Old Souls

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Read on February 24, 2013

Fast paced, characters that jump off the pages and a story that is unique and holds your attention right to the end. You'll be wishing this Novella was a full novel by the time you are done.

Description:

Sometimes we choose love, but sometimes, fate chooses for us.

Alyssa has started a new job, and from day one, she’s been haunted by dreams of a man she’s never met but can’t seem to forget. Then Alyssa meets her boss and her world comes to a grinding halt. It’s him. But as impossible as that is, things are about to get even stranger.

Mark is a man with secrets. Plagued by guilt and regret, he has spent countless years simply existing. They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and no one knows that better than him. He’s lost a piece of himself he thought he could never get back. Until the day he met Alyssa for the first time…again.

When unexplainable events occur, the two learn that some actions have consequences so severe that even a powerful love may not overcome them


*The Author has given me this copy for a honest review..Thank you PA*

My Thoughts:

I loved this novella and truly hope that PA decides to turn it into a series. I was fortunate enough to be asked to read an early version and I can tell you that PA not only took the suggestions to heart but built on them. I absolutely loved her characters; Alyssa although dazed showed backbone, and an sense of honor and morality. Mark is someone who was poleaxed and came out grinning as if he received a new lease on life. The reader was able to connect with each character and PA did a fine job of making these characters multi dimensional,a bit more with Alyssa than Mark...but as I am hoping for a series I hope we find out more about Mark in upcoming books:) The story moved quickly and how PA crafts a plot makes it seem effortless almost like you are watching TV, it just reaches out and grabs you and doesn't let go until the very end. In this case the novella was only a 120 pages and could easily have been a full 250 page novel. Once again, PA hits one outta the ballpark. I can't wait to see more of these characters and learn more of this world.

*note I don't usually give novellas or short stories a 5/5 because it is difficult to build both a new world and characters and maintain a good story line in so short a space however PA accomplished this in the 120 pages.

5 shiny gold stars for Old Souls and anxiously awaiting further books by PA Lupton!

**For more reviews by t'irla check out tirlastalk.blogspot.ca*** READ RATE REVIEW..let us know what YOU think.

Yes, Again with the Bears

For those of you who don't really know me I am a Cocaholic as well as a Bear affectionado.  When Coke started coming out with Polar Bears in their commercials I was in heaven.  I absolutely adore the Coke bears and yes I have a stuffed one...don't judge me *g*  

This year Ridley Scott did a short film which is video 1 and it is totally awesome.  I have also included some of my favorite Coke commercials from this year.  I hope you all enjoy them as much as I do.  And if not...I'm sure your kids will.   *Rated G* for Good taste LOL

I couldn't resist adding this one..just cause it is sooooo Canadian...looks very much like my high school days:)

Come to Me

Read on February 21, 2013

Both sweet and erotic, best short story I have read! Sofia Grey I need a full book with these characters!!

Description:

Summer Meadows is a gifted psychic and used to seeing ghosts, but sexy cowboy Jack McKane is unlike any spirit she has ever encountered.

He doesn't know he's dead

My Thoughts:

*For me short Stories will never be a 5 star read as I don't believe you can world and character build in less than 150 pages. So this will be rated out of 4 for me*

I loved this story! so much that I want it to be a full book building up Summer's background and her "gifts". I want to know more about Jack! and see them interact a great deal more. This story has it all for Paranormal romance lovers. Erotic, steamy lovin, ghosts, seances, a great Heroine and a wonderful cowboy hero. The writing was wonderful, easy to read and relate. I can't wait to read more by this talented author.

4(1/2) stars out of 4 stars:) Yes, I liked it enough to break my own rule. I would recommend this story anyone who loves a sweet sexy romance.


For more reviews from t'irla check out tirlatalks.blogspot.ca

***Remember to Read, Rate and Review...the authors will thank you ***

Enough! With the Fifty Shades Already!

Now don't get me wrong I loved the 'Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy by E.L. James and had read it long before it was picked up by a major publishing house.   We know that as the books became more and more successful we were getting more and more knock off books.  All of a sudden BDSM was the thing to slide into your books to make them "sexy" Books that didn't need the BDSM in their sexy scenes suddenly had them in there.  It is kinda like Fifty had been an injection into the contemporary romance genre as authors tried to run on it's coat tails. 

zzz So if this isn't bad enough we get all these knock off books "Fifty Shades of Alice in Wonderland" by Melinda DuChamp,"Fifty Shades of Silver Hair and Socks" by Phil Torcivia, "Fifty Shades of Chicken: A Parody in a Cookbook" by F.L. Fowler, "Fifty Shades of Red Riding Hood" by R.R. Hood and "Fifty Shades of Gay" by Ryan Matthews. The list goes on and on and on.  Fifty fifty fifty getting a big tired of hearing it.  

Then marketers started to jump on board and we found ourselves being marketed to death with Fifty Shades this or that:  Share All the Shades of Romance With Air Wick^® Colour Changing Candles! An interesting article from Reuters called - Wildly popular erotica trilogy "Fifty Shades of Grey" has inspired publishers, record labels, sex shops, and even crafty parents to submit - to the desire to cash in, that is located: 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/27/entertainment-us-books-50shades-idUSBRE88Q1V120120927

The outcome of all this Fifty Shade Mania is readers are sick of reading BDSM books, buys are tired of the Fifty Shade tag lines in advertising and the scariest thing of all is that the movie hasn't even been made yet.  What is going to happen with the marketing when the movie hits the market  but if those in advertising don't slow it down..no one is going to want to see the movie. 

I don't know about all of you..but I am sooooo over it to quote my niece that is so 2012.  So what is the new Fifty for 2013...ahh we have yet to find it. 

The Exception to the Rule

Read from February 16 to 17, 2013

A beautiful story of lost love, painful events and secrets but also of sweet love and feeling so deep even the years can't dull them.

Description:

When Katrina “Kat” Vallia, an idealistic if somewhat naive 20-something American pediatrician travels halfway across the globe to volunteer in a poor African village, she looks at it as a means of closure. Following a bitter breakup with her unfaithful boyfriend, she decides to throw herself into her work without any distractions from a man. That’s until she encounters Dr. Julian Kiron, a handsome, career driven pediatric oncologist. Even though she tries to fight it, Kat finds herself falling deeply for him; until she painfully realizes that they both want totally different things from life. Not willing to compromise for the other, they sadly say goodbye, cutting all ties.

Five years later, Kat’s happy world is turned upside down when she is given devastating news. She must now confront her past and the secret she’s harbored for years. But will saving the one she loves most also rekindle the love she let slip away?

My Thoughts:

There is lots about this book that I absolutely loved but also things that interrupted the reading flow for me. As I started the book I felt that the writing was awkward and stilted it didn't flow easily for me and was slightly uncomfortable. (view spoiler). Oh and last criticism ..hated the cover if Bookie hadn't recommended it to me I would not have picked it up.

However, the story was touching and the relationship she had with her father and close friends was wonderful. The family she chose stood by her through thick and thin and really showed their love. The story was crafted in a way that had Kat growing with each emotional hurdle she had to jump. The tragedies that struck were heart wrenching,I felt Kat's bravery as she experienced each one. Julian's anger jumped off the pages and I could feel his frustration. The last several chapters of the book were my favorites and almost pushed the book into the 5 star range. I don't want to say too much because then my whole review would be a spoiler I just want to say that the book itself was excellent. Great story, good characters,minimal editing issues...I think the problems I had with the book is purely personal taste. I would encourage those who love a nice heart wrenching but also heart warming story to read this novel - I know you will love it. In some ways the book reminded me of something Nicholas Sparks would write.

A solid 4 star read for me and I know the readers who enjoy a sentimental, emotional yet romantic read will adore this book.

One Night Stand

Read on February 16, 2013 —

*sigh* A wonderfully sexy romantic read with outstanding characters and a heartwarming story...a MUST read.

Description:

Amanda Martin has the worst taste in men. After being cheated on not once, but twice, she’s lost all faith in men … and in herself. Determined to regain her confidence, Amanda decides to have a one-night stand. No relationship, no promises, no threat of being hurt again … just sex. What she doesn't anticipate is meeting a handsome-as-sin stranger who will give her pleasure unlike any she’s ever known.

Joe Sterling has spent his life avoiding relationships, his former job as a military sniper not allowing for such commitments. Now he’s come home to Texas, to let go of the past and to prove he is more than the killer he’s been trained to be.

When Amanda’s life is threatened, Joe’s killer instinct is tested while Amanda struggles to protect her heart. Will they succumb to their overwhelming desire for each other, or lose it all by letting the past dictate their future?

My Thoughts:

This book was recommended to me by my Bestie Bookie and boy did she steer me in the right direction.

In this first book of what is sure to be a winning series Parker Kincade has brought to life the most wonderful characters in this sweet story of romance, family and overcoming the past. I found all the characters in the book were well rounded and the reader could relate to them and empathize. Joe is our hero with a dark past who has been existing but not living since getting out of the service. Amanda is a strong willed woman who has had her confidence shaken by some relationships but her issues go back further into the past. The secondary characters are just as fully rounded as the main characters and I can't wait to read their stories in forthcoming books.

PK creates a story that is sweet and sexy, everything you want when you read a romance. Her twists and turns keeps readers on their toes and keeps you reading into the wee hours of the night. This book offers lust at first sight and love at second sight. The secondary plot line runs a wonderful parallel to the main and you know the second book in this new series will be just as good as this first one. In a lot of ways this is a coming of age story in the loosest terms. We grow with our main characters learning that love will cure the ills of the past.

This is a solid 4 star read for me and a big recommendation to all lovers of Contemporary Romance. I can't wait for book 2 in the Martin Family series. Thanks for a wonderful read Parker Kincade I can't wait to discover what you have up your sleeve for Caleb and Sam!

Hot Ticket and Double Time

Sinners On Tour:  Books 3 and 5

t'irla ~The BookSlayer~'s review Feb 12, 13 

 

Jace is hot!! Hidden depth with an edge you just can't resist, Abby is well a lady who likes control the chemistry makes the book a must read!

Description:

Book #3 in reading order of events in book series, per author

There are things in bassist Jace Seymour’s past that he is unwilling to share with anyone. To cover his guilt and anguish, he seeks dominatrix Mistress V (Aggie) to temporarily placate his inner turmoil.

Aggie doesn't have much use for men–besides the power rush she gets when they’re begging for mercy at her feet–but Jace isn't like her usual clients. His cool defiance and unexpected dominance in the bedroom drives her to distraction and quickly steals her heart.

When circumstances threaten Jace’s position in Sinners, Aggie must help him regain his rightful place in the band while showing him that time and love can heal all wounds

My Thoughts:

This book has everything I look for in a erotic romance! Hot guy write with a depth of character that you just need to know how he survived his dark past and discover his secrets. An alpha male with a twist. A heroine who can kick butt, is a strong woman and won't let any man walk all over her. Again written so that the reader can really invest emotionally in the story. I've said before and I'll say again, Olivia Cunning is a genius at character creation giving them emotional depth and a fully dimensional personalities. Her grasp of the how a rock band interacts together is one of the tings that make this series special. Her creations of a story line that not all encompasses steaming, hot sex but also a running plot with a bit of suspense both in the central relationship but also in the overall story. The only thing that I would criticize about this book is Abby's mother I'm not sure how her side story lent itself to moving the plot forward or in character development. It just didn't seem to really matter other than an excuse for Abby to go see Jace. 

I am totally a fan-chick of the Sinners and can't wait to read the last two books in the series. This is on my favorites shelf as a definite reread book and I would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy Erotic Romance. 

5 Big bright Shiny Stars to this wonderfully sexy read. Off to read the next one..out of order apparently since the publisher released them out of order...and I can't wait for the real 4th book to be released...I'm addicted to my metal head band....ROCK ON!

Double Time

t'irla ~The BookSlayer~'s review Feb 12, 13

  

*Awesome ending to an awesome series...a definite must read!* Note this book was released as book 3 when it is in reality book 5. This was not the author's fault so I will not penalize her in this review. 

Description:

ook #5 in reading order of events in book series, per author

Olivia Cunning delivers the perfect blend of steamy sex, heartwarming romance, and a wicked sense of humor in this menage story featuring the hottest guy in the Sinners band.

Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan's sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience--and love--with the two men she wants the most.

Description:

Olivia Cunning knocked the ball out of the ball park with this stunning series of a group of twenty something rockers on tour. The readers are given an indepth look into the world of metal rock bands and the interactions between members of the band, the band and their fans and the band. These books are also in a lot of ways a coming of age story as these "boys" turn into men book by book in the series. The 5 stories weave a back story through out each novel to end up with a nice bow tie at the end of book 5. OC weaves descriptive hot sex (erotic) in with her character development and she also uses it as a vehicle to move the story in the direction she wants us to go. 

In Double Time a menage/mfm/mm book we finally get Trey's story. Now Trey has been a book boyfriend of mine since book 1 and I am excited OC did him justice. Through Trey's bisexuality we see how he tries to change for the woman he loves and how he grows and learns so much about himself as he develops his relationship with Reagan. Ethan was a wonderful mix of protector, little boy, dom and boyfriend...as part of this relationship we do learn more about him. I personally did not have the connection with him as I did with Reagan and Trey although at the end of the book I warmed up to him and did connect with him emotionally. I did wish this happened slightly earlier in the book. 

It was wonderful seeing the characters in the past books mature and finally settle into their places as couples, as the band and as people. I did find Brian's angst a wee bit over the top and would like to have seen him a bit more stoic and perhaps behave slightly out of character in his pining for his family. 

I recommend this whole series to lovers of erotic romance with a kick but do caution readers to not jump ahead and read this one prior to the release of the real book 4 in August 2013. This book reveals things about Eric's story that you just don't get cause of not having the background of reading Eric's book. .

I give this book and the series a 5+stars they are firmly on my personal favorite's shelves as I know I will want to reread this rockin adventure. I recommend the series to lovers of erotic romance with a strong contemporary setting and characters. The series is edgy and fresh and I truly hope OC writes Dare and his band's stories next. ROCK ON OLIVIA!!!

* For more reviews please see tirlastalk.blogspot.ca and remember to Read Rate and Review what you read *

Rock Hard

t'irla ~The BookSlayer~'s review Feb 10, 13

Rock and Roll, hot lead singer, stubborn ex-girlfriend and a fast paced, emotional story makes this book a winner!

Description:

An ultimatum can break your heart....

Every night lead singer, Sed Lionheart whips thousands of women into a frenzy with his voice alone. But the stage is the only place Sed feels any passion since he lost Jessica...

If you’re not willing to break all the rules...

It shattered her heart, but law student Jessica broke off her engagement to Sed, determined to be successful on her own terms. But no other man can ever hold a candle to Sed...

Then a chance meeting and tortuously close quarters lead to uncontrollable flares of passion and rediscovery of their unique penchant for public encounters. Now, in addition to the risk of mutual heartbreak every time they get together, they’re in danger of truly scandalous public exposure...

My Thoughts:

I loved book 1 "Backstage Pass" and with this second installment in the series we get to know the Band even better. Sed is the focus of this book and I have to say I was prepared to not like him because of what we saw of him in book 1 however that was not the case at all. Sed is actually misunderstood and socially very awkward  When you hear someone says his intentions are good you have Sed in a nutshell. He is actually protective and intuitive he just has a very hard time translating these feelings into actions so comes across as arrogant, bossy and a know it all. We find thought the story that he is intense and caring and has a heart of gold. I do love a misunderstood hero and I ended up adoring Sed. I can't wait to see how he progresses through out the rest of the series.

Jess the Heroine of the story is another story all together for me. I had a really hard time warming up and connecting with her. I found her a huge contradiction and it made her seem cold and impersonal. Yes, she is a strong, smart woman but I also found her cold, unbending and self centered. She had a really hard time seeing anyone else's point of view but her own. (view spoiler).

The story itself moved quickly and introduced so many aspects to the story. This book is not just about sex although there are some incredibly well written sex scenes there is a wonderful story about 5 guys in a band who try to live their lives the best way they can. Once again the relationships that intertwine around each other weave a wonderful story and bring the reader into their minds so they can feel the story.

I would like to address the once criticism that I read about in a few reviews, they thought the books had too much sex in them. Lets think about this 20 something boys, rock stars, intense emotion. Even in rl there was be a lot of sex involved. Since the sex was well written I personally thought it was great.

This is a 4 star read for me. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it . It would have been a 4.5 but I just didn't get Jessica. I'm off to read Jace's story..I can't wait to find out what makes this mysterious guy tick.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

I've been described in various ways throughout my life, hubby says I'm an odd duck, bestie says I'm "different", sissy says I'm wierd, employees used to say that I was a tyrant, bosses used to say I'm a control freak, however I have also been described as intuitive, thoughtful, patient, even tempered, quick tempered..I could go on.   My excuse I give to people is that I'm a Gemini (May 28)... I can be whoever you want me to be:)  I always figured that was a good trait.  

Why am I bringing this up?  I've been hanging out with my good friends on Goodreads, specifically on Sultry, Shadows of Rapture.  I've know some of these women for over a year and they seem to be getting to know me however my "differences" have become much more noticeable this week.  We have been discussing different books and series, and been comparing notes and checking out reviews etc.  I discovered that the people who I thought shared the same taste as I do in books actually have very different taste.  I liked the books they liked but I also have liked a lot of books they didn't like this made me think and I remembered there are a lot of movies I have liked that hubby and friends thought were crap.  Does this mean I don't have any "taste" or does it mean  that I am more accepting of books and movies than they are?  


It comes down to having simple tastes I think and being lazy.  Yes, lazy..you see I enjoy fun books, in depth emotional books etc however I don't enjoy if it is a "difficult" or "slow" book and the same goes with movies.  The pace of a book or movie must be quick when things are over described or all the action happens in the last quarter of the book or movie I find I don't like it.  That is my laziness I don't want to work to hard to enjoy it.  My simple tastes are that I just want to be entertained.  I want to be lost in what is happening.  For me books and movies is how I vacation from life..I get lost in the lives of my heroes or heroines I can get totally immersed in a good book or wonderful movie, my mother always said a hurricane could go through and I would never notice if I was reading.  I have to agree with her I get totally lost in the adventure.  

These traits make rating books pretty simple for me..spelling, grammar and small mistakes in editing I rarely notice..my mind corrects them and I don't "fall out" of my reading "zone".  If I emotionally connect with the characters and the story captures my imagination..this is a good book in Goodreads terms this book would rate from 3 stars to 5 stars out of 5 stars.  Which means, liked it, really liked it, loved it.  My friends are much more discriminating and they find different nuances of the books bother them and cause them to dislike books I adore.  

The other thing this week that separated me from my "girls" is when appreciating a fine looking picture...lets call it art *wink wink Nudge Nudge*  I find I like them usually without a head.  I enjoy looking at a beautiful well sculpted, beautifully manscaped male body.  I find the head distracting, this isn't a bad thing if the face is as beautiful as the body, unfortunately that is not usually the case so I figure why have that distraction.  I also enjoy a wet man..the droplets sliding down his chest, sliding slowly over the ripples and muscles doesn't matter if it is water, sweat whatever it does it for me.  It seams most women like the package..meaning the face and body..*naughty reader*  This all came to light in a conversation a few us were having while enjoying the  "art" that was posted in our group.  After laughing at my expense..ok ok I was laughing too one of the girls who is a wonderful author named Nulli Para Ora decided she was going to include a section on her blog and call it T'irla's Twisted Tales.  TTT made it's debut within a few hours with the first tale and it was hilarious.  Please feel free to check it out at Nulli Para Ora's Website and leave a comment  on her website (or here) with what you think..or any ideas you have for future tales.  

The great thing though is you eventually come to an age that you embrace your differences and enjoy laughing at yourself.  I love that I like to many books and that my friends can laugh with me.  I am comfortable enough in my own skin and my own head to say "I'm alright with that".   So my wish for all my friends out there is that you come to a point that you too can embrace and celebrate your differences and can laugh at yourself with others and just enjoy life.   Happy Reading my friends and give a special thought  to  the people in your life who make a difference and appreciate your "differences"  send them a Valentine Card or a message of Love.  Let them know you embrace who they are and appreciate them.   So for you dear reader

Happy Valentine's Day. 

Backstage Pass

Read from February 07 to 08, 2013

Fast paced, fun read with hot rock stars and a professor and did I say hot rock stars..and some of the best/hottest sex scenes I have read in a while.

Description:

Five stunning guys, one hot woman, and a feverish romance...

For him, life is all music and no play...

When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

She's the one to call the tune...

When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy in the band tries to seduce her. But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

Then the two lovers' wildly shocking behavior sparks the whole band to new heights of glory... and sin..

My Thoughts:

I put off reading this book for a long time, my GR friends were very mixed in their reviews with DNF to 5 stars. After hearing the 4 and 5 star friends rave over the newest one I had to give it a read. I'm so glad I did I loved the book staying up until 3am hoping to finish reading it in one sitting but unfortunately age was not on my side and I fell asleep. I did finish the book upon waking the next morning. I have to say I'm in the loved it category with one or two concerns. I really enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the sex scenes and I adored the characters. Olivia Cunning writes such "real" people that you feel you know them and can empathize with them as if a friend was experiencing it. The secondary characters were wonderful with each one having ther own personality, sexuality and place in the story. I adored our hero Brian, he is an intense, artistic rocker who feels deeply and loves deeply. It was a nice change to not have a too over powering hero but someone not afraid to show his heart on his sleeve. Kudo's for that OC. Myrna I liked for the most part. I do admit her angst over exhubby went on a bit too long. I thought after Brian met Jeremy that she would get over her anti love stance but it went on for still a while yet. I wish that time would have been taken and used to enhance the relationship between her and the other band mates. There were a lot of sex scenes in the book but I did not find them boring or repetitive. I liked that they used toys and did some experimenting...that keep the scenes fresh. Ok, we could have done with 1 or 2 less sex scenes and maybe used that time to hilight her relationships with the band mates a bit more but that being said I read every single word of each of those scenes and they were HAWT!!! and hey for the most part fit the story perfectly.

So to all the nay sayers...I liked the book, characters and story. This book actually made it's way onto my favorites shelf as I would reread it again. I can't wait to read more about the Sinners band mates in the next book.

A very bright and shiny 4.5 star read for me. I love easy, enjoyable reads. Not every book has to have a deeper plot or story. I hope Brian and Myrna show up in the next book....off to find out how Sed falls off his high horse:)...

House Rules

Read from February 06 to 07, 2013

Loved it, fast paced, Merit and Ethan and lots of drama..yep Chicagoland Vampires is still on a upward spiral in it's 7th outing! Must read!

Description:

In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts:

Ok gotta say it...I loved it!!! Merit gets into more trouble than a puppy. This is the 7th book in a series that hasn't let me down yet. The characters get better and better there is still the connection with them and you feel for them every step of the way. Ethan is still your tightass Master Vamp and we love him for it. The secondary characters both old and new are fabulous backup to the H/H and well the writing is wonderful..the plot keeps moving to the point where I stayed up til 3am reading and got up at 7am to finish the book. This is still one of my favorite series with some of my most beloved characters. This book did feel like it was the conclusion of a chapter in the lives of our heroes and that the next book will take us on a new path and I for one can't wait!!!

Big Shiny 4.5 stars from me and I can't believe I have to wait so long for the next book!!!! Its gonna kill me!


For more of my reviews please visit me at tirlastalk@blogspot.ca.........Remember to Read-Rate-Review......