Mini Reviews: The Billionaire's Paradigm by Cerys du Lys, Rush by Nyrae Dawn, & Burnin' Up Memphis by Delilah Devlin

Title: The Billionaire's Paradigm: His Absolute Purpose
Author: Cerys du Lys
Published: January 3rd 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Trapped in a library during a blizzard, Elise finds herself forced into isolation with Lucent Storme, the untoward magnate who's rumored to have more than a few forbidden desires and darker passions. Both appalled and allured by his sordid sophistication, struggling to come to terms with what she knows and what she feels, she finds herself drawn to this man who seems both powerful and fractured all at once. Lucent's secrets and dominant obsessions may be more than Elise can handle, though, and her gentle curiosity is just as likely to cause her pain and heartbreak as it is to bring her happiness...

My Thoughts:

This one intrigued me too much to pass up, despite my inkling that it may not be up my alley. And while it wasn't quite up my alley, and I had moments of not liking it, I couldn't stop reading!

Elise was the stereotypical girl of the genre, complete with impulsive behavior and random crying. And Lucent was obsessed with Elise to the point of practically stalking her. Despite these major character annoyances, I just kept reading because I wanted to see where everything ended up, to see where THEY ended up.

It had a little bit of steam, and I was intrigued by that. I think that's what kept me going, waiting for them to get together. I cringed a bit at errors/other issues, but the fact that I kept reading has given it the three star rating.

My Rating:

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Title: Rush
Author: Nyrae Dawn
Published: May 6th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
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Caution: May contain spoilers

For the love of the game.

Brandon Chase has always defined himself by one thing: football. Tough and athletic, he is a great college player who enjoys the hard hits and the sweaty grind of the gridiron. But when Brandon is injured, only one person can help him get back on track-a forbidden love he's desperately tried to put behind him.

Alec Andrews has never quite forgiven Brandon for walking away when their friendship turned into something more. But he can't deny help to one of his closest friends. As the two spend the long, hot summer working together, their old attraction comes flooding back.

Now as Alec thinks about coming out to his conservative family and Brandon considers revealing he's a gay football player, the two men must be strong to fight for a love that could be the greatest rush of their lives.

My Thoughts:

I was very surprised by how much this story sucked me in and kept my interest. There was SOMETHING about Brandon and Alec, especially when they were together. I loved how the story went deeper than just the relationship. There was a lot about their past, learning from it, growing from it, becoming mature adults. And not only that, but also how they handled the reactions of the people they loved, friends and family.

Rush was VERY well written, and it makes me wonder why I haven't picked up another novel by Nyrae Dawn. I think this must be remedied soon, don't you? If you're looking for a great romance, definitely pick this one up. It might not be something you usually go for, but believe me when I say it is worth trying it out at least.

My Rating:

 

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Title: Burnin' Up Memphis
Author: Delilah Devlin
Published: December 9th 2014
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Adult Contemporary
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Caution: May contain spoilers

She’s the one fire he may not be able to control.

When a roof collapse kills his best friend and his girlfriend clears out his apartment and leaves, firefighter John Cooper knows he shouldn’t sit alone in his empty apartment. But when he accepts an invitation to Club LaForge, his feet get colder with every step he takes inside.

The sights, sounds and smells of the BDSM club make him sweat, and not because he’s turned off. Yet he can’t bring himself to admit—to himself, or to his luscious guide, Moira—that this lifestyle might just be what he needs.

An experienced BDSM trainer, Moira senses that Coop is not only a Dom in the making, but exactly what she’s been looking for. A man to be her lover and her Dom. The only problem is, Coop isn’t looking for anything complicated.

Moira’s willing to start slow and easy, but even once there’s enough trust to bring Coop into her world—and to her Dom—she’s still worried he’ll look for the nearest exit.

My Thoughts:

This was a quick read, but a nice one as well. I liked seeing John and Moira getting interested in each other, watching them try to figure each other out. She's trying to convince him to step out there in her world and John is trying to deny that he wants it. She finally starts to coax it out of him, and the two of them discover a new side to each other.

Burnin' Up Memphis is a good start to this series. Even though I wasn't super impressed by the storyline, I still find Delilah Devlin's writing to be very good. I might be interested in taking a peek at some other books, and maybe even more of this series to see what happens next.

My Rating:

Spotlight, Review, & Exclusive Giveaway: How-to Tips for Aspiring Writers and Love Lessons Learned in The Italian’s Deal for I Do by Jennifer Hayward

Welcome to the special three day Harlequin book tour on Thoughts!!!

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Title: The Italian's Deal for I Do
Author: Jennifer Hayward
Published: March 17th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

The Irresistible Italian: Married for Business

He's conquered global markets and immeasurable hearts, but to regain control of the fashion empire that's rightfully his, Rocco Mondelli must prove his playboy days are over. His secret weapon? Supermodel-in-hiding Olivia Fitzgerald…and the power to ruin her if she refuses to play his loving fiancée!

But returning to the world stage revives Olivia's old demons, and instead of walking down the aisle toward her gorgeous groom—she flees! The world holds its breath: Can the indomitable Rocco get his wayward bride to the altar on time?

The world's sexiest billionaires finally say "I do"!

My Thoughts:

This is, I believe, my second Harlequin Presents novel, and from what I've seen, this imprint is amazing! The Italian's Deal for I Do definitely kept my attention, and I was drawn in by the character's innermost feelings and desires.

Rocco is under the impression that Olivia was taking advantage of his grandfather, so he attempts to call her out on it, which doesn't exactly go as planned. She tries to explain herself, but he's unwilling to listen. Then it so happens that he needs to get a fiancée, so he gets Olivia to play along, else she loses everything. As time goes by, an actual wedding date in a matter of weeks, the two of them give into their desires and discover more than meets the eye.

The Italian's Deal for I Do was a sweet and romantic tale that you fall for before you even realize it. Even though you're a bit mad at Rocco at first, it doesn't take long for him to melt your heart. And you empathize with Olivia's struggles in the modeling world. All in all, I'm very much interested in the future Society Weddings books, as well as more by Jennifer Hayward!

My Rating:

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How-To-Tips for Aspiring Writers: Advice on how to break into the series-writing business

#1 – Let your voice shine. I didn’t sell when I wrote the books I thought my publisher wanted. I sold when I wrote with my full personality and voice engaged - without self consciousness. When I wrote the book I’d want to pick off the shelf. Yes some series lines have required elements but you have to be an individual within those reader promises and bring something new to the table.

#2 Go to as many conferences and courses as you can. Learn as much as you can, soak up what the experienced authors/teachers have to tell you, take what works for you and let the rest go. And that last part is key. For every rule, there is a writer who can break it, creating their own personal style readers love. But remember, rules are there because they often make your writing more effective, so think about a rule before you break it. Ask yourself why you’re breaking it. Luckily, there are so many great resources out there in this digital age, you don’t even have to leave your house to learn!

#3 Write a high concept story – I knew if I had a great concept for a story that stood out, such as the divorce party that happens in my debut novel, The Divorce Party – I would have a better chance of selling. Knock an editor’s socks off. Find a compelling twist on a story that’s never been done.

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Love Lessons Learned: Real life romance lessons learned from the book

When you meet the right one you will know – I’ve done it when I was dating and I’m sure many of you have…you hang onto a relationship after it’s due date has passed. You think maybe this is the one and it’s just me as Olivia did for years in her long-term relationship with photographer Guillermo Villanueva. But the harder Olivia falls for Rocco the more she just knows he’s the one. And it doesn’t take long. Her feelings are that all-encompassing.

Love heals – There is a scene in The Italian’s Deal For I Do where Olivia is confronting her demons and it’s the moment where she either slays them or allows them to rule her forever. By helping Olivia walk through the fire, Rocco will also heal himself by finally allowing someone in. You are actually stronger when you learn to let someone in. Writing this scene gave me the chills.

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Giveaway

There's a SIGNED paperback copy of The Italian’s Deal for I Do up for grabs! 
 

Sound good? Good! Here's the official rules/guidelines for the giveaway:

1. You must be a follower.
2. You must be over 16 years old.
3. This is open to US residents ONLY.
4. This contest runs from April 29th to May 12th.
5. Winner will be selected at 12:01 a.m. on May 12th via Rafflecopter random selection.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Releases and Book Deals (starting April 28th) #newreleases #bookdeals

With all the new releases and book deals that are out there, sometimes you just need them condensed in one spot. I created this little post so that you can catch a lot of the new ones available.

Have fun! ^_^

Please note: These books are the prices as listed at the time this post is published. Prices are subject to change at any given time, so please double check that the price is the same before you one-click. ^_^

NEW RELEASES!

BOOK DEALS -- 99 cents!

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