Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 157
December 3, 2022
Review: KNOTTY OR NICE by Ines Johnson
An adult toy reviewer in need of Christmas cash and a Boss Man Kringle with a heart of ice.
Muri was a firm believer that orgasms weren’t real, just like Santa and his reindeer. Her reviews were as fake as her orgasms.
In need of a quick review, the boss asks her to test-drive a device. Can she fake it for her boss well enough to get the holiday bonus? How could she when she didn’t even turn on the device? Ha!
Can Mr. Kringle prove to her that orgasms were real?
This story had a lot of funny quips. A hot holiday read!
Rating: 5 stars
Review: XL CANDY CANE by Frankie Love
He’s the XL man and the very old father of your best friend, but she can’t help what she wants for Christmas. It certainly becomes a naughty one. But what happens when that cover gets blown?
A nice, naughty, and sweet read!
Rating: 4 stars
Review: V CARD FOR CHRISTMAS by Hope Ford
Two neighbors are hot for each other. When he asks her to play his wife for a Christmas party, neither one could resist the temptation. Avery has never thought she was much to look at, but to Lincoln, there was no one else more beautiful. To hear that she was a virgin was shocking to him. Could he take her V-card for Christmas? He certainly promised to show her a thing or two.
A nice, quick story!
Rating: 4 stars
Review: HIS HOLIDAY BONUS by CL Cruz and Liz Fox
Two people on the hunt for a Christmas tree in the woods.
The narrative is nice, but slow. The bulk of the chapter story is taken up by the characters’ overwhelmingly trivial thoughts. How much can you go on about the tree hunting?
An okay read, but not great.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: STEAMY SHOWER TALES (Book 1) by M.D. LaBelle
In “One Night Stand,” it sure takes a while to get to the one-night stand.
The narrative was nice n’ easy, but it felt too long with an uneventful storyline. There certainly are some steamy shower scenes in here, but, for the most part, these stories make you skim through them as nothing really interesting grabs you.
These were okay read. Not that great though.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: DESIRE ACTUALLY by Jennifer Skully
His wife sent him an email that stated she was divorcing him because he was bad in bed. Confused, he asked the secretary: What do women want? “A woman wants to be desired.” So he asks her to teach him how to make a woman feel desired. And so the lessons begin.
This is definitely about intimacy and connection. Got breathless innuendos and lust up the whazoo. But what happens when the lessons become serious. A typical, okay romance.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: THE NANNY by Vera Roberts
Tiana was a high-powered career woman looking for a nanny. I didn’t quite get Kieran’s story as the narrative took a slow and complex turn. Quite frankly, I didn’t find this story interesting at all.
Rating: 2 stars
December 1, 2022
Blog Tour: HELLFIRE by January Bain
Hellfire (Sin City Wolf #4)
by January Bain
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GENRE: paranormal romance, billionaire werewolf
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BLURB:
Amara St. Clair is just out for a rare night of fun on the Vegas Strip. But when she discovers her fun-loving side in the Glitter Palace casino, a life-altering altercation with a deadly ancient vampire leaves Amara lying unconscious in an alley near the famous casino.
Doctor, geneticist and genealogy expert Dante Luceres, dedicated to research that will keep his fellow werewolves safe and healthy, is attending a mandatory yearly event of the House of Luceres. Coming across Amara, he saves her life, though vampires and werewolves are forbidden from interfering with each other in the supernatural world. There are dire consequences for interfering with another supe’s domain, and he expects that soon both the vampires and the werewolves will be after them, but he can’t leave the beautiful, vivacious little human to suffer alone.
Drawn to each other, the pair must hide from the world. But with everyone against them, including Dante’s clan and an evil vampire hellbent on having Amara for his own, how can they find a path to a shared future…and true happiness?
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Excerpt One:
“Wait! We’re going the wrong way.”
“My Harley’s out back. Quickest way out of town.”
“I’m wearing a dress. And I’d prefer an Uber or cab. No offense, but I don’t know you.” She jerked her arm to pull away, but I hung on.
“You’re in mortal danger. I’ll figure out the explanation for all this”—I gestured between us—“later when I have access to records and blood testing.”
“Blood tests? What are you talking about? And why does it affect you?”
She exaggerated my hand movements demonstrating the connection between us back in my face. I did note that her hand also trembled, causing an odd emotion to come over me. She was trying to be brave, but it was costing her.
“Are you suggesting that you are not in touch with your obvious physiological responses?”
Anything was possible in this alternative world she’d just had thrust on her. Perhaps she wasn’t aware she had become aroused. Or refused to admit it. It didn’t matter, neither of us would be acting on it in this lifetime.
“You don’t understand. That beast that attacked you? He’s coming back, and he won’t be alone. I have to get you away right now.” I added a sense of urgency to my tone in efforts to persuade her.
She did look around with a more constrained expression, as if the boogey man was going to jump her.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let them take you.”
“Why would they take me? That makes no sense.” She had the cutest way of wrinkling her nose that made it wiggle a bit.
“You look like a movie star.”
“Yeah, right!” Now she gave a grimace as if I were fucking around with her.
“Yes. Marilyn Monroe. Only with dark hair. In a blonde wig, you’d be able to pass for identical twins. Your features, perfectly aligned and symmetrical, are above average in scope and dimension.”
I pointed at her face, as if drawing with my fingers in the air. “The distance between your eyes in one exact eye, the length of your face equals three noses. Space from the lower eyelid to the upper eyelid is the same as space between the upper eyelid and eyebrow. Also demonstrated to perfection. And width of the face across the cheeks is equal to two lengths of the nose. Finally, eyebrows begin on the same line as the corner of the eye nearest to the nose. There you have it, a perfect oval face!” I always appreciated sharing such proof positive.
Instead of thanks for pointing out her perfection, what did I get but a rolling of her eyes before she burst into gales of laughter?
“Is that the line you try on women to get them into bed, by any chance?”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.
If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.
If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…
Blog Address - http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/
Twitter Name – https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/january.bain
Any other social media -
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Hellfire-City-Wolf-January-Bain-ebook/dp/B0B8P65XR5/
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GIVEAWAY :
January Bain will be awarding a $40 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour: SOPHIA FREEMAN series by T.X. Troan
Sophia Freeman Series
by T.X. Troan
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GENRE: Middle-Grade Fantasy Mystery
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BLURB:
Book 1:
EARTH AWAKENED ... SEED PLANTED ... PATH REVEALED.
What begins as a special trip for eleven-year-old Sophia Freeman and her father, leaves her trapped on a mysterious island with a tree boy and fantastical creatures. Later, she learns she is dying from an eternal curse and the only way to prolong her life is to drink the island’s sacred water. Can Sophia and her companions reach the fountain and defeat the guardian before time runs out?
Book 2:
THEY MUST RISK IT ALL TO REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM ... OR BE SEALED AWAY FOREVER.
Sophia Freeman and her best friend, Tim Charnal, must beat all contestants in
a three-round Beyond Event organized by the mighty arbiters to free him from the penalty of murder
and gain the islanders' trust. Entering the hologram and surviving environments filled with everything from hammer-throwing cave giants to a slimy tentacled sea monster, they will need all their courage, wits, and skills. But how are they going to win when magic is forbidden?
Book 3:
EVIL RISING ... ISLANDERS MISSING ... AND FRIENDS BETRAYING.
With the increase in deaths of Pandilone Islanders, the arbiters devise a strategy to free the god demon within five days to lift the Eternal Curse. All goes as planned until iron-masked creatures kidnap magic users, weakening
the army. To gain reinforcements, Sophia Freeman, Tim Charnal, and rescued Allen Chan must gather all six items to cast the Dream Spell, connecting them
with Sophia’s father and his air force. But how can the trio succeed in time while surrounded by enemies and traitors aiming to stop them at any cost?
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Excerpt One:
“So, what’s on your agenda today, my dear?” Grandma asked.
“Dad and I are going to explore his new island after this,” she replied, sitting on the edge of her seat.
“Oh, yes, your father told me about that on the phone last night,” said Grandpa, then gave Sophia a serious look. “My girl, do you know why all the previous owners vanished?”
Sophia shook her head slightly, but kept watching him without blinking.
“Rumors say the place possesses some sort of magical energy. As dusk arrives, the island comes to life: boulders begin to quake, monstrous trees uproot themselves, and mysterious creatures crawl out of their homes. They will do anything to protect their island … especially from humans.”
Sophia’s eyes widened and her hands began to sweat.
“Joe, that’s enough!” Dad ordered. “You’re scaring her.”
“That was very mean of you, Joe,” Grandma added.
Grandpa chuckled. “Well, it looks like I haven’t loss my touch. You’re still that innocent girl that I used to know.”
Sophia sighed with relief. He must have been teasing.
When she was a lot younger, Grandpa used to tell her ghost stories and it would frighten her every time. The all-time best story was about an invisible spirit that watches us from behind since the day we were born. It would one day transfer our soul to a magical place when we are ready to go. He told the little girl it was time for him to go and would never return. She burst into tears and tried to convince him it wasn’t time yet. She stayed with him that whole night and never let him out of her sight.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Thuan Doan was born in Indonesia, and grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Thuan has been fascinated by art from a young age, especially fantasy. He would wake up hours before school, sit outside the classroom, and scribble in his sketch book.
After college, he worked on a series of jobs, including: an advergaming association as a storyboard/concept artist, gaming company as lead concept artist, and graphic designer for various clients.
Thuan conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet. 4 years later, the story is complete. While book 1, 2 and 3 are being shared with the world, he's writing and illustrating book 4 of the Sophia Freeman series.
Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents' names.
“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”
T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs and school of fish!
AWARDS
★ Entrada Publishing Incipere Award, 2020
★ Readers' Favorite 5 star Badge, 2019, 2021 and 2022
★ Literary Titan Badge, 2020
Book Links:
Author Website
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5M559C1
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/t.x.%20troan
Walmart
Indie Bound
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781999481308
Book Depository
https://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=t%20x%20troan&search=Find+book
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/TXTroan
https://www.instagram.com/txtroan/
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18815756.T_X_Troan
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GIVEAWAY
T.X. Troan will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveawayBlog Tour: THE PARK STREET SECRETS by Yvonne Van Lankveld
The Park Street Secrets
by Yvonne Van Lankveld
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GENRE: Contemporary Fiction
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BLURB:
A historic government office and police station in Niagara Falls, Ontario is redeveloped into seven condominiums. Some new residents have ties to its cultural heritage, while others bring secrets to keep there.
Siblings Lily and Rose must cohabit for one year or lose their inheritance, despite their animosity toward each other. Gracie Sheehan is determined to make a fresh start after many unexpected events force her to question her values and life goals. Young lovers move down the hall from a self-serving customs broker who always gets whom and what he wants.
Mix these unique characters with a medley of others, add a building manager with secrets of his own, and discover how Park Street becomes a chaotic blend of love, betrayal and the need for human connection.
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EXCERPT
To a casual observer, she was carrying what she needed for a workout. She noticed bigger chips out of the door paint from the deadbolt when Mitch had attempted to return. She walked over to the fire escape landing, briefly considering leaving via this exit, then changed her mind. She left via the door, locked it and walked cautiously to the front lobby. She researched the address for the women’s shelter on her phone, then deleted her privatized history. She took a few deep breaths in the vestibule to reorganize the storm in her head. Taking one step outside, she spotted an unmarked cruiser parked discreetly behind a courier van. Backtracking, she leaned against the outside door, unable to formulate an alternative plan.
Sally walked back up the stairs and re-entered her condo, securing both door locks behind her. She walked over to the fire escape again and watched the unmarked car drive by slowly. She threw her gym bag back in its regular spot in the front hall closet. She cleaned the urine stain off of her chair, then slumped into another chair and remained there. She scrolled through her contact list in her phone, paused at a few of her close friends, then found her mother’s number. She stared at it until the phone screen went black. She got up and walked back to the window that faced the front of the building and saw that the unmarked cruiser had parked there again.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Yvonne Van Lankveld's love of words began in childhood. As a nurse, her writing skills earned her acclaim in many clinical settings, however she never lost her desire to become an author.
The Park Street Secrets is her second novel, which she wrote during the pandemic. Her first book, The Road to Alright was originally published in 2019. She is working on her third fiction novel, Follow Polly's Lane. Yvonne lives in Ridgeville, Ontario with her husband.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19368849.Yvonne_Van_Lankveld
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-park-street-secrets
Amazon (USA) https://www.amazon.com/Park-Street-Secrets-Yvonne-Lankveld-ebook/dp/B0BGR7YWVW/ref=sr_1_2
Amazon (CA) https://www.amazon.ca/Park-Street-Secrets-Yvonne-Lankveld-ebook/dp/B0BGR7YWVW
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1167875
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GIVEAWAY
Yvonne Van Lankveld will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
