Showing posts with label Contemporary Romance Lit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary Romance Lit. Show all posts

Monday, January 13, 2014

Cover Reveal: Chasing Anya by J.L. Campbell


Today I'm featuring fellow author friend, J.L. Campbell's latest romance book with a beautiful cover reveal, Chasing Anya. From the eclectic taste of the excerpt below it promises to be unique, hot and full of mystery.  But first, take a look at the cover and book blurb below:


Been there. Done that.

Feisty and independent, Anya Davies lives by her own rules. The one thing she’s hell-bent on avoiding is a conventional relationship. Nor is she interested in romance, thanks to her abusive ex who refuses to stay in the past. The second complication in her life is a secret that condemns her to constant guilt and a solitary life. A series of near misses and escalating threats are a third and worrying factor. Only a special man would understand or live with Anya’s challenges and demands.

Casual sex...so not having that.

Enter Christophe Mondesir. Two years ago, Anya dumped him without explanation. An accidental meeting shoots Anya back on Christophe’s radar. He refuses to be denied and plans to breach the fortress Anya has built around her heart—if she’ll commit to more than a casual liaison. He’s also determined to find out what she’s hiding. That’s if the stalker who’s after Anya doesn’t end her life first. 


Genre: Romance, Women's Fiction
Content/Theme(s): Sexual Content (not graphic), Post Abortion Syndrome, Relationships, Spousal Abuse,
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Publisher: The Writers' Suite




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He stood before her, pressing kisses to her neck. Then his lips covered hers. Soft. Persuasive.

She resisted him at first, but the memory of his lovemaking warmed her blood and she relaxed against him. The unknown word he’d spoken came to mind and she twisted away from him. “I’m not so sure I should let you touch me, ’specially since I don’t know what you said earlier. What was that anyhow?”

“I said you should stop talking like a slut.”

She mashed his toes with her foot. “How dare you talk to me like that?”

“Ouch! If you insist on treating sex as if it is some sort of pill—”

“If you were sensitive to my needs, I wouldn't have to resort to asking for sex.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You know what? I’m going to give you what you want.”

That said, Christophe pressed his lips to hers, forcing her mouth open. She fought him, but this time he ignored her attempts to escape.

The intensity of his kiss frightened her. His grip on her arms was too tight and she felt suffocated by his strength. “No, Christophe, I—”

His hand glided under her shirt and the words lodged in her throat. She cast aside her objections, swept away by the fire his touch lit on her insides.

They landed on her bed, struggling to free themselves of their clothing. Minutes later, Christophe reduced her to an orgasmic shudder.

Then they started over.

When they were satisfied, she panted against his chest.

Christophe eased away from her and rolled onto his back to stare into a corner of the room.

Now what was wrong with him? She raised herself up on her elbow. “What’s bugging you now?”

It took him a while to look her in the eyes. “D’you realize I just raped you?”

She almost giggled. “Well, it was the best rape I ever had.”

He sighed. “I’m serious. You said no, and I didn’t listen.”

He murmured something she didn’t hear and rolled onto his side, away from her.
Anya stared at a mole on his shoulder, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. Was he serious? Wasn’t she supposed to be the basket case?

She scratched at the skin around the cast. It was itching like hell lately.

Christophe got up and went into the bathroom. The toilet flushed and she waited for him to come back to bed. Instead, he got a pair of jeans from the cupboard and pulled them on, along with a tee-shirt.

Anya gaped at him. “Where the hell d’you think you’re going?”

“Home. I need to think.”

“What d’you need to think about, Christophe?”

“Things.”

She yanked her shirt on and stood in front of him. “Every time I get mad and tell you to leave, you refuse to go. Now, we don’t even have a serious quarrel and you’re running away. What’s wrong with you?”

He slipped both hands in his pockets and wouldn’t look at her. “I have to go.”

Using her hand, she tipped his head so she could see his eyes.

He was in pain.

She didn’t understand what the problem was, but something had gone terribly wrong. She grabbed his arms and spoke softly to him. “Don’t walk out on me now. I don’t know what’s going on with you, or what you think you did, but I need you.”

“I’m sorry, Anya.” He stepped out of her grasp and walked away.

She sank on the bed, rubbing the frown line on her forehead. Would he be all right? Her heart rate went up and she pressed a hand to her chest. Christophe had left, but she needed to check whether he’d locked up.

The lock was engaged and she was alone in the house. She leaned against the front door, feeling as if she’d bought a bus ticket and the driver had dropped her off miles away from her destination.

Her eyes smarted, but she would not cry. While she was sure Christophe’s withdrawal was directly related to her, she sensed there were other factors at play.

If he didn’t want to talk, how could she get to the root of what was eating him?


 photo 59e824c4-9212-448b-9de2-c31e31a3a6ef_zps75626707.jpg
Image of J. L. Campbell
J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican, who is always on the hunt for story-making material.

She writes romantic suspense, women's fiction and young adult novels. She is the author of Anya's Wish, Chasing Anya, Contraband, Christine's Odyssey, Dissolution, Distraction, Don't Get Mad...Get Even, Retribution, Saving Sam and Hardware (written under the pen name Jayda McTyson).



Where to find JL Campbell:

Social Media
Author site: http://www.joylcampbell.com
Goodreads: JL Campbell
Twitter: @JL_Campbell
Facebook: JL Campbell
Amazon: JL Campbell





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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Author Interview: USA Today Best Selling Author, Elizabeth Reyes

USA Today Best Selling Author, Elizabeth Reyes is here today.  Woot!  I can't even explain how excited I am to do this interview.  If you're a fan like me and want to follow all the hype surrounding ABEL, check out the tour schedule at As the Pages Turn..    And if you missed my review of ABEL, check it out here.  Please welcome Elizabeth Reyes!
Author Bio: USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 9 full length novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered has far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she'll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

In 2014 she will take her next step in the exciting world of writing and publish her first traditionally published book with Simon & Schuster/Atria. But she will continue putting out self published books as well.


You can find Elizabeth Reyes at

Author Interview:

Mina B.:  Abel, from the 5th Street Series marks your 10th published book total and I believe 4th book in the 5th Street Series.   And WOW what a series.  I love the way you tie in the entire boxing angle.  Boxing is such a barbaric sport but somehow I’m a fan.  Where did you get the inspiration for this series?   

Elizabeth R.:  I say that because this is such a unique group of male characters. Growing up in the East Los Angeles area and my family being huge fans of Cesar Chavez, Marquez and of course De La Jolla fight nights were a big deal. We'd have big gatherings and the TV rooms would be packed with family and friends hooping and hollering. I was a young girl so I never saw the barbaric thing I just thought it was fun to cheer for the favorite and quite honestly had a crush on De La Jolla. So I thought writing a series about a group of these sexy fighters would be exciting and it sure has been! =)     

Mina B.:  In the series you tackle hot topics like cougar-dating.  The age difference with these characters is indeed a delicious topic.  What type of feedback if any have you received about the 8 year age difference in the two? 

Elizabeth R.:  I've some great feedback! Many from women who happen to be married to younger men and wanted to thank me for telling a story about how this can really happen and showing that age is just a number. I've also received feedback from many who said they were going to shy away from reading because of the topic but were very pleasantly surprised when they decided to read.
Mina B.:  We know you are a USA Today Best Selling Author among other great accomplishments.  Can you tell us what award, accolade or accomplishment you want that would be the ultimate feather in your cap? 

Elizabeth R.:  Hmm when I started writing and publishing I had NO aspirations of receiving awards or getting traditionally published. I just wanted my stories out there and having people read and enjoy. I love hearing reaction to my stories. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled when I signed with Simon & Schuster or that wouldn't love to become a NY Times best seller at some point in my career. I think deep inside all writers secretly wish for that but quite honestly I couldn't be happier with my writing career as it is. As long as the stories keep coming and I can continue doing what I LOVE for a living I'm a happy camper just the way things are now!
   
Mina B.:  Abel was such a tortured soul and we love that about him!  Which book have you enjoyed writing the most in the series? 


Elizabeth R.:  This is always a tough question because I've poured my heart and soul into every single book I've written. So it's hard to choose a favorite. But I will say Abel's has by far been my steamiest to date. So that was fun. ;)
  
Mina B.:  If you could be any character in one of your books, who would it be?  Me?  I’d be Valerie because I have a thing for Alex Moreno…*sigh* 

Elizabeth R.:  Another tough one but let's see. I think being around Manny and Max would be hilarious. I have quite of few of these in my family and it's always fun being around them so maybe Izzy. 
  
Mina B.: What is one aspect about writing that you absolutely love? 

Elizabeth R.:  I love when the books write themselves. When I'm sitting here minding my own business writing the story as I thought it was going to unfold then bam! Out of nowhere this twist comes and even I sit up straight. "No way!" and then my fingers start typing furiously. It's very exciting! =)

Mina B.:  Other than your wicked books, what do you think helped catapult your success? 

Elizabeth R.:  Well it didn't just happen overnight. I'm not one of these authors who wrote my first book and it skyrocketed to the top of the charts. It took some time to build the following of my awesome readers. So perseverance first and foremost and my tenacity and refusal to give up was a big part. In hindsight I'm glad it didn't happen overnight. Makes the journey all that more rewarding. =) But in the end, word of mouth I think is what ultimately has done it for me. So many of my wonderful readers have mentioned at some point getting their family and friends hooked on my books and I'm so incredibly grateful for that.
Mina B.:  Can you tell us what’s in store for the series?  

Elizabeth R.:  There is more to come. Many have asked for Felix's story and it will be coming but I do have something very different in store for his book. I can't share just yet what that will be but it'll be something I've yet to do with ANY of my stories. Stay tuned! ;)

Mina B.:  Can you tell the readers something new about your upcoming release, Abel? 

Elizabeth R.:  One thing I want to make clear is I've already done the age difference plot. So while Abel and Nellie's age difference will be mentioned it's not what the conflict in this story is about. Also while the blurb for the story mentions what these two will be dealing with that is also not the entire conflict. There will be other elements and story twists that will come into play. See my first answer to question number 6. This happened several times while writing Abel. So I'm hoping that like me, the readers will also sit up and say "No way!" =D      

About Abel (5th Street, Book #4), by Elizabeth Reyes -- New Adult Contemporary Romance

SYNOPSIS 
Coming off the worst divorce in the history of marriages, Nellie Gamboa’s looking to let loose and make up for years of neglect. When months of building sexual tension between her and the young hot boxing stud, Abel Ayala, finally peak, she makes him an offer no man would refuse. 

No promises. No demands. Just pure unrestrained passion.

Abel’s training for the biggest fight of his career. He has no time for a social life, much less a relationship. So this arrangement couldn't be more perfect. A beautiful woman asking him to help her alleviate her neglected desires—no strings attached. What more can he ask for?

As the lines between lust and something much deeper, begin to blur, Abel finds himself in an even bigger fight. 

The fight to regain control of his now demanding heart. 



Get your copy of Abel here:
Amazon  **  B&N  **  iBookstore

Giveaway



Elizabeth Reyes is offering up (10) winners, signed copies of their choice of book, from her backlist which includes Abel as well. The giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST 08/25/2013.


HUGE Thanks to Elizabeth for doing this interview and Ing from As the Pages Turn.  This has been awesome!!!! 
Mina B.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Book Review: Abel by Elizabeth Reyes

Get your ringside tickets to Abel, USA Today Best Selling Author, Elizabeth Reyes' fourth book in the 5th Street Series.  Reyes is by far one of the hottest new adult contemporary romance novelists right now.  She seriously is one of my top ten favorite authors.  Want to know what I think about, Abel?  In short...it's an absolute knockout!
Abel's Back Cover:  
Coming off the worst divorce in the history of marriages, Nellie Gamboa’s looking to let loose and make up for years of neglect. When months of building sexual tension between her and the young hot boxing stud, Abel Ayala, finally peak, she makes him an offer no man would refuse.

No promises. No demands. Just pure unrestrained passion.

Abel’s training for the biggest fight of his career. He has no time for a social life, much less a relationship. So this arrangement couldn't be more perfect. A beautiful woman asking him to help her alleviate her neglected desires—no strings attached. What more can he ask for?

As the lines between lust and something much deeper, begin to blur, Abel finds himself in an even bigger fight.


The fight to regain control of his now demanding heart.


Click here for an excerpt of Abel on GoodReads!  


My thoughts:  Abel Ayala is the rising boxing star, poised to take his heavyweight career to super stardom. All he needs to do is slake his lust for an older, sexy divorcee, Nellie Gamboa and bide his time before he can claim his heavyweight title. He's known as Aweless Ayala for his bold and unshakable demeanor and at this point, nothing will stop his rise to the top. Well a few things shake him, but nothing as much as the lovable Nellie.

If you know anything about the series, then you know by the time Abel and Nellie finally hooked up, it was like we all needed a cigarette. LOL! Interesting enough their "no-strings" relationship continues and goes from the intense hot affair to a budding relationship, broaching topics like trust, love, age and of course the relentless paparazzi. I've always been a fan of Reyes Moreno Brothers series. ALWAYS. So when she started the 5th Street Series, it wasn't a stretch for me to enjoy this series as well. But I have to be honest...Abel just might be my new favorite. It's that good.

Reyes opens a window into these character's lives that keeps you begging for more. If you like your new adult romance lit spiced with hot men, undying friendship, love and a whole lotta sexy, then bet all your money on Abel! Abel was a 5 for me.

Get your copy here:
Reyes will be here on August 21st for a Q&A with me.  *squeals with excitement*  Want to know more about the Abel and the 5th Street series...come back and bring your friends!

TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY
Elizabeth is offering up (10) winners, signed copies of their choice of book, from her backlist which includes Abel as well. The giveaway is open internationally. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST 08/25/2013.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whew! *fanning myself* Even blogging about Abel gets me hot! ;)

Mina B.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Book Review: Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Travis Maddox. *sigh*   New York Times bestseller and original selfpub sensation, Jamie McGuire  has done it again with book two in of her Disaster series, Walking Disaster.  Last year I wrote a post called, Buzzworthy Contemporary Romance Novels, where I reviewed Beautiful Disaster.  This one was one of my top five contemporary romance novels I read last year.  While Beautiful Disaster is written from Abby's POV, Walking Disaster is from Travis Maddox's perspective.  I remember reading the beginning of Walking Disaster and was struck with such love and empathy for this character I couldn't wait to read to rest.  Read that piece here.


Walking Disaster is almost exactly the story of Beautiful Disaster. There are times when the novels deviates just enough so we understand what's going on in Travis mind.  He's truly complex just like Abby.  I loved the way he gets frustrated with Abby's ability to shut down.  That's something I didn't pick up as much from the first novel.  Since his mother's death, Travis didn't realize what he'd been missing until he meets Abby.  Their wild and young romance confounds the brain, while managing to captivate your heart.  I'm now officially obsessed with the rest of the Maddox brothers.  There are four more brothers in the Maddox family (Thomas, Trenton, Tyler and Taylor) so I was hoping there would be more of a back story on these four to create other books, but I didn't get that sense.  That kind of bummed me out.  The ending threw me as well.  I wasn't expecting a continuation of Travis and Abby some ten plus years later.  I think I would have preferred a glimpse into another brother and his story, but hey...we all can't have everything we want.  That said, I am a HUGE fan of Jamie McGuire and of course the Maddoxs'.  

Walking Disaster was a 4.5 for me.  Want to know more about Jamie and her bestselling series, Beautiful and Walking Disaster?  Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or check out her website.

Have you read this series?  Are you a fan of Jamie?  What are some of your favorite new adult/ contemporary romance novels?

Mina B.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Book Review: Retribution by J.L. Campbell

Retribution by J.L. Campbell is finally here!  Whew.  What a great book!  Retribution is Book 2 in Campbell's exciting contemporary romance series.  Before I begin my review you may want to check out my review of Distraction here and also I wanted to post the book description.  See below:
JUSTINE CHARLES is still trying to put the pieces of her life together seven years after a disastrous extra-marital affair. She’s raising a troubled teenage daughter and six-year-old Emile, the result of her indiscretion.

A chance meeting drops the still-scorching Xavier McKellop back on her radar. Her former lover is hurt and furious that Justine has kept his son’s birth a secret. She has little choice when Xavier demands time with Emile.

Though the moments between Justine and Xavier are tense, it’s evident the flame of attraction between them still burns hot. And just as she begins to hope and dream about being with the only man who ever stirred her heart, body and soul, Justine’s life is thrown into chaos. Her daughter discovers Justine’s betrayal and Xavier’s soon-to-be ex-wife wants him back.

This time around, in her quest for love, Justine might not only lose her deepest desire, but everything she holds dear.



My thoughts:  Like most of the readers, I read the first chapter of Retribution back when I read Distraction.  Since then, almost a year later, I've waited for this book.  All I can say is Xavier is back!  The story picks up where the Justine and Xavier's relationship left off some seven years later.  Justine knew the day would come when she'd have to face Xavier and reveal the secret that could ruin everything they had, including the beautiful memories they created.  They meet unexpectedly only now Justine is a widow, cursed with relentless guilt of her past wrong doings.  Xavier steps back into Justine's life, forcing her to make the right choices for her and her son's future.  Xavier was such a rock in the book and I will forever refer to him as the music man.  Both characters made significant mistakes in their lives, but the beauty was their determination to see things through for the good of their family's future.  With the years comes more challenges like raising teenagers and divorce.  What I loved about Retribution, was Campbell didn't write a cookie-cut romance, she wrote a beautifully in-depth story about love, loss, friendship and how wonderful things can be when two people make amends. 

On a side not, I can't get enough of the Proverbs Campbell put before each chapter, giving the reader a hint of what's to come.  I loved this. Here's a sample:  
Proverb: Bush have ears and wall have eyes. 
Meaning: Be careful how you disclose sensitive information that can filter to those you don’t want to know your business.

If you're looking for a different take on romance and you're willing to take a journey with a couple that make their fair share of mistakes, then Retribution is just the book for you!  And wouldn't you know it Campbell's not done yet.  Book 3, Absolution, is in the works and I just can't imagine what she has in store for us.

Have you read Retribution?  What about Distraction?  Are you a fan of the series?

Mina B.        

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Book Review: Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Are you a Lisa Kleypas fan?  If not, you should be.  I initially found out about her when she did a Q&A on GoodReads.  Since I have an uncontrollable need to read historical romance novels, I immediately picked up one of Lisa's novels and have been a fan since.  I believe I've read almost all of her historical romance books.  I probably should seek therapy, but the truth is, they are ridiculously good.  Anyway, fast-forward to the summer and I found Rainshadow Road—Lisa Kleypas Friday Harbor series—while trolling on Amazon.  Here's the back cover:  

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy's own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life--even after being broken--can be made into something new and beautiful.

My thoughts:
I read this over the summer and instantly adored the series.  It's a modern-day romance spiced with the perfect amount of family drama and to my surprise, elemental magic.  The book opened up to Luci getting crushed by her ex-boyfriend and sister.  Wow, Kleypas cut straight to the heart with that one.  What I loved best about Luci was her resilience.  Yes, her life sucked, but that didn't stop her from moving on.  I loved the way Luci stood up for herself, despite be railroaded by her conniving sister, her worthless ex and her annoying parents.  Thankfully, she met Sam, the unlikely love interest, Sam.  Their relationship began slowly at first which I thought made it more believable.  Sam owned a vineyard and struggled over the years to cultivate it into his life-long dream.  He obviously couldn't predict the whimsical touch that local glass artist like Luci would wield.  Rainshadow Road is more of a contemporary romance than paranormal, so if you're in the mood to little your paranormal reading, give this one a try.   

Have you read Lisa Kleypas’ steamy historical romance novels?  Suddenly You is one of my all-time favorites.  What about the Friday Harbor series?

Mina B.