Contemporary Romance

Book Review and Trailer – “Moore to Lose” by Julie A. Richman

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Followers of this blog will recognize Julie Richman’s name as the author who knocked my socks off with her debut novel, Searching for Moore.   My review, on July 11th, was one of the most organic posts I have written, since starting this blog.    Julie’s words inspired a friendship between Kristen, Samantha, Cleida and I that culminated in the Searching for Moore Book Trailer, on July 23rd.    These relationships have continued to evolve and I am proud to count these women among my dear friends.

Julie and I stayed up countless nights this Summer analyzing publishing trends, discussing the merits of stand-alone books versus book series, realizing that we had worked at similar agencies at different points in our careers and bonding over her “Needing Moore” series.   I knew she was writing a follow-up book to Searching for Moore, but was conflicted.  She originally intended to write two books for the series, not three.   However, her characters, namely Mia Silver, guided her into writing a beautifully, heart-breaking second book:  Moore to Lose.   Julie received advice from many “experts” in the publishing world, who told her not to write this book.    What the “experts” failed to realize, was that when Julie’s characters spoke to her, she listened.   And wrote.

Then she shared her words with Mom Richman, Kristen, Cleida, Samantha and I.

After reading Moore to Lose I was speechless.  Breathless and hyperventilating, I cried.   I was unprepared for the myriad of emotions and memories it would trigger in me.  It was a deeply personal experience, for I have known Mia my entire life.   I have been Mia.

Moore to Lose focused on Mia’s journey. We already knew she was not the typical, innocent ingénue – she was a tough New York City girl.  This story showed us the dichotomy of the sweet teenager versus maturing young woman, in some of her early decisions. Decisions that many readers have made in their own lives – good, bad and ugly. Julie approached these events with great sensitivity, knowing how deeply the readers were invested in Mia’s happiness.

What Julie did not know was that as I was reading these incredibly difficult, gut-wrenching scenes, I was reliving events from my college days.   Events that were entirely too common for college women.  (Still are, unfortunately.)  As Mia continued on her life’s path, I revisited similar situations that my friends and I found ourselves in and our reactions to those situations.   As the story progressed, and Mia’s past caught up with her, my heart broke alongside hers.   Later, Julie placed Mia at the center of one of the most agonizingly painful events in recent history.   As Julie suffered writing those words, she crafted a grief-stricken, yet delicately fitting homage to her beloved NYC.  She should be proud of the way she honored her resplendent and resilient hometown.

Julie continued to weave the rich tapestry that became Moore to Lose by revisiting familiar secondary characters and using New York City as a vivid backdrop for the action.  In fact, NYC served as another character in the story and served as a touchstone for Mia’s voyage of self-discovery.    Julie further incorporated her trademark use of music and popular culture references as touchstones throughout the story. They helped mark the passage of time and kept Schooner with Mia, connected across the miles and years.

Moore to Lose is so much more than a “romance” novel. It is the story of a woman losing, finding, healing and honoring herself and her spirit. We fell in love with Mia in Searching for Moore. In Moore to Lose, we understand why we love her. As Mia lives her life, we live the experiences with her. Searching for Moore was a roller coaster ride of emotions. Moore to Lose took that ride, plunged it into complete darkness and added loops, spins and rolls.

Julie promised that all issues would be resolved in the third, and final, book in the Needing Moore series.  I will be anxiously waiting for that book, and highly recommend Moore to Lose, for readers who want rich characters who evoke tears, anger, joy, heartbreak, forgiveness, friendship, acceptance, and ultimately, love.

Here are the links to my reviews on Amazon and GoodReads.

In the meantime, please enjoy the Moore to Lose Book Trailer. 

This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Female Empowerment, Generation X, LIfe, Music, Women and tagged , , , , , , , , , .

“Don’t turn your Alphas into A$$holes,” by Tymber Dalton

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Tymber Dalton has written some of the strongest alpha males in contemporary adult fiction.  She has a unique talent to create multifaceted D/s and BDSM characters, because at the root of each character are honorable qualities, that are worth exploring.  While some characters may require a great deal of redemption in their journey towards deeply emotional relationships, they all have something that draws readers in.  We want to root for these characters.

I am disappointed with the current “fascination” with assholes masquerading as “alpha heroes,” especially in the NA genre.  No one would want to date, bed or be in relationship with these men, outside of books.  Why do we tolerate it from fictional characters?  Aren’t they supposed to be our ideal men (and women)?  Clearly, we need to raise our standards.  Ms. Dalton provides advice and pitfalls to avoid, from an author’s perspective.    One of the goals of books in “romance” categories, is for characters to reach a HEA or HFN (happily-ever-after or happy-for-now) culmination.   Characters need to earn and deserve it.

Participate in the discussion, by reading Ms. Dalton’s blog post Don’t turn your Alphas into A$$holes.   Read Tymber Dalton’s books.

This entry was posted in Alpha Males, Books and Authors, BSDM Romance, Contemporary Romance, D/s Romance and tagged , , .

Book Review – “Feel the Rush: A Hard Feelings Novel” by Kelsie Leverich

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After a plethora of twenty-something-billionaire-meets-ingénue-have-kinky-sex-and-a-HEA books, it was a pleasant surprise to find Kelsie Leverich’s work. I became a fan after reading her debut novel The Valentine’s Arrangement. As the wife of a Gulf War-Era US Army Veteran, I was drawn to her story about a soldier and his ladylove, because it did not shy away from the complexities of loving a man (or woman) in the military. Ms. Leverich wrote from personal experiences, with attention to detail and a deep respect for our troops and veterans. I had high expectations for her second novel Feel the Rush: A Hard Feelings Novel.

Feel the Rush began with the unexpected reunion of lovers who had an unrestrained, steamy, once-in-a-lifetime, one-night-stand. Megan Mitchell, a nurse at an Army hospital, moved from New York to Georgia, started a new job and vowed to find “Mr. Safe.” The first man she met was her next-door neighbor, Reed Porter, an Airborne Jumpmaster and daredevil extraordinaire – the epitome of “Mr. Wrong,” whom she recognized immediately as her one-time lover, from eight years ago.

Reed, however, did not recognize Megan until she jarred his memory and the same inexplicable attraction they felt was rekindled. Each time they were together the sex was hot and became progressively hotter. Neither was expecting the level of intimacy they experienced as they let their protective walls down.

These were likable characters – people we know, possibly our friends, or versions of ourselves. Megan consistently chose men who were emotionally unavailable. Reed seemed to fall into that category. He was the bad boy in an Army uniform, with a heart of gold, but uninterested in the same type of commitment, as Megan. While they seemed perfectly matched, they were looking for different things out of a long-term relationship.

Ms. Leverich built the tension slowly, as the lovers rediscovered their connection. We became invested in Megan and Reed’s emotional journeys as individuals and as a couple. Then, life happened, proving that they lived in a very small world. Two plot twists blew me away, and served to intensify Megan and Reed’s already complicated and moving relationship. I wanted to wrap my arms around both of these characters at different points during the book.

The secondary characters were fully developed people who added to the story. Megan’s best friends Eva and Trevor supported and confronted her on her own failings, as real friends would. The camaraderie exhibited by Reed’s fellow soldiers clearly illustrated the bonds created by men in uniform, who perform dangerous jobs. The soldiers were multifaceted alpha men, who cared for each other as family, and played a part in bringing Megan and Reed together.

Feel the Rush was funny, sad, sexy, and deeply poignant. It surpassed my expectations and had me reaching for tissues on several occasions. I highly recommend it for readers looking for rich characters who suffer unavoidable heartbreak, as they transition into the best version of themselves and learn to embrace love.

I highly recommend reading Ms. Leverich’s first novel in the series The Valentine’s Arrangement.

Links to my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

This entry was posted in Alpha Males, Army, Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Generation Y, LIfe, Military, NURSE and tagged , , , , , , , , .

5-Stars for “SEAL of Honor” by Tonya Burrows – Book Review

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seal of honor
Image used with permission by the Author.

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed.Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

 

My Review:

Gabriel “Gabe” Bristow met unconventional and sassy Audrey Van Amee, during Team Hornet’s attempt to save her kidnapped brother. Under the best of circumstances, their pairing would have been unlikely because they ran in different circles and lived in different countries. SEAL of Honor (Hornet) added the stress of putting together a new private hostage rescue team, in a politically volatile environment, to Gabe’s already full plate.

Audrey was an unusual leading lady, because she lived the life of a successful artist in Costa Rica and only became involved, when her brother was kidnapped. She did not have a history of dating military or ex-military men, but the chemistry between Audrey and Gabe was palpable from the moment they met. She gave Gabe no quarter, and while it may have irritated him on several occasions, it was her strength of character, conviction and love that broke down his barriers. Through Audrey, Gabe saw himself in a different light, and began to embrace his post-Navy career and new team. I only wish there had been more and longer intimate scenes between Audrey and Gabe. This did not take away from the plot of the book, however. The pacing was appropriate for a romantic suspense novel.

Tonya Burrows rounded out the cast, with the most ragtag team of strong, sexy, independent alpha men, I have seen assembled in a while – think Hogan’s Heroes for a new generation. As the first novel in her new HORNET series, Ms. Burrows gave the reader a glimpse into the relationships that began to develop among the eight men selected for this unique group. We were able to see why each man was chosen, and a tiny peek into his past. Each member of HORNET will have his place in the sun. (I was intrigued by Travis Quinn, the defacto-XO of the group, and hope Ms. Burrows plans to write his story next. Quinn had everything I love about former military men, especially a tortured past and an inflexible sense of loyalty. I see him as a future “book boyfriend.”)

I won an autographed copy of SEAL of Honor (Hornet) in a book blog contest. I have always been drawn to series about teams of men in uniform, especially after they leave active duty service. SEAL of Honor (Hornet) brought the men together and with each subsequent book, we will see them grow, as a team, and as individuals – when they find their lady loves. I look forward to spending more time with these men and the extended Hornet family. I recommend it to anyone who loves to invest time in well-developed characters, traveling to exotic and sometimes dangerous places. Great start to a new series!

Link to Amazon Review and Goodreads Review

This entry was posted in Alpha Males, Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Entangled Publishing, Military, Tonya Burrows.

Etiology of a Book Trailer – “Searching for Moore,” by Julie A. Richman

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Searching for Moore by Julie A. Richman
Cover used with permission by author, Julie A. Richman.

Summer of 2013 has been the Summer of books and reviews, where I rediscovered the joy that leisure reading brought me.   My newest ventures have been writing book reviews and beta reading books for independent authors.  I am still learning how to do both, but writing reviews is definitely my favorite of the two.

Earlier this year, I read and reviewed Searching for Moore by Julie A. Richman (Book 1 in the “Needing Moore” series).    Julie’s book kept me up all night,  deeply invested in Schooner and Mia’s story and I was emotionally drained but my mind kept spinning.   That inspired my best book review to date, as words flew, organically, off my fingers, onto the keys, and onto the screen.  When I hit “publish” on the blog post, the sun was rising and I knew I had to know more about the woman who wrote Searching for Moore.  I had to talk to her.

I “met” Julie on Facebook.   There was the initial awkwardness of the clichéd OMG-when-are-you-releasing-book-2 comment.  Followed by the blubbering on of a fangirl who had too little sleep, too much coffee and not enough Schooner Moore or Mia Silver.  Finally, we started to talk.  Like lifelong friends.   Who had never met before.    The more we talked – about music, college, jobs, life experiences, relationships, etc. – Julie and I found that we had been separated at birth!    Synchronous would be the best way to describe our connection.

Our friendship brought three other women into my life.  All fans of Searching for Moore who had similar reactions to the story.   As, we began “hanging out” together on Facebook, the bond became stronger.    Sure we talked about our favorite parts of the book, but we talked about ourselves.  If someone had a bad day, there were four other women to help her through it.  If we needed a laugh or bawdy comment, we were there.

Together.

Together, we decided to create the following book trailer.   Kristen was our computer guru, taking all the pieces and creating something that represented all of us, even after the infamous crash of “Video Version 1” (shudder).   Cleida brought us Mia and Schooner and had the uncanny eye to spot the right photos of them.   Samantha was our cheerleader, keeping everyone in good spirits.  I suggested “If I Should Fall Behind,” by Bruce Springsteen as the accompanying song and critiqued the final product.     We accomplished this in about two days and presented it to Julie, on Sunday, just past midnight.

As we waited, impatiently, for Julie to view the video, so many thoughts went through our heads.  “What if Julie doesn’t like it?”  “What if the fans don’t like it?” “What if it’s not good enough?”  “What if it doesn’t capture the essence of Schooner and Mia?”  These were the longest three minutes of the entire process!

Julie loved it!

She immediately posted it on her Facebook page.  It was received warmly by other fans, who then shared it with their friends and family.    Now, I share it with you.   Please share, reblog, buy the book and fall in love with Schooner and Mia.   (Book 2, “Moore to Lose,” will be released in September 2013.)    Amazon     Barnes and Noble

After reading Searching for Moore please visit Julie’s author website for additional scenes, written in the point of view of other characters, and find her on Facebook.

Here is our labor of love for Searching for Moore  .

This entry was posted in Blogging, Book Reviews, Books and Authors, College, Contemporary Romance, Generation X, LIfe, Music and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Book Review – “Mid-Life Love” by Whitney Gracia Williams

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Finding Love in Mid-Life

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.

Too many stories these days feature young, hot 20-somethings, going through the trials and tribulations of life.    It is a well-known fact that I am not a fan of New Adult (NA) books.   While their stories may be well written, they do not ring true-to-life.  Much of what those “adults” are experiencing is not real, not unless they have faced early trauma, reached mid-life, or at least their 30s.

Those of us who are have reached middle age, however, may identify with Claire Gracen, of Mid Life Love. Whether we have been through a divorce or not, we want to star in our own version of Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia. We seek catharsis as we age and Claire represents the everywoman at a crossroads in life. She has to pick up the pieces of her life after being betrayed, while knowing that her future is forever changed. She becomes suspicious of everyone, and wonders what his or her real intentions may be. Therefore, Claire remains guarded about her personal life and erects emotional walls to keep people at bay.

Claire’s boss, Jonathan Statham, eleven years younger, is a self-made computer billionaire. He is determined to have Claire, regardless of her reservations about their age difference. Jonathan flirts, flatters and relentlessly pursues Claire with the intensity of a man who has worked hard for everything he has.

From the moment we find out the reasons that led to Claire’s divorce, Ms. Williams hooks the reader in. The narration alternates from Claire to Jonathan to provide their backstories. In Claire, she nails the self-deprecating humor of an aging Generation-Xer, especially when confronted with younger, inexperienced, talentless, lazy, fellow employees. However, I was deeply disappointed with Claire’s seemingly irrational obsession with her age, and maintaining “privacy,” or being caught doing something “inappropriate.” I found myself wanting Claire to realize how she was sabotaging her own life, by being pathologically self-centered, self-absorbed and exhibiting little self-confidence. In fact, there was a point I did not want her to experience a happy conclusion.

However, Ms. Williams had other plans for Claire. In finding Jonathan, Claire begins to find herself. Through their affair, they both come to terms with their pasts and grow into stronger characters. Their scenes are funny, creatively sexy and deeply personal. It was a pleasure to experience their metamorphosis throughout the book, and I recommend Mid Life Love for your Summer Reading List.

Link to my “official” review:  Amazon Review of “Mid-Life Love,” by Whitney Gracia Williams

This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Humor and tagged , , , , , , , .

Book Review – “Predator’s Kiss (Gemini Island Shifters, Book 1) by Rosanna Leo

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After suffering from a book hangover, I was ready to try something different. Something paranormal and furry, but a departure from my favorite wolf shifters was in order. Most shifters are charismatic, debonair, rich, skirt-chasing studs. Normally, I would be all over that yumminess, but Rosanna Leo’s Predator’s Kiss (Gemini Island Shifters, Book 1) had been on my TBR list and I decided to read about her reclusive bear shifter.

Reserved Grizzly Bear Finds His Private Sexy Author

Ryland Snow created the perfect resort for shifters. Gemini Island was a remote, quiet, virtually human-free sanctuary where he mentored bear shifter teens, and shifter families could vacation without being discovered and harassed. Soren, Ryland’s famous rock star brother shows up for a “surprise” visit, right before they meet Lia Goodblood, an erotica author on the run from a crazed fan. Ryland, having been burned in the past by a human female, does his best to keep Lia at arm’s length. However, they are fated to be together, as mates.

Ms. Leo places two characters that have been living away from the public eye, and limelight, together under some stressful circumstances. In finding each other, they learn how to accept themselves, and their strengths, fully. Lia, who has been living in the shadows, embraces her inner alpha woman to protect her mate. Moreover, Ryland opens himself up to the possibility that he can trust a human woman to protect him, and other shifters. Add in some creative use of honey and the re-enactment of some of Lia’s erotic novel, for “inspiration,” and Predator’s Kiss (Gemini Island Shifters, Book 1) is the perfect sexy novel to read by the pool…or hot tub. (Soren’s story should be interesting, because he is the quintessential womanizing rock star. When he falls, it will be hard and forever).

Here is the link to my review on Amazon:  Review for “Predator’s Kiss (Gemini Island Shifters, Book 1) by Rosanna Leo

This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance and tagged , , , , .

Book Review – “Searching For Moore,” by Julie A. Richman

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My Mazel of the day goes to Julie Richman, for tearing my heart out to Bruce Springsteen, the soundtrack of my youth.    I have some beautiful Mazel Shot Glasses from Andy Cohen’s Bravo Clubhouse, just for you, Missy.

I will start by publicly flogging myself for thinking this was a “New Adult” novel, featuring a bunch of entitled, horny, self-centered, shiftless college students.   It is not.   I will further admit that I purchased it on sale, thinking it was a New Adult novel, featuring a bunch of entitled, horny, self-centered, shiftless college students.    Therefore, my Catholic girl penance is that I am writing this post at 4:45 a.m. ET, after staying up all night long to finish reading Searching for Moore   Enough said.

Used with permission by the author, Julie A. Richman.
Used with permission by the author, Julie A. Richman.

Ok,  I took a couple of cat naps last night and work from home.  Don’t feel too badly for me.

Holy debut novel, Batman.

I mean, HOLY.  FUCKING.  DEBUT.  NOVEL.

The premise is simple:  what if you were only one Facebook friend request away from your true love – that one person who knew you better than you knew yourself – 24 years after you last saw each other?  Would you reconnect with her/him, even if it meant uprooting the life you had been creating for yourself?  If you were given that chance, would you take it?

Searching for Moore begins in the present day.  Schooner Moore’s wife, CJ, is throwing a lavish party to celebrate his 43rd birthday.   It is filled with “the beautiful people,” superficial individuals who only wish to be seen at this party to rub elbows with the rich and famous.  Schooner Moore is both.  What CJ and her “guests” fail to realize, however, is that Schooner dislikes the shallow displays of artifice that are his life and social circle.   Then, his college buddy, Beau, casually mentions that he has chatted with Mia Silver, a classmate from college, via Facebook.

As Schooner reminisces, we are transported back twenty-four years into the past.  He remembers their freshman year of college and the first taste of independence, of “finding himself,” meeting diverse people and learning about true love.   Schooner meets and is immediately attracted to CJ, the quintessential, beautiful prom queen.  They are the “perfect” All-American blonde couple, who would be featured in an ad for Ralph Lauren.  He also meets Mia Silver, antithesis to CJ, sassy New Yorker, attending school in California, who marches to the beat of her own drum.   CJ fits into his world, effortlessly, like a well-decorated room that lacks personality.  Mia challenges his mind, steals his heart and completes his soul.  Schooner and Mia are each other’s first true love.  Then, Mia leaves him, without a word.

We return to the present day and Schooner sends Mia an innocuous Facebook friend request.  A friend request that she is fated to accept.  The story continues as the veil of time is lifted, a lifetime of betrayal by CJ is exposed, and that first true love is renewed.

Ms. Richman writes Schooner so that the reader is able to see the “real” Schooner that Mia sees.  He has spent his life as a handsome shell, a chameleon who morphs into whomever he is expected to be.   He has been incredibly successful in business, but we know he is so much more.  Conversely, Mia is a ray of sunlight, warm, ebullient, full of life and loyal.  She is successful, loved and will bring balance back into Schooner’s life.  Unfortunately, not everyone is pleased with this reunion, especially CJ and Zac (CJ and Schooner’s son – who inherited his personality from CJ).

We live a lifetime through their story. There is the angst of first heart break, the ambivalence and acceptance of life’s circumstances, and the joy and hope for renewed, healing love.  Then, Ms. Richman ends this rollercoaster ride of emotions with a cliffhanger the reader sees building from the middle of the story, but is incapable to stop.   Searching for Moore is funny and quirky, profound, poignant and moving – all at the same time.   It is the best book I have read about aging Generation-Xers, this year.

Exceptional debut for Ms. Richman!  I need the second book NOW!!

The “cleaned up” versions of this review are on Amazon and Goodreads.

This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Generation X and tagged , , , , , .

A New Era in Fashion—How Abercrombie & Fitch Saves Needless Suffering

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I didn’t think it was possible, after her first brilliant post on A&F, but Kristen Lamb, just blew it out of the park! With humor.  Nailed it!

Author Kristen Lamb's avatarKristen Lamb's Blog

Last Friday, I wrote a post about how Abercrombie & Fitch’s CEO Michael Jeffreys’ message hurts us all, no matter how fat or thin, pretty or ugly, rich or poor, popular or unpopular. Yet, upon closer inspection, I am compelled to retract my statement. In fact, I think Jeffreys’ should be given serious consideration for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Bear with me.

The Birth of Fashion

At one time, early in human history, clothing served to protect humans from the elements and keep them warm. But, what many of you might NOT know was that everyone looked the same, running around in somewhat smelly saber-tooth outerwear.

It was really Ug who came up with the first line of saber-tooth necklaces to accessorize these early, boring designs. Ug later inspired Og to use the teeth of a boar as bracelets. Not only could one look smashing day OR night, but boar-tooth…

View original post 1,476 more words

This entry was posted in Accountability, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance and tagged , , , , .

The Little Black Book Blog

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The Little Black Book Blog

Check out “The Little Black Book Blog,” which is celebrating 3000 “Likes” on Facebook, with a giveaway!

This entry was posted in Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Uncategorized and tagged , , .

Book Review – “Logan and Jenna” (Wolf Mate #6) by R.E. Butler – Sassy Fairy Meets her Alpha Wolf

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Short, sexy read. Logan and Jenna may be my favorite couple of the “Wolf’s Mate” series. Jenna surprised me at how strong she was, both physically and emotionally. Logan was so much sweeter than I had imagined him to be, which endeared me to him. As a couple, they were protective of each other and oh, so HOT.

Here is the link to my review:  Sassy Fairy Meets her Alpha Wolf

This entry was posted in Alpha Males, Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Wolf Shifter and tagged , , , , .

Finding Your Passion Again – despite the burnout

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Book Reviewers – Check out Terri’s discussion on burnout and re-igniting our passion for reading.

This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance.

Book Reviews – “Wrong Bed, Right Guy,” and “Chasing Mrs. Right” by Katee Robert

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Book 1 in Katee Robert’s “Come Undone Series” – “Wrong Bed, Right Guy”

Sweet, sexy romance where the tattooed bad boy grows up before our eyes, into a good man, worthy of a lovely lady.

 

Book 2 in Katee Robert’s “Come Undone Series” – “Chasing Mrs. Right”

I wanted to know what happened to Ian and Roxanne, who were secondary characters in Wrong Bed, Right Guy (Come Undone) And, I’m a sucker for a tortured, military veteran, so I was expecting to like this story.

Holy cow! I LOVED it! This is case of the second book being hotter and more emotional than the first, in a series. Both Ian and Roxanne are dealing with deeply personal commitment issues and are wary of a relationship. Hot sex is ok, GREAT, even, but intimacy is a no-no.

So, both are caught unaware when they start falling for each other, effortlessly. They need to put aside their own baggage, to be there for the other one. I appreciate that Ms. Robert spent time allowing this part of their relationship develop organically. It was not rushed, and felt real.

I look forward to reading Two Wrongs, One Right (Come Undone) Nathan’s story. From the hints given in the first two books, it plans to also be an emotional rollercoaster.

Great series!

This entry was posted in Book Reviews, Contemporary Romance and tagged , , .

E-Publishing – As Seen by an Established Author

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Interesting discussion on e-publishing from the perspective of an established NY Times Bestselling author.  http://www.plotmonkeys.com/2013/04/24/the-new-publishing-model/

This entry was posted in Books and Authors, Contemporary Romance and tagged , , .

Becoming a Book Reviewer

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Over the past month I have ventured into the world of ebook reviews.  Not as an “expert,” just as a fan, who is moved by the creative words of women writers.    Looking back, I wrote reviews on books I either loved or hated, anything in the mid-range, got nothing.

Ironically, Facebook has brought me “closer” to one of the authors I’ve followed for many years, Julie Leto.  Before I was married, or even met my husband, I had a subscription to Harlequin books.   The books we all read, in the privacy of our own bedrooms, where the female leads were beautiful, successful, sexy.  And so were the men.

Well, Julie’s heroines were real women, of all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds.  She knew how to write about women with big, loud, loving families, and she wrote about the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

Imagine my surprise when I “found” her on Facebook and began to learn more about her.   It happened slowly, over the course of the 2012 Presidential Election.  I saw that our views on many subjects were similar.  For example, Julie is part of a closely-knit family with strong ethnic roots, she went to USF and pledged an NPC group.  I could identify with her and it gave me some insight into why I was so drawn in by her characters.  Each one of her female leads shared one, or more, of her personal attributes – championing those less fortunate, loyalty, friendship, fidelity, sexiness, and a distinct sense of self.

One of these days, hopefully in the near future, I will be able to meet Julie, in person, to tell her how much her writing has entertained me.

It was my pleasure to receive a review copy of her latest ebook, and introduction into the world of independent publishing, “Dirty Dare: The Rescue.”  My review can be found here:  http://www.amazon.com/review/RA5CQ46WZ6THA/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_cm_cr_notf_fhv_fbt

This entry was posted in Books and Authors, College, Contemporary Romance, Sorority and tagged , , , , , , , , , .