Monday, September 25, 2017

A beautiful story couldn't get any more beautiful: Beneath Series Cover Re-Release



Series: The Beneath Series
Author: Tori Madison
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Renee Ericson, RE Creatives
Re-release Date: September 25, 2017



#1 BENEATH IT ALL

You. Have. Breast. Cancer.

I wasn’t prepared to hear those words. Neither was my loving husband, family or friends. And none of us were prepared for what life had in store after they were spoken.

I should have seen the signs all around me. I should have paid attention to the people who supposedly loved me, the people who I'd always trusted. But I was blind to what was going on. The effects on my flourishing career, passionate marriage and carefree lifestyle would be insurmountable.

It was time to take control of my life and the overwhelming chaos. Time to make the choices that were right for me. Right for my future. The future I hadn’t planned on.

My life didn’t stop when I heard those four little words…it was only just beginning.

*Originally released on September 24, 2014







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / iBOOKS




#2 BENEATH YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL

Four words continue to haunt me . . .
You. Have. Breast. Cancer.

I associate them with the upheaval of my life to this point. The last few months have been a test of my strength . . . mentally, emotionally, and physically. Cancer is a monster. It preys on your mind and it consumes you, consistently reminding you of how your life used to be. Life before cancer. I was a successful business woman, running my own design firm, and was happily married to my college sweetheart. My life seemed perfect. Until it suddenly came crashing down all around me.

So, here I am, in the midst of treatment, incinerating the remnants of my shattered marriage and attempting to piece the rest of my life back together. With three amazing friends pushing me forward, the ‘post-chemo’ finish line is coming into view.

And then . . . there’s him. The man I never anticipated. The one who breathes hope and meaning back into my life. A man who kisses my scars and shows me that I’m beautiful. I never expected him. Hell, I never expected cancer. I’m finally ready to write my future, a future I never planned on, but one that is better than I could’ve ever imagined.

*Includes new bonus short story
*Originally released on February 24, 2015


My Reviews:
Beneath It All

Not your typical review

This review is not going to be a regurgitation of the story, plot summary, character analysis.  This is a review of why I think you should read this and not shy away.  I am going to be honest.  This book appeared on my “Recommended for You”.  I read the book summary: “You. Have. Breast. Cancer.” Oh heck no – not going to read.  I want my romance with steam, sexy, seductive, angsty females, alpha males.  I do not want to deal with real life. I’ve been there; done breast cancer. Nope. Not. Going. There. The novel will handle the subject trite or cliched.  Or worse, have the characters do things that I fought and hated. No. Nope. Not interested. 

Then a friend gifted me a copy and asked me to give it a try. 

I am so glad I did. It’s well worth the time. 

Let’s cover the basic reviewer’s questions. Were the characters credible? Yes, all characters main and minor were completely authentic and believable.  Did the main characters run into problems? Breast Cancer- given. A plot twist that is not worn or thrown in for a wow. A wholly realistic journey.  Who was your favorite character? Why? Hell, I have to pick one. We all have a little bit in us or around us of Victoria, Bobbie Jo, Jen and Dana.  Enough said. Could you relate to any of the characters in the story? Unfortunately, too easily. Was it hard to think about again? Yes. Was I glad I did? Yes. Because Victoria was such an amazing, strong character I fell in love with. If I could change something, what would it be? Okay, can’t say without giving away the story. But yes, some of the stuff in Victoria’s journey, not particularly happy that had to happen. But, I know that stuff does. 

Who do I recommend this to? Everyone who likes anything in this genre.  It’s loving, it’s heart breaking, it’s steamy, it’s great girl power, and it’s just a beautiful ride.

Beneath, You're Beautiful

A beautiful ending to the series

Did you read Beneath It All? Stop. Turn around and one-click that. Then come back to read the reviews. 

Because “Hello?”

If you read my review for book one, I was hesitant. However, I jumped into book two without indecision.  Now, Ms. Madison takes on the rest of Victoria’s journey. New chapters are written with Bobbi Jo, Jen, Dana and Blake.  Oh Blake (fans self).  New characters are introduced such as Margaret and Jillian. Although Jillian is a minor character, she has a powerful, lasting impression on the reader to the very end of the novel. There are two defined stories in this book: one of Victoria and Blake’s love and the other Best Friends you can’t live without. Both plot journeys are interwoven yet separate in ways. I just thank god for Dana because at one point I wasn’t sure how I was going to jump into my Kindle to shake some sense into Victoria. Blake and Victoria’s love story was so believable; love is never , ever easy.  Best Friends story was so thrilling to have four seemingly strong women show you their weak sides. 

I know some readers like one book and you’re done. However, I agree with the author. There was no way to tell all of Victoria’s journey in one book and do the character justice.  Oh, and the epilogue – I love Karma. 

You cannot read the first one without the second. It a complete full circle experience.  A joy to read. It’ll break your heart, put it back together and you’ll be stronger for it.







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU






Author Bio

Happily married and the mother of identical twins, Tori Madison is active in the world of philanthropy and finds joy in making a difference in lives of others. She is an avid reader, lover of life and a breast cancer survivor. Currently residing with her family in her home state of Minnesota, she can often be found at Caribou Coffee or at the dance studio with her teenage daughters.

Writing a book was never on her radar. After a challenge from an author friend to write 2,500 words a story came to life and a new opportunity to make a difference was born. Her debut novel, Beneath It All, released on September 24, 2014. The sequel, Beneath, You’re Beautiful, released on February 24, 2015.

Tori is currently working on a spin-off series after taking some time away from writing for family reasons. Look for updates on her upcoming series on social media.



Author Links

Saturday, September 23, 2017

In love with bad boy photog: Review of My Image of You by Melanie Moreland



My Image of You 


What you want to know about the story... 

She was the first good thing that ever happened to me. The only person who made me want to stay put. Until she disappeared. My name is Adam Kincaid, and I’m the most daring freelance photographer in the world. Or, at least, I used to be. After losing my parents way too young, I hid behind a camera lens—and discovered a talent that took me all over the planet. No assignment was too dangerous, no location too remote, no subject too painful.

 Then came the accident, and the hospital, where I met her: Alexandra Robbins. My nurse. My savior. With her fiery red hair and crystal-clear blue eyes, the most striking woman I could’ve imagined—and the kindest too. How could such a big personality fit into such a petite package? But she was running from something too, something I never had: her family. She thought she’d escaped their control. But she was wrong. And now they’ve taken her away from me.

 Today is her engagement party. I may not get an explanation, but I’ll be damned if I don’t get a photograph. A picture really is worth a thousand words. And just like love, it never fades away.

You want to buy it. And personally I recommend you do. So here you go...

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sj49WZ
B&N: http://bit.ly/2tlA4FD
iBooks: http://apple.co/2nBj2gk
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lXtvXg
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2s2I6Qd
BAM: http://bit.ly/2sS7bzW

What did I think? Well, here's my review...

Once again Melanie Moreland enchants me with her words. She has one voice in contemporary romance that is not to be missed. My Image of You cocoons you tightly in their world that you never want to leave. Adam and Alex are beautifully complex characters that are delivered to the reader with equal parts of lust, humor, tenderness and love.

Adam is what I would refer to as an understated alpha. His persona is charming and captivating. He has a job that would make any adrenaline junkie jealous. And he passes that passion onto those he loves with evenly matched ferocity. As a reader, you can't help but feel as deeply as he does throughout the story.

Alex is a gorgeously written heroine who waters run deep. She has an inner strength that shines brighter as the story progresses. Although her glow may dim at times, it's finding that one that helps you glimmers all the time. With Adam, her character doesn't just twinkles but radiates. You don't feel sympathy, but empathy for this endearing heroine. You WANT her to have her HEA.

I would be remiss without mentioning the secondary characters. Ms Moreland never writes these characters as someone to move the story along . They are as necessary as the main characters need air to breathe. Elena again is one character I wish I knew in real life. She leaps off the page and into your heart.

If you are familiar with Melanie Moreland's writing, My Image of You is right up there with The Contract and Beneath The Scars as favorites of mine. If you are not, you will not be disappointed with this bewitching story. 5 out of 5 stars



I stalk Melanie. Do you stalk Melanie? Well you should...

BIO: 
New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. Melanie delights in a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative storylines to her, often with a large glass of wine keeping her company. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormoreland/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorelandMelanie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morelandmelanie/ 
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b06k19 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7355350.Melanie_Moreland

MOST IMPORTANTLY >>>> www.melaniemoreland.com


She's on many more places on the web too. She's rather a social media darling as of late. And hilarious on Instagram.







Friday, September 22, 2017

When a geek reviews a perfectly 'coded' book: King of Code by CD Reiss

SBPRBanner-KoC-BT

King of Code, an all-new intriguing and sexy standalone from CD Reiss is available NOW!

<B3G1N 3xCERPt>


“About time!” the older lady shouted.
“Is Harper back?” I asked, handing the bags to the blushing redhead.
As if summoned, Harper came through the swinging door, keeping it open so everyone could get past. She looked at me through the screen.
“You coming in?” she asked.
“We need to talk.”
“Did the decryption key work?”
The door slapped closed behind her as she came out, and we were alone. The way the setting sun hit her cheeks made her glow, and the strands of gold hair at the edges looked translucent. She belonged on a postcard.
I kept forgetting she was holding me hostage. I kept forgetting I needed to think strategically. I had more at stake with this girl than I’d ever had with another.
“Did you doubt it would work?”
“Not really. I’m just making conversation.”
“What are the thorns about?” I pointed at the thorn bed that had eaten my phone and went down the stairs to the yard.
She came after me. “Don’t you have these where you’re from?” She snapped a dry twig off the end.
“Roses? Yes. Impenetrable, groomed thorn bushes in our yards? No.”
“It’s not normal to give the gardeners in town something to do?” We walked around the perimeter.
“You are not normal.”
“It still blooms in spring. It’s really nice. You should see it.”
We were at the back end of the yard, where the very top of the factory’s roof cut the horizon.
I took her hand, pulling her to a stop. “Harper.”
“Taylor?” Her hair flew in her mouth when she turned, and she drew her finger across her cheek to get it out.
What was I supposed to tell her again? That I knew we’d interviewed her. That I didn’t give her the job despite her having a leg up on everyone else we saw.
But was I contrite? Accusatory? Was I just going to relay information? What did I want out of her after I told her I knew?
“Thank you for helping today,” she said. “If you’d asked me when we met, ‘Would Taylor Harden help clean the factory?’ I would have said, ‘No, not for any reason.’ But there you were. Pushing a broom. Scooping up shit. Not being an asshole.”
“My watch was at stake.”
“Yeah. Whatever. You can say what you want to keep your reputation as a shithead intact.”
“I have a reputation as a shithead?”
“You know you do.”
I did know it, and I reveled in it.
She faced me and put her other hand out. I took it, holding both hands between us. I couldn’t help it.
“Well, you guys are such a bunch of sad sacks I had to help. And let me tell you, every guy in Barrington has a little asshole in him. Trust me. I’ve played pool with them.”
“I want to say…” She stopped herself as if she really didn’t want to say. “Let’s get together tonight and get you another decryption code. But… saying this is stupid.” She bit her lip.
“Say it anyway.”
“The sooner you get four codes, the sooner you leave.”
I looked at our hands so I wouldn’t have to look at her.
“I’m not sure if I want that,” she said.

<3nd eXceRp+>

King of Code by CD Reiss Publication Date: September 18th, 2017 Genre: Contemporary Romance


From New York Times Bestselling author, CD Reiss, comes a sexy tale of secrets, intrigue, betrayal, and a love worth crossing a continent for.
Taylor Harden is a man on the edge.
The edge of fame. The edge of untold wealth.
The edge of utter humiliation.
He built an unhackable system, and in front of everyone, it’s hacked. 
His reputation goes from king to goat in a split second. Boom. Like that.
Some dude in Barrington, USA (AKA Nowhere) has locked down Taylor’s code, and if he doesn’t get it back, he’s going to be wearing a monkey suit for the rest of his life.
Except, this guy? This hacker from Nowhere? He’s not a guy. 
Harper Watson’s all woman. And she has a plan for Taylor, his code, and his body.

<5+aR+ R3VI3W 100p>


First off, a book about the world of OS and security solutions with a hack that can unman your whole world. Oh, I forgot there is also a romance there too. And OH BOY, I have a new book boyfriend in Taylor.

What I loved:
This will be in two parts: Geek and NonGeek

Part 1 Geek 
This is going to be hard to describe for me being a geek/nerd (I accept both titles) to my non-geek/nerd book friends.  It’s the flow of thought in which Taylor thinks about the issues that are occurring to him and his company.  Ms Reiss captures the rapid fire, short span that anyone who does coding has a tendency to think and speak in. Your thoughts are moving at the speed of light. She represents this little quirk brilliantly and makes Taylor both believable and endearing at the same time without losing the non-geek in geek speak. 

Part 2 NonGeek 
There are so many layers to the story. It’s more than romance. There is a suspense story that is so layered it was completely unpredictable where CD Reiss was leading the characters and kept me gripped in needing to know ‘what’s next’.  Her characters were deep and flawed. No one was immune to the deficiency which kept the story believable and engaging. 

So and by the way, I want to sign up for any future classes Taylor Harden wish to deliver. Oh my damp panties YESSS! 

If you’ve never read CD Reiss, this is a fantastic standalone to get a taste of something deeper she delivers. I can’t wait for the next story. If you are a fan, I will say this story is far more layered and twisty but very well worth the read. 5 out of 5 hacker stars

PS: Loved this so much made sure it made our BuzzFeed List 

<finiSh rev1Ew l00p>



KING OF CODE AN.jpg

Read Today!

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/2szX9na
Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/68zRuf

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About the Author

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets. Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels. She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood. If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Connect with CD Reiss:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDReiss.writer/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cdreisswriter 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdreiss/ 
Website: www.cdreiss.com 
Newsletter: https://cdreiss.com/cd-reiss-mailing-list-signup/