Monday, May 11, 2015

Spotlight on Crusin’ For a SEAL 
by Sharon Hamilton
(SEAL Brotherhood Series Book 5)

Publisher & Release Date: A L Publishing, March 1, 2014

Time and setting: Present day, Mediterranean Sea  

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance/ SEAL Romance

Length: 275 pages

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Mark Beale and several of his brothers from SEAL Team 3 board a cruise ship to bury a fallen buddy's ashes at sea. A risky affair with a beautiful Italian the night before they leave begins to ease his survivor’s guilt. 

Sophia Negri, suffering jitters over her engagement, falls for the handsome SEAL and pretends she speaks no English, letting their bodies do the talking. When Mark finds her on the ship and learns Sophia is half American, he is angry at first, but falls for her all over again as they set sail. 

Terrorists take over the ship and hold the passengers for ransom, Mark and the other SEALs are the only ones who can stop the plot. Will Mark’s actions be enough to save Sophia or will he have to sacrifice himself to save the woman he loves? 

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Vikki’s Musings

I met Sharon Hamilton at A Day with the Authors in Nashville, Tennessee where she was the key-note speaker. I had read the first four books in the SEAL Brotherhood Series and enjoyed them immensely. After talking with Ms. Hamilton, I agreed to review the audio version of Book 5, Cruisin’ For a SEAL, for an honest review. I also had the opportunity to meet J.D. Hart, the narrator of this deliciously sexy addition to this awesome series.

Mark Beale has arrived in Savona, Italy. His SEAL team are taking a Mediterranean cruise where they plan to scatter the ashes of their good friend Gunny, the late owner of the gym they all go to back in San Diego. While spending time with his teammates and their wives at a local café, he sees a stunning brown-eyed beauty and for the first time in months, his libido kicks in with a vengeance. When she approaches him and leads him away from the café to her apartment, he follows with barely a moment’s hesitation.

After spending the afternoon having the most fulfilling sexual encounter of his life, they part the same way they met, at the piazza. As he watches her drift away, he feels the same coldness he’s felt since Sophie’s death. For one glorious afternoon he had lost himself in the arms of this mysterious stranger, a woman whom he does not even know her name.

When he discovers she is a dancer on the cruise ship the next day, he wonders if fate has stepped in. Is there any chance that the amazing feelings he is developing for the beautiful Sophia could turn into a love that will rival the relationships his buddies have found?

Cruisin’ For a SEAL has all the ingredients of an erotic tale with plenty of hot SEALs and a lot of steamy sex with a dash of romantic suspense thrown into the mix. I enjoyed Mark’s character a great deal and was glad to see him find his ‘happily ever after’. While I grew to like Sophia’s character as the book progressed, it took me aback when I found out she was engaged to another. I did like that the couple refrain from giving into their passion until after Sophia made the decision that she could not marry her fiancée. Of course once she made that decision, the sex between the pair had my ears burning.

J.D. Hart has one of the sexiest voices I have had the pleasure of listening to. And wow, just wow! He handled all the different accents of this huge cast of characters, bringing a distinct voice tone for each one of them. So many times, I have a hard time with the female voices when a male is reading, but Mr. Hart gave Sophia’s character a sultry, feminine quality. I will definitely be looking for more books narrated by him. Oh, and did I mention he looks as sexy as he sounds?


If you are looking for a highly erotic love story with romantic suspense elements and an awesome hero, then you will love Cruisin’ For a SEAL by Sharon Hamilton. I can’t wait to read the next book in this exciting series! I’ve been warned that I will need a fan to cool myself down. That’s hard to imagine because there’s plenty of hot, hot sex throughout this book. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

NY Times and four time USA/Today, Top 100 Amazon Bestselling and multiple award-winning Author,
Sharon Hamilton's storytelling satisfies like a thick bar of chocolate. Sharon's romances are scorching hot, filled with suspense, adventure and adrenaline-pumping action.

Join Sharon's Newsletter for VIP updates, contests, upcoming appearances, events and news! - http://eepurl.com/saokH

Visit Sharon's website at - http://www.authorsharonhamilton.com/

Sharon and her husband live in Northern California, in the heart of the Wine Country, where most of her stories take place. When she isn't writing, she can be found getting vera vera dirty in her flower and vegetable gardens.



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Friday, May 8, 2015

A Taste of Greek by Tina Folsom
(Out of Olympus Book 3)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, December 20, 2013

Time and setting: Present day, Charleston, South Carolina/Mount Olympus  

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance/ Romantic Comedy

Length: 224 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Tina Folsom, and Award-winning Author Cynthia Cooke present: 

Messenger god Hermes’ sandals have been stolen by a mortal, thus robbing all gods of their gift of teleportation. Zeus is furious, but Hermes has more to worry about than his father’s anger. Retrieving the sandals becomes a race against time as others are after the precious artifacts, too. 

Hermes knows the identity of the thief: the lovely Greek studies professor, Penelope. Now, not only does he have to get to his sandals first, but he has to do so before Penelope steals something else: his heart. 

Out of Olympus Series (A romantic comedy series about Greek Gods): 
Book 1: A Touch of Greek 
Book 2: A Scent of Greek 
Book 3: A Taste of Greek 

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Vikki’s Musings

After finishing A Scent of Greek, which is fabulous, I immediately downloaded A Taste of Greek for my Kindle and since again I was able to purchase the audio version for minimal cost, I downloaded it as well. This is another light-hearted farce that had me giggling and laughing out loud at the antics of Hermes and his friends as they solve the mystery, which is the premise behind this great book.

Hermes, the messenger god, has a dilemma. His winged sandals are gone and none of the gods can teleport until he has them back on his feet.  His father, Zeus is raining down his wrath on the unsuspecting humans on earth. A week ago he met the delightful Penny Galloway and was immediately drawn to the enchanting instructor of Ancient Greek history and mythology, and she had spent the night in his bed. As much as he does not want to believe it, Penny must have stolen his sandals.

Penny is desperate. She has to write an article and has to get it published before the deadline to get tenure, or she will be out of a job and unable to help her grandmother. When she meets Hermes, she is immediately attracted to him in a big way. She notices his unusual sandals and wants to examine them to determine if they are as ancient as she suspects. When she awakens after a night of the most incredible sex of her life, she does the unthinkable and steals his sandals.

When one of the sandals is re-stolen from Penny, this starts the delightfully funny romp of Hermes retrieving the sandals, all while falling for the incredibly beautiful Penny. Will the couple find the sandals in time to avoid the full brunt of Zeus’ anger, falling in love along the way, or will circumstance destroy the love before it has a chance to deepen into the forever kind?

I loved the interaction between Hermes and Penny from the start, and the chemistry between the pair sizzles, definitely heating up my Kindle, making it almost too hot to hold! Hermes is everything one would expect in a god in the looks department, but he is also kind and forgiving as well. Even though Penney stole from him, he holds firm to his belief that there has to be a mitigating circumstance to cause her to do it.

Penny’s character is love and kindness personified, whether she is caring for her elderly grandmother or helping feed the homeless, her gentle and caring nature comes through. Now do not think for a minute she is too good. She’s feisty and determined with a will to rival Hermes or any god.
Oh, and again, Eric G. Dove does an outstanding job of bringing all the characters to life, from Penny’s cantankerous, yet loving grandmother, to her devious father. I just love his style. It is pure pleasure to enmesh myself in his fantastic narrative.

This is a great addition to the romantic comedy series and now I can’t wait for the final book, Eros’ story to come out. I highly recommend A Taste of Greek to all who love a funny romance with endearing characters. I also enjoyed reading of the other characters from the first and second book. I am confident that you will enjoy A Taste of Greek as much as I did. Happy reading!


Wednesday, May 6, 2015



Spotlight on Twice a Texas Bride 
by Linda Broday


Please welcome Linda Broday and her hero, Rand Sinclair today. Mr. Sinclair has graciously agreed to answer some questions for us. Please make sure that you enter the Rafflecopter drawing for a chance to win one of 3 copies of Texas Mail Order Bride Book 1 Ms. Broday is giving away. You can find the link below!

Howdy, ma’am. I’m Rand Sinclair the middle brother in the Bachelors of Battle Creek series – Twice a Texas Bride.

What do you love most about living on a ranch?

The quiet, the stars overhead, and the fresh air. I love owning my own land and knowing satisfaction at the end of a long day that what I did will provide for my wife and children. It’s the greatest life. Much different from when I owned the saloon in town.

How old were you when you had your first kiss?

I reckon I was around sixteen. I kissed the thirteen-year-old daughter of a man who worked on Isaac Daffern’s ranch. Isaac took me and my brothers Cooper Thorne and Brett Liberty in after we escaped from the orphan train and taught us how to be men. But back to the kiss—it happened up in the loft of the barn. I laid her in the hay and gently pressed my lips to hers. I was running my hands over her body when her father yanked me up by the neck. I was lucky to have escaped with my hide.

What is it that you most dislike?

Bad people who terrorize women and children. Like Nate Fleming, a murdering, thieving outlaw who tried everything he could to kill the love of my life, Callie Quinn. Fleming just didn’t know how fiercely I’d fight to protect her. He bet I only had a pair of jacks when I actually held a full house. No way was I going to let him take my wife and son.

Published & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, May 5, 2015

Time and setting: 1869 Texas  

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Length: 416 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Callie leaned into him, borrowing his strength. "I'm so tired of being scared, Rand."
"Running away won't change that. Trust me with your secrets. There's no reason to hold back any longer."
She knew he was right. It was time to come clean.
"Start with your name," he said.

Left with emotional scars from his time in an orphanage, Rand Sinclair has vowed never to marry. But when he discovers Callie Quinn and a small orphan boy hiding on his ranch, he can't help but open his home to the desperate runaways.

Callie has been betrayed by every man she's ever known. While she's grateful for Rand's incredible kindness, she knows it's only a matter of time before he shows his true colors. But she needs this safe haven-maybe the outlaw on her trail won't find them here. Yet as Rand slowly uncovers her secret fears, they each come to realize that the only way to keep her safe is for Rand to risk everything to offer her the protection of his name...and his heart.

Bachelors of Battle Creek:
Texas Mail Order Bride
Twice a Texas Bride
Forever His Texas Bride

Buy Links:Twice 
TEXAS MAIL ORDER BRIDE (Book 1)

TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE (Book 2)

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Vikki's Musings

When I received the May releases from Sourcebooks, Twice a Texas Bride caught my eye. The book description sounded interesting, and I enjoy western romances a great deal, so I decided to accept this for an honest review via Net-Galley. 

When Callie Quinn’s twin sister dies, she takes her nephew and runs from the boy’s outlaw father to her childhood home in Texas, a place she had felt safe and loved as a child. She needs to find her mother’s treasure box. As her mother lay dying she gave Callie and her sister a key and told them to find the box when they had the greatest need.

It’s the dead of winter and bitterly cold, when Rand Sinclair discovers Callie and her nephew in one of the outbuildings on the ranch he has recently bought. While the last thing he wants or needs is a woman and a child in his life, he cannot turn them out in the cold.

Callie has no reason to give her trust to any man. The men in her life have not been kind. Each of them has betrayed her in some form or fashion. From the stepfather who turns from her upon her mother’s death, the boy she thought she loved when she was eighteen. Then her stepbrother steals something very precious.

Every woman in Rand’s life has deserted him. His mother left him when he was five, and his fiancée leaves him, running off with another man. His two adopted brothers are the only family he has ever known, and the only family he wants.

When friendship grows into more, can Callie and Rand learn to open up their battered hearts and allow love to teach them to trust that life really can have a happily ever after?

Linda Broday writes with plenty of emotion and the passionate love scenes are very moving. I truly liked Callie and Rand’s characters, and her nephew, Toby pulled at my heartstrings. The other characters in the story are intriguing, especially Brett. Ms. Broday sets up the next book in the series very well, leaving me wondering about the events she reveals at the end, enough that I will probably read the next book.

I struggled a bit with the story line. Some of the backstory seemed implausible to me. It lacked continuity and the plot was predictable. The pacing is slow, and at times, I became frustrated and almost gave up and set the book aside. I am glad I did not stop reading though, because the last part of the story was much more exciting, and the high drama toward the end captured my attention and made it all worthwhile.

If you enjoy a romance that unfolds slowly with a bit of drama along the way, then Twice a Texas Bride will be an enjoyable read for you, especially if you like western historical romances with a satisfying ending. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Linda Broday now resides in the panhandle of Texas on the Llano Estacado. At a young age, she discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall rugged cowboys that get her fired up! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She blogs regularly at www.PetticoatsandPistols.com.

Connect with Linda Broday
Website – www.LindaBroday.com

Praise for Linda Broday
“Broday understands the West and its lure. Without stinting on the gritty reality of a rough Texas life, she brings strong characters and deep emotions into a very realistic western romance that pulls no punches.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on Redemption
“Linda Broday is a wonderfully talented author, who has a knack for bringing the west to life.”—Roundtable Reviews
“Broday’s style of storytelling is captivating; readers become emotionally involved in her stories, and are not disappointed with the outcomes.”—The Best Reviews
“A compelling tale... sure to touch western romance fans seeking a sentimental love story.”—RT Book Reviews, 3 stars, on The Cowboy Who Came Calling

Excerpt from TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE by Linda Broday

Toby barreled out the kitchen door, trailed by Biscuit. “What’cha doin’?”
“Hi, pardner.” Brett ruffled Toby’s dark hair. “I brought you something.”
“What is it?”
“Your very own tepee.”
“To keep?” Toby’s eyes widened and his big grin spread.
“Maybe. We’ll see how it goes. If you mind your elders, you can keep it. If not, I’ll have to take it back.”
“I’m the best boy in the whole world.”
Brett’s grunt seemed to say that time would tell as he arranged twelve long poles on the ground and began tying the tops of three together with a length of rawhide. “Where do you want to put this, Rand?”
“Let’s move it over by the woodpile, where it’s out of the way.” He was going to be the only white man with an Indian tepee on his ranch. How had this sorry state of affairs come to pass? But he wouldn’t say no. It meant too much to Brett and to Toby.
Callie came from the house looking fit to be tied. “Hello, Brett. I hope this isn’t what it looks like.”
“Miss Callie, I wanted something special for Toby to play in, that’s all. If you draw the line at him sleeping out here, that’s all right. It’s up to you to decide when and how often you want the boy to use it.” Brett gave her a smile. “I’d never undermine you.”
“This could be very magical to a child,” Rand said gently.
“Please, ma’am?” Toby begged. “I wanna be an Indian.”
Biscuit gave a loud whine and spun around in a circle as though she too was adding her two cents’ worth.
“Please?” Toby persisted.
When she lifted her eyes to Rand, he gave her a lopsided grin and a wink. Getting tangled up in her warm whiskey gaze could be quite pleasurable, he found.
“Oh, all right.” Callie threw up her hands. “But I won’t have you sleeping out here, young man. You’ll play in it only when I give you permission. And you’ll have chores to do each day before you can play. Understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s too dangerous out here at night anyway, with that mountain lion hanging around,” Rand said. “I’ll keep an eye on him during the day. I don’t want you to worry.”
Toby hugged Callie, then threw his arms around Brett’s waist. “Thank you. I’m glad we came here.”
Brett returned Toby’s hug, then knelt to rub Biscuit’s head. “Now tell me where you got such a fine-looking animal.”
Rand stood watching the pint-sized squirt relay what little facts he knew. He already loved this little kid. Whatever had happened to them, it made him happy that he could help bring a light to the boy’s eyes. He remembered how dull they’d been when he’d first found them in the run-down bunkhouse last week. His mind turned back time to the days following his, Cooper’s, and Brett’s escape from the orphan train. To avoid detection, they’d slept during the day and traveled by the light of the moon, eating food whenever they found some or managed to kill a rabbit or squirrel. Cooper was always the one to watch over them and fight when things called for it. He’d once tried to kill Tolbert Early in a bathhouse for attacking Brett.
Toby had that same protective instinct. Rand only prayed he could help the boy stay a boy a while longer. Once you became a man, you could never go back.
“Where are you, brother?” Brett asked.
“Just thinking that you’d best explain what we need to do.”
With Biscuit supervising and pretty much getting in the way, they all pitched in erecting the tepee, which was made from buffalo hide.
Working side by side with Callie proved the best part. Each time their hands touched, a current ran up Rand’s arm. He couldn’t imagine what might happen if the touching involved a bed and the scent of night around them. He’d probably just explode faster than a load of nitroglycerin. Likely find pieces of him three states over.
The haunted look had begun to fade from her eyes a little, and she wasn’t as tense and anxious as when they first arrived.
Maybe, just maybe, the fear would be gone soon.
And then he intended to kiss the daylights out of her.
Of course he’d go slow. He closed his eyes and watched it play out in his head.
He’d start by kissing each eyelid, then move to her shell-like ears and trail kisses down her long slender throat.
Tiny nibbles at the corners of her mouth.
Trace the seam with his tongue.
Breathe her fragrance.
Whisper tender words.
Only then would he press his lips fully against hers and take all that she wanted to give.
And then…
“Rand!”
It took a minute to sink in that someone was trying to get his attention. “What?”
“Where did you go?” Brett asked. “I need you to help me get these sewn buffalo hides around this tripod and cone I’ve made. Of course, if you’d rather take a nap—”
“Just show me what to do,” Rand snapped.
As they worked, Rand’s gaze kept straying to Callie’s soft, round curves. The woman was going to be the death of him yet.
Even so, he was realizing he’d die a happy man if he could only get a taste of her lips.

Rafflecopter Giveaway
3 copies of TEXAS MAIL ORDER BRIDE (Book 1)
Open 4/27 – 6/1






Tuesday, May 5, 2015


Welcome to my blog today! Jamie Salisbury is on the hot seat today sharing an excerpt from her newest release, Archangel. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter drawing below for a chance to win a $20 Amazon/Barnes & Noble Gift Card!

BLURB:

Archangel. A musical angel hiding in the dusty, smoke-filled London clubs, she performs with reckless abandon.  Few know the woman behind the mask she adorns.

Mary Tudor, twin sister to Amadeus Tudor - a well-known rock star- has all but given up her up and coming photography business to become the personal photographer, and fiancé to Daniel Kennedy. Daniel, a world renowned violinist, is one of the few who knows Mary's secret. Together they scheme to devise a way for her to fulfill a secret dream.

Postponing their wedding until after Daniel's much anticipated European tour, Mary juggles many jobs. One however alludes her every month. Motherhood.

Making unannounced, surprise appearances during Daniel's tour, the mysterious Archangel rules the concert stage. Suddenly everyone wants to know who this masked woman is. Fans clamor for more, the press want to know every detail about her, and a few others are sure Daniel Kennedy is quite aware at who this phenomenon is.  And if that weren't enough drama, a sinister enigma from her brother's past threatens both her future and her life.

Will Archangel's identity be revealed as planned, or will the chaos of Amadeus' past catch up to them?

Excerpt:

Donning my mask I walked next to him in silence. Peering out through the curtains I could see the wall of fog rising. I waited for Danny's cue, his playing to begin. As he did, I stepped out from behind the curtains and into the fog.

The mystique fit the rock number perfectly and by the time the stage cleared all spots were on the two of us. All our hours of practice had come down to this one moment. Our playing meshed perfectly, flawlessly.

As Danny and Ben had pretty much put the skids on letting me make my entrance through the audience this time. This stalker or whoever he was. Don Roberts. A part of Amadeus's past, not mine. I needed to be in charge here, and not let some person who had a beef with my sibling try and intimidate me.

Launching into the Paganini number I turned away from Daniel and started towards the set of stairs leading down to the audience. Walking down into the crowd, I made my way up one of the aisles. I knew Ben or one of his guys was behind me. They were so close I could just about feel the body heat.

I walked to the top of the section and cut across to begin my trek back to the stage. By the time I made it to the stage, Danny and I would have plenty of time left until the ending of the piece. After that Ben could help me make my great escape.

It was on the final path towards the stage. Things became a blur. A face, an arm reaching out, grabbing me. Ben and his guys all around me. I vaguely recalled being whisked away into Danny's dressing room, never getting to finish Paganini. But then Paganini had a flair for the dramatic, and this was certainly that.

The next thing I was truly conscious of was being in Danny's dressing room changing out of my outfit. A knock at the door and Ben entered, a very stern look on his face. Danny of course was finishing his show.

"What happened?"

"He tried to grab you as you were walking back to the stage. You don't remember?"

"Vaguely. I was focused on the music and getting back onto the stage at exactly the right time. Then I saw this man-his face-his hand reaching out to grab me."

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. Now in 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are both self- published and now include several published through Secret Cravings Publishing.

Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.


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Monday, May 4, 2015

A Scent of Greek by Tina Folsom
(Out of Olympus Book 2)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, December 20, 2013

Time and setting: Present day, Charleston, South Carolina/Mount Olympus  

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance/ Romantic Comedy

Length: 223 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

NEW YORK TIMES & USA Today Bestselling Author Tina Folsom presents: A Scent of Greek (Out of Olympus #2) 

When the god of wine and ecstasy, Dionysus, callously dumps his latest conquest, the mortal Ariadne, the goddess Hera has had enough. She robs Dionysus of his memory to teach him a lesson in humility. 

Ariadne is deeply hurt after Dionysus dismisses their night of passion as "just sex" and doesn't want to see her anymore. When she finds him bloodied and beaten and suffering from amnesia, she quickly forms a plan to get back at him. As she pretends to be his fiancée, Ariadne makes Dionysus believe he loves her. But the longer the charade continues, the more difficult it becomes to really see who teaches whom a lesson. 

And what if Dionysus gains his memory back? Will there be hell to pay for her deception, or can a mortal woman truly win a god's love? 

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Vikki’s Musings

I actually purchased the Kindle version of A Scent of Greek in 2013, but for some reason I never read it. That surprised me since I normally devour Ms. Folsom’s books. Recently I added the audio version and decided to listen/read it, and I am so glad I did. What a fantastic book. This story had me giggling and at times laughing out loud. Now I can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series. In fact, I just downloaded the Kindle version and purchased the audio book as well.

Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy has a rule. He only has one-night stands. When he meets Ariadne, a wine merchant, he soon finds out she is not going to be an easy conquest, but he is so attracted by her, he invests two weeks into getting her in his bed by wining and dining her every night. When she finally gives in to him and lets him make love to her, he does his love ‘em and leave ‘em act, slipping out of her apartment after she falls asleep.

There is one problem, Ariadne has fallen in love with Dio and when she awakens the next morning and finds him gone, she assumes he may have had to get to work. When she does not hear from him at that day, she goes to several bars where she has contracts with looking for him. When she finds him, he callously gives her the cold shoulder. With several of her customers watching, she does not want to embarrass herself and turns to leave, but she is so shaken the bar owner suggests she go to her office.

Unaware that his evil stepmother, the goddess Hera, has had enough of his womanizing ways and has stepped in to teach him a lesson, he heads to the men’s room, only to be dragged out of the bar and accosted by two men. Hera wipes his memory and puts thoughts of revenge in Ariadne’s mind when she discovers Dio bruised and bleeding in the alley.

As the old saying goes: Hell has no fury like a woman scorned! Will Ariadne get Dio to fall in love with her only to leave him, or will the magic between them weave its spell?

When Dio’s character is first introduced, I did not expect to like him, especially when he treats Ariadne so cruelly, but Tina Folsom soon had me falling in love with the rascal. I loved seeing him get a taste of his own medicine for a change, when Hera puts idea in Ariadne’s head to have him help her friend out by waiting tables. How lowering for a god! That had me laughing out loud.  

I liked Ariadne’s character from the start, and in the beginning I wanted her to teach Dio a lesson he would never forget, but her character was just too nice and her true nature wins out over the mind games Hera tries to play. I was soon rooting for this enchanting couple’s ‘happily ever after’.

Eric G. Dove is a fantastic narrator, and his smooth mellow voice drew me in, enhancing my reading experience tremendously. He handles the southern accents of some of the characters with finesse, and he does an outstanding job with the female characters, from Natalie and her deep southern drawl to Ariadne with her slightly husky, yet very feminine voice. I immediately knew what character was speaking just by the tone he used. I have enjoyed his narration of other books by Tina Folsom and look forward to listening to A Taste of Greek. I hope he will be narrating Luther’s Return, the next book in the Scanguards Series coming out this week. I can’t wait!

If you are in the mood for light, romantic comedy with plenty of erotic sexual love scenes, then you will love A Scent of Greek as much as I have. Even though it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Happy reading!


Friday, May 1, 2015

Carried Forward by Hope by Ginny Dye
(The Bregdan Chronicles Book 6)

Published & Release Date: A Voice in the World Publishing, May 5, 2014

Time and setting: 1865 Virginia

Genre: Historical Fiction Romance

Length: 655 pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweet Heart

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

The Civil War has ended, but the struggle to rebuild America is just beginning. 

Description: America struggles to rebuild in the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination. Promises will be broken, and everyone you have grown to love will be asked to pay a high price to make freedom for the slaves more than just a mockery. 

Robert fights to emerge from the darkness as Carrie risks everything to bring him back to her. 

Moses is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, while Rose returns to her roots with a dream that will change everything. 

Matthew is caught up in the worst maritime disaster in American history, while Jeremy discovers the cost of embracing his true heritage. 

Thomas and Abby are surprised by a future they never dreamed was possible. 

Volume #6 of The Bregdan Chronicles continues the sweeping historical saga that now encompasses the first year of Reconstruction following the Civil War. 

Buy Link:

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Vikki’s Musings

This is the sixth book in the Bregdan Chronicles Series. I have grown to really care about the characters in these amazing books, and Carried Forward by Hope is no exception. This one gives me a glimpse of what the Reconstruction period immediately following the end of the Civil War may have been like for the freed slaves and the white men and women that wanted to ensure their continued freedom. This was not an easy task to say the least.

Carrie and her friends are still in shock over the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. She fears that this will not bode well for many of her friends. Lincoln would have made sure the government helped the freed slaves find jobs and a life with meaning. President Johnson is another matter. As an ex-slave owner and a man who fought for the right to own slaves, Johnson is bound to stand with the plantation owner in their desire to keep the black population under their control. It soon becomes clear that their worries are justified.

Johnson make it easy for the southern states to rejoin the union with very few changes in leadership allowing these men to bring forth black codes, which severely curtailed the newly freed slaves ability to integrate with white population. In essence, they were still under the thumb of all the plantation owners as if slavery still existed. The Republican congress was not in session and Johnson ran amuck to say the least until congress would reconvene in January 1866.

Carrie fights to bring Robert back from the deep depression he is in while he slowly recovers from his near death experience at the end of the war. She travels to Maryland to convince the family that helped him after he was injured at Antietam. The family was hiding out to avoid having their children apprenticed. They agree to come to Cromwell Plantation and little Amber works her magic. Robert begins to get over his desolation and is soon restored to full health.

While I enjoyed the fascinating look at the history immediately following the end of the Civil War in Carried Forward by Hope, I struggled with some of the plot points, especially the one with Janie and Clifford. There was just too much of a shift in his personality for my tastes. Again, other than Clifford and a bit of Robert’s character, most of the other characters do not show any flaws. For me, that is unrealistic.

I do enjoy Amber’s character a great deal, and I was glad to see she has returned to the plotline. In fact, I like her brother Clint as well and feel they help give this book light among all the darkness. I am also glad to have Janie back with Carrie and the others.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed Carried Forward by Hope and look forward to reading Glimmers of Change, the next book in this incredible series. If you want to see a different side to what happened during this troubled time in American history, I highly recommend reading this series. I do want to mention that you need to read this series in order because each book picks up where the last one ends. Happy reading!