Tuesday, December 31, 2013

REVIEW: The Truth Seekers by Elizabeth M. Lawrence



The Truth SeekersThe Truth Seekers by Elizabeth M. Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a self-proclaimed bibliophile, I’ve always enjoyed a variety of books. In my lifetime, I’ve read, and enjoyed mind you, many of the greats: Shakespeare, Poe, D. H. Lawrence, Austen, and Hawthorne, to name a few. Dickens was always a little tedious for me, to be honest. Of course, I’ve enjoyed the more modern writers such as King, Stephen Donaldson, Diana Gabaldon, and Anne Rice, as well. The point I’m trying to make is that I have an appreciation for the written word, and when I sat down with Elizabeth Lawrence’s The Truth Seekers, it didn’t take long to realize another great was in my hands.

How often does a reviewer find themselves having to Google information before penning their review? This is the level that Lawrence took me to with her novel. The whole time I was reading about Geoffrey Hawes and Miss Miranda Claridge, there was something that was eluding me. Victorian romances I’d read in the past were always enjoyable, but there was something . . . more . . . about The Truth Seekers. Something that resonated within and told me how unique this modern day offering of a style gone by was. Then it hit me with the power of this passage:

For one long moment, he was paralyzed by his complete astonishment. Then, in a sudden surge of activity, he was on his feet and running. He burst out onto the street, his lungs heaving in great, greedy gusts of air as he dashed past tourists and street vendors, heedless of the cries of irritation that followed his mad, careening flight. His relentless pace was that of a desperate man whose last opportunity for salvation was about to slip through his fingers as he raced up the steps of Miranda’s lodging house and beat upon the door. He was at first unable to make himself understood by the answering servant, and the delay caused by this miscommunication was agony to him. At last he ascertained Miranda’s whereabouts and charged up the stairs to her rooms without any thought for the propriety of his behavior. He flung her door open, not bothering to knock, and it crashed open with a thunderous reverberation. ~The Truth Seekers

While the hero’s point of view is common enough in modern day romances, it was not the norm for that period in history. I googled it; because I started second guessing myself! What a bold and brilliant move by Lawrence.

From the first page the reader is sucked into Geoffrey’s head; we get to experience all the turmoil of his forward thinking beliefs (always the way with eccentric novelists) and how they almost become his downfall. Through his eyes, Miranda Claridge is seen much like a morning glory: so fragile, yet so full of life and glorious as she opens to the possibilities each new day brings, then withering and closing under the extreme heat of the afternoon, i.e. Society.

I could continue to elucidate how wonderful this novel is. Allow me, instead, to suggest that if you have even the slightest fondness for a well-told romance that will leave you guessing until the end if the ‘guy gets the girl,’ then don’t wait. The Truth Seekers is a modern day masterpiece which will win you over faster than a suitor come calling, and one that I will proudly display next to my cherished copies of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Stand.

Bravo, Ms. Lawrence. Bravo.




Friday, December 27, 2013

Autographed Paperback #GIVEAWAY


 "Ms. Hargraves characterization and use of the written word takes you to another world where everything you've never imagined happens. And while you might be like OH MY GOD and you don't even know if it's in a good way or bad, you're hot and bothered..I don't care if you're technically enjoying the story or not, you just can't help it." 





Want a CHANCE TO WIN a SIGNED paperback copy of either 
or 
???


Simply leave a review for either one (or both) on Amazon and/or Goodreads, then visit my Facebook Page and comment on the pinned post with the URL link(s) to your review. 
Each link will count as one entry.


On January 15, 2014, 
I'll use random.org to choose 
TWO lucky winners.




Pearl on Cherry by Chanse Lowell BLOG TOUR

Title: Pearl on Cherry
Author: Chanse Lowell
Genre: Historical Erotica
Expected Release Date: December 29th 2013


Synopsis:

Clarissa Stone never thought she had a chance to make it on stage, but a strike in 1907 at the music hall in New York City opens up a door, and Clarissa races to it. The path isn't easy, and especially not after catching the eye of William Berling Ferrismore III. Money and power have gone to his head and he uses that to his advantage, sating his sexual appetite with the women on stage. Clarissa won't be caught so easy, but William doesn't play by the rules. How can she prove her worth as an actress with his defaming ways?


Excerpt:

“Quiet. Wait ‘til I have you in the motorcar, then you may speak freely,” he told her, helping her into his vehicle.
“Do you even know how to drive?” she asked when he was at her side.
“I drive this motorcar the way you drive me mad—with precision and a punishing force.”
She gulped and took to holding her wobbling knees.
“Tell me now—you will not leave, will you? Once I have you in my home, you will not desert me?”
“Why would I? Unless you mean to massacre me.” She chuckled, and it was nervous sounding.
Probably because the butterflies dancing in her stomach had taken to other parts of her body.
“I mean to devour you, lick you in the basest places and dig my fingers into you. I think you can withstand it—my cherry girl is built for my onslaught.”
She sucked in a tight breath, her abdomen caving in with the action.
“What if I taste wretched and am unflattering on the tongue?”
He laughed, and it was unsettling how free he sounded over these vulgar things they were discussing. And why did she want more of this type of talk?
“Oh, little cherry, how you amuse me. Have you forgotten so soon I have already had your cream on my taste buds? It still lingers and drives me to distraction. I want that flavor coated on my cock.”
“Oh, almighty Jesus,” she whispered under her failing breath.
“Oh, yes, I shall have it, too. Before you sleep this night, you shall do exactly what I say.”
She gripped her knees harder. They were close to shaking—her hands were not much steadier.
“I shall not request your obedience—I shall earn it and demand it. In return, you shall have unending adoration flung at your feet as I worship your gorgeous body built for my hands to explore. I shall respect you, find every way possible to keep you happy, but you will be mine, and you will submit,” he said, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
His voice was hoarse, and his hands clung to the steering wheel. The pulse at his neck was visibly racing.
“When you say these things to me—do you expect me to respond?”
“Yes, but not with words. Those are unnecessary. I already know how you feel. I can taste it in the air surrounding me. I can hear it in your exaggerated breathing and in the grip on your legs. You are ready to drip at my command. And I can barely wait to give that order.” He turned to look at her, and she froze. “You may use words right now if you wish, though. So, say it . . .”
“Say what?”
“Say you are afraid of me. That you think me an unholy bastard. That you want to run right this instant and flee my wicked presence and salty tongue.” He turned his head back to the road, but she could still feel him watching her out of the side of his eye.
“If I said any of those things, would you believe them? And would it even matter? It is not as if you would take me back home,” she said.
The car jolted to a stop. He turned at the waist and braced her with his grip on her shoulders. “I will never take you against your will. Never. I am not about that. I want you to want this, too. I want your body vibrating with excitement and unadulterated bliss. I will find a way to get those reactions from you if it forces me to rip my bones out of my body. That is how committed I am to you.”
She dropped her gaze at his lap. She did not mean to. Her eyes just went there to his prominent bulge.
“Do you desire me that much?” She kept staring.
“I desire you more than a man should. You”—he swallowed hard—“will be my unending addiction I shall never break free from.”

CONTENT WARNING — This story contains scenes of an explicit, erotic nature and is intended for adults, 18+. Story includes anal sex (use of implements in the anus as makeshift butt plug toys), bondage, crude language, dubious consent and a primitive type of Dom/sub arrangement involving consensual sex. There is mention of rape and abortion—both more than once, but it is not shown. There is an attempted, unsuccessful rape scene that is thwarted. There are also punishment scenes with whipping and spanking some might find offensive, along with violence with fist fights. Characters portrayed are 18 or older.



{GIVEAWAY}
Prize: 5 Ebook Copies of Pearl on Cherry


Author Bio:



Chanse Lowell grew up in the desert southwest and still lives there with her husband, children, and pet cactus. She’s addicted to three things—reading erotica, writing erotica and sandwiches with a side of erotica to aid with digestion. She grew up watching programs with science fiction and historical fiction themes, and is determined she can combine her three favorite genres, creating a new breed of novel with scifi, historical and smut sandwiched in the middle.

The last thing she ever thought she’d do was pursue her dream to be a writer since her family tends to keep her busy. When she was introduced to fan fiction, she realized she wanted to see more science fiction and historical fiction to fill in the gap with lots of naughtiness thrown in, of course. Her true passion is creating her own worlds from scratch, letting her imagination go and take her to another place.

Having recently entered the BDSM lifestyle and discovering she’s a submissive herself has opened her eyes to how few stories there are exploring the softer side of the lifestyle. She enjoys chatting online with others with similar kinky interests and has advisers in the lifestyle that help make sure her stories remain true and don’t veer off into outer space. Although aliens probably enjoy kink, too, since they like to dress in rubber fetish-wear while traveling. At least that’s her argument for why her new genre she’s created is valid.


{AUTHOR CONTACT LINKS}


{Schedule}
12/27

http://hookedinabook.blogpsot.com - Excerpt & Guestpost

12/28
http://mrsbbooks.blogspot.com - Review & Excerpt
kristinelyon.blogspot.com - Review & Excerpt

12/29



Redeeming the Amazon by L.V. Lewis BLOG TOUR







The Den of Sin Series 
presents 
REDEEMING THE AMAZON

Leave your inhibitions at the door…and turn the page.

New Orleans’s Hotel Beaudelaire isn’t just a critically acclaimed 5-star establishment. For New Year’s Eve, it becomes a Den of Sin, and its owner extends invitations to a few discriminating guests to help make their sexual fantasies come true.




December 27, 2013
Length: Novella (~23,320 words)
Setting: New Orleans
Subgenre: Erotic contemporary
Heat level: HOT
Warnings: Graphic sex and adult language
Collection: Den of Sin

Buy here
Amazon I B&N 
Smashwords (Coupon Code YL37F)
ARe
Kobo (Link coming soon)


REDEEMING THE AMAZON SUMMARY:

Most come to The Beaudelaire Hotel a select few times a year merely to indulge in sexual fantasy, but the stakes are higher for Karen Freeman and Paul Beaudelaire this New Year’s weekend. Karen is nine years post-op from a double mastectomy, and her vain ex-husband hadn’t agreed with her decision to remove her remaining good breast or to eschew reconstruction. In the end, that decision cost her. She lost her marriage, but she’s certain the move has prolonged her life.

Returning to a normal dating and sex life has been difficult. She hasn’t made love fully unclothed since the demise of her marriage, and her most significant relationship occurred right after her surgery. When she was still recuperating, she had an affair of the heart with a Marine amputee who’d also been her Ph.D. classmate.

Paul Beaudelaire once led a charmed life as a ladies’ man who had his pick of women in the upper echelons of New Orleans society. He’d been satisfied to continue in that vein, until a Marine recruiter wooed him from LSU with tales of valor, courage, and commitment. His career in the corps cut short by the loss of his left leg, Paul returned to New Orleans with the best prosthesis Johns Hopkins orthopedics experts could fit him with. The problem was, he’d left his heart in Baltimore with a beautiful former model, whose crippled marriage was the only deterrent to his waning honor. Will this fantasy weekend at his Uncle Henri's hotel give him a second chance with his contemporary Amazon, or will her fear of rejection be a barrier to their reconnection?


EXCERPT - REDEEMING THE AMAZON:

“What just happened? We were in a good place until all of a sudden, we weren’t.”
She shrugged like a gawky, inexperienced teen, afraid to go all the way with the boy she liked she wasn’t sure would still like her in the morning. He hated that the cancer had done this to her. Robbed her of her confidence.
“Karen, I would never hurt you.”
She smiled. He’d been going for intimacy, for sincerity, but apparently his heartfelt declaration struck her as funny.
“You know I won’t take advantage if you let me in,” he said, giving her a glimpse of his own vulnerability. This was as much about him as it was about her. Then he realized this statement was innuendo-laden as well, when her grin broadened.
“Exactly how do I know this?”
He would not let a moment of levity steal the inroads he was determined to make. “Because you know I’ve been where you are, even though on the surface it looks like I’ve dealt with and overcome all my issues with body image. Will you take a chance and go places with me intimately that you haven’t with anyone else?” He hoped like hell she could trust him. She hadn’t backed out when she found out he was her partner for the weekend, so there had to be something to her acceptance.
“How cunning. You knew the one thing—the only thing—that makes living inside our imperfections so difficult. I’m not surprised you get it.”
She smiled that same smile he saw in his fantasies. The one that says more than her words. She squinted, and laugh lines seemed to appear from nowhere. There was no guile or arrogance in it, just the tentative smile of a woman who was once very self-assured and was again trying it on for size.
It was that smile Paul had responded to first, before he’d discovered other interesting things as he’d continued to watch her. The way she walked with such grace, one might believe she was floating. The way she saw through bullshit as if she had a built in meter for it. Even his. The intensity with which she viewed life was even atypical, a study in contradictions for one who’d stared death in the face and made it back down.
“If we do this your way, I’ll have one rule.”
Desperation made him reckless. “Anything.”
“The lights must be off.”
“Except that…” He stood and paced. “Karen, we’re supposed to leave our inhibitions at the door.”
“Okay. Suppose I were to blindfold you instead?”
He stopped in his tracks and smiled involuntarily. “That sounds promising, but if we get any kinkier than that, we might have to change floors.”
“Let’s just get the mechanics down now, shall we?”
“That doesn’t sound particularly sexy.”
Her expression challenged him. “I’m going to make you rue that statement before this weekend is over.”
“Game on,” he said.


THE SERIES IN ITS ENTIRETY:

On December 6 the authors of the Den of Sin Series invited you to indulge in a new erotica or erotic romance novella each Friday until December 27. Each had a different couple (or trio) and different kinks:

December 6: Forbidden Rendezvous by Mel Blue
Seraphina orchestrates fantasies, but this year she’ll create one of her own. It’s against the rules for an employee to participate in the weekend-long sex-capade but she’s willing to risk it for Luke. The man’s a mystery, but in a sea of CEOs and Fortune 500 billionaires, he stands out. His past and connection to her boss is clouded in intrigue, but she knows what he wants, and she plans to star in one of his voyeuristic fantasies.

December 13: Ménage à Troys by Holley Trent
At the Den of Sin anything goes, so instead of two newlyweds letting down their guards to finally consummate their marriage of convenience, three people desperate to be touched forge bonds. That’s all well and good for the weekend, but what will shake out of their tentative ménage à trois when it’s time to go home?

December 20: Wicked Surrender by Ambrielle Kirk
Kris is tired of spending her nights playing with hard plastic and silicone. She wants a real man for a night, and expects to find him at the Den of Sin. She doesn’t expect to meet one of the World’s Most Eligible Bachelors there, and this isn’t the first time she’s met him. Unfortunately, Travis Brenden doesn’t seem to remember her.

December 27: Redeeming the Amazon by L. V. Lewis
Karen hasn’t made love fully unclothed since her double mastectomy and the subsequent demise of her marriage. Her most significant relationship occurred right after her surgery when she connected with a former Marine, amputee classmate. Paul once left his heart in Baltimore with a beautiful former model, whose crumbling marriage was the only deterrent to his waning honor. A fantasy weekend at his uncle’s hotel may give him a second chance with his contemporary Amazon…if her fear of rejection doesn’t become a barrier to their reconnection.


To learn more about this shared world series and its authors, and to access purchasing information, please visit DenofSinSeries.com.




NEW RELEASE: I Thee Wed by Savannah Leigh



Blurb:

Drew and Lily sitting in a tree (or a church garden)
K-I-S-S-I-N-G (and then some)
First comes sex
Then comes marriage
Then, well, we’re just not sure what comes next.

Lily Kramer accepted Drew Hamilton’s marriage proposal but it wasn’t a traditional proposal. He wants her to marry him so his mother, who has dementia, will know that he got married. Lily, an over-thirty wedding planner, doesn’t see any other offers of marriage in her future so she accepts. Now she has to plan a wedding that looks and feels like a real wedding, but isn’t.  Drew doesn’t want a relationship, but he wants it to look like he and Lily are married, including living together, so that everyone believes.


Will they be able to pull it off? Will Drew’s mother succumb to the dementia before the wedding? Will Lily be able to shield her heart and still have the wedding of her dreams?



**This is the follow up novel to With This Ring.** 


About the Author:
Savannah Leigh is a small-town girl with big city dreams. She has always had a love of romance novels and never thought she would actually be able to publish one of her own. Savannah is inspired by photos of shirtless men on the internet, hot actors in steamy scenes, and her own fantasies. A lover of wine and Bailey’s Irish Cream, Savannah enjoys spending time with friends and reading steamy novels.


Connect with Savannah:

Monday, December 23, 2013

Marking Her by Elena M. Reyes REVIEW






Marking Her (Marked Series)Marking Her by Elena M. Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Disclosure: Primary edits done by me. Review may be considered biased*

I've worked with Reyes since she first began writing, and sharing, her work about two years ago. In that time I've watched her plot lines become more solid and her writing more fluid. To date, the Marked series is her greatest undertaking, and in my opinion, her best writing. Reyes can only go up from here!

Her characters, not just the main players but the side elements as well, are thought out and developed; strong, yet with a touch of vulnerability that makes them realistic. I have to add that Talan Cox has some one-liners that'll make the toughest of critics swoon.

Why don't you give this inked gang a shot. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. ;)


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday from Author to AUTHOR: Lindsey Gray


Today's peek is from a story included in the "Melting the Snow" Anthology, "Holiday Cure for the Cursed" by Lindsey Gray.


Daniel Digby is cursed by his good looks. After years of sexual harassment, he’s convinced wearing a wedding ring is the answer to fending off unwanted attention.

CiCi Newport is cursed by her family’s money. When men look her way, all they see are dollar signs. After two years, her “no dating” rule is still in place.

After a chance meeting, they’re entwined for the holidays. What starts as attraction might just be the holiday cure they’re looking for.








Excerpt

CiCi was nervous. She wasn’t sure her dark, skinny jeans and chocolate-colored sweater with her knee high brown boots was her best casual outfit. After changing three times, she’d ended up wearing the outfit she had on in the first place. In all of her twenty-seven years, she could not remember putting so much effort into her appearance to attract a specific man.


The front door of Villanova’s opened, and she realized it was too late to worry any longer. He had entered the building.
The illusive He noticed her right away and held up a finger, signaling he would get a drink and be right over. She continued to take deep breaths until he came over to join her. He took off his coat and made himself comfortable in the chair across from her.
“No rushing off today?”
“No.” He sipped his drink and sighed. “I don’t have any meetings until mid-morning, so I have a little extra time. What about you? No portfolio today?”
“No. I had a meeting yesterday, but the project is basically finished, so I have a couple weeks off.” She took a long, luxurious sip from her own cup.
He smiled and nodded. “With all this free time on your hands, I suppose having coffee with strange men is out of the question?”
The introduction she had been dreading. As soon as he heard her last name, either the dollar signs would glow in his eyes, or he would run away from the lady who wrote children’s books for a living. Maybe it was time to try something different.
“I’m CiCi. And you are?”
His Adam’s apple bounced when he swallowed. “Daniel.”
“Okay, Daniel. Now we’re not strangers.”
He smiled. “CiCi. Not strangers now. Might I be so bold as to ask what you might be doing with all this free time?”
“Besides meeting you for peppermint mochas?” she asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
“Well, that’s a given at this point,” he said with a dimpled grin.
“Maybe see a show. There is an exhibit at the Natural History Museum I wanted to check out.” He raised an eyebrow at her answer. “Or I’ve heard about this roller derby tournament this weekend. Maybe do a little Christmas shopping. Oh, and I’ve been invited to a club opening. I might drop by.”
“Roller derby sounds promising.” He laughed before taking another sip.
CiCi’s heart fluttered, and her stomach flipped at the melodious sound. She knew it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


Add "Holiday Cure for the Cursed" to your Goodreads shelf.

Purchase

Author Bio


Lindsey Gray dreamed of several different careers as a child. On the short list were doctor, chef, and actress. None held her attention as much as putting pen to paper and creating her own world through words. Since 2010, she has published three novels and one short story with The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House. In 2013, she went on her first self-­publishing adventure and produced her novella, "Fireworks."

A mid-­west native, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, reading whatever she can get her hands on, and making life interesting at every turn.

 





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