Feature: Blood Truth by J.R. Ward

As a trainee in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s program, Boone has triumphed as a soldier and now fights side by side with the Brothers. Following his sire’s unexpected death, he is taken off rotation against his protests—and he finds himself working with Butch O’Neal, former homicide cop, to catch a serial killer: Someone is targeting females of the species at a live action role play club. When the Brotherhood is called in to help, Boone insists on being a part of the effort—and the last thing he expects is to meet an enticing, mysterious female...who changes his life forever.

Ever since her sister was murdered at the club, Helaine has been committed to finding the killer, no matter the danger she faces. When she crosses paths with Boone, she doesn’t know whether to trust him or not—and then she has no choice. As she herself becomes a target, and someone close to the Brotherhood is identified as the prime suspect, the two must work to together to solve the mystery...before it’s too late. Will a madman come between the lovers or will true love and goodness triumph over a very mortal evil?

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Feature and Giveaway: Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne

For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite—the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants—but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.

The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham—the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a ridiculously attractive adult, he’s tormenting her in entirely different ways. Now they find themselves engaged in a battle-of-wills that will either consume or destroy them…

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Feature: The Wedding from Hell Part 3 by J.R. Ward

From the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, get ready for a new band of brothers. And a firestorm.

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed...

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse blaze changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn't believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again—until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the commonwealth, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

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Feature: Saving Beck by Courtney Cole

There comes a time when offering your life for your child’s doesn’t work, when you realize that it’ll never be enough.

The cold needle in his warm vein was a welcome comfort to my son at first. But then it became the monster that kept us apart.

Heroin lied, and my son believed. It took him to a world where the last year didn’t happen, to a place where his father was still alive. What Beck didn’t understand was that it couldn’t bring his father back from the dead. It couldn’t take away his pain, not permanently.

You think it can’t happen to you, that your kids, your family, will never be in this situation.
I thought that too. But you’re wrong.

Step into our world, and see for yourself.
Watch my golden boy become a slave to this raging epidemic. Watch me try and save him.

Drug addiction comes with a price.
Trust me, you’re not equipped to pay it.

Don’t miss this heartwrenching, evocative, yet hopeful novel—it will leave you forever changed.

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Blind Date with a Book Event with Nina Bocci

Nina Bocci is a novelist, publicist, eternal optimist, unabashed lipgloss enthusiast, constant apologist, and a hopeless romanticist. She has too many college degrees that she’s not using and a Lego addiction that she blames on her son.

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ARC Review: Seducing the Defendant by Chantal Fernando

I was immediately drawn to “Seducing the Defendant” by Chantal Fernando because of the storyline. I love the idea of a stuff and top-of-his-game attorney taking on a defendant charged with killing her husband. The evidence was pretty strong against the heroine, Scarlett Reyes. I personally love courtroom romances so I immediately jumped into the story when it became available and I was interested to read Chantal Fernando, whom I have never read before.

When the story begins, our hero, Jaxon Bentley is a grieving man. He lost his sister and he is very much into his grief. Even though he is on leave he is pulled back into his job when he hears of Scarlett Reyes, a very wealthy woman who is accused of killing her husband. Jaxon has earned a reputation as a hardworking defense attorney and one of the best. He runs a small firm with one of his good friends. Scarlett was a battered woman. She was charmed by her now dead husband and really thought he was a good guy. By all accounts he was not only a crooked cop but also involved with a motorcycle gang and heavily involved in selling and using drugs. He was also emotionally abusive to Scarlett and ended up controlling all aspects of her life until Scarlett was free of him. Scarlett trying to free herself from her husband’s abusive control fled to France to take care of her sick aunt.

When Jaxon meets Scarlett she is defensive, scared and closed off. Because he recently lost his sister Scarlett’s hurt and pain is endearing to him. Because Jaxon quickly realizes that Scarlett has suffered at the hands of her husband and is caught up in the media storm, he is kind, compassionate, caring and sweet. Everything that Scarlett needs and has craved for so long. Because of their client and attorney relationship they fight their attraction for each other and try to maintain everything strictly professional, even though, both really need a friend.

So as I mentioned before I really wanted to like this story because of the plot. A few things fell flat for me. First, I did not think that there was much chemistry between Jaxon and Scarlett. Most of their conversation felt forced and even their slowly forming friendship felt very stiff. Yes, they were attracted to each other but I knew this because the author told me not because of the chemistry between them. Also, some parts of the story were so over the top I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes a few time. This is one of those stories where if it were a novella I would have enjoyed more. Finishing the story was sheer determination and effort because most of the story felt long and drawn out. I’ve seen some great reviews online, so some readers really enjoyed the story. For me, I expected more.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Dating You Hating You by Christina Lauren

I have become a huge fan of Christina Lauren's books, and I couldn't wait to read Dating You Hating You when I first found out about it. There were a lot of things that I really enjoyed about this story, but there were also some things that didn't work as well for me. While I enjoyed this story, it wasn't my favorite from Christina Lauren. 

Carter and Evie meet at a party through mutual friends and immediately hit it off. They are both Hollywood agents. But just as they are starting to make a go of things, they find out that their competing firms are merging. Not only is everything changing, but they also learn that they will have to compete against each other if they want to keep their job. 

I liked Carter and Evie. I felt the chemistry between them right away. Christina Lauren are always great at creating characters with depth and off the charts chemistry and that was definitely the case here. They were sexy together, and I loved the tension and banter between them. There were a lot of really great moments between them, and they had me laughing out loud at parts. 

The one thing I will say though is that while I liked Carter and Evie, I felt like at times their relationship took a back seat to everything else in the story. There was a lot about their jobs and about being a Hollywood agent, and I found myself wanting to skim some of those parts. I wish that the romance would have been more of the focus here as I think I would have really loved it in that case. So while I did enjoy this one, it just wasn't my favorite from these two. Christina Lauren are still a great duo though and I know this won't be the last I read from them.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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My Favorite Things Event with Nina Bocci

Nina Bocci is a novelist, publicist, eternal optimist, unabashed lipgloss enthusiast, constant apologist, and a hopeless romanticist. She has too many college degrees that she’s not using and a Lego addiction that she blames on her son.

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My Favorite Things Event with Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, the bestselling authors of the Beautiful Bastard and Wild Seasons series, Sublime and The House. Dating You/Hating You will be released in June. 

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ARC Review: Crossroads by Chantal Fernando

I've read most of the books in the Wind Dragons series.  In fact, I think I've only missed one. I enjoyed the early entries in the series a great deal but as time has gone on the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club has changed pretty drastically. The change in the MC has changed the way the romances are framed and I think at this point, the series has just run its course. There is nothing terribly wrong with this book but there is nothing special that really set this series apart when it started. It's just kind of an easy and forgettable read. 

This book is Ranger's story. You might remember Ranger if you read previous entries in the series because Ranger showed up in one of the earlier books. Ranger is a patch over from the Wild Men MC. Both he and Talon (another character from past books) became a part of the Wind Dragons when things with the Wild Men fell to crap. The thing is, Ranger joined Wild Men early on and it was connected to his identity. Joining a new club after years in another one has left him feeling adrift and isolated. Faye, the previous First Lady of the Wind Dragons and club lawyer ask Ranger to help her find a missing girl. For me, this is where everything started drifting left.

From the time Faye ask Ranger to help find the missing girl, shit just stops being believable. The girl who is missing is the cousin of a local cop, Jo. From the time Ranger meets Jo, sparks start flying left and right. When he finds out he is going to be working with Jo to find her cousin that just seems like an added bonus. It turns out Ranger knows Jo's cousin from years back and eventually things get complicated in ways I won't tell you because I don't want to spoil anything. What I will tell you is that, the whole cousin subplot did nothing for me. The way Ranger and Jo handled it was dumb as hell and I gave myself a headache rolling my eyes at the shenanigans.  

Jo is a cop so there are issues with her dating an outlaw biker. Jo and Ranger fall way deep in love though and both of them are willing to give up anything to be together. I don't know, it was just whatever. I liked Ranger and Jo together but there was nothing that made me feel particularly connected to them or their relationship. I also did not like the way things eventually worked out with Ranger and the club. I just don't read MC novels for things to go in that direction. If you haven't read any other wind dragons books, I definitely don't think you should make this your first one. There are better books in the series but its probably time to wrap the series up now.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Turn by Kim Harrison

When I found out that Kim Harrison was going to give us fans new insight into the world of the Hollows pre-Turn, excitement ran through my veins at lightning speed. Harrison has been a favorite author of mine for quite some time and I just love everything she writes, but the Hollows holds a special place in my heart. I could re-read each book on repeat, and have on occasion whilst in one of those readers’ slumps we all sometimes find ourselves in. Of course, they ALWAYS work. Now, The Turn doesn’t have Rachel, Jenks, or Ivy BUT it does take place in the same world AND we get glimpses of characters from the Hollows that we had soft spots for or despised (laughs) prior to this storyline. Even better, we get new characters to love and in the joy of reading through the story we find ourselves learning more about a particular couple that brought Trent Kalamack (one of my favorite male leads to this day) to life.

Trisk Cambri is a top-notch Geneticist who is determined to prove her worth, especially in the eyes of the Enclave against her rival Trenton Kalamack (Kal). Unfortunately, Kal not only has the spotlight thanks to his familial notoriety but financial backing as well. When the two clash, our story begins with Trisk believing her chances to find success may have all but dried up. However, the plot thickens as a member of the Enclave places her at a human-run lab. Not only can she work on her own theories, but now she can utilize her skills in security. By doing so she is ensuring that the humans aren’t able to move too far ahead in their scientific discoveries lest they potentially harm the Inderlander species, particularly the Elves.

As she wades through the less sophisticated human-run labs, she is able to successfully create her genetically modified tomato. This species is drought-resistant to the point that it flourishes to great extremes. In fact, her tomato is on the verge of famous thanks to the third-world countries it is now helping to relieve of starvation. She has even become published. More importantly perhaps, she has been able to tweak her co-worker Dr. Daniel Plank’s virus thereby providing reasoning indicative of her concepts regarding viruses being useful in fixing her own species genetic failures.

The virus in question is still thoroughly capable of being used for tactical purposes in military warfare, but no longer lethal to humans and practically harmless toward the Inderland community. Thanks to her genius, success and fame may finally be in her grasp, but with the backing of a certain individuals, Kal seeks to meddle where he can. He is simply incapable of ignoring the satisfaction and glory he could find while saving his career and taking down his arch nemesis simultaneously.

Kal attempts to get close to Trisk and fool her, but she is no ordinary opposition; time has made her stronger as a young woman, and she refuses to lose. As the two embark on a game of cat and mouse from both sides, one will underestimate the other. With greed and hunger for power, Kal unknowingly dooms the world. As a race to outwit one another begins, Trisk realizes that she holds the fate of humankind in her hands. As disease spreads, thanks to tampering on Kal’s behalf, one is unsure just how far he will go to be number one.

Can her and several unlikely allies save them before it is too late? What of her species? Has she fallen from grace in her quest to learn who she is, and find succes to the point where she will continue to be viewed as nothing but a mere female dark elf? Or, will she overcome all obstacles and break the chains that her own society seems all too comfortable with binding to her? Will she gain her freedom, and her chance to thrive?

To find out, you must read! You will find as you progress from chapter to chapter that some characters will disturb you (Kal). I loved to loathe Kal and admittedly, still cannot fathom how on earth his son has even a remotely positive image of him in his memories. I am still angry at him, still impressed by his zeal, and still further distraught that he could be so damned evil. Yet, I cannot help but hope that he somehow becomes a better man. I have never wanted to love a male lead so much before that a part of me hated (laughs).

As for Trisk? Well, she is simply one of the best female heroines I’ve had the pleasure of knowing in a long time. I love how strong and capable she is. Not matter how many times she gets knocked down, she finds a way to persevere. She is everything that one could possibly root for and a new favorite. Trisk has faults and is not perfect, but she strives to be better in a world where her environment ensures that doing what is right becomes the harder path to walk. I just loved her.

I NEED TO KNOW how this story continues. I NEED TO KNOW how Trisk can possibly live with him by her side. I NEED TO KNOW how these two somehow appear to later fall in love if Trent’s memories are indicative of such a thing (he seemed to think they loved each other). I NEED TO KNOW the bits and pieces that happen from heartache and desperation, to longing and happiness from the beginning to end of their time together. Trisk and Kal? I NEED MORE of them.

As for the extras in this book….well, it is hard to even describe how much I LOVED the secondary characters and how deeply satisfied I am by the appearances of others from the Hollows. So many surprises from the plotline, but also so many delightful surprises regarding how the characters develop and change; how they switch sides due to their moral compasses and become formidable allies. Doctor Daniel Plank and his constant support along with his unwavering nobility is a strong and lovable character. Orchid, the saucy and vibrant pixy…..I can’t even tell you how enthralled I was with her attitude and unique outlook. I loved how the Weres and Humans came together to help Trisk along the way, constantly surprising me.

Then there is Quen and his unshakeable loyalty….goodness, I’ve always loved him, and was so happy to see him in his younger days. Al and his tricks, his evil ways despite not being quite as evil as he’d like to be. I was beyond thrilled to smile over his witty and dry banter. Add in Takata and a few others I’ll leave you to discover, and damn! I cannot say enough about how great this book was. With that said, I need more. Please?

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Color Me Mindful, In Bloom! and Atelie Fashion Coloring Books

Color Me Mindful Butterflies by Anastasia Catris

I have always been a huge fan of coloring books, so when the adult coloring book craze first hit I was so excited! Not only is it hard to find good coloring books, but when you do find them they usually aren't anything that I would generally want to color which is why this craze has definitely been amazing for those of us that want something a bit more adult to color. The problem with any craze though is how do you know which ones are good and which ones aren't, especially when a lot of times you have to order them online and don't get a chance to flip through them first in person. So when I was given the opportunity to review a few different coloring books for Gallery Books, I couldn't wait. The first one that really captured my attention was Color Me Mindful Butterflies by Anastasia Catris.

This book is beautiful! The images are professional looking and well drawn. The images range from intricate and detailed drawings for the most advanced at coloring, to larger more simple drawings perfect for those looking to just relax for a bit without having to put much thought into what they are doing. Each image is gorgeous, and for those that are butterfly fans this book is a must have! I have a friend that loves butterflies and coloring, and the minute I opened this up I knew I was going to have to get her one as a gift. I really cannot even begin to do this book justice with how pretty it is, and I forsee many hours ahead of me coloring some beautiful images as my stress melts away. I am definitely going to be checking out the other coloring books that Anastasia Catris has in her Color Me Mindful set, as I think that they look just as amazing as her butterfly version does. I highly recommend this one, especially to those that love butterflies.

**Copy provided by Publisher**

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In Bloom! by Sigita Alekne

Of all the coloring books I was recently sent by Gallery Books, I have to say that In Bloom! by Sigita Alekne was my least favorite. This book right away looked like one that wouldn't be for me, and unfortunately once I opened it and started to browse through it was confirmed. The images inside looked very amateurish and as though they were sloppily drawn and thrown together. They didn't look professional to me at all. As I looked through another thing that I noticed is that a lot of the pages were very empty, with little actually on them to color or do. There was a lot of blank space throughout the entire book, and that sort of defeats the purpose of having a book to color when there isn't much there to actually color. The other thing that really kept me from liking this one is that when there was a big image to color, a lot of times it was split into two pages with the bulk of the image being in the middle where the book is bound. So you actually end up losing the majority of the image to the crease in the book making it next to impossible to really color the image. 

Because of these things, I have to say that this isn't a book that I would buy or recommend to others. With there being so many coloring books to choose from these days, this one just didn't make the cut for me. I think that there are those that would like these images and appreciate the more hand drawn quality that I did, but I think that the execution of the images needs to be better considered for a coloring book. In order to be successful, these really need to be redrawn and configured, making it easier for readers to color them with more on the blank pages and images not centered where the book is bound. I would recommend skipping this one and looking for something different if you are looking for a flowers and plants type of coloring book.

**Copy provided by Publisher**

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Atelie Fashion by Rafaella Machado

Atelie Fashion was fun and quirky, and I can see a lot of people really enjoying this book. While the images often times had an amateurish feel to them, I enjoyed the hand-drawn images for the most part and the fact that some of them looked like I had drawn them myself before coloring. There was a wide variety of images to color here, ranging from common patterns blown up in size to be easy for basic coloring, to more detailed and intricate drawings for advanced coloring. The images were playful, and I loved flipping through them trying to decide which one I wanted to color first. 

This book had a great range of images, making it a great book for those that sometimes want to do something quick for stress relief as well as have something that will take more time and requires a bit more precision. While I did have some that I really loved out of the images here, there were some that I though looked a bit more amateurish than I would have liked. I still think that this is a fun coloring book, but the images have a wide range when it comes to skill level as well as execution. This is one that I think some will enjoy, with it's fun and quirky images, but if you are looking for a gift for someone else, I don't know that I would recommend this being the one to give. I think that had these images been a bit more professional looking, that this book would have been close to perfect. But some of the images were just a bit too sloppy at times. 

**Copy provided by Publisher**

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