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Unmasking Maya

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Book review of “Unmasking Maya”

“Unmasking Maya” by Libby Mercer

Book Description:  Fresh from a career-killing scandal, New York fashion girl, Maya Kirkwood, arrives in San Francisco to reinvent herself as a fine artist. She’s offered the opportunity to create an installation at the Silicon Valley headquarters of a hot new tech company. Fabulous, right?

Not so much.

She can’t stand Derek Whitley – wunderkind software genius and CEO of the company. Hot as he may be on the outside, inside the man is a cold, unemotional, robotic type. Way too left-brained for her right-brained self.

As Maya and Derek get to know each other, however, their facades begin to crack. She catches her first glimpse of the man behind the superhuman tech prodigy, and he starts to see her as the woman she used to be. But is this a good thing? Once that last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together or will it tear them apart?

My Review:  “Unmasking Maya” has been on my to-read list for a while and I couldn’t wait to start it.  I loved the storyline right from the start, so I knew it’d be something I really enjoy reading.

The beginning of this book took off right away.  I was charmed by the clever and witty banter during the introduction of Maya and Derek.  Maya seems mysterious at the beginning, but I can see why (only at the end), and thought she was a very likable character.  While Derek seems to be a charming bad boy type, I liked him too, because he seemed to challenge Maya.  While their working relationship transformed, it was obvious that Maya was falling for him even though she tried not to, but with good reason.  I thought that Derek also had a good reason to act the way he did, but I didn’t find that out until close to the end, though (sadly) I liked his reasoning.  (No, I’m not going to give you any spoilers!).

My main concern with this book that there wasn’t enough displays of affection between Maya and Derek before the ending and I wanted to believe that his couple can make it.

This cute and funny book written by the lovely Libby Mercer was funny and sweet.  I’d gladly pass “Unmasking Maya” to anyone who wants a cute and delightful, quick read.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

**Buy “Unmasking Maya!”

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**Click HERE to read an interview with the author and to learn more about Libby Mercer!

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About the author:  Born and raised in the Midwest, Libby Mercer’s adventurous spirit kicked in after graduating from high school, and she’s since lived in Boston, NYC and London. San Francisco is the city that she currently calls home. For several years, Libby worked in fashion – first as a journalist and then as a shopkeeper. She also dabbled in design for a while. Even through the crazy fashion years, Libby never let go of her dream of being a published author, and has since developed her signature writing style, crafting quirky chick lit/romance hybrids. Fashioning a Romance was her first published novel, and Unmasking Maya will be her second. Libby has a third novel, The Karmic Connection, scheduled for release in 2013.

For the Love of Jazz

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Book review of “For the Love of Jazz”ForTheLoveOfJazzCoverPic

“For the Love of Jazz” by Elke Feuer

Book Description:

Restoration architect Josie Fagan takes on a project with lawyer and senator’s son, Patrick Pullman. It’s the perfect match. She needs his endorsement to save her business and he wants to restore his ancestral Chicago home. Love wasn’t part of her plan. Neither was being asked to stay at his home, haunted by ghosts, or discovering she has a claim to his home – which she adores. When she finds out his family may be responsible for her aunt’s disappearance fifty years ago, it’s a race to unearth the truth before she loses not only her business and her heart, but also her life.

Patrick can’t deny his attraction to Josie and is willing to take a chance on love since his broken engagement a year earlier. Things become complicated when he learns of their family connection and her claim to the home he loves. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, or that his family is involved in her aunt’s disappearance, so insists they work together. But, when he starts seeing his uncle’s ghost, and threats are made on her life, he’s forced to confront the possibility his family could be responsible.

My Review:

I was very privileged to get to know Elke when we were both in a Gotham Writers’ Workshop class together, which is where got to read a small part of what was an early draft of “For the Love of Jazz!”  Even after the class was over, I often thought of this story; there was something about the characters and story that haunted me and I wanted to know more!

When I received an early copy of “For the Love of Jazz” I was so excited and couldn’t wait to start it.  When I did, it was late at night, so I thought I’d only read a chapter or two, but I was wrong — I read more than that.  I was hooked instantly and with each page I turned I wanted to read more.  Elke Feuer is a very talented and gifted author and it’s hard to believe that it’s her first novel.  Her writing draws the readers in and makes it seem that you’re literally watching the story unfold and come to life before your eyes.  “For the Love of Jazz” was a quick read that was filled with twists and turns, along with the constant thought of what the real truth was.  I really liked all the characters, but Josie was definitely my favorite.  I liked how she was wasn’t really afraid of anything and took chances, maybe even on Patrick…(sorry, no spoilers!).  I also liked how there wasn’t too much detailed talk about the renovations she was doing to Patrick’s house.  For someone who doesn’t now a lot about design, I was comforted in the fact that I didn’t need to have much background in design, which I found was a major plus.

It was my first romantic suspense and it won’t be my last!  If you’re looking for an intriguing romantic suspense, “For the Love of Jazz” by Elke Feuer is the book for you!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

ElkePhoto#2**Contact Elke!

Elke Feuer

Crimson Romance

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**Buy “For the Love of Jazz!”

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**Click HERE to read Elke’s first guest appearance, then click HERE to read her second!

Meant To Be

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Bio of author, Karen Stivali:  Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what’s left of her time and sanity.

Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic love stories filled with sarcasm and sexy details.

Karen has published three erotic romances with Ellora’s Cave: Marry Me (June 2012), Long-Distance Lovers (co-written with Karen Booth, March 2012) and Always You (Passionate Plume First Place Novella Winner, RWA 2012).

Karen’s first full-length novel, Meant To Be, released from Turquoise Morning Press on August 26, 2012.   Its sequel, Holding On,  released on November 26, 2012. A prequel to these novels, the short story All I Need, appears in the Foreign Affairs Anthology (Turquoise Morning Press, August 2012).

Coming in 2013 Karen will have several contemporary romances releasing from Samhain Publishing and Turquoise Morning Press. The first of these, THEN, AGAIN will release from Samhain on May 23, 2013.

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Review of “Meant To Be”

Blurb:  Sometimes you’re already committed to the wrong person when fate finally brings you the right one.  When NYU professor Daniel Gardner’s career-obsessed wife convinces him to move to the suburbs, he hopes it’s a first step toward starting the family he longs to have. Instead of domestic bliss he finds his neighbor, Marienne Valeti. She loves her freelance design job, but must contend with a growing sense of isolation created by her husband’s indifference. A penchant for good books, bad movies, and Marienne’s to-die-for brownies sparks a powerful bond between them. Passion simmers, but they resist its lure, surrendering only in the seclusion of their minds. Their friendship helps them weather every hardship, from divorce to widowhood, leaving them both secretly wondering if it can survive a first kiss.

Review:  I loved this book!  From the first chapter to the last, the story and the characters from “Meant To Be” held my attention, leaving me wanting more with each swipe of my iPad.  Karen’s writing gave the reader a clear view of what it was like for Daniel and Marienne to be married to other people, which allowed the reader to cheer for them to be together because of their spouses.  One thing I really liked was how, without too much description or explanation, time and years flew by.  There were a few parts where I thought it dragged on, but by the end I understand why certain parts were in the book.  I’m not going to give anything away, but I liked how the book ended.  When something tragic happened, I could now sigh with relief that everything was out in the open.  The only thing I thought was missing was that there should’ve been more closure between Daniel and his wife.  It seemed like she just disappeared.

Daniel’s and Marienne’s story is a truly heartwarming.  It left me that feeling happy and that yes, friends can (maybe) turn into lovers.  I recommend this book to anyone who wants a cute and quick read.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

**Contact Karen:

Karen Stivali

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How To Look Like You

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Book review of “How To Look Like You”

“How To Look Like You” by Rose McClelland

Chloe and Ella are complete opposites.  While Chloe is the quiet type who works at an insurance company, she’s got a live-in boyfriend named Aidan, who wants them to see the world.  Ella’s single (but has a guy she can call for a shag anytime she wants, though never calls her), outgoing, works at and is in the same band as Chloe’s boyfriend, and she dreams of becoming an actress.

During Chloe and Ella’s first meeting between these two, it’s clear that they want and envy something that the other has.

When Ella and Aidan begin spending more time together, she begins to have feelings for him, though Chloe is furious and jealous, so she allows herself to have fun herself.  She goes out with her coworkers and starts to have feelings for a a certain one named Simon, while still hoping Aidan will notice her more, but not everything goes as planned.

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time.  Now that I have, I can’t say enough about this book.  Ella and Chloe were two memorable characters that the talented and creative author, Rose McClelland, created.  With each chapter I kept changing my mind about which character I like more.  I felt sorry for Chloe because she just wants to be acknowledged in her relationship, wanting it to be like it once was, and is very insecure.  I liked Ella because she was confident in herself, though at times I thought she was a little too confident.  Also, she seemed to just take to Aidan a little too quickly in the beginning.

“How To Look Like You” is a wonderful, light read that keeps you guessing who will get together and who wont-I was even stunned at the end, but it ended just as it should’ve, (thank goodness!).

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

**Click HERE to read my interview with the author, Rose McClelland

Picture Perfect

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 Book review of “Picture Perfect”

“Picture Perfect” by Lucie Simone

Lauren Tate is a high-powered TV producer.  She’s a professional, but when work and personal dramas become the center of her life, her world spins out of control.  With a soon-to-be-ex-husband  and former assistant who are threatening to ruin her, Lauren claws her way up once again, which is where she belongs.  When she hooks up with her network’s “it” guy, she can’t seem to stop the attraction she feels for him.  It’s only when someone ends up dead (WOW!) will Lauren decide what’s most important to her, work or play, or can she have both?

When beginning PICTURE PERFECT, I found it to be a page-turner!  The story was easy to get interested in and it had me hooked.  While I felt sorry for Lauren, I thought that she was a little too rough and not likable in the beginning and didn’t relate to her, but she softened, only after someone ended up dead.  I understood that though, and would probably do and feel the way.

While I felt that PICTURE PERFECT was a little bit too much of a mystery-chick lit, I still enjoyed it.  There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all (and neither will you), and it kept my interest from the first page to the last.  I really liked the fast-paced writing, and  never felt that the book was dragging.  As a whole, the characters were likable and delightful.  The story as a whole was enjoyable and funny at times.  Lucie’s writing was exceptional and she wrote memorable, even refreshing, characters.  If you want a wonderful, mysterious chick-lit, PICTURE PERFECT is the book for you!

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!

**Click HERE to read a guest post by the author!