Coming Tuesday, September 3rd!

Mark your calendars!  Tuesday, September 3rd, is the day my interview with author Nancy Gideon will take place right here!  I'm so excited and anxious to share this big event with you.  I'm asking Nancy everything we've all been wanting to know!  I may also have a chance to interview Max & Cee Cee!!  Don't miss it!

We are giving away a signed & personalized copy of Chased By Moonlight, the second book in Nancy's By Moonlight series.  You can enter the contest on this blog beginning next Tuesday.

Comin' Attractions...

Hey Y'all!

 I am so excited to announce that author Nancy Gideon will be joining me for an exclusive interview in my September Author Showcase.  I am thrilled to feature Ms. Gideon and look forward to discussing her thrilling PNR By Moonlight series with her.  I'll be getting the answers to all those "must know" questions including when can we expect more of Max & Cee Cee's story!  Be sure to drop in for the interview & to sign up for our special September giveaway!  More info to follow...

Meanwhile, check out the By Moonlight series...

See my review of Masked by Moonlight in the post below.  I will be reviewing Chased by Moonlight before the interview!  Awesome books!

Masked By Moonlight Book Review

Synopsis

In this stunning first book from Nancy Gideon's sizzling new series, a tenacious cop and her shape-shifting enemy sacrifice everything for forbidden desire.  All she wants is revenge.

New Orleans homicide detective Charlotte Caissie is dedicated to bringing down the crime boss responsible for her father’s murder. Using Jimmy Legere’s mysterious and irresistible right-hand man is a dangerous gamble, and not only due to his reputation as more monster than man. Because her feelings for Max Savoie are . . . complicated.

THEN HE RISKS HIS LIFE TO SAVE HERS. Rescued from the swamps as a child, Max exists silently in Legere’s shadow, heeding only his voice—until Charlotte Caissie awakens his emotions and tests his loyalties. Stepping outside his cautious rules threatens more than just his heart. He could expose his darkest secret.

NOW THEY’RE BOTH IN OVER THEIR HEADS. Testing boundaries they weren’t meant to cross means facing the truth about who and what they are—and what they need from each other. If Max is the murderer she seeks, Charlotte could be his next victim. She can’t afford to trust any man. Good thing Max isn’t one.

 My Review

Let me start by saying I devoured this book in an afternoon and a late night of reading.   I couldn't put it down.  The chemistry between the main characters - Max Savoie, enforcer for the local mob boss and Charlotte (CeeCee) Caissie, homicide detective for the New Orleans Police department, is smoking hot!  Of course, this is a budding relationship that can never be.  There is no future relationship for a dedicated cop and a mob hit man.  Max Savoie is the hot, sexy, dangerous, mysterious, not quite human bodyguard for Jimmy Legere - New Orleans crime boss.  CeeCee has made it her life work to bring Legere and his mob empire down.  When the chemistry between her and Max heats up, she realizes she may have just found her way in to gather information and destroy Legere.  But she didn't count on falling in love.

CeeCee is a sassy, hot, sexy, take no shit New Orleans detective.  She is as tenacious as a bull dog and nothing comes before her job - until a relationship with Max forces her to make some tough choices.  She struggles with trust issues stemming from a tragic past and daddy issues.  Both she and Max carry dark secrets that may be too deep and unforgivable for them to overcome.

Max is strong, sexy and yet vulnerable, and, oh yes, not quite human.  You can't read this book and not fall in love with him.  He is loyal to Legere - the man who rescued him as a child from a nightmare in the bayou & raised him to walk on a short leash and obey his commands...even to kill.  Max loves and trusts Legere like a father.  His world starts to both come together and yet fall apart as he is drawn to the alluring detective who can destroy him.  Max has a big secret that he has to fight to protect, as his very life depends on it - he is a shifter.  How can he ever expect a woman - a cop - like CeeCee to love someone like him?

Many secrets will be revealed in the reading of this amazing love story.  Yes, love story...I found Masked By Moonlight to not only be an exciting, emotional rollercoaster ride but a very romantic one as well.  Paranormal Romance and Romance/Suspense fans - You will love this story which continues in Book 2, Chased By Moonlight.  This series is a must read.  I'm a devoted fan.   

My Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/109994-nancy-gideon-by-moonlight

Quotes 

“So beautiful, I forgot how to breathe." 

 ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥

“She smiled up at him, and he saw his whole world in her eyes.”
 ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥
"You ever mistake me for a hooker, Max?"
Another glint of strong, white teeth.  "If I had, I'da been counting out twenties."
 ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥
"This isn't a exactly a social call," CeeCee corrected.
That cool stare held hers.  "Too bad."  Without glancing down, he asked, "Who's that on your shoes? Anyone I know?"

 

Author Showcase featuring C.M.J. Wallace

Please join me in welcoming C.M.J. Wallace, author of the epic fantasy series- RIFT,  to my Author Showcase.  I am delighted to showcase this amazing author and her books in my blog.  The first 3 books of this series, Sing The Midnight Stars, Flight of Shadows, and This Darkling Magic are available now from Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.  This Darkling Magic was recently named one of the top ten Indie Author books of the week on Indie Author Land.  Book 4, The Strange Magic, is due out in the Fall of 2013.

INTERVIEW:

Tell us about C.M.J. Wallace... 

I’ve always had a love for language. I started reading at a very young age, about three years old, because I come from a family of readers. When I was a kid, every month we received two volumes of The Happy Hollisters in the mail, and fights in our house were over who got to read them first. My dad always won. Yep, my dad. I’m a freelance medical editor (my love for language carried right through, so I was doomed to a profession related to it, I suppose). People usually get a vague, puzzled look in their eyes when I tell them what I do for a living, so for those who really, really want to know what a medical editor does, this is it in a nutshell: I edit articles written by physicians for medical journals. I live in Oklahoma but yearn for Hawaii. Someday…

What first inspired you to write books?

 

I started writing pirate stories back in the days of The Happy Hollisters. The genres aren’t related, but there you go. Then life got in the way and I didn’t write anything for many years, except for college term papers. About twenty years ago, I started writing books because I really admire Stephen R. Donaldson’s writing style and felt that I could emulate it and tell stories of my own. I can’t pinpoint my reasons for writing any more accurately than that. But maybe that’s enough.

Why do you write Fantasy novels?  Do you see yourself writing any other genre of fiction? 
 

I write fantasy because I’m lazy and don’t like to do research. (Okay, not really.) I like having the freedom to make anything happen, anything at all. The real world is constraining to me as a writer, often not as interesting as worlds people create (let’s face it, though: some of those, particularly the dystopian ones, are pretty hideous). I actually have two novels started that are suspense/thriller and have begun the rudiments of a third along those lines, but I’m not sure whether I’ll finish them. I want to bring the Rift series to a conclusion first, and it keeps stubbornly insisting that it’s not done.

Where did you find ideas and inspiration for the RIFT series?

 

Everything in my books comes straight out of my head. I couldn’t say how much I’ve been influenced by what I’ve read during the years, but no doubt some subliminal prodding has taken place. 

Tell us about the RIFT series...

 My newest book, This Darkling Magic, is part 3 of my Rift series. Sing the Midnight Stars and Flight of Shadows are books 1 and 2, respectively, and book 4 is called This Strange Magic. I hope to publish the latter sometime in the fall.

Because each of the first two books is a cliff-hanger (not by design; it was just too darned big to be a single book), as is the third, I can’t go into much detail about This Darkling Magic without introducing spoilers. But I’ll tell you a bit about the first ones and then tiptoe around the workings of the third.

Part of the synopsis of Sing the Midnight Stars sums up the content of the first four books: A cold-blooded killer lusts for others’ magic. A drug-addicted detective vows to thwart him. Dragged into a dangerous murder investigation, Andrin Sethuel alone stands between the killer’s murderous desires and his future victims’ salvation, the Torvian kingdom’s freedom and its enslavement.

In Flight of Shadows, Andrin continues tracking the killer as the enemy occupies Torvia with the blessing of its king and all but conquers the country by law and edict. But the king is sinking into madness, and when he agrees to a tribute of his subjects to the emperor, the prince knows the time has come for him to overthrow his father—and a subversive sect within the kingdom decides the time has come to kill the prince and Andrin. The Torvian resistance strikes and war breaks out, pitting Torvians against their traditional enemy and one another, ripping loyalties apart. In the face of his country’s downfall, Andrin finds that his fate has become intertwined with that of a creature called Rift, which after centuries of sorcerous imprisonment has been released to stalk him, hurtling him toward a destiny that could destroy him.

This Darkling Magic resumes the tale. Magic is failing because of a necromancer’s necrotic influence. Consequently, an unlikely alliance is born, its goal the destruction of the sorceress. Although she’s bound by enchantment, her necromancy, enhanced by the spirits of the dead she harbors and commands, confers on her the power to kill all those who bear a certain sigil and gives her the might to bring the Torvian kingdom to an end.

Tell us three reasons why readers will love this series...
 

I’ll let my reviewers tell you why readers will love Sing the Midnight Stars:

“Wow! A fascinating world and excellent writing. A joy for anyone looking for an intelligent and unique fantasy story…. What sets this book apart from so many others is the intrigue…and there is shiploads of it….”

“I just finished this book and I am thoroughly impressed with C.M.J. Wallace's rich language and intriguing storylines. I was immediately drawn into the world of Carvel and with each page became more entrenched in the plot.”

“If you enjoy masterful writing, complex characters and plots that twist and turn, read the Rift series beginning with the first book, Sing the Midnight Stars. You will definitely not be disappointed!”

What's next for C.M.J. Wallace?

As I alluded to before, I’m embroiled in writing book 5 of the Rift series, and I’m also outlining book 6. That may be it; but then, when I began writing Sing the Midnight Stars I thought it was going to be a single book....

And there you have it…so far. To avoid bewilderment and the sure consternation that follows from being plunked down smack-dab in the middle of something you really needed some context for, you should read the series in sequence, starting with Sing the Midnight Stars.

Thank you, C.M.J. Wallace, for a great interview and insight into your world and the world of RIFT!  Following is my review of the first book in the series, Sing The Midnight Stars.  I will say now, I loved it and I haven't always been a fan of fantasy.  These books are a must read!  You can find C.M.J. Wallace on her website at cmjwallace.com,  and on Goodreads and Facebook.

My Review:  Sing The Midnight Stars


One of the best Fantasy books I've ever read! C.M.J. Wallace has created an intriguing, mysterious, magical world of incredible depth with a complicated, deeply entwined plot. Sing The Midnight Stars is Book 1 of her incredible Rift series. She weaves her story with beautiful writing giving birth to believable yet mysterious, magic filled characters who live in this magnificent world of magic, suspense, murder, deceit and betrayal. Andrin Sethuel is head of the Torvian Kingdom Criminal Investigation unit. He is racing against time to discover the identity of a killer who is stealing the magic from his victims augmenting his own magic to unprecedented levels. Adding to the mayhem is a mad, crazy King and an impending invasion and takeover of Carvel by an evil Emperor of another land. With a vivid imagination, C.M.J. Wallace has created a world where an extensive cast of magical characters live and die by both magic and sword. This is a series that must be read in order as each book is a continuation of the one before it.  I wasn't sure I would like this book. I'm happy to say, I loved it!  

Rating: 5 Gorgeous ♥♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

 Cross My Heart...

Sandra

Weekly Musings...

Hi!  Welcome to Weekly Musings.  Wow...Another week has passed and July will slip into August in a few days.  We're definitely into the dog days of summer - very hot, steamy, muggy here in the South.  This week I finished rereading Naked In Death - Book 1 of J.D. Robb's In Death series.  For fans of romance/suspense, I highly recommend this series..close to 50 books and counting and every single one of them is not only worth reading - they're worth rereading over and over again!  I read and discussed Naked In Death as part of a buddy read with friends in my Goodread's group, J.D. Robb.  I had so much fun talking about this book with a great group of fans who love this series as I do.  I'm amazed at the little things different readers brought to our attention that I apparently had forgotten or missed the first 3 or 4 times I read it.  I find discussing books like this with others as I read to be mentally stimulating and challenging as well as so enjoyable.  We will continue our slow stroll through this series by reading Book 2, Glory In Death, starting around August 1st.  You can join in our buddy read and discussions by joining the J.D. Robb group on Goodreads.

I am anxiously waiting July 30th and the release of Book 4 of The Original Sinners - The Mistress.  I'm not making any other plans for that day as I know I will be totally consumed by this book.  I'm praying for a happy ending for all!!  Join me next week with Weekly Musings as I anticipate talking about The Mistress!

Please give a shout out and thank you to Giulia @ My Devastating Reads for hosting Weekly Musings.

Cowgirl Up & Ride Book Review

Synopsis

...Ridin' the edge of lust is fun—until someone falls in love.

Goody-two boots AJ Foster has waited her entire life for her dream cowboy Cord McKay to see her as more than the neighbor girl in pigtails. Now that she’s old enough to stake her claim on him, she’s pulling out all the sexual stops and riding hell-bent for leather—straight for his libido.
Divorced rancher Cord has sworn off all women…until innocent AJ suggests he teach her how to ride bareback—and he realizes she doesn’t mean horses or bulls. Between his responsibilities running his massive ranch, missing his young son and dealing with the sexual shenanigans of his brother and cousins, Cord is more than willing to take AJ up on her offer. On a trial basis.
The fun and games tie them both up in knots. AJ isn’t willing to settle for less than the whole shootin' match with her western knight. But for Cord, even though the sexy cowgirl sets his blood ablaze, he’s determined to resist her efforts to lasso his battered heart.  Sweet, determined AJ has the power to heal—or heel—the gruff cowboy…unless Cord’s pride keeps him from admitting their relationship is more than a simple roll in the hay.

Warning: This book contains: raunchy sex scenes that’ll work you into a lather faster than a winded horse, graphic language, resourceful use of baling twine, ménage a trois, ménage a quatage, and yippee! hot nekkid lovin'.


My Review

Cowgirl Up & Ride, Book 3 in Lorelei James Rough Riders series, delivers the story of Cord McKay and Amy Jo Foster (AJ).  AJ has been in love with Cord most of her life.  Cord has always seen 22 year old AJ as his sister's little friend.  Cord, in his 30's, is divorced with custody of his young son and a family ranch to run.  He is a sexy, domineering, alpha male leaning heavily to the Dom side with a wall around his heart that he has no intention of ever letting a woman penetrate again.  One night, at a local bar, Cord watches as a very sexy, grown up AJ struts her stuff in a mini skirt, flirting and dancing with every cowboy in the joint - every cowboy but him.  Cord finally finds he can't stand to watch anymore and has to put his hands on AJ.  He is surprised when AJ propositions him and shocked speechless to learn what a gift she is offering him.  In fact, she is begging him to take her and teach her about sex, no strings attached.  What else can Cord do but agree with stipulations...No dating - just no holds barred sex every night, no one can know about them, and it's over when Cord's son returns home and AJ returns to school to finish her last semester.  Cord is really surprised when AJ agrees to his terms.  Little does he know, she has an ulterior motive.  Thus begins an affair that sets the sheets and both their hearts ablaze.  AJ is determined to win Cord's love and heart permanently, while Cord fights his growing feelings and love for AJ every step of the way.  This is a great book about desire, guilt, responsibilities, sex, and love that also gives some insight and backstory into both character's families.  Cord and AJ have demons of their own to battle.  I loved this book.  Cord and AJ are two of my favorite characters in the Rough Rider's series.

Rating 4 beautiful  ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra

Quotes:
He growled, "What game are you playin' with me, little girl?"  
AJ stood on the tips of her boots.  
"I haven't been a little girl for a long time, Cord McKay!"  
"Believe me, I noticed." 
"About damn time."
♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥ 
"What I know about sex is what I've seen in the barnyard."
"That's it?"
"Well, that and some porn."
♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥
"Jesus.  You should see your eyes."
"Do they look scared?  I don't know how to tell you this, Cord, but I don't think this is gonna fit in me."
He laughed softly.  "Oh, it'll fit.  It'll be the perfect fit, trust me."
♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥    ♥
"You like this.  My sweet angel has a devilish streak, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Good to know.  'Cause you're dealin' with the devil himself right now, baby doll."

Comin' Attractions...

I'm excited to host an interview with C.M.J. Wallace, author of the epic fantasy series - RIFT, on August 1, 2013.  The first 3 books of this series are available now from Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.  The 3rd book, This Darkling Magic, was recently named one of the top ten Indie Author books of the week on Indie Author Land.  Book 4, The Strange Magic, is due out in the Fall of 2013.