Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Review of "For the Love of Murphy" a Sweet Romance Anthology

What's New to Review ~ Wednesday!

Good morning, friends! It's another wonderful Wednesday here in North Carolina and this week I've had the great joy of reading a little selection in paperback! For the Love of Murphy is the second anthology that I've been in that has been converted to print, and there was something about flipping the pages of my own book that warmed me in my cozy little bed last night. So without further ado!

The Book:

A collective work from five separate romance authors, "For the Love of Murphy" was released March 17th, 2014 by Roane Publishing in both ebook and print. With the theme of "Murphy's Law" and whatever can go wrong will, each story uses the bad luck of our main characters to drive the stories forward and lead them to their happily ever afters. Complete at just over 200 pages, this short anthology provides a few hours of escape into the world of sweet romance.

The Stories: 

No Wrong Turns- by Lisa A. Adams: I generally don't review my own books as I feel there is too much bias going on. Of course I love my own story. Hopefully you will too. The heroine of the story is leaving her old life behind, and in a quirky series of "Murphy" events, she winds up stranded. Our hero may have what it takes to assure her that good can come from disaster, but he would have to be a seriously special man. Can Sean live up to the challenge?

Falling for You- by Michelle Ziegler: Down trodden and depressed after her hit and run at the wedding alter a year ago, Darci has gone into hiding. With the help of her best friend, she has no choice to rejoin life after her friend signs her up for an online dating service. With the string of bad luck and "Murphy" guiding her towards relationship embarrassments, Darci can't help but think about the one man from her past that got away years ago. Love lost and rekindled is one of my favorite themes in romance. Mrs. Ziegler does an excellent job of pulling you into the relationship between the heroine and her best friend. And, truth be told, I was dying to get to the end of this one. I knew something big was about to happen, and Ms. Zieglar gave me exactly what I had hoped for. This was a great short story and I hope to read more from the author very soon.

Coffee and Cufflinks- by Anabelle Blume: Olivia is a successful business woman who is about to lose everything. Through no fault of her own, things keep messing up at work and she's taking the hits. The only thing left is to appease the client. Schmoozing and total butt-kissing is in order. Unfortunately, the client is a prick. Thank God for small miracles like coffee in the morning and a gentle soul that can perk up your day for just five minutes. But can just five minutes counter balance the other messes in her life? Absolutely not. How can her business life and her personal life ever blend together? Just wait and see. I absolutely am enthralled with Ms. Blume's use of description of the women at the bar. So spot on and accurate, that I found myself shaking my head and laughing at the heroine and her best friend. I love when scenes come alive in your mind because the story telling is that good. Congrats Ms. Blume!

A Slippery Slope- by Rebecca Hart: Let me preface this with, yes, I'm published in this anthology. Yes, I love my own story and think it's great. That being said, this story was my favorite of the bunch. Maybe because I felt an immediate connection with the heroine, Anne. The story telling was amazing, the female friends were perfect, and the man... Um yes! I'll take one please! You have to read this cute story. In fact... I think I'll read it again after I'm done here.

The Shamrock Incident- by London St. James: Wow, Ms. St. James had me from the start. Setting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check. Flower Shop like the one I used to work at. Check. Assembly line rush orders, chaotic deliveries, and sheer trouble waiting around the corner. Check, check. check. I was so caught up in this story, I think I read it the fastest. Ms. St. James has already established herself as an amazing author and has proven that fact once again with this short sweet story.

The Verdict:

The whole of the anthology left me wanting for nothing. Even at a heat level one, all of the authors have put in enough sensual excitement that you are waiting for glorious moment. All of these stories live up to that challenge leaving your heart skipping and a smile across your face, just as a powerful kiss is shared. Promises of things to come keep your mind wandering for hours, thinking about the endless possibilities between these couples. I'm sure you already know the verdict, but to make it official....
It's a "Five Cups of Love" read! 
Purchase your copy at these locations $4.99 ebook and $13.99 print

Until next week, happy reading!
~Lisa


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Review of "Jungle Fever" by Maria Cox

What's New to Review ~ Wednesday!

Hello again, Readers! Yes, I know, it's been two weeks since my last post and for the first time in months... I failed you. All I can say is "I'm sorry. Sometimes, life happens." Unfortunately, all five of my children, my husband, and myself came down with that lovely new stomach bug that's been going around. My only response to that is, "Thank God that it only lasted a little more than 24 hours for each of us."  It hits you quick, drains your energy, forces you to have buckets and bags on standby & don't even think about eating. Anyhow, we all survived and I'm getting back to things like I like them. Routine is important for everyone. My routine of reading one book a week is making me become a better reader and, I also believe, a better writer. So! Without further ado... this week's review!

The Book:

Jungle Fever is a short novella written by Maria Cox and was released by Secret Cravings Publishing on February 5th, 2014. Coming in at just under 9k, this story was released in Secret Cravings "Weekend Getaway" category and is a spicy heat level four. It took me less than an hour to read and would  be perfect for a lunch time snack. With rather unique characters, I was impressed with the break away from the traditional stereo types. Some would automatically look at the cover and assume that the male was the chauvinistic thug and the girl the innocent princess, but you would be wrong. (I know I was.)

The Plot:

It's Becca's birthday, and after being under house arrest for three weeks because of some dubious actions, her father releases her under her older brother's care for the night. Her brother is a business man and the last person she wants to be around, but she'll take what she can get.  It's a night of clubbing, dancing, and fun that awaits (even under the eyes of careful watchmen.) But its her carefully planned escape from these body guards and the sight of an old acquaintance that really turns this novella up.

Enter the hero:
Jaden is a hard working man. A regular nine to five job and an after hours gig in partnership with Becca's brother. He's focused and ready to move on past mistakes he's made in the past, including sleeping with Becca. But, spotting her in the club leaves his mind twisted as he recalls the incredible night of passion that they shared weeks ago. He knows that she could be the end of his career, but will his lust and love for the woman outweigh his sensibility?

The Verdict:

This little novella promises a quick getaway. And with a heat level of four in under 9k, you know that there will be sexual encounters and quick. I love that the author used a couple that had already gotten together once. Back flashes give you a sense of intimacy that's realistically possible and not just a "love at first sight" scenario. There were some assumptions that the reader would have to make on the HEA at the end, but the characters definitely received their Happy For Now. Though this really has nothing to do with the writing, I must point out that I'm a little disappointed with the cover. The title is Jungle Fever, so you expect a mixed couple and it is written that way. But the cover gives a version of our Italian-American princess a very different appearance. As I said though, nothing to do with the story itself. Overall, it was a fast read, a quick romp in the alley so to speak, and worthy of the price for the escape. So, where would I place it????
It's a "Four Cups of Love" read!

Check it out today for $2.99 at these locations!

Until next week my friends, I hope you enjoy this little escape! 

Oh, next week I'll have something special. A review of another anthology that I've been published in and was just recently released. "For the Love of Murphy" by Roane Publishing. Get your copy today! Right here! In e-book and paperback!

Cheers!
Lisa

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Review of "Demon Protector" by Lauren Pilla

What's New to Review ~ Wednesday!

It's that time of week again, another great new title, another couple of hours to myself, and another review... JUST FOR YOU!

The Book:

Today's novella stands complete at approximately 27k and took me a little under three hours for me to read. Paranormal romance in genre, I must say that I was happy to see something outside the box like a demon instead of the typical were-shifters. That said the heroine is a witch, and well I just love all things witch-y! Released by Secret Cravings Publishing on October 8th, 2013 and a very sexy heat level four.

The Plot:

What would you do if you finally found out that you were a witch, your parents were both witches and had kept you clueless, and suddenly had demons trying to kill you so they could suck your power and claim it as their own? Yeah, that's where this one starts, and that's just in the first chapter. But, lets throw in another wrench... not all demons are made the same.

Enter the hero- a brooding dark male, with superior strength, a vivid description of any Men's Fitness magazine cover model, and a french accent that you can almost hear as your reading. Um... yum! Sexy, confident, and willing to break his own rules for the sassy little witch that has suddenly captured his interest. He has to protect her!

The adventure begins and it is a race to the finish! Will she learn enough in time to protect herself, or will her Demon Protector have to step in and save the day, facing his own kind, and a terrible secret?

The Verdict?

This was an adventure that gripped me. Will she get away? Will he be able to get over his past? Will she? I must say that the well thought out character arcs of this story was the driving point. Each must grow and change in their own way before they can find their happily ever after, whether that's together or apart. The author does a great job of incorporating the sexual aspects of attraction between the couple as well. Each scene held something a little different which made the story flow easier and seemed less repetitious. The demon was a unique character and addition to the paranormal genre. So, what do you think? I say...

It's a "Five Cups of Love" read!

Pick your copy up today! ~ $3.99

Until next week~ Happy Reading!
Lisa