40mg 60mg health.
Nick Perry is tired of helping people with their marriages, so when a spot opens up to work with teens at Camp H.O.W.L., he jumps at it. He doesn’t expect to fall in lust with the dreamy new camp doctor, Drew Welch. But Drew is human, and Nick has seen secrets ruin too many relationships to think that a human/werewolf romance can go anywhere.

Happy-go-lucky Drew may not sprout claws, but he’s been part of the Were community all his life. He has no trouble fitting in at the camp—except for Nick’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge the growing attraction between them, and his ridiculous stance on dating humans. Fate intervenes when one of Drew’s private practice patients threatens his life. Will the close call help Nick to see a connection like theirs isn’t something to let go of?

Enjoy an Excerpt

Traveling never brought out the best in Nick. He was self-aware enough to realize that, and he could even pinpoint what about travel was a stressor. If he had a patient who complained of anxiety, headaches, and poorly bottled-up rage while traveling, he would help them come up with coping mechanisms for the psychological stress and figure out how to best mitigate the physical symptoms.

But like almost all psychologists, he was a bad patient. He didn’t do his homework or follow the steps he’d prescribe for anyone else in his situation. Hence his sour mood and the blinding headache he had at the moment.

Really, though, he’d checked when March’s full moon was, and it had been at the beginning of the month. He hadn’t realized there was another one at the end and that it coincided with the day he was flying to Indiana. Astronomers called them blue moons, but he called them a pain in the ass.

Nick took a deep, grounding breath and tried to ignore the scents it brought with it. Someone three rows back had brought a burrito on the plane. Nick was pretty sure that was on the psychological checklist for sociopaths. Lack of remorse or shame? Check. Pathological egocentricity? Check. Brings strong-smelling foods into enclosed spaces? Double check.

Planes were always difficult because of the sheer number of people who were on and off of them in a day. His sister swore by essential oils— she’d dab herself with peppermint or something else bitingly astringent before getting on a plane, overwhelming her senses with an unpleasant but at least controlled scent. His Alpha always flew with earplugs and noise-canceling headphones. He claimed that with a light-proof eye mask, it was possible to sleep on a plane and wake up at your destination, skipping the hours of discomfort in between.

Nick called bullshit on the last part. There was absolutely no way a werewolf could sleep on a plane. Maybe if he was flying with no one on the plane but his Pack. Maybe. But sitting in a vulnerable position among a bunch of strangers? And worse, human strangers who boarded a plane with their AXE Body Spray, flowery fabric softener, and pungent burritos? Granted, they couldn’t know how those strong scents assaulted a supernatural nose, but surely even humans thought that stuff stank.

About the Author: Bru Baker writes sophisticated gay romantic fiction with strong characters, real-world problems, and plenty of humor.

Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.

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The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (400 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Water Lily

Partners now in marriage and in trade, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned from abroad to set up housekeeping in London. But merging their respective collections of gadgets, pets and servants leaves little room for the harried newlyweds themselves, let alone Brisbane’s private enquiry business.

Among the more unlikely clients: Julia’s very proper brother, Lord Bellmont, who swears Brisbane to secrecy about his case. Not about to be left out of anything concerning her beloved—if eccentric—family, spirited Julia soon picks up the trail of the investigation.

It leads to the exclusive Ghost Club, where the alluring Madame Séraphine holds evening séances…and not a few powerful gentlemen in thrall. From this eerie enclave unfolds a lurid tangle of dark deeds, whose tendrils crush reputations and throttle trust.

Shocked to find their investigation spun into salacious newspaper headlines, bristling at the tension it causes between them, the Brisbanes find they must unite or fall. For Bellmont’s sake and more they’ll face myriad dangers born of dark secrets, the kind men kill to keep….

A spunky, irrepressible heroine and a Sherlock Holmes-ian hero make this Victorian mystery delightful.

Julia Grey Brisbane wants nothing more than to be a full partner in her husband’s life and that means full partner in his private enquiry business. To achieve that goal she studies emerging technologies—like flash gun powder and photography—and takes risks that seem very foolish and unnecessary at times. Past experiences have proven that she is not invincible but have not dimmed her enthusiasm. I am uncertain if she doesn’t realize the extent of the risks she takes or if she relies too heavily on her luck, position in society, and very talented husband to get her out of the scrapes she gets into. There are moments I wanted to shake some sense into her—a sentiment shared by her husband Nicholas Brisbane. Still, she’s quite amusing at times.

Brisbane is what Sherlock Holmes might have been if he’d had a few more social skills and time for women. It has wide well proven anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects through the other inhibition of inflammatory-causing substances, speeding up of cartilage formation then and improved blood supply to the reproductive organs. continue reading that acquisition de viagra No matter what type of pills cialis role modeling you received, you can choose to have a new paradigm and it starts with accepting, valuing and loving yourself. Asparagus is rich buy viagra for cheap in vitamin E and other minerals. This happens when the cGMP is degraded cheap viagra by PDE5 enzymes. To quote Winston Churchill out of context, Brisband “is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma…” In a word: fascinating. I’d read this story just to find out more about him. I don’t blame Julia a bit for falling in love with him or for doing everything in her power to weave herself into the fabric of his life. Even if some of the things she does make both the reader and Brisbane shake their heads.

The plot is filled with nice twists and turns, humorous and exciting in turn. Unfortunately, it lags a bit in between plot points. The story could have benefitted from condensing the time frame and eliminating downtime. Still, it was a fun read and the characters are compelling enough that if you haven’t read the previous four Julia Grey Novels you’ll want to. That said: The Dark Enquiry easily stands alone. I was five pages into it before I realized I’d read Ms. Raybourn’s first installment. Now, I’ll be getting the rest of them. Who knew reviewing books would be so expensive?

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Some Like It Rough by Kate Pearce, Susan Lyons, and Anne Rainey

January 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Some Like It Rough by Kate Pearce, Susan Lyons, Anne Rainey
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (183 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Take a walk on the wild side with these steamy stories of erotic ecstasy…

Some Like it Rough by Kate Pearce
Luke Warner wants to chill out when he cashes in his stocks and returns to his hometown. But things heat up when he reunites with his best friends, Julia and Paul, and invites them both to share in a sexual adventure like they’ve never had before…

Private Eyes by Susan Lyons
Assigned to work undercover as an exotic dancer, straight-laced Haley Croft discovers the thrill of strutting her stuff. And when she catches sexy Ry Montana checking out her moves, she can’t wait to give him his own private show…

Cherry On Top by Anne Rainey
When massage therapist Cherry DuBois rubs her oil-slicked hands all over Dante Ricci’s rock-hard body, red-hot desire courses through her. She longs to lose control and give herself to the pleasures of sexual submission…

Ever wondered what it would feel like to be loved by two men at once? And have them love each other as well? Ever thought about trying something new to find your inner vixen? Or tried a new game in bed only to find it’s your favorite of all? Then you need to read Some Like It Rough! Because, well, whew! It’s hot!

There are few stories that make me squirm in great ways, but this collection was one of them. These authors know how to push the envelope while keeping the tone of the stories sensual and inviting.

In Some Like It Rough, the title story, Kate Pearce spins a tale of three lovers who knew they wanted each other but not the depths that they needed each other. I love the sensuality in this story. You feel like you are a part of the threesome. Although there are a few un-answered questions, this story is filled with characters that will stay with you long after the last page.

In Private Eyes, by Susan Lyons, we meet Hayley and Ry. They both work for the investigative firm, Private Eyes and are in the midst of catching a suspected cheat. I like how she comes into her own while taking on the case, but Ry’s interest seems a bit quick. Kamagra Polo has been contained with Sildenafil citrate which leads for the activation of viagra soft tab telomeres within your skin cells. Occasional overnight delivery viagra sperm loss a week is not a problem. The latest craze among the beautiful celebrities is The viagra prices canada World’s Strongest Acai. So by using vardenafil sildenafil canada the blood supply into the penis and thus allowing them to obtain erections. Still, the pacing of the story keeps the reader involved and titillated throughout.

The final story is my personal favorite – Cherry on Top, by Anne Rainey. I’ll admit Rainey is one of my can’t-miss authors. This story is one of her best. If you want slow seduction with a heavy dose of eroticism, then Cherry and Dante are the ones for you. I like that Cherry’s not a run-of-the-mill perfect heroine. She’s got a rough past. I also like that Dante, though he’s got a few rough edges, is just the man she needs. They worked together well in and out of bed.

If you want a collection of stories guaranteed to make you reach out and snag your snuggle partner for some red-hot loving, then this is the collection for you. I give Some Like It Rough 5 cherries.

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Elements Every SciFi Should Have by Vyvyan Evans – Guest Blog and Giveaway

May 15, 2024 By 2 Comments

This is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Vyvyan Evans will award a randomly drawn winner paperback copies of both book 1 and book 2 on the series. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Elements Every SciFi Should Have

I write in science fiction. First and foremost, every work of science fiction starts from a “what if?” question, a hypothetical question that both ignites the imagination, and allows the consequences of the “what if?” to be worked out. In the case of my Songs of the Sage book series, of which The Dark Court is book #2, the ‘what if?’ asks: what if language were no longer learned, but streamed on demand to brain implants from internet in space, for monthly streaming subs?

This leads, in turn to an unfamiliar setting, that is nevertheless, and paradoxically, strangely familiar, and a requirement for innovative technology. In the case of my book series, the setting is the near future, where language streaming technology has transformed society in unfamiliar and unpredictable ways. In The Dark Court one consequence of this premise is that human brains can be hacked more or less in the same way that a computer can be, leading to catastrophic consequences.

A further requirement is that relatable or believe characters are essential. These characters, while sometimes fantastical or even superhuman, must resonate with readers, and hence be grounded in our shared lived experience. They must have all the similar strengths, weaknesses and the flaws the rest of us have, and equally experience moments of success and failure, whether in terms of the action-dynamics of the story world or in terms of their emotional experiences.

And finally, the sine qua non is that the work must develop and explore themes concerning humanity. After all, the raison d’être of science fiction is to grapple with the great complexities of the human experience and the human psyche. And the driver for this is the “what if” question, that leads to a book-length laboratory to explore potential consequences for humanity, set up by the premise.

A genre-blending dystopian, sci-fi mystery-thriller that will make you think about communication in a whole new way.

Five years after the Great Language Outage, lang-laws have been repealed, but world affairs have only gotten worse. The new automation agenda has resulted in a social caste system based on IQ. Manual employment is a thing of the past, and the lowest soc-ed class, the Unskills, are forced into permanent unemployment.

In a world on the brink of civil war, a deadly insomnia pandemic threatens to kill billions. Lilith King, Interpol’s most celebrated detective, is assigned to the case.

Together with a sleep specialist, Dr. Kace Westwood, Lilith must figure out who or what is behind this new threat. Could the pandemic be the result of the upskilling vagus chips being offered to the lowest soc-ed class? Or are language chips being hacked? And what of the viral conspiracy theories by the mysterious Dark Court, sweeping the globe? Lilith must work every possible angle, and quickly: she is running out of time!

While attempting to stop a vast conspiracy on an intergalactic scale, Lilith also faces shocking revelations about her origin, coming to terms with her own destiny.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Her father then turned back to Lilith, gazing at her with the kindness she loved. “I have to go away.” He gulped. “You must be very brave, Lily. Because what I’m doing is for you. You’re very special. I believe you will change everything. Not just here, but everywhere.” With that he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small bracelet from inside his breast pocket. He handed it to Lilith.

“Another gift?” she asked, with cautious excitement. Lilith turned it over in her hand. It was silver, with a small, strange-looking screen on the outer side. The screen was narrow and black, and numbers were spinning in iridescent green, fleetingly across the screen.

“I guess it is. This is a SwissSecure bracelet. It will live with you, expanding as you grow.”

“Is it alive?” Lilith asked.

Her father chuckled. “In a way, I suppose it is. When you’re older, after you’re chipped, the numbers will stop spinning. And then you’ll receive a message from me—two, in fact.”

“Memoclips?” Lilith asked, confused. She knew that was what the chipped adults called them.

Her father dipped his head. “Actually, faceclips. They will explain things … when the time is right. For one thing, where the music comes from, the Nunciature Evangelion—the Tower of Songs.”

“Music?”

“It will come to you, later today. This music will help you become your potential, but it will also be your one Achilles heel …”

About the Author:Dr. Vyvyan Evans is a native of Chester, England. He holds a PhD in linguistics from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and is a Professor of Linguistics. He has published numerous acclaimed popular science and technical books on language and linguistics. His popular science essays and articles have appeared in numerous venues including ‘The Guardian’, ‘Psychology Today’, ‘New York Post’, ‘New Scientist’, ‘Newsweek’ and ‘The New Republic’. His award-winning writing focuses, in one way or another, on the nature of language and mind, the impact of technology on language, and the future of communication. His science fiction work explores the status of language and digital communication technology as potential weapons of mass destruction.

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Red Kingdom by Rachel Demeter – Spotlight and Giveaway

April 10, 2024 By 1 Comment

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Rachel Demeter will award a copy of the ebook for Beauty of the Beast, the first book of the series, to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Little Red Riding Hood reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Princess Blanchette’s world shatters when the Black Wolf tears apart her castle and everything she holds dear. All she clings to is the vow she made to her grandmother on her deathbed.

Hailed as the people’s champion, Sir Rowan Dietrich liberates the capital in a quest for vengeance. He takes Winslowe Castle with an army at his back and his wolf, Smoke, at his side.

United by a shared cause and powerful attraction, Rowan and Blanchette embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption—a path filled with loss, transformation, and ultimately, the healing power of love.

Can Norland’s resplendent princess, with her captivating beauty and spirit, tame the fabled Black Wolf?

Inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Red Kingdom is a passionate historical romance about the enduring quest for love and the longing for a world at harmony. It is a standalone novel.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Death at her feet. Death in her home. Death in the air.

Death screamed in every corner of her mind.

Then Blanchette saw him.

Rowan Dietrich, the fabled Black Wolf of Norland, strode through her castle like a waking nightmare. His armor was crudely made, black as the surrounding night, the helm’s dark metal twisted into the shape of a wolf’s snarling head. But the most striking thing about him was his height. He towered above the other fighters and battled with a chilling methodicalness. How he moved and fought frightened Blanchette the greatest.

He looked collected. Even mildly amused. As if this were nothing more than a game. Blood soaked his sword as the blade whirled, whipped, slashed, and claimed lives in a macabre dance of death. And that wolf clung to his heels, its muzzle wet with blood, snarling and leaping at any man who dared come close to its master.

Monster. Demons.

The Black Wolf of Norland had always had a mist of legend around him. She remembered the stories her mother and governess had often whispered after the feasts and in the dark of the night.

“To me,” the Black Wolf called to a soldier a few yards away, his deep voice effortlessly carrying above the tumult. He didn’t need to yell, not even over the mayhem. The force of his tone was enough.

One of her father’s guards raised his blade, but too slowly. Rowan Dietrich’s longsword cut his head off, then came flashing back in a terrible two-handed slash that took another soldier in the leg.

With quivering anger, she realized that this man—this wolf, this beast—was the reason the sky was falling on her family. She clutched the dagger, wishing she could stand a chance against this mountain of a man. How good and right it would feel to plunge the blade deep into his heart and avenge what would likely be the end of her family’s dynasty.

Of course, she’d never survive him or his demon wolf. And if she was ever to avenge her family, if she was to keep her promise, survival meant everything.

About the Author:

I live in Sunny California with my dashing husband, who inspires my romance novels every day!

Writing has always been an integral part of my identity. Before I physically learned how to write, I’d narrate stories to my mom, and she’d record them for me.

I graduated from Chapman’s film school, where I often received the feedback on my scripts, “Your stories and characters are great, but this reads like a novel!” That’s when I realized my true calling.

In my free time, I frequent reptile expos, lift double my body’s weight, and indulge in dinosaur trivia.

I’m passionate about writing stories that explore what it means to be human and to be loved. My books focus on hope, courage, and redemption in the face of adversity.

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Identity by Nora Roberts

April 9, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Identity by Nora Roberts
Publisher: Paitkus
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan’s job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who’d been chatting her up at the bar—her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. “Luke” is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn’t his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan’s nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother’s home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn’t flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn’t forgotten the one who got away.

After growing up as an army brat – never having roots to put down – Morgan Albright is thrilled when she finally purchases her first home. Working two jobs and sharing the house with her best friend, Morgan is determined to finally have what she’s never experienced – a secure, permanent home. Only one night her entire world collapses and in the devastation afterwards everything is taken from her. Can Morgan rebuild her life once more?

I really enjoyed this stand alone novel, finding it everything that I love about a Nora Roberts story. I am very hit and miss with Roberts’ work – some of her books I love and others just really miss the mark for me. I was really pleased this one was wonderful to my mind. I felt a good connection to Morgan and her characters, finding her modern and relatable but also a good blend of strength and vulnerability. I also heartily sympathized with her having to start over again from scratch after her identity was stolen so brutally.

I found this very much to be a romantic suspense style of story. While the plot moved along at what I thought was a good clip it was quite different to usual action based books or more straight mystery/suspense styles of books. There was a lot of character growth and focus on Morgan’s character and her journey. There was also a really nice – and far slower pace – between the building attraction between Morgan and Miles. I found the slower pace here realistic – Morgan was deeply grieving and suffering when she arrived in Vermont and there was no way I’d find her falling in lust or letting her guard down at all believable. This slower pace also helped sell the book to me as more of a romantic suspense – rather than a straight romance or erotic book. There was plenty of mystery and suspense related to the murderer and I know Roberts is a legend at this balance and making these kinds of books sing.

I find it hard to believe many readers won’t have read anything of Roberts’ in the past – but if you’re that elusive one in a million then this would definitely be one of her better books to give a first try to. I found the pace and characters to be gripping and the plotline to be modern but not over-sold and having been told in a million other similar books. A good story and one I know I will likely reread again in the future.

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