Cover reveal!!! Jessica Scott "All for You"(Coming Home #4)

Available Feb, 4th 2014

A desire that defies reason and a love worth sacrificing for, featuring Sergeant First Class Reza Iaconelli and Army Captain Emily  Lindberg.

Goodreads - http://bit.ly/1cKq2Me

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/19EbnBK

Amazon - http://amzn.to/16tDQ8J

iBooks - http://bit.ly/1c3ojmZ

Camp Taji, Iraq

2007

Sergeant First Class Reza Iaconelli had seen better days. He closed his eyes, wishing he was anywhere but curled up on the latrine floor in the middle of some dirty, shitty desert. The cold linoleum caressed his cheek, soothing the sensation of a billion spiders creeping over his skin. He had to get up, to get back to his platoon before someone came looking for him. Running patrols through the middle of Sadr City was so much better than being balled up on the bathroom floor, puking his guts out.

He’d sacrificed his dignity at the altar of the porcelain god two days ago when they’d arrived in northern Baghdad. It was going to be a rough deployment; that was for damn sure. Dear Lord, he’d give anything for a drink. Anything to stop the madness of detox. Why the fuck was he doing this to himself? Why did he pick up that godforsaken bottle every single time he made it home from this goddamned war?

The walls of the latrine echoed as someone pounded on the door. It felt like a mallet on the inside of a kettle drum inside his skull. “Sarn’t Ike!”

Reza groaned and pushed up to his hands and knees. He couldn’t let Foster see him like this. Couldn’t let any of his guys see him like this. “You about ready? The patrol is gearing up to roll.”

Holy hell. He dry heaved again, unable to breathe until the sensation of ripping his guts out through his throat passed. After a moment, he pushed himself upright and rinsed out his mouth. He’d definitely seen better days.

He wet his brown-black hair down and tucked the grey Army combat t-shirt into his uniform pants. Satisfied that no one would know he’d just been reduced to a quivering ball of misery a few moments before, he headed out to formation, a five- to seven-hour patrol through the shit hole known as Sadr City in his immediate future.

He was a goddamned sergeant first class and he had troops rolling into combat. They counted on him to do more than show up. They counted on him to lead them. Every single day.

Maybe by the time he reached thirty days in country, he’d stop heaving his guts up every morning. But sick or not, he was going out on patrol with his boys.

The best he could hope for was that he wouldn’t puke in the tank.

Find out more about Jessica Scott here www.jessicascott.net

Book review: Deathwatch (Broslin Creek Trilogy #1) by Dana Marton

Available ebook form now
As the only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country, Kat Bridges is running for her life. 

Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give.

If the best of the FBI couldn't protect her from the country’s most notorious assassin, does a burned-out small town cop have a prayer?

This started out as a prequel novella but morphed into a full blown novel. I'm so glad it did. Kat Bridges in on the run. It's 18 months since she's been hiding out from an assassin that killed her friend and then came after her because she saw him. The FBI thought they could protect her. She had to watch her own funeral and when things blew up, literally she ran. Kat had a hard life and it finally was going well with an adoptive family that loved her for her. Now she's had to let them think she's dead to protect them while she hides from a killer. Renting a house on a short term lease she settles in for a few months until she can earn enough money to move again. Unfortunately Murphy Dolan owns the house and when he shows up  after finishing his 2nd tour in the Army reserves things get hairy. Murph is exhausted and injured and burned out. All he wants to do is get home and fall in his bed and sleep and then start getting his health and life back together. Only problem is his bed is occupied by a half naked Kat.  Once Murph can get Kat to explain why she's there and what's she's afraid of it doesn't take him long to decide he wants to help her. He starts teaching her to defend herself and fixes up the house with tons of security. All the while though he becomes more and more attracted to her.  He's also fighting his own demons from his time at war and his injuries.  While Murph tries to figure out if the assassin  is really after Kat or if he's imagining it, both are also trying to figure out what's going on between them as well.  Then a killer sneaks in and steals Kat and it's a race to get to her before it's to late. Fast paced and action packed! Dana Marton knows now to put the thrill into her suspense. She keeps you guessing right til the end. 4 out of 5 stars for Deathwatch by Dana Marton.

Find out more about Dana Marton on her website www.danamarton.com

Book review: Just One Kiss (Fool's Gold # 11) by Susan Mallery

Available now!
He won't hesitate to put his life on the line...but will he ever risk his heart? 
Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw's otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he's back in Fool's Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won't abandon her again-and her daughter, too? 

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He's returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can't resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice's past doesn't make him husband, or father, material. 

Patience and Justice think they'll succumb to just one kiss... Then one more... Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone's control

This is book 11 already in Susan Mallery's Fools Gold series. It's never to late to start this series. I think you can jump in pretty much anywhere and figure your way around.  I kind just want to jump up and down a bit because we are getting so close to knowing more about Ford and Gideon!! They have either made appearances or been mentioned in previous book and the build up is getting to me.  For this book though we get to meet a brand new guy Justice Garrett. Although his real name isn't Justice he picks that name when he needs to have it changed and once you read the book it's really quite fitting for him. Patience McGraw has been seen a bit in previous books but it brought out to the for front for this one. She's a single mom to an adorable little girl but when she was 14 she became good friends with a new boy she thought was 16. Yup Justice Garrret.  After a while she realized she loved him as much as a 14 year old girl can love a boy. Before she can tell him though he disappears without anything sign he was ever there. Justice is in witness protection to save him from his criminal father who is out to kill him. He's also 18 years old not 16 so although he has feeling for Patience he knows he can't act  on them and then he's forced to leave when his father is spotted in the area. Fast forward years later and suddenly Justice is back in town. Justice is the one thing that Justice pulled out in all the years he'd been gone from Fools Gold and in the military. Now he's back to start a new business and to see Patience. They start a romance that's full of doubts. For Patience. Will Justice stick around this time. For Justice is he worthy of love and is it safe. There are a lot of fears to be worked through and then the worst thing happens and the delicate balance is blown apart. I could see the big event that happens toward the end of this book coming.  I knew it was going to happen early on but that's ok because it's not the focus of the story anyway. What i wondered of course was how the characters would handle it and how would the happy ending come about. lol Again Susan Mallery delivers another winner in my eyes. While this romance was really more laid back i enjoyed it. The characters are believable and we get some interesting glimpses into what's coming in the future  with new character introductions and a look at past stories as well as those relationships progress and secondaries.  4 out of 5 stars for Just One Kill by Susan Mallery.

Find out more about Susan Mallery and the Fools Gold series here. www.susanmallery.com
ps if you read the Fools Gold Christmas story there is a lot of Gideon whose story is coming soon and Patience as well.

Hot Cover Monday! Deathwatch (Broslin Creek Trilogy #3) by Dana Marton

ComingAugust 2013!!

The only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country, Kat Bridges is running for her life. Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give.

 If the best of the FBI couldn't protect her from the country’s most notorious assassin, does a burned-out small town cop have a prayer?

More info about Dana Marton and the Broslin Creek series check her website here www.danamarton.com

Book review: Sweet Madness (Veiled Seduction #3) by Heather Snow

Available now!

There’s a fine line between love and insanity.

An Untamed Mind

Ever since her husband’s sudden and tragic death, Lady Penelope Bridgeman has committed herself to studying the maladies of the mind, particularly treating traumatized soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. It is this expertise that brings the Marquess of Bromwich’s family to her door.

Gabriel Devereaux’s unexpected and unpredictable episodes are unlike any Penelope has studied. The once proud soldier has been left shaken and withdrawn, but she manages to build a fragile trust between them. Strangely, Gabriel seems completely lucid when not in the grips of his mania, and in the calm between bouts, she is surprised by how much she is drawn to him.

Despite his own growing feelings, Gabriel knows that he is fit for no one, and is determined to keep Penelope away from his descent into madness. But even though she knows firsthand the folly of loving a broken man, Penelope cannot stop herself from trying to save him, no matter the cost.

This is book 3 in the Veiled Seduction series. I previously read book one so i knew some of the secondary characters in this book which was helpful but you can read this as a stand alone and be fine. Unfortunately PTSD is something we hear about a lot these days but it's not really a new thing. It's been around for a long time and Heather Snow presents it in Sweet Madness as Gabriel Devereaux struggles with what looks and feeling like total madness or lunacy and they called it back then. Fortunately for him Lady Penelope Bridgeman who was married to his cousin (before he took his life) and knows him well takes it upon herself to try and cure him.  She steals him away from the private sanatorium he placed himself in so she can help him without interference. Slowly Penelope uncovers where his fears  have come from and he begins to heal.  Gabriel has had a thing for Penelope since he first met her, but now with his current condition he is torn between what he wants and what he should do.  As they work through both Penelope's fears and Gabriel's they start a passionate affair. It all falls apart though when Gabriel is made to come to London for a lunacy hearing to see if he is crazy or not. On the cusp of that Penelope gets a major breakthrough and things look good and they have a solid plan. Then the worst thing happens and it looks like it's over for good. This book is full of passion and solid characters. You can feel the strife in both Penelope and  Gabriel and they work through there issues. Your heart hurts because even though this is a work of fiction people have long suffered from the ravages of war. Heather Snow is a new historical author but she writes solid, smart, strong women and matches them with men with a need to protect and nurture. It's a pleasure to read and make your heart think along with your head. Truly brilliant. 4 out of 5 stars for Sweet Madness by Heather Snow.

Find out more here www.heathersnowbooks.com

Heather Snow is donating a portion of the proceeds from this book to the Hope for the Warriors Hope For the Warriors. An organization dedicated to “restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.” 
ps. I checked out the website last week and bought a couple of t shirts for my husband and I. We're both Desert Storm vets and like to support veteran charities when we can. If you can't afford much but want to do something the t shirts are only $5.50 plus shipping. I bought 2 and 2 pins for $1 a piece and with shipping was only about $20. My items arrived at my door in two days and the t shirts are nice.

Cover Reveal, Excerpt and Giveaway!! The Long Way Home by Jessica Scott

Available today
My name is Jessica Scott. I am a soldier. I am a mother. I am a wife. 

In 2009, Army second lieutenant Jessica Scott deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. She thought deploying was the hardest thing she'd ever do. 

She was wrong. 

This is the story of a mother coming home from war and learning to be a mom again. This is the story of a lieutenant making the grade and becoming a company commander. This is the journey of a writer persevering through a hundred rejections. This is the story of a soldier learning to be a woman again. This is the story of a wife waiting for the end of a war. 

This is the journey as it happened, without commentary.

About Jess

Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

Oprah has called her. True story.

Her debut novel BECAUSE OF YOU launched Loveswept, the first Random House digital imprint.

She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and is currently a company commander stationed at Fort Hood.

Most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012. 

Connect with Jessica at

Website: http://www.jessicascott.net

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jessicascott09

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jessicascottauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5131118.Jessica_Scott

Excerpt to The Long Way Home by Jessica Scott

Foreword

In 2009, I kissed my children goodbye and deployed

to Iraq.

I thought deploying would be the hardest thing I'd

ever do.

I was wrong.

Coming home from war is not an event, not a

solitary moment on the parade field. I never knew

what it would take to walk through my front door and

become a mother after a year away.

This is my story of coming home from war. Of

kissing my children and learning to be their mom

again. Of taking command of my company and growing

up from a smart-mouthed lieutenant to more

thoughtful commander. Of being a wife at the end of

the war.

A mom. A soldier. A writer. A wife.

If you’ve been following the journey thus far, thank

you for joining me again. If you’re reading it for the

first time, I hope you enjoy.

COMING HOME

2010

Unprepared

December 27, 2009

WHEN YOU GET HOME from deployment, the

Army sends you through all this reintegration training.

Some of it is worthwhile, a lot of it is a waste of time

and even more is a check-the-block exercise. I

understand the intent behind it, but frankly, I didn’t

need or want most of it. There was, however, one class

that I really got a lot out of and it was taught by the

chaplains. They discussed reintegrating with your

families and I paid attention because honestly, I’ve

been worried about reuniting with my kids.

They talked about expectations and reactions and

how you and they are different now than when you left

home. I knew all this but still I paid attention. There

was a lot of anticipation within me about seeing the

kids and getting my family back together.

I thought I was prepared.

So when we’re in the middle of a busy rest stop in

New Jersey last night and my youngest starts crying

out of the blue, I wasn’t prepared to hear why she was

upset. She had real, painful tears, the kind of crying

that sounded like her little heart hurt. When I asked

her what was wrong, she sobbed, “I don’t think you love

me.”

It was not a fake cry. It wasn’t a cry for attention.

And I had no idea how to react. Instantly, I started

crying. In the middle of a rest stop, with people

wondering what the heck was going on, I was trying to

get my oldest’s coat on her while trying to get my

youngest to understand that I did love her and I had

missed her.

My husband freaked out when he walked up and

saw me and our youngest both in tears. My oldest

rested her head on my shoulder and told me she knew I

loved her. But none of that helped until I could make

my youngest understand.

It was a brutal episode and one I did not expect.

They tell you about the babies not knowing you or your

grade school kids wanting to talk incessantly but

nothing prepared me for my three year old’s confusion

and true heartache.

It’s better today. She’s back to normal and so am I,

but the pain from last night lingers. So today, I’m

hugging both of them more and telling them I love

them. I’d already been doing that but apparently, it

wasn’t enough to make up for a year of no hugs and no

up close “I love you”s. The web cam was good but it

wasn’t enough.

I don’t know if I can ever make up to either of them

for being gone. I don’t know what else is coming.

And I don’t know that I’m prepared to deal with it.

The Unexpected Mommy Box

January 4, 2010

IN DAVID FINKLE’S THE Good Soldiers, Finkle

describes a “Bad News Bucket,” an emotional coping

cache that, once filled, puts a soldier near the breaking

point. According to Finkle, who heard of the idea from

General Petraus (I believe), soldiers need good news in

order to drain the bad news they carry around inside

them.

When I read Finkle’s description, I thought, this

was it exactly. There were days in Iraq where I simply

couldn’t handle anything else, that I was barely

holding on and needed to get away and pull it back

together so that I could continue.

I did not expect this once I returned home but

apparently, I have my own version of the bad news

bucket: the Mommy Box. I discovered very early on in

my deployment that I needed to stay busy in order to

keep my mind on the tasks at hand and not sit and

mope about my kids. They were happy, they were

healthy, and they were in my mom’s more than capable

hands. I didn’t need to worry.

What I was doing, apparently, was shoving

everything inside the Mommy Box and closing the lid. I

shut those emotions down and ignored them.

Except that sometimes, the Box got too full. Like on

my oldest’s first day of school. My husband and I both

agree that the hardest day on this deployment was

missing that event. Birthdays we could recreate.

Anniversaries, we would ignore. But the first day of

school is something we can’t get back and we don’t get

a do-over.

But having put everything aside for the duration, I

fully expected to come home and simply go back to

normal. I did not expect to be crying the first weekend

back with the kids every day for four days. It seemed

like I couldn’t stop.

And I also discovered that drinking makes the

Mommy Box even harder to handle. Apparently, alcohol

unleashes the flood of emotions that I’ve still got boxed

up inside me.

I can sit back and pretend that everything is fine

now that we’re all home, having hauled the entire

family back from the diaspora, but that would be lying

to myself. I’m not fine but I am one hell of a lot better

now that I’ve got my family back together. There are

still a slew of emotions inside me that I still have to

handle and I’m sure they’re going to leak out, a little at

a time (because I’m not drinking anymore, but that’s

another post).

The Mommy Box was set in a corner for an entire

year. Now, I guess, it’s time to clean it out.

Banning New Year’s Resolutions

January 8, 2013

I’M NOT ONE TO start the New Year off by saying

I’m going to loose fifteen pounds by February 15. It’s

never happened before and I’m not sure why I would

think starting now is anything different than on

December 31st.

But I am a big fan of goals and I’m an even bigger

fan of attainable goals. So this year, I’m setting goals

and I’m telling y’all about them so at the end of 2010, I

can come back and let you know how I did.

Last year, I didn’t really have any goals, other than

come home from Iraq and landing an agent. I managed

to do both, except that the agent part didn’t really

stick. So I’m on the agent hunt again, and that’s okay.

And making it home safe and sound from Iraq is an

extra bonus that’s a whole ’nother adventure in and of

itself.

This year, however, is different. This year, I want to

get an agent who really wants me and my body of work

as a client and is willing to say “here’s what we need to

do, let’s go.” I hope the book I’m working on now will be

the book that gets me out there.

This year, I will be better at being a mom. Granted,

last year, I had no time to be a mom, other than an

absentee one, but this year, I’m going to focus on what’s

really important: my kids. I don’t get that time back

and they need me more than anyone else does.

The only other thing I’m going to do is keep

reading. I’m absolutely positive that I won’t have the

same amount of time to read in the States as I had in

Iraq, but I’m not going to give up the passion I was able

to rediscover this past year. There are books I’m simply

dying to read that are coming out soon and I’m going to

read them, not just stick them on my book shelf!

So that’s it. Those are my goals. You might notice I

did not put sell a novel on there. I can’t control that. I

can’t control if I land an agent, but I certainly hope I

do. So we’ll see how it goes.

LINKS:

The Long Way Home Official Page: http://bit.ly/1043hwW

Trailer: http://bit.ly/YfFriF

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/YcxIOk

Amazon: http://amzn.to/YixRRh

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/ZK2U8H

Kobo: http://bit.ly/Wor6RU

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/YfHR0U

Jessica has graciously offered her entire backlist in eBOOk form  to one lucky person who comments on this post Please leave your name and email to be entered. I need to be able to contact you to claim your prize. Giveaway ends Friday March 22nd.

Book review: Craving Her Soldier’s Touch (Beyond the Spotlight #1) by Wendy S Marcus

Available Dec, 31st 2012 
She swore she'd never give in to him…

Feisty nurse Jaci Piermont's heart was crushed when Staff Sergeant Ian Eddelton walked away from their passionate night together. But letting him know? Not an option! This reluctant socialite would much rather channel her energies into helping the vulnerable women she works with.

Now Ian's back—as gorgeous as ever, but with dark secrets in his eyes. Her head might be screaming "keep away," but Jaci's rebellious heart has a very different idea…!

This is my first Wendy S Marcus book and i believe my first medical romance.  I read the blurb for this and the first chapter and was interested and decided it was time to try a couple new things. I am happy to say it was a good choice!  This is the first of 2 in this series and is about a set of identical twin sisters who are as different as night and day. First up is Jaci. Both sisters need to marry in a few months time or give up a 25 million dollar trust fund. It's not that they're worried about getting the money for themselves but instead the good they can do with that much money. Both twins are nurses so they can make their way in the world working and do. Jaci is a traveling home health nurse and also runs a center for abused women. Ian is a soldier and friend of Jaci's and although there is attraction she's always held him off til now. After one night of passion though Ian runs off earlier that he was supposed to as he was going back to Iraq. Ian was career Army until a terrible injury and the death of his friends takes him out of the military for good. Now he's back and finds out that he doesn't know Jaci as well as he thought. She's not just a rich girl living a pampered life. Now Ian has a few secrets of his own as well. I really enjoyed this book. There was a little of everything in this book. The medical aspect is there as Ian is dealing with a injury and PTSD and Jaci is dealing with abuse of herself and her mother. Then there is drama, romance and some humor thrown in as well. I love when a book has just the right mix of elements to make a great read. You also get a little of the players for book 2 in Justin ( Ian and Jaci's friend) and Jena who is Jaci's twin. All over Craving her Soldiers Touch is a well rounded book.  It's one of those books that you are drawn through with a sense of enjoyment. The only turn off for me is there is one part and i believe it was just a paragraph of medical jargon that was over my head. As that wasn't the reason i was reading the book anyway it didn't bother me much.  I would encourage anyone who wants to try a medical romance, but hasn't yet to try Wendy S Marcus and this series.  After reading this one i immediately got my hands on book 2 and read it as well.  4 out fo 5 stars for Craving her Soldiers Touch by Wendy S Marcus.


Find out more here.www.wendysmarcus.com

Book review: One Night with a Cowboy (Oklahoma Nights #1) by Cat Johnson

Available February 26, 2013

One Sweet Ride. . .
Oh yeah. A single look at the leggy blonde in the stands and Tucker Jenkins is ready to buck all night long. It's time to forget all about his cheating ex and his usual hands off policy. 

One Hot Night. . .

Becca Hart is an East Coast professor. Not a buckle bunny. But no degree can prepare her for the moves of the sexy bull rider she hooks up with at her first rodeo. . .or the shock of finding him at her first Oklahoma State University staff meeting. 

One Happy Ending. . .

Tuck knows it's all about holding on, no matter how wild the ride. Now he just has to convince Becca that a rough start out of the chute doesn't mean they aren't a smokin' combination. . 

This has got to be one of the hottest covers! I mean look at it. Tucker Jenkins isn't what he appears. When Becca and her sister meet him and his friend Jace at a rodeo they figure him and his friends are a couple of cowboys chasing buckle bunnies. As much as Becca liked him that wasn't for her. She's there for a job interview anyway at OSU. They had one night of passion and she figured that was it. Imagine her surprise when she gets the job at OSU and runs into him at a mixer to welcome her? Tucker is not only a championship rodeo guy he is also in the military and a trainer at OSU for their ROTC program. After some miscommunication though the two hit it off again even though both had bad romantic experiences in their pasts.  Problem now is there is a no fraternization rule that says people who work for the college can't date. Sneaking around seems to work at first tile they get caught in some close calls. Tuck is tore up about what he feels for Becca and also doesn't want her to lose her job which he finds out she really needs.  He decides to volunteer for 6 months of duty in Iraq in one of the most dangerous areas there. He's been there before but not at a place where there are high casualties. He tells Becca goodbye and heads off hoping 6 months apart will clear his head and give him some prospective. It doesn't take him long to realize he misses Becca and loves her. Finally he confesses but in the meantime she's out of her mind with worry when she finds out where he is and why. I enjoyed this book but at the same time it felt a little wishy washy to me.  I would really get into at some points and others i wanted to skip ahead. Made it hard to decide how i feel about the book as a whole.  I liked it enough to try book 2 when it comes out so that's a good sign for me. Sometimes the first book in a series is not a the best indicator for the whole series. I enjoyed the writing just not the pace i guess.  3 out 5 stars for One Night with a Cowboy by Cat Johnson.


Find out more about Cat Johnson and her work here www.catjohnson.net

Book review: Wyoming Fierce (Wyoming Men #2) Diana Palmer

Available now!
Ranch owner Cane Kirk lost more than his arm in the war. He lost his way, battling his inner demons by challenging any cowboy unfortunate enough to get in his way. No one seems to be able to cool him down, except beautiful Bodie Mays. Bodie doesn't mind saving Cane from himself, even if he is a little too tempting for her own peace of mind.But soon Bodie's the one who finds herself in need of rescuing—only, she's afraid to tell Cane what's really going on. How can she trust someone as unpredictable as this fierce cowboy? When her silence only ends up getting her into even deeper hot water, it's up to Cane to save the day. And if he does it right, he won't be riding off into the sunset alone

I always say i have a love hate relationship with Diana Palmer's books. That hasn't changed with this book but there is a lot less love this time. You meet Cane in book one of this series and i was pretty excited to get his story. He's a military vet who lost part of his arm during the war in Iraq. My husband and i are both Army Desert Storm vets so military stories interest me. This one particular because i was curious to see how the author deals with the loss of the hero's arm and his struggles with everything that goes with PTSD.  I kept waiting to love Cane but i just couldn't get there this time. He was a ass from the beginning to end in this book. Says stupid insensitive stuff all the time even when i think he's supposed to be being sweet. Bodie is similar i couldn't quite like her the way i wanted either. By the end of the book i just wanted Bodie to kick Cane to the curb permanently. I mean you can only take so much BS from a man you know. Did not work for me. 2 out of 5 stars for Wyoming Fierce.

Find out more here www.dianapalmer.com

Book review: Until There was you (Book 2 Coming Home) by Jessica Scott

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye. He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.


This is book 2 in Jessica Scott's Coming Home series. You can read these as stand alone books without any issues. Evan appears to be a by the book kind of strict military man, but Evan has issues. Something that happened when he was still a young man has shaped his life to what it is now. It's like he doing penance by controlling himself in every situation. To do what's right and be his best. Then there's Claire. Clare had issues growing up too. Secrets she hasn't shared with anyone. Little by little Evan breaks through to Claire and although she resists at every turn Evan is a little irresistible. This book is heavy on the military life. If this interests you then you will enjoy those parts. It was a struggle to watch Evan and Claire sometimes. Really it didn't look good for them for most of the book. Finally though they both figure out how to get past their insecurities and their pasts to get to where they want to be. Neither Evan or Claire were that likable at first but grew on me throughout the book. I think part of that is there were so damaged that they didn't know how to love at all. If you liked your characters tortured and messed up this is a great book for you. The epilogue was the best part of the book for me. I am so glad that Ms. Scott did that. Pulled it all together to give it the ending it needed. 4 out of 5 stars for Until There was you by Jessica Scott.

Find out more about Jessica Scott and her other work on her website here www.jessicascott.net

Free Preview sneak peek! Until there was you by Jessica Scott

UNTIL THERE WAS YOU by Jessica Scott, Excerpt

Buy it here. pre-order www.randomhouse.com/until-there-was-you
Find out about Jessica Scott and her work here on her website www.jessicascott.net

Book review: An Inconvenient Affair by Catherine Mann

Available now

Sometimes wrong feels oh-so right…


Hillary Wright has always been a magnet for Mr. Wrong. Her latest left her in trouble with the law, and to clear her name, she’s agreed to an undercover sting—as the “date” for infamous Troy Donavan. The notorious hacker is now a government good guy…and a sexy billionaire playboy. Troy has a reputation as the sort of man she’s vowed to avoid, and his secretiveness adds fuel to Hillary’s distrust. But with his kisses like molten sin, her fierce resistance is melting. And being sensible in the face of such overpowering desire is just not an option.

The Alpha Brotherhood: Bound by an oath to make amends, these billionaires can conquer anything… but love.

I just recently started reading Catherine Mann and i have discovered whether she writes a full size book or one of these smaller Harlequin books with around 200 pages she knows how to pack them with exceptional writing and plenty of action. Poor Hilary always seems to have the worst taste in men and her latest boy friend has gotten her in trouble with the law. Now she's trying to help out the government to put him behind bars and clear any suspicion that she was helping him. This puts her in contact with Troy who has a bit of a sketchy past of his own he can't live down. Busted at 15 for hacking into files to expose some corrupt men got him sent off to military reform school. It ended up helping him find some really great stand up friends and a purpose for his life. A family since his own didn't seem to care enough about him. Troy falls for Hilary pretty quick but he has trust issues and social issues from his childhood that cause him problems when dealing with her. Hiliary has some trust issues herself as her mom was and is a alcoholic and her dad was her enabler until he passed away. Her one bright spot was her sister. They've tried to be there for each other over the years. After a several great days together and building a little trust between them while waiting for the bad guy to get caught it all falls apart with one lie. I loved Troy. You feel for him and Hilary with their trouble childhoods and their parents failings of them. Catherine Mann paints a clear picture of their pasts and makes you roots for them. Really enjoyed this past paced book. You feel like your getting more than 200 pages the story is so rich in detail. You also get introduced to Troys fellow reform school friends and hopefully we get their stories in the near future. Can't think of anything i didn't like about this book.  5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for An Inconvenient Affair by Catherine Mann.

Find out more about Catherine Mann and all her other work as well as this one on her website here. www.catherinemann.com

Free ebook Friday! Seal Encounter by Sharon Hamilton

About Accidental SEAL:


Christy Nelson embarks on her new career in Real Estate by holding her first open house. Entering the wrong house, by accident, she finds the nude sleeping body of a young man.

Navy SEAL Kyle Lansdowne, on a mission to find his AWOL Team buddy, is staying at his buddy’s home while investigating the disappearance. When someone breaks in, he takes protective measures. He doesn’t expect to find that a beautiful young woman is responsible for his teammate’s abduction.

What starts out as a meeting by accident becomes a hot affair neither one is ready for. Kyle is conflicted about getting Christy involved in his mission, but his hand is forced when he learns the same San Diego gang responsible for his teammate’s abduction has kidnapped her.

Battling a cadre of dirty law enforcements hell-bent on getting military equipment, especially state-of-the-art firepower, Kyle is forced to admit that he would be willing to die to protect her.

From the authors website :
It chronicles the two primary characters in Accidental SEAL, but comes just short of actually letting them meet. To do that, you have to buy the full length book. Have I hooked you yet?

Buy Seal Encounter for free through Midnight Friday night here http://www.amazon.com/SEAL-Encounter

If you like it you can read the first full book in the series "Accidental Seal" Out this week. Check that out here. http://www.amazon.com/Accidental-SEAL Currently $4.99 on Amazon.
Out June 18th 2012




Find out more about this Sharon Hamilton on her website and blog here
www.sharonhamiltonauthor.blogspot.com
www.sharonhamiltonauthor.com


PS. Seal Encounter is a really short story meant to introduce you to the two main characters of Accidental Seal. Read Seal Encounter first and if you like it you can move on to the first full book in the new Seal Brotherhood series by Sharon Hamilton. Personally i have not read this author so i look forward to reading this short story and see what i think. Hope you will too. I love a great military romance.

Book review: Honorable Intentions by Catherine Mann

Harlequin Desire  April 2012
Landis Brothers

Wingman Warriors


“I’m Here for You.”

Major Hank Renshaw knows almost everything there is to know about Gabrielle Ballard. Except for what it’s like to touch her. Because Gabrielle is his best friend’s fiancée. Or she was. Until his buddy died in battle—right after making Hank promise to find her…

So now Hank’s in New Orleans. In Gabrielle’s home. Watching her nurse her infant son. It’s not honor that draws him to her. It’s not duty that makes him stay. It’s need he’s feeling, plain and simple— the desire to take the woman he’s always wanted and finally make her his own.

I recently discovered Catherine Mann and so when i saw this little Harlequin Desire i had to give it a read. Honorable Intentions is about loving your best friends girl and not knowing what to do about it. Hank and Kevin were best friends. Both in the service together and shipped to Afghanistan. Kevin is shot and killed by a snipers bullet but before dying told Hank he forgave him for his attraction to his fiance' and for him to take care of her. Ten months later when Hank gets back stateside he goes to see Gabrielle to make good on that promise and finds her with a infant. A very sick infant who needs a surgery and who looks a like his friend Kevin. Kevin never knew about the baby and neither did Hank. It doesn't matter to him though. He is a person who looks out and protects and so he wants to help Gabrielle who is dead on her feet from caring for the sick baby. This is a sweet story. Hank and Gabrielle have to deal with guilt over their feelings for each other and that they feel they are betraying the memory of Kevin by being together. Made worse by the fact that they kissed before Hank and Kevin's deployment. Wading through the waters of grief and love to find out weather they can make it work and get past the hurt to find love. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Honorbale Intentions by Catherine Mann.

Find out more about Catherine Mann and her books on her website here www.catherinemann.com

Book Sale alert! The Storm that is Sterling (Zodious series) By Lisa Renee Jones is on sale for 99 cents!

He may be invincible to everyone else…


Sterling Jeter has remarkable powers and has shown himself to be just about indestructible. But beautiful, brilliant Rebecca Burns knows that even a Super Soldier needs comfort, and so much more…

But she can see that deep down, he’s just a man…

Sterling and Rebecca’s teenage romance was interrupted, but years later the heat between them flares back to life. Even though it endangers everything they’re fighting for, it’s impossible to resist picking up right where they left off…


Here's your chance to get the 2nd book in the Zodious series for 99 cents. Hurry sale ends April 30th.
Buy from Amazon kindle here www.amazon.com/Storm-Sterling-Zodius
Buy from B&N for Nook here www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storm-that-is-sterling

Find out more about this book and the Zodious series on Lisa Renee Jones website here www.lisareneejones.com

Book review: Under Fire (book3 Elite Force series) By Catherine Mann

UNDER FIRE


“Elite Force”

May 2012

A decorated hero, pararescueman Liam McCabe lives to serve. Six months ago, he and Rachel Flores met in the horrific aftermath of an earthquake in the Bahamas. They were tempted by an explosive attraction, yet parted ways. Still, Liam has thought about Rachel every day—and night—since.

Now, after ignoring all his phone calls for six months, Rachel has turned up on base with a wild story about a high-ranking military traitor. She claims no one but Liam can help her—and she won’t trust anyone else.

With nothing but her word and the testimony of a discharged military cop to go on, Liam would be insane to risk his career—even his life—to help this woman who left him in the dust.

Wow i think this is my first full fledge Catherine Mann book. Talk about exciting. This book takes off with the action right from the beginning. A Pack of hot and sexy in shape pararescue guys swimming  miles and miles and all the while playing a somewhat dirty word game. What a way to open a book. Liam or Major McCabe is thinking about retiring. He's not that old at 38 but for what he does he's getting to be ancient. Rachel Flores met Liam 6 months ago in Bahamas rescuing people after a earthquake. She and her dog were part of team sent there to work with Liam and his team of pararescue men. They had a big attraction for each other but Rachel was afraid of getting hurt so she held off. Back stateside she ignored his calls and him for 6 months until something happened and she needed his help.  Rachel is training therapy dogs because she is burned out on the rescue jobs right now and that's how she meets Lieutenant Brandon Harris a wounded vet with PTSD who has a secret that could get them all killed. He shares part of that secret with Rachel and when she tries to help she finds out that people don't believe them and someone is out to silence them. That's where Liam comes in. She goes to him for help and that quickly launches them in a race to survive and find out who is after them. In the middle of that they try to figure out what's between then which leads to some funny and some really hot sexy moments. I loved Liam and his team and Rachel is pretty kick ass tough. Both Liam and Rachel have to work through some pretty intense issues in the story as where they are with each other and with the threat against them. One thing i didn't care for was how many times it was brought up that he'd been married 3 times. At one point he tells Rachel about each one and why he married etc. It seems to stick out like a sore thumb. Rachel finally gets past that and has some big realizations of her own. This book was intense with some humor and romance thrown in to balance the whole thing out nicely. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for Under Fire by Catherine Mann. This book is part of a series but can stand on it's own if you have not read the first two. For myself though I am getting and reading book 1 and 2 soon.


Find out more about Catherine Mann this book and her other work here on her website. There's even a excerpt there for this book. www.catherinemann.com

Book Review: Whispers in the Dark (KGI series book 4) by Maya Banks

This review by Sarah




Whispers in The Dark (KGI Series #4) by Maya Banks


I have this bad habit of starting a book series by jumping in (often unintentionally) somewhere in the middle. And Whispers in the Dark is a great example! It is the 4th novel in a series featuring the Kelly brothers and their paramilitary organization, and the first book I've ever read by Maya Banks.

The story starts as Nathan is being tortured by his captors. He has been a prisoner for weeks and is close to giving up. But he soon hears the voice of Shea in his head, giving him strength and somehow taking his pain away, giving him the strength he needs to hang on. Shea has somehow randomly psychically connected to Nathan, and does everything she can to save him. But Shea has problems of her own, and is being chased by the mysterious men who murdered her parents and are hunting for Shea and her sister.

The pace is relentless, and the action is nail-biting, heart-thumping and very exciting. The romance between Shea and Nathan was deeply emotional and intimate, as well as sexy as hell. Their psychic link intensifies the emotional bond between them, and their shared experiences of pain and danger heighten this bond. I loved the fast pace and the focus on the weapons, action and operations of the KGI teams.

Also, this book has the BEST DIALOGUE EVER regarding romance novels.

On page 219, Nathan has just pulled Shea to him and is kissing her in front of everybody, including P.J., a crack sniper and the only female member of KGI, and Cole, another team member.

"This is better than a romance novel," P.J. said with a wistful sigh.

"You read that stuff?" Cole demanded.

"Why the hell do you ask the question like that?" P.J. said, annoyance evident in her tone and expression.

"You just didn't seem the type," Cole muttered.

"I'm tempted to shove one of my romance novels up your ass," P.J. said sharply. "But I love my books too much to desecrate them like that. I'll settle for my boot."
Hah!


And now the rest of the story: this is easily the first romance novel I have ever read that seems to be written for the straight male audience. A straight male audience that loves military/paramilitary romance novels. It's got to exist, right? So why do I think this? The book is written in third person narrative, and while the reader spends enough time with Shea to get to know and care about her, the focus is mostly on Nathan, his feelings and his inner dialogue. By the time Shea and Nathan meet in person, after months of an intense psychic emotional bond, Nathan is overcome with lust/desire/love and their first sexual encounter is realistic - which is to say, rather quick. The next few times they have sex there's a lot of speed, the actual deed itself, and lots of oral sex performed on Nathan by Shea. Basically it's a guy's idea of heaven. Repeatedly. I kept waiting for Nathan to return the favor but it wasn't happening.

After Nathan is rescued, and then after he rescues Shea, they return to the Kelly compound where there is nonstop brother/tough guy teasing and dialogue. It's entertaining, realistic and feels genuine. I really loved it.

All the Kelly brothers are super tough, hunky, former military special ops, all around good guys. I liked these guys so much I plan to read the first 3 books in the KGI Series to learn their back stories.

Add to that the fact that Shea (our romance novel heroine) felt like an under-developed character to me. She has cool psychic powers and is tough and resilient, but mostly she is helpless, vulnerable, so tiny and slender (enough with the stereotypical slender, tiny heroines, people! How the hell can she be so slender if she is also described as "plump" in all the right places - PUH LEEEZ!)

So there you have it - a romance novel focused on the hero rather than the heroine, with an exciting plot, adrenaline-laced action and a whole family of sexy military hunks with stories of their own. I will definitely be checking out the other novels in the series.

4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars

For more information visit the author's website at www.mayabanks.com. This page will get you to a excerpt for this book as well. It's a must read if you are on the fence about this book.

Veterans Day and SEAL of my Dreams with help from Roxanne St Claire

November 11th, today is Veteran's Day. Do you know a veteran? Have a family member serving right now? It was about 20 years ago i spent the first 6 month of my time in the Army in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. I was young. Only 20 and i look back now and i realize i didn't know a thing about life. I didn't know a lot about anything. I did a lot of growing up in those months. I was only afraid a few time in my months in the desert. To young to know better i guess. I made some fast friends that some i still have. A few of my fellow soldiers are still in the Army and have spent time in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past years. Many have retired or gotten out over the years as well. I was in 24th trans. and drove a M915 truck and trailer combo. It was the most exciting and awesome feeling to drive one of those rigs. My husband that i met when i got attached to 24th trans still drives a truck.



There is a wonderful book put together by a huge group of to my thinking wonderful authors and all it's profits going to awesome veterans charity. The name of the book is "Seal of my Dreams". All proceeds are pledged to the Veterans Research Corporation a non-profit foundation supporting veterans medical research. I hope you'll support this charity buying the book.

I asked one of the authors and a wonderful lady to talk a little about the book and she gave me permission to use some of her post from her blog Murder She Writes.

A PICTURE WORTH 100,000 words

A few months ago, the New York Times ran this photo of U.S. Navy SEALs as they prepare for a night mission to capture Iraqi insurgent leaders near Fallujah, Iraq. My guess is there were a lot of newspapers dampened with drool that morning. I know mine was. In a matter of hours, the photo had hit Twitter, courtesy of a few romance writers who no doubt stared at that shot and invented that hero’s goal, motivation, conflict, heroine, backstory, and probably an entire new SEAL series. Can’t you just see him on a cover? As a matter of fact, someone did!

The original tweeters, Christie Ridgway and Alison Kent, started chatting about how inspired they were by the photo. That man is the essence of a hero — fearless, loyal, honorable, and willing to die for what he knows is right. The tat, scar, and physique spell sexy, but it’s where he is and what he’s about to do that takes my breath away. That online admiration led to the SEAL of My Dreams anthology for charity.

Within days, Christie and Alison had arranged to obtain the rights for the picture and contacted a group of authors known for their love of a good military hero, asking if we would write short stories with a Navy SEAL hero and donate the proceeds to a military charity.

I was honored and humbled to participate in this remarkable project, one of nineteen authors who contributed eighteen short stories and one tear-jerking forward by Robyn Carr. When I first heard the ambitious schedule and the quality and quantity of the authors (oh, the deadlines!) I admit I was skeptical that this concept could fly. Lesson to me: never doubt the power of a Navy SEAL.

SEAL of My Dreams releases on 11/11/11, with eighteen glorious Navy SEAL heroes. Click here for sneak peaks of stories written by Jami Alden, Stephanie Bond, Kylie Brant, Helen Brenna, HelenKay Dimon, Cindy Gerard, Tara Janzen, Leslie Kelly, Elle Kennedy, Allison Kent, Gennita Low, Jo Leigh, Marliss Melton, Christie Ridgway, Barbara Samuel, Stephanie Tyler, Loreth Anne White, and yours truly. Wow, that is some incredible company to be in!

And very special thanks to awesome Bell Bridge Books for publishing the paperback and ebook versions of SEAL of my Dreams, with all proceeds pledged to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit foundation supporting veterans’ medical research.

Many of these authors don’t just write about military heroes, we also have a few special ones in our hearts and lives. My nephew, an Army Ranger I’ve mentioned here a few times, spent fifteen months in Baghdad and while he returned home to us healthy and whole, his health care costs and issues can be daunting. I was thrilled to give my time and talent for a program that I know will help thousands of heroes just like my nephew.

My story, “Whirlwind,” is set on the shores of Barefoot Bay, giving readers their first snapshot of the island location that will be front and center in my upcoming contemporary romance series. I’ve read through the whole anthology and I can assure you this collection is power-packed with romance, passion, danger, action, emotion, and eighteen breathtaking Navy SEALs.



You can buy the book today!
Buy from Amazon www.amazon.com/SEAL-of-My-Dreams
Buy from Barnes and Noble www.barnesandnoble.com/seal-of-my-dreams
Find out more about Roxanne St Claire here www.roxannestclaire.com
You can also check out the Seal of My Dreams website here sealofmydreams.com

I hope you'll support veterans everywhere by checking out this book and buying it. I've read it myself and enjoyed it immensely. There is such a array of different stories. Your emotions will run the gamut and in the end you'll feel different from when you started. If you are a romance reader it's also a chance to read some authors you probably haven't before and perhaps become a new fan of a few of them.

Please remember the veterans in your life and the ones you don't even know this Veterans Day.

Book review: SEAL of my Dreams by various authors

eARC provided by netgalley


Available  Veteran's Day - 11/11/11

All proceeds pledged to the Veterans Research Corporation a non-profit foundation supporting veterans medical research
SEAL of My Dreams is now available digitally at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as in print from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bell Bridge Books.

Table of Contents
Foreword by Robyn Carr
Coming Home by Jami Alden
Baby, I’m Back by Stephanie Bond
SEALed Fates by Kylie Brant
Going Dark by Helen Brenna
Finding Home by HelenKay Dimon
SEALed With A Kiss (A Black Ops., Inc. story) by Cindy Gerard
Panama Jack by Tara Janzen
Wrapped and SEALed by Leslie Kelly
Worth the Risk by Elle Kennedy
Twenty-One Hours by Alison Kent
Not Waving But Drowning by Jo Leigh
Her Secret Pirate by Gennita Low
SEALed By Fate by Marliss Melton
Signed, SEALed, Delivered…I’m Yours by Christie Ridgway
Dog Heart by Barbara Samuel
Whirlwind by Roxanne St. Claire
Holding On by Stephanie Tyler
Letters To Ellie by Loreth Anne White

This book is a book put together by almost 20 authors. They all donated their efforts for free for a cause they feel is worthy. Some from what i read at the end of the book have family members in the military or previous military. You don't need a military connection though to want to support Veterans and our nations soldiers. If you're out today and see a veteran be sure to say thank you for their service. Tell them you appreciate them. Just say hello! As a veteran myself I was touched that a group of authors would get together and do this. I was excited to read the book because i love military heroes. Love to read about them. There were also a couple authors offering up stories that went with their on going series that i love and wanted to see what they were about.  The stories were all well written some short some longer all in some way showing  bits and  pieces of what many veterans lives might be like. All riveting and gut wrenching at times. There's lots and lots of love in this book too though. I've never read a book like this but thoroughly enjoyed it and in the process found several new to me authors to check out.  5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars. Get this book. You can support veteran find new authors and get all those awesome military guys right at your fingertips.

WWW.SealofmyDreams.com