Review of The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca

The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Marine, Adult Fiction.

Published: March 2013

Length: 184 pages (e-book)

3 out of 5 Stars (It was a cute read)

I wasn’t sure what I was going to think about this one, but the plot was interesting and kept my attention.

Megan is a veterinarian who is being accused for stealing a show dog by an influential man in her town. She seeks the help of an old love, Adam. Adam does not know that Megan has been keeping the fact that they have a 2 year old son. Once Adam finds out the child, he wants to protect his family, but he is not sure if he can be a father especially with the secret he has been holding.

I was a little nervous that we would not find out about the child, Cole, until closer to the end of the book, but that did not happen. As soon as Adam found out about his “C-Man” (I loved that nickname that Adam gave his son) the story took off.

Megan was a great heroine. She was sweet and understanding, but strong at the same time.  I was upset with the fact that she did not tell Adam about Cole until he was 2 years-old.  I think a man should always know. However, we learn what happened in her life with her father so I kind-of understood her fear.  That whole story line about Megan’s father was believable.  Usually when an author tries to write a story to make the readers understand the character’s angst, it is not so believable.  This, I was able to understand and see how that could truly make her feel that Adam would  do the same.

I thought the scenes between Megan and Adam were enduring and passionate. They were pretty hot. The author did a good job allowing me to experience their passion and love for one another.

I liked the suspense part of the story.  I loved that Adam was the protector, but then I was disappointed because he seemed to “run” every time anything got hard.  The miscommunication of him “thinking” what he thought Megan was thinking or feeling about him got on my nerves in the end.  I want a man to act like a man and not be afraid to confront the issues.

• Did I skim? No
• Did I connect to the characters? Yes. It was easy to.
• Pace of story: Pretty. I have to be honest I thought it was going to drag, but I liked how the author took us and made the reader understand Megan and Adam’s love before Cole was introduced to the story.
• Positives: It was written well.
• Negatives: I hated that Adam basically waited until the last minute to tell Megan about why he was having those bad dreams.  It honestly pissed me off.  I liked Adam, but wanted to throw an apple or something at him so he would wake up and see him holding stuff in was only making things worse.
• Do I recommend? Overall, if you are looking for a simple cute love story with a bit of suspense, I recommend. It was a cute story even though the story got a little too sappy for me towards the end. However, I did not feel like I wasted my reading time.

Happy Reading

Book/Format: ARC courtesy of the publisher for an honest review.

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The Baby Bargain on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Bargain-ebook/dp/B00BQMKC5O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1363630712&sr=1-1&keywords=the+baby+bargain+jennifer+apodaca

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Review of Truth and Author Interview Aleatha Romig

 

Review

Truth (Consequences #2) by Aleatha Romig

Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.

Published: October 2012

Length: 468 pages

5 out of 5 Stars (It was a really good sequel…loved!)

I am always so leery of sequels.  Many are just “fillers” until the third book in the trilogy comes out.  I hate that.  However, that was not in the case with Truth the sequel to Consequences.

Synopsis: When Claire finally is released from jail and from Anthony Rawlings, she makes it a mission to rebuild her life.  After being under the control of Tony for so long, she knows it will be a struggle, but one she cannot fail at. How easy will that be when she knows that Tony likes to control everything in his life and even though she is no longer “in” his life, she knows that Tony will not give her up that easily.   However, what Claire begins to learn is not everyone is fooled in the façade that Anthony Rawlings put out for people to see.

The second book in the Consequences series was so well written, so original; I loved the twists and turns.  Just when I thought I had everything figured there was an unexpected twist.

I am emotionally invested in the lives of Claire and Tony.  I don’t know if I will regret saying this, but I started to like Tony. Yes, I know!!!  I saw him as a different man, but not sure if I am blinded by all his “everything.”   Readers, you know what I mean!!!!

And what an amazing job the author did by having me change my opinion about certain characters.  I can’t believe I started hating some and loving others. Maybe I am suffering Stockholm syndrome??!!  Can I get that as a reader????

My favorite… favorite scene in the whole book is the scene when Claire meets Tony at the restaurant for the first time after she has been released from jail. I read Truth twice already and that is still my favorite scene in the entire book.  That scene was just so…Tony.  I don’t want to give away specifics but from the minute Claire walked into the restaurant to the end it was everything I could see Tony do.  I seriously love and hate that man.  I need help!!

Hours after finishing the book, I was thinking about the characters.  I rarely say this about a book, but I am not sure if I want an HEA with this series.  The ending had me asking “what just happened???” And this is why I loved the book.  I love that I am not sure which way I want the story to go.

• Did I skim? No. So much happens in this book, you can not skim.
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes!
• Will I reread? Already have and probably will again before Convicted comes out.
• Positives:  Well paced. The sequel did not disappoint.
• Negatives: My only gripe is that we have to wait for the release until the end of 2013/beginning of 2014.
• Do I recommend? Yes. I loved it!!!!

 

Author Interview (Part II)

Aleatha Romig

What was the hardest part about writing Consequences and Truth?

The hardest part was writing a trilogy and not knowing I was writing a trilogy! I wrote Consequences as a standalone book.  I left it “open”.  However, I had no idea where it would go. Then with Truth and now with Convicted, I have to check dates and work diligently to be sure everything fits together.

How long did it take you to write Consequences and Truth?

I wrote Consequences slower, it was all trial and error.  Truth, once it started flowing, which was about 5 – 6 months into it, I wrote the entire manuscript in four months.

Did you learn anything from writing Consequences and Truth? If yes, what was it?

OMG! I’ve learned SO much.  I’ve gone to seminars and workshops. I’ve talked with talented amazing authors. I’ve listened to readers and reviewers.  The entire process has been one big education. I’ve learned to know the rules and know when to break them.  Value others opinions but write for me.  If I don’t love what I write, no one else will.

Did any parts or scenes of Consequences and/or Truth come from personal experiences or of experiences of other people? 

There are a few snippets here and there.  However, most of the material is from fiction, books, TV shows, and movies… all woven together.

Did your husband and children read your books? If yes, what were their reactions to the story?

My husband is my “sounding board”.  I often read scenes to him. My children have not read, but they know the story. We’ve had many dinner discussions regarding Claire and Tony.

Is there a meaning behind the cover of Consequences and Truth?

Yes, at the end of Consequences, the note in the box says, “You’re just a piece of the puzzle”.   The entire book is a puzzle for the reader to put together. Remember, things are not always as they appear.  And Truth, I wanted to stay with the “game” theme.  The entire book is like a chess match.  I also like the inclusion of Claire’s pearl necklace.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Follow your heart and get a good editor!

Do you have anything that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you! I could never have imagined how loving and outgoing readers could be.  I’m enjoying every minute of this fantastic ride.  Please continue to tell others about my books.  Word of mouth is still the best recommendation.

What is your favorite movie? Favorite book?

One of my favorite movies, I’ve watched so many times I know by heart is: Overboard with Goldie Hawn.   Favorite book, I always say: Gone With the Wind.   Truly, there are too many to pick one!

What is the most shocking thing a fan has asked you since Consequences and Truth have been published?

That! lol   Nothing comes to mind.  Maybe I’m not easily shocked.

Will Convicted be the last book in the series?

Yes, it’s time to move on.  However, no matter how many more books or series’ I write, Tony and Claire will always be special – they’re my first.  You always remember your first!

When will Convicted be coming out?

The release date isn’t set.  I’m hoping for late 2013 / early 2014.  We’ll see!

Thank you for this interview. I cannot tell you how excited I am for the release of Convicted.

Thank you so much for having me here! And thank you for telling people about my books! I’m very excited about Convicted too… I promise more twists and turns! I have a reputation to maintain.

Follow Aleatha Romig on:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AleathaRomig

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aleatha.romig.7

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Series Reading Order:

Consequences (Consequences #1)

Truth (Consequences #2)

Convicted (Consequences #3)

 

Review and Interview of Consequences By Aleatha Romig

Review and Interview of Consequences

 

Review

Consequences (Consequences #1) by Aleatha Romig

Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Erotica.

Length:  526 Pages

Synopsis: Claire Nichols wakes up in a strange bed in a house she has never been to and not sure how she got there.  The only things she does know is that the man keeping her captive, Anthony Rawlings,  is the tall, handsome, and wealthy man who she just met at the bar she works at.   Was Claire just at the wrong place at the wrong time?  Was she just the object of lust by a wealthy man who is use to taking whatever he wants?

What Claire does not know is that her captor has been following her for a long time and has been manipulating many of the pivotal moments in her life.  What Anthony does not know is the he will become captivated by the beautiful and kind Claire.  What they both will learn is that actions have consequences.

When I first finished this book, I had a wide range of emotions… terror, sadness, happiness, lust and then sadness again.  My emotions were literally all over the place.  How I felt about Anthony depended on what page I was reading.  How could I hate this man, be attracted to him and love him all in the same book?  I was on an emotional roller-coaster, but one that wanted to go back on once the ride was over!!!

Certain scenes were raw, gritty, dark and disturbing.  It was an emotional read that stuck with me for days.

There is a mystery of sorts that will be pieced together with flashbacks every few chapters.  At first, these flashbacks were frustrating, but I am glad I did not skip through them.

I did not expect this book to capture me as much as it did. I made the mistake of reading Consequences the week of Thanksgiving, which I was hosting.  I was reading and cooking. Thank god that turkey came out good.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. (I love these stories and this one did not disappoint.)

• Did I skim? No
• Do I recommend? Yes
• Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. I was emotionally attached to the characters.
• Will I reread? Already have.
• Did I look forward to the sequel when I was done? Yes.  
• Ending/Cliffhanger: “OMG”

Author Interview (Part I)

Let me first start by saying how happy I am that you agreed to do this interview, Aleatha.  Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day.

Christine, thank you for inviting me!

How did you come up with idea for Consequences?

The opening scene of Consequences came to me.  I’m not sure if it was a dream or a thought… but I imagined it. The more I thought about it, I wanted to know what was happening. I sat down and started to write…to find out.

I am always curious about this, how did you come to give your main characters their names?

That is a great question. I don’t know.  I’ve always liked the name Claire.  But Anthony? I think I wanted something that could sound distinguished and also casual… Anthony / Tony.  This sounds silly, but his last name came from a ball in my garage- “Rawlings”.  Kind of like the “Wilson” in Castaway.

The quotes you have before each chapter, did you write them before or after you wrote the chapter?

Mostly after, I looked for quotes that reflected the mood or essence of the chapter.

If the Consequences series were to be made into a movie, who would you like to play Tony? Claire? Catherine?

Tony was always Joe Magellano in my mind.  But lately Jon Hamm and David Gandy have been suggested. I think they would work too.  For Claire, I like Natalie Portman or Olivia Wilde.  I honestly haven’t given Catherine much thought.

When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

Writing was always a dream and a passion.  I don’t think I ever thought I could do it.

When is your favorite time of day to write?

Late at night or very early in the morning, when the house is quiet.

What is your favorite quote and/or scene from Consequences?

That is very hard. I like it all.  I love many quotes. One that comes to mind right now is:  “He spoke again as if he hadn’t just shattered his promise and her security.  Her house of glass now lay in a pile of shards.” … kind of sad.

I am always curious about this, how did you come to give your main characters their names?

That is a great question. I don’t know.  I’ve always liked the name Claire.  But Anthony? I think I wanted something that could sound distinguished and also casual… Anthony / Tony.  This sounds silly, but his last name came from a ball in my garage- “Rawlings”.  Kind of like the “Wilson” in Castaway.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging when you write?

Time, balance, organization! I want about 10 more hours in each day.  Yet, I’m not sure I’d use them properly… I need more discipline.

What type of reactions did you get from readers after Consequences was published?

Mixed, some people loved it, others hated it. I enjoy evoking emotion and I think I do.  Now that Truth is also out, the responses are more positive. It helps that people can see the transformation in the characters.

Is there something in particular you like to eat and/or drink when you write? (I am sorry, I love to eat.)

Everyone knows I like my wine. But, when I’m really into writing I don’t eat or drink much of anything.  I’ve lost one laptop and had another very close miss with stemware.  So when I do drink, anything,  I use stemless glasses!

I have heard repeatedly that many readers felt that what Claire was experiencing with her feelings for Anthony was Stockholm Syndrome.  Do you agree?

In Consequences, most definitely.

I was recently asked on Twitter who my favorite villain is. I love when people ask me unexpected questions.  So I ask you, who is your favorite villain?

I would have to say Dexter.  Or is he an anti-hero?  I’m not sure, but I like him!

Series Reading Order:

Consequences (Consequences #1)

Truth (Consequences #2)

Convicted (Consequences #3)

 

Review of Turning Point (The Kathleen Turner Series #3) By: Tiffany Snow

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Fiction.

Release Date: February 19, 2013

Length: 444 Pages

10++++ Stars (I LOVED!!!)

The third book in Tiffany Snow’s, Kathleen Turner series, did not disappoint. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book.

I am ecstatic that there is going to be book #4 and I already loved the first chapter that was the preview in back of the book.

When I finished Turning Point, I immediately when back and read my favorite scenes.  I did not want this book to end.  I could not put this book down.  It was such an amazing read.  I cannot think of the proper adjective to describe or tell you just how much I loved this book.

Like in most sequels, I thought that this book would start out slow.  NO, this one does not.  Tiffany Snow has such a great imagination that there is not one dull moment.

I first was introduced to Tiffany Snow’s Kathleen Turner series when I went away with my husband on his business trip and was stuck in the hotel room because of bad weather.  While my husband was in all-day conventions, I had nothing to do. So, I randomly purchased some books.  One of them was No Turning Back. I never heard of No Turning Back or Tiffany Snow.  I don’t know what made me purchase it. The minute I started, I could not put it down.  As soon as I was done with No Turning Back, I immediately picked up the sequel, Turn to Me.  That was another amazing read.  I was actually glad I was stuck in the hotel room while there was a storm outside and no one to interrupt me. I don’t think I even ate until my husband came back from his meetings and asked if I was hungry.

My love letter to Tiffany Snow: This is going to be a shameless letter to you. I do not know how to tell you what an amazing writer you are.  I hope there are 100+ books in the Kathleen Turner series.  This is hands down my favorite romantic suspense series and you are one of my top 5 favorite authors.

Plot: Kathleen Turner is promoted from working as law-firm-runner at her boyfriend’s, Blane Kirk’s office to work with Blane’s brother, Kade, as an investigator.   Kade is a well-known assassin-for-hire who also happens to have some interest in Kathleen.   Kade and Kathleen go on a lead to solve an old case only to come across some people who are willing to kill just so they are not found.  Meanwhile, Blane is defending a ruthless man who is accused of raping a woman.   Kathleen, Blane and Kade must atone for the sins of the past and the present. The fallout will force Kathleen to a turning point…in her career, and her life.

This book carries everything you need in a story to be satisfied.  There will be no regrets reading this book.  You will not feel like you wasted your time.

If you like romance with a bit of suspense, you will love this book. And if you think that you are not into romantic suspense novels, you will be after reading this incredible book.

• Did I skim? NO
• Did I fell connected to the characters? Yes.
• Did I look forward to returning to the book when I had to stop? Yes.  I asked my husband to make dinner for the kids and put them to bed so I can finish this awesome book.  I could not stop reading.
• Will I re-read? Yes. I already re-read my favorite parts.
• Pace of the story? Perfect.
• Will I read the sequel? YES. Without a doubt. Is there someone I can bribe to get book #4 now??!! How will I be able to wait until December???!!!!
• Positives:  The story never got dull.  There was always something happening. Great writing.
• Negatives:  It ended. I did not want it to end.  I cannot think of anything negative except that I will have to wait until December to read book #4.
• Ending/Cliffhanger:  AWESOME!!!  I already read the Epilogue three times.  10+ stars.

Series Reading Order:

No Turning Back (The Kathleen Turner Series #1)

Turn to Me (The Kathleen Turner Series #2)

Turning Point (The Kathleen Turner Series #3)

Out of Turn (The Kathleen Turner Series #4) – Expected Publication: December 17, 2013

Thank you to Amazon Publishing and Net Galley for providing a copy for an honest review.

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Review of Red Zone (Daniels Brothers #2) By Sherri Hayes

3 out of 5 Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Suspense

Length: 221 Pages

Published: February 7, 2013

Gage, a professional football player has been getting death threats from an unknown stalker.  Rebecca, a FBI agent is hired to investigate and protect Gage.  Gage is a player and Rebecca is a very guarded person.  However, they cannot resist their mutual attraction.

This story is told through both POVs which I really liked. I really liked Gage.  I thought he was a good person who loved his family and was a stand-up guy, who was also a hot, professional football player. I have a love for contemporary romances with hot sport players.

I liked Rebecca but then she got on my nerves a little.  At first, I understood Rebecca’s reasoning for not wanting to start a relationship with Gage, but then it got a little silly and when she finally realized that she should give Gage a try, I was over it.

I love when there is sexual tension, but this one either took too long or just came at a weird time in the book.

I liked the characters, I liked the plot, but I think the execution of the two could have been better.

Overall, this is a very sweet contemporary romance with a little bit of suspense which I enjoy in novels. It was fun trying to figure out who was threatening Gage. I always do enjoy a “who done it.” 

Did I skim? A little. I got tired of Rebecca’s silly thoughts about how she should not be with Gage.  I felt bad for the guy after the while.

Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes

Do I recommend? If you are looking for a sweet romance with some suspense, yes.

Ending? It was nice and sweet.

 

Review of Wild Man (Dream Man #2) By Kristen Ashley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Erotica, Suspense.

Published: October 2011

Length: 343 Pages

3 out of 5 Stars (It was not my favorite Kristen Ashley book, but she is still one of my favorite authors!)

I love Kristen Ashley.  She is one of my favorite authors.  However, this book was not a favorite of mine.  It started out good, but then nothing happened until the very end.  Plus, it was very similar to another book written by her.  I like that Kristen Ashley writes about strong, controlling alpha males.  However, I like these men to have different stories.

Tessa O’Hara married the wrong type of guy and stayed married to him for 10 years.  An undercover DEA, Brock Lucas, is assigned to investigate Tessa and see if she is involved in any of her ex-husband’s drug dealings.  Tessa does not discover that Brock Lucas is an undercover DEA until after she spends 4 months with him and falls in love. Brock knows after a short time of meeting Tessa that she has nothing to do with her ex-husband drugs, but after all those months of lying to her, how can he make her see that he has begun to care for her to?  Plus, Brock has some history and secrets he is keeping from Tessa.

This story sounded interesting.  Just the type of description I expect from a Kristen Ashley novel.  However, it was dry. There was sex, but it was just okay.  The book felt like parts were taken out of other Kristen Ashley’s books.

Did I skim? No

Did I feel connected to the characters? A little. They were similar to other Kristen Ashley characters.

Do I recommend? I would not recommend this specific Kristen Ashley book.  However, there are others that I would highly recommend. I am still going to buy and read all of Kristen Ashley books!!

Ending/Cliffhanger: It was okay.  I was exactly how I expected it to end.

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Sequels:  Mystery Man (Dream Man #1) – Published: July 2011

Law Man (Dream Man #3) – Published: February 2012

Motorcycle Man (Dream Man #4) – Published May 2012