Review of Welcome, Reluctant Stranger by E. Journey

September 11, 2015

Welcome, Reluctant Stranger is the third installment of author E. Journey's Between Two Worlds series. Taking everything into consideration, I consider this to be my most favored one in the entire set. Let me delve deeper in the reason as to why.

Title: Welcome, Reluctant Stranger (Between Two Worlds #3)
Author: E. Journey 
Published by: Sojourner Books 
Publication Date: May 15, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Source: Copy Given by Publisher and Tour Organizer


SYNOPSIS:

Frantic flight, peaceful life. Act of treason on an island country. Cauldron of warring emotions. Exotic beauty, ace with a gun. Hunk with gifts for mockery and cooking.

Nine-year-old Leilani and her family mysteriously flee the island country of Costa Mora, leaving her father. Years later, her peaceful solitary life in California ends when she rescues Justin Halverson from thugs and she learns a devastating truth about her father. As she agonizes over her father, Justin comforts her, and they’re drawn closer together.

With Justin, she returns to her birthplace to get her father quietly out. There, she reconnects with her past, but can she forgive her father and accept him for who he is? Can she finally be at peace with who she is? Welcome, Reluctant Stranger interweaves a love story into a tale of past political intrigue and Leilani’s inner journey, accepting her past.

REVIEW:

When I flipped to the first page of the book and read its content, I knew that this will be much better than the last two I've read. The characters were realistic, and though some situations may be as well I'd much rather think of it as fiction. 

Here's why I liked Welcome, Reluctant Stranger more than its predecesors: Leilani was born and raised in a small island called Costa Mora but she, along with her mother and two older siblings, had to flee the country and live in the United States. This is realistic as there are thousands, if not millions of people who migrate to America from third-world countries in hopes of having comfortable and successful lives. A corrupt government and a rotten system also plays a major part in this life-altering decision. Justin, on the other hand, is what I consider a normal guy because he experienced heartache. Pained from a lover's loss and betrayal; his coping mechanism of drowning his feelings in alcohol is an accurate description of how guys in the real world deal with relationship problems. 

I would also like to give the author an extra star for not going the abused route of instalove that most authors are obsessed with nowadays. When Justin and Leilani met, they acted appropriately in the situation they were in. There were no annoying thoughts like, "Despite the bruises and cuts, I see a beautifully sexy man." Or, "Even with my one good eye I see that my rescuer is a stunningly beautiful woman." Then he groans because his foot is broken. I detest, I repeat, D-E-T-E-S-T instalove and inappropriate sexual thoughts at inopportune times.

The story ran well. There were still a few jumps in scenes like in the first two parts I've read, but they're easily passable. There were also multiple layers in the plot making things more interesting and less bland. However, there is one thing I must point out--I don't like how much involvement Elise and Greg (from Hello, My Love) have in this book. It's like they were sharing the spotlight, and I don't like that. In fact, I'm trying to get away from those two characters; for me they are done and must be put to rest. Not be killed but to not be given that much exposure either. 

Welcome, Reluctant Stranger gets 4.5 stars from me which is notches higher than Hello, My Love (3 stars) and Hello, Agnieszka (DNF). This was a truly enjoyable read.

RATING: 


PURCHASE LINK: 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

EJourney is a realist who thinks she has little imagination. Credit that to her training (Ph. D., University of Illinois) and work in mental health, writing for academics and bureaucrats, and critiquing the work of others. She’s been striving ever since to think and write like normal people.

She’s a well-traveled flâneuse—a female observer-wanderer—who watches, observes, listens. And writes. A sucker for happy endings, she finds enough that depresses her about real life, but seeks no catharsis by writing about it. For her, writing is escape, entertainment. She doesn’t strive to enlighten. Not deliberately. But the bias of her old profession does carry over into her writing. So, instead of broad shoulders and heaving bosoms, she goes into protagonists' thoughts, emotions, inner conflicts, insecurities, and struggles to reach balance and grow.

AUTHOR LINKS:

TOUR ORGANIZED BY:


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Review of Hit 'N Run by Lori Power

September 05, 2015

Before I start my actual review, I'd just like to say that this book turned out to be such a riveting and exciting journey. Just basing from the synopsis, you'd know that this isn't your everyday, cavity-inducing romance book. Hit 'N Run is in a league of its own, and I'm going to stop gushing now or I might spoil it for ya'll. Here we go...

Title: Hit 'N Run (Under Suspicion Book 1)
Author: Lori Power
Publication Date: August 11, 2015
Published by: Limitless Publishing LLC.
Source: ARC Given by Author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26079210-hit-n-run


SYNOPSIS:

Determined to build a better life, Lorna has climbed the ladder to a successful public relations career one slippery rung at a time. But while on her way to an important meeting, a former lover crashes back into her life—literally—and she becomes embroiled in a police investigation that threatens everything she’s achieved.

Mitch Morgan doesn’t believe in coincidences.

Mitch has spent five years trying to forget Lorna, only to run into her on his way to an undercover sting operation. Old feelings quickly resurface and passion reignites, but as his investigation unfolds, evidence suggests the woman he’s falling for might have ties to the very criminals he’s after.

When Mitch tugs any thread of his investigation, it seems to lead back to Lorna. Caught between his desire for the strong, curious beauty and the growing suspicions of his superiors, he must choose between trusting his instincts and following regulations.

Lorna finds herself entangled in a web of betrayal.

When she learns the nature of the investigation—and her role as a suspected spy—Lorna goes to dangerous lengths to clear her name and prove to everyone, including herself, she’s worthy of the handsome, tenacious Mitch. With danger around every corner, Lorna is on the run for her life, but refuses to run from the past any longer.

She can find the evidence she needs, but at what cost?

Mitch now knows her secrets and must find her first and convince her she—and their love—are worth fighting for, before it’s too late.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

Lorna is a tough, intelligent, and independent woman with such a huge heart. Despite everything she went through when she was a child, she still managed to grow into the kind of person she's always wanted to be. But she's also not content just yet. A part of her is still yearning for something more; the only person who can give her that contentment though was also the one who broke her heart.

Mitch knows heartbreak. For years he tried to deal with the emptiness he felt after the only girl he's ever loved walked away with no reason or goodbye. The only thing he's passionate about now is his career. But that changes when he literally runs into his former flame; passion and hope arises stronger than ever. Hopefully that's enough to withstand everything life will throw their way.

REVIEW:

This is the second book of author Lori Power I've read, and I have to say, I'm truly enjoying her work. If we look at Hit 'N Run from a techical standpoint, it is well-written. The dialogue is easy to understand, the scene and setting well described, and the book's length was just right. Delving into the story, both characters are strong and made for an interesting chemistry. I didn't like the way they reconnected though. For years they've been apart because of one very little misunderstanding. Now they get together again, and in just one night they're already trusting each other again? I mean that's great and all, but I thought there will be more resistance.

Hit 'N Run doesn't just focus on romance though. Underneath all the love and pain lies a threat that can end their relationship before it can even bloom again. There may be some people who will find the action to be confusing and complicated, but I thoroughly enjoy romance books with a little something extra, you know what I mean? That's what Lori gives us. Strong characters with a never-say-die attitude, a solid plot that has a lot of layers, and a somewhat realistic romance that readers would yearn for.

SUMMARY:

I was given this book by the author herself, but that doesn't mean my review is biased for the sake of promotion. I don't do that. I call things how I see them, and right here I see a book that will keep readers on edge, but will leave them wanting more. I give it a solid 4 stars, and I can't wait for the second part in the series.

REVIEW:


PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Turning passion into words in print is a dream come true for Lori Power.

From Radio host (best job ever!), DJ, news reporter to newspaper journalist, like many author’s, Lori has been involved in the writing process most of her life.

In writing, Lori has discovered a truism: everyone has a great story to tell. All you need to do is listen. Over the years, with all the people Lori has meet previously and daily, both professionally and personally, with an ear to the ground, readers can often find these ‘character’s’ fictionalized.

Lori’s first novel “Storms of Passion” was published by Wild Rose Press under their Champagne line, in 2014.

Collaboration is important to improving one’s craft and as such, Lori is an active member of the TransCanada Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America, The Alberta Romance Writers Association and belongs to both a Critiquing group and a Beta Reading weekly group.

Lori looks forward to continuing to find the good story; hashing out a scene, having fun with a character and writing the story she would love to read.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.marinerwrites.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpbenefitsinc
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7823901.Lori_Power
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lori-Power/e/B00IP3JXDO

Book image from Goodreads

Review of Combustion by Elia Winters

September 04, 2015

First I'd like to say that this is not meant for sensitive, conservative, and close-minded readers. There are a few subjects broached in this book that might make you uncomfortable if you're not used to reading sexed-up stories. But if you're like me, then you would easily enjoy this.


Title: Combustion
Author: Elia Winters
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Published by: Samhain Publishing
Source: ARC Given by Tour Organizer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25396982-combustion


SYNOPSIS:

A war orphan, Astrid Bailey is content living her adult life alone, working as a contract machinist. Her real passion, though, is inventing felicitation devices that promote womens sexual empowerment and help them find pleasure independent of a man.

The upcoming Worlds Fair, with its substantial cash prize, is an opportunity to open the shop shes always imagined and hopefully solve her financial woes. Except the committee has denied her entry unless she obtains a sponsor. Astrid suspects they mean male.

Eli Rutledge, noted watchmaker, knows entering the fair will solidify his reputation as an innovator but hes fresh out of ideas. Until Astrid approaches him with her outrageous product line. With no other options, though, he agrees to lend her his good name.

As construction heats up, so does their chemistry and the complications. Astrid is unaccustomed to asking for help, much less sharing credit. And Eli fights an attraction that could spell professional disaster. As the Fair date approaches, Astrid and Eli must decide how far theyll go. For the businessand for each other.

Product Warnings Contains period-appropriate graphic language, highly inappropriate amounts of M/F and F/F sex, and copious amounts of *ahem* product testing. May *ahem again* spark an online shopping binge for *cough* toys. Of the adult variety.

REVIEW:

My, oh my! Combustion is one hot read; I kid you not. This made my list of 10 Hottest Books I've Read. 

What I like most about the sex in this book is that it doesn't try too hard. There's no role playing, tying up, or any of the BDSM stuff most of us are used to reading nowadays. But that doesn't mean Combustion doesn't have its own brand of kink. The blurb is actually straightforward and honest. Let's just leave it at that. 

Now the characters I found really interesting. Reading about two main leads who are polar opposites, with one very confident and strong while the other is more tamed and uptight is pretty common. But the man is usually the dominant half in the relationship; that's not the case in this book. Astrid is very comfortable with her sexuality, and she usually goes after whatever she wants. On the other hand, Eli is a reserved and controlled man who is too concerned about his image and place in the community. The tension and chemistry between the two is amazing. It's not too dolled up and exaggerated, and it's definitely NOT love at first sight. It has all the basic things I normally love in a reading material! 

I just had an issue with the setting. When you start flipping through the pages, you will feel as if it is set in the late 1800s or early 1900s. But then you continue and start questioning your earlier assessment because of the modern influences in the story. Don't even get me started on the dialogue. They don't talk like the characters Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned. There's a simple explanation for this though; one that I read through passing. Apparently this is not set in any time; it's an alternate reality (or something) that the author created. 

I will give Combustion 4 stars. It's a fast-paced, sexy book with lots of sexual adventures and lessons on fighting for what--or who--you love.

RATING:


PURCHASE LINKS:

Samhain Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

When she met his eyes again, her gaze was resolute. 

"Mr. Rutledge, I don't mean to give the wrong impression. It's very kind of you to come meet with us, when I'm sure there are other things you could be doing."

Astrid put her shoulders back slightly, straightening. 

"But whether you realize it or not, you're the very reason we women need groups like this." 

With a wave of her hand, she gestured to the other ladies gathered in the room. 

"You have nothing in common with us. You inherited a successful business from your father, who was already a prominent businessman, and your greatest achievement is to not yet have run it into the ground. Other people have given you everything you've ever needed. As a man, you can get a position on the Chamber of Commerce or the Fair Board or the IFCT or the London Business Council or whatever, and know that when you talk, people will listen. And I'm very happy that you have the money to own a shop and rent a booth at the Worlds Fair, but to assume that everyone else is in the same position as you demonstrates how completely clueless you are about the plight of women business owners in this city. So no, you haven't said anything to offend me. Everything about you offends me."

The room had gone silent, and Eli stood frozen, staring down into Astrid's face, into her dark eyes that suddenly widened as she realized the magnitude of what she had just said. She flushed, her face and neck and collarbones turning a rosy shade of pink, and she pressed one hand to her lips before turning and rushing from the room.

As she left, Eli watched her go with numb shock. Her words had been incredibly rude, and he couldn't help but feel stung. What shocked him the most, though, was his sudden and overwhelming urge to kiss her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elia Winters has always been a New England girl, despite having spent much of her childhood in Florida. She holds a degree in English Literature and teaches at a small rural high school where she runs too many extracurricular activities. She balances her love of the outdoors with a  bottomless well of geekiness.

Elia dabbles in many genres, but erotic romance has been one of her favorites since she first began sneaking her mothers romance novels. In high school, she kept her friends entertained with a steady stream of naughty stories and somehow never got caught passing them around. Her erotic fiction and poetry have been published online at Clean Sheets and Scarlet Letters under a different name. Elia currently lives in New England with her loving husband and their odd assortment of pets.

Elias virtual life is as busy as her real life. In addition to her website http://eliawinters.com/, you can also find her on


AUTHOR LINKS:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/eliawinters
Tumblr: http://eliawinters.tumblr.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eliawinters
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/eliawinters
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/eliawinters

TOUR ORGANIZED BY: 


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