• Appearances by TM Smith

    Posted on by Karen 1 Comment

     Appearances, can be deceiving.


    Raven and Tanis are trying very hard to merge their vastly different lifestyles, but Tanis issues with his own past could prove to be more than their fragile relationship can handle. Is their love for each other strong enough to weather the oncoming storm? 

    Aiya and Sawyer have fought hard to be together in a world where Opposite relationships are generally forbidden. Yet, they are still forced to keep their relationship a secret while they are outside the walls of House Gaeland. 
    Everyone assumes that the only threat lies outside their walls, the group of rebels led by Cillian. But something is happening within House Gaeland, something that hasn’t happened since GWI. And with all the attention focused on that, their guard is down. An evil that was under their nose all along strikes, and someone will make the ultimate sacrifice to save another. 
    Appearances is the second book in the Opposites series, the series should be read in order.
    ** Warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, straight and lesbian couples. **


    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21952171-appearances
    As with the original book, this book starts off kind of slow.  Some might put it down and then start a new one.  Don’t.  By the end of this book, I was crying.  There is action, suspense, and a wedding.  

    Raven is by far, my favorite character of the series.  His spirit is so pure.  He shows such courage, faith, and love, I hold him close to my heart.  He is a true hero.  I cannot wait to see what he “sees” in future books.  

    I give this book 3.5 Hearts!



    A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. She now calls Texas home from her small town on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex. Most days you can find her curled up with her kindle and a good book alongside a glass of something aged and red or a steaming cup of coffee!

    At 42 years young, she’s decided to enter the next phase of her life by adding the title of “author” to her list of accomplishments that includes single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Smith is and outspoken advocate for Autism and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

    Her Opposites series is based outside the normal parameters of social acceptability, examining a ‘what if’… What If to be gay or lesbian were the norm? What if to be straight labeled you as an Opposite and made YOU the Outkast?




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  • Homecoming by Jackie Sexton

    Posted on by Karen 1 Comment
    Homecoming
    (Love Michaelson, Book 1)
    by Jackie Sexton
    Genre: New Adult Romance


    What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday. 
    Ariane Michaelson is always the quiet girl in the room, the one that her kooky mother and three sisters lovingly call the wallflower. After graduating from college she finds it more than a little difficult to find the graphic design job of her dream…or any job, really. She’s more than given up on painting, and a terrible run-in with her twin sister’s fiancé makes each day harder to keep a life altering secret. 
    Liam Ashdown was just the moody small town nobody, with one friend and a busted pickup—until he moved to LA. Spotted by famous actor and producer Michael Jennings during a late night shift at the bar, Liam is transformed seemingly overnight into Tinsel Town’s hottest bad boy. The life Liam once knew is turned upside down with models and mayhem…and there isn’t much down time in-between. 

    The only thing that keeps him sane is the paintings. Beautiful ocean portraits that remind him of home, painted years ago by some friend of a friend. 

    What he wouldn’t give to know her. To tell her that her art saves him everyday. 

    The engagement of his childhood friend, Todd, brings him back home to Craryville, to deal with a drug-addicted mother and an ailing grandmother. But it also brings him hope—somewhere in the bridal party is the woman who has been his calm and respite in the storm of fame. 

    The only question is, can she save him?





    This is a Cinderella story of sorts.  Although I think the author could have added more to this story, it was an easy enjoyable read.  

    I could really relate to Ariane.  I often found myself thinking what she was.  I wish she would have opened up her mouth just a little at the end, had it out with Liam.

    Liam is one of my fantasy men.  Bad boy turned into actor but yearns for the simple life he knew he wanted.  For a man who thinks he knows the woman, he was quite clueless about her feelings.  I know most men are, but she is a wallflower.  She doesn’t want to go to premiers and clubs like that.

    I give this book 3.5 Stars.







    A new project by Jackie Sexton! 

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    She is an avid reader and writer of steamy, paranormal romance. She loves dreaming up new worlds about brave (and slightly neurotic) heroines, and hunky, lovable heroes. She also loves dark chocolate and Chihuahua pups like nobody’s business!








    Ariane was happy to be in her old room, surrounded by all of her and Isabella’s old things. It was all the stuff they had convinced themselves that they were too grown for: the stuffed animals, collages made from celebrity magazines, secrets stashes of bubblegum. But it comforted Ariane to sit perched on the edge of her old bed, the quilt Nana Love had made for her as a child beneath her as she painted for the first time in months. It made her feel weird and out of place to paint in LA, so she hardly even tried. It just wasn’t a part of her life there—it was foreign, mystic, something reserved for the old her, the part of her that grew up in Craryville and believed in hope and magic. When she came back, however, she could feel it again. Creeping through her skin and taking hold in her veins, promising and bright like the colors across her canvas. She loved the constraints of the canvas, the deceptive limits that reminded her that every scene, person, creature, that everything was boundless. That’s what she aimed for in her paintings. A scene so intricate and and illusive, ever-lasting and filled with depth. She was certain she had yet to succeed, but it was this impossible dream that kept her hopeful, yearning. It was the beauty of painting with oil paints—they were so thick, and mixed so beautifully. It was chaotic, and you had to know what you were doing, but once you got it right, it was simply magic. There was a knock on the door that jolted her, causing the brush to slip and smudged yolk yellow into her pink cloud gracelessly. “Um…who is it?” she called, slightly frazzled as she turned her attention to the door. It creaked open and Jordan popped her head in, smiling sheepishly. “Hey you, painting again?” Ariane blushed, looking back to the yellow blemish with dismay. “Um, sort of.” Her older sister came up behind her and appraised the painting. “It’s gorgeous,” she murmured, scanning it and shaking her head, as if in disbelief. “It’s okay,” Ariane shrugged, cleaning off the tip of her brush with turpentine self-consciously. She would have to try and fix up the mistake later, if she had a moment she could steal to herself. “It’s not like I paint anything but beaches anyway.” “But that’s what’s so incredible,” Jordan gushed on, taking her sister’s hand comfortingly. “You can paint the same thing over and over again, in so many different ways. It’s just…so inspiring. I wish I had half the talent you do.” Ariane could see the earnestness in Jordan’s hazel eyes, and she wanted nothing more than to bury her face into a pillow in embarrassment. “Thanks,” she murmured, looking away to her feet. She knew her sister meant well, but she always felt strange about her talent, like it was something useless that distracted her from getting a job or being a “real” adult. How was she supposed to take care of her mother with paintings when she got old? “And don’t you dare shove this one in the closet like the other ones.” Ariane’s eyes shot up, and Jordan gave her a stern look, her lower lip jutting out in defiance. “How…how did you know that’s what I do with them?” “Duh, you think I’ve spent all this time at mom’s house without snooping?” Ariane shrugged and smiled. “I guess I should have hid them better.” “No!” Jordan pushed Ariane’s shoulder lightly, still scowling at her. “You have to show your paintings to the world, Ariane!” “I’m just the wallflower,” she reminded her sister as she folded her hands up in her lap. That was something Jordan couldn’t deny; Ariane had always been the quiet one, reliable, but about as noticeable as a worn rug in the basement. It was why everyone in the family called her wallflower—“where’s wallflower?” they’d tease if she had gone particularly quiet. “A really, really beautiful wallflower,” Jordan pointed out, tugging at a lock of Ariane’s hair. “What’s with all of the compliments all of a sudden?” Ariane asked, wrinkling her nose suspiciously. She and Jordan had always gotten along, like she did with all of her sisters, but she wasn’t used to her being so sentimental. Jordan was the jock, the rough and tumble tomboy who was more likely to tease you with a noogie than give you a hug. But ever since she had gotten engaged to Todd, she had become especially sappy. “I just love you, Ariane, and I heard about your break-up.” “Oh.” Ariane’s heart sunk like a stone in a pond. “Don’t worry about that, really. I’m fine.” She said it even though her stomach began to flip uncomfortably. But she knew it wasn’t just Drew, she didn’t want him back. With all of the distance, she could see now how he wasn’t good for her at all. No, she was upset because it made her feel so dumb, so naive for having fell so hard for him, and for believing that she could find someone who would want to be with her forever. Jordan pulled her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “Some boys don’t know what they’re missing out on.” She said it gently, in a sweet, soothing voice that touched Ariane. She knew she was so lucky to have so many sisters, so many people to believe in her and tell her they loved her. “Thanks, Jordan,” she said softly.

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  • Boarded by Love Teaser Tuesday!

    Posted on by Karen Comment

    Teaser Tuesday

    “If we keep on, dinner will not happen.”
    “I’m reconsidering my earlier proposition.”
    I smile fully as I run my nose along his. “You want me?”
    He groans softly against my lips as he nods his head, his nose moving along mine. We’re basically one; we’re so close, and I don’t think I ever want him to go anywhere else. The air around us is sizzling, and I find myself fighting for my next breath.
    “I want you so bad I can’t see straight.”

    Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

    Coming September 8th, 2014!

    Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.

    She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.

    She’s my game changer.

    He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

    I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.

    Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.

    You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?

    Especially when you’re boarded by love.

    ______________________________________________________
    About the Author

    Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.
    When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.
    She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.


    Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

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  • Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

    Posted on by Karen Comment
    17448422


    Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.

    She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.

    She’s my game changer.

    ~*~

    He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

    I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.

    Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.

    You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?

    Especially when you’re boarded by love.



    OMG  I am actually writing this review right after reading this book!  I could not put it down!  As soon as I realized it was on my Kindle, I squealed like a teenie bopper at a Beiber concert and started reading it.

    This book was real.  Both  Jude and Claire didn’t play the little kid games.  They spoke their mind and talked it out and feel in love at first site and owned it.  That is so refreshing in a book latley.  Yes, there is a conflict that tears out your heart and has you crying (kleenex box must be out).  Life crashes in on Jude and I understood the whys of it.  We just had to wait for his mind to catch up to his heart.

    I know this is the first book in the Bellevue Bullies Series, but I always picture Claire as being an Assassin.   I mean her Uncle is Phillip.  She practically calls the entire team “Uncle”.  Except the one she tried to sleep with anyway.  This is only more accentuated to me by the many appearances by Phillip, Reece, and other Assassin and Assasin wives.  My absolute favorite part outside of the actual amazing story, is that we get Phillip’s point of view.  It was awsome to meet up with him and Reese again.

    This book made me gush with tall the mushy lovey dovey stuff.  I was just as amazed by it as Jude was.  His brothers and teammates tease him awfully.  I can’t wait for each of them to fall too!!!!

    Another winning series for Toni!  5 Hearts!!!!!
      

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  • The Dr. Kelly Murphy Series by Erin R. Flynn

    Posted on by Karen Comment

    Graduate medical school, start competitive internship, don’t get cut from the program, become a surgeon. It was a great plan. One Kelly Murphy loved and had dreamed of most of her life… And it was blown to hell in a night with an uninvited bite.

    Now she’s missing three days of her life, trying to handle her freaked out best friend and parents who called the police when she went missing, all as she realizes she’s not the same person she was before. She’s different. Like has fangs different.

    When he shows up on her doorstep claiming to know what happened to her, Kelly’s not sure that makes things any less confusing. But at least he can guide her, right? Either way, she has a plan and a choice she didn’t make won’t stop her… Even if she might have the urge to bite her patients from now on.


    Moving past the choice made for her to become a vampire, Dr. Kelly Murphy is determined not to let it derail the vision she had of her life. Instead, she transitions herself to live her once human life and adjust to her new vampire responsibilities. And those are too many to count at times. 

    Not only does she need to learn what navigating through vampire culture truly means—and survive—but she also has to figure out her new abilities and limitations. Oh, and there’s a King of the vampires, who seems nice… That’s not the same as being her friend though. Then again, she’s never really sure who she can trust since they all seem to have their own agenda and want something from her. 

    Even if it’s simply to be in her bed, winning her like a prize. 

    When leaders in the vampire hierarchy start being murdered, no one has any clue as to the culprit, and they could all be next. And here she was exceeding everyone’s expectations in her career. Maybe lasting through her internship really isn’t an option?

    The Dr. Kelly Murphy Series is like taking the best parts of Grey’s Anatomy and True Blood.  I couldn’t put the books down!   DKM is full of romance, humor, adventure  and intrigue.   5 Hearts!


    The Turning


    The Transition



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