see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane...To PARIS!
Sorry if you've noticed the past week that the blog has been slightly overlooked - I had a million things to both at work and home to get ready and there hasn't been much time for reading or blogging.
It will be kind of quiet around here until after Thanksgiving, but I will have a few posts during the week I'm gone so I hope you'll stop by and check them out.
I'm so excited! It's my first time to Paris or France and I've planned the crap out of this trip. My OCD planning girl gene went full out on deciding what we had to see this time and what could wait if we hopefully ever make it back again.
In the meantime, I hope you are reading something awesome and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I'm taking off on that Jet Plane today and this time tomorrow I'll be wandering the streets of Paris! :)
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Winner of Beverly Jenkins Giveaway!
The winner of a copy of Midnight by Beverly Jenkins is...
Lynette!
An email is on it's way to you for your mailing information - Congrats and thanks to all who entered!
Welcome Guest Author Beverly Jenkins & Enter The Giveaway!
Beverly has also been kind enough to offer a giveaway to one lucky Cheeky Reads reader - a copy of her historical romance Midnight! Be sure to leave a comment or ask Mrs. Jenkins a question to be entered to win. Don't forget to include your email so I can get in touch with you if you are the winner. Winner will be chosen on Monday, Nov. 7th. Open to US and Canada residents only.
Please Welcome Beverly to Cheeky Reads!
What was it about this story or characters that really called out to you to be written? My readers have been clamoring for Preacher to have his own story since he made his debut as a secondary character in my 1999
Characters really make a story for me, so I always love to ask authors what three words would you use to describe your hero? Three words for Preacher – Stoic, layered, sexy
What three words best represent your heroine? Three words for Maggie – tough, resilient, dreamer
It seems this is very much the hero's story more so than the heroines. Do you find you like to write one journey more so than the other? Although from the gorgeous cover it might seem that the story is all about Preacher but in reality it’s about both lead characters. I always try to balance my stories so that readers know the personality and motivation of both. I’m not a big fan of lop-sided stories. J
What was your favorite part of writing Night Hawk? Any particular scenes or plot twists you couldn't wait to write? (Ok - we understand, no spoilers allowed!) Preacher is a gun toting, Bible quoting bounty hunter and I couldn’t wait to set him in motion. Near the end of the story he tells Maggie a bedtime story that not only reveals his past but broke my heart. Maggie shines with every scene. According to my readers, I’ve created many memorable female leads, but early reviews for Night Hawk rank her as one my best, and I have to agree. She is a true force of nature.
You've authored over 30 books. How do you keep it fresh and are there any tropes you love to revist throughout your books? I keep it fresh by moving between genres. I write historicals mostly, but I also write romantic suspense, contemporary romance, mainstream women’s fiction, and have written two YA historicals. Slipping back and forth keeps me from getting into a writing rut.
I love asking authors what they're reading and if they have any new books or authors they would recommend. Any you want to share with us? I am a BIG fantasy reader –so right now I’m on the third book in the Magic Bites series by Ilona Andrews; eagerly awaiting Jim Butcher’s next Harry Dresden installment, and the third book in Cameron Halley’s’ Mob Rules series. I’m also a huge Rick Riordan fan.
Where can our readers find you next? Readers can find me underground working on my next historical for
Lastly, would you give our readers a little sneak peak excerpt from Night Hawk?
Excerpt:
As the train rolled into Kansas City Madison
As it stood, all she could do to try and make herself presentable was attempt to tame her hair with her hands, but that was difficult because of the cuff on her right wrist attached to his left. Raising her arm garnered a stare from him, so she explained. “I just want to try and plait my hair before we go out into the streets.”
“I don’t think it’ll much matter.”
Her lips thinned. Ignoring him, she raised her hands to her hair again. She expected him to protest but he didn’t so, she did what she could while his arm moved in tandem like a puppet. When she was finished, she watched him slowly survey the results. Before he turned away, she thought she caught a ghost of a smile cross his unshaven face. That didn’t help her mood, but there was nothing to be done about it.
The train slowed to a stop. The other passengers grabbed the handles on their valises and carpet bags and prepared to depart.
“We’ll wait until everybody else gets off, “ he told her and placed his magazine into his saddle bag.
Maggie tersely nodded a reply while doing her best to ignore the disgusted looks the other passengers threw her way as they passed by. She knew what she looked like. She didn’t need reminding.
“Okay. Our turn.”
Maggie scooted across the seat. He led her off the train and out into the busy depot.
As she and the marshal made their way, some of the travelers stopped and stared slack jawed. A buzz went through the place. Mothers grabbed their children as if the handcuffed Maggie or the tall man in black might do them harm. One woman, wearing an expensive, bustled traveling costume looked so terrified, Maggie snarled at her like an angry puma. The woman screamed and swooned.
As people rushed to her side, the marshal didn’t break stride, but he glanced back at her satisfied face. “Stop that.”
“I couldn’t resist.”
“Try harder.”
“Yes, marshal.”
That earned her another look which she met unflinchingly.
While people continued to give them a wide berth, he headed to the end of the train to retrieve his horse.
“I’m going to undo the cuffs. If you run, I will find you.”
She believed him.
It was a magnificent smoke gray animal, even larger and more powerful looking than the one she’d ridden on her futile escape attempt from the sheriff. Bigelow led it down the plank and she watched as he greeted the animal with an affectionate voice. “We’ll be home soon, old boy. Promise.”
He handed her her old saddle bag that had been left behind in the straw when she and sheriff Wells were ordered off the train at gunpoint by Langley
“You’re under arrest, you aren’t allowed firearms.”
“But it belonged to my father, “ she protested. “That and this coat are all I have left of him.”
“Take it up with Wells next time you see him.”
“Please don’t patronize me.”
He viewed her silently for a moment.
She asked coolly, “Am I not supposed to know the meaning of the word patronize, marshal?”
“Not sure.” There was muted humor in his eyes.
“Something amusing?”
“Where’d you learn to speak so properly?”
“My father was an Oberlin graduate, and a schoolteacher before and after the war.”
“That explains it.” He mounted his horse and offered her a hand up. She accepted the help, and although the palm that closed over hers was rough and calloused, the grip was gentler than she’d assumed it would be.
“Hold on.”
She wrapped her arms around the leather duster, and he reined the horse out into the streets of
Maggie had never been to Kansas City
After another few minutes of picking their way through the thick traffic of wagons, carriages, buckboards and riders, he stopped. “We’re here.”
Maggie read Sheriff’s Office on the hand painted sign above the building’s door, and sighed resignedly. She dismounted and waited while he tied the horse’s reins to the post.
Inside, a young man wearing a star on his red plaid flannel shirt was seated behind a desk. He eyed them curiously for a moment. “How can I help you folks?”
“Got a prisoner for the sheriff. You him?”
“No, sir. I’m Deputy Peterson. Sheriff Nash is out with a posse. Bank was robbed this morning” The kid’s eyes slowly widened. “Why you’re the Preacher! I’ve seen your picture in the newspapers!”
Maggie glanced up at the marshal. Was he a famous lawman then? And why was he called Preacher? She rememberd him quoting scripture before opening fire on Langely but she didn’t know any men of god who could wield a firearm the way he had.
He didn’t speak to any of that however. “Dowd’s Sheriff Wells wants her kept here until the circuit judge comes around. Vigilantes are giving him problems.”
“Sheriff’s going to be real upset that he didn’t get to meet you.”
From the marshal’s stony set features, the deputy seemed to understand that Bigelow was there on business and nothing more. “Um, what’s she charged with?”
“Accidental death.”
“Can’t take her.”
“Why not?”
“Under instructions not to put anybody in the jail. Sheriff wants the cell empty so he can throw the bank robbers in when he gets back.”
“And that’ll be?”
The deputy shrugged. “The men he’s after are supposed to be heading to Indian Territory so, maybe be a week, two, maybe three.” His eyes brushed Maggie. “Besides, we don’t have any place to put a woman. Try the sheriff in Abilene
The deputy paused and grinned. “I can’t believe I’m talking to one of the most famous bounty hunters in the west. Heard Hanging Judge Parker down at Ft. Smith
He didn’t speak to that either. “Dowd wanted me to leave her here.”
“I understand that sir, but you can’t.”
“Is there a marshal in town?”
“Yep. He’s with the posse.”
Maggie wanted to cheer, but kept her face impassive as stone.
“Try Abilene
Bigelow turned to go. “Thanks.”
Maggie followed him back out to the street. She waited to see what he might propose next, but before he could, they heard a woman shout accusingly, “You!”
Maggie’s eyed widened at the sight of Minerva Quigley barreling down the walk towards them.
“I want that heathen arrested!” Minerva demanded angrily.
Ian sighed. Now what? “Afternoon, ma’am. Is there a problem?” She was glaring at his prisoner with such vehemence he was surprised there wasn’t steam pouring out from beneath her ugly straw bonnet. His prisoner appeared calm, but there was a hint of icy humor in her gaze.
“Somebody get the sheriff! I want her arrested!”
“She’s in custody, ma’am.”
“You’re a lawman?”
“United States Deputy Marshal,” he said hoping that would deflate whatever this might be about.
The doubt on her face was plain. In many areas of the country, men of color were not allowed to wear a star, and those that did were sometimes forbidden to arrest Whites. Judge Isaac Parker didn’t follow the practice.
By then a number of people on the walks had stopped to see what was occurring, including the young deputy who’d stepped outside to investigate the commotion.
“Why’s she in custody?” Minerva demanded to know.
“None of your damned business!” the Freeman woman responded.
Hearing that, Minerva puffed up like an outraged hen. “Don’t you dare talk to your betters that way.” She raised her parasol as if to strike her for her insolence only to have the parasol snatched from her hands and thrown forcefully out into the street where it promptly struck a teamster in the head innocently driving by. The unexpected blow caught him so by surprise he lost control of his four horse team. They reared and spooked another team pulling a load of wagon wheels, which ran into a team of bays hooked to a fancy coach, that careened directly into the path of an ice wagon that lost its load and sent a buckboard skittering up onto the crowded walk where people scrambled to get out the way. Arguments broke out as drivers confronted each other over their wrecked vehicles, spilled cargos, and runaway horses, and then fisticuffs commenced. The young deputy tried to instill order by firing his gun in the air, which of course only caused more horses to rear in fear and more collisions ensued.
A speechless Ian stared down at the woman who’d caused it all. She met his gaze with a raised eyebrow.
A short while later when things began to settle down, Minerva Quigley turned to accuse Maggie Freeman of starting the disaster, but she and the marshal were no longer there.
Thank you Beverly! Don't forget to comment to be entered to win a copy of Beverly's book Midnight!
You can find out more about Beverly, her books and buy links at her website.
Thank you Beverly! Don't forget to comment to be entered to win a copy of Beverly's book Midnight!
You can find out more about Beverly, her books and buy links at her website.
Book Review: The Keepers by Monique O'Connor James & Elaina Lee
By Monique O’Connor James & Elaina Lee
Published by Astraea Press - www.astraeapress.com
Romance
3 Heart Review
Jess denies God. In his infinite wisdom, he’s taken everyone she’s ever loved. Moving to the French Quarter was a ploy to erase the guilt she felt for rebuking her faith. Perhaps, if she hadn’t met Justin, an angel preoccupied with getting back into God’s good graces, and drowning in his hatred for humanity, her plan would have worked.
Justin’s general disdain for the human race makes him difficult to like, but some higher power has appointed him her keeper. Justin’s convinced he can mend her broken relationship with her maker, but in the process he learns a thing or two about his own humanity.
Let’s get it straight right now, I am English and I love Americana , so having this book set in New Orleans
To be honest I like this book, but I don’t love it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good read, pretty compelling but not amazing.
Having said that though, it has strong points, the characters are well rounded, some parts are pretty funny and the plot is good.
Plus something I really love about this book is that it doesn’t have any of those twelve paragraphs long detailed descriptions about people or places, because god knows I always skip over them.
The only thing I would say is if you are not big on religion, or you want something a little dirtier, give this a miss.
All in all I would say if you have some spare time and fancy reading a book, pick this one up, you wont be disappointed.
I’d say this was a great new twist on a classic genre that I would give a 3 Heart Rating. Well done!
Happy Reading
Cheeky Girl Kerrie
Book Review: Merciless by Diana Palmer
By: Diana Palmer
Publisher: HQN
Contemporary Romance
2 Heart Review
Tall dark and eligible? That’s all that matters to the women of Jacobsville when it comes to handsome and aloof FBI agent Jon Blackhawk. But if it were up to him, he would never settle down. Luckily, Jon has the best gatekeeper: his efficient and reliable assistant, Joceline Perry. Without her help, he’d be at the mercy of husband hunters — but the more he comes to rely on her, the more he notices how invaluable she really is....
While Joceline can’t deny that her boss is attractive, as a single mother with responsibilities she’s determined to be professional. But when Jon is accosted by a criminal seeking revenge, she comes to his aid — fueling the spark that is growing between them. As the attempts on Jon’s life increase, Joceline stands by his side. But when the smoke clears, will the man who avoided love realize that all he ever needed was right there all along?
*Note* - This was one of my hardest reviews to write because I had to wonder if my reaction to the book was really about the writing or about a difference of beliefs. After going over and over it I believe that it really was the writing.
If you're a regular reader of Cheeky Reads you might remember that I read my very first book of hers a little while back and it wasn't exactly to my reading taste. But, so many of you are fans that I decided to give it another try with her newest book Merciless. I hate to say it, but I'm still not a huge fan.
What I did like about the book was that Mrs. Palmer creates a very nicely connected family and does well with threading their stories together. Sorry to say that's about all I found that I liked about the story.
Mostly what I didn't like are things that are mainly personal preference and I'll try to touch on them here without giving away any spoilers. First, I read romances that that touch on religion and enjoy many of them. Debbie Macomber is a favorite and she does an excellent job of including religious sentiments in her stories and characters without it feeling forced or overwhelming.
I didn't feel that way with this book. It felt like religious beliefs were thrown around as an excuse for bad behavior, prejudice and plain out rudeness. I won't go into details for spoilers sake, but in the real world I've lived in some small religious towns and in none of them would they act the way some of these characters did toward a woman who had a child out of wedlock. They might not like it, but the actions in this book were so over the top it stunned me. Was this book set in the 1950's?
My main issue with this book were that I felt most of the characters were one dimensional. Especially the hero's mother. She so flat as a character in this book and I felt like her dialogue could have been that of a 6 year old kid for all the maturity and depth it had. She and her lack of a real motive for her hateful actions really annoyed me.
In fact, this book would have been more of a 3 Heart Review if the mother could have been thrown out. She really was totally unnecessary to the plot and what little she contributed could have been figured out some other way. This character tainted the entire book for me both in her actions and the utter lack of her being a fleshed out character.
All in all, I felt like the characters were teenagers in their maturity level and I questioned the decisions of the hero and heroine at every single turn in the story. This just wasn't a story for me.
Which leads me to the conclusion that Diana Palmer is just not an author that will work for me. I know she has legions of fans so obviously she works for others! If you are a fan of hers, I think you will like this book because it has much of the same feel of the previous book of hers that I read.
I don't see myself picking up another Diana Palmer book to read and review because at this point I know it won't work for me and I'm not here to review books just to bash them. I might have one of our other reviewers read her work and see if it's only me who can't seem to connect with the stories.
What about you? Have you read this book and if so, what did you think? Do you love Mrs. Palmer's books and think I'm a stupid head for not getting the appeal? Or are you like me and had trouble with it? I really want to know!
LIVE CHAT & GIVEAWAY TODAY
Mystery Author Rhys Bowen
ON FACEBOOK
8:30 pm East Coast --- 5:30 pm West Coast
Join Best Selling Author Rhys Bowen on her FaceBook Page where she will be discussing how she approaches writing a Mystery Novel and creating a strong Heroine in a Series. Come and leave your questions on her wall and she will respond live to all questions, or as many as she can.If you can not make the Chat and Giveaway live make sure to drop in afterward and check out the discussion anytime. One lucky commenter between now and Sunday will win a copy of Royal Blood, A Royal Spyness Mystery. Comment on Fan Rhys's FaceBook Page between now and November 15th and be entered to win the newest book in the Royal Spyness Series, Naughty in Nice.
Find out more about Rhys Bowen Online
FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY:
Royal Blood By Rhys Bowen
(A Royal Spyness Mystery #4)
Penniless and thirty-fourth in line to the throne, Lady Georgiana Rannoch finds herself in a truly draining state of affairs. To escape her hateful brother, Georgie accepts an invitation from the Queen to represent the royals at a wedding in Transylvania. But at the macabre-looking castle, Georgie finds the bride with blood running down her chin, and a wedding guest is poisoned. Now it’s up to Georgie to save the nuptial festivities before the couple’s vows become “to love and to cherish, till ‘undeath’ do them part...”
Amazon Kindle* Paperback * Audio
About Rhys Bowen
Rhys Bowen is the Bestselling Author of the Royal Spyness Series, Molly Murphy Mysteries, and Constable Evans. Awarded the Agatha Best Novel Award and nominated for the Edgar Best Novel Rhys’s titles have received rave reviews around the globe.
Rhys Bowen is a transplanted Brit who now divides her time between California and Arizona. She currently writes two mystery series, the Molly Murphy novels, about an Irish immigrant in 1900s New York City and the lighter Royal Spyness mysteries about a penniless minor royal in 1930s Britain. Her books made bestseller lists, garnered many awards, nominations, and starred reviews.
Throwback Book Review: A Perfect Darkness by Jamie Rush
By: Jamie Rush
Paranormal Romance
Published By: Avon Books
5 Heart Review
Before I posted L.A.'s review of this book I wanted to include part of the email she sent me with it because I thought it added to the great review she did:
Hey Sabrina,
Here is the review for Jaime Rush's A Perfect Darkness. It get 5 hearts. OMG I loved this book. I read it in 4 1/2 hours, one sitting. (Cute right?)
Book Blurb:
They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary. They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry – and they are in terrible danger.
A sexy stranger awakens Amy Shane in the dead of night. Lucas Vanderwyck barely has time to whisper a few words before three men burst into her bedroom and drag him away. But what Lucas reveals shatters Amy’s safe little world forever.
Lucas and Amy share a psychic gift – a fight that could put them in mortal danger. And as they share night after night of savage passion, as a shadowy government conspiracy tracks their every move, they will fight to save each other. But only with their powers of second sight can they escape the terror of a perfect darkness.
This book took off from the very first chapter and left me glued to the page until the last word. It was fast and exciting with just the right amounts of romance and suspense. I devoured A Perfect Darkness in one sitting, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.The main plot was simple enough to be resolved in one book, but had so many possibilities and open-ended questions that I can see this easily being a hit series. I was a little taken aback when the action started right away. Actually I found myself feeling a lot like Amy was at the time, like the world had spun and suddenly I wasn’t sure I knew the truth of anything anymore.
Jaime, the author, achieved what every paranormal writer strives for – believability. The paranormal aspects of this book have a solid background and believable origins, all set within the world we live in. That being said, they are also open for growth. The characters themselves are learning the extent of what they can do, and I have a feeling there’s a lot more to come.
The characters in this book aren’t perfect, and that’s just how I like them. Most of them have to make hard decisions on what is right and wrong, and they don’t always do the right thing. I immediately liked Lucas, even though part of me wished he could have played a larger role in general. Amy was also likable and I loved watching her surprise herself with how strong she really can be. I was impressed that Petra and Eric got part of their story told in this first book – it isn’t always that way for side characters– and I have a feeling their stories are only going to grow throughout the series. I also want to see more of Ozzie, Amy’s neighbor. His role was small in this book, but he has a lot of potential.
I’m super excited to see where this series goes. I can tell more and more characters are going to be introduced in future books…this is only the beginning. If you’re looking for a fast paced, original story that keeps you on your metaphorical toes, you can’t go wrong with A Perfect Darkness.
My advice: get real comfortable before you open this one…you may not be getting up again until you’ve read it all.
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl L.A.
Welcome Guest Author Misty Evans!
Hi Readers!
I'm Misty Evans, one of the eleven authors who contributed a short story to Entangled, a Paranormal Anthology, which features vamps, weres, ghosts and more for Halloween. All of the stories, cover art, and foreword by Stacia Kane, were donated to the anthology, and all of the proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). My story, “Sweet Demon”, is the prequel to my new demon series. The first book, Revenge is Sweet, will be out later this fall.
I'm excited to be part of this project because breast cancer has touched my family and friends. One of my aunts died from breast cancer, and one of my childhood friends recently underwent a double mastectomy. I’ve felt helpless at times, watching these brave women battle this disease, and I want to find a cure.
One of the fun parts of working on Entangled is getting to be in a book with my friend (and best-selling author) Nancy Haddock. Her vamp books rock! Cesca, the heroine in the Oldest City Vampire series, is addicted to HGTV just like I am. And besides the fact that Nancy can write a kickass heroine, she’s one of the most gracious ladies I know.
Hear from Nancy Haddock tomorrow at Romance in the Backseat.
Want to know more about my short story in Entangled? Here's the “Sweet Demon” blurb and the link to an excerpt!
SWEET DEMON by Misty Evans (author of the Witches Anonymous series) —When Chicago’s vampire king insists Kali Sweet join his empire, the vengeance demon must rely on her ex – the half-human, half-chaos demon who left her at the altar three hundred years ago – in order to escape the vamp’s clutches.
Read the excerpt! http://bit.ly/rcCV2n
Want to know more about my books or tell me what you think about “Sweet Demon”? Find me at all these places:
website: http://www.readmistyevans.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/mnoJz6
I'm Misty Evans, one of the eleven authors who contributed a short story to Entangled, a Paranormal Anthology, which features vamps, weres, ghosts and more for Halloween. All of the stories, cover art, and foreword by Stacia Kane, were donated to the anthology, and all of the proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). My story, “Sweet Demon”, is the prequel to my new demon series. The first book, Revenge is Sweet, will be out later this fall.
I'm excited to be part of this project because breast cancer has touched my family and friends. One of my aunts died from breast cancer, and one of my childhood friends recently underwent a double mastectomy. I’ve felt helpless at times, watching these brave women battle this disease, and I want to find a cure.
One of the fun parts of working on Entangled is getting to be in a book with my friend (and best-selling author) Nancy Haddock. Her vamp books rock! Cesca, the heroine in the Oldest City Vampire series, is addicted to HGTV just like I am. And besides the fact that Nancy can write a kickass heroine, she’s one of the most gracious ladies I know.
Hear from Nancy Haddock tomorrow at Romance in the Backseat.
Want to know more about my short story in Entangled? Here's the “Sweet Demon” blurb and the link to an excerpt!
SWEET DEMON by Misty Evans (author of the Witches Anonymous series) —When Chicago’s vampire king insists Kali Sweet join his empire, the vengeance demon must rely on her ex – the half-human, half-chaos demon who left her at the altar three hundred years ago – in order to escape the vamp’s clutches.
Read the excerpt! http://bit.ly/rcCV2n
Want to know more about my books or tell me what you think about “Sweet Demon”? Find me at all these places:
website: http://www.readmistyevans.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/mnoJz6
WINNERS!
New Release & Giveaway! Cat O'Nine Tails by Patricia Leever
New Book Release: Cat O'Nine Tails
By: Patricia Leever
Historical Romance
Omnific Publishing
When pirate hunter Orrin and his brother Kale are hired by Queen Winifred to hunt down Aeron and her band of miscreants, Orrin never dreamed he’d fall in love with the beautiful she-pirate nor the kind, accepting people of her island hideaway. As Orrin learns of Aeron’s jaded past with the Queen, he allies himself with the pirate captain and her crew. Joining forces on the high seas to bring Winifred’s evil reign to an end, Aeron and Orrin soon discover that the strongest weapon in their combined arsenal is the love they have for each other.
Check out the Book Trailer:
Check out the latest review at a Tale of Many Reviews.
There's a fun interview with some of the characters over at Readaholics Anoynomous.
GIVEAWAY at Kelsey's Book Corner & review here.
Finally, I'm doing an ebook giveway of Cat O'Nine Tails too! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment letting us know who your favorite pirate is or if you'd like to have sailed the high seas yourself! Open Internationally. I'll randomly draw a winner on Friday the 14th. Happy Reading!
5 Heart Review: Rising Freestyle by Vivian Arend
By: Vivian Arend
Contemporary Romance
Published by: Samhain
Rating: 5 Heart Review
Stuck between a rock-solid man and a hard place…
Melanie Dixon’s body may have recovered from a horrific climbing accident, but her nerve is long gone. So is the natural enthusiasm for life she took for granted. Tired of being scared, beyond ready to conquer her fears, she pulls up stakes and moves to her brother’s new hometown to start over. Her first step is the most terrifying—to tackle the wall at the local climbing center.
Derrick James is mesmerized by Melanie’s dark beauty, and equally impressed with her climbing abilities and determination. Watching her retune rusty skills spurs a desire to partner with her—on and off the ropes. Melanie’s a compelling mix of wit, sensuality and vulnerability, and it’s his delicious task to convince her the scars on her body are no match for the heat rising between them.
Then a man from Melanie’s past shows up, pushing their relationship to the edge. Nathan King wants photographs for a “where are they now” series, but his side agenda is more personal in nature. A proposal that brings her out of her sensual shell and onto a precarious sexual ledge. Where trust is crucial…and too easily shattered.
Rising, Freestyle is a novella about a woman, Melanie, trying to find and be happy with herself again. She had a rock-climbing accident and was hurt and scarred. She had a lover reject her for her scars and she is not happy with herself anymore. That is until she meets Derrick who is teaching her to rock climb again. Then, enter Melanie’s childhood crush, Nathan King. He is totally into Melanie, but she’s with Derrick.
The story is about Derrick and Nathan healing Melanie. She needs to feel better about her body. She needs to feel beautiful again. Derrick has healed her most of the way, but she needs another man to show her that she is attractive as well. Nathan is that man.
The book has quite a few very well written and steamy sex scenes (of course, it’s Vivian Arend!) I found myself loving the voyeurism scenes; you can feel the passion between all of the characters. There are quite a few scenes leading up to the actual voyeurism, due to Nathan’s photography.
Vivian Arend has a way of telling the story from differing viewpoints so that you don’t dislike Nathan for his role, and so that you understand why he acts the way he does. You certainly won’t feel creeped out by the voyeurism. I think Vivian does a great job of writing voyeurism so that it can appeal to everyone, even people that are not typically into scenes or scenarios that contain it.
Read An ExcerptHappy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Meagan
Monday Morning Cuteness!
We are finally getting some Fall-esqe weather in Florida and it's made me so happy! Now if the rain would go away and it would drop another 10 degrees it would be prefect. Here's to an awesome Fall!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!
Smart Bitches Live Chat Today!
This Thursday, October 6, you can chat with Sarah Wendell, author of Everything I Know About Love I Learned from Romance Novels on the Sony eReader Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ReaderStore. The chat will begin at 3:30 pm EST and last about an hour.
Sarah will be chatting about her new book, Everything I Know About Love I Learned from Romance Novels, in stores this month! Come with your questions about romance fiction, relationships, or anything you’ve always wanted to ask Sarah.
For more information, you can follow us on Twitter:
Danielle @SourcebooksCasa
Sarah @SmartBitches
Sony @SonyReaderStore
And check out the Sony Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ReaderStore, Sarah’s page http://www.facebook.com/TrashyBooks and the Everything I Know About Love… page http://www.facebook.com/EverythingIKnow.
Seriously Romance Peeps - I'm sure this is going to be a hilarious and fun chat with Sarah! Be sure to join in. :)
Happy Chatting!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
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