Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.

Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.

As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.

Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars. - taylorjenkinsreid.com

 

The thought of being in a space shuttle always freaked me out.  I feel suffocated just thinking about being in such a small enclosure and somehow even the sheet vastness of space itself makes also makes me feel suffocated and full of anxiety.  Back when I was a kid my cousin was obsessed with the movie Apollo 13 that had just come out on VHS in 1995.  She insisted we watch it at a sleepover.  It was scarier to me than anything Freddy Kreuger or Jason Voorhees could do. 

However, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Atmosphere, the latest by Taylor Jenkins Reid which follows Joan Goodwin who becomes one of the first female astronauts in the early 1980s space program.  I relied on my faith of TJR’s skill of writing compelling, fully developed and realistic characters to carry me through my claustrophobia.  The beginning was a little tough to get into for me as it was a lot of tech about the space program and NASA which was a little out of depth for me.  However, I quickly grew to love and root for Joan and her niece Frances as well as fellow astronaut Veronica.  Right on the cover, Atmosphere is described as “A Love Story” and yes while there is a beautiful love story here with astronauts falling in love, it’s also a beautiful love story about finding your true self and exploring your heart’s desire and found family.  I ended up tearing through this book in just two days.  I know it’s a clichéd expression but I just couldn’t put it down and the ending had me literally tearing up which trust me is quite a feat for someone like me with a chronic dry eye condition.  LOL  This was a beautiful story and I wish we’d get an epilogue but then again maybe leaving what happens next is left best to one’s imagination where it can be bigger than the stars. 

I was lucky enough to pick up a signed copy of Atmosphere at The Strand in NYC during a birthday trip.  You can find your copy at your favorite local shop, library or online store. 

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines. laynefargo.com

I love figure skating, especially Ice Dancing and I also love a romance story that’s a little dark and complicated.  The Favorites by Layne Fargo throws these two elements together to create one of my favorite books not just of 2025 but it’s going on my mental list of favorite books ever.  I could tell Fargo was a fan of skating just by the level of depth she describes the world – the drama, the personalities, the sacrifice and the breathtaking skill and talent needed to excel at the Olympic level.   The story is told through varying timelines with transcripts from a documentary of Shaw and Roca’s career.  However it’s never confusing as to the who and where we are in the story.  The relationship between Kat and Heath is inspired by Wuthering Heights which is passionate and complicated but the real love story on display here is the love of skating.  Your heart will race and break multiple times through this book.  I could see it all so vividly in my head and hope that someone adapts this for the screen.

I got my copy of The Favorites through my local library via the Libby app. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy to add to my permanent library though.  You can pick up your copy at your local library, bookstore or online shop.  

 

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.

Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.

Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team—including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him.

But when Anastasia’s skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.

Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried…because she could never like a hockey player, right? - Simon & Schuster.com

 

If you’re looking for light, fun romance to escape with during tomorrow’s snowstorm, I suggest the viral social media sensation “Icebreaker.”  I kept seeing this book come up in my TikTok feed but I must admit I wasn’t really interested in it until I saw a review that mentioned it was extremely spicy!  I had no idea based on the cutesy cartoon-ish cover art that its contents were extra hot and recommend for the 18-plus crowd.  

I also thought based on the plot description that it would be a lot like one of my favorite 90’s movies, The Cutting Edge that had a heavy emphasis on the figure skating with a generous heap of a budding romance between formal rivals.  While the core of that story, a serious figure skater clashing with and then begrudgingly paired with a goofy hockey player are present, there is actually little emphasis on their respective sports.  However, there is plenty of romance and college hijinks that the keep the story fresh and entertaining. I also appreciated the emphasis on the character’s mental health, mentions of obtaining consent and relationship development.  The cast of supporting characters, especially Henry are a delight.

Icebreaker is not the best written book of its type and I felt the epilogue was unnecessary but Icebreaker is a lot of fun and a super quick read which makes it just right for cuddling up with on a chilly winter weekend.  

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace is available at bookstores and e-book sites everywhere but more information on purchasing can be found at the publisher’s website.

Overall Rating 3.5 (out of 5) Stars 

Summer Bucket List by T.K. Rapp

Today we’re proud to be part of the “Book Blitz” for Summer Bucket List by T.K. Rapp

Recently graduated from high school, Holland Monroe had no expectations for her last summer before heading off to college to be anything but ordinary.
Until she got a job as a waitress at the local country club to make extra money for school.

Milo Davis was smart, cute, and absolutely not interested in Holland. At least that was what she believed. But the day she started working at the restaurant, everything changed.

Finally together, they were left with only three months to spend time together before she moved away.
Good thing they decided to make their time as memorable as possible.
But will they remain friends? Or will checking off items on their summer bucket list lead them to something they didn’t expect — Falling in love.

This was a sweet contemporary YA romance. Holland and Milo made a cute couple. I appreciated that the cost of college was a concern. That’s a reality I don’t see in many YA books but I do wish that Milo’s initial interest in what was referred to as a “junior college” was not stigmatized as being inferior. I obtained an Associates Degree at my local community college and it provided me with the study skills and drive needed to earn my Bachelors. Also, I was a little turned off by all the underage drinking but I was relieved that at least the important of designated drivers was stressed. Overall, the true heart of this story of two teenagers falling in love and really getting to know each other and their families was well done. 

🌟🌟🌟.5/5 

Xpresso Book Tours is Sponsoring a Giveaway for a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card and a Signed Copy of Summer Bucket List by T.K.Rapp.  Click here to enter.

For more information visit the book’s Goodreads page: 

For purchasing info, check out the following links:

Amazon 
Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Kobo

Thanks to Xpresso Book tours and the author for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for a fair, honest review. 

Buns by Alice Clayton

Welcome to a Totally Overdue For Review Tuesday post. I am working on reviving this blog and catching up on some long overdue book reviews.

Buns, originally published May 2017, is the third novel in Alice’s “Hudson Valley” series. I’m fortunate to live in the Hudson Valley but I’ve never been to the Mohonk Mountain House which is the inspiration for the Bryant Mountain House. However if the Mohonk Mountain House it’s even half as charming as the Bryant Mountain House, I definitely need to visit.

Clara Morgan is living the dream, if you can call rebranding hotels that are desperate for a new life and running any kind of marathon a dream. Which she does. But the career she loves and the endurance races that keep her adrenaline pumping have kept her too busy to put down any roots. Growing up in foster care, she’s never been able to establish traditions of her own, which may be why she’s fascinated by the rituals that generations-old family resorts are known for. She’s especially interested in the Bryant Mountain House, and not just for their secret recipe for the yummy, gooey, can’t-get-enough-of Hot Cross Buns….
Archie Bryant, the man with the Buns, is fifth generation and one-day-owner of the charming yet run-down Bryant Mountain House in Bailey Falls, New York. He’s determined to save his family’s legacy from the wrecking ball the old-fashioned way—by gritting his teeth and doing what needs to be done. There’s no way Archie will be influenced by the new hotel branding expert his father brought in to turn one hundred and fifty years of tradition on its head just to attract a faster, younger, slicker crowd. But when some of Clara’s ideas start bringing in new, paying customers, Archie can’t deny that she may have just given him a shot at keeping his resort open.
It’s sticky, it’s messy, it’s sweet, it’s Buns. -aliceclayton.com

I was a fan of Alice’s “Redhead” series delightful rom-com’s featuring a struggling redheaded actress. Buns features all the best qualities of that series: relatable characters, delightful banter and romantic scenes that are  sweet like those buns but also a little spicy. I highly recommend Buns if you’re looking for a light-hearted romance. Now I’m off to find a cinnamon bun as all this bun talk has made me hungry.  Ask your favorite bookseller for Buns or visit the author's website listed in the synopsis above for purchasing info.

🍩🍩🍩🍩/5

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Gallery Books/Pocket Books for the e-ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Red by Tiffany Reisz

Welcome to a TBT Throwback Thursday Review.  I am working on reviving this blog and catching up on some long overdue book reviews. The Red by Tiffany Reisz was released in July 2017. 

Mona Lisa St. James made a deathbed promise that she would do anything to save her mother's art gallery. Unfortunately, not only is The Red painted red, but it's in the red.
Just as she realizes she has no choice but to sell it, a mysterious man comes in after closing time and makes her an offer: He will save The Red if she agrees to submit to him for the period of one year.
The man is handsome, English, and terribly tempting...but surely her mother didn't mean for Mona to sell herself to a stranger. Then again, she did promise to do anything to save The Red...
- tiffanyreisz.com

If you're looking for a red hot scorching read, look no further than The Red by Tiffany Reisz.  This book is full-fledged erotica and not for the timid.  It's also quite kinky and strays very far from anything resembling shades of dismal hues.  Mona's passion extends way beyond her passion for art and her late mother's gallery.   What makes The Red really shine is the development of the relationship between Mona and "the stranger" who intends to save the galley.  Plus the descriptions of all the paintings will have you running to your nearest art museum and fantasizing over the paintings mentioned in the book and letting your imagination run wild over those that catch your eye.  5/5 Stars

While The Red is considered a stand-alone novel, Tiffany has recently released a companion novel, The Rose and you can find both at your favorite local bookseller or by visiting the author's website, tiffanyreisz.com for more information.

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse

Since it’s YA week, I thought I’d review the last YA book I read and adored.

Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse is sweet romance that tells the story of Sophia (Sofa to her friends) and her last 7 days in Tokyo before her mother relocates the family back to NJ for work. All Sophie wants to do is spend her final week taking advantage of the beautiful city that’s been her home for the last few years and savor final moments with her besties. Then Jamie, a former classmate from the US shows up and he inadvertently upsets all her plans leading her to discover who her true friends and what type of person she truly is.

I loved that this book was not just a “girl meets or re-meets boy” story. It’s a story about love of self, family, friends and home. Ms. Vinesse also does a fantastic job of making Tokyo come to life on the pages. It’s almost a character in itself. I’d love to visit Tokyo on day.

If you’re a fan of contemporary YA romance, don’t miss Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse. You won’t be disappointed.

Review by Jenn N.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the digital ARC!

Tease by Penny Wylder

Welcome to Club Deep-- the hottest new place on the block. All your fantasies can happen here... but I had NO IDEA it was that kind of place when I applied to be a waitress.
I didn't realize until my first night, and by then, it was too late to back out.
Especially when I met my boss.
Cole Andrews... how do I describe him? Sinfully tempting, a living sculpture you just want to run your hands down. He's impossibly sexy and he can't keep his eyes off of me.
When he pulls me into a private room and shows me what he can do with his wicked lips, I know I'm in trouble.
Club Deep is like no place I've ever been.
The longer I work here, the more I feel myself changing.
Can I change enough to keep Cole interested in me?
Or will this club ruin me first? - amazon.com

I’m not teasing. If you’re looking for a super and I mean a scorching hot read, look no further than Tease by Penny Wylder.  Penny is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her HEA (happily ever after) delightfully smutty novellas.  She always delivers a pleasing quickie and Tease is one of her best so far.  It’s currently priced at just .99 cents so you’re quite the bang for your buck. Actually you’re buying a lot of banging for just .99 cents with this one! I can’t wait for the next installment of the Club Deep series.   

For more about Penny Wylder and her novellas, visit her on Facebook. 

Special thanks to the author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers. 

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities. 

But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love? -jenniferprobst.com

I loved this book! I watch a lot of HGTV especially Property Brothers so this book was right up my alley.  However the Pierce brothers don't get along anywhere near as well as the Scott brothers seem to.  I thought the romance was great and it was definitely hot.  Probst does a stellar job at keeping the sexual tension between Caleb and Morgan pulsing.  In addition, I loved that Caleb and Morgan were both mature, independent, hard-working people. Morgan's secret also sheds awareness on an important issue.  I can't wait to see what's in store for Caleb's brothers in the planned sequels for this series.  Everywhere and Every Way is available at your favorite bookseller now, so rush out and pick it up, you won't be sorry.  

****/5 stars

For more on Jennifer Probst and her novels, please visit the author's website.

Amy Snow by Tracy Rees

Winner of the UK's Richard & Judy Search for a Bestseller Competition, this page-turning debut novel follows an orphan whose late, beloved best friend bequeaths her a treasure hunt that leads her all over Victorian England and finally to the one secret her friend never shared.  

It is 1831 when eight-year-old Aurelia Vennaway finds a naked baby girl abandoned in the snow on the grounds of her aristocratic family's magnificent mansion. Her parents are horrified that she has brought a bastard foundling into the house, but Aurelia convinces them to keep the baby, whom she names Amy Snow. Amy is brought up as a second-class citizen, despised by Vennaways, but she and Aurelia are as close as sisters. When Aurelia dies at the age of twenty-three, she leaves Amy ten pounds, and the Vennaways immediately banish Amy from their home.  

But Aurelia left her much more. Amy soon receives a packet that contains a rich inheritance and a letter from Aurelia revealing she had kept secrets from Amy, secrets that she wants Amy to know. From the grave she sends Amy on a treasure hunt from one end of England to the other: a treasure hunt that only Amy can follow. Ultimately, a life-changing discovery awaits...if only Amy can unlock the secret. In the end, Amy escapes the Vennaways, finds true love, and learns her dearest friend's secret, a secret that she will protect for the rest of her life.  

An abandoned baby, a treasure hunt, a secret. As Amy sets forth on her quest, readers will be swept away by this engrossing gem of a novel the wonderful debut by newcomer Tracy Rees. -indiebound.org

It's easy to understand how Amy Snow by Tracy Rees won a contest to search for a bestseller. This was a great story that blended elements of romance, mystery and historical fiction.  I loved the upstairs/downstairs friendship between Amy and Aurelia.  It was a good patch for the hole the end of Downton Abbey left me with.  I loved the unraveling and guessing of Aurelia's secrets along with Amy. I suspected her secret before Amy did but the journey was fun nonetheless.  This was a great read, definitely check it out.  You can find Amy Snow at your favorite bookseller today!

If you visit the publisher's website, you'll find a book club guide and a Q&A with the author.

****/5

Special thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Toxic by Kim Karr

  
New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr turns up the heat in a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new novel that takes you into the world of Manhattan’s elite.

In Toxic, Jeremy McQueen, a sexy, intense, sometimes brooding entrepreneur goes after what he wants—the woman he left behind years ago. Phoebe St. Claire, a put together, in control socialite-turned-CEO has been drifting through life searching for something she thought she'd never find again—the right man to share her future.  goodreads.com

If you're looking for a fun beach read to make this summer even hotter, check out Toxic by Kim Karr.  In addition to the passion and romance between Phoebe and Jeremy, the characters also stand on their own.  In the beginning of the story, I thought Phoebe seemed like just a "poor little rich girl."  Fortunately, the story picked up and as I got to know Phoebe and Jeremy better, I really got into the story. I enjoyed reading about their business struggles just as much as I enjoyed reading about their relationship. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Phoebe's neighbor, Mrs. Bardot.  Everyone could use a neighbor like her with great advice and a fabulous closet.  This is a quick and steamy standalone novel  that I recommend for adults 18 and up.


   
For more information on Toxic or Kim Karr, please visit the author's website. 

If you've read Toxic, please share your non-spoilery thoughts below, I'd love to see what you thought of it.

Note: I received a free digital copy of Toxic by Kim Karr in exchange for an honest review.

Laydown Lowdown

Summer storms are in the air.  What a perfect time to relax with a new book.

"Deadfall," the follow-up to Anna Carey's "Blackbird," is available today in Young Adult along with "Blood Will Tell," by April Henry, "After Hours," by Claire Kennedy, "Get Dirty," by Gretchen McNeil, and "Hungry," by H.A. Swain.

Over in Romance,  you'll have to wait until Thursday for "Grey," by E.L. James, a retelling of "Fifty Shades of Grey," from Christian's point of view.  In the meantime,, you can check out "Opening Up," by Laure Dane and "Loving Dallas," by Caisey Quinn.

Fans of  Elmore Leonard will enjoy "Charlie Martz & Other Stories: The Unpublished Stories" from the late author.  Other new releases in Mystery/Thriller include "Death in Salem," by Eleanor Kuhns, "Paradise Sky," by Joe. R. Lansdale, and "The Precipice," by Paul Doiron.

In Science Fiction/Fantasy, you can pick up "Pure Blooded,' by Amanda Carlson "Beyond Redemption," by Michael R. Fletcher, and "The Library at Mount Char," by Scott Hawkins.

Will any of these books make your "to-read" list?  Share with us!  Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstore whenever possible.

Laydown Lowdown

As the temperatures heat up, there is nothing better than relaxing outside with a good book such as one of this week's new reads.

Look out for "Those Girls," by Lauren Saft in Young Adult today.  I just started reading my ARC of this today.  Keep your eyes on this blog for my upcoming review!  Other new releases in the genre include "Alive," by Chandler Baker, "Finding Audrey," by "Shopaholic" author, Sophie Kinsella, "Delicate Monsters," by Stephanie Kuehn, "Hello, I Love You," by Katie M. Stout, and "The Stars Rise," by Rachel Vincent.

Reach "The Breaking Point," by Jefferson Bass in Mystery/Thriller with "No Place to Die," by Claire Donohue, "The Dead Assassin," by Vaughn Entwistle, and "SignWave," by Andrew Vachss.

Load up on Romance 'till your "Heart's Desire," by T.J. Kline along with "Only a Promise," by Mary Balogh, "The Wedding Gift," by Cara Connelly, and "All's Fair in Love and Scandal," by Caroline Linden.

Beware the "Demon's Vengence" by Jocelyn Drake  in Science Fiction/Fantasy as well as "The Darkling Child: Defenders of Shannara," by Terry Brooks, "Dead Ice," by Laurell K. Hamilton, "The Invasion of the Tearling," by Erika Johnsen, and "Darwin's Watch: Science of Discworld III," by Terry Pratchett.

Will any of these books make your "to-read" list?  Share with us!  Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.

Laydown Lowdown

I'm back from Book Expo America and so is the Laydown Lowdown!  There are lots of great new reads this week so, let's get right to it.

If you're yearning for Romance this summer, check out "Crave the Night," by Lara Adrian,  "Beyond the Cut," by Sarah Castle, "One Night With a Billionaire," by Jessica Clare, "Suddenly One Summer," by Julie James, "All the Right Places," by Jenna Sutton, and "Moonlight on Nightingale Way," by Samantha Young."

If you're looking for thrills and chills, you can pick up "Finders Keepers," by Stephen King today as well as "Hell's Gate," by Richard Crompton, "The Evidence Room," by Cameron Harvey, "The Governor's Wife," by Michael Harvey, and "The Missing and the Dead," by Stuart MacBride in Mystery/Thriller/Horror.

Or maybe you'd prefer an out of this world escape with the latest Science "Nemesis Games," by James S.A. Corey, "The Fold," by Peter Clines, "From a Drood to a Kill," by Simon R. Green, and "Drink Deep," by Chloe Neill.

 You could load up a suitcase with today's Young Adult releases. Stock up with "The Witch Hunter," by Virginia Boecker, "The Devil You Know," by Trish Doller, "Charlie, Presumed Dead," by Anne Heltzel, "The Good Girls," by Sara Shepard, "Because You'll Never Meet Me," by Leah Thomas and "Siren's Fury," by Mary Weber.

Will any of these books make your "to-read" list?  Share with us!  Remember to support your local bookstore whenever possible.  Happy Reading.

Laydown Lowdown

It's the first Tuesday in March and there are lots of great new books to start this month off right.

Heat things up with new Romance titles such as "His to Take," by Shayla Black, "Binding Ties," by Shannon K. Butcher," "Heartbreak Cove," by Lily Everett, "Stealing Rose," by Monica Murphy, and "Darker Than Desire," by Shiloh Walker.

 

Keep your pulse racing with The Assassin," by Clive Cussler  and Justin Fox or check out "An Exaggerated Murder," by Justin Cook, "Leaving Berlin," by Joseph Kanon, "Death, Taxes, and Cheap Sunglasses," by Diane Kelly and "Dying for a Cupcake," by Denise Swanson in Mystery/Thriller.

Pick up a "Vision in Silver," by Anne Bishop in Science Fiction/Fantasy along with "Dead Heat," by Patricia Briggs, "The Crow of Connemara," by Stephen Leigh or "The Suicide Exhibition," by Justin Richards.

Head to Young Adult to find "Mosquitoland," by David Arnold, "The Dead I Know," by Scott Gardner, "An Uncertain Choice," by Jody Hedlund, "Terminal," by Kathy Reichs, and "My Best Everything," by Sarah Tomp.

Will any of these books make you "to-read" list?  Happy Reading and remember to support your local bookstores whenever possible.

The King by Tiffany Reisz

"Cunning. Sex. Pure nerve. Only this unholy threesome can raise him to his rightful place as a ruler of Manhattan's kink kingdom.

Bouncing from bed to bed on the Upper East Side, Kingsley Edge is brilliant, beautiful and utterly debauched. No carnal act or chemical compound can relieve his self-destructive heartache—only Søren, the one person he loves without limit or regret. A man he can never have, but in whose hands Kingsley is reborn to attain even greater heights of sin.

Kingsley's plan to open the ultimate BDSM club—a dungeon playground for New York's A-list—becomes his obsession. His expertise in domination can't subdue the one man who wants to stop him. The enigmatic Reverend Fuller won't rest until King's dream is destroyed, and so the battle lines are set; it's one man's sacred mission against another's…"

It's no secret that I love Tiffany Reisz's work especially her "Original Sinners" series.  In fact, Ms. Reisz has raised the bar in how I judge all my reads; nothing compares to her work.  However, she really outdid herself with this latest entry in the series. 

I read this entire novel with this bizarre blissful look on my face. I know this because my mom interrupted me at one point to ask "what the heck are you reading, you look like you're in a trance." :)  I almost felt like I was in a trance as Tiffany writes so well that you'll feel like your right there in the scene.  

"The King," is the second novel in "The Original Sinners: The White Years," a prequel quartet to "The Original Sinners: The Red Years."  This never felt like a prequel though.  It was a wonderful, fresh story that takes the reader into the heart and mind of Kingsley Edge as he grows to become King of the "8th Circle" that we meet in the first "Original Sinner" novel, "The Siren."  
 
Kingsley was always my favorite character so I loved that this installment was dedicated to him.  Kingsley is a paradoxal character.  He's dark and strong but also hysterically funny and sensitive.  "The King" does a great job at showing his many layers.

 "The King" also introduces us to new characters, my favorite being Sam; Kingsley assistant and the one woman who is immune to his many charms.  This being an erotic novel though, Kingsley doesn't lack for paramours.  This book is super hot and definitely for adults only.

If you've never read, Tiffany's work, I suggest you start with "The Siren."  "The King" can be read as a stand-alone but I feel it's best enjoyed as part of the series.

For more on Tiffany Reisz, visit her website and look for her novels in bookstores everywhere.

Have you read "The King"?  I'd love to hear your non-spoilery comments below!

Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

"Owning Violet," by Monica Murphy is the first book in Murphy's new "Fowler Sisters" sisters.  In "Owning Violet," we meet the titular sister, who at the novel's onset is a niave doormat who remains true to her cheating boyfriend despite her intellect and savy business sense in running campaigns for her family's company, Fleur Cosmetics.  Unbeknownst to Violet, she's about to become a pawn in her fellow co-worker Ryder's masterplan.  Ryder is a cocky self assured man who is determined to leave his sordid past behind and make a name for himself in the Fleur Cosmetic empire. On a dare from Pilar, his devious friend with benefits, he agrees to seduce Violet in devastate her and use it as leverage to advance himself in the company.  However, unbeknownst to Ryder, he's about to fall head over heels for Violet...
 


Should you own "Owning Violet," by Monica Murphy?  If you love steamy erotic novels then definitely. What I enjoyed about this novel was that it was told from both Ryder and Violet's alternating points of view.  This gives the reader a dimensional view of the characters as to how they view themselves contrasted with how they view each other.  I love how Ryder and Violet grew together as a couple and separately.  You're also introduced to Violet's sisters Lily and Rose who will each get stories of their own in the subsequent books in the series.  I can't wait to read Lily's story. She may only appear briefly in "Owning Violet," but I can tell her story will be really interesting.

One thing I disliked about "Owning Violet," was Ryder's excessive need to drop the "f-bomb."  Yes this is a novel for adults with graphic descriptions of intimate scenes where such language would be necessary.  However, even in his mundane and non-sexual thoughts in the book, Ryder dropped the "f-bomb," to what I found to be an excessive and distracting degree. I swear he used the "f-bomb," more times than used in "The Wolf of Wall Street." LOL  However, it's worth overlooking in exchange for this entertaining story.

For more on "Owning Violet," and Monica Murphy's books, please visit her website. You can find "Owning Violet," at your local bookstore or online ebook retailer.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the author's publicist for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Keep Me Safe by Maya Banks with Author Interview!

If you're looking for a weekend read that is not only super sexy and romantic but is full of suspense and thrills with a dash of the supernatural then look no further than "Keep Me Safe," by Maya Banks.

When Caleb Devereaux’s younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot. While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.  Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie’s vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will do risk everything to protect her— including his heart. . . mayabanks.com

"Keep Me Safe," was a great read.  It was a lot darker, in a good way, than I expected.  Ramie and Caleb's sister Tori both reacted to their traumas in different and realistic ways.  The dark themes were contrasted with the sweet and spicy relationship between Caleb and Ramie which progressed at a slow and tentative pace before kicking into high gear.  The ending will also really throw you for a loop, you definitely won't be able to predict how it ends, unless you too have a psychic gift ;) 

Maya Banks was kind enough to participate in an email interview with me.  Read on for more about her and the "Slow Burn" trilogy.

JN: Keep Me Safe deals with characters who have unique psychic abilities. Have you had any firsthand experience with psychic phenomena?

 

MB:  Nope, none whatsoever! It’s fun to imagine though. Or to say “what if” and that’s really the premise of the entire series. What IF someone possessed a unique ability in today’s world? What kind of obstacles would they face?

 

I loved the depth of the characters in Keep Me Safe. For example, Ramie is a unique combination of a strong woman but also a wounded and vulnerable woman.  Where do you draw the inspiration for your characters?

 

I just try to imagine how a person would react under certain circumstances. How ANY human would react. We aren’t always going to be kickass and strong. We all have our vulnerable moments and our weaknesses just as we all have our strong points. I like my characters to have a mixture of these elements. To me it makes them more realistic.

 

What, if anything, can you share about the next installment in the Slow Burn series?

 

Ari, the heroine in IN HIS KEEPING has a very interesting past, as we learn at the beginning of the story. Abandoned on the doorstep of a wealthy, childless couple, she grew up extremely sheltered. For a reason. When she was a mere infant she displayed remarkable abilities. Telekinesis. And we learn as the story progresses that her powers are so much more but were never explored because her adopted parents wanted to protect her and encouraged her to hide her abilities from the rest of the world.

 

I really want to know more about Tori, will we learn more about her in subsequent installments in the Slow Burn series?

 

Absolutely! She’ll even get her own story later in the series :)

 

Did you always want to be a writer?

 

Well yes and no. I’ve always loved to WRITE but I never thought it possible to write for a living. I just assumed it was a pipe dream so I never even pursued it until I was in my thirties.

 

About how long does it take for you to take your story idea(s) and transform them into a finished novel?

 

Sometimes, as was the case with the Slow Burn series, it takes YEARS from the time I first have the idea to when I can actually publish the stories. Very frustrating! But once I have the green light it usually takes about two months for everything to pull together.

 

Have you ever experienced writer's block, and if so, how did you work through it? 

 

I don’t believe in writer’s block. At least not in the way it’s mostly described. If I’m not writing, it’s for one of two reasons. Either I’m being lazy and am unmotivated. OR there’s something wrong with the story. Once I go back and figure out where I veered off the path or where I went wrong then I can fix it and move forward once more.

 

Besides yourself, who are your favorite authors?

 

I have many. But just to name a FEW I love Nalini Singh, Kresley Cole, Christine Feehan, Sharon Sala, Elizabeth Lowell and Linda Howard.

 

I saw in your biography that you love to travel.  What is your favorite place that you have visited? 

 

Oh I have so many favorites. My favorite “family” trip was to Ireland. The kids LOVED it there and so did my husband and I.

 

What place would you like to travel to that you haven't had the opportunity to visit yet?

I want SO badly to see the Northern Lights. It’s definitely on my bucket list!

 

Want to win a copy of "Keep Me Safe," by Maya Banks? Of course you do!! Simply put your information in the Rafflecopter for your chance to win.  If you are not a lucky winner, please pick up "Keep Me Safe," at your local bookstore.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special Thanks to Ms. Banks for taking the time for an email interview and to Ms. Banks' publicist for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tangled Up/Cosmo Red Hot Reads Blog Tour

Today, we're proud to be one of the tour stops on the "Cosmo Red Hot Reads" tour as sponsored by AToMR Tours.  Every month Cosmopolitan Magazine and Harlequin team up to publish two erotic novellas.  This month's selections are "Crossing the Line" by Megan Hart and "Burned" by Sarah Morgan.  They're available separately for your e-reader or bound together in print as "Tangled Up."

I read both of these on my lunch break and they gave new meaning to a "hot lunch."

Burned by Sarah Morgan

Every girl needs some self-defense. But at Fit and Physical, you'll learn martial arts and get fit at the same time. Look great, feel better and kick a little butt! Check out one-on-one personal training with our favourite karate black belt, Rosie Miller. She loves her job, the world of martial arts, and her life is just…well, brilliant.

Trainer and martial artist Rosie Miller's zen is seriously compromised when Hunter Black—her former coach and lover—becomes her new boss. With all the sexual energy still crackling between them, her poor little zen doesn't stand a chance. So this time, Rosie is determined to do more than put up self-defense. She and Hunter are going to play by her rules…. 
(synopsis provided by publisher)

"Burned" was my favorite of the two.  I loved Rosie's fierce personality.  She's smart and confident but not domineering.  I also loved that this book is set in London.  The thought of all those sexy accents really added to the punches both in the martial arts and in the banter between Rosie and Hunter.  This is a quick, frisky, fun read. Definitely check it out.

Crossing the Line by Megan Hart—Caitlyn Fox has one chance to prove to her outrageously hot—and ridiculously controlling—boss that she's got the chops to succeed. But Jamison Wolfe isn't quite what he seems. And once they cross the line between business and pleasure, Caitlyn discovers the one place where she's in control....
(synopsis provided by publisher)

Rosie may not be domineering but Caitlyn is and in all the right ways.  I loved that Caitlyn is literally the dominant one in her relationship.  It was a nice change from the traditional billionaire dominant male stories that seem to be everywhere.  Heat wise, I found this tale to milder than "Burned" but it was still a fun, sexy, and worth reading.

Download "Crossing the Line," by Megan Hart and "Burned," by Sarah Morgan from your favorite e-bookseller or head to your local bookstore for "Tangled Up."  For more information, please visit the rest of the stops on the blog tour.

You can also try your luck at winning a copy of "Tangled Up," by heading down to the Rafflecopter.  Harlequin has 5 copies up for grabs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to AtoMR Tours and Cosmo Red Hot Reads From Harlequin for providing me a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.