- Blog Tour: Lost Without You by Heather Thurmeier
- Blog Tour: Hanaford Park Series by Lisa Sanchez
Today we welcome Heather Thurmeier and her amazing book, Lost Without You to our blog!!
Zoe Oliver never wanted to be on another reality TV show… until Chip Cormack made an offer too good to refuse. He’s guaranteed her a payday this time and a chance to redeem herself in America’s eyes. But Zoe worries she won’t be able to focus as her desire for Chip grows and her strength to resist him weakens. When she learns she’ll be roughing it in the woods with Chip and without luxuries like indoor plumbing and electricity, she’s instantly on edge, feeling naked and terrified that her scars will be exposed and her secrets revealed. When Zoe’s past turns up on the show, she fears she’ll lose not only the life she’s sacrificed everything else to have, but also the affections of the only man she’s ever trusted with her heart.
My Review:
Lost Without You is a touching love story of finding your true love that accepts you for YOU! I loved the concept for this book and all of Heather Thurmeier's reality TV based books. In a world where reality TV is some of the most watched shows on television, I thought this was a brilliant idea to base a series of books on. Lost Without You is Zoe's story. If you read Stuck on You... you either hate or love Zoe.. she really has no in between!
Zoe Oliver is a snarky, sarcastic, bitchy, uptight reality show vixen. She is hated by the public for some of the past shows she has appeared on. America either loves to hate her or just plain out hates her! She never thought she would be on another show, but Chip Cormack... a sexy producer she has worked with before makes her an offer she can't refuse. Zoe has a past, one that included LOTS of doctor bills... and she needs the money. Little did Zoe know that the deal that Chip offered her would be her roughing it in the wilderness in tents and without any necessities... like indoor plumbing or electricity!! How can her perfect hair and make-up, impeccable dress, and Jimmy Choos survive this???
Chip Cormack has had his eyes set on Zoe for a while now, but has been trying to figure out a way to get close to her. If that is even possible!! Zoe is an Ice Queen and has walls around her bigger than the Great Walls of China!! Chip knows there is more to Zoe than meets the eye. She is far more than a pretty face, and he knows it!! The trick will be getting her to loosen up, relax, and let him in. Chip is nothing if not consistent, and when he wants something he goes for it... watch out Zoe!! Will she be able to resist this incredibly sexy man, or will Chip win... that is the question!
I loved how the author gradually revealed Zoe's past to the reader. The story flowed and little details were dropped here and there just enough to keep my interest but also gain my curiosity. I also loved that we as readers were given Chip's POV and his back story of how he has felt about Zoe for a while now. It was not a wham bam love story, but one hat has been developing and coming to light. I thought the contestant characters were awesome!! I loved how they were a major part of the book, but didn't take away form the main characters... Chip and Zoe.
I give Lost Without You 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale. It could be read as a stand alone, but if you have read the other books in the Reality TV series, you will get a reunion with some of your favorite characters!!
Author Bio:
Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. She was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she's not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather's hard at work on her next romance novel.
"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst
Author Links:
Website
Goodreads- Author
Giveaway: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link to follow the tour:
Today we welcome Lisa Sanchez and her Hanaford Park Series to our blog!!!
Eve of Samhain (Hanaford Park #1)
Synopsis:
As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park's hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce's plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.
With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn't see coming.
Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn's life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover's suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission.
Excerpt: Eve of Samhain
“How much do you know about Irish mythology? Faeries, their queen?” He pursed his lips and waited for my response.
I shook my head. “Nothing. I don’t know a thing.”
“I see,” he said, and he sat back in his chair. “I suppose I should begin with a bit of history then. The Fae were an ancient race of beings that came from the great islands of the North. After being defeated in a series of battles with numerous otherworldly beings, as well as the ancestors of those who currently inhabit Ireland, the Fae retreated to the Isle of Apples, or Avalon, as you may have heard it referred to.”
My eyes narrowed in confusion. I’d never heard jack about the Fae, which I assumed were faeries. “Avalon? Like from the Arthurian legend?”
“Yes,” he said with a nod.
Huh … you learn something new every day. “So, uh … where’s that located?”
“Avalon? In the Otherworld, of course.”
I felt like smacking myself on the forehead. Oh, of course. The Otherworld. I should have known! I squelched my sarcasm and let him continue.
“The Fae queen, Morgana, was eternally young and beautiful, and desired by many, including one young and foolish courtier. Exceedingly handsome and gifted with the ability to charm those around him, the young libertine ravished his way through Morgana’s female courtiers, wooing them into his bed one by one. Narcissistic in the extreme, the young faerie cared not for the feelings of the women he took advantage of, and he boasted openly about his conquests to all who would listen. “He was, in fact, so sure of himself, the vainglorious idiot attempted to beguile the beautiful queen, claiming she would be his greatest conquest. Upon hearing his plan, the queen became enraged, cursing the young faerie. For five hundred years he would walk the earth, seducing women, a slave to their passion, driving them to insanity with lust and the illusion of love. His touch brought about a euphoric reaction to the women he courted, filling them with desire and longing.” He stared at his hands as he spoke, as though they were the spawn of the devil, and hastily placed them in his lap, out of his line of sight.
Hot and dizzy, I inhaled sharply, unaware I’d been holding my breath. I stared at Quinn, willing him with my eyes to continue, as my breath came in shallow pants.
“Nothing he did was real; it was all an illusion. Every touch, a lie. Never would he know true love or passion, as every woman he came across fell prey to the magic of the curse.” He paused for a moment and stared off into space as if he were remembering the story firsthand. Darkness flashed in his eyes. “For a time, he became angry, indifferent to the plight of the women. After ravishing them, he left, letting them pine away for his touch. There were a few women who became deadly, killing any other that dared to cross their unrequited love’s path.”
He stopped talking when he heard me gasp, and looked down, refusing to meet my eyes.
“What … what happened?” I asked, my voice barely registering above a whisper. His story was riveting.
“The faerie was unable to live with the destruction that lay in his wake. He discovered he had a few other talents that enabled him to strip the memories of those he seduced, saving them from their inevitable spiral into madness.”
“So he sleeps with his prey, and then erases their memories?” My hand shot up to my mouth.
“Yes,” Quinn replied quietly, his voice filled with shame. His head hung low, and he refused to meet my eyes as he spoke.
I reached out to him, wondering why he was so worked up over a work of fiction. “Quinn, it’s all right. It’s just a myth. Th—”
“No.” He shot up out of his seat, jaw clenched in anger. “It’s not all right. It’s torture.” His voice broke. His whole body shook, throwing off waves of anger, frustration, and sorrow. “To know every moment of your existence is a lie, a farce. To live each day knowing the women you touch will either have no memory of you when it’s all said and done, or suffer mindless insanity is pure, unadulterated agony!” He threw back his chair and stormed off, leaving me shocked and speechless.
My mind reeled. No way, Ryann. Don’t even go there. You like to reside in a little place called reality, where there are no such things as faeries.
His story was so compelling, though. The tale he wove seemed to meet all my unanswered questions about him. Not to mention, he spoke with such conviction, as though he lived it himself.
Could it be?
My Review:
SQUEEEE!!!!!! I LOVE this series!!! I just had to get that out of the way so I could write this review!! If you like the paranormal... vampires, shape shifters, Fae, demons, etc.... the The Hanaford Park Series is a MUST read!!! Eve of Samhain introduces all of the fabulous characters to us. Of course there are 3 books in this series (so far) and each book will bring about new characters, but this first book is the one that hooks you in hook, line, ad sinker!! Eve of Samhain is the story of Ryann... who I absolutely LOVED as the heroine.... and Quinn.... M-E-O-W!!
Ryann is a snarky, quick witted, curvy, independent senior in college, and can give men a severe tongue lashing! I adored her from the very beginning. She had me laughing hysterically with her "pet" names that she gave people and the way she described situations. I was 1% into this book and already highlighting quotes! When she first laid eyes on Quinn, she described him as...."Orgasms! Get your orgasms here. Hot and juicy! Just how you like 'em!" She was known to describe his dates as body parts like.... Boobs and Legs. She had a kick butt attitude and I fell for it!
Quinn..... oh Quinn.... ***sigh***. Quinn is a walking advertisement for I will rock your world, give you the best sex you have ever had, but something is missing. He has been cursed from Morgana, the Fae queen, that makes his touch addictive and he is forced to wipe his memory clean from the women he is with or they will die from withdrawals. Now that is a man!! LOL. Quinn meets Ryann at the nightclub she works at and all rules are broken. She is unlike any woman he has ever come across and he yearns to make a bond that doesn't involve his addictive touches. Quinn quickly stole my heart. He is so uber sexy that just the description of him and the way he moves would steal any woman's hormones... but it was his underlying qualities that really shook my core. He was a protective Alpha male with a funny sense of humor, but had the charisma of Don Juan and truly wanted...YEARNED.... for a deeper relationship with a woman... Ryann.
Eve of Samhain not only gives us Ryann and Quinn, but the other characters in this book are just as loveable and are easy to connect with. I adored Ryann's roommates, Jessica and Martha. Both of these girls had their own personalities and Martha really had me guessing for a while about her. Once I found out who she really was... I adored her!! We can only hope to see more of them. ;)
Quinn and Ryann are battling evils in this book. They are battling true evil... demons... but are also battling the evil of meeting your soul mate and not being able to truly be with them. Because of Quinn's curse he refuses to be more than "friends" with Ryann and Ryann wants nothing more than to jump his bones.... read the book and trust me you will feel like Ryann!!! Her frustration and need for Quinn causes the reader to empathize to what she feels in her heart. On the other hand, Quinn's love for her and his severe desire to protect her causes you to see where he is coming from.
I easily give Eve of Samhain 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale!! I cannot wait to read book 2 in this series and highly encourage you to read or put this book high on your TBR list!!
Playlists Book: Eve of Samhain
Pleasures Untold (Hanaford Park #2)
Hell hath no fury like a witch done wrong. Pissed off and packing an arsenal of witchy mojo, Martha is on the warpath. Determined to avenge the murder of her mother and grandmother, her mission is simple: kill every vampire, demon and underworld bastard she comes across, because one of those hell beasts might be the monster that stole her childhood from her. But when a sexy Latin vamp literally falls from the sky, saving her from becoming an undead Happy Meal, she has no choice but to reassess everything she thinks she knows.
Xan is an anomaly --a vampire born, not turned. A powerful warlock who walks in daylight, Xan spends his days, and nights, watching over Martha, protecting her from Lucian, the blood-sucking monstrosity whose sole mission in death is to drain her dry. Undeniable attraction and the promise of pleasures untold draw the two lovers into a frustrating dance of one step forward, two steps back. When Lucian throws down a deadly ultimatum, Martha is forced to choose between relying on her own mystical woo woo to save the lives of her stolen friends or succumbing to the lure of dark, voodoo magic. Xan and Martha must work together to save those closest to her and put an end to Lucian's reign of terror before it's too late.
Excerpt: Pleasures Untold
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out Chuck and crept forward, my senses on high alert. I lifted my hand slowly toward the door and received a nasty shock that singed the tips of my fingers, causing me to howl in pain.
"Ow…crap!" The ward on the door was strong. Even stronger than the ones outside had been. This cemented my belief that Deanna was in the room.
"I wouldn't try that again if I were you."
I froze. My senses were magnified, on high alert. If a pin dropped on the opposite side of the club, I'd have heard it.
Adrenaline rushed through my veins. I hadn't heard anyone approach, which meant only one thing. There was a vampire or demon behind me.
Gripping Chuck tight in my hand, I whirled around and stabbed my silent enemy, driving the wooden stake deep into his…shoulder. Oh, God. No. No. No. I missed the chest area altogether. Not good. If I don't move fast, I'm a goner. I fought to hold onto the weapon as my arm trembled and shook. Using my body as leverage. I stepped back, preparing to yank the stake from its body by brute force.
A strong hand came to rest over mine that still gripped the end of the stake, and I looked up, gasping in shock. Him. I'd stabbed him. Holy Mary, Mother of…
"Wha…but…I…" The ability to form a coherent sentence left me as I stood open-mouthed in front of the handsome creature who had saved my life the week before. I was no expert with regard to etiquette, but was fairly certain it wasn't good form to repay the person who previously saved your life by stabbing them. With feet glued to the floor, I stared up at him in horror, waiting for him to end my life.
With a slight grimace, he tugged on my hand, which still held the stake, and slowly, pulled the offending piece of wood from his shoulder with a frown. "Your aim could use a little work, carino." He swiped Chuck across the leg of his pants, cleaning off the blood and handed me the weapon with a smirk.
My Review:
Pleasures Untold picks up with some of the same characters from Eve of Samhain. We are further introduced to Martha... one of my faves from book 1 and Xan... another HOTTIE!! Martha is a witch.... she comes from a long line of witches. The difference is Martha is angry as HELL at a vampire! Lucian... an old, nasty vampire killed Martha's mother and grandmother and not only drained their blood, but their power right in front of her when she was a little girl She has one mission in life.... KILL LUCIAN!! She loathes vampires.. they are evil, vile, bloodsucking creatures that can't be trusted ad have no souls. Or so she thought.... Then she met Xan.
Xan is sexy as hell , owns Fire and Ice nightclub, makes Martha's toes curl just from his sexy Latin voice... problem... he is a vampire!! He is not just a vampire either, but a born not made. Xan saves Martha and she has to reconstruct her entire opinions about vamps when she meets him. Trust does not come easy for Martha so this in itself is a feat... but to rust a vampire... that is unthinkable! Martha needs Xan more than she realizes when she soon learns that Lucian I back and has his teeth set on finding her. Xan may be her only way to stop Lucian and avenging her mother Grandmother's deaths.Can she trust him..... or is he wanting to suck her blood and power dry just like Lucian?
I am absolutely in book love with the Hanaford Park Series! Once again Lisa Sanchez made me fall in love wit her characters and kept some familiar faces around and introduced us to some new ones as well. Xan is a sexy beast... literally.... and Martha's no nonsense but incredibly adorable personality had me from the get go. I give Pleasures Untold 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale and CANNOT wait to read the 3rd installment of this series!!
Playlist Book #2: Pleasures Untold
Faythe Reclaimed (Hanaford Park #3)
Running through a strange forest with a bloodthirsty demon hot on her heels wasn't Taylor's idea of a rockin' evening. Then again, neither was soaring backward through time and space. Time travel chafed and left a rank, nasty aftertaste. So, when she finds herself floundering amidst a sea of Commandment-loving holy rollers who fling accusations of witchcraft and bedevilment like hotcakes in a diner, finding her way home jumps to the top of her to do list. Too bad she can't remember who she is or where she came from. And if that wasn't bad enough, Taylor has to fall for the mysterious Latin warlock living on the edge of Salem Village and who comes to her rescue, Gabriel Castillo. Battling an identity crisis and lost in a time that's not her own, Taylor is determined to find her way back to twenty-first century Hanaford Park. But first, she and Gabriel must work together to uncover the dark scourge lurking in Salem's shadows, and in doing so, save their own lives, and the lives of countless innocents from a lethal date with the hangman's noose.
Excerpt: Faythe Reclaimed
A gust of wind whipped through the nearby window, a hint of pine floating on the cool breeze. The small room, the bed, time itself—fell away in fragmented layers, the heady scent of pine and rich spices triggering a vivid fantasy.
Rough bark cut through the layers of wool and cotton, the unforgiving surface chafing at the tender skin on my back. I twined my fingers through the thick layers of hair at the back of his neck and held him to me, his glorious lips a perfect balm to the nagging irritation at my back.
The scent of rich spices, fresh air and pine swirled around him like some kind of erotic love drug, luring me in. It was intoxicating. He was intoxicating, and the only thing I cared about at that moment.
Goosebumps spattered across my skin, my heart fluttering like a hummingbird's wings inside my ribs as he pulled his lips from my mouth, trailing soft, whisper-light kisses down my jaw.
He groaned, a deep masculine sound that sent my blood boiling and my nether regions screaming for attention. There wasn't an inch of skin covering my body that didn't ache for his touch, cry out for his kiss. He was a master in the art of sexual warfare, a damn guerilla fighter—lethal, proficient and fucking sexy as hell.
The buttons holding the top portion of my dress closed exploded from the annoying fabric keeping us apart, and it was all I could do to breathe, to keep my wits about me, when he laid siege to my chest with his mouth.
Strong, capable hands tugged at the layers of fabric covering my legs, the hideous skirt and unwanted barrier between my ready and willing girlie bits and the salvation that was him. Warm, rough fingers grasped both sides of my ass, lifting me off the ground. My legs snaked around his waist, and I cried out in exquisite relief as he ground his swollen cock against my aching core. Oh, God. I was so ready. I wanted him. No! I needed him…like air. Without him I'd asphyxiate, I'd cease to live…I'd die. I sucked in a ragged breath. "Please, Gabriel…"
My Review:
Faythe Reclaimed is the 3rd book in the Hanaford Park series. In this book we get to learn a little more about the bartender from Fire and Ice and Ryann's friend, Gabriel. How did I not see how incredibly sexy he was in book 1????? We also find out more about Taylor....Martha and Jessica's spunky foul mouthed roommate. Taylor has her eyes opened to a world she never knew existed right from the start of the 2nd book... Pleasures Untold. Her phrasing and the harsh way she spoke had me in stitches... the way she describes things is hilarious and she holds nothing back.
Gabriel.... **sigh**.... the macho, mild mannered, quiet bartender is an unleashed warrior in this book. He has a past and a few secrets that I had no idea he was hiding! It seemed that he felt a connection to Taylor in the 2nd book, but that connection burst and was a beacon of light for the tests that Taylor was forced to face in this 3rd book. His hotness had me flipping through pages like my fingers were on fire!!
After facing Lucian with her friends in Pleasures Untold, Taylor finds herself sent back in time... and I don't mean Where... I mean WHEN?!??! She is sent back to the Salem witch trials where the women were about as unlike her as you could get! She finds herself running through a forest trying to survive and who saves her.... Gabriel Castillo!! The THEN Gabriel Castillo. Our present Gabriel figures out Lucian's little make Taylor disappear act and goes back in time himself. The thing is... he cannot change anything that will affect the future or the Fate sisters will exact punishment on him. So we have Taylor and the from the past Gabriel trying to figure out how to survive the witch trials and the present Gabriel trying to not kick his past self's ass over jealousy!
I would LOVE to see a 4th installment of the Hanaford Park series!! I tore through these books like a mad woman and was obsessed with the characters, their stories, and the outcomes!! I give Faythe Reclaimed a solid 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale!! Kudos to Lisa Sanchez for creating a series that hooked me in hook, line, and sinker!!!
Playlist Book #3: Faythe Reclaimed
We asked Lisa Sanchez what her Top Five Favorite Books were:
I'm an admitted book addict. There. I said it. I've got an itchy trigger finger when it comes to one-clicking, and a grouchy husband who constantly asks me why I needed to buy another book. My response is, and always will be, books are better than drugs. If I'm going to have a habit, let it be reading!
Trying to pick five favorite stories out of my mass of precious babies is about as easy as convincing my lungs I don't need air. I've got a fat list of book boyfriends I revisit often when I want a good swoon. This being said, there are a few diamonds among my beloved books, and I'm excited to share them with you today.
1.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon- I rediscovered my love of reading with this book. A historical romance with a time travel twist, I was instantly swept away by Jamie and Claire's epic romance. If you enjoy reading about a broken hero, you'd be hard-pressed to find a man more beaten down and brutally degraded than James Fraser. This gorgeous Scotsman was my very first book boyfriend, and to this day, holds a very special place in my heart.
2.
A Knight In Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux- This story is what spawned my love of romance. My mom's always been a reader, and when I was a teen, her bookshelves were lined with Jude Deveraux books. Curious to see what all the hoopla was about, I stole A Knight In Shining Armor from her shelf and immediately fell in love with Dougless and Nicholas's love story. Like Outlander, the story has a time travel twist. See a trend here?
3.
Beautiful Disaster- I've lost count of how many times I've re-read Travis and Abby's disastrous love story. Those two characters do everything wrong. Everything. And yet, I can't help but root for them and their happiness. I love Travis. Love him like no other book boyfriend. He holds the number one spot on my list of book boyfriends, and I think it would take a hell of a lot to knock him from his special place in my heart.
4.
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover- I fell in love with Ms. Hoover's writing after reading Slammed. I fell in complete awe of her after reading Hopeless. Oh. My. Lord. This story ruined me for days. It tore out my heart, tossed it on my tiled kitchen floor and proceeded to do a Mexican hat dance on it. If you enjoy angst, then this, my friends, is the story for you. Sky and Holder's tale is heartbreaking, and wonderful, and will leave your emotions in a mangled heap of "when is the next book coming out?" Oh, and two more words: Dean Holder. 'Nuff said.
5.
Tangled by Emma Chase- I just read this book for the first time a few weeks ago, and it quickly cemented its place in my Top Five. Simply put: Tangled is the funniest book I've ever read. EVER. The story is told from Drew (the hero's) point of view, and I'm telling you right now: My family was convinced I'd lost my mind while reading this book. I've never laughed so hard, or so long while reading before. Pardon my language, but seriously? Tangled is full of some seriously funny shit. Like, pee your pants funny. You get the picture.
Thanks so much for sharing a few minutes with me. I'd love to hear from you and know what books made your Top Five list.
Author Bio:
Lisa's lifelong love of writing, coupled with her ability to weave together and intricate and compelling story has led to the release of her New Adult paranormal romance trilogy, the Hanaford Park series (Eve Of Samhain, Pleasures Untold, Faythe Reclaimed). She's also published Obsessed, a steamy erotic suspense with Loose Id, and self-published a paranormal novella, Cursing Athena.
In her role as a busy stay-at-home and self-proclaimed "cheer mom," on any given day Lisa wears a number of different hats. From taxi driver to chef, nurse to seamstress, laundry woman to enforcer, and, of course, writer, Lisa manages to keep everything together while caring for her husband and three children. The few spare moments left in her day are usually spent reading or writing, and if she's really lucky, possibly even catching up on some much needed sleep. Lisa and her family currently reside in Tracy, California.
Lisa is represented by Brittany Booker of the Booker/Albert agency, and has two projects on submission and a third in the works
Author Links:
Amazon
Goodreads- Author
Website
Giveaway:
Series of eBooks (US and International)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Autographed series in paperback (US only)
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