All posts by Angie J

Contemp. Romance

#WOTR20 #Review – When You Were Mine by Cindy Tanner

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When You Were Mine

One letter a week. Care packages optional. Adopting a Marine seemed like the perfect extra credit project.​

Harper Evans never expected to fall in love with the Marine she adopted. She never expected to meet him in person but a surprise gave her the chance to claim who she wanted. Then life proved it can break your heart a million different ways.​

Asher Williams fought for his father and country, but he will fight hardest for the woman that stole his heart. Harper may have changed her mind about the life they planned together, but Asher wants it enough for them both.​

Will he still feel that way when he learns it all?


Goodreads

Amazon

I purchased this book.

I met this author at a book convention this summer.  She was a friend of a few friends so of course I had to buy the book when it releases.  She was super sweet and friendly to boot, so my inner blogger was all about helping this chick out.

I read the blurb and thought “Oh this sounds like a sweet romance” and what I got was like WHAT!!!!  I mean the twists and turns and darkness SHOCKED ME…….and I loved it.  Guess that is what I get for making an assumption right???

The blurb is about a couple exchanging letters and the title “When You Were Mine” makes you think of a 2nd chance love story WHICH is true buuuut the rest is totally not what you expect.  I will admit because I went in thinking one way, I was a bit thrown off at the beginning.  Asher getting a Dear John letter….what??  I was a little confused and thought it was choppy but once the story got going and I realized it was ME who was wrong, the beginning makes total sense.

Harper has been through some stuff.  She is broken both mind and body.  She is walled off and walked away from Asher because she doesn’t feel worthy anymore.  She has her dad’s shop and her drag race strip so nothing matters any more.  She will live a content life with her bestie, Nona, and maybe find love but not passion with her other bestie, Ran.

Asher is not going to let Harper go.  He has no idea everything she has been through or to the extent of what she has been through, but he remembers the hopes and dreams they had.  He is bound and determined to get his women back.

Along the way we see Harper pushing Asher away, making some not so great choices and then dealing with her past that seems to haunt her daily.  We see Asher reaffirming his love and devotion to his women along with doing all he can to protect her.

I think the book was written great and I look forward to reading more.  I kinda hope she revisits these characters because Nona and Ran need an HEA!

Cindy Tanner has been a book worm since way before it was cool. Preferring to interact with fictional characters than people in real life she began writing at a young age. She has a wild and vivid imagination that has gotten her into (and out of trouble) more than once.

Cindy lives in Southern Indiana with her family and is a proud Midwestern farm girl. She loves all books, cheesy action movies, and animals. But hates writing about herself so don’t judge her books based on a slapped together biography.

Paranormal, Reverse Harem

#WOTR20 #review #RH #Paranormal – How to Train Your Husbands by Monica Corwin

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How to Train Your Husbands: Two Paranormal Tales of Submission

How to Train Your Werewolf

Aurelia da Marcos is the only pure blood female vampire left to the Marcos house. Upon gaining her immortality at twenty-one,21 Aurelia became Caden Marcos’s betrothed. Unfortunately, when Caden’s business tanks the immortal council puts a werewolf watchman on the coven to monitor its affairs. Can the three figure out a way to save the coven all while navigating the rough waters of their mutual attraction to each other?

How to Train Your Witch

Aurelia, Caden, and Winter escaped the wrath of the council once before. Until a witch shows up looking to verify their claim of love and devotion. Or uncover truth that Aurelia bewitched the men in her life.

Abel is unlike any man Aurelia has ever met. Unlike her vampire and werewolf lovers, a witch is a new kind of challenge.

What happens to love when magic enters the game?

Goodreads

I purchased this book.

I am like a Monica super fan.  I love how she can turn classic lit into modern stories.  When I saw she published this naughty little number I grabbed it because I haven’t really ready anything of hers that is over the top naught plus its RH….SOLD!!

This story is about the love triangle of Caden, Winter and Aurelia.  Caden and Aurelia are the first couple to hook up but when we get Caden in the story it makes the duo a much stronger triumvirate.

The scenes are super hawt and very yummy to read if you want a sexy fun novella then this is it for you.

The 2nd story in the book is an addition to Aurelia’s harem of men with the addition of Abel.  He wasn’t the most honest of men when he approached our trio so when everything happens, we learn a lot more about this group then before.

I would love to read more from the story and hope Monica can write more.  Abel wasn’t in the boo klong enough and I REALLY want a Caden/Winter SCENE!  JUSY SAYING!!

Monica Corwin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She is an outspoken writer attempting to make romance accessible to everyone, no matter their preferences. As a Northern Ohioian, Monica enjoys snow drifts, three seasons of weather, and a dislike of Michigan football. Monica owns more books about King Arthur than should be strictly necessary. Also typewriters…lots and lots of typewriters.

New Release, Novella, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Wolves

#WOTR20 #review #NewRelease #Paranormal #Wolves – Impressions, Novus Pack Series Book #3 by M. Jayne

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Impressions

The Novus Pack has undergone many changes since The Lady gifted them with the Marked. Each life has been touched by The Seer, Theodora Morrissey, and none of them will ever be the same.

Issa: A practiced assassin, she can keep a steady calm in almost every situation… except for those involving matters of the heart.

Conal: The second in command, his loyalty knows no bounds. Above all else, he will protect his pack.

Solle: After leaving her family to embrace life with her mate, she becomes the caregiver to the pack. But are these traditional roles enough to placate her fiery spirit?

Lore: Once considered the elusive, self-serving Lycan boogeyman, he finds joy in becoming a needed member of the pack.

M. Jayne was a finalist in the Hold Medallion for Literary Excellence Award, find out why readers are falling in love with the Novus Pack!


Goodreads


I received this book from the author for an honest opinion/Review.

*Clapping* I love me some Novus Pack and this quick novella was a great addition.  I love love love the background to scenes in the story.  I will say, since I am all #TeamLore, I thought his story would be my favorite but it Issa’s story.  I love seeing her and Asher fighting this chemistry…..well ok she is fighting it.  But it totally made me excited for more Novus.

The parts with Conal and Solle were like hanging out with your cool friends and seeing how amazing their relationship is.  Its like seeing them alone and getting to be the “fly on the wall” of their amazing love story.  *Sigh* I just wish we got more for them!!!

Lore….I mean can you go wrong reading more from him and getting clips into the crazy killers head????  Not in my book!!

M. Jayne doesn’t know what she wants to be when and if she ever grows up. She’s worked retail, recorded hearings in a Federal Courtroom, worked behind the scenes with security at a casino and currently she is living her dream writing Romance. She plots and plans from her farm in central Indiana that she shares with her husband and two mastiffs, Ginger and Duncan Keith.

When she isn’t creating she can be found watching sports, searching for the perfect mascara and reading. She also loves questionable TV- Any Real Housewives, The Steve Wilkos Show and Live PD. Plus she is addicted to the TMZ app on her phone. M. Jayne loves to meet readers. She attends many conferences and signings. Please take a moment and introduce yourself and tell her what you are reading.

Author Spotlight

#Sugar4SPICE #AuthorSpotlight – Lynn Stevens

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Lynn Stevens

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Lynn Steven’s and I love baseball. 🙂

Where is your favorite place to write and what food must be present?

I love writing outside in our courtyard. We have multiple places to sit. Depending on the time of day and season, I’ll have coffee, tea, or iced tea beside me.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

Meeting new people!

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Tawna Fenske

What author would you love to write with?

Helena Hunting

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

The first time someone told me they loved my books. That makes everything worth it.

What are your social links?

Twitter: @LStevensAuthor
Insta: @LStevensAuthor

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Stevens/e/B072C947B9?ref

Paranormal, Part of a Series, Vampire

#WOTR20 #5YearFamily #NewRelease #PartOfASeries #Paranormal #Vampires – Vampire’s Desire (Guardians Book 6) by Valerie Twombly

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Vampire's Desire (Guardians Book 6)

He does not trust her…

Lucan has one chance to save himself before the darkness he wields consumes him. The vampire would rather damn his soul to Hell, than mate his enemy’s sister. Fate hasn’t left him much choice however, because it prophesies Sabin to end the brutal war on humanity. The longer he waits, the further into the shadows he slips and the closer they all come to being destroyed.

She will betray him…

Sabin experiences daily torture ever since her brother locked her in his hellish dungeon. The only thing that keeps her sane, is the knowledge there is one vampire destined to save her. Even when Lucan rejects the idea they could ever become mated, she knows the fate of the world depends on them being together.

He is darkness; she is light, yet they need each other to survive. Evil is preparing to destroy Sabin, and with each passing second the enemy grows stronger. Time is running out and with the Phoenix God missing, Sabin cannot fulfill the prophesy. There may be only one sacrifice left to make.


Goodreads


I received this book from the author for an honest review.

I was so excited to get this book!!  I have been a huge fan of this series and this couple was definitely one I was excited to read.

Sabin, I mean I felt horrible for her.  Her family is made up of horrible people and she unfortunately was born with light who would destroy her brother so she has been held hostage for EVER until the day he would kill her for her powers.  That’s gotta suck.  Then to find out that despite this crap life the Gods give you a fated mate whooooooo hates you completely!!!  SHUT. UP.  That is even WORSE!!

Lucan is waiting for the day when his darkness will not be ale to be controlled.  He is waiting of the day he will be killed when WHATS THAT…the Gods give him a mate…..WHAT!!  ANNNND oh yeah he hates her with everything he has.  Talk about toxic relationships from the jump!!

These two go through some STUFF!!  I mean she is completely lost as to why he hates her and he is a hot mess of lust over a woman who will most likely kill him in his sleep.  These two need some serious Dr. Phil counseling sessions but once they start to trust one another they feel like it one step forwards and 100 steps back.  The book had so many twists and new plot loops I was like Hey GOOD ONE and OH SNAP THAT CAN’T END WELL!!

I am loving where the series is headed. I hope the King is next because dudes gotta figure out how to make his mate love him and stop trying to kill him already!!

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German Shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also the founder of Sexy Scribblers, a group of romance writers who bring readers new and fresh stories every month.

Author Spotlight

#Sugar4Spice #AuthorSpotlight – E.S. McMillan

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Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

E.S. McMillan

E.S. McMillan is a self-proclaimed Superhero.

She is a mom to 4 amazing boys. Married to one of her best friends and has plans to take the world by storm. E.S. was born in California, raised in New York, and now resides in Connecticut. E.S. is a lover of the written word and cannot remember a time when there was not a book in her hand or an open notebook close by, waiting to be filled with her stories. E.S. McMillan is a self-proclaimed Superhero. She is a mom to 4 amazing boys. Married to one of her best friends and has plans to take the world by storm. E.S. was born in California, raised in New York, and now resides in Connecticut. E.S. is a lover of the written word and cannot remember a time when there was not a book in her hand or an open notebook close by, waiting to be filled with her stories.

Where is your favorite place to write and what food must be present?

I love to write in my office and I must have cherry coke & twizzlers

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

meeting new friends

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Rena Marin

What author would you love to write with?

Kate Roth

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

September 15, 2018…the day my first short story went live <3

What are your social links?

Amazon ~ author.to/ESMcMillan
BookBub ~ https://www.bookbub.com/profile/e-s-mcmillan
Booksprout ~ https://booksprout.co/author/8476/e-s-mcmillan
Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/ESMcmillan1/
Facebook Fan Group ~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/E.S.McMillan/
Goodreads ~ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18246996.E_S_McMillan
Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/emcmillan0914/
Newsletter Sign Up ~ http://eepurl.com/dDmIHT
Pinterest ~ https://www.pinterest.com/ebonysmcmillan/the-weekend-getaway-by-es-mcmillan/
Website ~ https://emcmillan0914.wixsite.com/blog

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

Amazon ~ author.to/ESMcMillan

 

New Release, Novella, Paranormal, Part of a Serial, Witches

#WOTR20 #newrelease #review #series #Paranormal #witches #Coven #RH – Rain Kimber, An Ariel Kimber Novella by Mary Martel

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Rain Kimber: An Ariel Kimber Novella

Rain Kimber thought that finding his daughter and finally being able to be a part of her life after so many years without her would be the end of his adventure.
He thought he’d find her, take care of the woman who’d stolen his child away from him (you don’t want to know), and then the two of them would immediately become the family they’d been before she’d been taken. Rain would soon learn that life didn’t always work out the way you wanted it to, and really? That was a lesson he should have learned a long time ago.
But it wasn’t all about heartbreak for Rain. With his daughter he gained an entire Coven of family, even the ones he didn’t want. What father got along with all of his daughter’s boyfriends? Not Rain, that’s for sure.
Just as life wasn’t all about heartache anymore for Rain didn’t mean it was all about happiness and rainbows either. The Alexander Coven, the one his daughter had joined, seemed to be a magnet for trouble and Ariel Kimber was right in the middle of it. Which meant Rain was right there with her.
And he wouldn’t have it any other way.


Goodreads


I received this book from the author for an honest opinion/Review.

I gotta admit when I got this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Would we learn about Rain and Ariel before she was taken?  Would we see the happy Dad and family man?  Would we see Rain watching Ariel and judging her boys?  What will we learn?

DUDE!  We learn all that and more in many ways.  First up.  Rain is one Loyal MFer.  He will stick by you through thick and thin even when you are Uncle Quinton and make Ariel mad.  He will do anything for his daughter and anyone who he thinks needs him.  He will always hate Marcus *Snicker* and he will love his dead wife for all eternity.  That statement made my heart happy and sad.  I mean he needs to open his heart but yet he just cant.

I loved getting to know this man…not just Ariel’s dad but this MAN.  He is some kinda crazy but also just the right crazy for this coven.  Seeing his heart learn to love another in this book and even accept another of Ariel’s boyfriends as “worthy” of her made my day.

I loved how this book pushed Ariel’s story a bit but also not enough if you miss it you will be lost.  We had some major plot twists and even a couple vomiting in my mouth moments with the Council but are we even shocked they shock us anymore???  Nope.

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.

WOTR Event

#WOTR20 #Review #TwistedTales – The Count by Monica Corwin

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The Count (Twisted Classics Book 1)

The mad priest gave me everything.
Twenty-one years in prison allows a man time to process.
To plot.
To plan.
I’ll take my vengeance in money, in power, and most importantly, on her body.
Mercedes Mondego sold me into hell, leading me to the altar like a sheep to a cliff’s edge.
Every thread I place on the board will wrench together and lead me back to her. Oh, but I’m done with love, and there is nothing left in me except an animal.
The mad priest gave me everything to exact my revenge.


Goodreads

I received this book from the author for an honest opinion/Review.

GAH!!!  I am such a crazy person for classic lit and I FLOVE the Count of Monte Cristo, so I was soooo on board for this book!

The book is obviously a bit different then the original hence the Twisted Classics series name but don’t worry classic friends, you will enjoy this book just as much even with the changes.

Will/The Count/ Eddie is after the woman and the men who put him in prison.  He is going to destroy them one at a time.  But taking HER down is the biggest victory for him.

Mercy is the boss.  She is ruthless and takes no prisoners which is why she is the one in charge.  She put her family away and took over the empire but soon discovers what a rotten empire she has under her.

The chemistry between Will and Mercy is great.  So many times, I was like JUST TELL HER WILL and then other times I was like GAH WHY DID YOU DO THAT MERCY!!!

The story line will keep you on your toes with the action and all the bad guys.  I swear this town was like Gotham with all the bad dudes running amuck!!

The final chapters when everything comes to the front and we see even more things shake out I legit did a gasp!! I was wondering and hoping and then even more giddy when I read about….eeeep I cant tell you sorry but trust me….if you love classic lit or if you are a fan of Monica’s stories then you will want to pick this one up.

Monica Corwin is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She is an outspoken writer attempting to make romance accessible to everyone, no matter their preferences. As a Northern Ohioian, Monica enjoys snow drifts, three seasons of weather, and a dislike of Michigan football. Monica owns more books about King Arthur than should be strictly necessary. Also typewriters…lots and lots of typewriters.

Author Spotlight

#Sugar4Spice #AuthorSpotlight – Dewhitt L. Bingham

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Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Dewhitt L. Bingham
I’m Dewhitt L. Bingham and I write non-fiction with a focus on civil rights, social injustice, segregation, policing and promoting racial harmony. I’m originally from Festus, Missouri but I’ve in Bloomington Illinois for the past 35 years. I’ve Been a Probation Officer for 32 years and an Adjunct Professor for 23 years. I’ve only been writing for about three years. My first piece was police related and has a spiritual flavor. My second piece is about the great Viola Liuzzo, the only white woman murdered during the Civil Rights march with Dr. King from Selma to Montgomery. My third piece will be complete in a couple of months. It is about Douglass the Negro school (my grandfather was in the first graduating class of 5 in 1940) in Festus (which is 95% white) and how progressive Festus was in 1954 after the Brown Supreme Court Decision. Looking forward to meeting all the authors and learning from them. God Bless! Dewhitt

Where is your favorite place to write and what food must be present?

My favorite place to write is a place in downtown Bloomington and uptown Normal called the “Coffee Hound” As long as there is good coffee I’m good!

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

At this stage in my life I just love meeting people and signings always draw people you’ve never met.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Ida B Wells

What author would you love to write with?

Ida B Wells

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

My first book signing and involving all the guest through up/downs. It was really fun.

What are your social links?

Facebook and LinkedIn.

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Deferred-Makes-Heart-Sick/dp/0692840877/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=dewhitt+L.+bingham&qid=1566166690&s=gateway&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Viola-Liuzzo-Martyr-Dewhitt-Bingham/dp/1985795000/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=dewhitt+L.+bingham&qid=1566166690&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/1806238001

Duet, Rockers

#WOTR20 #Duet #Rockers – Bullet Part 1 & 2 by Jade C. Jamison

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Bullet Part 1

Bullet Part 2 by [Jamison, Jade C.]

Book 1- *CLIFFHANGER*

What if the man you want is toxic?

“I’m hugging my kindle right now, beaming with what I can only describe as total pure book euphoria.” Kelly, Perusing Princesses blog

Valerie leaves her sheltered life for the first time to attend college, and there she meets handsome Ethan, a young man destined to be a rock star. It’s not long before she finds herself falling head over heels for him, but he’s determined to keep her at arm’s length. Soon, though, their lives become irreversibly intertwined and Valerie gets her wish–but by then will it be too late?

***PLEASE NOTE: THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN ONE VOLUME UNDER THE TITLE Bullet***

Book 2 –

Why does she keep going back to him?

“I am sitting here at my computer sobbing, literally sobbing over this book. I went through a box of tissues and a packet of Tums. IN-FREAKING-TENSE was this book.” Angie J., Twinsie Talk Book Blog

After joined Ethan’s band, the harsh realities of living in a big city and trying to make ends meets are difficult for Valerie to deal with, but they’re nothing compared to sacrificing her soul to save a boyfriend who’s intent on destroying his life. Ethan says he loves her, but she wonders if he loves his vices more–and she considers ending the relationship to salvage her broken heart. Can she save him or will he implode and take her with him?

***PLEASE NOTE: THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN ONE VOLUME UNDER THE TITLE Bullet***

The Bullet series (complete)
Bullet Part 1
Bullet Part 2
Rock Bottom
Feverish
Fully Automatic
Christmas Stalkings
Slash and Burn
Locked and Loaded


Goodreads Book 1


I received this book for an honest review from the author and honest you shall get!!!

I am sitting here at my computer sobbing, literally sobbing over this book. I went through a box of tissues and a packet of tums. IN-FREAKING-TENSE was this book.

I am a fan of really emotional, gut wrenching, tear your heart out and stomp on it while it lays on the floor kinda books!! This book sooooooo qualifies.

Val is such an amazing person who is so giving and loving but seems to be stuck in the ever emotional toxic love of Ethan. Ethan is just a true measure of addiction and doesn’t appreciate Val for all she is worth. His idea of “chasing her” is screwing everything else that has a skirt on or getting so high he cant even function. This is pretty much their relationship but the addiction continues to get worse and worse as does his behavior and attitude toward her. I think the author did a great job showing the true relationship of a couple when addiction is involved. It is heart wrenching that Ethan has had emotional and physically abusive relationships but he is so self involved he has no idea he is doing the same thing to Val.

There were a few scenes where I broke for Val when she was confronted by Ethan’s wondering ways. I feared for her because she knows in her heart he is not a “good person” but the party scene absolutely crushed me along with her. I think, like Val, I wanted him to have some redeeming qualities…..but the party killed me. I broke for her and me at that point. Then I broke for the man I wanted to see Val with. The man who loved her, supported and cared for her even though she was stuck in this web of Ethan lies and betrayal.

Well along the way Val does develop some emotionally sustaining and loving relationships. SOME of the “relationships” I was like “you go girl!!” I loved the men who helped her through tough times with Ethan. However no matter what, she would always return to Ethan. This dance goes on for a few years.

I am not going to talk specifics because I will totally end up giving away the whole story BUT if you love rocker books and you love emotionally raw “real” books then this is the book for you. Seriously, I cannot wait to read the books for the other band members!!!!

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” While you’re more likely to see Jade headbanging than Dirty Dancing, she–like Baby–won’t be put in a corner…or a box. So even though you can’t really stick her books in one genre, you could say she mostly writes steamy Contemporary Romance–and, while you’re at it, you’ll notice in her stories that Jade freaking loves Colorado, hard music, coffee, bad words, and CHOCOLATE!!! And so do her characters.

Oh, and there’s always a glimmer of hope…because if life doesn’t have that, what’s the damn point?