REVIEW: Sweet Revenge by Cate Masters

Blurb:

From cheerleader to news anchor to…yoga instructor? After Zoe Golden lost everything she thought was important, she found the inner strength to pursue real happiness. The simple life provides everything she needs—except love. Once, long ago, she met a real man, but her insecurities made her deny her heart’s desires. Can Madame Eve find her a guy like the one who got away?

Bruised by rejection and determined to exact revenge…

The sculpted, successful owner of a chain of fitness studios, Ty Hardin can have any woman he wants. Fifteen years and 150 pound weight loss, has changed him beyond recognition. Now the girl who crushed his heart teaches yoga in one of his facilities. Not for long. Before he fires her, he wants one night with her. Wants her to know what she missed out on. But will revenge still be as sweet the morning after, or will it leave a bitter aftertaste?

Zoe and Ty might just be the best thing that ever happened to each other—if they can avoid doing their worst…

~Excerpt~

“Anything look good to you?” He winked and signaled the server.

Seriously? Did his ego know no bounds? She fought a laugh. Oh yeah, you look good enough to eat, Ty. And waitress, could you ask the manager to widen the exit to accommodate Mr. Hardin’s extraordinarily large head?

He glanced over as if he’d rehearsed the move. “I meant on the menu.”

She froze. Of course, you idiot. She fingered her hair, and then folded her arms and rested her elbows on the table to force herself to stop fidgeting. “I, uh, haven’t seen one yet.”

“I thought maybe you’d eaten here before.”

“No.” At this rate, she might not eat here tonight, either. Her insides had twisted into a knot, killing her appetite.

As if on cue, the waitress carried two menus to their table. “Can I get you two something to drink?”

“White wine,” he said. “Bring your best bottle.”

Um, I’d looked forward to a margarita—or five, to get through this night.

When he turned his calculating smile on her, it sent ice down her spine. God, had she ever bashed him on the evening news? If so, her story hadn’t hurt his business. So what was the deal with the attitude? Why did she feel like a mouse in a hawk’s predatorial sights?

He closed the menu with a slap. “Might I recommend the crab special?”

Her stomach clenched tighter. Did it mean something? He made everything sound a tad sinister. Or was this just his normal sunny disposition? If so, she’d stick to being his employee. “It does sound good.”

The waitress returned as if he’d summoned her.

He said, “Two crab specials please.”

What the hell, she hadn’t even scanned the menu. “But—”

He held up a finger. “And some garlic sticks. They’re so tasty.”

Quickly gathering the menus, the waitress disappeared.

Zoe closed her gaping mouth. So rude. Was he testing her? Or just throwing his perfect weight around? Playing more games, perhaps?

Something told her the latter—like his smug smile. The way he poured wine into her glass like he wished it were poison.

Fine. If that’s the way tonight had to go, bring it on.

“Thank you.” Keeping him in her sights, she drained half the glass and set it down. Let the games begin.

Adri’s Review

When Yoga instructor Zoe uses up the little of her saving she has left to book a date with the 1Night Stand Service she wouldn’t of ever guessed she would be set up with Ty—her boss.

When Ty requested a date specifically with Zoe he had one thing in mind… Revenge. The only thing is that he never plans on finding out that Zoe is not the same person she was when he was 16 years old. Ty has spent so long focusing on the hurt of what Zoe’s actions so long ago caused, that he never realizes that because of that one event that at the time hurt so much was the best thing to happen to him.

Much of Zoe’s life changes with the death of her parents, that she is nothing like the girl she’d been in high school. She does have one big regret, the pain she caused the sweetest boy in her class. Will Madame Eve be able to help these two out?

At some points during this story I wanted to kick Ty’s butt for not seeing how his actions were hurting Zoe. Also her strength and need for growth was wonderful.

Happy Reading… Adri 

REVIEW: Raising Kane (Fevered Hearts) by Heather Long

Raising Kane Fevered Hearts #5
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When the spirit fever struck a town, a village or an outpost, it left few if any survivors. The white man blamed the Indian saying they used their mojo on them.  The Indians blamed the white man for angering the spirits.  The survivors knew it didn’t matter.  The Fevered were forever changed.

A gift he needs to tame…
Kid feels what the world around him feels, he is a raw, bleeding nerve, and he can’t control the pain anymore. After lashing out at everyone he loves, he agrees to an exile atop Quanto’s mountain to learn to control the power he wields. Desperate to end it, Kid battles with Wyatt the eldest Morning Star—hoping against hope that the man will kill him. He longs only for peace…

A gift she wants to harness…
Evelyn Lang grew up with a territorial judge for a father, and a secret—her father’s Fevered ability passed to her. When he’s killed in broad daylight in a little town in Kansas after freeing a slave, Lang is no longer bound by her father’s oath to never use her ability—now she must train it. She travels across hostile territory in search of the man who trained her father. She longs only for vengeance…

Tempestuous passions, opposing needs, and impulsive decisions divide them… 
Conflicting goals put Kid and Evelyn in direct opposition. Her hunger for justice cuts him, but Quanto refuses his requests to train alone. Forced to train together, they must confront their deepest fears if they are ever to achieve their greatest desire…. 

His pain. Her obsession. Their battle.

Adri's Review:

Raising Kane is the fifth and latest book in the Fevered Heart Series. It is also Kid Kane’s story. This is also in my opinion the most emotional book coming in just in front of Brave are the Lonely. Why? Because it is a book that really gets us into the empaths mind. 

Kid Kane has spent his most of his life silently dealing with the ability that allows him to feel what everyone around her is feeling. What their emotions are doing to them. Only problem is that he has fed his ability and taken into himself everyone’s pain for so long he no longer knows how to deal with it. So after the events that took place at the end of Buck’s story, his family strongly encourages him to go with Wyatt to the mountain. Only Quanto would be able to help him get a handle on his ability, before it completely destroys him. 

The trip is not without its problems, because of Kid’s over indulgence for so long his ability has never let him sort through his own emotions. This proves to be the biggest problem, because the power starts to turn against him and begins to cause Kid to become violently ill. 

While Kid is recouping from his trip, Evelyn Lang is watching her father, a judge, get murdered by 5 men who do not agree with the fact that he didn’t return a freed slave. Eveyln is distraught and vows to avenge her death. Her father Edward Lang was fevered and he passed his ability down to his daughter. He’d also passed down the stories of Quanto and Wyatt, the men that trained him. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to do it by herself, with no knowledge on how her ability worked, she makes the trip to Quanto’s mountain. 

The instant chemistry between the two is fantastic. When they are forced to train together you can see how it also helps them grow closer. 

It was nice to see Kid finally find the person for him. The woman who could tame him, and how he was also able to tame his own ability so it no longer is debilitating to him. 

Something else I enjoyed about this book is that we get a glimpse into how the Morning Star’s live. How life with Quanto and Wyatt is and a few more hints about the eldest and most mysterious of Quanto’s children is really like. 

As always I look forward to the next book… Which sadly isn’t out yet, but I’m crossing my fingers will be by Christmas.    

If nothing else I hope that all though these reviews haven’t been as detailed as I’m sure you all wished, they will get you interested and curious enough to want to run out and get them. Like I’ve said over and over you won’t regret it.

Happy Thanksgiving from Sarah Says......Read Romance!!

Adri: 

On this day that we celebrate everything we are thankful for in our lives, I want to take a moment to say how thankful I am for all the authors and stories I have been lucky enough to get to know through this blog. 

Each day we bring you our reactions to stories, or introduce the readers to a story they wouldn’t have come across had it not been for the authors who share their stories with us. But it is also a privilege for us that get to review them. 

There are a couple of authors we are especially lucky to be a part of.

Heather Long being one of my favorites. Her Always a Marine series is always guaranteed to be emotional and eye opening. Her Fevered Heart series will always have an adventure and mystery. But what I am most thankful to her for is how much she loves her readers. She will always take the time to support and encourage her readers and followers. She also takes the time to keep us up to date on what’s going on with her stories, or even just answer questions (as long as it doesn’t give the story away). She is one of those people who shows how much she appreciates everyone. This is what makes me most thankful to gotten lucky enough to not only be introduced to her stories but to also get to know her as a person.

Mahalia Levey is another one of those authors that interacts and encourages her readers. She is a sweet woman who always seems to have a smile or positive thought even when she has negative things to deal with. And her stories… well... those are spicey and amazing as well.

The ladies over at Decadent Publishing, man what can I say about them… Other than Thank You for bringing us the amazing 1 Night Stand series and other fantastic authors.

And on a personal note there are a few women that I am so thankful to know them… Erin… I am thankful for her help when I am completely lost with tech stuff. Sarah… For giving me the privilege to help with this site and for being an amazing woman all around. Jennifer Garcia… I am thankful for being supportive and trying to help me improve.

I hope you all enjoy this day of thanks and the beginning of the Holiday Season. Happy reading and writing… Adri  

Sarah: 

When I started this blog in May, I never thought that I would be getting review requests like I am now.  I appreciate that all the authors that have given me the opportunity to read your books and reviewing them!  Some of you have been repeat reviews, which I am honored that you continue to trust me with your stories before they are released!   Some tour companies have been able to lead me to other authors that I was unaware of. 

To Adri and Erin: 

What can I say but thank you!  The two of you have made sure this blog didn't go dormant while I was busy with this semester and the additional stress of internship, work and class work.  Without the two of you, this blog wouldn't be as active as it has been.  You both have been amazing at helping expand this blog in terms of Twitter, tumblr, and on FB.  You both help make sure we are organized and can figure out who is reviewing what without any of us feeling that we are not getting a fair share of reviews.  Adri, as much as you say you are not tech savvy, you got the calendar and the google doc in order so that we are organized!   

To the followers:  

Thanks!  Thank you for giving this blog a chance.  Thank you for entering giveaways.  Thank you for sharing posts.

Erin:
I would like to take a few moments to give thanks first to my family. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am. And as much as I complain about picking up the same toys over and over, or sometimes being a short order cook because everyone can't decide on one thing for dinner, I wouldn't change a thing. 

 Sarah & Adri:
 Girls, I seriously love being a part of this with you. Sarah, you have given me a wonderful opportunity and I'm loving every second of it. This blog is so much fun to do and I like to keep Sarah on her toes by pushing deadlines to the last minute ;) Adri, you are a wonderful person that I only hope to get to know better. You girls are the best and I'm thankful to call you my friends. 

You Authors:
 We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. You share your stories and give us the chance to show our readers your awesome work. I have never read more in my life! I have had the chance to review some pretty awesome books, and I am humbled by the opportunity to do so. Your stories inspire us in ways you can never imagine. 

I hope you all indulge in too much pie, and enjoy your turkey coma. We are forever grateful for each and every single one of you and want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  

PROMO & GIVEAWAY: Eternal Blades V.S. Nelson

Eternal Blades

Sekhmet’s Guardian’s Book Three

By: V.S. Nelson

Blurb

Tshering Snow never meant to fall hopelessly in love with her savior, the Ancient, known as Lance, but she did. He seems to care deeply for her, spending every available hour with her, but will he be able to give up his past and settle down with one woman? After all, he has the reputation of a playboy.

Lance hates the personification he has created around himself. Afraid the others might not understand why; he has held back the truth from Gabriel and the other Guardians, he has waited for the right woman, the one Sekhmet prophesized so long ago. And now he has found her. When he is accused of fathering a child by both Gabriel and Tshering, how can he make them believe the child is not his, even if the boy is a spitting imagine of him?

After the women are attacked by Set’s Legions while relaxing on Jennifer’s new yacht, they come to the unanimous decision; they will train and join the Guardian forces. But that’s not as easy as it was meant to be. Old fashioned and hard headed, Gabriel is determined he will not having women fighting in their war.

When Tshering, Jennifer and Jessica are taken hostage by Set’s Legions all hell breaks loose on the Guardian’s compound. Lost without their mates, brother fights brother while they try save their women and put an end to the Legion’s terror. Will Sekhmet, the goddess they serve, step in and reveal the truth or will she leave them to find their own solutions to a never ending war as she has in the past?

Buy Links Amazon
 http://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Blades-Sekhmets-Guardians-Sehkmets-ebook/dp/B00GJVWC9G

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/09/now-booking-tasty-virtual-book-tour-for_6.html

Author Info

With a love for history, Native American author V.S. Nelson, instructed elementary, high school and college in the U.S. and abroad before launching her second writing career. 

V has been a story-teller all her life, always creating stories about people discovering the courage to make a difference. This drove her into writing her paranormal series centering on strong relationships and led her to coin the term: Ancient Legends, New Worlds.

She is well known for her “time management and sprint style writing,” producing well over five thousand words daily - consecutively. 

V is available for speaking engagements, appearances and is more than willing to share her methodology with others in a variety of workshops. 

A member of three RWA chapters she sits on several committees and judges writing contests across the states. 

In Jan, 2013, Eternal Lovers, the first book in her eleven book paranormal series, Sekhmet’s Guardians launched with a fury. Being a series reader herself, she has held true to her promise by releasing no less than two books in the series per year in addition to her other work.

Author Links

Author website: http://www.authorvsnelson.com

Author blog:   http://www.authorvsnelson.com/blog/

Facebook: (author) https://www.facebook.com/authorvsnelson

                (series) https://www.facebook.com/SekhmetsGuardians

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AuthorVSNelson

Goodreads http://tinyurl.com/dxgo35

Link to Rafflecopter Page, http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjE5NA==/

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Embroidered Book Bag with Swag)

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Excerpt

Raziel slammed on the breaks and the bus came to a screeching halt.  Those standing up were forced to grab hold of the seats to keep from being thrown to the floor. 

There parked on the side of the street was a brand new white Maybach, identical to Jennifer’s. Couldn’t be. Gabriel he ran over to the rear of the car to check the plate. Oh, dear God, no. Sure enough it was Jennifer’s. 

It hadn’t dawn on him to look inside the warehouse for the three women his soldiers mentioned. Nor did dawn on him, the two blonds and brunette, would be anyone he knew. He assumed they were either girlfriends of the guards or ….shit, that didn’t’ matter now.

Back on board the bus, he tried to call Jennifer on her cell just in case she was still somewhere in the area. He told Raphael to call Jessica and Lance to get hold of Tshering. He wasn’t positive who the two blonds were, but he knew in his heart the brunette had to be Jennifer. He was guessing, but he had a sneaky suspicion who the other two were. 

When Jessica’s and Tshering’s phones went unanswered, Gabe called Johnson and told him to take a head count on the women. He needed to know just how many women from the estate, accompanied Jen on her little expedition. Damn her and her independent rebellious streak. It was just like her to pull off something like this.

Lance hung up his phone and stared at Gabriel. “You don’t think?”

“I do… Lance, Jen said she was in the command center earlier when she learned you suspected the mothers were the homicide victims. What exactly did she see while she was in there?”

Lance’s photographic memory recalled Jennifer’s reaction to the monitors under his control. He forgot the warehouse and its address were on one of them, presuming she was concentrating on the one that was running the identification software. It would have been all too easy for her to see and memorize the address. 

“Gabe, I never gave it a second thought…the warehouse and address was up on one of the monitors….but she couldn’t have been the one to shut down the security…”

“No, I think we have your lovely Tshering to thank for that.”