Friday, October 31, 2014

SUNNY - ARC REVIEW: "Sweeter Than Sin" by Shiloh Walker


CAN’T FORGET THE PAIN

It took years for Adam to stop drowning his regrets in alcohol, and running the local bar doesn’t make it any easier—especially not when everyone he knows gathers there to discuss the shocking allegations that have shattered his hometown. When another murder rocks sleepy Madison to its core, it becomes chillingly clear that even more vicious wounds are waiting to be exposed.

WON’T RESIST THE PLEASURE

Nothing is sacred anymore, and no one is safe, least of all the mystery woman who shows up in town out of the blue, looking like every fantasy Adam’s ever had. She may have her own dangerous secrets, but she can’t ignore the urgent heat between them any more than he can. As a killer’s quest for vengeance explodes into violence, Adam is tempted to lose himself in the delicious promise of her body—until he realizes he’ll risk anything if she’ll give him her heart…in Sweeter than Sin by Shiloh Walker.

Adam Brascum
Lana Rossi

It's Halloween and it is probably fitting that I post my review of this book today. The story embodies a haunting moodiness. 

Sweeter Than Sin is Book Two in the Secrets & Shadows series.  I love these kinds of Shiloh Walker stories.  They are dark, creepy and chilling.  This is the story of a small town, a small town with lots of terrifying secrets.  The atmosphere reminds of any good Stephen King book or Alfred Hitchcock movie.  This is the kind of place where people you meet have a little bit of guilt written on their face.  

The first part of the story is a bit slow.  If you haven’t read book one, you will appreciate the history of the evil that haunts this town.  Because this series takes place in a concentrated area, we get to revisit familiar characters.  The secondary characters are as important to the story as the relationship between Adam and Lana. 

The last half of the book is COMPELLING.  The narrative is tragic and sad.  I felt a lingering sense of horror and grief.  Even Adam and Lana’s happy ending did not lift my spirits. What happened to those boys by the Cronus Club left me depressed.  I suppose this is the hallmark of a good story. 


In Shiloh Walker fashion, this series has sucked me in. Not going to be able to let go until I'm finished.


Shiloh Walker is an award-winning writer…yes, really!  She’s also a mom, a wife, a reader and she pretends to be an amateur photographer.  She published her first book in 2003. Her newest series, Secrets and Shadows, launched with Deeper than Need, followed by Sweeter than Sin and Darker than Desire.


She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance, and urban fantasy under the name J.C. Daniels.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Monday, October 27, 2014

SUNNY - RELEASE DAY LAUNCH: "All Broke Down" by Cora Carmack

ABD RDL Banner   
  
Yowza! We are extremely excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Cora Carmack's ALL BROKE DOWN!! ALL BROKE DOWN is a New Adult Contemporary Romance.  We loved All Lined Up and can't wait to continue this series!



All Broke Down
by Cora Carmack
Book 2 in the Rusk University Series
HarperCollins, Publisher

SUMMARY: 
In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with ALL LINED UP, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love. Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause. Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help. Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

ABD Teaser 1


Excerpt: 

I think I get it then. That decision I saw in her eyes back in the kitchen. That’s what this, what I’m about for her, too. I’m just another part of whatever rebellion she started earlier today. About doing what she wants, not what’s expected of her. “We’re not talking about me, though,” she says. “So you went to meet your friend, and then what happened?” She keeps her eyes down as she picks up the gauze and begins winding it snugly around the knuckles of one hand, and then the other. “He said the wrong thing.” “Which was?” “Dylan.” Now it’s her that’s pushing too hard. I didn’t want to talk about things with my friends, and I won’t talk about them with her, either, no matter how gorgeous she is. “I’ll guess. You were mad about what he did, and he wasn’t sorry.” “This isn’t middle school, Pickle. He didn’t hurt my feelings. He said some shit he had no business saying, and it pissed me off. The end.” “But you don’t think some of that anger stems from what you feel is a betrayal of your friendship?” She finishes taping down the last of the gauze, but doesn’t let go of my hand. “I think you’re analyzing me again. Making things more complicated than they are.” “And I think you’re just a guy who doesn’t like to admit he has feelings.” She drags out the word, teasing me with some goofy smile on her face. I turn my hand over so I can clutch her wrist. I curlmy other bandaged hand around her waist and pull her closer. “I feel plenty of things.” The teasing stops. She swallows. “I wasn’t talking about that kind of feeling.” With her standing and me sitting, I’m eye level with her chest. I see the sharp rise and fall as she sucks in a breath. I want her in my lap again, straddling me this time. “Doesn’t mean we can’t talk about that kind of feeling. Or experiment with it.” “Is that Stella girl an ex?” I cough, surprised. My throat twists uncomfortably, and it takes me a couple of solid breaths to get a hold on myself. “Ah, no. Stella and I have never dated.” “Have you—” “Do you ever run out of questions?” “Not ever.” She turns playful again, and I’m done doing this the careful way. If she wants a rebellion, I’ll be the one to give it to her. I want her against me, and I’m tired of waiting. I pull her forward, insinuating my knees between hers, and her body naturally follows, settling across my thighs. Her lips part, but she catches herself before she gasps this time. I keep her steady with my hands at her waist and say, “I’ll make you a deal. A question for a kiss.” Tentatively, she lays her palms against my shoulders. They rest there, her grip light and casual. She ponders my offer for a moment, and it drives me mad that she can do that while our hips are inches away from alignment. “Okay then. Are you—” I cut her off. “Not so fast, Dylan Brenner. I’ve already answered one question. We’ve got to settle up first.” I wrap her braid around my hand like I’ve been waiting to do all night, and I use it to pull her head back just enough that I can crush my mouth against hers.


And don’t forget to grab your copy of ALL LINED UP Today!

All Lined Up

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes



Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.         

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | ALL BROKE DOWN Goodreads

ABD Teaser 3

SUNNY - RELEASE DAY BLITZ: "Shifters After Dark" Box Set


Shifters After Dark Box Set

Dive into six incredible fantasy worlds by NYT and USA Today Bestselling authors where shifters rule! Whether it's an action-packed urban fantasy or steamy paranormal romance, this collection delivers what you crave most. Six nail-biting stories of adventure, romance, danger, suspense, alpha males, and tough heroines... Dark secrets and imprisoned hearts await. Come unlock them!  Cliffhanger-free!


OF WINGS AND WOLVES 
by SM Reine
Summer Gresham's unique shapeshifting nature is a well-hidden secret, so the 20-year-old coed is baffled to be singled out for a prestigious internship. She’s even more stunned to discover the man who wants to hire her—Nash Adamson—specifically requested her…and won’t take no for an answer. A rebel angel in exile, Nash has more than a few secrets of his own. Summer is the key to his freedom, and her warmth and beauty stirs something inside of him, almost making him forget he’s imprisoned. Then Summer finds herself at the crux of an ancient war, and angels don’t care how many mortals get caught in the crossfire. Torn between saving Summer and freeing himself, Nash has to choose what matters most: their love, or his freedom.


SEVEN YEARS
by Dannika Dark
Lexi Knight hasn't seen Austin Cole since her brother's funeral seven years ago. Austin's no longer the boy she once knew, but a dangerous bounty hunter with dark secrets. When he reveals to Lexi that he's an alpha Shifter, her world is flipped upside down. But there's a shocking twist no one saw coming, and now her family is in danger. Can Austin salvage a relationship from the ruins of their past? Reality meets Paranormal Romance in this bestselling series about family, second chances, and finding that person who completes you. Cliffhanger-free, HEA, 17+


HOOD'S OBSESSION 
by Marie Hall 
Lilith Wolf, the daughter of the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood has a problem, she's an unmated female in heat. She has to get away from the males of her village unless she wants to find herself involuntarily hand fasted to the first one to tame her wolf. So when Giles Damien comes to her calling due the pact she'd signed with Rumpelstiltskin years ago, she doesn't really think twice about the fact that she'll be journeying to Fyre Mountain. Even though that means she'll be crossing paths with an angry water dragon, a pub full of rowdy Merry Men, and rock dwarves with a taste for flesh... but she'd never counted on falling in love. These are the other fairy tales no one ever told you about...


THE DARK OF TWILIGHT 
by Kate Danley - Boxed Set Exclusive
Aein always longed to become a member of Lord Arnkell's army, ever since she was a child working in the stronghold's kitchen.  When that day finally comes and she is sent to patrol the border's swamp with fellow warrior, Lars, it seems like her dream has come true.  But something has followed her home.  When Lord Arnkell's wedding is interrupted by a werewolf attack, the dream shifts into a nightmare… and Aein is the only one awake. Book One in the brand new epic fantasy series Twilight Shifters.  A boxed set exclusive!


BLOODSICK 
by Melissa F. Olson
All her life, Sashi’s mother warned her not to get involved with werewolf problems. But Sashi, a witch who uses her magic to help cancer patients fight their illness, has never made a habit of ignoring pain. When she meets an abused shapeshifter that no one else seems willing to help, Sashi will risk everything –including her fledgling relationship – to save a woman who can’t save herself. An Old World novella from the author of Dead Spots, Trail of Dead, and Hunter's Trail.


HEARTSONG 
by Phoenix Sullivan
By night, in her Gabriel Hound form, Brinn runs with The Wild Hunt. When she's unwittingly thralled by brother princes Alain and Pellinore, only one thing can free her: the blood of her captors. But freedom is not so easily won as the three of them form a grudging bond that soon turns intimate. Love should be easy, but The Wild Hunt wants Brinn back, the Questing Beast wants Pel, and Alain wants the impossible--to keep them both at his side. (an Arthurian-era fantasy, 17+)




Available for purchase at

             








SM REINE
SM Reine is an author of paranormal and urban fantasy from Reno, NV best known for "The Descent Series," which is about an exorcist on the run from God. She likes long walks on the beach, overcast days, total mayhem, and kittens.

Author Links:


DANNIKA DARK
Dannika Dark is a USA Today Bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She was born on a military base in the U.S. and traveled the world before she was nine. Now she’s rooted in the south with her head firmly in the clouds. At age twelve, Dannika began writing post-apocalyptic stories. That passion evolved to poetry and song lyrics, but it wasn’t until years later that she realized her passion for writing fantasy. When Danni is not writing, she enjoys a great sci-fi or fantasy movie, Tex-Mex, heaps of chocolate, and unleashing her dark side.

Author Links:


MARIE HALL
Marie loves books that make you think, or feel something. Preferably both.
And while she's a total girly girl and loves glitter and rainbows, she's
just as happy when she's writing about the dark underbelly of society.
Well, if things like zombies, and vampires, and werewolves, and mermaids existed. (Although she has it on good authority that mermaids do in fact
exist, because the internet told her so.)

She's married to the love of her life, a sexy beast of a caveman who likes to refer to himself as Big Hunk. She has two awesome kids, lives in Hawaii, loves cooking and occasionally has been known to crochet. She also really loves talking about herself in the third person.

If you want to see what new creations she's got up her sleeves check out
her blog: www.MarieHallWrites.blogspot.com or contact her personally at mariehallwrites@gmail.com
Author Links:


KATE DANLEY
Kate Danley's debut novel, The Woodcutter (published by 47North), was honored with the Garcia Award for the Best Fiction Book of the Year, the 1st Place Fantasy Book in the Reader Views Literary Awards, and the winner of the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Other titles include: Queen Mab, the Maggie MacKay: Magical Tracker series, and the O'Hare House Mysteries.
Her plays have been produced in New York, Los Angeles, and DC Metro area. Her screenplay Fairy Blood won 1st Place in the Breckenridge Festival of Film Screenwriting Competition in the Action/Adventure Category. Her projects The Playhouse, Dog Days, Sock Zombie, SuperPout, and Sports Scents can be seen in festivals and on the internet. She trained in on-camera puppetry with Mr. Snuffleupagus and recently played the head of a 20-foot dinosaur on an NBC pilot.  She lost on Hollywood Squares.

Author Links:
Twitter: @katedanley


MELISSA F OLSON
Melissa Olson was raised in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and studied film and literature at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. After graduation, and a brief stint bouncing around the Hollywood studio system, Melissa landed in Madison, WI, where she eventually acquired a master's degree from UW-Milwaukee, a husband, a mortgage, a teaching gig, two kids, and two comically oversized dogs, not at all in that order. She loves Madison, but still dreams of the food in LA. Literally. There are dreams.

Author Links:
Subscribe to “The Scarlett Letter” newsletter – always with exclusive content!



PHOENIX SULLIVAN
Phoenix Sullivan has been publishing fantasy and science fiction stories under her various pen names before most of you were born. Marion Zimmer Bradley was her first editor. Today she's General Manager for Steel Magnolia Press, helping to bring sexy, thrilling, and fantastical stories to ereaders near you.

In days gone by, Phoenix was a registered vet tech, working with small animal clinics and wildlife rehab centers. She lives now on a Texas farm, sharing her days with a small herd of ponies, three dogs, two cats, a goat, some chickens and the occasional rat snake. Life doesn't get much better...

Sign up for Fresh Leaves, the Steel Magnolia Press newsletter, for the latest in new releases and great deals.  
http://steelmagnoliapress.com




Presented By