Free ebook Friday! Intimate Enemies(Covert Affairs book 1) by Joan Swan!

Available as of July 2012. Your chance to read this exciting new series from book 1!

Intimate Enemies

She is on a quest for answers; answers that could just get her killed.

Six months after the mysterious yacht explosion that killed Cassie Christo’s mother and stepbrother, authorities still have no answers to the cause. Searching for closure, Cassie returns to her childhood home on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico, where she launches her own investigation into the accident.  She never expected to find an adversary in the man who had once touched her heart with kindness in her darkest moment.

Rio’s been fantasizing about reconnecting with Cassie for months. But not here and sure as hell not now. As an undercover agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he’s working the biggest sting operation in all of northern Mexico, and he definitely doesn’t have time for the wild attraction he feels for Cassie.

Not only is his cover on the line, so is his heart. Because as the end of a yearlong operation draws closer, Rio knows if he tells Cassie the truth about who and what he is, it won’t only jeopardize his mission, it may result in him losing her forever. And if he doesn’t, his lies and deception could get them both killed.

Find out more about Joan Swan here  www.joanswan.com. Check out Chapter on there also!

Get it from Amazon for free right now! 

www.amazon.com/Intimate-Enemies

Book review: Blaze (book 2 in Phoenix Rising series) by Joan Swan

Blaze
Release date September 25th 2012

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…

Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.


Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

This is book 2 in Joan Swan's debut book series Phoenix Rising. I have to admit i missed book 1 but am on my way to remedying that sad fact right now. Fever is book one and then Blaze the current release is book 2. You can read them as a stand alone as i had no trouble reading this one by it'self and not feeling to deprived having not read book 1. From what i could gather there were 8 people on a Fire fighting team. There was a explosion in a warehouse that forever changes them and one of them is presumed dead. It's touched on here and there in book 2 so like i said your not out in the cold with no way of figuring out what's happened previously. In the aftermath though all remaining who were in the explosion were left with weird powers.  Keira and Luke used to be together before the explosion that changed them.They haven't seen each other in three years since Keira left to pursue the FBI after Luke gave her a ultimatum. She's a crack shot now. Best in the nation. Keira and Luke, who is now with the ATF run into each other on a mission. One that has gotten kind of personal for Keira. She's tracking a boy and the feelings she gets when touching his picture makes her feel all kind of things she's not sure about. Problem is the boy doesn't speak English so what she hears she can't understand. Keira's power is hearing things. Getting a feel for people by touching their picture or something of theirs or just being in the vicinity. Luke skin is resistant to fire and from bullets apparently. Their powers get ramped up when they are together. Keira's been looking for a little boy by the name of Mateo. She finally finds him but he only speaks Greek so there is a big language barrier. Without that barrier the story would  more simply unfold but nothing is supposed to be that easy in a romantic suspense. lol Now that she has him she's got to figure out the mystery of who he is and what  experiments have been done on him, who he belongs to and who is out to get him back. Lots of mystery to go hand in hand with the past paced action and suspense. This book is filled with intense action but balances out with casual moments and fun witty dialogue. Ms Swan lets you feel like your in on the action like these are real people. You get Luke and Keira's story but you also get glimpses of everyone else from the team. This is what makes you feel invested in the series. I know i want to read more and see what happens next! PS once you read these books you figure out how aptly the books are named for the characters. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Picks for Blaze by Joan Swan

Find out more about this book and the Phoenix Rising series on Joan Swan's website here www.joanswan.com

Book review: Josh ( Wyoming Sky series book 2 ) by RC Ryan

Josh
Releases September 25th 2012

Rancher and mountain climber Josh Conway has never backed down from a challenge. So when a photographer disappears in the wilderness during a blizzard, Josh answers the emergency call and leaps into action. Yet he's soon shocked to find the person in "distress" is doing fine-and she's a gorgeous blond spitfire who's as brave and bold as he is.

Sierra Moore will stop at nothing to capture the perfect picture, even if it means braving a snowstorm in the mountains. She's not used to being rescued, especially by a ruggedly handsome cowboy who makes her heart skip a beat. Sierra can't turn down Josh's invitation to ride out the storm at the Conway family ranch-and she can't resist his slow, steamy kisses, either. But this mysterious beauty is hiding a deadly secret. Now as a dangerous force closes in on her, Sierra fears it will destroy everyone she cares about . . . starting with Josh.

This is book 2 in the Wyoming Sky series. Josh is the middle son. As a young boy after the disappearance of his mother he used to hike the Teton mountains on his families property. It was his way of finding peace. He had special places on the mountain he would go and just think and be. As a grown up he's the one they call when the professionals can't find missing hikers. This is what he thinks he's doing when he finds photographer Sierra Moore in a tent in the middle of a blizzard. Thing is she's not lost and she's loving the storm and the photos she's been able take while it's been raging on. Sierra's had a rough up bringing. Love is not something she really knows about her experiences have taught her how to depend on only herself. Josh might have lost him mom at a young age when she disappeared but he's always had other close family and friends. He's always felt love. He takes to Sierra right away. She's different than any woman he's ever known. Problem is she's got a secret. Josh can tell somethings up but he doesn't want to pry so he lets it go. Sierra has a stalker. A rich man who thinks he can have whatever he wants  has followed Sierra from Paris. He promised to help her with her career but what he really wanted to control her and make her do what he wanted. She thought she had escaped him when she left Paris but he finds her in Wyoming and is playing for keeps. Bringing danger to the whole Conway ranch and family. 

I liked book 2 much more than book 1 for some reason. I struggled with book one some when i was reading it but was pulled right along through book 2. I loved Sierra. She's a tough cookie who learned long ago to stand on her own. Josh is great though too. He sees her for who she is and she's not perfect and that's fine with him. They compliment each other nicely and the family takes to Sierra from the first meeting. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Josh by RC Ryan. Look forward to the youngest brother Jake. A excerpt can be found at the back of Josh's book for that book.

Find out more about RC Ryan also known and Ruth Ryan Langan on her website here www.ryanlangan.com

Jaye Frances giveaway Winner!!

Congrats to Priscilla Pomeroy!!! You were Jaye Frances ebook Winner! Congrats!! You should be getting a email soon!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and thanks to Jaye Frances!!



Find out more about Jaye Frances on her website here www.jayefrances.com

Five questions with Debut author Elisabeth Barrett ( Star Harbor series)

I am pleased to have been able to interview debut author Elisabeth Barrett. She has two books available right now from her Star Harbor series. I was lucky enough to read and review both here on the blog and loved both!! Below are 5 questions i asked her and her answers. I hope you'll check out her work. I am pretty sure you would enjoy it as much as i have.

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? What there anything that influenced you to go after it?

I don’t know that there was a clear-cut time when I just knew I was going to write a novel. What I can tell you is that I was an avid reader. Jayne Ann Krentz and Nora Roberts were two of my favorites, but I read widely in most romance genres. One day in 2005, I began writing a story—the story that is now going to be published as Long Simmering Spring. At first, I was just writing for fun. And then, as I got closer and closer to finishing the draft, I thought, “Wow! There’s really something to this.” So I kept going and finished it.

As far as influence goes, I’ll give the credit to my husband, Mr. B, for encouraging me to find an agent and to pursue publication seriously once I’d finished the manuscript.

2. I love the titles to your books. Two published so far with the other two coming out next year. The play on words is great! I mean Blaze of Winter your current release sounds dramatic. You wonder though what the heck does it mean? Once you read the book if becomes pretty clear. How did you come up with the titles?

I’m such a title fiend! As a reader, book titles really matter to me, and I always try to analyze them in the context of the work as a whole. When I started thinking about writing the books in the Star Harbor series, I wanted to make sure that each title teased out some aspects of a particular book and that all of the titles used similar structure to ensure that readers would recognize the novels as belonging to a series. I decided that each title would have three facets:  a mention of the season, a reference to the sexiness (read: fire and heat) of the love story, and something to evoke a sense of passion and mystery. 

Here are the titles for those who might know what they are:

Deep Autumn Heat  (July 2012)

Blaze of Winter (September 2012)

Long Simmering Spring (coming in May 2013)

Slow Summer Burn (coming in August 2013)

3. What genre of books do you enjoy reading yourself and do you have any favorite authors?

I love romance (of course!), and I’ve already told you of my abiding love for Nora and Jayne. Some of my other favorites are Susan Mallery, Mariah Stewart, Emily March, Molly O’Keefe, and Jennifer Probst.

I also love swashbuckling stories of the type told by Arturo Perez-Reverte and Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

4. If you could use 3 words to describe yourself what would those 3 words be?

Oh, my, this is tough. I asked Mr. B to help me with this and here’s what he came up with: Trustworthy. Nurturing. Creative.                                           

5. Most everyone knows there are two more books in the Star Harbor series. Is there anything else in the works yet for after this series? If not can you tell us anything about your spring release Long Simmering Spring which will be Cole Grayson's story right?

I’m not sure about “most everyone,” but I’ll take that as a compliment! J

I’ll start with the upcoming Star Harbor books. You’re right that the May 2013 release will be Long Simmering Spring (how about that for timing!), and will feature Cole Grayson, who returns to Star Harbor as the town’s new sheriff. He and Julie Kensington, the local physician, have known each other since grade school, and she’s less-than-impressed with the bad boy he used to be. But after stints in the military and on Boston’s police force, the question isn’t whether he’s changed, but how much. It isn’t long before Cole realizes that his sweet, sexy doctor will force him to confront his past and help him to face the future.

And in August 2013, the final Grayson brother, Val, gets his HEA with Slow Summer Burn. I am incredibly excited about both novels!

I am working on another series right now, a contemporary series set in Connecticut (yay, New England!), so stay tuned for news and announcements.

 

About Elisabeth:

Raised in a sleepy little Connecticut town, Elisabeth draws on her upbringing to write small-town romances. Her summers spent living and working on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard were the inspiration for the Star Harbor series, which kicked off with Deep Autumn Heat and continues with Blaze of Winter. Currently, Elisabeth lives in Northern California with her husband and three children. Find her online: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About Blaze of Winter:

Winter heats up in this hot new Star Harbor romance, as another sexy Grayson brother, a wickedly handsome writer, plots his happily ever after with a sweet stranger.
Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.
Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.
Available now!!!

View an excerpt of Blaze of Winter on Scribd: Click here.

Order Blaze of Winter: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the iBookstore (Apple)!

Hot Cover Monday! I need you for Christmas by Leah Braemel

Ryan Porter is a sculptor, and beneath his callused hands, even the most rigid metals bend to his will. So, too, does his girlfriend Megan—a confident, strong woman who delights in submitting to Ryan’s dominance in the bedroom.

Megan is a Mountie, and she’s spent the past few years in the arctic following her career dreams. Family obligations kept Ryan at home, but their love survived the distance thanks to several hot visits. A Mountie always gets her man, and Megan is bound and determined to keep Ryan.

Now Megan’s with Ryan for the holidays…but how long will this visit last? She’s always been willing to do anything Ryan desires, but will he finally tell her that all he needs for Christmas is her?

Want more? You can join Leah's group on Goodreads.com in Leah's Lounge. Find out how on Leah Braemel's website here. Ages 18 and over. Check out her other work while your there as well!
www.leahbraemel.com

Free ebook Friday!! The Third Scroll by Dana Marton

Epic Fantasy
The Third Scroll by Dana Marton

Sold into slavery, Tera, a budding healer is thrust into the savage realm of barbarian warlords, the same realm which claimed her mother years ago. She must avoid the displeasure of her warrior lord and survive the cruelties of the concubines, even as war threatens on the horizon.

Yet a greater danger looms when she catches the eye of the most powerful lord of the land and he takes her for his Pleasure Hall. Tera struggles to escape, while searching for the secret behind her mother's death. But what she discovers challenges everything she believes in. A path set long ago beckons. A path that could lead to triumph, or the destruction of her world.

Find out more about this book here www.danamarton.com

Free on Amazon right now www.amazon.com/Third-Scroll

Guest post and GIVEAWAY! with author Jaye Frances

Thank you, Lisa, for hosting me today on Modokker Book Picks. I really appreciate the opportunity to visit with your readers and explore a topic that’s a bit different for a female writer.

One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is why my books are typically written from the male point of view. Maybe it was a dormant gene from a rebel ancestor, but for some reason I’ve always had a seemingly natural ability to switch gender perspective—from the often complicated, sometimes analytical, and frequently emotional female mindset to the comfort-oriented, convenience-seeking, sexually-focused male. No offense intended to either gender, of course. There are days when I don’t like myself in either personae.

I was raised in a rather conservative part of the country, and looking back, I’m reminded how intrigued I was with the obvious and radically divergent behaviors between the sexes. While gals seemed to have their thoughts squarely centered on love, children, and white picket fences, guys were absolutely fascinated to be the proud possessor of a penis. Even more confusing to my 15-year-old mind was their constant readiness to display it. At first, I thought it was symptomatic of gender identity, as much an example of “male” behavior as driving over the speed limit, illegal drinking, and punching a best friend in the arm until they were black and blue.

I had to know more. For example, was their preoccupation with sex the result of genetic evolution or social conditioning? After my girlfriends and I exhausted the subject through countless hours of discussion, I decided it was time to go directly to the source. I sought out the assistance of some pretty cool guys who, feeling neither threatened nor stalked, took me into their confidence, encouraging my sometimes unorthodox explorations as I jumped headlong into the shadowy yet fascinating netherworld of the male psyche.

I’ve never regretted my decision.

Bottom line, being able to transition between gender mindset has given me a whole new perspective in my writing, providing me with a wide range of unexplored territory and lots of fantasies to fulfill.



Author Bio: Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure, a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy, a coming-of-age romance novella, The Cruise-All That Glitters, a humorous adult satire about searching for love at sea, and The Beach, a sci-fi fantasy about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish and lives to regret it. Her next book, scheduled for a November release, is titled Love Travels Forever, a collection of poignant short stories and essays. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes. For more information, visit Jaye’s website at www.jayefrances.com, or Jaye’s Blog at www.blog.jayefrances.com


Books by Jaye Frances:



The Kure

John Tyler, a young man in his early twenties, awakens to find a ghastly affliction taking over his body. When the village doctor offers the conventional, and potentially disfiguring, treatment as the only cure, John tenaciously convinces the doctor to reveal an alternative remedy—a forbidden ritual contained within an ancient manuscript called the Kure.

Although initially rejecting the vile and sinister rite, John realizes, too late, that the ritual is more than a faded promise scrawled on a page of crumbling paper. And as cure quickly becomes curse, the demonic text unleashes a dark power that drives him to consider the unthinkable—a depraved and wicked act requiring the corruption of an innocent soul.

Ultimately, John must choose between his desperate need to arrest the plague that is destroying his body, and the virtue of the woman he loves, knowing the wrong decision could cost him his life.

Amazon links for The Kure
Amazon US: www.amazon.com/The-Kure-ebook
Amazon UK www.amazon.co.uk/The-Kure-ebook
The Beach


Alan loves the beach. More than a weekend respite, it is his home, his refuge, his sanctuary. And for most of the year, he strolls the sand in blissful solitude, letting nature—and no one else—touch him. But spring has given way to summer, and soon, the annual invasion of vacationers and tourists will subdivide the beach with blankets, umbrellas, and chairs, depriving Alan of his privacy and seclusion—the fundamental touchstones of his life.

Resigned to endure another seasonal onslaught of beach-goers, Alan believes there is nothing he can do but prepare for the worst.

But fate has other plans.

Delivered to him on the crest of a rogue wave, the strange object appears to have no purpose, no practical use—until Alan accidentally discovers what waits inside. Now he must attempt to unravel an ageless mystery, unaware that the final outcome will change his life, and the beach, forever.

In the companion novella Short Time, you’ll meet a respectable but bored middle-class executive, who exchanges his future for six months of excess and extravagance, only to find out the price he must pay for his hedonistic indulgence is beyond anything he could have imagined.

Amazon links for The Beach
Amazon US:www.amazon.com/The-Beach-ebook
Amazon UK:www.amazon.co.uk/The-Beach-ebook



The Possibilities of Amy

Amy is the ultimate trophy girl—gorgeous face, killer body, and a vivacious personality. But there’s something else about her, something that makes her even more special. Amy is new. A transfer student from out of state, she’s starting her senior year without knowing a soul. And that means she’s up for grabs, available.

Infatuated from the moment he sees her, David is determined to meet Amy, and if the fates are willing, to spend the rest of his life with her. But his shyness prevents him from approaching her—until his friends devise a contest to determine who will be the first to prove their manhood by seducing her.

Amazon links for The Possibilities of Amy
Amazon US:www.amazon.com/The-Possibilities-of-Amy-ebook
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/The-Possibilities-of-Amy-ebook


The Cruise-All That Glitters

It’s love on the high seas for Dean, a thirty-something bachelor taking his first cruise, hoping for a shipboard romance. On the prowl for the elusive hard-body, he quickly becomes disillusioned, wondering if his expectation of a boatload of beautiful sea nymphs is something found only in travel brochures.

Until he meets Angel.

She is the girl of his dreams, brought to life as a bewitching goddess, ready to engage in every sensual delight. Quickly lured into submission by Angel’s seductive charms, Dean is ready to surrender his heart and soul to this provocative beauty.

Until he meets Marcie . . .

Amazon links for The Cruise – All That Glitters:

Amazon US: www.amazon.com/The-Cruise-That-Glitters-ebook
AmazonUK: www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cruise-That-Glitters-ebook

Jaye Francis can be found at the following places online.
Her website and blog
www.jayefrances.com
www.blog.jayefrances.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/jayefrancesauthor
Amazon Author Page www.amazon.com/Jaye-Frances
Goodreads author page www.goodreads.com/JayeFrancis

Jaye Frances has generously offered up a Kindle Ebook version of The Possibilities of Amy to one lucky commenter.
To enter please leave a comment for Jaye along with your email address. This is how she will send you the book should you win. To receive extra extries you can tweet about this giveaway on twitter and leave the links here to show me that you did it and you can share it on Facebook also and leave a link so i can find it as well. That 3 chances to enter. Ends Monday September 24th

Thanks as always for stopping by. Thank you Jaye for the giveaway!

Book review: Run the Risk (Love Undercover series book 1) by Lori Foster

Run the Risk


September 25, 2012

When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend’s unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her...

Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new “construction worker” who’s moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer’s crosshairs?

This is book 1 in Lori Foster's brand new heavily anticipated series Love Undercover! I was really excited to get the chance to read and review it. I loved her Men who Walk the Edge of Honor series so i was hoping that this series would be just as good. Logan Risk is trying to worm his way into Pepper Yates life in the hopes of finding her brother who he thinks is the key to finding out who murdered his friend 2 years ago. He won't take no for a answer in his many attempts to get her to let him in. Pepper though is also undercover but in a different way. She's hiding in plain site from the man who would easily use her to get to her brother Rowdy. Rowdy seems like a bad guy but most of the timebut he's the only person who ever loved Pepper and has looked out for her the best he could all these years. Things kind of meander along in this book at a nice leisurely pace until everyone's cover is blown. From there the pace picks up and the action portion of the book takes off. That's when i really had to sit up my seat and pay attention. I love that you really can't figure out who is the bad guy but you can speculate a lot and hang on for the ride to get your answers. It's a very exciting and crazy fun ride! You get a introduction to some great characters for the future books in Rowdy, Dash and Reese and you can see that they are going to be a lot of fun to read. Very entertaining book. I loved both Pepper and Logan. Can't wait for book 2 already! 5out of 5 Modokker Book Picks for Run the Risk by Lori Foster.

To find out more about this series and Lori Foster's other work check it out here www.lorifoster.com

Book review: All He Ever Needed ( Kowalski series book 4) by Shannon Stacey

He won’t stay put for a woman, and she won’t chase after any man…


Mitch Kowalski lives out of a suitcase—and he likes it that way. Traveling for work has the added bonus of scaring off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. But when he’s called home to help with the family lodge, he’s intrigued by the new girl in town and her insistence that she doesn’t need a man. If there’s one thing Mitch can’t resist, it’s a challenge.

After a nomadic childhood, Paige Sullivan is finally putting down roots. Determined to stand on her own two feet, she lives by the motto “Men are a luxury, not a necessity.” But when Mr. Tall, Dark and Hot pulls up a stool in her diner and offers her six weeks of naughty fun with a built-in expiration date, she’s tempted to indulge.

They’re the perfect match for a no-strings fling. Until they realize their sexy affair has become anything but casual…

I have read a couple of the Kowalski series book but not all. The ones I have read i have enjoyed though. All He Ever Needed is book 4 in this series. Mitch Kowalski was a little too frisky in his youth. Add to that that he and his brothers were always getting into trouble and the town of Whitford never forgets his transgressions. Mitch comes home to help out his brother Josh who broke his leg and is laid up with a cast. He finds out the lodge he and his siblings own together, but Josh runs is in bad need of repair. He's home for the next 6 weeks to see what he can do. In the mean time he also meets Paige Sullivan. She bought the diner in town which was closed down the last time Mitch was in town 3 years ago. Now it seems to be doing well with Paige at the helm. Paige's car broke down in Whitford, MA two years ago and the people were so nice she decided to stay. She's been doing well for herself and has a no man needed philosophy. Unfortunately when Mr. no commitment Mitch Kowalski walks into her diner she's not so sure she can keep that up.
Mitch doesn't commit ever. He came really close once and that ended in disaster so he's not going there again. He's always up front with the ladies and they always part on happy terms. Paige is different. She resists his charms even when she really wants him. Her mother always bounced from man to man. Always needing one to be happy and so Paige is turned off men and relationships. They seem to dance around each other for much of the book and it's funny to watch Mitch have to be the pursuer when he is usually the one being pursued. Paige sticks to her guns for a long time until she decides two years is long enough a dry spell. She wants Mitch but doesn't want a commit either so why not. Problem is no matter how hard they try to keep it casual it's nothing but. For once too Mitch isn't the first one to walk away. The one thing that bugged me a bit is Mitch is really portrayed as a horn-dog basically. I'm not sure if i was Paige if i would want anything to do with Mitch after hearing from all over town about his sexual escapades even though many of them are embellished. Mitch though has grown up and no matter how successful he is in life the town can't seem to let his sins of the past go. Like how this played out. Little different way than they usually go but enjoyable because of it. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey.

Find out more about Shannon Stacey and the Kowalski series here on her website. www.shannonstacey.com

Jill Shalvis giveaway winner!

Winner of the kindle ebook copy of Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis is BAMiller! congrats!!

It's still on sale at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for 99 cents so you can still get a great deal on book 1 in the Lucky Harbor series.


Amazon www.amazon.com/Simply-Irresistible-Lucky-Harbor
B&N www.barnesandnoble.com/w/simply-irresistible
regular price is $7.99 get it while it's on sale.

Find out more about the series and Jill Shalvis on her website and blog here www.jillshalvis.com

Hot Cover Monday! It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor series book 7 ) by Jill Shalvis

(Luke's Story)

A Lucky Harbor Novel Book Seven
Grand Central
May 28. 2013


Below is a sneal peek excerpt!

Lieutenant Detective Luke Hanover had been away from the San Francisco Police Department for exactly one day of his three week leave and already he’d lost his edge, walking into his grandma’s Lucky Harbor beach house to find a B&E perp standing in the kitchen.
She sure as hell was the prettiest petty thief he’d ever come across, at least from the back since she was wearing nothing but a white lace bra and a tiny scrap of matching white lace panties.

“You have some nerve you… you ratfink bastard,” she snapped into her cell phone, waving her free hand for emphasis, her long, wildly wavy brown hair flying around her head as she moved.

And that wasn’t all that moved. She was a bombshell, all sweet, womanly curves, barely contained in her undies.

“I want you to know,” she went on furiously, still not seeing Luke, “there’s no way in hell I’m accepting your break-up message. You hear me, Teddy? I’m not accepting it because I’m breaking up with you. And while we’re at it, who even does that? Who breaks up with someone by text? I’ll tell you who, Teddy, a real jerk, that’s who– Hello? Dammit!”

Pulling the phone from her ear, she stared at the screen and then punched a few keys before whipping it back up to her ear. “Your voice mail cut me off before I finished,” she said. “You having sex in your office while I was in the building? Totally cliché. But not telling me that you weren’t planning to resign the lease? That’s just rotten to the core, Teddy. And don’t bother calling me back on this. Oh, wait, that’s right, you don’t call – you text!” She punched the “off” button on her phone and tossed it to the counter, hands on hips, steam coming out her ears. Then she thunked her forehead against the refrigerator a few times before going stock still, her head pressed to the cool, steel door.

Had she knocked herself out? Luke wondered.

“It’s just one bad day,” she whispered, still in the perfect position for him to pat her down for weapons.

Not that she was carrying – well, except for that lethal bod.

“Just one really rotten, badass day,” she repeated softly, and Luke had to disagree.

“Not from where I’m standing,” he said.

Find out more about Jill Shalvis and her books here www.jillshalvis.com

Simply Irresistible ( Lucky Harbor book 1) by Jill Shalvis on sale for 99 (GIVEAWAY) cents!

Simply Irresistible
 Maddie Moore’s whole life needs a makeover.


In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.


Starting over won’t be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.


The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she’s sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie’s struggles to overcome the past, though she’s about to discover that there’s no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.


New to Jill Shalvis? Read all her work? If your new here's your chance to read book 1 in the hit Lucky Harbor series with Simply Irresistible! On sale for 99 cents through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you've read this series here's your chance to gift it to a friend. I guarantee you'll love it. Jill Shalvis has a wonderful wit in person that comes through in her books and her blog posts as well. Check out her website here to read a excerpt of this book and check out her other work www.jillshalvis.com

GIVEAWAY Modokker Book Picks will give away a KINDLE ebook copy of Simply Irrestible by Jill Shalvis to one commenter. Just tell me if you have have ever read a Jill Shalvis book before. Be sure you leave your email address so i can contact you if you win. This ends Sunday September 16th so hurry!

Buy from Amazon for 99 cents for Kindle here www.amazon.com
Buy from  Barnes and Noble for 99 cents for Nook here www.barnesandnoble.com

Book review: Blaze of Winter by Elisabeth Barrett

Winter heats up in this hot new Star Harbor romance, as another sexy Grayson brother, a wickedly handsome writer, plots his happily ever after with a sweet stranger.




BLAZE OF WINTER (Star Harbor #2 – Theo’s Story)


Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.

Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.

This is Elisabeth Barrett 2nd book. I read her first which is the first book in the Star Harbor series. Book 1 "Deep Autumn Heat" was Sebation or Seb's book. Book 2 is his twin brother Theodore or Theo's book. Theo comes back to Star Harbor in Book 1 for some R&R but also to write. Seems he's gotten a little stale and the words are just not coming right now. Theo was always the brains of the Grayson brothers. Who was always the one doing the plotting when they were up to something. Now back in Star Harbor he is staying with his two older brothers on their house boat. With no enough room to move he decides to take a room at the Inn.  This is where he smacks right in to Avery Newbridge. Avery is back in town trying to get own life together. She's a social worker for people battling substance abuse and when one of her patients turns up dead she questions whether she's fit for the job anymore or not.  Right away she's attracted to Theo but she's had some bad experiences in the past and with all her work problems and her aunt who is recovering from cancer she doesn't have room for men.

I didn't think i would care for Theo as much as i would the other brothers. He doesn't seem quite as alpha male as the others in book 1. He's comes across as brainy and boring a little. Wow was i wrong. The man is brainy alright but HOT and sweet and a gentleman too. He realizes what Avery needs and tries his best to be there for her and give her the room she needs. I just loved him to bits. I felt bad for poor Avery. Social work is not a easy field and i think Elisabeth Barrett portrayed that well here. I loved the bits of the other brothers lives and the bit of danger as well. There is a theme running though this series about some keys and a sunken ship. I really hope that that is brought out more in the next two books. I don't think it's getting enough time in the 2 books in the series so far. Can't wait for the remaining two brothers Val and Cole's stories. Unfortunately we're going to have to wait til spring of 2013 to find out what happens with the remaing two Graysons. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Picks stars for Blaze of Winter by Elisabeth Barrett. By the way. I love the titles to the books in this series. The play on words is awesome.
DEEP AUTUMN HEAT
BLAZE OF WINTER
LONG SIMMERING SPRING
SLOW SUMMER BURN

Find out more about Elisabeth Barrett and the Star Harbor series on her website here www.elisabethbarrett.com

Book review: Close Enough to Touch (Jackson Hole series) by Victoria Dahl

Can a city girl make it in the wild, wild West?


For makeup artist Grace Barrett, Hollywood isn't the land of golden opportunity. It's the land of difficult divas, cheating boyfriends and unemployment. So when her great-aunt offers her a free place to stay in Jackson, Grace thinks she'll spend a little time in the sticks to figure out her life, and then move somewhere exciting to live out her dreams. But it turns out that there are a few more thrills in this small town than Grace was expecting....

Cole Rawlins is a rugged Wyoming cowboy born and bred. Yet he can't help but be drawn to the fascinating big-city girl who moves in across from him. He wants to get close enough to Grace to see past her tough facade, but if he does, she might see the real Cole. The one with a Hollywood history gone bad. As they discover a sizzling attraction, it becomes harder for him to keep his demons at bay-and those fires from long ago may burn them both.


They'll need more than scorching-hot passion to make this opposites-attract affair work. But if they can learn to trust one another enough to reveal their secrets, they just might have a chance at forever.

I've read a handful of Victoria Dahl books and enjoyed them. This is book 1 in a new contemporary series that is supposed to sport 3 books total and a novella. I can't wait to see who these other stories will be about. I can make a guess or two having read book one now but no way am i certain. lol Grace Barrett has had a really hard life. Her childhood sucked and she ran away from home at 16 and lived on the streets. She pulled herself together and finally was doing ok as a make up artist for the movies. Then she met a guy who became her boyfriend and seemingly used her to help himself. Unfortunately some of her own self doubt and past experiences she makes a couple bad choices. Running away she lands in Jackson Hole, Wyoming staying rent free in a apartment building her great aunt owns and is normally only rented to men. To say her aunt is a bit odd is a understatement. She also owns and runs the saloon next door. Right off the bat Grace meets sexy cowboy Cole Rawlins. He's got his own bad history with the movie industry when years ago he ran off with woman who had come to Jackson Hole to film a movie. He was young and dumb and paid for it later. Neither Cole nor Grace trust easily. It takes a while for Cole to figure out that Grace has nothing. No furniture no possessions and no money. I have to say the man had to be blind to miss it though. His perceptions of her are off kilter and it takes him a while to start figuring her out. It all goes nuts as both their pasts come back to haunt them. Unfortunately where is a lot of misunderstanding going on this book. I like how 2 complete opposite characters get tossed together and Grace and Cole both have to deal with their pasts and insecurities and figure out where they belong. With each other of course! An enjoyable read. That being said i am really interested in the next books in the series. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl.

Find out more about this book and Victoria Dahl's other work here on her website. www.victoriadahl.com

Book review: Bound by Decency(The Flying Gang Legacy by Claire Ashgrove

Once, Cain sailed with the cutthroats of The Flying Gang, fearless Captain of The Kraken, bound to no one save the sea. After inheriting a portion of Spain’s Royal Inheritance, he resigned the life of brigands for a chance at honest wealth. With the secrets of his piracy tucked away, he achieved his lofty aspirations. But when his partner and best friend betrays him to the Royal Navy, Cain’s dreams are ripped to shreds. He’s left with his ship, the tattered remnants of a stolen future, and a piece of Spanish mystery. Wanted by three nations and destined for the gallows, he returns to the legendary band of buccaneers for one purpose---vengeance.


Kidnapped by the formidable Cain, India Prescott discovers he intends to kill the man she’s to marry, Richard Grey. Cain’s story reveals betrayal. Treachery that extends to her as well. Although she holds the key to retribution, India refuses to become another man’s pawn. Freedom lies before her, the liberty to shrug off propriety, make her own decisions, and claim her destiny. But when she uncovers goodness in Cain’s soul and he awakens passion in her heart, she must combat the chains of convention once more.

Only this time India's not fighting society. She’s battling a pirate bent on keeping her decency intact.

This was my first Claire Ashgrove novel. With a new author you never know what to expect but as always we hope for a great book. It takes a while to set up the story and lay out all the background for this book. Theodore is a respectable man in society he is also Cain a dreaded pirate. His best friend (Richard )or so he thought betrays him and turns him in as a pirate and he is captured and sent to be hung. A couple of his friends help him escape and he kidnaps India, Richard intended. He expects India to know where Richard is and then he's going after him to kill him. India won't betray Richard to this nasty pirate. She knows Theodore but doesn't recognize him as Cain at first. The story is spent trying to get her to at first tell him where Richard is and then also protecting her virtue. Cain/Theodore is torn between his pirate side and his noble side. He knows his noble stature in society is all but gone now that Richard has betrayed him. India on the other hand has suffered all her life being told what to do and stifled by everyone for being smart and wanting to run her own shipping business. After a while she finds peace on the ship with Cain and peace with him. She finally realizes what and who Richard is too. He's been using her. Unfortunately they both Cain and India keep throwing mixed signals and can't seem to get going on a path together. Finally no matter how much Cain loves her, he decides he must be noble at least once more and take her back to her father. India for her part makes a plan to trap Richard and clear Cain so they can be together.  In conclusion, I liked the story, I liked the characters. The writing was really good i just felt it took to long and was to slow for the first half almost of the book. It seemed to take a long time to get to some real action between Cain and India. Once it picked up i enjoyed it a lot more. I would read this author again. 3 and 1/2 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Bound by Decency by Claire Ashgrove.

Find out more about this book and Claire Ashgrove's other work here on here website. www.claireashgrove.com

Hot Cover Monday! ( Book 4 Fallen Angels) Rapture by JR Ward

RAPTURE


by J.R. Ward



ON SALE SEPTEMBER 25TH!



After reporter Mels Carmichael hits a disheveled man with her car outside the local cemetery, she pays a visit to the stranger in the hospital. The only thing he remembers of his past is seeing a name written on a headstone: that of Jim Heron—a fallen angel charged with rescuing souls from the seven deadly sins. Now, as Mels struggles to help this mysterious stranger rediscover himself, Heron himself returns to prepare for a battle between good and evil.   Find out more om JR Ward's website here www.jrward.com

Free ebook Friday! Dangerous Secrets(Tall, Dark and Deadly series) by Lisa Renee Jones

THE HERO: Luke Walker—the middle Walker brother and a former Navy SEAL. He is the chameleon, able to get along with anyone, able to fit in anywhere. Growing up as the middle brother, Luke was always the one who kept peace between siblings, instinctively knowing how to calm tension. When he joined the



Navy SEALS, he found his steady, easy going, personality a tool under pressure. He liked the structure within the SEALS, the way the team resembled the family unit he once had been with his brothers and parents. Soon Luke became a leader, not just a fighter for the SEALS, but an injury stole his career and forced him to rethink his future. He took the change in stride, just as he does life. Now he’s home, playing mediator to his brothers again, and loving every minute of it. Still, he clings to his SEALS roots, and he’s more conservative than his brothers, very regimented. He wears his hair short and keeps his workouts intense. He is ready and waiting for the next place life will take him.

Being a divorce attorney for the rich and famous isn't all it's cracked up to be. Julie Harrison has learned that love doesn't last, and she's sworn never to make the same mistakes as her mother, or her clients. She uses the games men play to keep them at a distance. The only man who managed to break down her walls was Luke Walker, a Navy SEAL who loved her and left her, and changed her forever.




When Luke arrives back in New York, running Walker Security with his brothers and having left his Navy SEAL days behind, he sets his sights on Julie, the woman he's always wanted and couldn't have. Except, she runs from him every time he gets close.

But now, one of Julie's clients, a powerful judge, gets involved with a dangerous cartel, and his soon-to-be-ex wife ends up dead. Julie's next on the list, and she finds herself on the run from those who believe she knows too much, and counting on Luke to keep her alive. In the deepest, darkest moments of the night, passion will bring them together while danger threatens to tear them apart. Can Julie and Luke trust each other and find their happy ending before they find ... the end?


About the series...
The Walker Brothers...

Tall, dark, and deadly, these three brothers run Walker security. Each brother is unique in his methods and skills, but all share key similarities. They are passionate about those they love, relentless when fighting for a cause they believe in, and all believe that no case is too hard, no danger too dark. Dedication is what they deliver, results are their reward.

Read more about Lisa Renee Jones here and a excert to this book here www.lisareneejones.com

Get it free from Amazon today for free here www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Secrets

Carnal Compromise by Robin L Rotham( 18 and older review)

Joe Remke just has one qualification for his lovers—he wants them gone before sunrise, which makes his new bunkmate AJ about as safe as a woman can be around him. It also makes his determination to sleep with his boss downright stupid, because if Brent ever gives in, he’ll be looking for a new job.


Brent Andersen knows sex with his right-hand man Joe is inevitable, but he’s not going down without a fight. Putting the new female hired hand in their cramped RV was a stroke of genius, taking the heat off him while protecting her from the horny guys on his custom farming crew.

AJ Pender’s bunkmates may hide their feelings for each other from the rest of the crew, but they aren’t fooling her—Brent and Joe are hot for each other, and it’s all she can do not to cry at the thought. Not that they’d be interested in her, of course, and if they ever found out she fantasizes about being the meat in their farmer sandwich, they’d probably die laughing.

Fortunately for Brent and Joe, fantasies have a way of outing themselves and AJ’s are right up their alley. But even three-ways have their risks, and AJ can serve as a buffer for only so long before the tension between them explodes.

Warning: Flying BOBs ahead—and that’s just the warm-up! Strap yourself in for a wild ride complete with ménage, m/m, and a voyeuristic f/f scene hot enough to make three grown men beg for mercy.

I don't think i have ever read a erotica where the characters were farmers. Brent Anderson  is the owner of a company that does custom harvesting for farmers. His right hand man and best friend is Joe Remke  has been with him a long time. Joe has had some dark times in his past. A lot of stuff even Brent doesn't know about. Brent takes on a new hand AJ Pender who he doesn't realize is a woman til she shows up for work. For that reason he has her bunk with Joe and him to protect her.  AJ has had a rough life filled with many disappointments. At this point she just wants to be treated like all the other work hands.   Brent and Joe have had  women together before but they think they have to protect AJ from that. She seems a bit innocent to them, but when they catch her pleasuring herself all bets are off. This story had me all over the place. I laughed and giggled but at the same times the book was loaded with hot sex scenes as well as a journey of sorts for all three to find their way to each other. Everyone has things in their past they want to forget but sometimes to heal and love you have to talk about it and deal with it to get past it. This is what happens here with these three. I enjoyed it. 3 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for Carnal Compromise.

Find out more about this book and Robin L Rotham here  on her website www.robinlrotham.com

Book review Season for Sin (novella) (Sinful Scoundrels)by Vicky Dreiling

Available now

Introducing the Sinful Scoundrels...



The Earl of Bellingham is nothing is not a creature of habit: money, meals, and mistresses must be strictly managed if a man is to have a moment's peace. It's a system that works splendidly for him--until now. With his oldest and dearest friends succumbing, one by one, to wedded bliss, Bell is now restless and a trifle lonely. Enter the Sinful Scoundrels--Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, and Harry Norcliffe, Viscount Evermore--who drag him back into society and draw his rakish eye to the ton's new beautiful young widow. Bell isn't after a wife, but a challenge. And Laura Davenport should fit the bill quite nicely...


This is a great little Vicky Dreiling novella. It's more or less a intro into her new series Sinful Scoundrels. The first part is spent kind of introducing you to all the players and you wait to see them all finally to meet up together on the page. I was not disappointed when it finally happens either. You have these little misses where they are all in the area and even run onto each other but don't know who the other is or what they'll mean to them later. Gets pretty good when it finally happens. Then it's over and you are ready for book 1. Your in luck too because when you buy this book you also get a free preview in the form of chapter one of book one in the series " What a Wicked Earl Wants". Which worked for me because i really wanted to see what happens right after the end of the novella. Now i am looking forward to reading the full book when it comes out in the spring of 2013.  4 out of 5 Modokker book picks for A Season for Sin by Vicky Dreiling.


Find out more about this novella and Vicky Dreiling's other work here on her website www.vickydreiling.com PS the novella is only 99 cents from Amazon and B&N.

Sneak Peek of Blaze of Winter! Book 2 in the Star Harbor series by Elisabeth Barrett

BLAZE OF WINTER by Elisabeth Barrett



Buy it here! www.randomhouse.com/blaze-of-winter
Find out more about Elisabeth Barrett here www.elisabethbarrett.com

Hot Cover Monday! Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

Available September 4th!

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.


Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Find out more about this book including a excerpt and the author Nalini Singh here www.nalinisingh.com