The Sweet Spot by Stephanie Evanovich (with giveaway!)

The amazing Stephanie Evanovich returns with The Sweet Spot, the sizzling story of everyone’s favorite couple from her New York Times bestseller Big Girl Panties: hunky professional baseball player Chase Walker and his sassy wife Amanda

When pro baseball player Chase Walker first meets Amanda at her restaurant, it’s love at first sight. While Amanda can’t help noticing the superstar with the Greek-god-build, he doesn’t have a chance of getting to first—or any other—base with her. A successful entrepreneur who’s built her business from scratch, Amanda doesn’t need a Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet. And a curvy girl who likes to cook and eat isn’t interested in being around the catty, stick-thin herd of females chasing Chase and his teammates.

But Chase isn’t about to strike out. A man who isn’t interested in playing the field, he’s a monogamist who wants an independent woman like Amanda. His hopes rally when she discovers that squeaky-clean Chase has a few sexy and very secret pre-game rituals that turn the smart, headstrong businesswoman on—and into his number one fan.

Then a tabloid discovers the truth and turns their spanking good fun into a late- night punch-line. Is Amanda ready to let loose and swing for the fences? Or will the pressure of Chase’s stardom force them to call it quits?

Sound interesting? Need a little more? How about an excerpt...

“Cold Creek Grill.  How may I help you?”  She answered the phone as if her day was right as rain.  She was a business woman, first and foremost.

“I need a reservation for tonight,” a gravelly voice barked into the phone.  The caller was either on a cell phone with a bad connection or had a mouth full of marbles.  

“Of course sir, what time are you looking for?”

“Seven,” he said impatiently and Amanda pictured him running to catch a subway. 

“Let me make sure I have that available,” she told him, trying to buy time while she booted up the computer at the podium a few feet away.  She moved the phone to the other side of her head, forgetting it was a war zone and her hair crackled near her ear.

“Trust me, sweetheart, you have a table available.”

“Sir?” She didn’t know what to be more offended by, his use of the word sweetheart or the underlying threat that she better be able to seat him.  And she determined he was just some arrogant blowhard who was sitting with his feet up on his desk overlooking the water and a fat stogy in his mouth.

“A superstar is having dinner at your restaurant; you don’t want to make him wait.”

“All of our guests at the Cold Creek are VIPs Mr…?”

 “Maybe I should speak to the owner?” he cut her off and she thought she heard more spit squish out of the end of his cigar.

“I am the owner.  My name is Amanda Cole.  To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”

“Don’t seat us someplace high traffic like near the front.  He’s not there to be an advertisement.  You’ll get your photo op.”

It sounded so scathing, like she was some sort of a bistro whore looking to make a buck, as if she would be interested in taking a picture with him in the first place.  Supreme Court justices and past presidents dined at the Cold Creek without incident.  “Mr. What-ever-your-name-is, I’m not only concerned for the comfort of our guests, but the safety of my staff.  And we have had some high profile guests in the past.  Several are regulars.”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard that.  That’s why I’m calling.  But lady, you never had anyone this big,” he said with an air of superiority that was nothing short of skin crawling.  At least he had upgraded her to lady. 

If he wasn’t being such a total jack-ass, she might have taken him more seriously.  “Would you like to tell me who he is, so that I might inform security?” she said with overt sarcasm.  He could either take being spoken to in kind, or he would start to ream her out and she would hang up on him and he could dine elsewhere, bad business or not.

There was a pause and she thought he may have hung up on her first.  But then he said, “No.  Better you don’t know till he gets there.  Someone tips off TMZ and the night’s a bust.  And he brings his own security”

“Will they be joining you for dinner?”

His laugh was particularly smarmy.  “They’re not paid to eat.” 

So he wasn’t only rude, he was also a tyrant.  “That’s fine, sir, they can stand guard with mine.”  Only hers were imaginary. She no longer cared if the computer was ready.  It was a Weds, they were rarely fully booked, and this man and his famous guest seemed intent on dining there.  He was probably going to be more aggravation than anything else, even if he was only half as self-important as his representative. “You’re all set, dinner for two at seven.  Would you like to leave me a name or is there a code word or what?”   

There was another pause, and once again Amanda was given the false hope that he may have hung up and saved her from a night of inconvenient distractions at the very least.  But then she heard him on the other end, it sounded like a snort.

“You’re spunky, kid,” he told her.  “Name under Alan Shaw.  I’ll be there at 6:50.  I don’t like to wait either.  And make sure there are good steaks on hand, he’s a meat-eater.”

Purchase your copy of The Sweet Spot at your favorite bookstore or at one of these online retailers:

Buy Ebook:  Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo  

Buy Paperback: Amazon | B & N | BAM

Three lucky readers will win a print copy of Big Girl Panties, the book where we first meet Chase and Amanda!
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For more information on the author, check out Stephanie Evanovich online:

Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter | GoodReads

A Little Thing Called Love: Review and Giveaway!

Bookish, beautiful Jennifer Tarleton wants to marry for love. Her father's gambling debts, however, ensure she must marry for money, and her father is planning to wed her to the highest bidder. His list of prospects does not include upstart Irishman Fyclan Morris, who happens to be Jennifer's perfect match. He is also the man who ruined her father. Duty says Jennifer should put her family before her heart, but society's rules mean very little to the headstrong young lady. Fyclan represents daring, and adventure, and he's stolen her heart. Surely that is more important than duty?

This novella was a quick, enjoyable read and sets readers up for The Match of the Century, Maxwell's upcoming historical romance (publication date November 2015). The shorter format gives readers instant gratification, while the writing and storyline leave us wanting more. I highly recommend A Little Thing Called Love to anyone wanting a short, delicious, read.

Follow this Tasty Tour for more reviews, then purchase your copy of this prequel at  Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below - you could win your own digital copy of A Little Thing Called Love! 

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About the Author
New York Times Bestselling Author, Cathy Maxwell, spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She lives in beautiful Virginia with children, horses, dogs, and cats. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

The Last Necromancer by C.J. Archer (with Giveaway!)

Five years ago Charlotte Holloway accidentally raised her mother from the dead. Shocked and afraid, her vicar father declared her the devil’s child and banished her from his home. Forced to live on the streets Charlotte reinvented herself in order to survive. Posing as a 13-year-old boy “Charlie” is a valued thief in rag-tag, cutthroat gang of kids.

Nabbed for stealing an apple from a street cart Charlie is thrown in a group jail cell. The men inside decide Charlie is fresh and tender meat, and they want to take a bite. When a stranger tries to defend her he is killed – and Charlie’s necromancy saves her. She and her creation escape the rapists, the cell, and the prison, but incidents like that get talked about. Now Charlie is being hunted…and so is Charlotte.

The Last Necromancer is a riveting novel set in the Victorian era. Archer has constructed a captivating Gaslight plot, layered it with paranormal elements, and filled it with mysterious and interesting characters. Charlie is likable, believable, and sympathetic. Lincoln Fitzroy, head of a secret organization and Charlie’s likely love interest in future novels, is shadowy and secretive – provoking the reader’s curiosity. Seriously. I’ve already pre-ordered book two, Her Majesty’s Necromancer so that I can find out what happens next (and if they will ever kiss!!). 

I loved this book and have already purchased the second title in the series - seriously, it was that good. If you find the review intriguing and want to read more...enter this Giveaway for your very own digital (INTL) or paperback copy (US only)!! Just leave a comment to enter. This contest ends September 7th, the winner announced ont this blog entry by September 9th, and the book will be sent out at the end of the month.

If you just can't wait for the contest's results you can purchase your own copy at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Read more about C.J. Archer, and the sequel, on Goodreads.

Archer, C.J. The Last Necromancer. Amazon Digital Services, 2015. 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are mine alone. 

Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips: Review & Giveaway!!

I wasn't at all sure about this book, even though my friends raved about it. They gave me all sorts of great reasons why I should read the book, but one fact kept getting in the way: ventriloquists' dummies. I've had issues with those since a very memorable episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I couldn't imagine how Susan Elizabeth Phillips could put what, to me, was the highlight of creepiness into a contemporary romance. When the opportunity to review the novel came, I gave in to fate and signed up. 

As frequently happens, my friends were right. Annie, our heroine, is a spunky, courageous, warmhearted ventriloquist with a distinctly impish streak. She has a history with our hero, Theo Harp, and it's not a pleasant one - he was her first love and her first heartbreak. But Annie is broke, recovering from pneumonia, and has nowhere to live except the isolated cottage on Peregrine Island off the coast of Maine. For his part, Annie is the last person Theo wants to see. She stirs his blood and his memories, making him relive the best and worst times of his life. As Annie and Theo are thrown together again and again their old chemistry heats up, but can Annie trust the man who once tried to kill her?

Read more about Heroes Are My Weakness on Goodreads, and purchase your copy through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Books-A-Million. While you're online, read about the author, check out her backlist, and follow this Tasty Tour to find out what others thought about this fun and quirky romance. And don't forget to enter the giveaway below!

To celebrate the paperback release of Heroes are My Weakness Avon is hosting a Tour Wide Giveaway for a Surprise Susan Elizabeth Phillips Romance Prize Pack (US Only). The Rafflecopter entry information is below. 

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First to Burn by Anna Richland: A very realistic paranormal romance

Army doctor Theresa Chiesa goes by the book. Always. So when she finds evidence that an elite special forces soldier might be lying about his condition to get free rides on the medevac helicopter, she investigates. What she finds is really hot, really built Wulf Wardsen, a man who makes her want to forget that officers aren’t allowed to fraternize with enlisted men.

Wulf is an immortal viking who avoids doctors who might discover his secret. Until he meets Theresa. She smells of citrus and interests him more than any woman in centuries. Enough to start seriously pursuing a viking relic that could give him back his mortality, and a chance at a normal life. But Wulf’s had hundreds of years to make enemies, and now some of them are striking. Wulf relishes the chance to face them again, he just has to keep Theresa out of the crossfire.

There were several things I really liked about this novel - beyond the excellent writing, plotting, and character development. I really love that Richland’s plot is based on the idea that the primary characters in Beowulf were cursed with immortality, and old rivalries carried down through the centuries. This is the only paranormal element to the novel, and it serves not as the focus of the plot but as a catalyst for the characters and plot development. 

I also really liked Theresa’s character. She’s a truly strong heroine, insisting on participating in Wulf’s dangerous exploits and not only serving in the Army but doing so to make a difference. She can handle a gun, take down mortal enemies, and assist in strategic planning. Her character is tested and tried throughout the novel and comes out stronger. (Sorry about that teaser - I don’t want to give away a major plot point!)

If you’re a fan of military, paranormal, or contemporary, realistic romance, you’ll enjoy this unique, well-written novel. I purchased First to Burn on a whim, but will be going back for book two, Second to Lie - I have to find out what happens!

Richland, Anna. First to Burn. New York: Carina Press, 2014. Four Stars.

Cotton candy for the brain

One of my book clubs selected mail-order brides as June’s reading topic. Typically mail-order bride stories are set in the historical West, which I don't really enjoy reading. I did a little Goodreads research though, and found a paranormal mail-order bride novella with a contemporary setting: Loving the Lion by Lola Kidd.

After too many bad dates and heartbreak 28-year-old Erin is done with dating. Too bad she still wants a family. So when Erin meets Olivia, the owner of Lovely and Kind Brides, a marriage broker for shifters, she’s intrigued. Can she have her cake and eat it, too?

There wasn’t much to the plot of LtL, but it was a quick, enjoyable read. Billed as a standalone novella (“No cliffhanger!”), it’s an introduction to the series. However, with no real meat to the plot, and with so many things glossed over, it felt…empty. Pleasant, but not satisfying. Kinda like cotton candy…

Kidd, Lola. Loving the Lion (Mail-Order Mates Book 1). Amazon Digital Services, 2015. 3 stars.

Tish Thawer's Witches of BlackBrook - review and Kindle Fire giveaway!

Publisher's Synopsis:
Through space and time, sisters entwined. Lost then found, souls remain bound.
Three sisters escape the Salem witch trials when the eldest casts a spell that hurdles their souls forward through time. After centuries separated, fate has finally reunited them in the present day.
One the healer, one the teacher, and one the deceiver.
Will their reunion return their full powers, or end their souls journey forever?

In 1693 Karina was burned at the stake for her practice of witchcraft. As her frightened sisters Kara and Kenna looked on, she wove a final spell to transport their souls out of Ipswich, Massachusetts and toward safety. Hundreds of years later she and her sister Kenna have found each other, again, but there’s still no sign of Kara. Karina and Kenna have always been able to find each other, but until the three are reunited their full powers are bound, which, of course, makes finding the third that much harder. Only now, finally, Karina thinks she may have found their long-lost sister. So why is Kenna so reluctant to pursue the lead? Is it jealousy, formed from hundreds of year of having her older sister all to herself? Or is there a more sinister reason behind Kenna’s subterfuge and anger?

The Witches of BlackBrook is a quick, enjoyable read with a great twist in the plot. Though it seems to be the first in a series, the ending seemed to wrap up all of the existing plot threads. It will be interesting to see where the author takes the story if the series does continue. 

Interested? Purchase a copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble, or read more reviews on Goodreads. 

As a special part of this Xpresso Book Tours promotional blitz you could win a Kindle Fire in a Rafflecopter giveaway!

Thawer, Tish. The Witches of BlackBrook (The Witches of BlackBrook #1). Amber Leaf Publishing, 2015. 3.5 star

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are mine alone. 

Love in the Time of Scandal by Caroline Linden: Review and Giveaway!!

Publisher's Blurb: 
Penelope Weston does not like Benedict Lennox, Lord Atherton. He may be the suave and charming heir to an earl, as well as the most handsome man on earth, but she can’t forget how he abandoned a friend in need-nor how he once courted her sister, Abigail. He’s the last man she would ever marry. If only she didn’t feel so attracted to the arrogant scoundrel…

Once upon a time, Benedict thought he and Penelope got along rather well. But, though he needs a wealthy bride to escape his cruel father’s control, spirited Penelope just doesn’t suit his plans for a model marriage -- until a good deed goes awry, and scandalous rumors link his name to Penelope’s. She might not be the quiet, sensible wife he thought he wanted, but she is beautiful…beguiling…and far more passionate than he ever imagined. Can a marriage begun in scandal become a love match, too?

Penelope is another wonderful historical heroine: intelligent, stubborn, and independent. Though she grew up mingling with the aristocracy her father is in trade, tarnishing her appeal to eligible bachelors even as her fortune draws less savory, less authentic, suitors. She has seen true love and wants nothing less for herself. When circumstances force her into marriage with a man she doesn't like (even if he is oh, so sexy) she doesn't whine or complain. Instead she strives to make it a real marriage. 

I really, truly enjoyed this historical romance. I loved Linden's subtle riff on Fifty Shades of Grey (it seems there's an explicitly written series of pamphlets working the ladies of the ton into quite a heated dither!) and appreciated that it's inclusion adds to the plot but isn't the focus. The character's motivations and backstories were believable, and the skillful writing pulled me into the story. This is the third title in the series but can be read as a standalone. 

Continue following the Tasty Reads Tour to see what other reviewers think of this fantastic novel, and add the entire series to your Goodreads list (which is what I will be doing later today). 

Purchase your copy of Love in the Time of Scandal at your favorite online retailer:  Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo  

Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below!

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Linden, Caroline. Love in the Time of Scandal (Scandalous #3). New York: Avon, 2015. 5 Stars.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are mine alone. The giveaway is national and not managed by Fun-Size Reads, nor does Fun-Size Reads have any influence on choosing the winner.

What a Lady Requires by Ashlyn Macnamara with Interview and Giveaway!

I'm hosting a Tasty Tours blog stop today for this delightful historical romance. 

Miss Emma Jennings, daughter of a prosperous wine merchant, knows that her father plans to wed her off to the nobility as a means to rise above their station. Instead of resenting this, Emma looks forward to the day when she has control of her own household and finances. She has a head for business, and the only way to use it is to be respectably married. Her father’s ultimate choice for her, however, couldn’t be farther from what she wants. Instead of a malleable, easy going noble Emma is to wed Rowan Battencliffe, a sinfully handsome drunkard deeply in debt...but heir to a title. 

I found this historical romance to be a refreshing change. The heroine doesn’t simply accept her fate or whine needlessly about what she is being forced into. Instead she tightens her stays and strides into her new life with plans and machinations. The roles are somewhat reversed, with Emma being the stronger-willed character, but it works. The chemistry hits all the right notes as well, and the plot has several nice twists that kept me intrigued. 

Macnamara, Ashlyn. What a Lady Requires (The Eton Boys Trilogy #3). New York: Loveswept, 2015. 4 stars.

I asked Ashlyn to answer five fun questions and she had great answers. Enjoy this mini-interview and be sure to enter the giveaway that follows it!

1.    What author, novel, or story inspires you to write?

In general, I find lush, beautiful prose an inspiration to emulate (as well as a source of envy), but there’s one book series that started me off. And that book series isn’t even a known for its lush prose, but it is known for its engaging story line and magical world. I was obsessed with these books.

 If it wasn’t for the Harry Potter series, I wouldn’t be published. I wouldn’t even know I could write. I got my start writing fan fiction as a way to fill the time between books. When other readers encouraged me to keep going, I thought maybe I had something there. Eventually, I tried writing my own stories, because I’d been making those up in my head for years.

2    What song makes you dance no matter where you are?

A lot of songs do, and some of them I’m possibly too embarrassed to admit to. (Hanson, I’m looking at you.)  One I will readily admit to is Katrina and the Waves “Walking on Sunshine” in all its upbeat, happy, poppy goodness.

3.    What movie do you watch over and over and over again?

Despite me writing Regency (although, who knows, I may branch out), I am first and foremost a lover of fantasy. I used to read The Lord of the Rings every year. Now I just watch the movies, because as long as they are, it’s faster than rereading. And I love the visual interpretation Peter Jackson gave the books.

4.    What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? 

I don’t watch a lot of TV, which means I’ve missed some great series. Thankfully, I have friends to tell me about them. Last year, for example, I spent the month of February glomming the old BBC Robin Hood series, and it wasn’t even for Robin. No, Richard Armitage completely stole that show with his incarnation of Guy of Gisborne. I had an excuse, though. Somehow the hero of What a Lady Demands bears a strong resemblance to Richard Armitage, and he broods like Guy. Oh, how he broods.

5.  What has been the most helpful advice you’ve gotten, and who was it from?

One of my very good friends has read a lot of my work, going back to before I was even published. Now Marian will tell you she’s no writer. She may not think so, but one thing she is, is a storyteller.  Several years ago, she read a version of a story I wrote, and told me, “This is good. Now make it worse.” I think that’s some of the most helpful writing advice I’ve ever received. It’s a good reminder that we can’t be too nice to our characters. The moment you make things worse for them, you up the tension and conflict. Marian may tell you she’s not a writer, but she has wonderful instincts. Whenever I get stuck, I think of her advice and ask myself how I can make it worse.

As part of the Tasty Tours Blog Stop Tour the publisher is doing a fun giveaway:
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Buy your copy of What a Lady Requires at Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo, and follow the author on Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads.

Continue following the Tasty Reads Blog Stop Tour of What a Lady Requires on all of it's fun stops! 

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on the Tasty Book Tours blog stop. The thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are mine alone. 

Mainlining Molly Harper: Finding Half Moon Hollow

In February I found myself at Coastal Magic, a convention for readers and writers of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. My friend Grace suggested we attend, and we were lucky enough to score lunch tickets with one of our favorite authors, Molly Harper. Harper won my heart with her first Jane Jameson book, and I read that series through book four. But inevitably I slipped and lost track of release dates as other books grabbed my attention. By the time I registered for Coastal Magic I was behind not only on Jane Jameson but on two other series, Half Moon Hollow and Naked Werewolf. 

It seemed at the time too confusing to try and pick up the last Jane Jameson novel after so much time had passed. Instead, as preparation for the convention, I snagged a copy of The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires, the first of the Half Moon Hollow books. As I read, and laughed, I remembered why I loved Harper’s books so much. I read that novel in two days and moved on to book 1.5, Driving Mr. Dead. I finished that one right before Coastal Magic. Grace and I read book two, A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses, on audio on the way to and from Daytona Beach  - a ten-hour drive one-way. Undead Sublet, a novella, came next, and when I finished it I felt a bit lost. The next Half Moon Hollow wasn’t due to be published until the end of March! So I moved on to the Naked Werewolf series. As I type this I’m about halfway through with the first audiobook, How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf. If you’re keeping track that’s two and a half novels and two novellas - all of which I read in approximately eight days.

So what’s so addicting about Molly Harper’s novels? They have a distinctive wit and humor that just resonates with me. The basic plot points could be contemporary romance, but Harper has punched them up with shifters and vampires, which create unique scenarios. Her quirky characters are so real I feel like they might be neighbors…or at least I wish they were. And overall her writing style just pulls me in and I don’t want to stop reading. 

Do yourself a favor and pick up a Molly Harper novel the next time you’re at your local library or bookstore. I recommend starting with Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs, the first Jane Jameson novel (but you if you're less OCD than me you could pick up any of them and jump into the middle of the series instead).  

Looking for Trouble by Victoria Dahl: Revealing the true nature of librarians

Victoria Dahl was the keynote speaker at a past Southern Magic Reader’s Luncheon, and I loved her sense of humor. I kept meaning to read one of her many contemporary romance novels, but just never got around to it. Then I started following her on Twitter, where she made me laugh on a daily basis (and was so NSFW that I had to read her on my phone instead of my work computer, just in case someone came in and looked over my shoulder). A couple of weeks ago her Twitter feed blew up with the news that Looking For Trouble was on sale. I ignored them until I read one mentioning that the main character was a librarian. A naughty librarian. SOLD!

Small-town librarian Sophie is chaste, sweet, and mild-mannered…at least in public. Her soul yearns to be wild and reckless, however, so a few times a year she picks out a tourist and has a one-night fling. Alex, the dangerous, tattooed biker she’s just met, is exactly the wrong man for her plans. Sophie can’t resist their chemistry though, and one night turns into two, then three, of the hottest sex Sophie’s ever had. But the intertwined ghosts of their pasts refuse to stay buried, and old scandal turns into new gossip, all of which threatens to ruin whatever is building between Sophie and Alex. It’s a good thing Alex will be leaving town for good in a few days….isn’t it?

As a lifelong librarian with a wild side that occasionally comes out to play, I loved this novel, and could completely relate to Sophie’s yearning to break out of the mold she’s cast for herself. And the sex scenes…whew! THE SEX SCENES!! *fans self just thinking about them* 

I devoured Looking For Trouble in under 48 hours - just in time for the release of the second title in the series. If you’re looking for hot sex, great characters, and a very readable story, this is the book for you. Just take my advice and set aside a chunk of time, ‘cause you won’t want to put it down.

Note: The second book in the Jackson: Girls' Night Out series, Flirting with Disaster, is just as good. I am amazed by Dahl's talent. FwD has elements of suspense, strong females, well-developed secondary characters, and downright amazing sex scenes. What else could I ask for...other than book three?!?!

Dahl, Victoria. Looking For Trouble. New York: Harlequin HQN, 2014. 4 stars. 

The perfect timing of A Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen

Sometimes a book just comes into your life at the perfect time. A Blind Spot for Boys is possibly the oddest occurrence of this phenomenon for me.

Since her traumatic relationship with Dom ended Shana Wilde has earned a rep as a heartbreaker. Finally she’s decided to take a moratorium on boys until she can sort out her feelings. Which, of course, is when she meets Quattro, a cute, smart, and stylish boy, as she’s capturing a photo of Seattle’s Gum Wall. Before she can explore even the possibility of their potential relationship her home life explodes: Her father learns that he’s losing his sight. The family decides to take one last epic adventure while he has some vision remaining. Shana and her parents will start with a Dreamwalk, hiking the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu, then she’ll fly home and each of her brothers will take another leg of the adventure with their parents. It will be the trip of a lifetime.

But in Peru Shana’s parents turn into people she doesn’t know. Her mother becomes indecisive and hovers protectively around her grouchy, petulant, standoffish husband. Meanwhile Shana runs into Quattro and his father, who are doing their own Inca Trail hike. Quattro is blowing hot and cold, one minute flirtatious and the next obviously keeping his distance. Shana, confused and hurt, decides to keep their relationship at a friendship. But a lot can happen on a days-long hike through the wilderness, especially when a flash flood and mudslide strip away the hikers’ outer veneer of civility.

A Blind Spot for Boys is a realistic, romantic fiction novel for teens with multiple plotlines. On one hand a teenage girl is recovering from an abusive relationship and learning lessons about life and love from the people around her. On the other, a family tragedy forces a couple and their children deal with an uncertain future. For me this novel also had a third plot – the Inca Trail whittled these trekkers down to the essence of themselves and made them confront who they really were. Some were strengthened by the experience. Others were broken by it.

And here’s where we come to why this novel was so opportune: just weeks before reading this book my husband and I tentatively planned an Inca Trail hike of our own. Now I’m even more excited about our upcoming trip. I just wish Stesha could be our guide.

Chen, Jennifer. A Blind Spot for Boys. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2014. 4 stars.

A new look at espionage in The Loving Daylights AND a Giveaway!

Today I'm hosting a Tasty Book Tours blog stop for a novel that I truly enjoyed: Lynsay Sands' The Loving Daylights. This reprint, first published as a standalone title in 2003, has been brought back with an updated cover. 

I grew up on James Bond movies and books and loved the adventures of the amorous, alcoholic spy with his over-the-top gadgets and witty repartee in tight situations. As I got older I began to read strong female characters as well, though mostly in fantasy stories. A few years ago I discovered J.D. Robb's Lt. Dallas, and then Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. came out, and pulled all of the things I loved into one package. I was primed and ready for a book like The Loving Daylights.

The Loving Daylights is the comedy version of James Bond. Shy Jane Spyrus is Q, working for B.L.I.S.S. as an inventor of gadgets for agents to use in the field. She can build anything B.L.I.S.S. needs in the international organization’s fight against crime. Some of her gadgets, however, are a little too . . . well, innovative. Like her shrink-wrap prophylactic constraints, or the mini-rocket launcher disguised as a...well, you can use your imagination. 

When Jane's neighbor is kidnapped she has to team up with Able Andretti and her grandmother (a former B.L.I.S.S. agent) and go undercover to rescue her and stop an evil plot. Abel didn't count on this whole spy operation when he stopped by his sister's apartment and discovered that she was missing, but he'll do anything it takes to save her. If that includes showing Jane how to love the daylights out of something without batteries, all the better.

The Loving Daylights is a character based novel, with a plot that gives these characters a lot of comedic opportunities. Jane is adorkable; a nerd who likes her comfort zone and adapts to her new assignment with quite a few hiccups. Her wheelchair-bound grandmother adds even more humor with her matchmaking and spy advice - which are often the same. Abel is sexy as hell...and just as confused. The villains add a purpose and motivation for the characters (and their evil scheme is truly horrendous). The focus of this novel is on the comedy, and is a light and easy read. Perfect for times when you need brain candy, but not something that will stay with you. I'm giving this one a medium-high score, because I did enjoy it, just not as much as other novels I've read lately.

As part of the Tasty Book Tours blog tour, the publisher is giving away three copies of The Loving Daylights. Enter to win your copy of here:

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or, if you can't wait, you can buy a copy on Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo 

Lynsay Sands is an incredibly prolific author. Her bestselling Argeneau series of vampire novels are next on my list (I love a good vampire romance!). Check out all of her novels, and her bio, at www.lynsaysands.net. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. 

Sands, Lynsay. The Loving Daylights. New York: HarperCollins, 2012. 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: I read an audiobook version of this novel downloaded from my local public library. It is NSFW, and not just because you'll be laughing out loud. The thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are mine alone. 

"Beware of beasts...and boys with bite."

Cynthia Eden is a prolific author of adult suspense and paranormal romances. By prolific I mean she’s written over fifty novels. By adult I mean “YOWZA!” But as I was scanning her book list something jumped out at me: She’d written a young adult novel. 

Its not uncommon these days to find established authors trying to break into the teen market, with varying degrees of success. This one, The Better to Bite, appeared to be self published and was only available digitally. The price was right, so I bought it and dove into the story.

Anna Lambert has moved to Haven with her dad, who grew up there and has returned to take a job as Sheriff. He’s promised Anna a quieter life than the one they're leaving in Chicago. Instead they uncover a series of mysterious disappearances. But nothing stays lost to Anna, who has a freakish power that draws her to anything, or anyone, who’s missing. What she discovers is Haven’s secret. A curse passed down from generation to generation - originating with her ancestors. 

The Better to Bite started off a little rocky, but soon found it’s stride. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed the twists and turns Eden peppered throughout the plot to keep the reader guessing. Anna's power is unique and I enjoyed the way it slowly developed, giving hints and building up the tension. Add in a love triangle, some fur, claws and fangs, and a few frantic chases through dark woods...and you've got yourself a very readable book.

If you’re looking for a novel with mystery, romance, bad boys and werewolves, look no further. My only complaint is that there doesn’t seem to be a sequel…yet.

Eden, Cynthia. The Better to Bite. Digital: Curtis Brown Digitals, 2012. 4 Stars.

(Available online from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.)

Keep Me Safe, Maya Banks' newest thriller

When millionaire Caleb Devereaux’s little sister is kidnapped he doesn't turn to the police or private security, He tracks down the elusive psychic Ramie St. Claire. Caleb is shocked when he finally finds her living in a secluded shack - she’s so tiny and fragile, and she has a broken look about her. Nevertheless, disregarding her seemingly callous refusal to help, Caleb forces her to hold his sister’s scarf. ..and watches in horror as it links Ramie’s psyche to Tori’s and Ramie lives everything Tori is experiencing at the hands of a murderer and rapist. Ramie finally surfaces enough to tell Caleb where Tori is being held. Despite his guilt over what he’s made Ramie experience, he must leave the broken woman, rushing off to prevent his sister’s murder. He leaves, but not before promising to return.

He does try to find Ramie once his sister is home, but the psychic is once again off the grid. She stays that way for a year. Until the night Caleb receives a frantic phone call: It seems Ramie has been hiding not from notoriety or the pain of helping victims. She has been on the run, constantly moving from place to place, chased and stalked by a psychotic, probably psychic, serial killer. She needs help, and the only person with the resources to protect her is Caleb Devereaux.

It’s not often that I enjoy a book so much when I don’t particularly care for the main character. But while I was annoyed by the repetitive reassuring conversations with and constant neediness of Ramie, I also understood that those traits were the result of losing every scrap of hope while being stalked relentlessly for over a year. The character truly came to life for me, and while she drove me nuts, I also hurt for her.

I absolutely devoured this novel. This was, in fact, one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read all year. I finished it in less than 24 hours, something I haven’t done since the last Harry Potter novel came out. Maya Banks has a true talent for crafting a novel. The plot was tight and never really slowed down; the writing carried me along even when I really needed to stop for awhile; and the characters were very well-drawn - so realistic that I wanted to shake them. In particular Ramie, who was so...needy...had a tendency to make me crazy. But Banks made me understand that Ramie's annoying traits were the result of losing every scrap of hope while being stalked relentlessly for over a year. The character truly came to life for me, and while she drove me nuts, I also hurt for her. And when I finished Keep Me Safe I wasn’t satisfied…I need the rest of this series. I must find out what happens to the rest of Caleb’s broken family. I really want to know how their stories continue...and end.

Banks, Maya. Keep Me Safe: A Slow Burn Novel. New York: Avon, 2014. 4.5 stars.

Disclaimer:  As an Avon Addict I received a copy of this novel free from the publisher  in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are mine alone.