This Week, Ravishing Romances 

is featuring Author Robin Covington 

Her titles include:  

A NIGHT OF SOUTHERN COMFORT - Jackson’s story – available now

HIS SOUTHERN TEMPTATION - Lucky’s story

SOUTHERN HEAT - Teague’s story

SOUTHERN NIGHTS - Beck’s story

Find more info on Robin and all her books here

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry

Amazon ~ B&N

Book release date:

February 1, 2013

Book Rating:  4 out of 5 stars  

How are the sex scenes?

Sexy, descriptive and sensual.

How are the story lines?

Excellent. Very engrossing.

Would you read it again?

Yes, without a doubt.

Book Blurb:

The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver's new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he's decided to keep his distance. After all, he's in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn't include working hard to get on Mackenzie's good side--no matter how intriguing she may be.

His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs go...well, the humans must follow! It doesn't take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes....

Review

The Other Side of Us by accomplished Australian author Sarah Mayberry, was brilliant. As is her normal standard, the book was intelligently written, heart-warming, sexy and full of witty humor.

Passionate and intelligent Mackenzie Williams was determined to conquer her devastating injuries sustained the previous year, and return to her ‘normal’ life in the City as Producer of a television mini-series. She had chosen her picturesque beach residence in southern Australia’s Flinders for her convalescence, seemingly sustained by her drive to recovery, her dog Mr Smitty, and her isolation.

Humiliated by his wife’s indiscretions, sexy and vibrant Oliver Barrett had retreated to Flinders to find himself and grieve. His life was on hold, the pause requiring contemplation and peace. Something that from his first introduction to his exasperating neighbor, no longer seemed probable. With their dogs becoming immediately smitten with each other, it seemed that interaction was inevitable, and what interaction that turned out to be!!! (Hot!!)

Sarah Mayberry’s writing is unquestionably good. Her language is delightfully descriptive and rich in humor, quick wit and intellect. The witty repartee between luscious Oliver and sassy Mackenzie was wonderful – providing frequent moments of chuckling. It’s so hard to choose one sample, but here goes

“This mousse is really good,” Mackenzie said

“Thanks, I opened the package myself.” (replied Oliver)

Their salacious love-making was a turn on and exquisite in its description.

“As always, the first slide of his body into hers was transcendent.”  Yum.

The Other Side of Us was a fabulous read. I laughed often, was brought to tears at the emotional turmoil each character endured, and was completely engrossed, falling in lust with Oliver and gaining utmost respect for Mackenzie. With wonderfully believable characters, captivating storyline and a happy resolution, this is a book I would recommend to many.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this fabulous book.

Learn more about Sarah Mayberry and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie 

Published by Mills & Boon

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  ARC received from author in exchange for honest review.

Enchanting Ella: 5 Star reviews, Real....or Fake?

The first thing I learned as a blogger for romance novels was how to provide reviews for all the books that I read.  Some books from purchase and some books from authors called "ARCs" or Advance Read Copies.  This step is key for any author published by companies or self published.  

However, lately I'm seeing nothing but 5 star reviews.  I know I've been guilty of this myself.  I have been finding some great reads.  But in my reflection of the reviews, I'm now questioning how many are truly 5 star and what does 5 star mean?    

Here is how we rate our books on Ravishing Romances:  

1/5 stars: Couldn't finish it
2/5 stars: Finished it.
3/5 stars: Liked it.
4/5 stars: Really liked it.
5/5 stars: Loved it.

So I start looking back on the past reviews I've done.  Did I love them all?  Or did I Really like it?  Is it offensive to the author if I only give it 3 or 4 stars?  And if it is offensive, do I care?  Of course I care if anyone is offended by my book review.  But I'm supposed to be objective and non biased right?  So my reviews should be honest and constructive.  

I wouldn't change any of my past reviews because the 5 star books that I have read and completed, are books I'd read over and over again.  I take pride in my 4 star reviews just as much as my 5 star.  I hope the authors appreciate those as well because it's still saying that the book kicks ass.  Hell, even a 3 star is a book I'd recommend to a friend.  

How do you determine your review rating?

Are you rating books on content or editing or both?  

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.

Blog Tour: Undying Love by Nelle L'Amour

Amazon  ~  B&N

"With love, there are no goodbyes." 

He is Ryan Madewell, a drop-dead handsome Harvard grad from one of Manhattan’s wealthiest families, who’s on his way to heading up his father’s media empire.

She is Allee O’Keefe, a beautiful but sassy art school grad from the wrong side of the tracks, who dreams of living in Paris.

Polar opposites in almost every way, Ryan and Allee are instantly attracted to each other over a Picasso nude. They share a steamy, addictive love that defies everything--including Ryan’s ruthless father, his revengeful ex-girlfriend, and Allee’s dark secrets. Only, it may end too soon.

Here is an erotic love story that will make you laugh and cry. It will linger in your heart now and forever. Love is never having to say good-bye.

To win a copy of Undying Love

please comment below 

Please remember to include your email 

and the reading format you'd like for the ebook 

To learn more about Nelle L'Amour please visit her Facebook or her Twitter

Blog Tour: Rock My Bed by Michelle Valentine

Amazon US   ~ Amazon UK  ~  B&N

Rock My Bed is live on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.    

Today, Ravishing Romances has a guest appearance from Riff of Black Falcon.  We asked where the idea of the "Golden Ticket" came from and here is the answer:  

Well, I think it all started with the need to keep things simple. He wanted women to know this was just a one-time ride for him, absolutely nothing long-term, what better way to do that than hand out passes. It lets women know right up front he’s a self-centered asshole and not to expect anything from him. The tickets soon became his trademark and groupies knew exactly what it meant to get one. They kept his life simple and uncomplicated. Just the way he liked it. 

For more information on Author Michelle Valentine and her other books, visit her website, Facebook and Twitter pages.   

For a full schedule of the Blog Tour - head on over to I Love Indie Books and check out Holly's updates.  

Enchanting Ella: Marketing 101

Welcome to Indie Author High.  This week was an eye opener for me on a subject breached with a single post.  Models being used on book covers.  

The post addressed the fact that this particular author didn't do it to make millions and that they weren't using said image to help sell their books unlike other authors who are doing so and having the models advertise the book.  [cue record scratch] 

Last time I checked, picking your cover for your book was a marketing strategy and tool??  The cover can be an important part of what is bringing in your customer to view your blurb.  It's what draws me in or away if I'm being honest.  

The current trend right now appears to be the use of models on the covers of the indie books.  Yay for me!  Yay for you - right?  Who cares if the author is using the model to help promote their book or books to adjust the sales and boost their numbers?  Isn't that what you're out to do as an Indie Author?  Let's all be honest about it.  I think it's a great idea.  I believe it does what it's supposed to do.  Gain you momentum as an author.  Gain you fan base as an author.  Gain you revenue (potential millions if you're lucky).  Stop the hating on others or trying to make it seem like you're not doing the same thing that others are doing. Own it.  

There are potential issues with the use of cover models.  The problems I do see in all of this model for cover scenario are these:  

• over use or over saturation of the same model 
• under use of a model in the fact that he's labeled as a "specific" character and can never be used on any other cover 
• authors identifying models as "MINE" as if they are property instead of human beings 
• competition between authors who are supposed to be "peers"  

My hope is that the literary world survives this trend.  I guess that all depends on the professionalism and maturity of the authors who are making their names in the Indie Author world.   

What are your thoughts on 

models being used on the book covers? 

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.

Depths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt

Amazon ~ B&N

Book Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Series Rating:  4 out of 5 stars  

Genre: New Adult romance

How are the sex scenes?

Deliciously hot! Would have loved more though.

How are the story lines?

Interesting and compelling.

Would you read it again?

Yes

 Summary: 

Do you believe in love at first phone call?

Cohen Rodriquez, Deo’s hilarious, über responsible best friend in LENGTHS got dumped by his longtime girl because he’s ‘not impulsive enough,’ and he's burned up.

But maybe, just maybe, she’s more right than he wants to admit. So he starts to date.
A lot.
But no one really feels like the one. And the more girls he dates, the more Cohen’s convinced she isn’t really out there.

Luckily he has Maren—the girl with the sexy voice who always cracks the best jokes. They’ve been talking daily for a year…on the phone. What started as all work soon blooms into friendship. Then she asks him.

Do you want to meet?

He's scared out of his mind to ruin the one easy, fun relationship he has going for him. But he takes the plunge, and things are just fine, totally easy and comfortable.

Except that they both sense it's not strictly platonic...there is an undeniable attraction and absolute raw chemistry between them…and every time they're in the same room, that attraction gets deeper and harder to ignore.

Maren could be the best thing that’s ever happened to Cohen… Or she could send his carefully compartmentalized life into a tailspin.

Cohen has to decide if he’s ready to let go of his comfortable fantasy and embrace the one girl who might be able to change his luck in love.

          Review

With two wonderfully solid authors in Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt, I would have been incredibly surprised if this second installment in the series, Depths had not been good. Once again, however, the characters were well written, the storyline believable and engrossing and the chemistry – hot!

Gorgeous, talented and selfless Maren was due some happiness in her life. She had operated in the shallow depths of all her relationships in order to stay well protected from hurt for many years. The one man, her father, who should have been her protector and provider, caused her the most angst and sadness, even over her dead-beat, cheating boyfriend.

Sexy, kind and intelligent Cohen Rodriguez held fast to predictability – in his superficial girlfriend and in his family business position, in which he was completely over-qualified. In both situations, he lacked motivation for change and desire to step away from what was easy.

Despite the warm friendship formed from their telephone conversations throughout the last 12 months, nothing prepared Maren and Cohen for their first face-to-face meeting. The attraction was instant and the draw to each other captivating. Suddenly shallow and easy was no longer an option, and along with some boundary pushing, came sizzling hot encounters and a radical new outlook on life – together, not alone.

Switching POV each chapter was a wonderful tool allowing the reader to get inside the heads of the H & h. I had expected a little more tension and conflict from the ex’s. The wanting of more was not because the story was lacking, but rather because I just wanted more to read! I am a fan of Epilogues, so was thankful that we were given a brief glimpse of the future.

With superb writing, a compelling story, witty dialog and a few delicious sex scenes, I loved Depths. Any person who enjoys New Adult Contemporary romance will enjoy this book. (But you might, like me, have wanted more!!! Greedy little reader that I am!)

Learn more about Liz Reinhardt and upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review. 

Blog Tour: Taliana by Crystal Spears

Purchase links: Amazon ~ B&N

Talania - A trip down memory lane

Excerpt

Past:

“Hi, I’m Evelyn.” She sticks her beautiful tanned hand out to shake mine. I am dumbfounded, at a loss for words. I mean, I just hit this girl in the head with a volleyball and she is being polite.

“Um, sorry about the volleyball. I’m Tristan.” I shake her hand in return and the air around us crackles and pops. I pull my hand back quickly. What the hell was that?

“Well, Tristan, next time try not hitting a girl in the head with the volleyball when you’re ogling her.” My mouth drops open. I am busted.

“I…I…I’m sorry.” I mean, what the fuck else is there to say?

“It’s all right.” She laughs and it is such a beautiful laugh.

“So how old are you Tristan? You look like you’re around seventeen.” She cocks her head to stare back at me.

“I’m…I’m fifteen,” I stammer out. What in the hell is wrong with me?

“Well, you look older. I’m fourteen. It was nice meeting you Tristan.” She points to a beach house.“That’s where I’m staying if you ever want to visit.”With that, she walks away, her beautiful long chocolate brown hair waving in the wind.

Present: 

I glance down, pulling her hand to me. The air crackles and pops at the first touch of her skin against mine. It’s as if I can breathe again. Four years of air rush into my lungs at once, overwhelming me. I look closely at the symbol on the bracelet. I can’t breathe. This cannot be what I think it is. Tears are stinging my fucking eyes. This cannot be happening.

“This…this is a cancer survivor bracelet,” I whisper.

I look up into Ev's beautiful chestnut eyes and she nods, releasing my grip and lifting her hair as she tilts her head. Three long scars hide underneath her hair.

“Brain cancer. I had a tumor, and it came back three times. I can’t remember the years from when I was fourteen up until nineteen,” she whispers, letting her hair fall back down.

Drake and I gasp at the same time. This whole time I thought she left me, left us, and she was fucking dying of cancer. I cannot breathe. Someone needs to get me some fucking air. I eye the tequila, hesitating before I start downing it straight from the bottle. After I am satisfied, I let the bottle slip from my lips.

To win a copy of Talania - A trip down Memory Lane,

comment below and remember to include your email address

and preferred reading format.  

Author Contact Links:  

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Still curious?  Read her bio.Goodreads Page