Author Interview: Kim Law talks "Caught on Camera"

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Read Sallie's Review

Release Date:  October 30, 2012

Kim's at Ravishing Romances today!

Ask her a question and be entered to win 

Caught on Camera from Amazon!

(eBook)

Thank you Kim for being on Ravishing Romances, and congratulations on your debut novel Caught on Camera. 

For those who weren’t here yesterday, check out our 4.5 star review. 

Q:        Caught on Camera delivers a powerful female message.  At one point the heroine realizes that even though she loves the hero – she also loves herself and will not compromise her integrity for even him.  Well done.  Was this character growth planned or did it surprise you?

A:  Great question! Because yes, it totally surprised me. I love it when characters do that! I was writing along, not really sure where I was going or how I was going to keep them from having their HEA right at that moment, and darn if she didn’t just get up, tell him she wasn’t having any of it, and walk right out! I loved her even more right then. J

Q:        Hero JP the playboy.  The businessman.  The politician?  You make politics sexy.  An impossible feat.  How hard was that?

A:  Oh. My. Goodness. Do you have any idea how much the idea of doing this book scared me? It’s politics! How can I possibly pull this off??? But I so wanted to. I was certain that if I did it right (and that included NOT focusing too much on the politics) then I could totally pull off sexy with this guy. I’m thrilled you think I did a good job!

Q:        America is in the midst of election year and JP is entering federal politics.  Was this intentional or did your release date just happen to coincide with the presidential election?

A:  Totally coincidental. At least...I think it was. Hmmm...you never know what the publisher might have thought, right? ;) But it wasn’t my idea! I did think it kind of interesting when I got my release date, though. Figured it could either make for really good sales, or it could totally turn people off. I’m hoping it’s the former!

Q:        Heroine Vega Zaragoza has a famous and tainted past.  Her past mistake is vulgar, sexy, scandalous and completely unexpected.  Where did you get the idea?

A:  You’re trying to make me give away the big secret! J Hmmm...ok, let me see if I can talk about this without talking about this. Where did I get the idea? I simply looked around at the world and at things we might find in the news or tabloids today. I also knew that I had to make her secret BIG enough to keep her from letting herself fall for JP. I was a little worried going with this because I was afraid it was too much, but it just felt like I had to do it. The story needed it, you know?

Q:        You write about dyslexia.  Are you trying to bring attention to this common disease with Caught on Camera?

A:  Actually, no. I write purely to entertain and try to keep “causes” out of it, but what I do enjoy is attempting to provide something in each book that people might learn a bit about while reading the book. It could be something tiny, or it could be something like the details of dealing with a learning disability. I just always enjoy reaching a point in a book where I stop and say, “Wow, I didn’t know that,” so if I can provide the same occasional reaction in others, I’ll be a happy girl.

Q:        Lastly, can you share a quote with us?  Show the readers why they’ll love Caught on Camera.

A:  Oh fun! Ok, let me think a bit... How about this? Vega has just had a very bad night (doing something she really should not have done), and this is early the next morning when JP shows up, attempting to make it better. Here is part of their conversation...

“What’s that for?” She nodded to the cloth. 

JP kneeled in front of her and grasped her chin. He began gently rubbing the damp terrycloth over her cheek. “You have chocolate on your face, sweetheart.” 

Her shoulders slumped. “Of course I do.” 

Too tired to push him away, she sat there and let him administer to her. “Along with my alcohol-fest at two o’clock this morning, a chocolate bar and I came to an understanding.” 

One side of his mouth tilted at a sexy angle. “I take it you won?” 

She liked his hands on her face. “Barely.” 

Kim's at Ravishing Romances today!

Ask her a question and be entered to win 

Caught on Camera from Amazon!

(eBook)

For more information on Kim Law and her upcoming titles, please visit her website, Twitter and Facebook.

I am a writer of both sexy and small town contemporary romances and member of Romance Writers of America, speeding into what I knew at the age of eleven I would do forever.

When not writing, I can often be found at my Middle Tennessee home where I live with two cats, two dogs, and the most loving and supportive husband a woman could ask for.

Caught on Camera (by Kim Law)

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Caught on Camera rating:  4.5 stars out of 5

Release Date:  October 30, 2012

How are the sex scenes?

Varied and with chocolate.  

There's a lot of substantive sex and Law 

details some while placing others behind closed doors.

How are the story lines?

Didn't see them coming.  

The reveals play big parts in this book and they are all unexpected.

Would you read it again?

I would.

Back of the Book

Scandal meets seduction when America's golden guys falls for a woman with secrets. 

Beautiful Vega Zaragoza was poised to become fashion’s next “it girl” when she learned the hard way that sex and politics don’t mix. Now the former model spends her days behind the camera, working as a videographer to hide from public scrutiny. Her life is on autopilot until a promising new job sparks her ambition. There’s just one catch: she must land an exclusive interview with JP Davenport, the golden boy of American politics and first in line for Georgia’s open senatorial seat.  

Charming and gorgeous, JP is also fiercely private, a charismatic enigma with his fair share of secrets — not to mention a string of romantic conquests a mile long. He could make Vega’s career, or destroy what credibility she has left — because JP has made it very clear that his interest in Vega is anything but professional. Vega should know better than to trust a man like him. But kiss by heated kiss, she discovers this man may be worth the risk.

Review

Caught on Camera by Kim Law is a contemporary romance based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Straight from my notes to this review:   Best. Opening. Line. Ever.

"It was a darn shame someone with that much 

raw sex appeal was a politician." 

After spending five minutes with businessman and celebrity JP Davenport, I tend to agree.  He's attractive, he's charming, he's every woman's dream one-night-stand and he's pursuing heroine and news videographer Vega Zaragoza.

Vega crushes on him.  Hard.  

"Oh geez, she even thought his teeth were awesome."

But for reasons later revealed she has nothing to do with him.

Law takes her romance a step beyond the hero chasing his heroine. Law's heroine wants to be caught, but can't be caught because it's not in the hero's best interest.

And the kicker - it's a legitimate reason.  It's not because she's harboring some puny secret and if it gets out her mother will be upset with her beauty parlor friends for gossiping underneath their hairdryers.  It's because her secret can potentially harm the hero in devastating ways.  

Even before Vega falls for JP she protects him, and herself.  This is not commonly used in romances and I like this.

Vega's character growth is beautiful.  JP has his personal growth too, but Vega turns into a stronger, more independent woman who decides that her love for the hero is not more important than her integrity.  This is a message desperately missing from our romance novels and I am thrilled to read it here.

Vega's reveal is crazy good.  (Our new technical term.)  I love it for so many reasons and cannot tell you a single one of them because they are all spoilers.  But read the book and I'll praise this reveal for an hour.

Caught on Camera focuses on self-respect and personal appreciation.  It shows the crucial point where a person must learn the importance of loving themselves so that they can then bestow their love on others.    

For the $3.99 kindle price, Caught on Camera is a steal.

You liked it, Why not 5 Stars?

No matter how much I enjoyed this story and its message, 

the book could be shorter.

A few scenes were drawn out and I felt JP pursued Vega for too long 

without enough change in her responses.

The ending (which is fabulous and what every romance lover
 aspires to read) is exceptional...and perhaps too perfect?  
There's a small section I feel could have been cut.  
It's the longest happy ending in the history of romance.
But really, I'm probably just being too picky.  

Romance readers want everlasting happy endings.

And Caught on Camera gives it to them.

For more information on Kim Law and her upcoming titles, please visit her website, Twitter and Facebook.

This review provided by Musing Sallie

Published by Montlake Romance

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.

ARC received from publisher.

Sallie belongs to MCRW, the local RWA chapter where Kim Law is the president.

The Recruit, Highland Guard series #6 (by Monica McCarty)

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The Recruit rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  October 30, 2012

The Highland Guard series rating:  6 STARS

"The Recruit" is book 6 in the Highland Guard series, 
but can be read as a stand-alone novel.

How are the sex scenes?

WOW.  The first one is such a shocker.  Insane.

How are the story lines?

Please.  This is where Monica excels.  They're amazingly intricate and historically based while being completely enthralling.

Would you read it again?

Again?  Yes!  I want this series on my iPod so I can listen in the car.

Back of the Book

Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits.  

Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win.  Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite.  Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games.  Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction.  Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood.  He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed. 

The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better.  Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion.  Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man.  But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more.  Now Mary wants his heart.  But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?

Review

Monica's novels are the best Scottish historicals ever written.  Period.  

Her plots are intricate, her characters are multi-dimensional and her conflicts are original, complicated and legitimate.  

The most romantic scene of all time is in Monica's Highland Outlaw. Patrick MacGregor carries sweet, frozen Elizabeth Campbell through a blizzard on his bullet-wounded leg and digs a snow shelter with his hands so he can cling to her all night while praying his body temperature can save her from death.  

Chills.

Ravishing Romances owes Monica McCarty one hell of a wine basket, because she's the sole reason it exists.  After finishing The Saint, I refused to wait until October 30 to read The Recruit.  Countless hours were spent creating Sallie, this blog and social media accounts just so eventually I could possibly, maybe get a copy of her next book.

On July 16 The Recruit arrived on my doorstep.  It is one of the biggest book highlights of my year.

How's that for a recommendation?

So give it up readers, and read the review of Monica's spectacularly awesome book The Recruit.


For more information about Monica McCarty and her upcoming titles please visit her webpage, Facebook or blog.

Published by Random House

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received in exchange for this review.

ARC received from the publisher
Review published at The Season for Romance

Enchanting Ella: Give Me Some Sugar

"...I like the water and hot man combo."

- Enchanting Ella

Chocolate is not a huge necessity in my life, however for some strange reason when the holidays roll around my body gets this craving and urge to eat all things made of chocolate.  This year however, I’m doing my damndest to try to avoid packing on the winter weight and staying on track with my weight loss program.  Which leads me to the choice between plain candy or man candy.  This year, I choose man candy. 

Photos courtesy of Jenn LeBlanc

Body parts courtesy of Derek Hutchins

With man candy there is no weight gain.  In fact, you might even lose weight by ogling over all the pictures of HOT men.  You could burn calories from all of the brain waves and body reactions.  My idea of man candy is defined as cut muscles, clean, tan and oiled up.  There are the usual blondes, brunettes and black haired beauties and, of course, the affectionately dubbed gingers or red heads to be politically correct.  Bald is also gorgeous candy on occasion.  There are a variety of choices.  The human body is such a wonderful and beautiful miracle how could you not love to look at all of its curves and fine lines? 

Photos courtesy of Jenn LeBlanc

Body parts courtesy of Derek Hutchins

Now that we’ve discussed the bodies, who doesn’t love finding out when the fine specimen actually has a great personality and some form of intelligence?  That’s just like the icing on the cake or the caramel center in a fine chocolate.   

Romance books allow us to take our version of man candy and make the story come to life.  Having a great visual can make the story seem more real.  I recommend searching for a great picture to represent the character in your book and keeping a mental picture of them as you read your next Romance book.  It definitely helps me with my visualization.       

Who's your favorite man candy?

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.

Author Interview: Marquita Valentine on her novel "Third Time's a Charm" - Holland Springs Series #2

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Read Sallie's review

Marquita is answering questions

in the comment section below

Self-published author Marquita Valentine is with Ravishing Romances today. She's the first ever author to be featured on our site twice and we couldn't be more thrilled.

Thank you for being on Ravishing Romances, Marquita!

Oh wow! That’s so awesome. Thank you so much for having me again! 

Q:  Third Time’s a Charm starts with the hero and heroine madly in lust with each other. It makes their chemistry much more intense. Did you intentionally set them up for this in the first book Twice Tempted or did it just happen? 

A: Actually the entire book kinda just happened. LOL! I had absolutely no intention of writing Sasha and Rose’s story, but Katharine Ashe, my beta reader and fabulously talented author who writes Regency set romances for Avon, emailed me and asked, “So you’re writing Sasha and Rose next, right?” My response: “Sure am.” ACK! However, their lust for one another was purely organic. I had to restrain them at times. ;) 


Q:  Though hero Sasha and heroine Rose have sexual tension…Rose hates him. A lot and often. Her distrust of Sasha creates much of their relationship conflict. Was it hard to write a wounded and guarded heroine? 

A: I’d be lying if I said any book was easy to write. It’s not. But the more I learned about Rose, the more she came across as the traditionally tortured hero. Quiet, reserved...basically the opposite of Sasha. And Sasha didn’t exactly help things. One minute he’s offering to help her out, then next he’s back to plotting against her. So the hardest part of writing Rose was showing the reader why she would ever take a chance on Sasha. 


Q:  Nipple rings. Sasha has them. Details! 

A: HEE!! I love piercings on heroes. There just aren’t enough of them. ;) I loved the thought of him having them, because it’s so unexpected yet sexy as all get out. Especially the shower scene and of course Rose loves them...it’s a source of smexytime fun. 


Q:  Is Rose a witch? Third Time’s a Charm hints at it and though some things are explained, others are left to readers’ imagination… 

A: Honestly, Rose is in fact...well, it’s up to the readers to decide if she is or isn’t a witch. I purposefully answered some things about her “powers” and left others wide open. But I will say that Practical Magic (the movie not the book) was an inspiration for the Holland Sisters. So... 


Q:  Third Time’s a Charm is part of the Holland Springs series. Holland Springs is the small town where the series is based, but their is an actual spring that plays a prominent role in the stories. Can you talk about that? 

A: Great question. Where I’m from it seemed as though every town or county had a local legend it was known for, like Blackbeard. Some of the legends, like the infamous pirate, are rather bloody and gruesome. I wanted one that was known for something rather lovely and sweet. That most people didn’t believe in anymore but still wanted the experience ends up happening with a lot of legends and traditions. Heck, even Rose doesn’t know the entire story concerning the spring OR her family’s reputation. 


Q: The next novel in your series is a novella titled His Christmas Wish and tells the story of war hero Joaquin Morales and his estranged wife Sage Caswell. Sage is introduced in Third Time’s a Charm, being kind to mistreated Rose. What’s Sage’s motivation for this? 

A: Sage is actually a nice person and one that has benefited from the Hollands’ love advice...even if it didn’t turn out so well. Besides, not everyone in town is mean or rude to the Holland women. Yet Sage does have a motive behind her very nice gesture. She wanted Rose’s advice concerning a man Sage has fallen in love with through letters. The man in question, a 1st LT in the ARMY, is deployed in Afghanistan and she’s never met him in person. Or so Sage thinks. By the way, the Holland women are always right when they match up couples. Hence Sage and Joaquin’s novella. 


Q: Can you give us an excerpt from Third Time’s a Charm? 

A: I’d love to! This is an excerpt that hasn’t been shared anywhere before and it’s one of my favorite scenes from the book. 

He lifted it to her mouth. “Open.” 

“You’re going to feed me?” 

He gave her a crooked grin. “Sharing food is something that family does in Masvingo.” 

“I don’t know.” She squirmed in her chair. Somehow the act of him feeding her seemed very intimate, something lovers did for one another. 

“It’s not poison, Rose.” He dipped the ball of sazda, then drew air circles with it. “One bite, love.” 

Feeling slightly silly, she barely opened her mouth. 

“Wider.” 

Sighing, she widened it and Sasha’s green eyes glinted.“Not that wide—I don’t want to actually watch you chew it.” 

Jerking back, she began to clamp her lips together, but he popped it in before they closed. Flavor exploded in her mouth and she moaned in appreciation. 

“What every man most likes to hear when a woman has her mouth full of his…cooking.” Sasha waggled his eyebrows as she chewed. 

She giggled. “More please.” 

He fed her another bite. “That particular phrase a close second.” 

“Stop, I’ll choke.” Somehow she managed to swallow and he fed her yet another bite. 

“Third.” 

“Now I get to feed you,” she said, pinching off a bite-sized portion of the thick tortilla, rolling it in her hand, then dipping it in the meat stew. He grinned as she held it up to his mouth. His lips parted and she pushed the sazda inside. 

“Delicious,” he said, after chewing and swallowing it down. 

Then they fed each other. Sasha purposefully nipping at her fingers when it was her turn. She couldn’t stop giggling. 

“Quit biting me.” 

“But I like the extra flavor,” he said with a teasing smile. “One last bite then dessert, yes?” 

“Yes.” She began to part her lips, but the heat of his gaze stopped her. “What?” 

“Close your eyes this time,” he gently ordered, his voice husky. 

Her lashes fluttered down, but she quickly opened her eyes again to find him leaning closer. So close that she could count the freckles on his nose. Forget counting them, she wanted to kiss each one. 

Thank you for having me again, Musing Sallie.  I had a great time answering your questions!   

Marquita's answering your questions in the comment section!

Someone please ask her about that trunk incident.

Website - Twitter - Facebook

MARQUITA VALENTINE writes small town romances that are anything but small. Lisa Kleypas, Carly Phillips and Rachel Gibson are her favorite contemporary authors. Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man -- and if that doesn't work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children. 

Ask Marquita your questions.
She's responding!

Third Time's a Charm, Holland Springs Series #2 (by Marquita Valentine)

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Third Time's a Charm rating:  3.75 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  September 7, 2012

Holland Springs series rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

"Third Time's a Charm" is the second novel in the Holland Springs series 

and can be read as a stand alone novel

How are the sex scenes?

I loved them.  There aren't so many that the sex is distracting and this isn't an erotic romance, but the hero has nipple piercings and he and the heroine have a long burn before giving in to temptation.

How are the story lines?

Enjoyed them greatly.  It was easy for me to keep up 

and I was very interested in the plot with the hero and his mother.  

Would you read it again?

The hero has nipple rings.  YES.

Back of the Book

Not even Holland Springs' Most Notorious Resident 

can stop this Love Spell.

Customers come to Rose Holland’s apothecary shop for three things: to hear her uncanny matchmaking advice, to buy the “magical” hair and skin products she sells, and to accuse her of trying to steal their men. For years Rose has been entirely innocent and almost content with that status quo. But that was before sexy, smooth-talking Sasha Romanov came to town and made her want to use her love potions on him… until he broke her heart. Now corrupt town officials want to seize her land and sell it to an industrial giant, and her only hope for help looks like the one man she can’t trust—or stop herself from falling under his spell.

Alexander “Sasha” Romanov seems like every woman’s dream: charming, handsome and fabulously rich. But while the people of Holland Springs think he’s in town to generously invest in their economy (and possibly one of their daughters), Sasha struggles to save his sick mother from his vicious uncle’s plans by doing everything the greedy businessman wants. And Vlad Romanov wants Rose Holland’s land—at any cost.

Despite Sasha’s vow to get the job done and keep his hands (and everything else!) off Rose, the blue-eyed witch enchants him. But his mother’s life remains in the balance. Sasha must find a way to protect his mother, sabotage his uncle’s plans, and win the woman who’s captured his heart without destroying everything she loves.

Review

Hero Sasha Romanov and heroine Rose Holland have chemistry.  Yet it never gets too far, because their relationship is...unpleasant.

"Possibly she was mulling over how to best kill him."

Sasha is that kind of guy.  Good looking, fashionable and all together someone Rose does not trust.

Sasha's returned and Rose is furious with her little sister for renting a room in their home to him.  Naturally, this intimate proximity sets the stage for close calls, sexy sneak peeks and plenty of nighttime - and nightclothes - scenes.

For all of Rose's wariness, it seems she overcomes it rather quickly.  She's upset Sasha lives in her home and is uncomfortable with her lust for him...but he babysits Ivy and now Rose is won over because she gets to take a nap?  This is no doubt a huge gesture, but it takes only one to win her trust.  

33% through the story Dr. LA (from Twice Tempted) shows up and starts talking about a girl named Lily.  This caught me off guard and doesn't seem to fit because Dr. LA and Lily are not mentioned at any other point in the story.  

With the exception of Dr. LA's sudden appearance - all other cameos are a wonderful addition.  To tell you who pops in would be a spoiler, but towards the end when **** walks into Rose's office I about died.  It. Is. FABULOUS.  

Something else that's fabulous is Marquita Valentine's way with words.  She writes very quotable novels:

"...she carefully placed [the dress] into the back of the closet, where it couldn't mock her."

"Well, I am a Holland, and we aim to please the men around here."

Gabriel (Twice Tempted's heroine's ex-fiance) is in this novel and his gentlemanly actions made me like him even more.  He's going to be such a great hero (hopefully) one day.

Those who read Twice Tempted know Sasha has an eye for fashion and Third Time's a Charm explains a lot when we find out the reason why.  

The characters are defined, the pacing is easy to run with and the story lines intertwine while pushing along Sasha and Rose's relationship.  I do wish the paranormal element was resolved and explained.  Valentine may have intentionally left it open, but the story never specified.

And Sasha.  I thought about Sasha for days after reading this novel.  He is, quite simply, unforgettable.

GOOD job, Marquita.

Learn more about Marquita Valentine and her upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Holland Springs Series
1. Twice Tempted - read Sallie's review and Valentine's interview

Reviewed by Sallie:

Published by Marquita Valentine.

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  eARC provided by Marquita Valentine.

Naughty & Nice Holiday Hop!

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Undone, Fiery Tales series #4 (by Lila DiPasqua)

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Release Date:  May 28, 2012

Undone rating:  4 out of 5

Fiery Tales series rating:  N/A (haven't read them all)

"Undone" is book #4 in the Fiery Tales series, 

but can be read as a stand-alone novel.

(And was read as a stand-alone novel for this review)

How are the sex scenes?

DiPasqua adds more depth to their relationship by showing the intimate moments and mentioning others that happened behind closed doors.

And the steamy scenes we do see definitely push the story.

How are the story lines?

Really loved those.  The hero has a plan, the heroine has a plan, the hero interferes with said plans and all romance breaks loose.

Would you read it again?

Yes.

Back of the Book

Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning . . .

Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril. She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore . . .

As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s ensnared in a deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.

Review

Undone by Lila DiPasqua is a full length historical romance novel set in France and the Republic of Genoa in 1660.

"It is a convent, sir."

Never would hero Simon Boulenger guess those words would inspire lust, yet after heroine Angelica straddled him while dressed in a habit he reconsidered.

Wait, what?  The promiscuous hero is seduced in an instant by a nun?  

LOVE it!

Detailing the plot, for this novel, is a spoiler.  From the beginning DiPasqua layers meanings and readies readers for one of many reveals.

Angelica is wonderful.  She's so strong and incredibly clever.  She doesn't take the 'easy' way out nor does she ask for help, because she can trust no one. Her secret is that dire.  

Simon is the classic playboy pirate who wants the new shiny toy and refuses to stop pestering until he gets it. He's not always this childish with women, don't worry.  This is just where his character arc begins.  Despite his man-whoring activities, he is a loyal friend, dedicated captain and holds his duties, and others' safety, above his personal needs.  His upbringing is tragic and the man he is today reflects a person wanting to save the world.

Simon often has an inner dialogue about how "he'd never done a rash thing in his entire life."  Odd for him to think this, because when readers meet Simon he's in a precarious position and I can't imagine he planned that.

But let's talk sexy. Tension. Burning. Yearning. Chemistry.  Supply a few more adjectives and we'll begin to scrape the tip of Angelica and Simon's physical attraction.  Simon sports a hard-on 90% of the book because Angelica is near.

Undone is a bit choppy in the beginning.   The sentences are shorter and more to the point - like what you'd expect at the end of a story or during an action scene.  But man can she write descriptions:

"Raw lust licked up his spine."

"She placed her hand over her agitated heart, willing it to calm."

"Every inch of her quaked."

The beginning of black moment (you know, those scenes where the couple can never be together because of this and this and this...) is GENIUS.  For the third time in Undone, DiPasqua creates a conflict that no one can remedy.  (And DiPasqua doesn't stop at three.)

What an adult approach to romance.  Real people reap the consequences of situations and in Undone Simon and Angelica do, too.  

The only slight criticism I can give is that the 'start' is resolved too easily.  It wasn't easy to write, but a slight plot tweak would have hurt a few feelings, broken a heavy heart and added a bittersweet resolution instead of a neat and tidy one - making the black-moment-start all but forgotten.

Well done, Lila.  Your books deserve much love.

Learn more about Lila DiPasqua and her upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by Musing Sallie

Published by Lila DiPasqua

"Undone" is a  Rock*It Reads novel

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review.  

ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.

Enchanting Ella: Pop-Up Kilts

"I love a good stalking."

- Enchanting Ella

An author posed this question on Facebook,  

“Does the cover make a difference  

when purchasing a book?” 

To me, the cover does catch my eye or peak my interest in a certain way.  Take for instance the kilted men on the Highland style books.  

What woman wouldn’t want to know what’s under that kilt? 

Hear Derek Serenade

I even went as far as suggesting that they make the covers “pop up” style.  Hey why not!?!  

I know I know… a little extreme, but a girl can dream!  

Leaving more to the imagination might be a better selling point.  I sometimes find the hero in my head looks much different than the representation on the cover.  I do however appreciate that the new covers are more real life and less staged.  Think back to the Fabio days ladies, and you’ll remember what I’m talking about.  I’ve also noticed a lot of books are now creating a standard simple image for the cover.  Maybe this allows us to read certain categories in public without embarrassment and is a good marketing ploy?

Website - Model Mayhem - Renegade Fitness

That being said, once I’ve attracted to a cover it will usually lead me to read the blurb describing the book.  If the blurb is interesting enough my next step is to search for the customer reviews.  Those are the most interesting part of why I will or will not choose a book.  I find that if a book has great reviews, I will dissect each thoroughly.  Sometimes I choose to bypass any that seem to be too negative or too positive.  There has to be a “meaty” reason why the book was good or bad and not just fluff of either positive or negative.  Give me a valid reason why you were or were not sold on the book.    

Book covers are one of many reasons you should consider the purchase, 

but don’t make them be the sole reason you won’t.    

What's your favorite romance cover?

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.