Nicole R. Locker's Blog, page 6
October 30, 2017
Strong Women in Fiction Giveaway #Bloghop Nov 1-15, 2017
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We’re celebrating STRONG WOMEN in Fiction, and we have a whole host of blogs giving you some sweet loot in doing so.
Now, STRONG WOMEN is kind of my thing, as many of you may well know by now. If you haven’t read about Farren Fields or Elaina Evans yet, you’re in for a treat if you win my Giveaway Hop prize – paperback copies of the Boss Series set! That’s all 3 books in paperback format for one lucky winner!
Visit the Facebook Page: Strong Women in Fiction
The Giveaway
[image error] Click here to enter the giveaway
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CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER PARTICIPATING BLOGS/GIVEAWAYS!
October 29, 2017
Get Ready For My Best Book Yet!
I’ve been quiet in the blogosphere lately, and for good reason. I’ve been toiling away these past few weeks with a self-imposed deadline, working on my newest book, and as of yesterday, I finally finished the last chapter. I spent the remainder of the day doing a full read-through to self-edit and make sure everything flowed, everything fit, added some extra details here and there, and got it ready to send off to my editor.
I’m excited to introduce…
Boss Unwavering
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What’s exciting about Boss Unwavering?
Strong female lead
Role reversal (female boss)
Enemies to Lovers
Alpha Hero
Military Romance (former Navy, former NCIS agent)
Protector
Suspense and Danger
Slow burn romance
Elaina Evans is my strongest female character yet. She’s the owner of an upscale bar in Houston. She’s used to the high rollers and rowdy thugs who frequent her bar, and she knows how to keep her patrons and staff in line. When Elaina speaks, people listen. She’s independent, confident, and like any woman who knows how to get what she wants, she’s stubborn as a mule.
Enter Sebastian Stone. He’s as dominant as they come, having spent years training with the Navy SEALs, even more years fighting crime lords and terrorists with NCIS, and now, he’s hung up his hat for a slower pace as a self-employed Private Investigator. He’s smart, tough, and oh, by the way, throw in a sordid past and the fact that he’s a recovering alcoholic.
Put these two in a room together bidding on the same, prized item in a salvage auction, and someone’s bound to get hurt, one way or another.
These two both end up learning just what they’re made of when Elaina’s life is threatened and she must surrender control, something she would never willingly do, and put her life in Sebastian’s hands. Boundaries are tested and passion abounds when Sebastian makes Elaina an offer she can’t refuse.
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While we’re waiting for my editor to work her magic, there’s a couple things you can do.
Grab an exclusive, sneak peek of the first 6 Chapters.
Preorder now for only $0.99 and have it delivered to your e-reader the moment it goes live.
Narrator Wanted
I’m looking for acting talent to narrate the audio book, so if you know of someone fantastic, send them my way or have them audition here.
October 13, 2017
Indie Author Day 2017 – Surprise!!
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Today is a day to celebrate. Why is that? Because it’s National Indie Author Day, and as an Indie Author myself, I thought I’d ask myself what makes this day so special for me?
Well, I’ll tell you.
Because I get to do something I love, that I grew up believing was a hobby or a pass-time, but not something that would ever pay the bills, so why waste your time on it.
Because having freedom to write what I want, write what YOU as a romance reader want, and having full, creative control of that feels amazing.
Because I have met so many amazing people I am happy to now call friends, who I never would have met had it not been for my role as an Indie Author and all that entails.
Because as a romance writer, I get to put more love in the world!
Because creating something out of nothing is just really, really cool.
Because I feel a sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction when I look at a finished work and say… I wrote that!
Because there’s more than one path up the mountain, and the journey is amazing.
Because I can do things like making Tragedy and Desire completely FREE this weekend, just because I feel like it!
Because I don’t have to wait on a publisher to maybe once or twice a year release my new books!
Because I can get together with, say, 54 other authors, and give you 40, highly rated romance books for only $0.99 each for a limited time and 16 (also highly rated) FREEBIES, because Indie Authors are cool like that! (Oct 14-16, 2017)
Yea! So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!
TAKE ME TO THE SALE!
September 17, 2017
#BookReview – Cinderella Undone by Nicole Snow
Even after years gone by, even after I’ve pushed you the f* away, you’re the only girl on the planet I see myself pretending to love.
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Cinderella Undone by Nicole Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this book up because I’ve been really interested in jumping on the modern fairytale romance bandwagon lately, and this one was showing as a Bestseller with “Cinderella” right in the title. The verdict… I read pretty much the whole thing in 2 days. It’s one of those books you stay up late reading even though you know you’ve got to get up early and go to work the next day for.
Really, there was more than just a Cinderella theme in this book. Beauty and the Beast was pretty prominent, too. Knox was a quintessential bad-boy, like real bad boy, complete with anger issues and a tendency to choke the life out of people who cross him. He’s a former marine, and he left the military to work the dark diamond trade business his father shared with a shady partner, whose daughter Knox accidentally knocks up one night. He goes out of his way to be awful to people who care about him, too, even if he has reasons, good or bad. He could’ve been likened easily to a beast.
She never once imagined the man who piled on the hurt and degradation the most over the years would be the one who said never take it.
Then, there’s the innocent, goody-two-shoes beauty, Kendra, who happens to be best friends with Knox’s younger sister. She’s too young for him when they’re growing up as kids with her having a huge crush on him, and he’s noble enough to think she deserves way better than him, even now, years into the future, when he’s fighting for his little girl, and he needs her help to do it.
This book was really good at several things. One was building up some mystery and suspense. The author did a great job at throwing little things in here and there that gave you just enough of something to wonder what it was about, and make you need to keep reading to find out what it turns out to be.
This book also had great love scenes between the Hero and heroine. You could definitely see the sparks flying between these two, and lots of good, rich details that keep you totally enthralled.
Even better when he climbs in, wraps his strong arms around my waist, and holds me like he’s making up for the times he let go.
Then there’s the story itself. There was a lot going on in this book, and I thought that, while maybe a few things could have been fleshed out a little better, overall, things were interesting, deep, and the stakes were definitely kept rising higher and higher.
The only reasons I can’t give this book 5 stars are:
1. There seemed to be some discrepancies in the time line. It starts out “4 years ago” but the next chapter says something about “two and a half years ago” referencing the same stuff that claimed to have happened 4 years ago. There were maybe a couple other minor examples of this, but that was the biggest one, and it was right off the bat at the beginning, so it had me wondering right off the bat how good the book could actually be. Four years seems to be right, since the little girl is 4 years old in the rest of the book.
2. It seemed like this book could use an extra round of proofreading to fix some typos here and there. The closet living thing to Lucifer himself… “What’s joke did I miss?”… I’m now I’m a glorified waitress… An older man’s gravely voice… (gravelly) … hands on her hands… etc.
3. As I mentioned previously, I did feel like some of the story could have been fleshed out a little better, like how Kendra didn’t recognize someone in a key part of the story that it seems questionable to me how she couldn’t recognize.
Even so, the story was very entertaining, the romance was great, and the end was satisfying. I’d say this one is worth the read.
September 14, 2017
#BookReview – Cocky Cowboy by Faleena Hopkins
I had to switch soaps because it drove me nuts to smell the stuff. How does one night stick with a man like that?
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Cocky Cowboy by Faleena Hopkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You know, this might be the first Cowboy Romance I think I’ve ever read. And I loved it. It’s no surprise, really, and not because I’m a Texan and I know firsthand how chivalrous, tough, and hardworking real life cowboys are. No, it’s because Faleena Hopkins knows how to write a darn good romance.
Cocky Cowboy was sweet, it was sexy, and in some places it seriously threw me for a loop. I’m talking holy moley, that did not just happen, please say it isn’t so kind of loop. That was a twist I did not see coming, and it’s one of those things that keeps you reading on the edge of your proverbial or literal seat to find out how it turns out.
On top of that, Jaxson Cocker is one hot cowboy. He’s kind of that strong, silent type who would rather spend time with his cows than carousing at the bar, and the kind of guy who, when he does carouse at the bar, still treats women with respect. And the kind of guy who will lay a dude out for being a douche to the girl he’s been in love with since he was 8 when he sees her for the first time after like 20 years!
Rachel was also a fun character to read. She was a girl who knew what she wanted, and was willing to put that aside when she thought it was the right thing to do, but sometimes no matter what you do, there’s always going to be that one guy you just can’t get out from under your skin.
I loved how things from the past were revealed in this book, and how even though this book is about Jaxson, we get to see some of the other family and their crazy antics.
If you’re not reading this series yet, what on earth are you waiting for? You don’t want to miss them.
Read my review of Cocky Roomie.
September 13, 2017
#BookReview – The Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely
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The Knocked up Plan by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have to say, I’m a huge Lauren Blakely fan. I spend a small fortune buying her ebooks and audio books. Of course, I had to buy up Knocked Up Plan as soon as it came out, and I just finished listening to the audio book today.
The characters were smoking hot together. The steamy scenes were well written, as usual. The whole story was dripping sweet.
So why did this not get my usual 5 stars that LB books usually rate? Well…
[SPOILER ALERT AHEAD]
I didn’t see hardly any conflict in this book. It felt like it all came way too easy. They liked each other from the start and they basically knew it from the start. There was some internal conflict on both sides… does he like me? Does she feel the same? Can he get past his cheating ex and love again? If she asks him for more, will she ruin everything?
There started out being some conflict at the beginning with their boss coming down on Ryder, but it seemed like he had that all resolved by like midway through the story.
But I have enough self awareness to know that this all boils down to personal preference, and while I like to see more conflict that makes the happily ever after just that much sweeter at the end, I know there are also a lot of people out there who like to read books that don’t have that much angst. If that is you, then I can wholeheartedly recommend this book.
[END SPOILERS]
I did like the chemistry between these characters. I thought they were both written well as far as giving depth and consistence to each character. They had a lot in common, and Ryder was such a gentleman, he really gave the typical bad boy Heroes a run for their money in the hot and sexy department. Nicole was also a fun character to get to know, being a stong, confident, self sufficient woman who knew exactly what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to work for it.
In short, not my all time favorite Lauren Blakely book, but it’s not gonna stop me from one-clicking the next one to come out!
#BookReview – Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely
The playbook I want to learn is the one for her body.
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Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lauren Blakely never disappoints. I loved this friends to lovers, hometown, sports romance. Cooper the Quarterback and Violet the hairstylist/salon owner were a match for the books with their sweet, humorous, flirtatious interactions, their comfort with each other that made their pretend relationship so believable and impossible to deny, and their protectiveness for each other that made them just downright awesome for each other. Chemistry abounds between these two as they concoct a mutually beneficial, well-intentioned ruse, but the only ones they’re fooling, really, are themselves.
Just like all the other Lauren Blakely books I’ve read, it was hard to put this one down to get any work done. This book was reminiscent of Mister O, which I was a huge fan of, as well, especially with the Hero falling for his best friend’s sister in both books. That is apparently a trope I can add to my list of favorites, or maybe Lauren Blakely just pulls it off so well that she makes it work stupendously, no matter what.
I thought I was going to pull my hair out at one point when Cooper’s manager puts his foot in his mouth and just keeps on going with it. I may have been screaming, “OMG, just shut up, already!” followed by, “Why aren’t you setting the record straight, Cooper?!” Ohh, the blissful suspense.
When you speak from the heart, you don’t need a dose of courage to get the words out.
I also loved what a leader Cooper’s character was. It was funny how he and his teammates had the oddest superstitions to keep their winning streak going for the season. I think you’ll definitely be heart-warmed by one particular scene, in particular, when Cooper decides to man up and lay his cards on the table… and I’m not even talking about with the girl!! He was a very endearing character, for sure.
As always, another must-read by LB for you lovers of steamy, contemporary romance. You won’t be disappointed.
September 2, 2017
Book Review – Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland
“That’s the thing about true love – we never see the beginning or the end.”
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Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another awesome read by Vi Keeland. There’s no wonder this book has topped the charts. It was well written and classic Vi Keeland quality. The story had a depth to it with characters Rachel Martin and Professor Caine West, as well as the minor characters. Another TA/Professor romance to satisfy the sweet tooth, and it’s done masterfully.
It starts out with a hilarious scene at a bar where Rachel mistakes her (unknowingly) soon-to-be boss with a guy her friend dated who they found out was married. She calls him a jerk and puts “Owen” in his place, only to find out he’s not Owen, and of course, the craziness ensues.
I loved the twists in this book that I didn’t see coming until the moment they hit me in the face. There were also parts of this book that had me literally in tears, especially mom’s advice from beyond the grave. I bawled like a baby.
I also love how music was a prominent theme throughout, and especially loved the nursing home situation that brought humor and unfathomable selflessness.
I was also amazed at how the characters’ faith played a role, yet not in a way that made you feel like you were being preached to. It was just a part of who they were, a part of their history, and how it played a role in them coming together was ingenious. Loved it!
“You don’t get to tell me what I deserve. I get to choose what I want.”
This book is chock full of chemistry. Rachel and Caine were so much fun to read, and I loved how their relationship slowly unfolded. I read the entire story eagerly, and found that it kept my attention really well throughout. A very satisfying read.
Book Review – The Muse by L.M. Halloran
He’s playing me like chess. I’m going to lose.
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The Muse by L.M. Halloran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Where do I begin? I am a huge fan of LM Halloran, and book after book reiterates why. Her writing is so lyrical, her characters so life-like with such depth and relativity. You feel what they feel – every ecstatic, humorous, and gut-wrenching part. Every page of The Muse will keep you turning to read the next. It’s a story that will pull you in and won’t release its hold until the very last page.
“Are you kidding me right now?” The universe doesn’t answer.
In this book, Iris is a grad student and a writer. She’s the TA for a highly successful, best-selling author, James Beckett, whose British accent and his devil may care attitude are the least of his sex appeal. And he used to work for her father.
His smile blooms like a sunrise, slow and dazzling.
Their roller coaster of a relationship is so enticing, so satisfying, and in parts, so devastating. The suspense of waiting for things to finally settle between them, one way or another, once and for all, is enough to make this read an all-nighter. It doesn’t have QUITE the level of angst that I’m used to seeing in Halloran’s previous books, and maybe I’ll admit I wasn’t too torn up over that because there was still a fair amount, but let’s just say I cannot pinpoint any single part of this book I felt dragged or stalled the story. It all kept me eagerly reading on!
I was fully prepared to meet him skin to skin, to lose myself in his arms. But if it’s my heart he wants? He’s three months too late.
I loved the multifaceted approach the author took to her family history. The older brother who was killed years prior, which Iris still carries the scars from. The father who was a famous poet and a complicated man, and her mother, who was her father’s one great love despite their divorce and strained relationship.
I loved the chapter titles. And by the way… There was one part that had me saying how brilliant this author is, after having highlighted “desert” as a typo that should have been “dessert,” and then later seeing as part of the story where Iris gets a critique of her latest manuscript and its pointed out that she misspelled dessert twice. WAS THIS INTENTIONAL?! It must be. Hahaha I can’t even. I have to ask. (Should that be marked as a spoiler?)
At any rate, I can wholeheartedly give this book 5 stars and tell any contemporary romance lover to give it a chance. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
“Ah, f*** me, you’re still perfect,” he mutters.
August 8, 2017
#NewRelease – Boss Unavowed by Nicole R. Locker
“Get your mind in the gutter, Fair Child. That man has kinky bastard written all over him.”
[image error]Guess what, Romance junkies! The sequel novella to Boss Unyielding is now here, and reviewers are saying Boss Unavowed is just as good, if not better, going deeper into the characters and their pasts to bring them full circle in a most fulfilling and surprising way!
Grab the first 6 chapters FREE
It was a novel feeling wanting to take care of a woman, giving a shit about a future together, but f***if he didn’t need her like his next breath.”
Available Now!
