Review: Find Me by Margaret Watson (@mwatsonauthor)

Series: The Donovan Family, #3
Publisher: Margaret Watson
Published: December 9, 2013
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 268 pages

Review: Dragon Chronicles: Healing by D.R. Grady (@drgradybooks)

Series: The Dragon Chronicles, #3
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Published: March 30, 2016
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Length: 293 pages

Review: Esmeralda and the Second-Hand Suitor by Hebby Roman

Series: Snowbirds, #2
Publisher: Estrella Publishing
Published: March 12, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 168

Review: Bayou My Love by Lauren Faulkenberry (@FirebrandPress)

Bayou My Love

Bayou Sabine, #1
Lauren Faulkenberry

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Velvet Morning Press
Date of Publication: March 7th 2016
Number of pages: 299
Cover Artist: Ellen Meyer & Vicki Lesage

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN

Review: The Player and the Pixie by LH Cosway & Penny Reid (@LHCosway, @ReidRomance)

The Player and the Pixie

Rugby, #2
LH Cosway & Penny Reid

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Caped Publishing
Date of Publication: April 12, 2016
Number of pages: 326
Word Count: 99,510

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     Smashwords
Just $3.99 for pre-order.

Review: Critical Hit-On by Deanna Dee (@DDGeekWriter)

Critical Hit-On

The Games of Love, #1
Deanna Dee


Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Deanna Dee
Date of Publication: February 25, 2015
Number of pages: 187

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon

Review: Dragon Chronicles: Book One:Learning by D.R. Grady

Book One: Learning

The Dragon Chronicles, #1
D.R. Grady

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Date of Publication: April 22, 2015
Number of pages: 291
Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon
$2.99 or Free with Kindle Unlimited

Review: Gypsy Cradle by Andrea Drew

Gypsy Cradle

Gypsy Shields, #2
Andrea Drew

Genre: Psychic Paranormal Thriller
Publisher: Andrea Drew
Date of Publication: April 27, 2015
Number of pages: 249

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo

Review: Exile on Slain Street by P.J. Morse

Exile on Slain Street


Clancy Parker Mystery, Book 2
P.J. Morse


Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: P.J. Morse Books
Date of Publication: August 26, 2013
Number of pages: 232
Cover Artist: Streetlight Graphics

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon

In the comic mystery Exile on Slain Street, undercover detective Clancy Parker must find the killer on the set of a reality TV dating show before she gets eliminated—permanently.

Clancy thought she’d been hired to protect the show’s star, grunge-rock guitar god Patrick Price, from a stalker, but she quickly realizes she’s dealing with a clever murderer whose arsenal includes booby-trapped stripper poles and sabotaged stretch Hummers. As members of the cast and production team are killed one by one, Clancy finds herself with few allies. She’s at the mercy of a nosy camera crew and, even worse, reality show contestants who will do anything for fame.

However, Clancy is the right woman for this challenge. She plays guitar for a band, and she fancies herself a rock ‘n’ roll detective, like Kinky Friedman, only a whole lot prettier. With her music background, Patrick Price can’t resist her, but the attentions of a horny rock star threaten to distract her from her original purpose, which is to save her client’s life.

Last May, I was involved with a book tour for a fabulous cozy mystery called Heavy Mental by P.J. Morse. The protagonist was a part time P.I. and part time lead guitarist of an indie rock band in the San Francisco Bay area.  It was different, unique and quite good, I gave it 4 stars.  When the author contacted me in September about reviewing the second book in the series, I was thrilled to accept and figured I would be able to get to it sometime the middle of October. Yeah, that didn't happen... A new job, training, life, etc got in the way and the book got pushed back. Then I took a sabbatical from the blog between Thanksgiving and January. I actually managed to get the book read during that time and liked it. However, by the time I started blogging again, I forgot to put it on the review schedule. (d'oh) After recently finding my notes and it dawning on me that I had not ever actually done the review, here it is late, but in no way least. :)

~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

Since I had enjoyed the first book in the Clancy Parker Mystery series, Heavy Mental so much, the author asked me if I would like to read the second book in exchange for an honest review.  I quickly accepted, now some *cough* 9 months ago. It is my own fault that this review was not done promptly, please don't blame the author's writing. It is all on me.

The story opens on Clancy finding a dead body floating in a pool on the set of a reality tv dating show, for the heart of rock star Patrick Price. Patrick has a stalker and Clancy has been hired to protect him and find the stalker. But how can you tell the difference between a stalker and reality show contestants specifically picked for their drama potential? The answer is you can't. Which is why she is undercover on the show as one of the contestants. The dead body she finds? The producer of the show and the man who hired her. Now that the stalker has graduated to murderer, Clancy will have to find the stalker/murderer, protect Patrick and keep from getting killer herself, all the while working hard to remind herself that Patrick's a client and NOT a real love interest. You know, just another day in the life of a rock'n roll PI.

When I looked back at this book, it all came flooding back. Exactly how much I enjoyed the story. As we are all aware, sometimes a sequel just doesn't measure up to the first. This was not the case here. This book took all the best parts from the first book and took them to the next level. Clancy's friends show up again, some playing the part of her family on the show, others to offer help and assistance where ever they could. They provide some much needed comic relief and keep the emotional tone of the book balanced. I was pleasantly surprised that the stalker/murderer wasn't who I thought it was along with some other interesting revelations. I love it when an author can keep me guessing right to the very end. Even with some time and distance this ranks as a 4 star read.

Review: The Agent Next Door by Adrienne Bell

The Agent Next Door

Second Service, Book 2
Adrienne Bell

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Adrienne Bell
Date of Publication: May 20, 2014
Number of pages: 154
Word Count: 46,300

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     Smashwords

Erin Holliday has worked hard to build the perfect life: beautiful house, safe neighborhood, trusted friends. But everything she cherishes is threatened when the new neighbor moves in. As the daughter of a slain motorcycle gang leader, Erin knows what trouble looks like—she’s spent a lifetime trying to avoid it—and John Ryman certainly fits the bill. Her head tells her to keep her distance, but her heart has other plans.

Ex-Navy SEAL John Ryman has spent his whole career surrounded by danger. Now he’s ready to settle down, and a quiet suburban life will suit him just fine, if his gorgeous new neighbor is any indication.

But when a previous mistake has explosive consequences, John and Erin are thrown together, and it doesn't take long for them to realize that the only way they’ll survive to build a future together will by settling the debts of their past.

I was offered this book from the author for an honest review after reading the first book in this series, The Wedding Trap through Netgalley.  Since I was so pleasantly surprised by the the first book, I agreed. I believe that this could be a stand alone book. Beth and Alex had a small cameo appearance in this book, but knowing their history was in no way vital to this story. So no fears if you don't want to read book 1.

We first meet Erin as she is busy transplanting some daisies into a flower pot on her front porch. Her elder neighbor (cause I wouldn't want to be the person who calls Marianne Wilson elderly) is with Erin, keeping her company and spying on the moving van that has pulled in across the street.  Marianne was a bit brash, a lot pushy and had no problem with telling you her opinion. Erin contrasted nicely. She was quiet, reserved and a bit shy.

John Ryman is a former Seal who has just recently left the field and has his first long term 'desk' assignment with Homeland Security. John was looking for some peace and had changed his entire life to be able to have a refuge from the instability of the rest of the world. When he meets Erin, he realizes that she is the embodiment of everything he has been looking for.  He is drawn to the sparkle in her eyes, her intelligence and of course, her lush curves.

When an operation that John was in charge of goes sideways and the crime lord that they were after gets away, Erin's life is put in danger.  At first she fights being placed into protective custody and demands to stay in her neighborhood. She had quite enough of being bounced around and relocated as a child.  Plus, the longer John and Erin spend together, the more they come to care for each other. But they will both have to tame the demons haunting them as well as face down the current threat, if they want to have a future together.

I really, really liked this book.  There was a nice mix of action and emotion, the dialogue was realistic and well done and the characters were three dimensional and interesting. The author did an excellent job of walking the line of dramatic without being melodramatic. There was no wishy washy back and forth that some authors use to torture the reader with. Erin and John had some communication issues, but they worked on them - together. I gave this book 5 stars.

Review: Contractually Yours by Connie Cox

I was offered this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  This was the first book I had read by the author, but it won't be the last.  It was quite an enjoyable read though there is some discrepancy between the blurb and the actual story.

We meet Caroline two days after the worst day of her life.  The high society wedding that she had pinned all her hopes, dreams and the loan from her parents on, was called off by the groom just moments before the wedding was to take place.  Caroline had paid for much of the work out of her own account, being promised reimbursement when the wedding took place. Now that the wedding has been called off, and even the check she had received at the beginning had bounced, shes looking at not only the lose of her business, but her parents house as well.  So Caroline decides to take the bills directly to Brandon D'Estrahan, the groom who called off the wedding and who she was promised would be footing the bills.

Brandon D'Estrahan is a entrepreneur who does multi-million dollar deals around the globe. But his business deals are hurting because companies don't want to deal with a "playboy". His work around was to get married. Unfortunately, his first choice of wife turned out to already be married. When Caroline shows up at his office, looking for repayment on the wedding, Brandon makes her a deal - 6 months of outwardly wedded bliss and he will pay off all her outstanding creditors and save her parents house. In return for paying off the debts, she will outwardly be his wife, handle the charity commitments, plan and host parties and basically grant him the air of stability that he is currently lacking.

In many ways this followed the typical marriage of convenience troupe. However, as with everything, the devil is in the details.  And the details on this one are quite wonderful. I was thoroughly sucked into the story and found myself rooting for Caroline and Brandon. She isn't quite the push over she initially appears and he isn't the hard-hearted villain taking advantage of her situation. There are some great secondary characters in the book and I look forward to finding out their stories someday. This book had me grinning and sniffling back a few tears. I gave it 4 stars.

Broken vows...
Wedding planner Caroline Duplessis sinks all her hopes, dreams and finances for the future success of her budding company Weddings Divine into the event of the year.

But when Brandon D’Estrahan’s intended leaves him at the altar, she also leaves Caroline holding enough debt that her fledgling company is on the edge of bankruptcy. And the second mortgage her parents took out on their home will leave them homeless.

So when the groom, who needs an arm ornament and hostess to further his business connections, proposes a way out, Caroline sees no other option but to take it.

Marriage to him for one year and she will walk away with financial security. But will their marriage last the year?

Or, like his former fiancee’, will she find the need to leave him, too?

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     ARe     Smashwords

Interview & Giveaway: Summoned by Rainy Kaye

Summoned


Summonded, Book 1
Rainy Kaye


Genre: New Adult/Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Immortal Ink Publishing
Date of Publication: March 28, 2014
Number of pages: 237
Cover Artist: Kris Wagner

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon 

Twenty-three year old Dimitri has to do what he is told—literally. Controlled by a paranormal bond, he is forced to use his wits to fulfill unlimited deadly wishes made by multimillionaire Karl Walker.

Dimitri has no idea how his family line became trapped in the genie bond. He just knows resisting has never ended well. When he meets Syd—assertive, sexy, intelligent Syd—he becomes determined to make her his own. Except Karl has ensured Dimitri can't tell anyone about the bond, and Syd isn't the type to tolerate secrets.

Then Karl starts sending him away on back-to-back wishes. Unable to balance love and lies, Dimitri sets out to uncover Karl's ultimate plan and put it to an end. But doing so forces him to confront the one wish he never saw coming—the wish that will destroy him.

Excerpt: 

Robert is groaning and making generally unwell sounds in the back of the car by the time we reach the desert. His head rests against the passenger seat.

He mumbles something I can't make out. I suspect he's cursing me and all of my heirs.

Too late, buddy. Someone else got to that first.

He sits straight.

I jump, then glance at him in the rear view mirror. “How you feeling?”

His face is a little bloody. Some parcels are damaged during shipping. That's just how it goes.

“Fuck you,” he says, quite clearly.

“That's not a very camp-friendly mouth,” I say.

His eyes lower to his lap. He's just noticed the shackles.

He's either going to try break them like he think he's King Kong—some of my victims give an applause-worthy performance—or he's going to sink into despair. I have no preference. It's all reruns.

He clears his throat. “What the hell is going on?”

“You'll find out in a few minutes,” I say.

Something clunks me on the back of my head. My face hits the steering wheel. The car swerves and then slides down a shallow embankment.

I slam on the brakes, burst out of the car, and throw open the backseat. He tries to dodge out, but I shove him back and jab another needle into his arm. He twitches. I yank out the syringe from his flesh and stand, waiting.

He sinks back into slumber.

When I deliver him to the mansion, it's not even sunrise. The guards are ready and waiting.

I have no idea what daylight is going to bring for him. For me, though, the hum is gone.

For now.

Interview: 
Today, we welcome Rainy Kaye to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give a great big Geeky welcome!
Let's start with some writer specific questions before moving into the fun stuff. That way everyone can really get to know the person behind the writer. We will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready for the interrogation to begin?

Writing Specific

1. Is your writing style more plotter or pantser?

I'm a hardcore-pantser turned plotter. Yeah, I used to proudly proclaim my pantser-membership. Then I discovered I accomplished a lot more if I outlined first. Imagine that.

2. When is your favorite time/place to write? Do you write structured or patchworked?

I write structurally patchworked. As much as I would like to pretend I write a consistent amount every day, I actually set goals based on current needs. I have six completed manuscripts, a novella, and an agent, so it seems to be working. So far.

3. How do you deal with Writer's Block?

I'm probably going to jinx myself by saying this, but I don't really get Writer's Block. I get Writer-Doesn't-Have-Enough-Friggin'-Time Blocks, but not the standard-issue kind. I think that's probably because I tend to just write, whether I know exactly what happens in the scene or not (revisions are our friend), and because I drink more caffeine than anyone really should.

4. How involved are you with Social Media and self-promotion?

I got this. I've been blogging on my current blog (RainyoftheDark.com) for three years, and I'm all over Twitter, Facebook, and sometimes even the helpless little Google Plus. Actually, I'm on every network that has crossed my path, but I only use the big ones anymore.

5. How did you choose the genres you write in?

I didn't choose the genre, the genre chose me. I can illustrate just how cluelessly I delved into writing without considering what shelf my books belonged on: SUMMONED has been listed as everything from paranormal, romance (definitely not), erotica, paranormal romance, and now listed as Urban Fantasy. I just let people decide for themselves what it was, and that turned out to be a less-than-stellar tactic. Don't try it at home. You will wind up with some very confused readers.

Fun Stuff

1. What was the last movie/concert/show that you saw?

Nine Inch Nails! SUMMONED readers will appreciate that.

2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To stall time so I can get more things accomplished before bed.

3. What was the name of the last book you read?

I beta-read Come, the Dark by Rebecca Hamilton. It's the second in The Forever Girl series. Must read.

4. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Greek yogurt, coffee creamer, and Milka brand chocolate bars.

5. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Something eloquent, such as "WTF?!"

Think Fast

1. Mountains or Sea? Sea (Judging by this and the fondness for rum, I was a pirate in another life.)
2. Italian or Chinese? Italian
4. Summer or Winter? Winter (I live in the desert.)
5.. Coffee or Tea? Coffee!
6. Cake or Pie? Cake! Thank you for flying the Church of England.

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

There is no problem in life a Grumpy Cat meme can't answer.

Trailer: 

Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio:

Rainy Kaye is an aspiring overlord. In the mean time, she blogs at RainyoftheDark.com and writes paranormal novels from her lair somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona. When not plotting world domination, she enjoys getting lost around the globe, studying music so she can sing along with symphonic metal bands, and becoming distracted by Twitter (@rainyofthedark). She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.
To connect with the author online:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads