TBQ'S Book Palace

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

[Review]: "Taking Shots"

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Taking Shots by Toni Aleo

Publisher: Loveswept (October 4, 2011)

Series: Assassins, 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Elli Fisher has never thought she was good enough, let it be her job, her weight, her love life, nothing. That is until she meets Shea Adler. After doing a promotional shoot for the NHL team, the Assassins, she meets the hunky hockey player who shoots a puck, shattering her world.

Shea Adler was tired of the life he was living outside of the rink. The girls, the money blowing, the drinking, everything had to stop and it all did when he met Eleanor Fisher. He had never met anyone like her. She was feisty, witty, shy, and simply gorgeous. When he laid eyes on her, it was as if he was taking the hardest hit of his life into the boards, and he had to have her. Elli is a little skeptical of Shea, but he knows that they were meant to be together, and he needed her in his life.

Can Elli throw her insecurities out the window and love Shea with everything inside of her, or will she let a past relationship, and her family ruin any chance of her being happy.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Publisher

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

I have to be honest—I'm a bit unsure on my opinion of this book. On one hand, I couldn't stop myself from reading it, not matter what happened. Yet there were definitely things that ticked me off, things that made me almost stop reading. And yet, despite my mixed feelings, I think I will try Aleo's other books in the future.

I was happy to see that Elli wasn't a size 2 heroine. But the way her family treated her because of it made me pissed. And the way she lost so much weight at the end didn't sit well with me, either. Sickly skinny and suddenly people say she's beautiful? No thanks! My biggest question is did she stay skinny, or did she gain weight (to a healthy size, of course)?

And the drama...oh the drama! It was enough to give me a headache, made me want to slap everyone from Shea and Elli to her family, and maybe even Harper and Grace a time or two. If you're not one for drama romances, perhaps this isn't the book for you.

“I was meant to walk on this earth with only you. I was meant to give only you every piece of me. I don’t want anyone but you. I love you. I had this whole speech, baby. I did, but as I’m looking into your beautiful green eyes, I can’t think of anything but the fact that I love you.”

3.5 STARS! I think Taking Shots was very much a guilty pleasure read for me--I couldn't walk away from it, yet I could see the flaws. I'll admit, I did melt a bit at Shea and Elli's courting, and this was a sexy book. The writing was a bit stiff to me, and I couldn't stand all the explanation points used, but I can't say I regret reading this one. Nope, not at all. This ended up being one of those books that grabs your emotions and twists them around a bit (I blame it mostly on the drama). It wasn't perfect, at least not for me, but I still liked it very much.

~ * ~ * ~

I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Note: The quote used belongs to Toni Aleo. TBQ's Book Palace does not claim it.

~ * ~ * ~

Have you read any of Toni Aleo's books? Do you like sport romances?

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Labels: 3.5 Stars, Contemporary, NetGalley, Review, Romance, Sports |

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Monday, May 20, 2013

Blog Tour: Interview w/ Milly Talden!

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WELCOME TO THE BLOG, MILLY! :)

Want to know about her? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.

She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee. She loves hearing from readers so feel free to connect with her.

Where to Find Milly:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The_Book_Queen: Hi Milly! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Milly: Sure. I love writing sexy alphas and mouthy heroines that love them. They tend to be curvy, outspoken, bossy and most of the time Latinas. It’s fun. I’ve been told I write females that resemble me a lot. Though I refuse to admit to being bossy (but I am referred to as the Smut Queen…go figure).

TBQ: :) Sound like my kind of books then! Who doesn't love a sexy alpha?

What made you decide to start writing? Why romance?

M: I love writing. I love writing romance because I am a romantic at heart. I always want to see a happy end on everything. It’s why I don’t watch soaps or drama. I need the dose of HEA (happily ever after at the end). It’s like an addiction. My books have to end on a sappy note or I’m not smiling.

TBQ: I completely agree. HEAs make my day, every day, all day long. :)

Your newest release, Caged Heat continues the Black Meadow series. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it?

M: Caged Heat is Ry (Riel the enforcer) and Sam his (human?) mate. These two have been attracted for years but with Sam traveling it made it hard for Ry to claim her. Heck, it made it hard for him to even talk to her. Unlike Sharp Change, where we focused on Sophia and Chase, we still see the alpha pair, but this is all Ry and Sam.

TBQ: Are there other genres you would like to write about?

M: I also write contemporary erotic romance as April Angel. I just love writing.

TBQ: Why do Riel and Samira belong together?

M: It was love at first sight. A lot of people believe in that and a lot will scoff at it. I will to test the theories in all my stories. Ry has ignored all females from the minute he saw Sam for the first time. He knew she was for him. And that made it really special to me. Side story: My husband said the first time he saw me, he told a friend I was going to be his wife. Here we are 12 yrs later. I am most definitely his wife. LOL. Don’t think he knew what he was getting into with my personality, but he asked for it.

TBQ: Ah, I'm happy to hear that you had your own HEA like that! :)

When writing each novel, do you listen to certain songs, like a playlist for the story? If so, what was the playlist for Caged Heat?

M: I do not listen to anything when I write. I am kind of particular about having quiet and being able to lose myself in the story without any distractions.

TBQ: In 5 words or less, describe Samira for us. And let's not forget Riel—what's he like?

M: Samira: Kind, Sweet, Sassy, Sexy and Loving.

Riel is… Courageous, Fighter, Loving, Caring, and Faithful.

TBQ: Sam has the three S's that every woman wants to be! :)

Do you have a favorite part from Caged Heat? (If spoilers are involved, you can be vague.)

M: I have to admit there is this scene where Sam is trapped in her house, tied to her bed by some bad guys. What followed made me cry a few times.

TBQ: I know we all hate this question, author and reader alike. :) But I have to ask: What are a few of your favorite books and/or authors?

M: Well this is tough because I LOVE to read. I love reading a bit of everything from erotic romance like Cynthia Sax, Mina Carter and Dianne Duvall to horror like Thomas Harris, Dee Pratt, Catherine Cavendish and action like James Patterson. I have wide tastes.

TBQ: Nothing wrong with wide tastes--variety makes everything better!

We've all fallen for a hero (or two, or three, or....ahem). Tell us one hero that you've fallen for—who is he and what drew you to him?

M: OMG. His name is DARCE. He’s an officer in Mina Carter’s Perfect Mate book. And can I just say (since she is my best friend) I got to read Darce’s story (Blood Mate) which is coming in Aug. from Samhain and Oh my frickin’ goodness!!!! I LOVE THAT MAN!!!! OK fan girl moment over. Seriously, I am 100% in love with him.

TBQ: Wow! Well you've sold me, I'm definitely adding Carter's books to my list! :)

What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases or WIP?

M: I’m working on a few books right now. Current as Milly Taiden I am writing Scent of a Mate which is a great fun caught by the wolf story. As April Angel I am writing An Unexpected Chance which is a deeper look into a broken marriage and the things a couple who wants to work things out have to deal with.

I have an upcoming release called Lucky Break as April Angel. It’s my 3^rd Sizzling Encounters book. Next as Milly release is Fever I believe. Interesting take on going to sleep and waking up a paranormal. (Ooh, they all sound sooo good!)

SPEED ROUND:

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?

In the spa. In fact, I’ll take it right now please. (Me, too! *sigh)

Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?

Spicy romance

Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?

Sexy highlander. I have a thing for wild men. LOL (LOL. Even better if he's a Highland shifter, right? *smiles*)

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?

Cold winter nights

Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness?

I think in a quiet area I can use the scenery for inspiration.

If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?

Probably future. I think I’m too outspoken for the past. I’d get into a lot of trouble. (Hehe--oh, but think of all the fun you could get into!)

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?

Cover lover. If it doesn’t look good I don’t even read the blurb.

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?) Steamy novella

Quick—name the one food that you cannot live without?

Chocolate! (Life is not worth living without chocolate... :D)

And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:

I’m ambidextrous
Apparently I make very corny jokes
I call my dog needy speedy (husband says he gets the needy from me).

The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, Milly, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)

Milly: Thank you so much for having me!!

I’d like to know what do you enjoy seeing in a good paranormal shifter book?

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Caged Heat by Milly Talden

Publiher: Etopia Press (April 3, 2013)

Series: Black Meadow Pack, 2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Everyone has a bit of a beast inside…

After five years travelling through third world countries to teach impoverished children, Samira Suarez has returned home to Black Meadows. What Sam didn’t expect was to be instantly consumed by desire for the one man she’s wanted since she was a teen, Riel Karven. As Sam’s need for Ry grows, it becomes overwhelming, almost as if…she were in heat. But she’s a human…isn’t she?

Werewolf Riel has been patiently waiting for Sam’s return. For five long years he’s watched her come and go. But now that his mate is back, he’s taking a stand. Unfortunately, there’s more at stake than just getting her into bed. Sam is the heir to her grandmother’s estate—a very large estate—and it seems that someone in the family is willing to kill for it…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Caged Heat by Milly Talden

Excerpt

“Troy, you done interviewing Nat’s tonsils?” Riel joked.

Nat jerked away from Troy. Sam’s curiosity over the two was beyond piqued. Why hadn’t Nat mentioned Troy in any of their video calls? Hell, the way it looked, if they were given any more time she definitely would have walked in on some private playtime.

Troy stared at Nat as if she was a pork chop and he was meat deprived. “I think we can continue this later on. Don’t you, sweetheart?” He grinned.

Nat sat down on one of the stools in a huff. “Have you lost your mind? I already told you I don’t want anything to do with a playboy like you.”

Troy gave her a shit-eating grin. “Sweetheart, you don’t just want me.” He licked his lips. “You want me so bad you were ready to tear at my clothes a few moments ago.”

Natalia rolled her eyes. “Oh please! That was just a moment of temporary insanity.”

They argue back and forth. It shocked her. Sam grinned when she realized why her friend was so prickly with Troy. Nat wanted the sexy blond but refused to give in to her hormones. Boy, she was in for some long, battery-operated nights.

“Since I can’t show Sam what a great catch I am with you two arguing, how about you behave for a few minutes and we get back to the problem at hand here?”

Sam peeked up at Riel. He was grinning at the couple, while the bar of his really hard cock pressed against her ass. She wiggled until the thick length was nestled between her cheeks. Maybe she could find a way to ask Troy and Nat to leave so she could get better acquainted with him.

Riel’s head dropped, his voice low by her ear, “If you keep doing that, I will drag you upstairs, tear off your clothes, and lick you until you come. Then I’m going to fuck you so hard, you’ll be limping for days.”

Good god! The visual he’d given her sent her temperature soaring. She’d never known he was such a dirty talker, and dammit she liked it. She wanted to be upset with him for interrupting the live soap opera in her kitchen, but her thoughts were all in the gutter, way in the gutter, so deep down there you’d need a flashlight to find them. It was better to watch Nat argue with Troy than to delve into what just happened in her living room. She would take anything over dissecting how she’d let Riel fondle her just steps from them and how badly she wanted him to continue what he’d started.

She strode toward the kitchen table and sat next to the cold food. Hunger pangs made her stomach grumble. She ignored the noise her gut made and focused on the conversation. Her gaze strayed back to Riel. He’d moved into the kitchen and was actively washing his hands, hands that had been all over her body just moments before. She gulped. He turned, winked at her, and grabbed a bag of sliced bread off the kitchen counter.

“Troy, you look into any of the teenagers around the area. See if any of them might know if this was some kind of prank.” Riel placed the bread in the toaster.

Troy gathered the dirty dishes and started loading them into a dishwasher.

Toast popped out with a ding. Riel grabbed the dark slices and buttered them. She glanced at Nat, who was grinning over both men’s domesticity. Sam was much more interested in figuring out what the heck Riel was up to, acting like her kitchen was his personal domain. Not that she minded. Hell, any man that knew how to cook and was as sexy as Riel was more than welcome in her home. And if she got him out of his pants, all would be well in the world.

Riel pushed the plate of buttered toast off to the side. He opened up a carton of eggs on the counter and started breaking them into a bowl. He mixed them with a fork, his naked arm muscles shifting with each movement, drawing Sam’s attention to his sexy back. The wolf tattoo was even more amazing up close. He turned to face her, moving the bowl by the skillet. “I’ll look into the relative connection.”

“What relatives?” Troy asked and pulled some juice out of the fridge.

“The ones that may or may not have something to do with the dead animal that was left outside.” He cooked the eggs and glanced up, his piercing gaze meeting Sam’s eyes. “Ginny’s will left everything to Sam, and they’re angry. I’ll have a look into what might be going on there.”

Sam wondered if Riel and Troy forgot they were in her house. Interest had replaced shock that they were cooking. She waited to see what each would do next. Riel placed bacon in a frying pan, and Sam’s stomach growled louder. Troy made fresh coffee, and Nat cleared the table. Meanwhile she just sat there, like a moviegoer watching the latest suspense flick, unable to move.

Nat shrugged and grinned at Sam’s most likely dumbfounded expression before placing clean cutlery on the table. She added her two bits into the conversation. “Those people were always so miserable. All they have ever wanted is Ginny’s money.”

“I know.” Riel scooped the food onto two large platters. “She told me often enough that she wished she could disinherit them all and start over.”

Sam thought Ginny must’ve felt comfortable with Ry. She glanced up when Ry placed a plate piled with breakfast in front of her.

“Eat.” He had that really hot, panty-melting smile and sat down next to her. As if in agreement, her stomach grumbled.

It was still surreal that he’d cooked for her. A warm, soft feeling settled into her heart. Could it be possible things were looking up for her in the personal-life front, except for that dead dog issue? Maybe she was finally being noticed and wanted by the man she’d been going gaga over since she was a kid. The latter sounded good to her.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thanks for stopping by, Milly, I will definitely be putting all your books on my list! :) I have Caged Heat waiting for me right now, and I think I may reach for it in the next few days.

Don't forget Milly's question:

I’d like to know what do you enjoy seeing in a good paranormal shifter book?

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

Labels: Author Interview, Blog Tour, Milly Talden |

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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Lusting for Covers (125)

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Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!

Once you are ready to join the fun,

please fill out Mister Linky below with

your name/blog name and the direct

link to your Lusting for Covers for this

week!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's my candidate for the week:

Beauty and the Wolf by Marina Myles
Publisher: eKensington (June 6, 2013)
Series: The Cursed Princes, 1

Genre: Historical Romance

“Dynamic and sensual, paranormal readers will gobble up this sexy read.” —Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight’s Warrior

“Beauty and the Wolf is a deliciously dark retelling of the classic tale that will make you fall in love all over again.” —Erin Quinn, author of The Five Deaths of Roxanne Love

A Union Of Curses
Isabella Farrington’s marriage was hasty. For all her new husband’s riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven’s dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble…

But when Isabella returns to Draven’s remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother’s scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | ARe | Publisher

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads!

Why?

You know I love pretty designs and swirls, and blue tones are my favorite. :) Add in a sexy hero, a great blurb, and a curse, and I'm in! :)

I actually picked up a copy of this on NetGalley last week, and plan on reading it very soon. Look for my review!

What cover are you currently lusting for? Tell me, I want to know! Follow the directions above on how to post your own Lusting for Covers, and leave a comment telling me what you think of the cover for Beauty and the Wolf?

Calling all Shifter Romance fans: Come join the Shifter-a-Thon-Read-a-Long, hosted by Wickedly Delicious and I! You can find out more about the group here, including the link to the GoodReads group.

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

Labels: Lusting for Covers |

7 Comments

Saturday, May 18, 2013

[Kame's Review]: "Along Came Trouble"

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Along Came Trouble by Ruthie Knox
Publisher: Loveswept (March 11, 2013)
Series: Camelot, 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Ruthie Knox’s Camelot series continues in this sizzling eBook original novel, featuring two headstrong souls who bump heads—and bodies—as temptation and lust bring nothing but delicious trouble.

An accomplished lawyer and driven single mother, Ellen Callahan isn’t looking for any help. She’s doing just fine on her own. So Ellen’s more than a little peeved when her brother, an international pop star, hires a security guard to protect her from a prying press that will stop at nothing to dig up dirt on him. But when the tanned and toned Caleb Clark shows up at her door, Ellen might just have to plead the fifth.

Back home after a deployment in Iraq and looking for work as a civilian, Caleb signs on as Ellen’s bodyguard. After combat in the hot desert sun, this job should be a breeze. But guarding the willful beauty is harder than he imagined—and Caleb can’t resist the temptation to mix business with pleasure. With their desires growing more undeniable by the day, Ellen and Caleb give in to an evening of steamy passion. But will they ever be able to share more than just a one-night stand?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Kame's Review:

“She needed a boyfriend like she needed an emergency appendectomy”

Ellen just wants a simple life for her and her son in the small college town they live in. That went out the window when her twin brother Jamie became romantically involved with her next door neighbor. For most people when that happened it didn’t turn their street into a three ring circus, but then most people do not have a heart-throb music sensation for a twin brother. Now Ellen’s yard and the entire street are being invaded by hungry paparazzi looking for the story and a picture. Scared for his sister, nephew and the woman he loves, Jamie decides they need protection. Caleb Clark is hired to protect Ellen and Carly. Carly understands and somewhat welcomes the aid, Ellen does not; and tries to fire Caleb on the spot. Negotiation is the key for Ellen and Caleb to both get what they want; they work out a protection with benefits arrangement.

“Oh man, Caleb could kiss. He could really, really kiss. He could kiss like kissing was the only thing on his agenda, and honestly if you could kiss like this, why put anything else in the day planner?”

Both Caleb and Ellen are great well developed characters; Caleb, home six months from the military, was still searching for his footing in his new life and Ellen who vowed to never be invisible to others again. At times they each seemed to struggle with these new paths and sometimes these paths were at odds; but with fantastic dialog and extremely creative analogies

“Day in and day out, she walked around with all the sexual power of a Twinkie…”

that often made me chuckle; Ruthie Knox created a book I had a hard time putting down. Enough attention and detail was given to the other characters in the book that I feel vested in this series and look forward to my return to Camelot!

4 1/2 STARS!

~*~*~*~

Kame received this e-book from the publisher in exchange for her honest review.

*Note: Quote used belongs to Ruthie Knox; Kame and TBQ's Book Palace do not claim it*

~*~*~*~

Meet Kame:

Kame is part of a family of readers; one day she picked up the Nook she purchased for her husband and discovered her love of e-books. A few months later he purchased one for her so he could have his back! Kame’s Nook is never far, and she is hard pressed to pick a favorite book, genre or author. As long as there are characters that make her want to sit down and have a chat and a plot keeps the pages turning, she’ll read it.

Kame's GoodReads

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Thanks for another great review, Kame! :) I read this one earlier this year, really enjoyed it as well, but, unfortunately, didn't have time to do my review... I look forward to the next book in this series, and I was happy to see that she'll be doing a novella to revisit the hero and heroine from book 1!

Have you read Ruthie Knox before? If not, I highly recommend it! :) My all-time favorites, so far, are About Last Night and How to Misbehave!

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

Labels: 4.5 Stars, Contemporary, Kame's Reviews, One of my Favorites, Review, Romance |

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