Friday, April 29, 2016

Tour graphic Playing the Game

Playing the Game, Derek Backhard by Shawnte Borris

Release Date: March 30, 2016

Genre: Romance, Sports Romance

Tour Dates: April 29, 2016

Playing the GameSince being drafted by the NHL to play for his home team at age nineteen, Derek Backhard has had everything he's ever dreamed of - unrivaled MVP mentions, countless goals and assists, even being compared to the great one. Holding the power to control his future in the palm of his hands, nothing stood in his way.
Until the unthinkable happened, and everything about his life shifted. Past priorities fell away the moment he held baby Ryder in his arms mere moments after losing his close friend, and Ryder's father, Brad.
After weeks of watching Liz fall apart over the loss of her husband as she struggled to adjust to life as a single parent, Derek vows to give her and Ryder everything they deserve, creating a life he never knew he always wanted.
Rocked to her core by her changing feelings for him, Liz doesn’t know what to do with Derek or his offer. Uncertainty swirls within her as she leans on her lifelong friend during the hard times, but how much of his attention is real, and how much is pity?
Is she strong enough to let him in and let him take care of her, or will she force him away and back into the life she thinks he really wants?

iBooks - Amazon US - Amazon UK

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Interview:

Special EditionCan you tell us a little about Playing the Game?
PTG wasn’t supposed to happen at first. *spoiler* I had no plan to write a series until Brad died in book one and as I grieved him, yes I grieved him too as it was also a shock to me that he died. Brad kept talking and talking that he wanted his scene to be written, he wanted his own book but I had to figure out a way to make that happen. Yes the book is about Derek but that is why Brad shadows the book so much.
Playing the Game is actually the second book in The Game series, do readers need to read the first book in order to completely understand and enjoy Playing the Game?
Absolutely you need to read book one. You need to get to know each character first and why they say and do the stuff that they do. Yes in book two they’ve grown, but I still feel it’s very important that you understand the development and bond they all have together.
What can you tell us about the first book, The Game?
The Game was written all in fun. Kirsten is my other half really, I’m very straight-shooting and I don’t give anything away when I make a business deal. I am often told I am a very hard person to read which sometimes comes off that I am a b*tch, just like Kirsten. If I changed professions and went into business, Kirsten is exactly how I want to be. I also have a strong bond with my high school friend twenty years later so it was important to me that Kirsten had that too.
What was the inspiration for Playing the Game?
Easy, I wrote a book about my ultra-ego. LOL
What about hockey and the NFL draws you in?
I’m not sure what draws me to hockey, besides that I’m Canadian and it’s a passion we share. When I watch the games at home, I’m loud. I talked to the players, give the coach my coaching opinions and I yell when stupid moves are made. Yet, when I go to a live game I sit and front of my seat never taking my eyes off the ice and I’m as quiet as a mouse. I really am the most boring person to take to a game. As for the NFL, I don’t watch and when I do, I’m lost because it different rules then the CFL.
Do you have a favorite hockey player or team?
My favorite team is the Oilers, there are my home team (you don’t cheer for another team other than your home team, that is just wrong) and don’t make fun of my team either because what you are going to poke fun at me with, I make the same statements. LOL! I don’t have a favorite player because it’s a team effort, not one play is better than another.
While writing Playing the Game plot and outline? If so did you follow it, or did it go off track and turn out differently than excepted?
I write an outline plot for every book and character, however when I start writing and developing each character they start to take over. I have yet to actually write a book that looks anything like my plot and outline. My books always turn out different when what’s in my head when I start to write.
How much control do your characters have over the outcome of the book? Did they throw any curve balls balls at you in Playing the Game?
Yes, the characters have a lot of control over my work, apparently. I find they all become bossy. Definitely curve balls are thrown in, such as Brad- he was not to die and Derek was to finish out his playing career due to an injury, not by choice.
Describe Derek in five words.
Dominate, Fierce, Loving, Caretaker and HOT
Describe Liz in five words.
Soft, Outgoing, Quiet, Nurturing and Passionate
What was going through Derek’s mind when he first held Liz’s son, Ryder?
I think tons of emotions were running through his head at one time. It’s hard to pin point which one to really focus on, a lot was happening at his point in time of the book.
Do you have a favorite scene/moment in Playing the Game?
Chapter twelve is one of my favorites because it’s real life. My favorite line is “Press Cougar Claudia.” LOL it still makes me laugh.
Do you identify with any of the characters in Playing the Game?
I have Kirsten work ethic but I also am entune to Liz’s nurturing.
Do you plan to write more about any of the characters in Playing the Game? Maybe one of Derek’s team members?
Adam and Caroline’s story is next followed by Logan and Steve’s. So far I have no plan to write another hockey book but if I was, I think Jonesy would get a book.
Do you aim for a certain number of pages or words each day?
No, I’m an erratic writer. With so much going on, on the farm at different times of the year it’s hard to sit and write some days. One day I will write eight pages, the next three days nothing then fifteen pages. My goal is to get two books out a year… maybe three.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I didn’t know I wanted to become an author, it wasn’t my intent at all. I have my schooling to teach special needs children and when I stopped teaching to have my family, writing found me when my youngest started kindergarten full time.
You have a number of books released, do you have a favorite?
Currently I have six books published with hopefully two more on the way this year and two more covers complete after that… with another one being developed in August.
When you’re not writing, what can you be found doing?
Reading, traveling, farming, 4H and of course chilling with my family and friends.
What are you writing now? Anything you can tell us about it?
When I come back from A Weekend With The Authors, in Nashville in May I am going to be starting an MC (motorcycle series) Waking Up In Leather. It’s not going to be your traditional MC book, it will focus more on romance but of course there will be crude things involved.
What is something that you find particularly challenging about writing or being an author in general?
The most challenging for me is to stick to deadlines, I absolutely SUCK at them. The other is reaching out to my readers, I wish there was additional ways to meet more of them, find out their story. I love book signings for this reason I don’t necessarily sell myself, I’d much rather meet the readers.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Write for you and no one else! You will not please everyone and nor should you. Write because it’s a passion for you, not for another way to make an income- because it’s that’s the case you will be eating mac and cheese forever.
Do you have any writing rituals? Anything you must have while writing? Coffee? Candy? etc.
Candy, I eat so much candy it’s sickening really and when I edit I binge eat everything.
Who influenced your writing/life the most?
No one influences my writing because I write for me and what I want to read. But I will say this journey all started when I was thirty and I read my first ever book beginning to cover, then the entire series in three days. Thanks to Twilight.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers?
I truly can’t thank my readers and bloggers enough. This past year was a nightmare and each and every reader and blogger stuck by me till the bitter end and for that they will always have my gratitude.
What are the names of your published books and where can we purchase them?
With Love
The Game
Playing The Game
Falling For Bentley
Catching Haley
Haley & Bentley
All my books are available where most e-books are sold
What is next for you?
Waking Up In Leather (MC Series) 2016
He’s My Home (spin off to Falling For Bentley Series) Travis & Whitney 2016
Strings (YA) 2017
Fear (MMA) 2017
Breakaway (YA) 2018
Fighting The Game (??) Adam & Caroline
Negotiating The Game (??) Steve & Logan
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What reviewers are saying...

“I have been anticipating this book forever and I can happily say I was not disappointed.” Sweet Love
“I loved the part with Press Cougar Claudia.” Rebecca A
“Pages were so well written and you feel the emotion of the characters point of view.” CeeJays Reading Review
“Such a refreshing story.” T. Cantu
“The perfect sequel to The Game. Just like in all of Shawnte's books, Playing The Game gives the reader exactly what they are looking and hoping for.” Ariel
“5 hockey puck stars!!!” Melissa M
“If you enjoy funny banter, crazy best friends, and sweet and supportive friends then this is a series for you.” Keri Q
“WOW!! Awesome book!! I thought I loved Derek from The Game until I read this book! My love & admiration for this character is 100 times more!!” Jenny S
“This book tugged at everything in my heart, oh man, all the feels. Shawnte wrote the hell out of this book.” Silvia S
“Story worth reading, it tender, it grabs you by your heart and you shed tears and then laugh.” Jara B
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All about the Author:

Shawnte is an international bestselling romance author with her Falling for Bentley series. She hales from central Alberta, Canada. Where she is a mother of two and co-owns a cow/calf operation with her husband of twelve years. As much as she fusses about farming, she enjoys the rural living lifestyle it offers.
When Shawnté is not sitting at her kitchen table hammering away on her laptop while watching the moose chase her cows across the yard, yes this really happens. Then she is busy attend school activities, community events and chauffeuring children here and there. She is big on playing softball and watching hockey.
When the time comes to relax, you will find her snuggled underneath her down comforter reading on her Ipad. Wait…who are we kidding, if the dishes, vacuuming, laundry or the bathrooms needs a hose down, you’ll always hear her say, “Just after this chapter.” She doesn’t have a favorite author or best story because everyday she falls in love with someone new.
You will find Shawnte on Facebook, Twitter and TSU. Please go like her page and leave a review/star rating on the books she’s wrote that you fell in love with.
Wrap Playing the Game

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Book & Audio Review: Taming Damian by Jessica Wood

Taming Damian by Jessica Wood


Publisher & Release: ERH Press, April 1, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, San Francisco

Genre: Contemporary Romance/New Adult

Length:  272 pages

Heat Level: 4 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

She destroyed me. Can I still love her?

Damian Castillo is the man, the legend, the heartbreaker—the self-proclaimed man-whore that doesn’t believe in love or commitment. That is until he meets Alexis Blythe—the innocent, strong-willed small town girl who didn’t immediately give into Damian’s charm. With Alexis, Damian sees something more than just hot, no-strings-attached sex, and against his inner resistance, he gives into his feelings for her.

But just when their relationship begins to bloom, something unexpected threatens to break them apart. Will Damian leave Alexis and go back to his playboy ways and break yet another heart? Or will Damian’s love for Alexis be strong enough to convince him to stay and fight for a woman that’s like no other he’s ever met before?

New Adult Contemporary Romance **Mature Content** Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations.

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Vikki’s Musings

While the story pulled me in, making me unable to stop listening, I did have a few problems. There is a lot of redundancy, even in the dialogue. Some of the plot points do not fit with the first book. Nonetheless, the story is almost addictive.

Normally, I would not like Damian's character, but even though his character is disjointed I did. Now, he is full of angst much of the time, so is Alex. I usually hate stories with a lot of angst, but I must say, it did keep me involved to the point I listened without stopping until the end.

I had to look up a few things because I was not sure if they were realistic. Both issues are possible, so I learned something new. I like it when a book has me so involved, I just have to find out! I know I’m being vague, but I don’t want to include any spoilers.

After the cliff-hanger in the first story, I was not happy because I had to immediately buy Taming Damian! You will want to have this second book ready to read/listen to once you finish the first book. This one is definitely not a stand-alone, you will be totally lost if you have not read the first book.

I enjoyed the narrative by Lynn Barrington. She reads with a good deal of emotion, and truly brings the characters to life. She handls the male voice extremely well. I will definitely be looking for other books performed by Ms. Barrington.

Overall, I found the story riveting, even though it did have a few problems. If you like a book with plenty of angst and drama that will have you chewing on your nails as you wait for the story to unfold, then you will thoroughly enjoy Taming Damian. Happy reading!



Thursday, April 28, 2016

Teaser Thursday!

TDDL Camille Taylor



TMT

The Dead Don’t Lie by Camille Taylor

Amazon

firebird_teaser1

Firebird by Jennifer Loring

Amazon

Natalina

We Will Always Have the Closet - Natalina Reis

Amazon

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Book Review: Redeeming the Billionaire by Christina Tetreault

Redeeming the Billionaire by Christina Tetreault


Publisher & Release: Self-published, December 14, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, New England

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  205 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Billionaire Trent Sherbrooke works hard and plays harder. He’s never once cared what the media or society says about him, until now. Intent on making his way into the United States Senate, Trent hires campaign advisor Marty Phillips, a ruthless force in politics who will stop at nothing to get his candidate elected.

After a chance encounter throws local small business owner Addison Raimono in Trent’s path, Marty believes he’s found Trent’s ticket into Washington.

Ignoring his conscience that insists he leave Addison alone, Trent sets out to win her over. Soon what he assumed would be a relationship to salvage his reputation turns into so much more. But can a relationship that began as a lie ever survive?

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Vikki’s Musings

I’ve become a big fan of Christina Tetreault over the last few years. When I discovered the opportunity to purchase the audio version for $1.99, I immediately took advantage of it. This is Book 5 in her The Sherbrookes of Newport series, and it’s the best one I have read so far!

Trent Sherbrooke is the typical playboy, never having any type of relationship other than sexual with any women. While his initial plans to go along with his campaign manager’s suggestion to find a suitable wife, sounded like a good option to help repair his damaged image, he does not believe Addison would be the right woman. He thinks he needs a woman who is well aware that it will be strictly a business arrangement, mutually beneficial for both of them.

When a picture shows up in the tabloids, and his manager tells him she is exactly what he needs, he balks, but eventually goes along. He soon realizes that Addison is a woman of substance, and he no longer wants just a marriage of convenience. He wants the real deal.

Can what started out as a means to an end, turn into a forever kind of love, or will Addison run if she finds out how their romance originally started?

Redeeming the Billionaire is a fast-paced, easy reading experience. Ms. Tetreault’s writing style is smooth and flowing, making this an engaging story. The plot is believable and the characters are great.

Addison is an endearing heroine, and I became fully vested in her character from the start. It was hard to trust Trent since he had such a bad reputation as a “love ’em and leave ’em” kind of guy, but she still manages to open her heart to him and believe he can fall in love with her.

At first, I was not sure I would like Trent. His reasoning for going along with his manager’s suggestion is underhanded and does not show him in a favorable light. As the romance unfolds, his quick turn around involving his feelings for Addison, went a long way in getting me to fall in love with his character. By the end of the book, I was rooting for him to win Addison’s devotion.

The sensuality of Redeeming the Billionaire is a step up from what is normally there in Ms. Tetreault’s books, and definitely, fit this story. The chemistry between Trent and Addison is combustible, and I thoroughly enjoyed their love affair.

I listened to the audio version performed by Piper Goodeve and really enjoyed her narrative. She reads with just the right amount of emotion and gives the characters distinct voices. I will be looking for other books narrated by Ms. Goodeve.

If you like a light-hearted love story with good depth of character and a great plot, then you will love Redeeming the Billionaire as much as I did. Although this book is part of a series, it is a stand-alone. Happy reading!




Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Book Review & Excerpt: Knight Defender by Rue Allyn

Knight Defender - Blast Banner

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Knight Defender SERIES (& Book #) – The Knight Chronicles #3 AUTHOR – Rue Allyn GENRE – Scottish Medieval Romance, Historical Romance LENGTH (#Pages/# Words) – 146 Pages
NOTE – Can Be Read As A Standalone.
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Knight Defender - Cover

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Sent alone to Scotland to wed a wild scot and serve the needs of her father and her king, Lady Jessamyn plots to escape the marriage and make the life she wants. In Scotland she finds not the wild boorish monster she imagined but a Knight Defender who would claim her heart if she will only give up her dreams.
Baron Raeb MacKai is done allowing himself and everyone he loves to live in poverty and despair. His betrothal to a wealthy English heiress will solve a decade of problems. He will do everything necessary to defend his home and his country, but can he defend his heart?
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BUY & TBR LINKS

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Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Rue Allyn, and it is an excellent example of a good medieval romance. I had the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review, and I am very glad I accepted it.

The last thing Lady Jessamyn wants is to marry a barbaric Scotland highlander, but in her day, she does not have any choice between her father and the king mandating the marriage. Her only hope is to have the baron take her in such distaste, he refuses to marry her. There is a huge problem, though. She finds him vastly attractive and quickly grows to love his sisters.

Baron Raeb MacKai does not want to marry the English miss, but he desperately needs the dowry she brings to save his clan from poverty. He also needs to ensure King Edward does not get a foothold in Scotland. If he can get her to repudiate the match, then he can keep the dowry and send her away.

Can this pair manage to achieve their alternate goals, or will the overwhelming passion between them have them throwing caution to the wind?

Knight Defender is an enthralling medieval romance with unforgettable characters and a great plot. The pacing is swift and has just the right amount of action. Ms. Allyn easily swept me into this long ago time through her vivid descriptions of castle life and costumes, along with painting a great visual of the beauty of Scotland.

Jessamyn’s character came across a bit stiff initially, but as she bonds with Raeb’s sisters, I fell in love with her. She is a level-headed, practical woman. She loves deeply once she gives her heart. She is fearless when it comes to protecting her loved ones. Even when it puts her own life in danger.

Raeb is the typical warrior character arch, determined to take care of his clan, even if it means marrying an Englishwoman. He loves his sisters and recognizes his desire for Jessamyn, but he must keep his distance since he does not want to wed her. Once they give into their passion, he immediately accepts that his honor requires he marry her regardless of whether he can truly trust her.

If you enjoy a rousing, good Medieval romance with an emotionally-charged love story, then you will definitely want to read Knight Defender. I highly recommend this book and plan to read Knight Errant, the other book in this series. Happy reading!

Rating:
5 Gold Crowns

EXCERPT

“Unhand me.” She pushed against the massive chest and writhed in the arms cradling her body. He gathered her closer, mashing her cheek against him. For an instant, his blazing gray eyes held her spellbound as tightly as his strength gripped her body. Unable to look away, she shivered, but not with cold. The odor of damp wool and man nearly drowned her. All sound faded away save her own harsh breathing. “Ho, ho!” His chuckle was impossible to miss. “So you are no dying, are you then? Well liars and deceivers must suffer the consequences of their actions.” She refused to be intimidated. She forced her head away from him. “Is rudeness the customary greeting for your guests, Baron MacKai? I’ve a mind to refuse to wed you. Then King Edward will decline to pay you rent for docking his ships in your excuse for a harbor. “You think you could resist me?” More chuckles shook his chest. “It would be a small matter to deny an oaf such as you.” Flames of some inner fire shone in his unyielding stare. She was unfamiliar with fear, but what else twisted in her belly and skittered just beneath her skin? She wanted to deny his effect on her but in all honesty could not. “I could make you beg.” He growled low, like some big cat poised to pounce. “Never.” She could be honest with herself about her body’s betrayal, but she’d plenty of reason not to give the churl any hint of her weakness. His forward motion halted, his head dipped then stopped a finger’s width from her face. His gaze bored into hers. Her breath froze at the frenzy of emotions she saw there. ‘Anger, threat, resentment, and something she could not identify. She refused to care. Her fingers itched to slap him, and she raised her hand. “I wouldna, if I were you.” He anchored her hand beneath a brawny arm and started walking again. “You’ll regret insulting me.” His brows rose. “We’ll see about that. For now, I need you safely stowed away.” “Stowed away!” He made her sound like bothersome chattel, useful for only one purpose. She squirmed and finally released her outer hand from his hold to beat her fist against his chest. “Beast! You will treat me with the courtesy and respect due a lord’s daughter.” He made no response other than to quicken his pace. She hit him harder. “You and your entire cowardly clan will rue this day.” He stopped abruptly and shifted his grip. Her feet fell downward but found no purchase on solid ground. She hung suspended from the large hands thrust under her armpits. The heels of those palms pressed against her breasts, and heat flooded her body at the intimate touch. “You, you …” He and every MacKai disgusted her beyond words. Raising her head to berate him further, she stilled. Once more, the gleam in those stony eyes compelled her attention. The downward tip at the outer corner of his lids gave him a slumberous appearance belied by glints of indecipherable emotion. Those deceptive lids narrowed. She longed to hide but could not look away. “Listen to me.” His quiet words slid over her skin, causing a rise of goosebumps. “You are naught but a troublesome woman. You have no power or authority here, so if you value your overly pampered English hide, you’ll nae insult clan MacKai. Do you understand?” She swallowed and nodded. “Excellent.” He tossed her over his shoulder, secured her legs against him with an arm, and continued walking. “How dare…” One of those huge palms smacked her rump. “Oooo! I’ll make you regret you ever touched me.” A second smack was followed by an order for silence. Since her backside began to throb, Jessamyn subsided in favor of plotting retribution. She’d start with boiling in oil followed by a sound beating and end with banishment. She was deciding whether or not to add tar and feathers when she heard the creak of leather hinges. They crossed a doorway, and she went flying through the air to land in a heap, face down on a feather bed. “Dry clothing will be brought. Dinna imagine I care for your comfort. I simply canna be bothered to find another woman if you catch an ague and die.” She struggled to right herself, sputtering and pulling her hair from her face. The brute deserved the sharp side of her tongue. She gathered breath as she turned to speak, just to see the coward disappear and the door bang shut behind him. He was not getting away that easily. She leapt from the bed, ran for the door, and nearly jerked her arms from her shoulders when the wooden barrier refused to budge at her angry pull. Dumbfounded, she could only stare. He’d barred the door? Boiling oil and banishment are too good for him. I must see him drawn and quartered.
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Author Photo - Rue Allyn

AUTHOR BIO

When not writing, loving her spouse, or attending Toastmasters meetings, Rue travels the world and surfs the internet in search of background material and inspiration for her next heart melting romance. She loves to hear from readers, and you may contact her at contact@RueAllyn.com. She can't wait to hear from you.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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Book 1 in the series - "Knight Errant" - has been nominated for a
2016 Rone Award
Please take a moment to head over and cast your vote
help the author win this award - Thank You!!

KEcover

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Lady Juliana Verault gladly left England - and its men - far behind in her quest to live as a Beguine. But the Christian community ceases to provide a safe haven when she's called to travel to Palermo, Italy, where she's entrusted with a letter from the pope that could radically change the church's stance on women. Juliana holds the key to upending the power structure throughout Europe, but only if she can dodge her cousin, King Edward I of England, and his plans to marry her off as political leverage.
Edward sets Sir Robert Clarwyn, a knight errant and loyal hunter of criminals and traitors, on Juliana's trail to retrieve her. Robert has never failed to bring home his target before . . . but then, he has never encountered a quarry like Lady Juliana, who can befuddle and bemuse him with just a smile. If he can't find a way to compel her to return to England, he'll lose any chance of regaining his family lands and redeeming his heritage. Yet Juliana must complete her mission or risk endangering her gender's future in the faith.
With danger and intrigue mounting, Robert and Juliana must rely on each other and be willing to risk everything . . . including their hearts.
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Monday, April 25, 2016

Book Review: Desert Heat by Laurie White

Desert Heat by Laurie White


Publisher & Release: Self-published, January 7, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, Arizona

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Length:  160 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Brainy pharmaceutical research scientist Julia Alvarez is horrified when she discovers the body of her murdered colleague, shot by a mysterious assailant. Then she encounters Max Reilly, the bad-boy homicide detective who’s been assigned to the case.

Julia can't imagine that this sexy detective, the bad boy she admired from afar years ago, would ever be interested in a lady scientist. Despite his best intentions, Max finds himself drawn to Julia. Bad idea, he tells himself: Julia is the daughter of the mayor, an outspoken critic of the police department. What would a sheltered princess like Julia see in a blue-collar guy like him?

As they both try to find a killer, Julia and Max also discover an attraction as searing as the Phoenix sun, but can they find happiness with each other despite backgrounds that are worlds apart? Can they survive the danger when the killer targets them both?

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Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book I have read by Laurie White. When I found it available through Kindle Unlimited, I immediately borrowed it. Ms. White writes exciting romantic suspense filled with plenty of sexual tension between the main characters. Desert Heat delivers and more than met my high expectations.

Julia Alvarez is desperately trying to find a new cancer drug with her partner on the project. When he ends up murdered, and all their work stolen, she knows she is in danger as well. The detective assigned to the case is none other than Max Reilly, a man she had a huge crush on back in high school, but since he was a jock, he never gave her any attention.

As they search for her partner’s murderer, the attraction between them becomes combustible. Should she give into the passion, or stay focused on the investigation? After all, how could a nerdy scientist and a gorgeous cop have anything in common?

Desert Heat is fast-paced with plenty of action from the first page, which pulled me into the story immediately. I always love that when it happens! The plot is intriguing and fully developed.

Julia’s character was easy to like. She is loyal, dedicated and loves her family. Her determination to find a new cancer drug that would help her mother shows her character in a great light. When faced with life and death situations, her concern is for others rather than herself.

Max Reilly is a great hero. He is drop-dead good looking, a strong alpha-male and truly wants to protect people. While he was the jock and Julia was the nerd, he recalls her fondly and responds to her physically. His honor tells him it’s a bad idea to give into the attraction, but his heart believes otherwise.

Wow! The chemistry between Julia and Max is fantastic. Ms. White slowly builds the sexual tension one tantalizing scene at a time, leaving me panting for them to at last fall into each other's arms. This is by no means a bad thing; it makes this book an awesome read.


If you enjoy a story with high suspense, great characters and an intriguing plot, then you will love Desert Heat as much as I did. I highly recommend this great love story, and once you’ve read it, you’ll be eager to read her other books. Happy reading!