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Worth It All Review

Title:  Worth It All
Series:  The McKinney Brothers
Author:  Claudia Connor
Release Date:  April 19, 2016 by Loveswept
My Rating:  4 Sweet ♥'s

My First Thoughts:  When fate deals you an unexpected hand, you have to figure out the best way to play it or risk missing your chance at real happiness. 

*Many thanks to the Publisher for an ARC of Worth It All for review via Netgally.

Synopsis:
She’s fighting for control. . . . Paige Roberts learned to fend for herself growing up. Now she’s doing everything possible to give her daughter, Casey, the stability she never had. But when the vivacious five-year-old decides she’s done wearing her prosthesis, Paige faces her toughest challenge yet: trusting a handsome, brooding stranger who simply wants to help.

He’s struggling to connect. . . . JT McKinney lost more than his leg in a car accident that stole his dreams of pro football. Eight years later, he's made a new life for himself far away from his old one. His business is developing cutting-edge prosthetics and he’s more than happy to turn his attention to machines instead of people. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.

Will they take a chance on love? . . . When JT gets the chance to help Paige’s daughter, he takes it. He never planned on the two of them tearing down his walls or teaching him to believe in himself again. Paige might not believe in happily ever afters, but JT wants more than anything to be her prince. They’ll both have to let go of the past if they want a future.

My Review:

I was so excited to get my hands on the third book in The McKinney Brothers Series. This is a great series that always delivers just the right combination of angst, heat, and good old-fashioned romance. Worth It All is a heart-touching addition to the series that doesn't disappoint. It takes place several years after the ending of the previous book.

J. T. (Jake) was headed for stardom as a professional football player when an accident changed his life forever. One night, one moment in time, and not only did he lose his dreams, he lost his future - something precious he didn't think he wanted. He eventually moved on with his life by moving all the way across the country from his family and friends to start his life over. He's now successful, but living his life alone as he doesn't believe he deserves a family of his own.

Paige is a single mother, working two jobs and going to school in an effort to provide a good, stable home and future for her daughter, Casey. Once upon a time, Paige had a life plan . . . one that was changed forever one night in the backseat of a car by a boy she didn't say No to - she won't make that mistake again - even though it gave her the best thing in her life, her precious 5 year old daughter, Casey. She has a new life plan, and it doesn't include a man.

J. T. and Paige's worlds tangle when J. T. meets Casey as she waits for her mom to get off work from the diner. It was very close to love at first sight for Casey & J. T. as they discover they share a common bond - one that makes them both "different". The scenes between J. T. and Casey are among the best in the book as Casey tears down the walls J. T. had constructed around his heart while he helps her learn how to deal with her struggles at being different from other kids. Make no mistake about it - Casey steals the show in this book. She is adorable with an honesty and openness often found in young children, and yet, she is wise beyond her years. Many of her comments and questions speared me straight through the heart. How could anyone not love this little girl?!

Through Casey, J. T. and Paige begin to connect, to reach out, to dare to dream for more. Can he forgive himself? Can she alter her life plan? Their romance is a sweet, slow burn - one that simmers as they both learn their own capacity and need for love is greater than they thought. Worth It All is an emotional, feel-good romance that will leave you smiling. A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Sweet, Slow Burning ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx
Sandra

IWSG: Series*ously Addicted . . .

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers.  It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month.  I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time.  Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG will be Megan Morgan, Chris Votey, Viola Fury, Christine Rains, Madeline Mora-Summonte, L.G. Keltner, Rachna Chhabria, and Patricia Lynne! 

Series*ously Addicted:  Are you a fan of book series?  I am.  I'm not only a fan of series - I'm hopelessly addicted to them.  For me, there's nothing better than finishing a great book only to find it's just the first in a series, and there's more to come!  When I discover an addictive series, I often find myself hooked into a binge read - reading straight through until I finish the last book.  Talk about burning the midnight oil!  Does that ever happen to you?

After my most recent series binge, I found myself thinking more about writing a series - which led me to wondering:  How many authors accidentally stumble into writing a series - stretching a successful first "standalone" book into a previously unplanned series?  Or how many authors always start out by planning to write a series from the moment they begin writing book one, page one?  

My current w-i-p took root from an idea for a standalone novel, but I now see the potential for carrying the story/characters forward in a series.  I'm left debating whether to go with my original plan and tie things up with a bow in this book or leave a few lines dangling for the possibility of future books with these characters who are demanding more time.  My gut instinct is to write a satisfying ending for readers (not a fan of huge cliffhangers!) while leaving the door open for exploring more books.  My dilemma is figuring out the best way to do that.  

So, tell me . . . Are you Series*ously Addicted to reading and writing series?  As a writer, which approach to writing a series do you take?  Are you a stumbler or a planner?

The Visitor Review

Title:  The Visitor
Series:  The Graveyard Queen #4
Author:  Amanda Stevens
Publisher:  MIRA
Release Date:  March 29, 2016

My Rating:  4 Ominous ♥'s

My Review of The Restorer

Synopsis:

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm the Graveyard Queen.
Restoring lost and abandoned cemeteries is my profession, but I'm starting to believe that my true calling is deciphering the riddles of the dead. Legend has it that Kroll Cemetery is a puzzle no one has ever been able to solve. For over half a century, the answer has remained hidden within the strange headstone inscriptions and intricate engravings. Because uncovering the mystery of that tiny, remote graveyard may come at a terrible price.

Years after their mass death, Ezra Kroll's disciples lie unquiet, their tormented souls trapped within the walls of Kroll Cemetery, waiting to be released by someone strong and clever enough to solve the puzzle. For whatever reason, I'm being summoned to that graveyard by both the living and the dead. Every lead I follow, every clue I unravel brings me closer to an unlikely killer and to a destiny that will threaten my sanity and a future with my love, John Devlin.

My Review:

Like many other fans, I have waited a long time for the next installment in the Graveyard Queen series.  The creepy, surreal world created by author Amanda Stevens has both fascinated and spooked me since I read the first book in the series, The Restorer.  As the story of Amelia Gray evolved over the next couple of books, I continued to be drawn to this mysterious cemetery restorer like a moth to a flame - even as her story gave me goosebumps and sent chills down my spine.  Stevens has a beautiful, almost lyrical, way of writing that is both hypnotic and haunting.  It was with much anticipation that I opened The Visitor and stepped back into her world.

As I began reading, I was ecstatic to find Amelia and John Devlin together.  John appears to be free of the ghosts of his wife and daughter as he seems to be moving forward in a relationship with Amelia.  But it's soon obvious that something is seriously wrong.  John is withdrawn, moody, secretive, and Amanda is harboring some big secrets of her own  The distance between them grows.  While the sexual chemistry between them is explosive, the emotional connection is fading . . . something is coming between them.  What is it?  Will they stand together to figure things out or allow it to tear them apart?

Since breaking her father's rules, Amanda's life has spiraled out of control.  Her powers are evolving, drawing unwanted attention from the dark, supernatural beings that reside in the Underworld.  As she works to find answers, she learns some shocking things about her past, things about who/what she really is and what her true destiny may be . . . while also discovering the answer to an old mystery/murder that puts her life in danger.  Is Amanda's fate sealed?  Does she have the power to overcome and trap the evil entity that stalks her?  I won't say more as I don't want to let any spoilers slip . . . but I will say this story is intense, twisted, and extremely ominous.  While the story does take a bit of a turn from the first three, after finishing and reflecting on it, I realized that it actually made sense for it to play out this way - in a very spooky, twisted kind of way.

While The Visitor started out just a bit slow for me - mostly as I found my way back into this complicated, haunted world, I was soon hooked - my heart racing as I burned through the pages to get answers.  An ominous feeling of impending doom blanketed this story and me throughout - one I could not shake off as I read late into the night.  Once again, I found myself hesitant to turn off the lights, jumping at every little sound of the night.  Stevens is pure magic with setting tone, mood, and pace and sustaining it throughout a story.  While some things may not have played out exactly the way I had hoped, I could not put this book down.  The ending sets up the next book perfectly . . . as in Give it to me NOW!  A Page Burner!  A Must Read!!

My Rating:  4 Ominous ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx
Sandra

Entangled - March Release Day Blitz!

Two new sweet romances you won't want to miss!

On sale now! Be sure to to get your copies!

About the book:

When bad weather closes the airport, free-spirited Jules Bloom finds herself stuck with the admittedly hot but total suit Dexter Elliott. One night and one large pitcher of “Vegas Sunrise” later, Jules wakes up in a hotel bed with a vicious hangover…wearing nothing but a wedding ring.

Determined not to ruin his brother's wedding, Dexter strikes a deal with the frustratingly gorgeous Jules to continue their quickie marriage through the weekend. Only she keeps getting under his skin in unexpected ways.

Jules has her own reasons for staying married to Dex but they seem less important with each exaggerated touch and staged kiss. But one marriage, one major secret, and two complete opposites don’t add up to a happily ever after…

Find it online: 

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads

About the book:

Derek Carmichael has harbored a secret crush on his best friend’s older sister for years, but she’s always been out of his reach. Now that Hannah is back in their hometown and newly single, suddenly the five-year age gap doesn’t seem so huge. But convincing her to see him as more than just the kid she used to know is another story.

Hannah Willmett can’t believe how grown-up Derek Carmichael has become. The troubled kid from her youth has turned into a sexy, successful TV celebrity, but Hannah’s wary of his player past and the rampant rumors connecting him to beautiful socialites. Still, she can’t help but give in when their attraction reaches a boiling point.

Trying to keep their fling a secret from her overprotective brother is one thing, but when Hannah finds herself unexpectedly expecting, her life is thrown upside down. She and Derek may be becoming parents together, but that’s no basis for a happily-ever-after.

Find it online:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads

Follow the blog tour for your chance to win an Amazon gift card

Played Book Review

Title:  Played
Series:  Elite PR #2
Author:  Clare James
Publisher:  Entangled:  Brazen
Release Date:  Oct. 19, 2015

My Rating:  3.5 Red Hot Smexy ♥'s







Synopsis:

Play. Or be played.

The music should be enough. End of story. But Aaron Major is finding out it's not, and now his agent has hired a firm of suits to help launch his debut album, turning his life into a goddamn circus. Smile here. Play there. Be nice. Well, screw that. If Aaron wanted to spend his time shaking hands and kissing babies, he would've gone into politics.

Helping launch the career of country singer Aaron Major should be a cakewalk for PR pro Melody Sharp. Aaron is charming, sexy, and oh-so-appealing when he's on stage. Off stage, though, he's her worst nightmare. A stubborn, ornery, reclusive nightmare without a lick of business-or fashion-sense. The only way he's going to make it in music is with a serious makeover-and quite possibly a personality transplant.

Soon, they're engaged in a game of give and take, and though it's Melody calling the shots, it's Aaron who holds all control...

My Review:

A struggling ex-country music star and a demoted PR girl - a match made in heaven, right? Since we all know things are seldom that simple, read on!  Aaron Major had a career most only dream of, but too many all-nighters - booze, parties, easy women - took its toil on both his body and his career.  After crashing and burning, he decided to step away from the limelight and take time to find himself and his music again - find out what's real and what's not.  Aaron moves in across the hall and first meets his sexy neighbor as she tries to find her keys after an all-nighter of her own - and drops her lacy panties out of her purse.  Well, isn't that intriguing?  Believing that this was the kind of woman that was part of the life he had left behind, Aaron steers clear of the temptation of Melody Sharp . . . until she finds herself locked out of her apartment for non-payment of the rent.  Aaron has no choice but to invite her into his apartment and allow her to stay a couple of nights - that turns into a few weeks.  And so, these two damaged people begin an erotic dance - swaying back and forth between physical desire and their need for something more . . . something real, something that lasts. He helps her by giving her a place to live, and she repays him by convincing the Elite PR firm where she works to take him on as a client - with her managing his PR.  And so the fun, hot sex, and array of misunderstandings begins.

Played is a hot, sexy read that also tugs on the heart strings.  I really liked Aaron as he worked to rebuild his career and came to realize that it's okay to lean on someone else, to need someone else.  I came to like Melody once she grew a pair and took charge of her own career and life.  As it turned out, these two make beautiful music together!  Played is a good, sexy, and yes, even sweet romance.  A Must Read!

My Rating:  3.5 Red Hot Smexy ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra

The Confessions Review

♥Title:  The Confessions - An Original Sinners Collection
♥Series:  Original Sinners
♥Author:  Tiffany Reisz
♥Release Date:  March 15, 2016
♥Publisher:  8th Circle Press

♥My Rating:  4.5 Shamelessly Sinful ♥'s

♥First Thoughts:  Some burdens are too heavy to carry alone while others are too heavy to share.  But they say confession is good for the soul.  You're about to find out if that holds true for Soren, Nora, & Queen Tiffany!

♥Many thanks to author Tiffany Reisz for the opportunity to read & review an ARC of The Confessions.

Original Sinners Recommended Reading Order

♥My Reviews: The Siren,  The Saint, The Queen

*Warning:  The eight Original Sinners books should be read prior to reading The Confessions.  I highly recommend this addictive, mind-blowing series.

**The Confessions is not a full length novel.  It is a collection of two confessions and an interview with author, Tiffany Reisz.  It also includes a section of fun facts about Marcus Stearns aka Soren.  A Must Read!

Tiffany Reisz is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Original Sinners. Her first novel, The Siren, won the RT Book Reviews Editor's Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance of 2012. Slightly shameless, Tiffany dropped out of a conservative Southern seminary in order to pursue a career as a writer. This move, while possibly putting her eternal salvation in peril, has worked out better than she anticipated. She lives in Oregon with her husband, author Andrew Shaffer. Find her on Twitter @tiffanyreisz.

THE CONFESSIONS: AN ORIGINAL SINNERS COLLECTION

Father Stuart Ballard has been Marcus Stearns’ confessor since the young Jesuit was only eighteen years old. He thought he’d heard every sin the boy had to confess until Marcus uttered those three fateful words: “I met Eleanor.”

So begins the 40-page “The Confession of Marcus Stearns,” a moving coda to the RITA® Award-winning Original Sinners series. Originally published as a limited-edition paperback for the 2014 RT Booklovers' Convention, and available worldwide for the first time.

This collection also includes “The Confession of Eleanor Schreiber,” a companion 36-page story written exclusively for The Confessions.

And, finally, all secrets are revealed in “The Confession of Tiffany Reisz,” an exclusive, in-depth interview.

Three Sinners. Three confessions. And all the dirty little secrets you could possibly desire…

Excerpt from The Confession of Marcus Stearns

Father Ballard sat up straighter when he sensed a presence behind him. Smiling he glanced skyward again. “Stop paying attention to us,” he whispered in his mind, a prayer God was sure to answer with a hearty “no.” Where Father Marcus Stearns was concerned, God always paid attention.

When Ballard leaned his head back, the presence behind him leaned forward.

“Six months, Marcus,” Father Ballard said, tapping his wrist as if he were checking the time. “No one goes six months without sinning.”

“Do you have time for me today?”

“I might. What’s her name?” he asked, his usual joke when another priest approached him for confession. Ballard looked back and saw Marcus had his rosary beads wrapped around his fingers. Something about the way he held them, tight and nervous, made Ballard’s blood drop a degree or two in his veins.

“Eleanor." 

My Review:

If you're a fan of the Original Sinners Series like me, the excerpt/quote above will have your pulse racing, your fever spiking, and your libido rising.  Why?  Because we're about to listen in on the darkest, sinful secrets of Marcus Stearns - Father Stearns - aka Soren.  Yes, Queen Tiffany has spun her magic again - this time giving readers an upfront and personal peek at the confessions of three sinners:  Marcus Stearns (Soren), Eleanor Schreiber (Nora), and the slightly wicked queen herself - Tiffany Reisz.  The vote's still out on which of the three confessions is the most sinfully shocking - but I'm betting on Queen Tiffany!  One thing's for sure - they're all heart-touchingly honest, giving readers an intimate look inside the heart and soul of each character/person as they confess their darkest sinful secrets.  There's no way to read their confessions and remain unmoved, untouched . . . they instantly brought the entire series back to life for me - a story that is revealed through all eight Original Sinners books, pages overflowing with pain, pleasure, need, desire, love, and so many secrets.  If these books and confessions don't move you, don't make you feel, you're not breathing.

In The Confessions, readers are privy to two different intimate discussions between two characters . . . 'reconciliations' - the Roman Catholic sacrament of penance, and readers are also treated to an interview/confession with author Tiffany Reisz and a bonus section of fun facts about Marcus Stearns aka Soren.  Marcus's confession occurs during the historical timeframe of the Original Sinners White Years novels The Saint and The King.  Nora's confession takes place the year before the present-day events of The Virgin and The Queen.

In The Confession of Marcus Stearns, Marcus/Soren seeks out Father Stuart Ballard to hear his confession.  Having first confessed to Father Ballard as a heart-broken eighteen year-old, Marcus/Soren trusts him with his darkest secret sins.  And now, eleven years later, the forbidden secret he shares with Father Ballard has the potential to destroy lives.  I was touched by the magnitude and possible life altering ramifications of Marcus's confession.  I was touched by the man behind the collar and by the sincerity of his need to serve and protect those he loves.  I was touched by his anguish as he comes to recognize and accept responsibility for some truths.  And, as always, I was touched by the limitless depth of his love.  I've often heard "It ain't love if it can't break your heart."  After hearing his confession, what Father Ballard fears most for Marcus is that his heart will be broken . . . again.

In The Confessions of Eleanor Schreiber, Nora seeks 'reconciliation' from Father Ballard also.  I have to say Nora's confession may have touched me the most - maybe because I discovered there's something our whip-cracking, shameless Nora fears.  A heart-touching vulnerability is exposed as she breaks down and cries - finally owning and sharing her grief with Father Ballard. What has the power to cause Nora such devastating pain?  What has bruised her soul and broken her heart?  Nora's confession brought tears to my eyes as she finally recognizes and accepts some truths about herself and the men in her life.  

The Confession of Tiffany Reisz is an interview between Tiffany Reisz and reviewer Cyndy Aleo that took place on January 22, 2016.  All I'll say is it's an eye-opening, "educational", fascinating, and yes, maybe even slightly wicked interview in which no subject is taboo.  This ole Southern girl was rendered speechless a time or two and was heard yelling "OMG" more than once after reading it twice . . . okay, three times but who's counting?  I literally felt pieces click into place (what I call "Ah Ha" moments) as I listened to the author sharing a few of her "surely that's a sin" secrets!  Tiffany is her usual witty, brilliant, fabulous, outrageous self, and I can't thank her enough for sharing the riveting, twisted, mind-blowing experience that is the Original Sinners with readers. Here's to you, Queen Tiffany!  It's been one hell of a ride and just so you know - I would definitely saddle up for more!

I'm dying to say more about each of the confessions, but I can't without revealing spoilers which this reviewer refuses to do.  I will just say - If you're a fan of the series, you're going to love this book.  If you haven't yet read all eight of the previous books, stop right now and complete the series before you read this one.  Anything as potent and addictive as the Original Sinners, including The Confessions, should be labeled a "drug" - illegal without a prescription.  Fortunate for readers, it's not.  If you're open to spreading your wings, stretching your boundaries and having your mind blown, read this series.  Love it or hate it, there's one thing I guarantee - you'll walk away feeling lucky to have survived the avalanche of intense emotions these books evoke . . . and you'll be begging for more!  They say confession is good for the soul. You're about to find out if that holds true for Soren, Nora, and Queen Tiffany!  The Confessions is a Page Burner!  A Must Read!

My Rating:  4.5 Shamelessly Sinful ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx
Sandra

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