Monday, October 29, 2018

EMBOLDEN by Syrie James & Ryan M. James NERD BLAST & #giveaway @JeanBookNerd @SyrieJames @RMJames @TTCBooksandmore




Paperback 
Publisher: Independently published (October 30, 2018) 
ISBN-10: 1720143706 
ISBN-13: 978-1720143703 

Praise for EMBOLDEN 

 "5 stars! … Like the first time, I devoured it again in one sitting and cherished the tandem of Alec and Claire … I felt like I was watching a movie with superb scriptwriting ... I was so invested and just kept turning the page. Now I am biting my nails in anticipation on what comes next." —NightlyReading

"I read Forbidden and Embolden in three days. Absolutely loved them both! I love Syrie James so as soon as I saw her name I had to read it. Thank you for a great story. 4 stars!" —Bloom Magic




Internationally bestselling author Syrie James and her son Ryan M. James bring their trademark drama, humor, action, romance, and suspense to Embolden, the second book in this critically acclaimed series.

The world is trying to tear them apart. 
Will they stand together and fight back? 

After a season of psychic visions and super-powered drama, Claire Brennan and her angel-gone-AWOL boyfriend Alec MacKenzie can finally be together. Under the protection of Claire’s grandmother, they are trying to lead a normal life, going to high school at Emerson Academy and hanging out with their friends. 

But jealous teenagers, vengeful enemies, the city’s new Watcher, and even the school play threaten to break them apart. Not to mention Claire’s surprising second power, which could sabotage the trust of everyone she holds dear. And just when they need to stick together, they finally get a lead on where Claire’s missing father might be. 

The threats, which come not only from without but also from within, will test the strength of Alec and Claire’s relationship. Is the love they share enough to keep them safe? If they want to stay together … can they learn to fight together?

You can purchase Embolden (Forbidden Series #2) at the following Retailers:
  

Photo Content from Syrie James and Ryan M. James 
Syrie: like the App, only spelled better. 

Syrie James is an author and screenwriter who specializes in love stories and romance. Her novels have received critical acclaim, hit the bestsller list, won awards, and been translated into eighteen languages. 

A member of the Writer's Guild of America, Syrie has twenty sold and produced screenplays in a variety of genres, and new scripts that have won industry contests.

In all her work, Syrie places a strong emphasis on story structure, ensuring that her characters' arcs take them on a journey of growth and discovery.

Syrie has addressed numerous organizations as a keynote speaker, and has written, produced, directed, and performed in original theatrical productions across North America and in England, including four appearances as Jane Austen.

Syrie lived in France as a child, an experience that instilled in her a lifelong love of language, foreign culture, and traveling. She and her husband currently live in Los Angeles. In addition to her passion for writing, she enjoys reading, theater, great food, board games, costume design, the out of doors, and above all, spending time with friends and family.

Syrie loves hearing from readers, and hopes you will contact her here or on Facebook.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS 

Ryan M James is a writer, editor & director with a diverse range of creative and technical experience in both film and video games. By day, Ryan works as an editor for the games industry. Under cover of night, he conjures stories for print, screen, and web. He has co-written screenplays, directed an independent feature and shorts, and created the popular machinima webseries A CLONE APART. 

Regardless of genre or medium, Ryan never tires of the thrill of artistic collaboration on a project. He uses his technical expertise and knowledge of storytelling techniques to direct, edit, and/or write compelling pieces with a visual style and a strong sense of narrative. When working on games, he participates in every stage of narrative production, from script to recording to editing to implementation.

In 2001, Ryan co-founded his production company ILLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT, where he’s directed an online game demo, the feature film REAL, and several shorts, including the award-winning DREAMTIME and its sequel, WITHOUT WORDS. Ryan has meanwhile spent over a decade crafting trailers, cinematics, behind-the-scenes and recruiting material for game developers small and large, including the former PANDEMIC STUDIOS and now NAUGHTY DOG.

Ryan is currently working on a sequel to his first novel FORBIDDEN, co-authored with his mother Syrie James, as well as several other [currently hush-hush] developments. 
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS 

 *JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter  
- 1 Winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

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Sunday, October 28, 2018

Sin and Tonic (Sinners series book 6) Written by Rhys Ford narrated by Tristan James | Tams Audiobook Review & #giveaway @Dreamspinners @Rhys_Ford @MrTristan_James


Sin and Tonic
Sinners series book 6
Sequel to Absinthe of Malice.

Miki St. John believed happy endings only existed in fairy tales until his life took a few unexpected turns...and now he’s found his own.

His best friend, Damien, is back from the dead, and their new band, Crossroads Gin, is soaring up the charts. Miki’s got a solid, loving partner named Kane Morgan - an inspector with the SFPD whose enormous Irish family has embraced him as one of their own - and his dog, Dude, at his side.

It’s a pity someone’s trying to kill him.

Old loyalties and even older grudges emerge from Chinatown’s murky, mysterious past, and Miki struggles to deal with his dead mother’s abandonment, her secrets, and her brutal murder while he’s hunted by an enigmatic killer who may have ties to her.

The case lands in Kane’s lap, and he and Miki are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. When Miki is forced to face his personal demons and the horrors of his childhood, only one thing is certain: The rock star and his cop are determined to fight for their future and survive the evils lurking in Miki’s past.
©2018 Rhys Ford (P)2018 Dreamspinner Press
Buy links: Dreamspinner | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Tams gives this one 5 Stars!

Miki's past refuses to stay in the past 

Miki St. John has been to hell and back, several times in fact. Just when he thinks all the skeletons have turned to ash, a trap door pops open and brings forth more murder, mayhem and madness. A mother he never knew, doesn't remember, turns up dead and rips a hole in the feeling of safety he's only recently grasped hold off. What's worse, the man he loves could be lost protecting him and the Morgan clan circle the wagons, digging their heels in, hell bent on keeping Miki safe.

As much as I will miss Miki, Damie and the loud ass, brash Morgan clan, this was definitely a fitting end to their story. Full of rich dialogue, disturbing situations and lot of love that's held together with barbed wire, nails and blood; Sin and Tonic finally answers the question readers have been asking since book 1... where Miki came from.

Tristan James is the all powerful God of narration. With a voice that oozes passion and sensuality like a lovely aged bottle of scotch, the rich liquid slowly seeping through the ice cubes in crystal glass, he brings every emotion every character is feeling to life with a plethora of voices and broad spectrum of tones, inflections and nuances.

Definitely a must read/listen story but you must start at the beginning. The journey that Rhys Ford takes this large, eclectic group of perfectly imperfect characters on is nothing less than spectacular.
Dirt and Sin, with a side of coffee.
Rhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series and was a 2016 LAMBDA finalist with her novel, Murder and Mayhem. She is published by Dreamspinner Press and DSP Publications.

She’s also quite skeptical about bios without a dash of something personal and really, who doesn’t mention their cats, dog and cars in a bio? She shares the house with Yoshi, a grumpy tuxedo cat and Tam, a diabetic black pygmy panther, as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird and enjoys murdering make-believe people.

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A Christmas Creek Carol (A Christmas Creek Romance) Written by Rachelle Ayala Narrated by Trei Taylor | Cat's Audiobook Review & #giveaway @AyalaRachelle @TTCBooksandmore


A Christmas Creek Carol

A modern romantic retelling of a classic Christmas favorite

Ebony Cruse is a romance writer with no time for fun - much less dating. When an old friend, Blaze O'Carroll, stops by to ask her to the Christmas Creek Gala Ball, Ebony refuses to go since she has a deadline. Ebony dives into her work in progress and is surprised when characters from her past, present, and future come to life. When Ebony sees Blaze in trouble, she has a big decision to make. Will the Christmas Creek magic give her and Blaze a Christmas worth remembering? 

Christmas Creek romances are a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. They are sassy stand-alone romances centered around a town which celebrates Christmas all year round. Each story has a happy ending and can be heard in any order, but of course, they are more fun if heard together. 

Deck the Hearts, book 1: Can Holly’s jolly Christmas spirit help Grinchy Gordon Gills save the town of Christmas Creek? 

Her Christmas Chance, book 2: A woman with cerebral palsy and her tomcat disagree about the attractive ex-con living next door. Will a dose of Christmas magic reach through his dark secrets?

A Christmas Creek Carol, book 3: A reclusive writer, Ebony Cruse, is given a one-star review on her life by characters in her past, present, and future.
©2018 Rachelle Ayala (P)2018 Rachelle Ayala Publishing, LLC
Buy links: Audible | Amazon
Cat gives this one 5 Meows...
A sweet rendition of a classic, with a twist!
Christmas Creek is a quaint little town where it's Christmas all year. The residents dress in Vintage attire and the Holidays are spectacular. Ebony has come home for the first time in years since her mom's death to work on her writing which seems to be stuck. But instead of the peace and quiet, she thought she would have she keeps getting interrupted by the residents and then face to face with her past, Blaze o'Carroll. She didn't know Blaze was home on leave.  
This is a sweet little story that takes us through Ebony's past, present and future in a unique way. Then there is another twist near the end that adds a touch of drama. I loved how Ebony's characters were sort of characters as well, talking to her as she wrote them. ( probably something only a writer would get LOL) 
I liked Trei Taylor's narration. she gave Ebony a solid voice and the story good emotion. The pacing is good and it never felt like I was just being read to. If you like authors, military men, dogs, Christmas romance and some sweet romance you will like this one.

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope. 

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, Playing for the Save won Readers' Favorite Gold Award in Realistic Fiction. 

Sign up for her NEWSLETTER to get a FREE surprise book and her latest book news! http://smarturl.it/RachAyala 

Visit her Reader's Guide at http://rachelleayala.net/books/ or contact her at http://smarturl.it/ContactRachelle 

Join her STREET TEAM https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClubRachelleAyala/ 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/rachelleayala 

FB Fan page https://www.facebook.com/rachelleayalawriter 

Twitter http://twitter.com/AyalaRachelle 

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Cowboy in the Crosshairs (Dreamspun Desires, Book 53) Written By: BA Tortuga Narrated by: Dorian Bane | Cat's Audiobook Review & #giveaway @Dreamspinners @batortuga @DorianBane1 @TTCBooksandmore


Cowboy in the Crosshairs

A Turquoise, New Mexico, story.

Once upon a time, a prince lived in a magical kingdom called Turquoise, New Mexico.

Well, really, TJ is a small-town police chief. Every Friday, he holds court in the diner with the local holy roller, the art colonists, and the horsey people. But the Benes, who own the rodeo company, keep to themselves. TJ knows because he was once hot and heavy with the oldest Bene son.

When Wacey Bene gets trampled by a remuda and comes home to heal, he’s none too happy to run into TJ or his two little boys and their momma. The story might end there - if it wasn’t for some pesky bastard trying to kill Wacey.

The law steps in, and the townsfolk are cross about somebody messing with one of their own.

But once the bad guy is put away, can TJ and Wacey make their place in this wild and eccentric town a permanent one?
©2018 BA Tortuga (P)2018 Dreamspinner Press
Buy links: Dreamspinner | Audible | Amazon | iTunes
Cat gives this one 4 Meows...
Cowboys, sheriffs, mystery and romance!
I love Dorian Bane. He did an awesome job with both a cowboy voice and a softer voice for Wacey. Though I admit at first I thought the deep cowboy voice was Wacey and the other was TJ. But once I figured it out and got the descriptions it worked for me. 

Wacey has gotten hurt and has to come home from the rodeo to heal from an accident where he was nearly trampled to death by the horses after a sound like a car backfiring. 

TJ Is the sheriff and is angry at Wacey from running away when they were teens, though back then he didn't know what he wanted besides a normal life with kids and a home. 

Ten years later TJ is divorced with two boys he loves but seeing Wacy brings back feelings only Wacey could give him. Now it's apparent someone is trying to kill Wacey, but who and why? 

I liked this story but I love me some sexy cowboys, lawmen and second chances and I got it here. Toss in a couple of cute kids and it's even better. This book is in the Dreamspun Desires line so you know you will get a good story on a trope and not a lot of sex. So if you are looking for a lot of on-page sex this may not be for you. 

My only issue was the mystery which I didn't figure it out kinda ended suddenly and I had some questions left unanswered. other than that I loved the book and can't wait for more in this series. 

If you like a touch of mystery, hot cowboys, sexy sheriff, second chances and cute kids this is a lot of fun to read.
Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. BA's personal saviors include her wife, Julia, her best friend, Sean, and coffee. Lots of good coffee. Y'all know that song, The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA? That's me, down to the bone.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has heard the call of the high desert and now lives the good life in the Sandias. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

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Thin Blue Line (Thin Blue Line series, book 1) Written By: Patricia Logan Narrated by: Michael Pauley | Cat's Audiobook Review & #giveaway @PatriciaLogan1 @pauleynyc @TTCBooksandmore


Thin Blue Line
Thin Blue Line series, book 1

Detective Pope Dades is a veteran police officer working in the Hollywood division, one of the busiest police precincts in the country. Dealing with drug dealers, hookers, and mentally ill suspects on a daily basis is his stock and trade. He once loved his job with the LAPD, but three years ago, he put his trust in the wrong man, and he’s been paying the price ever since. Refusing to work with a partner after the first one nearly killed him, Pope is jaded, still hurting, and hanging onto the career he once adored by a thread. 

Homeland Security Investigator Felix Jbarra is a fresh-faced young agent with a bright future in the DHS ahead of him. Deeply closeted, Felix hides his sexual orientation from his huge Catholic family, which brings him terrible guilt and grief. One night in a backroom nightclub encounter, he connects with a man who inexplicably makes him want to confess everything. Assigned to help shut down an elusive child sex-trafficking ring, Felix instinctively knows he’ll need turn to the more experienced detective for help if he and his partner want to crack this case.

In the first audiobook of the brand new Thin Blue Line series, join Felix and Pope in this exciting adventure as their worlds collide on the mean streets and in between the sheets....

Thin Blue contains a sneak peek at Order & Anarchy (the second title in the Thin Blue Line series)

Please note: If you’ve read the Death and Destruction series, Lincoln Snow, McBride M. McCallahan, Jarrett Evans-Wolfe, and Thayne Evans-Wolfe also play ongoing roles in this new series. Never fear, Jarrett probably won’t be base jumping off any more buildings...probably.
©2018 Patricia Logan (P)2018 Patricia Logan
Buy links: Audible | Amazon
Cat gives this one 5 Meows...
Another great series, I can't wait for the next one!

 I was broken hearted when Death and Destruction came to an end but now I can smile again! Patricia Logan has given us yet another fabulous series with two hot men, one broken, one struggling with his sexuality, wanting to come out but not lose his family. The good thing is if you have not read Death and destruction, You can still start here and not be lost. It is two new characters but we do get some cameos not only from Death and Destruction but other books as well. ( I love Cassidy Ryan!) 

So now on with this story.Pope Dades is an LAPD cop that came out to his partner and ex-best friend to end up badly beaten. He chases a young drug dealer and his arrest is pretty unusual (but cool) He doesn't realize that the man he saw watching is an undercover DHS investigator posing as a homeless Vet. 

Felix loves his job and family. His only issue is his family is very religious and his mom is pressuring him to marry and have a family. He doesn't want to lose them so he goes to a club for his relief. there he meets the man of his dreams. One that seems to know just what he wants then it all goes to hell when Pope sees him and realizes he is the reason he is suspended. 

his story starts out with action! then some hot man-sex ( the smexy action), then more action, twists, smexiness, action, twists..you get the picture! 
I loved all the characters both new and of course the old. The storyline was intriguing, gripping and fresh and I can't wait to see how things go with these guys. I want more now! 

Michael Pauly did a great job of narrating. The pacing was good, the characterization good and he did a good job with the emotions as well.I enjoyed listening to this story.


International bestselling author Patricia Logan, resides in Los Angeles, California. The author of several #1 bestselling erotic romances in English, Italian, French, and Spanish lives in a small house with a large family. When she's not writing her next thriller romance, she's watching her grandchildren grow up way too soon, and raising kids who make her proud every day. One of her favorite tasks is coaxing nose kisses from cats who insist on flopping on her keyboard while she types. Married to a wonderful gentleman for 30 years, she counts herself lucky to be surrounded by people who love her and give her stories to tell every day.  

 Become a fan of Patricia at http://authorpatricialogan.com/ Email her at patricialogan.author@yahoo.com. She loves to hear from readers more than anything and will respond to all emails.



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Friday, October 26, 2018

Embracing Fate (A Series of Fates series book 2) by CC Dado | Cat's Release day Review, Excerpt & #giveaway @Dreamspinners @C_C_Dado @TTCBooksandmore


Sometimes you just have to embrace your fate.

Seth has a secret: he has a crush on the human next door. His brilliant plan to meet Jack, the man of his dreams who happens to be an animal trainer? Take wolf form and ask his best friend, Max, to take him next door for training. Seth is the only one surprised when things go horribly awry.

Still, can this shy wolf and a human meet their fate as mates?

 Buy links: Dreamspinner | Amazon

 Cat gives this one 4 Meows... 

 This is book 2 in  A Series of Fates and it can be read on its own but I think you would understand things and who the other characters much better if you read in order. They are short and fun so go ahead and read the other one!

This is Seth's story and I loved him so much in book one I couldn't wait for this one. I also liked it better.  Seth is sweet but has picked up some bad habits from his bestie Max. I loved some of the lies he told to get what he wanted and the laughs  I got from some of them.

Jack is the new guy in town and a human. He is also a dog trainer. When Seth first heard the new man's commands outside the window and hit the floor sitting, I thought I would choke from laughing so hard. 

I also liked getting deeper glimpses of Zeus the bad boy Beta with a big heart. I can't wait for his book next.

This is a short, funny book that will make you smile, laugh and sigh. There is no sex in this one which I was kind of glad. It just wasn't needed.

 Excerpt...

 Chapter 1: All By Myself

“I’VE CHANGED my mind. I can’t do it,” Max said for the fifth time, pulling a stack of clothes back out of the moving box.
“You’re doing this, even if I have to have Zeus tie you to the hood of the Hummer. You’re moving out.” Seth grabbed the stack of clothes out of Max’s hands and threw them back into the box. He was putting his foot down this time. Max had been resisting the move into the lodge for weeks. “If Zeus comes in and catches you unpacking again, he may murder you.”
“Oh my God,” Max gasped in outrage. “You’re not doing this to be supportive of my relationship. You don’t want me to live here anymore, do you? And here I was worried about leaving you alone.”
“It’s not that I don’t love you,” Seth assured him. “But if I have to spend another night listening to you two in the bedroom, I may accidentally smother myself with a pillow.”
“How dare you. Our love is beautiful.” Max cradled a shirt to his chest.
“It’s like listening to my parents do it.”
Max seemed to contemplate Seth’s words before responding. “Okay, you’re right, that’s gross,” he agreed. “I’m going to miss you, though. Are you sure you’re going to be okay here by yourself?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine, and you’ll still be here with me at the bakery all day,” Seth said, with more confidence than he actually felt.
“True,” Max agreed, seeming pacified for now.
“Okay, let’s focus and get you moved in with your mate. Where is he, by the way? I’m surprised he put Zeus in charge of moving you.”
“He had to go out of town to meet someone who’s applying to move here. He won’t be back until next week. He says you can’t tell what someone’s really like by just doing a background check.”
Easter Valley’s resident application process was no joke.
“What are you going to do with this room?” Max asked, looking around.
“I was thinking about turning it into an office, maybe donating the bedroom furniture, but after you two love-nested all over it, maybe I should just burn it,” Seth said, curling his upper lip in pretend disgust, poking the mattress with his finger.
“You are not burning my love memories.” Max knocked Seth’s hand away. “I’ll have Zeus come back later and get it. You know, I think maybe it’s time you started looking for your mate, or maybe just date a little until he shows up. You’re really getting crotchety in your old age,” Max informed him, closing up the top of the box.
“I’m nineteen,” Seth said, rolling his eyes. “I’m not in a hurry to be with anyone. Sweets & Meats is what’s important to me right now.”
Max shook his head at Seth. “I hear the words coming out of your mouth, but all I can see is your cold, lonely soul.”
Seth laughed at the empathy on his friend’s face. “Will you stop being so dramatic. I’m fine.”

I write about painfully awkward, usually embarrassing, romance because long confident gazes followed by sexy dancing NEVER happens to me. I am a native of the Pacific Northwest, and will probably never leave. I'm like a hypochondriac sundae, with claustrophobic sprinkles, and a big cherry of anxiety on top, so I don't travel much. I read to relax my mind, so I love getting lost in someone else’s story, even if it is only for a little while.


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