Shiver by CM Foss..... Review by Dawn

~Synopsis~

This is a love story. 

This is a romantic story. 

Except bananas. Bananas are never romantic. 

Lissa was a twenty-year-old girl trying to make it in the equestrian world. She was sassy and smart, strong and a little weird. And she had no idea what she was doing. 

Ethan was twenty-seven, tattooed, tall, dark, and hot. And lugging some baggage. He’d already made it in the business and brought Lissa on to help get her on her feet. And it turned out, he liked a little weird. 

Ethan made it clear that he wasn’t in the market for a relationship. Lissa was happy to learn the ropes and push her attraction aside. 

But how do you draw the line when every touch makes you…shiver?

Ok, let me disclose a few things before I start my review. 

I was an assistant to Author CM Foss at her first signing and she gifted me a copy of Shiver. The fact that I have "worked" with CM has ZERO baring on this honest review. 

I LOVE this book!. I read so many books that are dark and angst ridden, it  

sometimes takes me by surprise when a sweet romantic book just connects with me. 

I love Lissa, what a strong, determined, passion driven leading lady. She is funny and always speaks her mind. I often found myself thinking "I would have said that also." The banter between Ethan and Lissa is so much fun to read. 

Ethan, is so much fun to get to know. He swears off love, he had a rough childhood and saying he had difficult parents, would be a gross understatement. He is driven to succeed and I think he is so freaking sweet. I really liked Ethan, and found him extremely sexy. 

Ethan and Lissa have been friends for a few years and its always been easy for them to talk. Little do they know, they are both harboring the "feels" for each other. Reading their story was effortless. It just flowed and left you feeling like, no matter what life throws at you, as long as you have someone who loves you, supports your dreams and always has your back, love can in fact can conquer all!  

Lawrence and Steph are hilarious! I am so excited that they are getting their own book, Swoon.
I loved the friendship that Lawrence and Lissa developed. Steph is a bit of a mystery and I like that not all that much was said about her past. 

The Epilogue takes you into Lissa and Ethan's future and the trials they face raising a child with special needs. I am not even sure if that is what you call it. But they forge through it and you really feel the struggle and the reconnecting of these two. YES! I cried... and you will to.

I loved this story and will definitely be reading Swoon and anything else CM Foss writes. 

Limbo Series by Andrea Smith.

The Limbo Series Author: Andrea Smith Book 1 - Silent Whisper Book 2 - Clouds in My Coffee

 
  Silent Whisper Parrish Locke is 27 years old, a successful model with a gorgeous boyfriend, and a loft in Manhattan. Little does she know that during a photo shoot in Chester, West Virginia, an unfortunate car accident will change her life . . . forever. Parrish discovers she's gifted in a very special way, and thus begins a suspense-filled journey that unravels secrets and mysteries from the past. Once her journey ends, it is just the beginning for Parrish, because only she holds the key that will bridge the past to the present, and allow wrongs to be righted from beyond. From mafia capos, to steamy romance, to solving the unsolved, her journey is one that provides the blueprint for her future--one she never imagined possible.   Clouds In My Coffee When Parrish Locke, a 27 year-old fashion model, discovers she has a gift, she wishes it was the type that could be returned. That's not the case. You see, under the right circumstances, Parrish can help "stalled souls" pass beyond the pearly gates. That's right - she can communicate with their spirits. Well actually, she can do more than that, she can re-live the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths, and as a result, right some wrongs along the way. Clouds In My Coffee finds Parrish back in the 1970's, in a small Wyoming town where a high school cheerleader died as a result of a car accident one snowy night. But Parrish knows that isn't what really happened. After forty years, how will she convince authorities there is more to the story? Enter Marco Trevani, Jr., a handsome, somewhat arrogant FBI agent that Parrish's father calls in to assist his gifted daughter. The chemistry between them is undeniable. But there's another surprise in store for Parrish. One relationship fizzles, while another one sizzles!  




 

Excerpt - Silent Whisper (Book 1)

"Baby," he said softly, "My life is what it is. I grew up knowing what I was and what I would always be, the same as my father, and his father before him in Sicily. It's not a career choice; it's simply a way of life that I was born into. But I can promise you that I will never allow you to become part of it. I will make sure that you are never at risk, and that you have no reason to be concerned about your safety or culpability in anything. Do you understand?"

His dark brown eyes were studying me, wanting to make sure that I knew he was my protector in all of this.

I swallowed nervously under his perusal, and nodded.

And that night, Dominic loved me with a passion that had been absent before, though I never would've guessed that he had been holding anything back. It was different that night. Haunting yet exciting at the same time and it felt dangerous.

It might've been because of our earlier mutual declaration of love; or it might've been because I now knew the extent of this man's power, along with his promise to be my protector. So let's face it, his power, along with his passion for me was a potent aphrodisiac for this girl from Chester, West Virginia. 

But it also might've been because Dominic didn't permit me to put my diaphragm in before we hit the sheets that night.

"No Karlie," he said, pulling me gently back to him as I started for the bathroom to do what I always did before sex. His fingers tilted my chin, forcing me to gaze into his dark eyes. 

"Not tonight. Not anymore."

And I didn't argue because it would've been pointless. Dominic had made up his mind as to what he wanted, and it was something that apparently he wanted from me. 

A child.

He had never gone into detail as to the specifics, but I'd gotten the impression that having children was important to Dominic. He had never elaborated as to why they had no children, and I didn't think it was my place to ask. 

After that night, I knew it was a conversation that we needed to have. Bringing Dominic Castellano's child into this world was something I wasn't sure that I could ever do.  

And it had nothing to do with the fact that he was married. It was because having his child meant that he or she would be born into the same life that he had been born into, and his ancestors before him.

While I loved this man, I couldn't fathom allowing a child of mine to follow in those kinds of footsteps, and I wasn't all that sure that I'd have a choice in the matter.

 

Book 1 - Silent Whisper

Book 2 - Clouds In My Coffee




    Today and Amazon Bestselling author Andrea Smith has a wicked sense of humor. No matter the genre, she is able to infuse laughter throughout. Andrea is an Ohio native, currently residing in southern Ohio. She is the mother of two sons, and through the years has always held on to her dream of publishing fiction. Andrea Smith is the author of "Past Tense Future Perfect" (formerly published as the Baby series), The G-Man series (Diamond Girl, Love Plus One, Night Moves, G-Men Holiday Wrap, and Taz) "These Men" (Novella that was part of an 8-author Erotica Consortium compilation entitled Bend). Ms. Smith writes contemporary romance with suspense, mystery and an erotic tone.

Follow Andrea Online!

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Newsletter  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thoughtful by SC Stephens

~Blurb~

The only place Kellan Kyle has ever felt at home is onstage. Gripping his guitar in a darkened bar, he can forget his painful past. These days his life revolves around three things: music, his bandmates, and hot hookups. Until one woman changes everything . . . 

Kiera is the kind of girl Kellan has no business wanting-smart, sweet, and dating his best friend. Certain he could never be worthy of her love, he hides his growing attraction . . . until Kiera's own tormented heart hints that his feelings might not be one-sided. Now, no matter the consequences, Kellan is sure of one thing-he won't let Kiera go without a fight.

Revisiting Kellan Kyle again, ahhh... He really is a fantastic character. I am not one to read POV books. I often feel it's the same story told again. I will also admit, I hated Keira in Thoughtless, she was to wishie washie for me . I know that was the point, love triangle... but I did hate her. 

His inner monologue was a bit much at times.  But this is after all his side. I would have liked to have more of, I am not sure what, but I felt like I was left wanting something.
 Reading about the abuse he suffered was very very hard. I had to take a few breaks. Gut wrenching! 
For a POV book, it is exactly that.. His side of the story. Its been years since I read Thoughtless, mainly because of my extreme dislike of Keira, but none the less, this will give you what you want... KELLAN KYLE.. and he is just as hot in this as he is in the series. If you are a fan, you will LOVE It. 

What People are saying about Fifty Shades of Grey, the movie...

Well, after seeing the movie 3 times in less than a week. "Three times in a week" you ask? Yes!
 I had decided I was going to make a project out of this. I took it upon myself to interview people. I came up with questions for "before you see the film and after you see the film." I wanted to get a wide range of people, they are...
young, mid thirties, virgins, older, someone familiar with the lifestyle, a man,  Readers of the books and non readers.
Here is what they had to say....

Casting... agree or disagree with selecting Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson?

Felicia S (age 21, read the books, seeing it with her boyfriend.)
Had this to say about Jamie Dornan BEFORE she watched the film.
"I'm  not extremely  satisfied with who they cast  as Christian.  He isn't  as attractive or as fierce as what I envisioned him to be. I thought someone like Ian Somerholder could play him well. But everyone  portrays a book differently so maybe he will be a perfect fit. I'll have to wait and see."

Mark C, (41 did not read the books, seeing it with his wife- ME) says, "I really liked his acting. He was cold, calculating, in control, precise. He played the character very well. I really liked her acting. I mean it, not for all the sexual aspect of it. She is very good at playing innocent and awkward."

When I asked them what they were most excited to see in the film?  They had this to say.

Karon (55, read the books, seeing it with her daughter )
" If they have the same chemistry on film as they did in the book?"

Robbie (38,read the books, seeing it with her mother) said,
"Taylor!" (That is probably my favorite answer of them all!)

Maria A, (35 did not read the book, seeing it with friends)said "She wanted to see what all the hype was about!" 
I think she now understands!

Felicia S, had this to say...
"I'm  most excited to see how they make this extremely sexual book into a movie. I believe they will do a good job at making it hot and steamy, without making it a porn."

I think, we can all agree.. they did our beloved book justice!

I asked the following questions AFTER they saw the film.
Do you feel they stay true to the book?
It was unanimous, all of them agreed... YES! 

Your favorite part of the movie?
Felicia -"My favorite part of the film would have to be when Christian shows up at Anastasia's work, and buys everything  he will eventually  use on her. I really liked their chemistry in this scene." 


Maria- "When they went gliding. You believed that he was actually giving her more."

Mark - "The tug of war between Christian and Ana." 

Karon- "How they met."

Robbie- " I loved the music."

After seeing the film, How do you feel about the acting?

Felicia- "After seeing the film, I think both Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson both did a very good job at playing their parts. I was surprised by how good they did."

Mark- "I thought they were spot on, I had no problem with the acting at all."

Maria- "Dakota Johnson Nailed it! Jamie, played a great Christian."

Robbie- "I think they did a good job showing her innocence and his domineering attitude."

Karon- "They had great chemistry."


Your overall thoughts on the film?

Felicia- "I was very happy with how the film turned out. A lot of "critics" were trying to say that this movie promoted sexual abuse and made this type if relationship  look like a fantasy.  I'm  very happy  that they portrayed it as a movie about a complicated  man, and his abuse and control problems. This movie did exactly what I hoped by remaining true to the book instead  of turning it into a fairy tale."

Maria- " I really enjoyed it. I have not read the books, so I didn't know what to expect. I also thought it was NOT "pron" at all."

Robbie-" Considering how detailed the book is, they put a considerable amount into the movie. They couldn't give us the whole entire book, but the movie grasped the love story."

Karon-" It leaves you wanting more!"

Mark- "I took as a love story, more than an erotic film. The plot was very intriguing. They tap into a genera that has not been shown in this scale before."

Describe the movie in 5 words.

Felicia- "Intense, steamy, intellectual, romantic &emotional"

Maria- "Romantic, Sad, Funny,Educational and Foreplay."

Robbie- "Hot, Provocative, funny, sexy and love."

Karon_" Romantic, Funny, Passionate, Intriguing and Tantalizing."

Mark- " Intriguing, Grey, elusive/secretive,  sexual and romance."

My review is really quite simple... I LOVED IT! They stayed true to the book and left it with the perfect set up for books 2&3. I loved Dakota bringing Ana to life. She was perfect for the role. I was not Jamie's biggest fan, mainly because I have no idea who he was. I believe he played Christian, exactly the way he was written, stiff, unemotional, and a control freak. I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I did in fact, love them as Ana and Christian.  I am excited to see the rest of the films. 

I wanted to touch on this for just a second....

I will never understand all the bullshit being said about how the movie is "promoting abuse." This is about a broken man! I also, take issue with those bashing the book who have NEVER it. To break it down in terms most will understand. That would be like me saying "I HATE broccoli" and have NEVER tried it! It really is that simple! 
Get off your high horse and stop judging me and my people for having an open mind! We are not judging you for being a hypocritical asshole! 
~ Dawn

Tempting Bad by Author M Robinson COVER REVEAL!

Title: Tempting BAD
Author: M. Robinson
Release Date: TBA
Find on Goodreads

Brooke:

     I’ve come from a privileged life and an even more privileged upbringing. My parents taught me right from wrong and everything in between… except I wanted the gray area. I wanted to live life on the edge with the possibility of falling over. I didn’t care about the consequences because I had no heart…

     I left that on the floor of my parent’s bedroom door, shattered.

     And never went back to pick up the pieces.

Devon:

     Family first.

     I learned the meaning of the word hate.

     I learned that life is a battlefield and I stood frontline.

     I learned that praying doesn’t work and God doesn’t listen.

     And I learned how to be a man…

     All at the receiving end of my father’s fists, my mother’s tears, and my sisters screams.

     You can’t run away from your past…

     It will always find you, especially when you’re asleep.

 

Warning: Book contains adult situations.

Sex/language. Mature readers only.

 

I looked around the room and although it was classy and refined, it didn’t feel homey. It felt cold and detached and I made my way over to stand in front of the bay window. The view was breathtaking.

It was then that I realized this wasn’t a place to sleep.

It was a place to fuck.

“This isn’t your home, is it?”

“No,” she murmured in my ear, behind me.

“I see.”

“It’s Madam’s.”

“Where do you live?”

She handed me my drink and took hers down in one gulp, placing the empty glass on the table. She moved to stand in front of me and leaned against the bay window. The lighting made her look like an angel.

“Don’t worry about it,” she stated, reaching up and unclasping her hair. It flowed loosely and she shook it out, making it fall right in front of her face. I knew she did it on purpose.

Hiding.

I let her have her security.

For now.

“I thought you want to play, Devon?”

I laughed. “Bambi, I couldn’t afford you,” I blurted without thinking and her eyes widened with a mixture of hurt and confusion, but just like before it was gone before it even fully appeared.

“What if I don’t want you to pay?” she offered surprised with her own words.

“Does it work like that? Kinda like a drug dealer, huh? Give the first sample for free and have me coming back for more?” I teased, trying to break the intensity of our stares.

Now it was her turn to laugh. “Something like that. So are you going to take me up on my offer?”

“What’s in it for me?”

“The time of your life.”

*Excerpt unedited*

 

M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.

She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa Fl. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in psychology, with two years left.

She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes and a Tabby cat.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Blog Tour for Get Off on the Pain by Victoria Ashley

Release Date: February 2, 2015

GOOTP FACEBOOK PAGE

Shawn Dawson (cover model) Furious Fotog (photographer) Cover It Designs (cover designer)

Sexy, tattooed and inevitably dangerous. Memphis is all that and more… I live for the pain; it’s what drives me to keep moving. But there comes a time when one has to push the demons aside in order to survive. I thought I buried them deep. I thought I was ready to finally live. Until… my brother, Alex; he throws me into the fire—right into the place I could never control myself, the one place I never want to be again. When I put my hands on people, they get hurt. Things happen that bring me back to that night. The one that will forever torment me. I’m doing fine, keeping to myself in order to ensure no one gets hurt by me. Then along comes Lyric, and all I want to do is touch her, to put my hands in places that I know will only lead to her being crushed by me. She’s the rush that I crave. The darkest of poison running through my veins, killing me bit by bit; like a drug I can’t get enough of even though I’m almost down to my last breath. And being around her only hurts more, but what she doesn’t understand is that I welcome the pain; I get off on it, which in the end leaves me with the hardest decision of my life—one that might get us all killed… Lyric steps away and laughs before walking over and stopping in front of me. She looks up into my eyes and licks her bottom lip. Her whole body is glistening with sweat now, and all I can think about is tasting every inch of her. “Dance with me, Memphis.” I pull my eyes away from her lips and flex my jaw. As much as I want to put my hands all over, I need to fight it, but this fucking liquor isn’t doing much to help it. “No, Lyric.” She takes a step closer and runs her tiny, soft hand down my arm. “Just once. It’s not even a big deal. It’s just a dance. It’s not like I’m asking you to fuck me. I’m asking you to touch me.” “You want me to touch you,” I growl. I roughly slide my hands over her hips before gripping her waist and slamming her up against the wall. Leaning in, I fist her hair in my hand and whisper in her ear. “Is this how you want me to touch you? Touching someone that I know always leads to them getting hurt.” I grip her waist tighter and press my body flush with hers. Her body trembles against mine and her breathing picks up as my bottom lip brushes over her ear. “I’m fucking tainted, Lyric. Running now would be your best option.” She looks up into my eyes and wets her lips, fighting to catch her breath. “I. Want. You. To. Touch. Me. I’m not running anywhere.” FUCK! Those words do me in. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion. She lives for a good romance book with bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she's not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter and True Blood. She is the author of Wake Up Call, This Regret, Slade (Walk Of Shame #1), Hemy (Walk of Shame #2), and Get Off on the Pain. Victoria is currently working on more novels for 2015.

Visit Victoria on FACEBOOK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway