Challenge Participant 80% Professional Reader Reviews Published

Friday 19 January 2018

SCONE COLD KILLER by LENA GREGORY.


Scone Cold Killer
by Lena Gregory
Series: All Day Breakfast Café Mystery, #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: January 23, 2018



For Florida diner owner Gia Morelli, there’s no such thing as too much breakfast—unless it kills you . . .

When Gia Morelli’s marriage falls apart, she knows it’s time to get out of New York. Her husband was a scam artist who swindled half the millionaires in town, and she doesn’t want to be there when they decide to take revenge. On the spur of the moment, she follows her best friend to a small town in Central Florida, where she braves snakes, bears, and giant spiders to open a cheery little diner called the All-Day Breakfast Café. Owning a restaurant has been her lifelong dream, but it turns into a nightmare the morning she opens her dumpster and finds her ex-husband crammed inside. As the suspect du jour, Gia will have to scramble fast to prove her innocence before a killer orders another cup of murder . . .


Gia nodded as she held the door for Savannah to reenter the shop, then hurried through after her. “I want to make sure everything is perfect for tomorrow. I’ll probably do a lot of the prep tonight.”

“So we should swing by the shelter on the way to the house.”

“Shelter?” The glass-domed cake dishes lining the counter distracted her from whatever Savannah was going on about. They’d be perfect to display quiche and breakfast pies, a variety of muffins, and scones. A row of stools allowed for counter seating, which would give her room for an extra ten or twelve customers. She started counting the stools.

“Yeah. Can you believe they just shut down a pet store last week? The animal shelter is overloaded with puppies.”

Her concentration faltered, and she lost count. “Puppies?”

“Yeah.” Savannah grinned.

“You’re getting a puppy?”

“No, you are.”

“Why in the world would I do that?” The thought of a pet was appealing. She’d never had one before, not even as a kid, and the company would be nice, but she’d probably choose something less…intense. Like a fish, or maybe a parakeet.

“For protection.”

Hmm… She hadn’t thought of that. Her ex had left some very angry former clients in his wake, some of whom had pounded on her apartment door and others who had gone into the deli where she worked looking for her on more than one occasion.  But surely they wouldn’t find her over a thousand miles away. And, hopefully, whoever had sent the death threats wouldn’t follow through on his promise to hunt her down. Okay…a dog might not be a totally bad idea. “I doubt any of Bradley’s…” The name left a sour taste in her mouth. “Victims would follow me to Florida.”

“Well, you never know. And you’ll be living out at the edge of the forest alone, so you’ll get a dog, because it’ll make me feel better.” She grabbed her bright orange canvas bag from the counter, fished out her car keys, and opened the front door. “Besides, a dog will warn you if there’re any bears around.”

Wait. What! “Bears?”

“Coming?” she tossed over her shoulder with an innocent smile as she walked out.

“Hey,” Gia called, running after her. “You’re kidding about the bears, right?”


4 out of 5 stars Kindle Copy for Review    
     
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Gia Morelli finds herself in Florida opening an all day breakfast café when her marriage falls apart.  Moving from New York after her husband swindling millions rom others to start fresh with her best friend in a small town.

But before she could get use to the snakes, spiders and other creatures that she dislike, her e husband is found dead in her dumpster near the café.  Gia must prove her innocence as she is prime suspect.   Who really killed and why did they do it?


An engrossing read that will keep you guessing.



Coming June 19
Pre-Order Now!
Book 2: Murder Made to Order


Lena lives in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island with her husband and three children.

When she was growing up, she spent many lazy afternoons on the beach, in the yard, anywhere she could find to curl up with a good book. She loves reading as much now as she did then, but she now enjoys the added pleasure of creating her own stories.







Tuesday 16 January 2018

TEMPT ME by Carly Phillips

BLOG TOURTempt Me, a sexy new standalone from Carly Phillips is available now!CPTemptMeCover5x8_MEDIUM

Tempt Me by Carly Phillips

Genre: Contemporary Romance Publication Date: January 16th

The single dad & the nanny ...
Burned by an ex with a wandering eye, Austin Rhodes has sworn off women. His sole focus is his young daughter - and despite his good intentions, the little girl's live-in nanny. He hired Mia Atwood to care for his child but he finds himself lusting after her instead. Keeping his distance isn’t easy but he’s determined to be a gentleman. Until Mia's past comes back to haunt her and she’s in need of Austin’s brand of protection. Suddenly she’s his in every sense of the word — and he’ll do whatever it takes to shield the woman who tempts him beyond reason.

Excerpt:

“So what’s your end game?” ”She paused, lowering the cup from her lips. “You’ll laugh. Or at the very least you won’t think it’s overly ambitious.” He ignored his coffee, more interested in the fascinating woman sitting beside him. “Try me.” “Someday I’d like a family of my own. A lot of kids not all mine. Kids who’ve been in foster care too long and never adopted because everyone wants babies.”She rubbed her cup between her palms, not meeting his gaze. “See? Nothing all that enterprising, like becoming a teacher or succeeding in business.” He couldn’t stop staring, enthralled not just by her beauty but by her heart. “I think it’s inspiring, what you want to do.”And the man by her side when she fulfilled her dreams would be one lucky SOB. “Not for me, because been there, done that…the family and marriage thing, but I’m sure it can work for the right couple.”He shrugged, realizing he’d admitted way too much. “I hope you find what you’re looking for,”he said, meaning it. She glanced down, her gaze sweeping over her watch on her wrist. “Oh! It’s time to pick up Bailey.”She crumbled the napkin beside her and picked up her cup as she rose to her feet. He stood, joining her as they tossed their half-finished drinks in the trash. They headed to the car and he beat her there, opening the passenger door before she could grab the handle herself. He turned back and she stopped short. He caught her before she bumped into him, grasping her around the waist and pulling her close. She sucked in a surprised breath but didn’t back away, her face inches from his. Her mouth so damned close. He knew better, he really did but he was tired of denying himself what he wanted and his body was definitely on board. He waited for a sign she wasn’t right there with him. If she pulled back or jerked away, he’d apologize and they’d move forward from there. Instead she swayed toward him, sealing her fate. He grasped her waist, anchoring himself by touching her, the soft sweater doing little to hide her slender body or delicate curves. He tipped his head, sliding his tongue across her lips and with a soft moan, she parted her mouth and let him inside. She tasted of vanilla and coffee, a sweet flavor that was all Mia. Their tongues touched, tangled, and his body came alive with a hunger he hadn’t known before. She raised her arms, hands coming to his biceps, holding on for a brief second before she gave in and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, giving him all the excuse he needed to deepen the kiss. He tilted his head and consumed her, swirling his tongue around the further recesses of her mouth. He had no wall, no car door to push her against, which was a good thing because he wouldn’t have been able to control himself if he crushed his body against hers.

Review

4 out of 5 stars ARC Kindle Copy for Review from Author

I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Bodyguard and the nanny fall for each other but besides the awkward relationship they must deal with outside stuff.

Nanny finds herself being stalked by her ex employer who is released from prison after she testified in his case but is now out.   She is set again to re testify I she can make it to court alive.

Thrown in the bodyguard ex wife who returns to the scene wanting more money which he had bought her off years ago for sole custody.  He has his share of disappoint and will not marry again.

As these two sorts out their attraction as they give into temptation.  What will become of them when the dust settles?   It is a fun romance by the author.
TemptMe-AN

Read Today!

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TemptMeBuy
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2h3PxlH
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Start the Series of Standalones Today!

Rock Me
Google Play: https://goo.gl/mzf1ZA
Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/cyYexn

Meet Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels, including the Indie published, Dare to Love Series. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. 6 - 1P0A8410_1

Connect with Carly:

Sign up for Carly’s Newsletter at: http://www.carlyphillips.com/newsletter-sign-up/ Sign up for Blog and Website updates at: http://www.carlyphillips.com/blog Sign up for Text Updates of New Releases: http://tinyurl.com/p3upm5s Friend Carly on Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage Hang out at Carly’s Corner! (Hot guys & giveaways!) http://smarturl.it/CarlysCornerFB Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlyphillips Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips Website: www.carlyphillips.com

Sunday 14 January 2018

DOWN ON ME by J. Kenner

DOM_RB_BANNERDown On Me, the first standalone in the Man of the Month Series by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner is LIVE!

1 - January - Down On Me

Title: Down On Me

Author: J. Kenner

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publishing Date: January 16th

Tight muscles. Vibrant Ink.
Meet Mr. January. Winter’s never looked so hot …
Certified bachelor Reece Walker wants two things—to save the local bar he manages and to get Jenna Montgomery into his bed.
He has a few ideas for the bar. But Jenna . . . well, he’s going to have to rely on cold showers, because she’s been his best friend for years, and that’s a line he just can’t cross.
Until one wild kiss on a dark night changes everything. Now Reece is certain Jenna’s meant to be his.
And with long nights in bed, sensual caresses, and deep, lingering kisses, he sets out to thoroughly convince her that friends can be lovers, too.
**Down On Me is the first in a binge read series by New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and #1 International bestselling author of the million copy Stark series, J. Kenner.
Each book in the series is a STANDALONE novel with NO cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEAT!
But even so, you won’t want to miss any in the series. Because then you can answer the question…
Who’s Your Man of the Month?

Review

ARC Kindle Copy for Review

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

They were childhood best friends who never crossed the line until one drunken night as they gave into their hidden desires.  Months has passed and now she has returned stirring up feelings for them.

He is a self imposed bachelor who does not believe in marriage while she is back in town looking for another job after her dream job turned into being nonexistent.  Both are  afraid again to cross the line between friends and lovers fearing their friendship.

What will happen to them as they try to save the bar they first worked for?A new series by the author that is humorous and interesting characters.


AVNOW

Read Today!

Amazon Universal: myBook.to/DownOnMe
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2iNkziM
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2jd6hs6
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About J. Kenner

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck. Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.jkenner

Connect with Julie: