Category Archives: Book Reviews

From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon #HappyReleaseDay

From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon is a Historical, Inspirational, Romance you are absolutely going to love.

Releases today, December 1, 2016 and recommended for readers 16 yrs and older.

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My FIVE Star Review:

I really tried to prepare myself.  I knew this was a historical novel about World War II.  I knew reading From Sand and Ash was going to be emotional, it was going to dragged me places I was sure I didn’t want to go, and I knew even before I opened it to page one, that Amy was going to make me take this journey and I was going to be changed by the end. I absolutely was.

Most people in the world know the stories of WWII.  You either learned them in school or maybe you had a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who lived through it.  What Amy gives you in this book is a story of two young people, Angelo and Eva, who are thrown into this horrific war and work to do whatever they can to help people.  There is laughter along the way and joy, there is family and love, there is sorrow and horror, there is commitment and trust but most of all there is determination to keep going.

Amy Harmon is Magical.  There are no other words to describe her.  She puts a pen to paper and gives us everything from deep down in her soul and I for one am truly grateful.  Each of her novels have filled me with such joy, even with a few tears.  If you don’t normally read historical novels, please do me a favor and give this one a try.  You will not regret it.

I’ll leave you with these:

“Fear is strange.
It settles on chests and seeps through skin, through layers of tissue, muscle, and bone and collects in a soul-sized black hole, sucking the joy out of life, the pleasure, the beauty.
But not the hope.
Somehow, the hope is the only thing resistant to the fear, and it is that hope that makes the next breath possible, the next step, the next tiny act of rebellion, even if that rebellion is simply staying alive.”

“Life is hard.  What an understatement! Hard is too mild a word for the trouble we’ve seen. Life is hell shot with just enough heaven to make the pains of hope all the sharper. Life is impossible. Ugly. Agonizing. Inexplicable. Torture.”

“Our immortality comes through our children and their children. Through our roots and branches. The family is immortality. And Hitler has destroyed not just branches and roots, but entire family trees, forests. All of them, gone.”

More About Sand and Ash:

Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.

As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.

Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.

But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.

Pick up From Sand and Ash here: Amazon.

Find Amy Harmon here: Internet, FacebookGoodreads, Twitter

To read more of my reviews of Amy’s books, click here: janisf Amy reviews

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

 

the Dance by Alison G Bailey

the Dance is a Contemporary Romance by Alison G Bailey published on May 11, 2016.  It’s a second chance at love novel with several twists and turns.

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My FOUR Star Review:

This is the first book I’ve read by Alison and I purchased this book on release day for just 99 cents which means it took me over 5 months to actually get to it in my TBR pile.  I read a few reviews, which I don’t normally do, (yes I know that’s strange especially since I write them) and was shocked at the 1 star reviews.  I’m going to tell you a little bit more then I normally would and I’ll do my best not to include any spoilers.

the Dance is a second chance at love novel and I’m not going to lie, I absolutely did not like Bryson Walker when I first met her and I also didn’t like Will Forsyth.  But let me back up. The book starts with Bryson and Will at the end of their Senior year of High School. Bryson (the all American girl every parent wants for their son) and Will (the football hero and future CEO of the families construction company) have been together since 11th grade. During the Senior Prom Bryson has a brief encounter with bad boy Hart Mitchell.  An encounter even after 6 years Bry hasn’t forgotten, however, this encounter did not alter her focus.  Bryson’s entire focus is on Will, going to college where Will goes, becoming Mrs. William Forsyth, taking care of him, having children and growing old with Will.  She has no other ambitions at all.  (Some readers I believe didn’t like this about Bry.)  Will on the other hand has been driven to go to business school, to run the family business, have the perfect wife, have a few kids and do what his family expects.  Will does some pretty shitty things along the way which added to my dislike of him.  But Alison’s character of Hart Mitchell, I loved from the moment I met him and I knew there was way more to him than the bad boy persona when he told Bryson, “You’re Lovely.” and “You’re unexpected.”

At the point where I wanted to shake Bryson and smack Will in the head with the stupid things that were happening, everything changed and I mean everything.  Bryson began to “grow up” and realized it was okay to want more out of her life.  Her character evolved and she became so much more then what she was at the beginning of the book.  I liked this Bryson very much.  Will changed as well but his changing was driven by an obstacle in his path but non-the less, he did change.  Hart remained the amazing, intriguing character I met at the prom and will always have a special place in my heart.

There are a few hard issues in this book but it added dynamic to the story.  The Dance is a story that’s meant to be read and I would highly recommend this book.

More About the Dance:

“Bryson Walker stumbled heart first into the steady rhythm of her life, never questioning whether other possibilities existed. She had been Will’s girl since their junior year in high school, followed him to college, and married him soon after graduation.

In every respect, they were a loving and successful couple, until a series of missteps shattered all of Bryson’s truths. Maybe their life was nothing more than smoke and mirrors. A performance that was never based in reality.

Hart was barely an acquaintance. He and Bryson shared one brief moment during senior prom, full of friction and heat that ignited a spark. But that night Bryson walked away and Hart let her go.

Years later, twisted fate brings Bryson and Hart together again, causing her to wonder if this is her second chance at once in a lifetime.”

Pick up your copy of the Dance here: Amazon.

Find Alison Here:  Website, Facebook, Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter.

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

Enemy of My Enemy (The Executive Office Book 2) by Tal Bauer

Enemy of My Enemy is the second book in an outstanding political, military, romantic, suspense/conspiracy series by Tal Bauer.  You MUST pick up Enemies of The State and read it first.  Enemy is not a standalone and you do NOT want to miss even a minute of this story!

This is a male love story and is intended for readers 18 years and older.

Enemy of My Enemy releases October 24, 2016

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My FIVE Star Review:

I am completely blown away by the writing, the main characters and even the secondary characters in this series.  There is so much build up to the military/political story as well as the love story and let me tell you, this is an amazing love story.  The journey starts in book 1, Enemies of The State, which received a Five Star review from me.  (Just click Five Star to read my review.)

I’m not going to tell you about the story because you can see what it’s about by reading the More About section and Excerpt sections below. What I am going to tell you is how much enjoyment I have gotten from these two novels.  When I say these two books are a roller-coaster ride, I really mean it.  However, book 2 …. It was an emotional journey through every physical and mental emotion I have.  My pulse was racing, I laughed, I smiled, I cried, my heart felt full, I said awww, I said NO, and I sent a message to Tal saying “Are You Kidding Me!” Then I cried some more and these emotions basically repeated over and over again.  By the time I reached the last page, I was drained but I desperately wanted to reached through my kindle and grab book three right out of Tal’s head.

If you like stories with Military, Political, Suspense, Romance and Conspiracy, then you really need to pick up Enemies of The State today and grab Enemy of My Enemy on October 24, 2016.  Let’s see if you can figure out the difference between the “good guys” and the “bad guys.”

More About Enemy of My Enemy: 

Fifteen years from now, an affair rocks the world.
Two men commit to their impossible love.
One general is determined to destroy them both.

President Jack Spiers and former Secret Service Agent Ethan Reichenbach throw caution to the wind, committing themselves publicly as the first out male lovers and partners to occupy the White House. Jack moves Ethan into the Residence, but as Ethan settles into his new role as first gentleman of the United States, not everyone is thrilled with their choices. When it seems like the world turns against them, Jack and Ethan must turn to each other, finding the strength together to press on.

In the chaos, Jack’s relationship with the Russian president, Sergey Puchkov, grows closer, and the two nations find themselves working almost as allies. But President Puchkov has secrets of his own, secrets that could rip everything apart. And Ethan steps back into the action with Lieutenant Adam Cooper, taking charge of a covert kill team tasked with hunting down General Madigan once and for all.

But Madigan is elusive, and his dangerous reach is long. He strikes at Jack and Ethan from the shadowy corners of the globe, unraveling their entire world. As the mad general draws new allies together, he is single-minded in his quest to destroy the only two men who ever beat him.

He will stop at nothing until Jack and Ethan are shattered men, worlds apart, and struggling to get back to one another.

And after that, Madigan’s true revenge begins…

enemies-2

About Tal Bauer:

Tal Bauer writes LGBT fiction and romance, bringing together a career in law enforcement, trauma medicine, and international humanitarian aid to create dynamic characters, intriguing plots, and exotic locations. Tal’s stories weave together pulse-pounding adventure, cunning intrigue, and sweeping romance. Tal is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Mystery Writers of America.

Find Tal here:  Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Goodreads, NineStarPress

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher.

Possible Spoiler Excerpt:  Read at your own risk. 

Scroll down just a little bit more.

Keep scrolling.  This is your last chance

Excerpt

Tal Bauer © 2016
All Rights Reserved.

Eyes slid sideways, the staff from the East Wing of the White House all seemingly hovered in the lobby, waiting to catch a glimpse of Ethan as he entered.

Ethan pushed through, nodding and giving his best tight smile to the crowd.

“Relax,” Daniels breathed at his shoulder. “You’ve got your constipated agent face on.”

Ethan threw a glare Daniels’s way.

“These are your people now.” Daniels’s eyebrows arched high as he nodded to the mass of humanity.

His people. Jesus. The office of the first gentlemen, all his. Swallowing, Ethan tried to smile again, though he couldn’t fight the nerves clutching at the back of his throat.

Daniels stayed by his side as he escaped up the stairway to the second floor of the East Wing. On the quieter second floor, the office of the first gentleman made its home. Oil paintings of former first ladies hung on the walls, and at the end of the hallway, a large corner office overlooking the Kennedy Garden, opposite the Oval Office, sported a shiny brass doorplate, reading, “First Gentleman, Ethan Reichenbach.”

“Fuck me,” Ethan breathed. Just last Monday he’d been moody and grumpy with Jack on their nightly Skype call, bemoaning his exile in Iowa. He’d been frustrated, missing Jack and Levi and Scott and everything about DC, and Jack had offered him the impossible.

He’d dismissed it out of hand; he didn’t want to be a freeloader. The first gentleman earned no income. It was a ceremonial position only. He’d be an anchor on Jack’s neck. An albatross. They were trying to stay out of the public’s eye, not catapult into it. There had never been an unwed first gentleman before, and certainly not a gay first gentleman. The whole idea was a disaster. He’d already done too much damage to Jack’s presidency.

On Wednesday, he’d flown to DC, stood in the Oval Office, and told Jack he’d take it. He’d resign from the Secret Service and move back to DC, ending his exile. He’d move in with Jack. They’d build a life together. No looking back.

That new life started immediately. They’d danced the night away at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, and Ethan had torn up his return ticket to Iowa. Thursday he’d faxed in his resignation. Friday he and Jack took an early day, spending the weekend ensconced in the Residence as Pete released the announcement to the world.

And now, this.

It was almost too much. Ethan turned away, breathing hard as Daniels gripped his shoulder again.

“This is history, man.” Daniels smiled, warm and bright, and Ethan’s nerves screamed. “I’m so damn proud of you.”

Damn him. Damn Daniels. Ethan closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them to glare hard at Daniels. “This is insane,” he grunted. “I don’t deserve this. I’m not this guy. I shouldn’t be here.”

“That’s exactly why he fell in love with you, and why you are here.” Daniels gave him a gentle shove, pushing him down the empty hallway to the office that bore his name. “Get going. Your staff is waiting inside.”

His staff. Jesus.

The heavy white door whispered over plush carpet as he entered his office. Inside, one man and four women rose together from two pale-blue silk couches facing each other before a large desk. They smiled and waited, silent.

He froze until Daniels jabbed him in his kidney. Ethan strode behind the couches to the wooden chair sitting, obviously, for him. He nodded to his staff and tried to smile. “Good morning. I’m Agent—”

Clearing his throat, Ethan quirked his eyebrows at his staff as Daniels grinned from the back of the room. “Sorry,” he said. “I’ve got to get used to dropping my old title. I’m Ethan. Ethan Reichenbach.”

The smiles from his staff were indulgent, grins and nods that told him that yes, dummy, they knew exactly who he was.

“Please, sit.” He fumbled a bit, waiting for his staff to sit and then remembered that they were waiting for him. A bobbing half stand, and then he sat, embarrassment burning his cheeks as he tried to clear his throat again and bear it.

Daniels covered his grin with the palm of his hand and looked away.

“Can you all tell me a little bit about yourselves?” Ethan nodded as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and tried to sit comfortably in the ornate—but heinous—chair.

“Mr. First Gentleman,” said an older woman with short red hair curled into wide, fluffy rolls perching around her face like a football helmet. “Let me be the first to greet you with your new title.” She smiled warmly at Ethan, her hands clasped in her lap and ankles crossed just so. Her immaculate red suit was pressed and starched, and a string of pearls hung at the hollow of her neck, just below a fold of aging skin starting to sag.

Mr. First Gentleman. Jesus. He flushed from head to foot and squirmed.

“Please, Mr. Reichenbach will do just fine.”

“Mr. First Gentleman,” she gently corrected him with an incline of her head. She would have been a socialite contemporary of Nancy Reagan and carried herself with a class that proved it. “My name is Barbara Whitley, and I am the White House social secretary. I serve at the pleasure of the office of the first gentleman.” Another warm smile and Barbara’s head tilted. “And please let me say that I am absolutely delighted to be working for you, Mr. First Gentleman.”

The gentleness radiating from Barbara calmed Ethan, just a touch. “Forgive me, Ms. Whitley. I may have protected the president, but I’m not up to speed on the full breadth of your duties.”

“I am responsible for the planning of all social events at the White House, in coordination with you, of course. From something as simple as an afternoon tea all the way to a full state dinner.”

Jesus. That was a big job. Ethan blinked. “I have to admit,” he said, shifting in his seat again, “I’m not really one for afternoon tea.”

***Happy Book Release Day to Sandra Renee Appet and her Fire and Midnight***

Today the wonderful Sandra Renee Appet releases her Contemporary Romance, Fire and Midnight!

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My Five Star Review:

This was a wonderful, romantic and extremely well written love story.   Jane Keegan does something completely out of her comfort zone and ends up meeting Ryan Zeigler.  Jane is an amazing character but I’ve got to tell you, Ryan stole my heart. I laughed with them, I smiled with them, I cried with them, I loved with them and there were even a few awww moments.   There were ups and downs for this couple but I couldn’t help but cheer them on with every single page I turned.  If you love a really excellent love story, then you must pick up Fire and Midnight.  You will not be disappointed.

About Fire and Midnight:

He could be her best worst decision… With a glass of wine in hand, Jane Keegan’s finger is poised to delete the account her pushy BFF created for her on “The Cowboys” escort service website. Sure, she’s lonely, but not desperate. Then an image of sky-blue eyes and warm, tanned muscles jumps off the screen. And she finds herself hitting the “Book Now” button. After all, why not? She’s a free, divorced woman on business in San Antonio. There’s nothing to lose…except her nerve. Especially when Mr. Tall Dark And Incredibly Sexy meets her at a River Walk bar—and his only-for-you smile turns her insides into a quivering mass of second thoughts. Ryan Zeigler is enduring one last escort assignment as a favor before hanging up his Cowboys hat to run his own restaurant. Yet there’s something about the pretty New Yorker’s vulnerable grin and I’ve-got-baggage eyes that halts his usual dating M.O. in its tracks. When Ryan sweetens the deal—no strings, no payment expected—Jane the good girl takes the bold step of letting her vixen out to play. But when it’s time to go home, her heart is at a crossroads. Is Ryan the real deal? Or is she letting yet another man take her heart for a ride?

Learn More about Sandra: 

sandra

Sandra is an author of romance who stays up too late dreaming up sexy heroes. When she’s not writing, shoe shopping or saving wayward turtles, Sandra can be found with a cup of coffee browsing the shelves of an indie bookstore. As a social media junkie, Sandra loves to chat with readers and formed the Bookalicious Babes Facebook group where members share their love of books.

Find Sandra Here:  Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Evernight.

I received a copy of this book directly from the author.

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

Review/Release Day Giveaway: Deadly Silence (Blood Brothers -1) by Rebecca Zanetti

Rebecca Zanetti hits the mark again in this new Paranormal Romantic Suspense series Blood Brothers with her first installment, Deadly Silence.  Blood Brothers is a spin-off from her popular Sin Brothers series.

Deadly Silence releases today, October 4, 2016

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My FIVE Star Review: 

Let me start by saying I have not read any of Rebecca’s Sin Brothers books.  I have read just about every other book she has written but I just never picked up Sin Brothers.  So my thoughts are, you don’t need to read Sin Brothers before you read this one.  I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything that may have happened in the other series.

This book basically highlights three brothers, Ryker, Heath and Denver who end up in the same boys home at the age of 12.  They may not be related by blood but to these three men they are most definitely brothers and will do whatever is necessary to keep each other safe.

Twenty years later and they are still together running Lost Bastards Investigative Services. They find the lost and are currently working on a case reluctantly with the FBI.  Since this is a paranormal, I’m not giving anything away by saying each of these men are a bit different and not in a bad way.  You’ll need to read to find out exactly what makes them different.  Each brother also has a past and a childhood they are trying to understand.

There is a case to be solved and the case itself is not resolved by the end of the book but there are many twists, turns and new information along the way.  Of course there is also romance and a strong female lead, Zara Remington, I absolutely loved and her grandmother who I wanted as my own.

Rebbecc’a writing is amazing, her descriptions, scenes and stories are fantastic.  It is always an adventure when you’re reading her books. If you love paranormal suspense written with an easy flow and lots of action, then definitely pick up this book.  I would highly recommend any of her books.   It releases October 4, 2016.

More about Deadly Silence: 

“Under siege. That’s how Ryker Jones feels. The Lost Bastards Investigative Agency he opened up with his blood brothers has lost a client in a brutal way. The past he can’t outrun is resurfacing, threatening to drag him down in the undertow. And the beautiful woman he’s been trying to keep at arm’s length is in danger…and he’ll destroy anything and anyone to keep her safe.

Paralegal Zara Remington is in over her head. She’s making risky moves at work by day and indulging in an affair with a darkly dangerous PI by night. There’s a lot Ryker isn’t telling her and the more she uncovers, the less she wants to know. But when all hell breaks loose, Ryker may be the only one to save her. If his past doesn’t catch up to them first…”

Excerpt: 

Heat from his body washed over her, but she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “We don’t have a relationship.”
He smiled then, and the curve of his lips held more determination than amusement. “I’m not letting you run, and I’m certainly not letting you hide, baby. Although neither of us has been in this for the long haul, I’m staying in Wyoming for the moment. The first thing that’s going to happen is I’m going to figure out who dared put a hand on you and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
For the first time, she saw a side of him that gave her true pause. In the long haul, he’d be unbearably possessive. Why did that give her an intriguing sense of safety? “Knock it off,” she snapped in his face. “Get out of my business.”
That quickly, she found her back against the door and her front pinned by hard male. His hands planted on either side of her neck, his thumbs at her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “Something you need to understand and pretty damn quick is that your business is my business right now.” His thumb swept up and over the offensive bruise on her face.
“Step back.” Her voice trembled.
He ignored the very calm order. “No. You don’t want to tell me who did this? Fine. I’ll find out on my own, and I’ll have the name by the time I pick you up for supper. What you don’t want to do is deal with him or his case until I have that name. Kicking him in the balls might’ve just pissed him off more, and now you’ve let a bully stew on it for a while, which might be dangerous for you. Got it?”
“You have no right to interfere,” she whispered.
“Baby, I’ve been fuckin’ you for months. That gives me every right.” Anger glowed dark in his eyes.
“We’re done. Get out.”
His eyes softened. “You shouldn’t make statements you can’t back up.”
She shoved against his ripped abs.
He didn’t move a millimeter.
And then he did.
His head dipped, and his mouth found her neck and wandered up to her ear. His teeth scraped, and then his tongue licked the slight wound.
Of its own volition, her body did a full tremble.
He leaned back. “That.”
Her mind fuzzed.
His mouth slammed down on hers. She knew his kiss—often dreamed about it. Not soft and sweet . . . not even lustful. It was dangerous. From day one, she’d tasted danger on his tongue, and it burned her hotter than she’d ever been.
Never had she dated a bad boy, but after living her desired routine-driven life for years, she’d craved adventure, and he filled that need. He drew out a wildness she hadn’t realized she possessed.
He held her flush against the door, kissing her hard, sending a craving along her nerves that almost hurt. His tongue went to work, his left hand keeping her jaw open for him. His right hand found her hip and dragged her against the obvious bulge in his jeans. By the time he released her, she’d stopped thinking completely.
“What time are you finished today?” he asked, his breath heating her face.
“Fi-five,” she stuttered.
He leaned back and gently put her to the side. “Stay in the office until I come for you at five, Zara.” He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “Cross me on this, baby, and I ain’t gonna be gentle.” He had already shut the door behind himself before she could take a whole breath.
She blinked several times, her fingers going to her still-tingling mouth. What had just happened?

Click here to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway

About Rebecca Zanetti:

rebecca-zanetti-credit-dylan-patrick
Photo Credit Dylan Patrick
Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. She has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Wicked Edge, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice Nominations for Forgotten Sins and Sweet Revenge, and RT Top Picks for several of her novels.  She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family.  She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out.

Find Rebecca here:  WebsiteFacebook, Pinterest, TwitterGoodreads.

Click here to see some of my other reviews of Rebecca’s Books.

Buy Deadly Silence Here: AmazonBarnes & NobleBooks-A-MillionGoogle PlayiBooksIndieBoundKobo.

Follow Forever Online: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

I received a copy of this novel directly from NetGalley.

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

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Mirror Series (Mirror Me, Rule of Thirds, Walk in My Shadow) by Stephanie Tyler/SE Jakes

NY Times Best Selling Author Stephanie Tyler/SE Jakes Mirror Series is a Dark Mystery/Suspense Romantic Thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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The first 3 books, Mirror Me, Rule of Thirds and Walk in My Shadow are stories based on characters in WITSEC with FBI, CIA, serial killers and a huge amount of action/suspense thrown in.  Of course there is also some very wonderful romance.  My reviews are below:

My Five Star Review of Mirror Me:

Mirror Me is the story of  Kayla Peters who is in the Witness Protection Program because of her serial killing twin sister.  Kayla is desperate for a normal life but knows there is no way to get one until her sister is caught.  Abby Daniels, the US Marshall charged with protecting Kayla decided to set her up in a rental house in Abby’s home town.  A small town mostly retired military and their families.  A rental house that just happens to be located next to her retired Delta Force brother Teige Junos.

Abby and Teige intrigue each other and after one hot kiss, Teige can’t get Abby out of his head but a killer is coming and Teige’s instincts to protect kick in.  Teige, Abby and her new partner, Jacoby Razwell, work together to keep Kayla safe and stop a killer from killing again.  It is a roller-coaster ride you do not want to miss.

Abby and Teige are basically the main characters but stories for Abby and Jacoby start in this book and finish in the next two.  All of these characters are well developed and I absolutely loved each one of them.

My Four Star Review of Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds is the story of Jacoby Razwell FBI and in WITSEC due to his serial killing sister, and Special Agent Ward Thayer.  We first meet Jacoby in Mirror Me and I knew there was more to him then meets the eye.  You are not going to believe this guys history.

Again, this story is very much a psychological thriller and things get a bit messy and graphic. There is a lot of history between these two men that finally comes full circle and you can feel the love down deep in your soul with every word Stephanie writes.  Jacoby is on the hunt to find his sister and stop her but who exactly is the one being hunted.  This book is a true roller-coaster ride that keep me whispering, “oh no” several times.

If you love a good thriller with some amazing male love thrown in, then you definitely want to pick up this book.  You can absolutely read this as a stand alone.

My Four Star Review of Walk in my Shadow:

Walk in my Shadow is the story of US Marshall Abby Daniels and CIA Special Agent Vance. Abby has a new witness she is protecting and Vance is trying to located his brother Ethan’s (who happens to have been Abby’s former friend and lover) killer.  Vance does a few questionable things in the beginning that I was sure Abby’s brother Teige or Jacoby was going to kill him for.  Teige and Kayla as well as Jacoby and Ward make an appearances in this book and it was wonderful to see them again.  Abby is one tough woman and I loved her the minute I met her in Mirror Me.  She is just as tough and capable in Walk in my Shadow. I love books with strong woman who can absolutely keep up with the boys and at times even pass them.  (I would suggest you read Mirror Me before you read this book.  A few things happen in that book and you’ll want to know them before heading into Walk in my Shadow. Stephanie does re-cap a bit but trust me, you are going to want to know it all.)

The chemistry between Abby and Vance is completely off the charts even from the very beginning.  All Vance wants to do is protect Abby, Abby can certainly protect herself but can she survive a third encounter with a serial killer.

As with the other books in this series, there is a killer, lots of action, adventure and romance.  Many things come to light in this book and you are introduced to a new character, CIA Agent Knox’s, who will be getting is own Mirror book.

I have read just about every book by Stephanie Tyler/SE Jakes and each and everyone is wonderful.  Her writing flows smoothly, books are easy to read and the stories always keep me turning the pages.  I would highly recommend any of her books.

To find out more about the Mirror Series, check out Stephanie’s website here.

Find Stephanie Tyler here: Facebook, Internet, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon.

Find SE Jakes here: Facebook, Internet, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon.

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

 

Guest Blogger: Lea Bronsen with The Hotter the Love

Please welcome Lea Bronsen to my blog today to talk about her new release The Hotter the Love book 3 in her Hot Model Mine Trilogy. I’ve read all three books and loved each one. Here’s what I thought of The Hotter the Love:

“I was extremely lucky to receive and advanced reader copy of this final book in Lea’s Trilogy – Hot Model Mine.
A lot happened in Book two – Mine to Love and the Hotter the Love picks up the story. Our sexy cover model Yushka and hard working author Andrea are working hard to make their relationship work even with several obstacles in their path. There are many decisions to be made before this couple can have a chance at a happily ever after but I was rooting for them from day one. The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot and really has been since they met.  Yushka is an amazing character and I absolutely loved the way Lea wrote him throughout this series. He is a truly good, kind, straight forward person and you felt it in every word. He will hold a special place in my heart for a very long time.
You can absolutely read this book as a standalone. Lea does a great job of recapping the first two books to get you up to speed and then finishing out this love story. Go pick it up today!” ~janisf

Everyone say Hi to Lea and give her a big welcome!! 

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Hi and thank you so much for hosting the third and last book of the Hot Model Mine trilogy!

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After sexy cover model Yushka proposed, life is more turbulent than ever for erotic romance author Andrea. He is expecting a baby with his ex-girlfriend, who says she doesn’t want to keep it. How will Andrea’s sons take upcoming life changes? To make things more complicated, her ex goes to great lengths to coax her back, and one of her sons’ girlfriend is a tad too interested in Andrea’s young and very handsome fiancé…

On the writing front, Andrea anxiously awaits news on her latest manuscript submission, and she has to decide whether to accept her publisher’s offer to model in a sexy photo shoot—the same kind she and Yushka did in Cannes—in the hopes of making a new “Cover Photo of the Year”. Considering the erotic poses the previous photographer demanded, can Andrea model with another guy other than Yushka?

Excerpt
We enter a hall so big the tiniest sound echoes. It’s quite humbling. I shrink in my clothes and barely dare to breathe. Dark wood furniture towers over us, with a mix of contradictory smells—orchid-scented sanitizer and old dust—filling the space.
Shoes clamping on a hardwood floor, we follow the tall, silver-haired man into a living room with exquisite furniture, gold-framed mirrors, and classic paintings on the walls. Heavy velvet curtains adorn the windows, and an impressive floor-to-ceiling library on one side has to contain literary curiosities from every part of the world. Marveling, I study each magnificent object.
The man stops and glares across the room, his facial expression clearly one of annoyance. What an oppressive atmosphere.
Yushka stands beside him and stares in the same direction.
I follow their gaze. A young and strikingly beautiful woman is half-seated on a green velvet couch with her legs folded underneath her. Dark doe eyes and pink lips stand out in a pale, oval face. A waterfall of rich, glowing auburn-colored hair contrasts with her white dress. She looks cast in a scene from the Russian classic Doctor Zhivago. Beneath full breasts, a pregnant belly protrudes, far too round and big for her frail frame. Jekaterina?
My chest tightens. The more I look at her, the more her beauty takes my breath away. She’s the woman Yushka was in love with last year. The one he slept with and impregnated.
Her gaze is riveted on him, the recognition and warmth fiery.
I shoot him a glance. His features are tight, as if he’s trying to hide his reaction, but he doesn’t take his gaze off her. This is exactly what I feared. They’ve had feelings for each other. Maybe meeting now will revive them. He has fallen for her once, so why would he not fall for her again?
I feel bad, nauseous, want to get out of here. But she’s carrying the baby girl I’m going to call mine very soon. I need to overcome my unease. Hopefully, once the formalities are done, this is the only time we’ll have to meet.
She tells him a few words in Russian, her voice the cooing of a turtledove.
Yushka replies calmly, but his throat sounds choked. He grabs my hand, palm sweaty, and leads me to a sofa opposite hers. His discomfort is more than clear in his features. He tears his gaze from her and searches me, his expression vibrating with an intensity I seldom see. It hits me—he’s afraid.
I squeeze his hand. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” he replies instantly, but his tension is palpable.
My chest tightens to a painful level. What is he so nervous about? From his interaction with Jekaterina, this has nothing to do with the baby. It’s about them, their relationship, and me. Is he afraid he’ll have to choose between us?
Goodness, I’m delirious. I sit very still, take small, shallow breaths, and pray for everything to be all right. Then bolt out of this house after the arrangements are resolved.
Jekaterina addresses me, her dark pupils glimmering. “You’re very beautiful. Are you a model, too?”
I’m as taken aback by her speaking a fluent English as I am by her compliment, and need a few seconds to shake myself. “Um, no, I’m not.”
She raises a brow. “That’s funny. I would’ve sworn you were a model. So how did you two meet?”
“At an author conference.”
Yushka clears his throat. “Andrea writes books, and I’m featured on the cover of her last one.”
“Oh, how exciting.” Her lips curve upward. I can’t decide whether it’s a genuine smile or she’s faking it.
“Yes,” he continues. “That’s why we … uh … were bound to meet. They had organized a Meet-and-Greet for authors and cover models of their books.” Why does he sound like he’s trying to make an excuse?
She flutters her long lashes at me. “What kind of books do you write?”
Before I can answer, her father walks over to a cabinet and picks up a bunch of papers. “All right, enough chit-chat.” His voice booms like thunder.

Book trailer
https://youtu.be/ho7fOUvnFfw

Book Links:
Evernight Publishing / Amazon.com / Amazon.uk / Bookstrand / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / All Romance eBooks / Goodreads / Pinterest
About the other books in the series

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The Perfect Shoot (book #1)
When Andrea Johnson, writing as author Cindy Vega, signed up for a Meet & Greet with the cover model of her latest book, she didn’t expect sparks to fly. Yushka is dangerously good-looking and too young for her. But their connection is instantaneous, and during a photo shoot with the two, the photographer picks up on their growing attraction. Seeing the potential for THE cover photo of the century, he decides to push their comfort limits…

Get The Perfect Shoot at http://www.evernightpublishing.com/the-perfect-shoot-by-lea-bronsen/

Mine to Love (book #2)
The writing conference in sunny Cannes was fantastical, a dream. Back at home, reality catches up with author Andrea Johnson and the sexy cover model of her book, Yushka. With tough working schedules, challenging family relations, and seductive temptation from all sides, the couple’s explosive romance is put to the test. Will their love be strong enough to have a future?

Get Mine to Love at http://www.evernightpublishing.com/mine-to-love-by-lea-bronsen/

About Lea Bronsen:

I like my reads hot, fast, and edgy, and strive to give my own stories the same intensity. After venturing into dirty inner-city crime drama with my debut novel Wild Hearted, I divide my writing time between psychological thriller, suspense romance, and erotic dark/contemporary romance.

I love to hear from my readers! Write to leabronsen@yahoo.com or meet me on:
Website / Lea’s Crazy Nights Blog / Facebook profile / Facebook page / Twitter / Amazon

Thank you, Lea, for stopping by Book Reviews by janisf and leisha.  It was great to have you here to share your Hot Model Mine series with us.

As Always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf