REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: TOUCHED BY LOVE by MELISSA FOSTER

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Touched by Love
Love in Bloom: The Remingtons #6

By: Melissa Foster

Released May 18, 2016
World Literary Press

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In Touched by Love (Love in Bloom: The Remingtons #6) by Melissa Foster, Janie Jansen hasn't allowed the fact that's she blind hold her back from doing anything she puts her mind to. Living and working in New York City has been good for her; made her the independent woman that braves the Subway amongst the crowds. But when an incident causes her to have to rely on other people, Janie finds that needing help once in a while isn't necessarily a bad thing, not when she has firefighter Boyd Hudson helping her.

 

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Foster, but I've got to say that it won't be my last. From start to finish, this story was a heartwarming and fast-paced read that took me on an emotional journey, as Janie struggles to deal with the fact that her independence has been threatened and Boyd struggles to deal with past torments that left him and his siblings growing up without their parents. I really liked how this story started with Janie almost getting caught for not doing what she should be doing at work, and then Boyd knocking her need for using romance novels as a means of escape from the pressures of her life.

 

The dialogue was well-written and compelling, as Janie is very independent and hates being a burden to anyone. She's definitely a challenge for Boyd, as he has to convince her that there's nothing wrong in letting someone help her. The teasing banter between Boyd and Janie certainly creates some intense sexual tension between the pair, because Janie is determined to prove that romance is real and there's nothing wrong with reading books that encompass it. However, the dialogue is also intense due to the main characters back stories. Boyd suffers from nightmares that he doesn't like talking about, because they're a reminder of all that he's lost. While Janie, her overprotective parents are a bit full on. Their need to protect her felt very smothering, and it was no wonder she had to get away from them. 

 

I really liked both characters, as well as the secondary ones. Boyd's friends and family are really great, and the way they accept Janie so easily and treat her how she wishes for them to treat her made me smile. Yet, what I liked most when they were enjoying time with friends is how Janie charmed them with her wit and humor. Indeed, one of the best moments of the book was when some woman was trying to hit on Boyd, and Janie totally ruined it by making a comment that was totally untrue just to chase the woman away.  

 

Janie is strong, brave, independent and stubborn. She hasn't had an easy life with her parents treating her like they do. They're too overprotective, and I couldn't blame her for wanting to avoid them for as long as she could. As for her life in New York, she's done well for herself. She excels at her job, and I liked that she was trying to branch out and do something else such as attempting to write a romance novel. The way she does research for her book was super hot. She and Boyd do things she's never done before including dirty talk and role-playing, which cause some major heat between them that eventually spills over onto the pages in scorching sex scenes.

 

While Boyd, his past haunts him and has certainly influenced what career path he ended up in. Being a paramedic and a firefighter as well as hopefully getting into medical school doesn't leave time for relationships, but he can't deny how Janie makes him feel. He's determined to help her, and show her that she's not a burden. That he wants to help her because he wants to spend time with her and get to know her. Boyd is also quite charming, and I liked how he won Janie's best friend over. Then again, if he didn't, there would be no hope for a relationship between he and Janie.

    

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and it has definitely made me want to read the other books in this series. The way this story ended was perfect, because Boyd got his wish of getting Janie into the costume he wanted her to wear. I would recommend Touched by Love by Melissa Foster, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, or heroines that are fiercely independent but find themselves needing to rely on the hero when that independence is threatened. 

 

OVERALL RATING:



 

BLURB:

Fiercely independent Janie Jansen has always believed there were worse things in life than being blind, and she’s spent her life proving it. She’s moved away from her overprotective parents, built a life in New York City, and is one of the top technical editors in her company. That is, until an unfortunate accident turns her life upside down and she’s forced to give up the very independence she’s worked so hard to achieve.
 

Firefighter Boyd Hudson pushed past his tragic past and is weeks away from accomplishing his ultimate dream—being accepted into medical school. His intense focus on his goal while working three jobs has taken its toll. With a trail of failed relationships behind him, Boyd is painstakingly aware of his limitations and avoids girlfriends completely—a difficult task given his attraction to one of his co-workers.
 

When Boyd comes to Janie’s rescue, she’s forced to accept his help, and Janie discovers there’s more to the sexy-sounding office flirt than one-liners. Their connection deepens as Janie heals, but it turns out that Janie isn’t the only one who needs healing. Boyd’s painful past comes back to haunt him, threatening their relationship and forcing Boyd to reevaluate everything he knows about himself.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
 

 Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: DEEP DARK by LAURA GRIFFIN

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Deep Dark
Tracers #10

By: Laura Griffin

Releasing May 24, 2016
Pocket Books

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In Deep Dark (Tracers #10) by Laura Griffin, Reed Novak knows the homicide he's been sent to investigate is going to be a difficult one to solve, especially since there's no evidence to be found. The killer is meticulous, and it's obvious that the UNSUB has killed before. What's worse, Reed knows if he doesn't get a lead on the killer soon that there will surely be more deaths. He doesn't know where to begin looking for leads until he receives a mysterious text message suggesting he look into a certain online dating service.

 

As an investigator with the Delphi Centre's cyber unit, Laney Knox is beyond exceptional at her job, searching the web looking for those that prey on the innocent. But when a murder being investigated by Austin PD hits a little too close to home, and brings up terrible memories, Laney knows she can't bury her head in the sand. She knows she has to help, even if she has to be a little sneaky in providing Austin's finest with clues that will  hopefully lead them to a suspect. 

 

What can I say, other than Ms. Griffin has done it again the way she entices her readers with a fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and pulse-pounding suspense that grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn't let go until the end. I enjoyed how this story opened with the trauma Laney suffered, and how it's the reason why she gets so involved in the investigation into the murder. 

 

The dialogue was well-written and intense due to the main characters back stories, and everything the killer does to push Reed to solve the case and Laney to not give up until she finds the answers that will give the police someone to apprehend. However, there were some light-hearted moments between Reed and Laney that made me smile. Since she's such a challenge for Reed, one that he's determined to figure out. What makes her so determined to help him? What drives her to get involved -- is it something personal?

 

I really liked both the main characters, just as much as I liked the secondary ones. Except for Reed's boss who annoyed me, as it was obvious he was hiding something. As for Laney, she's strong, brave, tenacious, stubborn and independent. She finds it hard to trust as she's been through a lot in her life, but Reed is persistent and isn't about to let her slip away from him. Is it because he knows she's hiding something important from him? Important enough that it could compromise his case, if she continues to dig until she discovers the evidence they need to find the killer. But what I liked most about her is that she ignored Reed's instructions for her working the evidence for the case. Since I could understand why she couldn't let go. She needed closure from her past, and if solving the case did that, then she needed to keep going so the nightmares of her trauma didn't keep replaying in her head.

 

While Reed, he's persistent and tenacious. Laney definitely tests his patience with her stubbornness, but he needs her. Without her, he wouldn't have gotten as far into the investigation in so little time. He's also determined to learn what she's hiding, even if he has to be sneaky in discovering the truth. But what I liked most was how protective he was of Laney, even though she seems quite tough and not someone that needs protecting. Since she's done her best to be able to protect herself over the years. 

 

Overall, this was another really good book for Ms. Griffin's Tracers series where nicely-detailed sex scenes illustrate the intense chemistry Reed and Laney share, despite the fact that there's a big age difference between them. I really liked how this story ended with Reed and Laney declaring how they feel about each other, especially after everything Laney goes through at the hands of the killer. I would recommend Deep Dark by Laura Griffin, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, romantic suspense, or have read the other books of this series.

 

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

 

 

 

BLURB:

A gripping new romantic thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin...

 

The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.
 

As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim.

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Reed watched her, and she had that frustrated look in her eyes again. Every time she started to open up to him, he did something to tick her off. She shook her head and glanced away.

            “Laney?”

            “What?”

            “I’m a detective. It’s my job to ask questions. To push.”

            She looked at him again and her expression softened. “No, you’re right.” She glanced down at her beer bottle and picked at the label. “I’m glad she has you.”

            “Who has me?”

            “April. You seem--” She paused, like she was searching for the right word. “--committed.”

            He didn’t answer. It wasn’t really a question, but the way she looked at him gave him the feeling she wanted a response.

            She drained her beer and plunked down the bottle. “I should get home.” She stood up.

            Reed stood, too. He left a tip on the table and followed her through the throng of people. The bar was packed, and the music had gotten louder since they’d first walked in.

            They stepped into the warm, muggy air. It was dusk now, and a neon Lone Star Light sign cast a blue-and-red glow over the sidewalk. As they walked in silence, he thought of what she’d said about her job being meaningful. It was refreshing. Maybe he’d been a cop too long, but he didn’t know anyone who talked about things being meaningful anymore. If they thought about work in those terms, they kept it to themselves.

            Maybe he was jaded.

            No, he definitely was jaded. But it had more to do with his failed marriage than anything he’d seen on the job.

Reed spotted her little white car and felt a twinge of regret. He’d enjoyed talking to her, enjoyed being near her. And he couldn’t remember the last time that had happened with a woman. Having a beer with Laney had been the highlight of his crap week. Hell, the highlight of his month.

            She looked around. “Where are you parked?”

            “Around back.”

            She gazed up at him. He couldn’t read her expression.

            “Thanks for the drink,” she said.

            “You bought it.”

            He couldn’t read her tone either. The thrum of music seeped through the thin walls of the bar as they stood there in the light of the beer sign.

            She stepped closer, and a jolt of heat went through him. She looked up at him with those bottomless brown eyes, and he knew he was in trouble. It was a bad idea to involve this girl in his investigation. Whatever useful info she might have was outweighed by the fact that she was young, and edgy, and he wanted her. And she must have seen something in his face because her eyes sparked.

She went up on tiptoes and kissed him.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

 

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: SHATTERED PIECES by CHRISTIE CORBIN

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Shattered Pieces

By: Christie Corbin

Released May 20, 2015 
Self-Published

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In Shattered Pieces by Christie Corbin, it's hard for Tori Blair to trust a man enough to want to pursue a new relationship with, especially after her last boyfriend left her emotionally and mentally scarred by how he treated her. No way would she expect someone to have to help her deal with her nightmares when she can barely handle them herself. At least with work keeping her busy and help from amazing friends, the only time she has  to deal is when she's home alone. But now, her friends want to see her enjoying life again, and what a better way than for her to meet the new fireman in town.   

 

It's been years since Chandler Ashby last saw Tori. But he's never forgotten his high school sweetheart, and now he's back in her life to see if it's possible for them  to have a second chance at happy ever after. However, he knows something haunts Tori, and he'll do anything to chase the darkness away. But if he's to succeed, he's going to need to take things slow between them and show her that she can trust him just as she used to years ago.

 

Although I was surprised by the direction that the plot took in this book, and that the dilemma with her ex was resolved earlier than I thought it would be, I've got to say that Ms. Corbin has penned a good novel. Encompassing a heroine determined to fight for her independence while seeing if she can ever put her faith in men again; and a hero determined to win back the only woman he's ever loved, even knowing his mission won't be easy after learning what she's suffered at the hands of her ex.

 

The dialogue was intense and entertained me from start to finish due to the main characters back stories, and the obstacles this couple face to achieve their happy ever after. Will Tori ever be free of her ex? How will her ex drive her insane, so she realizes how serious he was about his final words before she left him? I felt sorry for Tori. Her ex is a nasty piece of work, and deserves to be locked up. Yet, it seems she can't escape him. However, her friends are a godsend the way they circle around her, offering her their support and love and showing her that she doesn't have to go through what she's going through alone.         

 

I really liked both Chandler and Tori, as well as the secondary characters. Rachel and Josh are kind and caring and would do anything for Tori. Really, she's lucky to have the wonderful couple in her life. Then again, what are best friends for. But even though they're worried about her, they're willing to accept any decisions she makes about her future. Because they realize, as much as they want to protect her, they also want her to live her life without fear again. To re-discover that there are men in the world that are the total opposite to her ex. Men such as Chandler.  

 

Both the main characters go through a lot within this story, and I liked how they handled each obstacle they faced. Tori is strong, brave, and determined. I liked that she wasn't about to let her ex win. Seeing Chandler again is such a big surprise, but definitely a nice one. Because not only did she know him, but he made her feel things she hadn't felt in a long time. Does that mean she didn't love her ex like she thought? Was she with him all because she didn't want to be alone? Her ex makes things difficult throughout this story, yet I thought Tori handled things quite well.

 

While Chandler, he's strong, tenacious and protective of Tori. He'll do anything to make sure she's safe, even if he has to intimidate her ex to make him realize that Tori will never be his again. What he does could have gotten him into big trouble, so I was glad that he escaped the punishment he could have received from any direction. Whether it be from his boss, the police, or from someone else if her ex decided to make a complaint. Certainly, his connection to Tori makes him a target. It wasn't as if he shouldn't have expected some sort of threats aimed towards him once he and Tori started getting close again. Her ex is a whole lot of psycho.  

 

Overall, this was a good book where nicely-detailed sex scenes heated up the pages, and illustrated the strong chemistry Chandler and Tori had from the moment they came face-to-face for the first time in years. But what I liked most about their growing relationship is that Chandler didn't rush Tori. The way this story ended was wonderful, but there were a few tears that I needed to flick away due to what happened to Chandler when he risked his life to save Tori. He definitely proved how much Tori meant to him by what he did, even if it did almost cost him his life. I would recommend Shattered Pieces by Christie Corbin, if you enjoy second chance romances, especially where high school sweethearts are reunited.  

OVERALL RATING: 

 

BLURB:
Struggling to mend a broken soul can be more painful than leaving it shattered. Just ask Tori Blair.

 

To most people, Tori has the perfect life.  She has a great job, great friends. But looks can be deceiving.

 

Behind closed doors, she battles the demons haunting her from a previous relationship. No matter how hard she tries to break away from the past, it keeps holding her down.

 

Chandler Ashby thought joining the army to follow in his dad’s footsteps was what he wanted. After realizing military life wasn’t for him, he left and became a firefighter. A new career in a new city was exactly the fresh start he was looking for.

 

But a chance encounter reunites him with the high school sweetheart he left behind. He soon realizes that the carefree girl he once loved is now a woman fighting to overcome fear and anxiety caused by another man.

 

Will Chandler be able to save Tori from her demons, or will they both go down in the fight?

 

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A thin beam of moonlight streaming across the end of my bed is the only thing I can see in the darkness of my bedroom. The light starts to creep up the wall of my room as the door opens wider. I struggle to catch my breath as fear begins to overtake me and adrenaline races through my body. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest and my ears are ringing from the pressure building up in my head. A tall, dark figure is standing in the corner of the room and I immediately start gasping for the air to fill my lungs. I feel like I am suffocating. The figure begins to move closer to the bed.  My lungs are frantically working to draw in the air they need to expand and my body begins to shake uncontrollably.

            “I told you that I would not let you go,” a deep, raspy voice says.  I know the voice. This is a voice that I have heard thousands of times over the last two years. The voice of a man I have loved and trusted with my heart.

            “Liam?” I ask breathlessly. “What are you doing?  I manage to get out past the lump in my throat.

Liam lets out a deep, throaty laugh as he makes his way over to the bed. He stands over me holding a single red rose. His sinister eyes glare down at me and I realize this is not the man I fell in love with. That man is gone. A total stranger has replaced him.

            “I told you I would never leave you alone. I made you a promise and I intend to keep it.” Liam begins pulling something out from behind his back and the unmistakable sound of a gun cocking fills the air.

            “NO!” …

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Books have always been a passion of mine but after going to nursing school and reading way too many textbooks, I quit pleasure reading for a while.  I started reading again a few years ago and I haven’t stopped since.  After attending an author signing, I became inspired to write my own novel.  I’m an author in the Contemporary Romance genre.

I reside in Georgia with my husband and son.  Born and raised in Georgia, I consider myself a true southern girl.  I love my sweet tea and football!  When I am not working as a nurse or writing, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.  

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INSPIRATION BEHIND THE CHARACTERS 

My inspiration for the book came from a news story I saw on TV. I used the news situation and came up with a fictional story similar to what happened. The characters are definitely kindred spirits of my friends. I pulled characteristics of various friends to shape Tori and Chandler. Rachel and Tori's friendship is definitely based off of the relationship I have with my best friend.

When you write, the characters become a part of you. There are days when all you think about is what's going to happen next in the story. You start to hear the characters' voices in your head. I have an awesome editor and 3 awesome beta readers that helped make the story what it is.

SHADOW by ALEXA DAWN RELEASE BLAST

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Shadow
Assassins Club #1

By: Alexa Dawn

Releasing May 23, 2016
Young Ink Press  

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MADDOX KING
CODE NAME: SHADOW
AGE: 27
WEAPON OF CHOICE: PISTOL
JOB: KILL SCARLET DANIELS 

The first rule in the assassins club is simple: every job comes with a price.
 
Shadow has been given countless jobs since joining the club, and all of them have been carried out, no matter the price. 

Killing Scarlet Daniels, the heiress to the world’s biggest electronics company, should be no different … 

Or so he thought. 

You are cordially invited to join the Assassins Club, but once you enter, there is no turning back. 
 

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He looks peaceful, Scarlet thought, her stomach tightening into knots. Out loud, she asked, “Do you get paid well? To kill people, I mean.”

Shadow snapped his eyes back to her and looked at her suspiciously.

“I’m just curious,” she added, her voice small. She was afraid she had upset him.

His posture had stiffened, and he regarded her carefully before answering. “Sometimes.” The softness in his voice was gone.

“I’m sorry I asked.” Scarlet grabbed her now-empty plate and took it to the sink, eager to be out of his piercing eyesight. He joined her a minute later.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized quietly. “I’m not used to discussing my profession in such a casual tone with someone… normal.”

“It’s okay.” Scarlet shrugged, not looking at him. “I shouldn’t have pried. I’m sorry.”

Shadow nodded awkwardly. “I need to take a shower.”

Scarlet kept her back to him as she nodded, and Shadow walked away. She didn’t dare move until she heard the water running, and then she tiptoed quietly toward the front door. This was her chance. She needed to leave, and now was the time to do it.

Unlocking the door, she slipped outside. She took a long breath to steady her nerves and stop her shaking as she slipped on the jacket she had grabbed on her way out. Then she ran down the stairs and driveway, not daring to look back.

Following the dirt road, she kept her pace, her heart pounding in her chest and the wind roaring in her ears. She had gone about half a mile before she heard it: the sound of a car barreling down the road behind her. She ran into the trees, tears fighting their way into her eyes.

The vehicle screeched to a stop, and she heard the unmistakable sound of a car door being slammed shut, but she didn’t stop to look. She just kept running.

Then she saw him standing about one hundred yards in front of her. His arms were folded across his chest, and she could see a glare on his face, even from that distance.

She skidded to a stop and began racing in the other direction, though she knew it would be useless. Shadow had at least a foot on her, and his long strides would easily catch up to her, but she kept going.

She sensed him behind her a split second before he encircled her waist with one arm, pulling her against him. She struggled, trying to kick, elbow, or claw at any part of him she could reach.

“Let me go! Let me go!” she screamed as she fought.

He snaked his other arm up and grabbed around her shoulders, pulling her off the ground. It was no use. He was too strong.

She went limp in his arms, exhausted, as sobs began to rack through her body.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

I have been reading and writing since I was a child, and after falling in love with romance, I realized I have a story to tell; and by God, am I going to tell it! Welcome to the world of Alexa Dawn. Good luck... You're going to need it.

 

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