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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Law of Attraction by N.M. Silber- Audiobook Review!


Synopsis

Once upon a time two lawyers fell in love across a courtroom ...
Gabrielle Ginsberg was a public defender with plenty of nerve and Braden Pierce was an assistant district attorney with a whole lot of swagger. Gabrielle wanted Braden and Braden wanted Gabrielle.
And Cameron wanted Gabrielle.
And Marla wanted Braden.
And Cole wanted Gabrielle.
And Mrs. Mason wanted Braden.
And an anonymous letter writer wanted to keep Gabrielle and Braden apart.
Together Gabrielle and Braden discovered many important things, like which doors at the courthouse actually locked, and that desks could be useful for more than writing. They also found out that the path of love was not always smooth, and it was sometimes tread upon by some really wacky people, like a confused fanny grabber, an eighty-two year old pothead and a gentleman who threw a wine and cheese party in his pants. Could true love overcome a lack of privacy, interference by jealous rivals and the insanity of the criminal court system?

My Review:

The Law of Attraction (Lawyers in Love, #1)The Law of Attraction
by N.M. Silber
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gabrielle is a public defender, and Braden is a prosecutor. They often work in the same court room and quickly realize that they are both very attracted to one another. One issue is that Braden is a notorious player who is always ready to hook up, but doesn't date. Gabrielle wants Braden, but isn't interested in a one night stand with anyone. A little booze and some witty banter has them negotiating their way into the start of a relationship. Once that is taken care of, some outside issues arise.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The main characters are very witty as are their friends. Experiencing the sexual tension building up between Gabrielle and Braden was pretty spectacular, but not quite as spectacular as when they finally vented it! These two have some serious chemistry and while the hot stuff is really hot, the banter and intellectual connection these two find and experience was absolutely wonderful to witness. After Gabrielle and Braden connect, we see that there are other people who want relationships with either Gabrielle or Braden and are ready to cause problems for the new couple. Gabrielle is receiving mysterious threatening letters, and those who want Braden are being very clear about their desires. There are definitely moments where Gabrielle makes some pretty crazy decisions about how to handle certain situations, but ultimately even the ridiculous bits add to the charm and fun of the story.  I really enjoyed the main characters as well as their friends.

I did actually read this book before I listed to the audio version.  I was excited to experience this story again, and the narrator did a pretty fantastic job of bringing Gabrielle and the other characters to life.  At times, the narrator had me convinced that she was actually living the story (and having a lot of fun doing so).  I highly recommend this book, and look forward to listening to more in this series. 


*A copy of this audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review





Chemical Attraction by Christina Thompson- Book Tour and Review

Chemical Attraction
By Christina Thompson
Genre: Thriller with romance



Synopsis:

FBI Agent Joe Roberts wants that instant chemistry like his sisters, Eva and Taylor, have with their husbands. After years of searching, he’s ready to give up on that romantic notion. Then, he meets Madeline. The problem is she’s his contact on this dangerous case.

Dr. Madeline Pierce works in nanotechnology research. When she discovers a criminal network within her medical facility, she’s partnered with Joe. Throughout the investigation into the production and distribution of illegal drugs, Joe and Madeline struggle to stay professional despite their intense attraction to each other. She wants to trust his sweet words but wonders if she’s just a fling.

Police Chief Matt Connor adores his wife, Eva, and works hard to keep his family and rural town safe. When farm animals become violent and meth labs become abundant, his calm demeanor is tested. Eva Connor, a petite spitfire, has an opinion on everything and you know it whether you want to or not. However, her confidence is shaken when she’s used as leverage against Matt’s inquiries. With this case now personal for Matt and Joe, they will do whatever’s necessary to protect the women they love. As the ensemble hunts for this new bio-weapon, the dangers intensify putting their lives at greater risk.

These intertwining relationships must transform into stronger bonds if they want to win against this horrific threat. Love should trump evil, but will their love for each other survive these tests without severe repercussions?

My Review:
Chemical AttractionChemical Attraction by Christina Thompson
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is a book with several main characters and a plot that twists and turns as the mysteries these characters face unravel. Dr.Madeline Pierce is a scientist who discovers some unsettling discrepancies at the medical facility where she conducts her research. FBI Agent Joe Roberts is called in to investigate Dr. Pierces findings. Police Chief Matt Conner is dealing with a lot of bizarre deaths in his town and things get even trickier when his beloved wife Eva is used as leverage against him.

In the midst of these characters dealing with some pretty serious crimes and conspiracies, Joe and Madeline find themselves very attracted to one another. Making sure their attraction and budding relationship doesn't get in the way of their professional duties is a challenge. I found it very easy to connect with and care about all the main characters in this story. It is easy to get sucked in to the drama and action associated with all the events in the town. At times I found it tricky to remember who was who when dealing with some of the peripheral characters, but overall I was eager to find out what was really going on and who could and couldn't be trusted. The romance is sweet, and the action is exciting. I read this straight through once I started, and will gladly read more by this author in the future. 3.5 stars

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review


Author Bio:
Christina Thompson enjoys writing about the physical science, the emotional workings of our mind and heart, and the spiritual energy that taps into our passions.

Her degree in biology from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo gave her a love of science and a background into the physical realm of the body. Her diploma in Traditional Chinese acupuncture from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine taught her that the mind and spirit affect the body in powerful ways.



Contact Information:

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Excerpt from Chemical Attraction:

“Depending on how long this has been going on, we’re talking about millions if not billions of dollars.” Joe stood and paced at the foot of his bed in the Blue Room at the B & B. “Well, the proof would be with materials management, right?”

Leaning against his headboard, Madeline nodded. “They would have the master supply list and shipping manifests. Getting those would be a start. The supply list would show the bulk chemicals ordered and the manifest would show the delivery of those actual items.”

“What’s their security like?” he asked, impressed by her knowledge and instincts.

She reached for her iced tea with her left hand and used her right to wipe the condensed wetness off the tabletop. She took a mouthful, swallowed, and sighed. “They have cameras all over the place. The front desk has four screens that they flip through to any area, but security has a room with monitors for every camera.”

He continued to walk the six steps from one side of the room to the other. “They have cameras in materials management?”

“That department has three. If it weren’t for the cameras, I’d walk down there and make copies of the lists. They hang on a clipboard out in the open. There’s even a copier in an alcove next to it,” she said, crunching her ice.

“Where are the cameras placed?” he asked, clenching his jaw at her distractions.

She grinned. “One picks up the clipboard and the hallway. There’s one at the gated door, overlooking the supply room, and the other is directly across from the copier. I have no idea how to get to it by myself.”

He looked at everything in the room, but Madeline stretched out on his bed. He struggled against temptation. “A lot of people work in that area?”

“Four guys are in and out of the department throughout the day except for lunch. Between noon and one, they eat in the cafeteria and leer at women.”

He moved the blue lace curtain to the side and looked at the empty street. In the window’s reflection, he watched Madeline position herself across the bed onto her abdomen. She bent her knees, putting her feet in the air. He turned back around as she propped her head on her hands. He kicked his shoe across the room and watched it thump into the door. Frustrated, he plopped into the chair, folded his arms, and stared at her.

“Why are you doing that?” he finally asked.

She smiled. “Are you mad at me? Your body language says you are.”

“You want fun, huh?” She squealed as he leapt across the bed toward her. When she tried to roll away, he pinned her beneath him. As he hovered over her, he gently moved a strand of her hair away from her face. “I told you. You are too damn tempting.”

Lowering his head, he kissed her. The bolt of lightning shot through him again and, God, he liked it. She squeezed his biceps, making him instantly hard. Her kisses seared his lips. He was definitely playing with fire. As he slowly lowered his body, they heard pounding on the ceiling.

“I better go,” Madeline whispered as she tried to catch her breath.

Suddenly aware of his position, he scrambled to get up. “God, I’m sorry. I’ll walk you home.”

Damn, how could he be so irresponsible? He had worked with many women over the years and had always kept it strictly professional. Now, he was compromising not only his mission and career but her life as well.


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Point of No Return by Olivia Luck- Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal

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Book Title: Point of No Return (The Point Series) 
Author: Olivia Luck 
Genre: New Adult 
Release Date: June 2015 
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

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Book Blurb

I had it all: an adoring husband, supportive friends, thriving career, a homey condo in the city.

Amend that.

I had it all except for love from my family. But life was spectacular because I had him. Max was everything I dreamed a husband could be and somehow he loved me just as wildly as I loved him.

Until one cruel night he was stolen from me.

Then I had nothing but a vicious battle ahead of me. It’s a struggle so treacherous, I’m not sure if I’ll make it out with my heart in tact. But on the other side of that brutal war waits the most wondrous prize.

Will I allow myself to move forward?


excerpt

Prologue – Hers

When my husband works overnights at the fire station, I sleep on his side of the bed. Max doesn’t know that even though he spends more nights in our bed than out of it, I miss him enough to burrow in sheets emanating the remnants of his aftershave. It’s like being cocooned in his arms even when he’s not around. Sleep comes easier over here.

That’s where I am, tucked underneath the down cover, safe in a dreamless slumber when a pounding rouses me. My heart leaps in surprise and I launch into a seated position, hand hovering over my chest. With a blind hand, I slap along the bedside table to find my glasses and jam them onto my nose. Knuckle pounding against wood doesn’t cease when I capture the time.

Nothing good can come of someone knocking on your door at one in the morning.

I scoot off the bed and shrug into the lightweight robe that lies on my husband’s suit valet.

He hates it when I leave my things there, I think numbly. Somehow my body’s moving forward, even though every nerve ending screams at me to crawl back into bed and pretend this is a dream. It’s almost like the Grim Reaper lurks on the other side of that door. I imagine a black hooded robe, bony skeletal fingers clutching a scythe waiting for me.

If there were enough time, I’d bargain with him. Beg to replace my life for his. Give up everything I have on God’s green earth for the man who gave me the gift of a full, flourishing life.

A knock on the door means it’s too late for brokering. If a ringing phone yanked me from sleep, it wouldn’t be this daunting. The fear wouldn’t be overpowering all of my other senses.

With a quivering hand I flip a light switch on and unlatch the lock on our front door.

Their faces are grim, solemn. Hot tears blur my vision before I can identify who has come to deliver the news. Even before they speak, a strangled cry rips from my throat and my knees buckle. Like a puppet cut from its strings, I collapse toward the floor. Strong arms encircle my waist squeezing me tight.

The pressure of this man’s arms around me is the only thing reminding me I’m still alive and not thrust into the depths of hell.

“Violet.”

“Don’t say it,” I shriek. A feral cat stole my voice box, the howls ripping from my body completely unlike any other sound I’ve ever made.

“Violet.” This time the stern voice fights through the tornado of emotion and I blink hazily upward.

“Felix,” I whisper through a dry, cracked throat. Soot and ash still mar his cheeks, hair disheveled in every which way. Weariness seeps off him, from the slump in his shoulders to the exhaustion in his eyes.

“We lost him. I’m so sorry. We lost him.”

I don’t remember much of anything after that.


Meet the Author

Olivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s not reading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Get in touch with Olivia, she adores emails: olivialuckauthor@gmail.com


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True Violet by Vivian Winslow- Release Day!



True Violet by Vivian Winslow

The Violet Trilogy #3

The Gilded Flower Series #9

Genre: Erotic Romance


SYNOPSIS

In this final installment of The Gilded Flower Series, shocking secrets are revealed and the long-buried truth comes out.

Things are heating up for Vi in Dubai, and it's not just the desert climate. Vi is starting to come into her own—having the hottest sex of her life and poised to take over her father's multinational conglomerate. Yet, her suspicions are confirmed when she uncovers a plot to destroy not just her but her best friends' lives. With an unlikely ally, Vi seeks to ruin those behind the plot. Will Vi be able to have it all and find her lasting happiness in the arms of the man she loves?





Excerpt

Chapter 26
Relief spreads over Vi during breakfast as she politely engages in conversations with other division heads. It’s the last day, and her father’s closing remarks, scheduled after the breakfast, will mark the end. Despite the beautiful beach setting, the week has been long and tiring. She arrived in Muscat believing she could predict her future—well, at least the next month. But now, thanks to her father, it’s all turned upside down. She faces a monumental decision that will impact her life, and it’s not something she anticipated when she agreed to move to Dubai. She begins to bite her thumbnail nervously as Azahr invites their father to the podium to speak.
The theme of the conference was about divergent economic growth across global economies, which really meant how to ensure the continued success of Rai Industries. The senior Rai goes on about this, expertly discussing and even countering some of the claims made by the economists who spoke during the conference. He does it admirably, showing how sharp he remains at seventy.

Toward the end of his speech, he takes a turn Vi doesn’t see coming. She had asked him to give her a week to think over his offer, but clearly his grunt meant a ‘no’, not ‘yes’.
            “Now, before I close, I want to thank my son, Azahr, for all his hard work in coordinating this conference, and also for his years of loyalty to Rai Industries. I want him to know that his allegiance has brought pride to me and our family.”
            The audience erupts in restrained applause.
            Her father holds up his hands to indicate he isn’t finished. “I expect you all have also had the pleasure of meeting my charming daughter, Violet, this week. It was important to me that you have a chance to get to know her.”
            Suddenly all eyes in the room focus on Vi. She straightens and forces a reserved smile. This isn’t what she agreed to, but obviously this is her father’s way of saying there’s only one answer. Why did she ever expect him to actually listen to her?
            “Over the next few months, Violet will be transitioning to take over as CEO of Rai Industries.”
            Vi can feel her stomach tense. Her palms begin to sweat, and she quickly looks over at the Exit sign, gauging how long it will take for her to get out. This isn’t what she asked for, nor is it what she wanted. No, she wanted a position in Rai Industries, not any one in particular, just something that would give her closer access to her brother, to put her suspicions to rest.
            Now, the game has changed. Not only will Azahr be out for blood, but her father has exposed her to the scrutiny of her colleagues and anyone else who may want to find out more about the mysterious, illegitimate Rai daughter. She mentioned this to him over lunch when he first proposed this idea. His response echoed Samir’s. She was ultimately untouchable. Personal judgments be damned. Vi would be secure. But at what price?
            She gulps for air, trying to quell the chaos of emotions that are raging through her, uncertain of how to proceed. Her mind is in a fog. Her usual philosophy of following where the universe is pointing her seems to be failing her when it appears to be her father acting as her master.
            Vi squeezes her hands together, digging her nails into her palms to calm herself. When she hears her name again, she looks over at her father who is motioning for her to join him. Beside him, Azahr looks like he’s about to have a stroke.
            Her father moves the microphone closer to her. To Vi’s surprise, her words come out more composed and articulate than she would’ve expected.
            “Thank you, Father,” she says, nodding toward him. Then looking out onto the faces of the people who soon will consider her their boss, she says, “Thank you to all of you. I understand that it may take time to place your trust in me to fill the rather large shoes of my father.” Vi looks at Samir quickly. “I do not intend to replace him, because it would be impossible. Rather, I hope to continue his tireless work and devotion to Rai Industries and see it achieve his vision of success and growth in the coming years. My father and I have discussed what that means, and we agree that diversifying Rai’s portfolio as well as investing in the people of India will be the best course for our future.” She reaches out and takes her father’s hand. Together, they raise their hands in a sign of victory, a camera flash momentarily blinding them.
            Azahr walks out, wading through the throng of people coming up to congratulate Vi and her father.
            As soon as Samir approaches, she smiles at him and shakes his hand.
            “So last night was an interview of sorts,” he says.
            She shrugs. “Nothing was certain. I asked for time to decide, but he obviously had made up his mind.”
            “And you? Have you made up your mind?” His tone suggests hope.
            Vi cocks her head and smiles. “Perhaps. When I do, you’ll be the first to know.”




About Vivian 


Vivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years. New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of shopping, the arts and especially food. If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her indulging in pizza on the Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach.