☆ Author Spotlight ☆ Karen Rose Smith {Giveaway}

Karen Rose Smith

Karen Rose Smith was born in the Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania. Although she was an only child, she remembers the bonds of an extended family. Since her father came from a family of ten and her mother, a family of seven, there were always aunts, uncles and cousins visiting on weekends. Family is a strong theme in her books and she suspects her childhood memories are the reason.

In college, Karen began writing poetry and also met her husband to be. They both began married life as teachers, but when their son was born, Karen decided to try her hand at a home-decorating business. She returned to teaching for a while but changes in her life led her to writing romance fiction. Now she writes mysteries and romances full time. She is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author. Her 86th novel, GILT BY ASSOCIATION, will be released in 2015 by Kensington Books.

When she isn't writing, she cares for four rescue cats and a couple of strays, gardens, and cooks. Married to her college sweetheart since 1971, believing in the power of love and commitment, she envisions herself writing relationship novels, both mystery and romance, for a long time to come!

Ten Things About Me

1. I was an only child who always longed for a sister.
    
2. During my childhood I always had access to a relative's farm.
    
3. This summer my husband and I took in a stray pregnant cat and helped deliver her kittens.
    
4. When I was in my late twenties, I learned to swim and ride horses!
    
5. I attended the Beatles concert at Dodger Stadium.
    
6. With my cousin I wrote a script for The Monkees tv show.
    
7. I wrote for six years and finished 13 manuscripts before I sold two books in one week to two different publishers.
    
8. I use a tape recorder to write and like to tape on the patio on summer nights under the moon.
    
9. I love 60's fashion.
    
10. I'm a crazy cat lady!

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Karen Rose Smith Mysteries Website

Join Karen Rose Smith's Street Team, Team Caprice

Staged to Death (Book 1) - on sale for only $2.99

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes

Staged to Death Book Trailer

Deadly Decor (Book 2) - on sale for only $1.99

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes

Gilt By Association (Book 3)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes

Join the Gilt By Association Release Party

Drape Expectations (Book 4)

Coming August 2015

Nathan’s Vow (Book 1)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

Jakes’s Bride (Book 2)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

Always Devoted (Book 3)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

Always Her Cowboy (Book 4)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

Heartfire (Book 5)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

Cassidy’s Cowboy (Book 6)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

Her Sister (Book 7)

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Smashwords

Audio Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ iTunes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

Share:

☆ Spotlight ☆ Property Of Cupid by Eva Lefoy {part of the Love Is A Mess anthology}

The night before Valentine's Day, Greek god Eros must find a virginal sacrifice to calm his inner demon before he turns into the happy-go-lucky, arrow wielding cherub, Cupid. When he finds the perfect victim alone in the gay bar, the raw sensuality between them sizzles and Eros wants more. Unfortunately he's got to play Roman god Cupid for the next twenty-four hours and to his horror there's an arrow in the quiver with Jeremy's name on it. 

Jeremy goes home with the feather-clad stranger and is relieved to finally lose his v-card. But the next morning he gets the shock of his life. The tables are turned and he's no longer the desperate lonely bottom, but the sexy hottie every top wants. While shaking his bootie for a free coffee, he hears a blood curdling scream... 

Will an ancient Greek god give up half his powers to love a mere human? Or will Cupid loose his golden arrow, letting Jeremy fall in love with another man?

Jeremy closed his eyes against the bright lights and steeled his nerves against the relentless bass filling the room. He never got out on the dance floor much, preferring the relative quiet of the bar where he could drool over the hot guys who never paid him any attention. Until tonight.

The man relentlessly rubbing his erection against his ass had to be the sexiest top he’d ever seen. Never mind that he was dressed in some weird costume a day early – Valentine’s Day wasn’t until tomorrow – or that he might be trying to get Jeremy drunk, the man had every pair of eyes locked on him the instant he walked into the bar and right now he was dancing with him. Alone.

He didn’t protest when the man slid his jacket down his arms and tossed it aside. The booze was working its magic and relaxing him, probably what the guy intended. He felt warm and lush, surrounded by a room full of sexed-up guys aching to come. The sting of testosterone filled his nose, making him dizzy. He let the guy’s hands roam down his body, reach under his waistband and tug his shirt up. In seconds it was over his head, tossed into the corner on the floor by his jacket. Flush with the excitement of being wanted, Jeremy reached behind him, grabbed the guy’s tight hard ass and rocked his hips, encouraging the hard-on behind him to swell further. A hiss sounded in his ear and he savored the heat of the man’s breath. Lord, this felt good.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” the man behind him groaned. “I can’t believe nobody has shown you how hot you really are.”

His cock leaked, his entire body flushed warm by the words. Nobody had ever called him beautiful before. Nobody had even bothered to notice him.

The man’s hands kept roaming, reaching below his waistband to cup his balls, the other one pinching a nipple. Halfway to coming all over himself on the dance floor, the man whispered in his ear.

“What’s your address? Where do you live?” They bumped and ground some more, until Jeremy was breathless. “Or, just think about your place. Picture it and I’ll take us there.”

Far too turned on to talk, he fantasized about having the guy on his bed in his shabby apartment. Pictured them both hot and sweaty, arms and legs tangled as they worked their pants off. Or in the case of Mr. Mysterious, his feathered outfit. The next thing he knew, the music had stopped. He opened his eyes.

“Is this it?”

His apartment? “Yeah.” But how had they gotten here? He rubbed his head. Hell, I must be drunker than I thought. I don’t even remember the cab ride.

“Good. Now, let’s get this party started.”

 

Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog

Love is a Mess: A Supposed Crimes Anthology contains eight stories from eight authors on the topic of misfortune at Valentine's Day. The topics range from the fun of the moment to the power of the eternal. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual characters star in their own love and lust stories--Erotic, playful, and thoughtful. 

• Viral Valentine by L. M. Perrin
• Date Blind by Geonn Cannon
• The Politician and the Pilot by Amber Kinsey
• Bar Tryst by Rachael Orman
• Quarter Life: Energy Feed by Adrian J. Smith
• Property of Cupid by Eva Lefoy
• Private Dance by A. M. Leibowitz
• The Last Mitzvah by Michael DuPuy

Amazon | Smashwords | Add To Goodreads

Read More

Share:

Review: Shatter Me (The Jaded Series #1) by Alex Grayson

I'm running, as fast and as far as I can. My past is trying to shatter me, but I am determined not to let it. I've come this far, I won't let it break me now.

I had to stop in a small town to get enough money to run again, but I found myself wanting to stay. The reason? Jaxon Walker. He doesn't make me so afraid. He comforts me. But how much comfort will it take before my walls shatter? And what happens when my past finds me? Will it destroy me finally or could Jax possibly save me?

My name is Bailey Winsor and this is my story.

**Warning:  If you have domestic violence and/or rape triggers, DO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT THIS BOOK!

I have to admit, this took me by surprise. I don't have triggers, AT ALL. But the abuse and rape scenes were at times too much for me. There was a time or two or maybe even three, where I was cringing and almost put this one away as a DNF.

It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel.  Shatter Me is very well written and honestly, I didn't have many issues with it all.  The main reason for the 3 Star rating is because of the graphic abuse scenes.  They kept pulling me out of the story and weighing on my mind, so much so, that I couldn't enjoy the relationship developing between Bailey and Jaxon.  I think if they were toned down a bit and if one particular thing had not happened towards the end, I could've rated it higher.

I did notice that the setting descriptions were way overdone.  Everything in each place was described in great detail, and it really wasn't necessary.

One thing didn't make sense to me in the story and that was Bailey's phone. I don't want to say too much about it, but given today's technology and the fact that the asshole has major connections, she should have been switching out her phones A LOT.

Those are minor issues, as I said before, the abuse was just too much for me. I was left a little hollow at the end, given what happened and I can't even tell you what happened. I was upset, I was more than upset. While I was reading, I was hoping and hoping for a different outcome and then Alex hit me with it and I just didn't know what to do. It just didn't sit right with me.

I know that sounds cryptic, but I don't want to give any spoilers.

All in all, if you think you can get past the abuse, then you may want to try this one. But if you have even a little niggle of doubt that you can handle it, you may want to think twice.

*Copy received from author for review purposes.

Add To Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads | Facebook | Amazon | Email

Read More

Share:

Review: Carol's Image (Fairfield #3) by Maryann Jordan

When Detective Tom Rivers first meets beautiful Carol Fletcher, he thinks he has been visited by an angel. The gentle ER nurse attending him after an accident, captivates him and when she slips away, he searches diligently to find her. A man used to getting what he wants, Tom works to earn Carol’s trust, knowing that she is the woman for him.

Carol Fletcher, having grown up with her parent’s manipulations, is determined to make her own way and be her own person. She holds a secret and is cautious about giving in to the charms of any man, particularly the persuasive detective.

But once she gives him a chance, she finds acceptance as well as love in his arms.

When Carol becomes the object of a stalker’s infatuation, Tom vows to keep her safe. When the stalker’s intentions turns deadly, Tom is determined to stop at nothing to bring her back to safety.

Will Tom be able to save Carol from herself as well as the stalker?

I have to say, I was a bit more drawn into this one than the previous two books.  I think Carol and Tom's initial meeting is what drew me in.  That and Tom's search for his "angel".

I do want to reiterate that I think this series should be read in reverse order.  Forget the number sequence you're given and just go backwards.

Carol's parents are a set of tools.  What they put her through and how they messed with her mind is ridiculous and you can see how far that pushed her.

Just like the other two books, once the action and suspense picks up, there's no stopping it.  You just can't put it down until you're done.

Even though I am, admittedly, slow at getting my reviews out, MaryAnn Jordan is lightening fast at getting new books out to her readers.  The first 2 books in her next series have already been released and the third is on its way.

Fairfield being her first series, and not a bad one either, I have high hopes for her and her Love's Series. Just as the progression of this series shows how she's honing her writing, I'm sure the Love's series will do the same.

*Copy received from author for review purposes.

Carol's Image

Amazon | Add To Goodreads

Maryann Jordan

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Website | Email

Emma's Home

Amazon | Add To Goodreads

Laurie's Time

Amazon | Add To Goodreads

Carol's Image

Amazon | Add To Goodreads

Read More

Share:

Beauty Series Review

They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and language.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

This is book one of the beauty series.  READ THEM IN ORDER!!  Otherwise, you will have spoilers and will be very upset!  Jack McLachlan prefers exclusivity with a beautiful woman with no commitment, nothing long term, no real names.  These relationships are like business arrangements.  “I’m a very wealthy man.  The three months we spend together would be the best of your life.  You’d never be able to top what you’d experience with me.”  “I’d make your fantasies a reality.”  My first question was where do I sign up? 

This is his game, he makes the regulations.  He is up for usual game, until Laurelyn Prescott shows up and he has to rethink his strategy.  He has gone against so much he has tried to hide in the past and prevent from happening.  Will she end up being the ultimate game changer? 

Laurelyn has just come out of a bad relationship.  Is what Jack is offering just what she needs to take her mind away and start her 3 month vacation off right?  Or will she accept his proposal to spend 3 months with Jack?

I loved this book because of the sexual content and language that is not recommended for younger readers.  I thought Jack was a real jerk, and who does he think he is?  Everyone compares every billionaire book they read to Fifty Shades of Grey because it has forever set precedence, but this is not the same story line.  You may think you know what is going to happen, but you don’t.  Yes, Jack is rich, and he wants to dominate Laurelyn, but is she submissive?  I only gave this book 4 stars because I was left with a cliffhanger, those really make me mad.  I was given the opportunity to read the entire series together.  So I highly recommend getting all three books at once so once you finish one, you can immediately start the next one so you aren’t mad for long.  My theory on cliffhangers is, why give them?  If you love a story that much, you are going to get the next book regardless.  Why leave me hanging to get to the next one?  I promise you still intrigued throughout the entire book.  

How do you move on when he’s every song you sing?

After Laurelyn Prescott walks away from the love of her life, she returns to Nashville to pursue the only dream she has left. Determined to find a distraction from the pain of losing Jack Henry, she immerses herself in her music. But with her old life comes old acquaintances and new expectations. When Laurelyn refuses her record producer’s outrageous demands, she finds herself without a career—until an unforeseen opportunity presents itself. From there it’s a rocket ride straight to the top where Laurelyn finds the success she’s always dreamed of. Will it be enough to bring her the happiness she so deserves, or will the absence of Jack Henry leave her wanting more?

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love with Laurelyn Prescott—but he did. After he foolishly let her slip through his fingers, he spends three months searching for her, but their reunion doesn’t come easy. The woman he finds isn’t the same one who drifted away without a goodbye. No longer an insecure girl on an Australian adventure, this Laurelyn is a successful musician with a promising career. Her dreams are becoming a reality, and Jack is terrified his American girl won’t have a place for him in her new life. With only a month to convince her otherwise, will it be enough time to make her visualize a life beyond the glitz and glamour, a life that includes him?

Goodreads | Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

This is book 2 in the Beauty Series and I highly recommend reading them in order to avoid spoilers. Laurelyn returns home, walking away from the love of her life. She is set on finding something to take her mind of Jack Henry. She occupies her time with her music. Old relationships bring in new expectations. She refuses an opportunity she had always dreamed about, only to find a new door open with an even better prospect for the future. Will her career take precedence to her heart desires? Or will wanting Jack Henry supersede her career?  "How do you move on, when he's every song that you sing?"

Jack Henry McLachlan never expected to fall in love. But he let her slip away. After searching for her for 3 months, their reunion is not what he expected. She is a top musician with a skyrocketing career. Will he be able to convince her to come home to him or is her home on the road with the band? He has one month to influence her decision on what he thinks is best for her and what he wants. But do they both want the same thing?

Again I gave this book 4 stars. I was left with another cliffhanger on what decision she was going to make. Will she choose her career or her heart’s desires? Make up sex is the best, whether you are making up for time apart, or attempting to get back together. Jack Henry is a marathon man. Everyone woman desires to have half of what Jack Henry has to offer. This was another awesome read. I highly recommend proceeding to book three to get an end to these two cliffhangers.

The epic romance between an all-American beauty and her Aussie continues in this final installment of The Beauty Series.

Jack McLachlan is fulfilled by more than he dared to dream possible. He finds everything he never knew he wanted—or needed—in Laurelyn Prescott, his last and final companion. Life is beautiful with his beloved by his side but their post-wedded bliss is cut short when his dark past springs into their present happiness. He wants to shelter Laurelyn but keeping her untainted by his previous life proves impossible when yesterday’s sins insist on returning to haunt him. Will it be possible for them to find happiness in their forever with a past like his?

Beauty From Love is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content. 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

This is book 3 of the beauty series and the conclusion to Jack Henry & Laurelyn Prescott’s story.  Jack Henry had no idea that his last arrangement would be his final one.  Will a three month promise turn into forever?  Everyone has skeletons in their closet, but Jack Henry’s knows no boundaries and seem to keep appearing.  Will their love trump all of their past events?  Who will prove themselves stronger in the relationship? 

There is a lot of drama, happiness, and sadness in this story.  Your emotions will be all over the place.  Will having the one you love by your side be enough?  Will Laurelyn still want to pursue her music career?  I gave this book 5 stars for giving me a finale to my cliffhangers and all the hot honeymoon sex.  Laurelyn and Jack Henry are an amazing couple and their story is definitely not Christian and Anastasia.  So indulge in this series, IN ORDER, and see for yourself. 

“You were once my beauty from pain, before you became by beauty from surrender. Now you've adapted into something different again."
"And what is that?"
"My beauty from love... Forever.”

 

Goodreads | Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

**ARC bundle given in exchange for honest review**

Read More

Share: