Wednesday 25 September 2013

Blog Tour: Yours, for Now


Information about the book:
Title: Yours, For Now
Author: Siren Allen
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release Date: 23 September 2013
Blurb: The question: "Would you like to try BDSM with me?"
     Elizabeth Kemp never thought she'd ask friend and colleague, Preston Lancaster to be her submissive. Even more surprising, he agrees – on one condition: she has to return the favor. Her two weeks as his Domme ends with a dramatic climax she wasn't prepared for – she's hopelessly in love and terrified he'll break her heart.
     Dr. Preston Lancaster has been in love with Elizabeth since the day they met. His two weeks with her are more than he ever imagined, but when the tables are turned, she refuses to make good on her promise to reciprocate. Preston isn't giving up without a fight, but he's not fighting for two weeks of dominance anymore. He's fighting for forever.
     Can Preston convince Elizabeth that her heart is safe with him – or will two weeks be all he has?

You can add Yours, for Now to your to-read list on Goodreads:

You can find more about Yours, for Now on the Entranced site, you can also find the buy links here as soon as Yours, for Now is available:

Yours, for Now Soundtrack:

About the Author:
Hi, my name is Siren Allen. I’m a writer and lover of all things erotic and romantic. I reside in southern Mississippi where I write steamy romances that are guaranteed to make you blush. When I’m not listening to the characters in my head and jotting down their adventures, I am busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technician.

I love to travel, preferably with my husband, so he can do all of the driving. I enjoy time with my family, who are just as silly as I am. I have no children…yet, wish me luck! My hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though I hate trying on clothing. If I wasn’t a writer or a Laboratory Professional, I would probably be a Secret Agent. But that’s the beauty of being a writer; you can create your own world and be whoever you want to be. In my imaginary world, I am Queen and my siblings are my minions.

You can Find Siren Allen here: FacebookWebsiteTwitterGoodreads



Interview with Siren Allen:

What have you had published?
Under my real name, Monica Garry-Allen, I’ve published a NA/Romantic Comedy titled, The Makeover. As my alter-ego who writes naughty stories I’ve published Lovers Unchained which was released in August and my new release, Yours, For Now.
What genre(s) of book do you write? 
As Siren Allen I write Contemporary Erotic Romances and Steamy Paranormals. As Monica Garry-Allen I write sweet Romance and RomCom.
What inspired you to write your first book? 
My overactive imagination. I day-dream a lot and those day-dreams make great stories.
How long did it take you to write “Yours, for Now”? 
Not very long, it took me maybe five months to write the story then a couple of months to edit it.
What is the working title of your next book(s)? 
My next book is an erotic paranormal titled Her Dream Lover, this story doesn’t have a release date yet. 
When and why did you begin writing? 
Reading and writing has always been a part of my life thanks to my mother and sisters. I can remember sitting on my back porch when I was about ten, listening to music and writing poetry. I just recently began writing with the hopes of being published. I was afraid to submit my work to publishers because I was afraid of rejection. At the beginning of this year I decided to overcome my fears and send out my stories. I received a couple of rejections but I also received contracts for six of the books I sent out. 
Do you self publish your books or go through an agency? 
I work with publishers. Yours, For Now is published by Entrance Publishing.
What part of writing books do you find the hardest? 
Editing.
What do you do in your spare time? 
My hubby and I usually rent movies and lay on the couch eating popcorn.
Who is your favourite author? 
Kresley Cole.
What’s your favourite genre to read? 
Paranormal Romance – I LOVE IT!

Do you have any advice for other writers? 
Write, write, then write some more. Stay motivated and remember becoming or being an author is not easy. It takes hard work, determination and if you’re stubborn like me - willingness to compromise. 

Sunday 22 September 2013

Review: "After Alex Died" by Dakota Madison

The storyline of this book was not overly believable, but it worked for the story. I like how Dakota Madison portrayed the character of Dee Dee throughout the book and how she shows the gradual change as Dee Dee begins to let go of her past in order to live her future.

The biggest problem with this story, and the reason I couldn’t give it five stars, was the constant grammar and typing errors. It was as if this was a first draft, certainly not ready for the public to read. The errors were distracting.

When I agreed to read this book I wasn’t sure whether it would go into graphic detail about Alex’s death and I’m glad to say that it didn’t. Overall it’s a pleasant read.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.


(4/5 Stars)

Friday 13 September 2013

Review: "The Santa Next Door" by Stephanie Cage

Excellent! My new favourite book.

When you review books for free you get a large variety of books. Some of them good, some of them not so good, and some which you eventually have to give up on. I often wonder why I review books for free, and it’s books like that give me reason to continue to do so.

Stephanie Cage is now one of my favourite authors. If you haven’t read this ladies writing then do so. I couldn’t find a single fault with this book which is why I’ve given it five stars. I’d give it 6/5 if I could.

So, what’s so amazing about this book? Firstly, the writing style. Stephanie’s writing flows in such a way that you are no longer reading a book, but you are in fact living the story. The writing is well proof-read so there are no distracting errors and the dialogue and thoughts of the characters are natural.

Secondly, the characters. In this novel Sue (the main character) and her four year old daughter, Trudi, are real people with thoughts and feelings. They aren’t just words on a page. They are characters which you can relate to and route for. Bryn, too, is a great character and throughout the novel you want to know what’s led him to be such a secretive person. Though most of all you want Sue and Bryn to give up fighting against love and enjoy what they could have together.


Finally, the plot. All I’m going to say is that it’s original, sweet and engrossing. I couldn’t put this book down. If you want to find out more then you’re going to have to buy the book. You won’t be disappointed.

(5/5 Stars)

Review: "Enticed" by Lynn Davis

The first thing I noticed when I opened this book are lots of typing errors. No published book should contain so many errors.

The next thing I noticed was that the main characters are called Rhonda and Roland. One of the first things you are taught when learning to write is not to call your characters names beginning with the same letter as it confuses the reader.

After that things began to improve. The plot line is great (and I don’t usually approve of plots like this), the sex scenes are well written with just the right amount of description and the characters are relatable.

Unlike many short stories, this has a sort of back story which I liked. It added a nice touch to the story and made a stronger connection between you and the characters.

I would definitely recommend this short story.


(4/5 Stars)

Thursday 12 September 2013

Review: "Highfall" by Ani Alexander

Throughout this book I was unable to decide whether I liked it or not. I flipped between three stars and four stars and at the end of the book I still couldn’t decide so I’m going to settle for 3.5 stars.

I wasn’t overly keen on the writing style of this author. It was quite simple and there were a few typing errors and grammatical errors but nothing which made it unreadable.

The plot line was rather unusual, it’s not something I would usually read and if I’d read the blurb before accepting to review the book I probably wouldn’t have accepted it. This said, I didn’t find the plot too bad and the descriptions of drug use ect. are kept to a minimum which for me was definitely a bonus. The plot kept you on your feet. I often wondered what was going to happen next and at points I couldn’t quite believe what I was reading. The fact that this book is based on real life is worrying in itself.

I didn’t feel much of a connection to any of these characters. Out of all of them I felt most strongly about Annika, although, I never really cared about what happened to her and some of her actions caused me to lose any respect for her which I once had.

This may sound like a negative review, but it’s not. It was a good book and I would recommend it.

(3.5/5 Stars)

Sunday 8 September 2013

Review: "Death of a Waterfall" by Kara Leigh Miller

“Death of a Waterfall,” like all of Kara Leigh Miller’s books, is well written. The writing flows and it’s hard to put the book down as you can’t ever find a suitable stopping point.

I felt a connection to all of the characters. I felt hatred for Rob, sympathy for Teghan and I was constantly routing for Teghan and Donnie’s relationship to work out.

For me, the reason I only gave this book three stars was, because I didn’t like the plot. It just didn’t seem believable. Without spoiling the whole story I can’t expand on this point. The first hundred or so pages were great. You were introduced to the characters and instantly formed a strong connection to them. Then things started to happen and it just got a little crazy. At one point, when it got a bit grim, I asked myself ‘Why am I reading this?’ but I continued to read, because I liked the characters and I had to know what happened.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, to the right people. I don’t think this book would be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you want a well written book that hooks you to the core then this is the book for you.

Would I read the next book in the series? Definitely.


(3/5 Stars) 

Friday 6 September 2013

Freebie Friday (4/4): Daisy - Chapter One

My newest contemporary romance novel, Daisy, is officially out now! This is the second edition of Daisy (please note the story line is the same, but the book has been re-edited, pages have been added and some characters names have changed). 
     To celebrate the release of Daisy I am giving away the first chapter for free (see below). Leave comments you have. I hope you all enjoy it.

Title: Daisy
Author: Katie L Thompson
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Self-Published
Blurb: Daisy Snowdon, thirty five, hasn’t been in a relationship for over five years. All that is about to change. Daisy’s mother dies leaving all her possessions to Daisy, including her diaries which date back to her childhood. Daisy discovers things about her mother’s life that she never knew before. Things that lead Daisy to thinking about her own life.
     Still struggling with a phobia of commitment Daisy starts to experience things she’s never felt before. One night stands and no strings attached flings had never been Daisy’s style, but with a new view on life came a new Daisy. However, the heart wants what the heart wants…



Chapter One:

“I’m not saying this because I’m fed up of rescuing you from the side of the road, because you know I’d do anything to help you out, but don’t you think it’s time you bought yourself a new car?”
Daisy sat with her hands intertwined in the grass at the side of the A30, the Toyota, which had been like a best friend to her for the past nine years, had let her down once again.
“The car is fine. I’m sure she just needs a bit of TLC.”
Tara proffered her hand and yanked Daisy up off the grass verge. “I think it’s going to take a bit more than TLC to get her up and working again. This is the third time she’s conked out in the past two weeks.”
“It’ll be fine,” Daisy wiped the grass from her jeans. “And anyway, it’s not like I can afford a new one.”
“What you mean by that is you’re not willing to spend money on a new one.”
Tara, you know I’m saving.”
“Yes, yes, I know, you’re saving up to start up your own business. You’ve told me many times before. But when are you actually planning on starting this business?”
“It’s not something you can just jump into. You need money and a lot of other things.”
Tara sighed. “You’ve been saving money ever since you started working for Graham like…ten years ago. When we first met you said you’d only be working there a year because you were saving up to start your own art business.”
“Well, I think I must have misjudged it a bit, because I’m still not quite ready.”
“More like you’re too chicken to take the risk, ‘cause you’re afraid of failing.”
It was times like this when Daisy hated her best friend’s ability to see right through her. She’d hit the nail straight on the head.
“We are in a recession at the moment. Many new businesses are struggling to survive. I’m waiting until the market flattens out a bit. Then I’ll give it a go.”
“No, you won’t. You’ll find another excuse and before you know it you’ll be married, with children, and your dream of being an artist will be just that, a dream.”
“You don’t have to go worrying about that. I’m not going to get married nor have children. I have plenty of time to start my business.”
“We’ll see about that.” Before Daisy had a chance to reply, Tara said, “Come on, let’s hook her up.”

They drove home in silence. It wasn’t until they were back in front of Daisy’s cottage that she remembered she’d never made it to the supermarket in Cullompton.
“I’d invite you in for dinner, but I think the only edible thing I’ve got in my cupboards is beans on toast.” Daisy unhooked her car from the back of Tara’s four-by-four, glad that Tara had ignored her whinging about how such a large car was bad for the environment and had bought it anyway.
“We could go out for dinner. They’ve got an offer on steak at that restaurant on the corner. Two for one.”
Daisy grabbed a scarf from a peg by the front door and they walked to the pub-come-restaurant around the corner. 
The bell above the door jingled as Tara opened it.
“Not more customers. This offer on steak was certainly a good idea Bill, but we don’t have half the amount of space needed to cater for such a large number of people.”
“No space for us then?” Tara winked at the guy behind the bar.
“No sweat heart, not a table free. However, if you go sit out back with a glass of bubbly we’ll be sure to call you in as soon as possible.”
“One glass of red and –”
“A gin and tonic.” Daisy delved into her handbag and produced a ten pound note from the side pocket where she kept her emergency change.
Outside Tara took a large sip from her glass of wine and sat down on a swinging seat, relieved that it wasn’t raining, even if it was a bit chilly.
“So how long do you think we’ll be waiting for?” Daisy asked.
There was more seating outside than there was inside and everything except for one table was full.
“Hour or so,” Tara took another sip from her glass. “Hum, would you look at that.”
Daisy followed Tara’s gaze to the man who had just walked outside through the patio doors. His jeans had a hole in the left knee, and his shirt sleeves were scruffy around the cuffs. He reached up and slid his red tinted glasses onto the top of his head, revealing deep blue eyes.
Tara was practically drooling beside her. 
“Ah, a male,” Daisy said, uncertain what all the fuss was about. It seemed like the eyes from almost every female and a few males sitting outside had been drawn to the man in the doorway, like a paper clip to a magnet.
“He’s absolutely gorgeous,” Tara exclaimed. She watched the door in search of his partner, but he seemed to be alone. “Gotta get me his phone number by the end of the night.”
Daisy frowned.
“Wow, he just looked at me,” Tara dug Daisy in the ribs, making her flinch.
“He’s not looking at you,” Daisy hissed. “He’s looking for somewhere to sit.”
“Room for a small one?”
The voice distracted them from their whispered argument and they both looked up at the same time in amazement.
“I’m Ricardo,” he said, sitting down on the swing between them.
“How exotic,” Tara gushed.
“Not really. My parents just like foreign names. I’m English born and bred.”
Daisy sat in silence as Tara and Ricardo discussed each of his siblings’ names, what they meant and where they came from. His back was permanently turned on her, his body blocking her view of Tara. Daisy felt alone.
Half an hour and two spritzers later Daisy sat on the swinging seat and welcomed the slightly dazed state caused by the alcohol, which made listening to Tara’s attempts at flirting with Ricardo slightly more bearable.
“Want a nut?” Tara proffered the bowl, which was now half empty.
Daisy giggled. “I don’t think the nuts are doing much in regards to soaking up all this alcohol.”
“It’s the weekend. Who cares? We’ve always got tomorrow to recover.”
Before she met Tara, Daisy had spent the majority of her life stone cold sober. It was something to do with her mother not having enough money to buy alcohol and Ben, her stepfather, not allowing alcohol of any sort into the house. Even though she’d left home at sixteen she’d never been much of a drinker.
Daisy popped a nut into her mouth, but before she had chance to take another one the bowl was swept out of her grasp and thrust in Ricardo’s direction.
“I’m all nutted out,” Ricardo announced, sending Tara into fits of giggles although Daisy didn’t see why.
“Table for four for Mr Jones,” a man who Daisy assumed must be Bill called out. “Do you guys want some music out here?”
Music blared from speakers on the side of the building and the grass lawn turned into a dance floor. Daisy groaned and wondered how much longer they’d be kept waiting, and whether beans on toast at home would be a more preferable option.
“Come on sweet cheeks, let’s dance.”
Tara followed Ricardo onto the makeshift dance floor and Daisy was alone. Every now and then she’d capture a glance of Tara’s pale pink, butterfly print t-shirt as Ricardo twirled her around the lawn.
After a while despite the loud music Daisy’s eye lids began to droop.

“Hey, wake up, it’s our turn now,” Tara shook Daisy out of her slumber. Ricardo was still attached to her arm.
“You know, I think I’ll just go home,” Daisy said. The chilly, autumn air had raised goose bumps on her arms, beneath her thick, woollen sweater, and she didn’t feel very hungry. All she wanted to do was curl up in her nice warm bed and fall asleep.
“What about the offer? Two for one.”
“There are two of you.” In her sleep induced state Daisy missed the desperate looks Tara was throwing her way and without knowing it she walked out of the restaurant having set Tara and Ricardo up on their first and last date. 

If you liked this, read the rest  for only £4.66 or $7.22
You can also add "Daisy" to your Goodreads