Tiffany A. Snow - The Kathleen Turner Series aka My Addiction!

Have you ever read a book that really got your blood pumping and your heart racing? 

Have you ever found yourself constantly thinking about the characters and the story?  So much so that they feel real? 

And how many of us have ever said that a book was so good, we just couldn't put it down? 

In August 2012, I was lucky enough to discover a new author whose books and characters I instantly fell in love with.  They took over my life in a way that I almost can't explain.  I wanted to be a part of the story.  I wanted to call these characters my friends.  I couldn't get them out of my head. 

I'm talking about the Kathleen Turner series by Tiffany A. Snow.

At the time that I discovered Tiffany, only No Turning Back and Turn to Me were available.  I remember we were heading into Boston for a Red Sox game and I was reading No Turning Back on the Green Line.  I was so engrossed in the story that I almost didn't notice how crowded the car was getting.  And if my husband wasn't with me, there is a real possibility that I would not have gotten off.  I was hooked! 

As soon as I finished No Turning Back, I immediately bought Turn to Me.  It was a Sunday night and knowing how I am in the morning, I forced myself to go to bed instead of staying up to read.  But the next morning, I read every chance I got.  In the car in the parking lot at the train station.  Walking across the parking lot to the train.  (Yes, I was one of those people.)  Standing on the platform waiting for the train.  On the train.  I finally had to put it down as I went through security at my office.  But once I got to my desk, since I wasn't on the clock, I started reading again.  And if I didn't have to work, I would have just kept reading.  I loved Turn to Me even more than No Turning Back.  I wanted to be Kathleen Turner. 

I could not wait for my lunch hour so I could read some more.  Oh, but did I mention that when I was in the car, I was so wrapped up in the book that I forgot to grab my lunch before I got out of the car?  I had to call hubby and have him go get it to bring it home so it wouldn't go bad.  So when my lunch hour rolled around, there was that "oh shoot" moment when I realized I needed to get some food.  I did and still managed to find some time to read.  (I actually posted on Tiffany's Facebook page telling her the forgotten lunch story and she said that the next time she comes to Boston, she'll take me to lunch.  I'm holding her to that. ;)  )  I really did not want to go back to my office after lunch.  I just wanted to keep reading.  But I'm a loyal employee and so I went.  (Seriously, I have perfect attendance.  I'm such a nerd.)

These books took over my life.  My friends can tell you that I went into this weird trance, like I was possessed or something.  I could not stop thinking about these characters.  I just wanted to talk about the books.  I wanted everyone to read them and to love them as much as I did.  I was convinced that anyone who didn't read them was really missing out.  Honestly, it was like a physical ache when I finished reading the second one and knew that #3 was not coming out for several months.   I was addicted to Kat, Blane and Kade.  They were my drug of choice.

So what did I do?  Well, I immediately read them again.  I almost read them 3 times in a row, but I realized that I needed an intervention so I forced myself to read something else.  Then I waited until Turning Point was about to be released before I read them for a third time.  But let me tell you, it was a long wait between August and February (when Turning Point was released.)

And now I (we) have to wait until December for the next one. 

And then probably another year until the 5th and final book is released.  (Don't even ask me what I'm going to do after this series ends.  Thankfully, I have found some other authors that I love too, as you've probably noticed if you've been following my blog, so hopefully they will all keep me from going off the deep end.)

But because Tiffany loves her fans, and knows how much we love these characters, she is giving us a bit of an appetizer while we wait.  On August 6, she's releasing,

This will be from Blane's perspective. 

So now I bet you're wondering who these characters are and what the series is about.  I guess I can tell you. 

Kathleen Turner (Kat) is a young woman (early-mid 20's) who is alone and on her own now that both of her parents have died.  She moves to Indianapolis and finds work at a law firm where she (literally) falls for, and on, one of the firm's partners, Blane Kirk.  Blane is gorgeous.  A former Navy Seal, prominant attorney and future politician.  Every woman in the firm loves him, but he's notorious for the women he dates.  A love 'em and leave 'em, but with a nice parting gift.  Kat knows his reputation, but she can't stop herself from falling for him.

And then there is Kade.  Kade is dark and dangerous.  Kade is mysterious.  And Kat finds that she's developing feelings for him too. 

But this isn't just a story about a love triangle.  There is so much suspense and intrigue.  So much action and adventure.  There is just so much more that you'll feel like you're constantly on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.  And I'm sure Kat is wondering how she went from such a calm, quiet life to one filled with so much drama.

There is so much I could tell you about these books, but I really don't want to give it away.  I really just want you to read them for yourself. 

There is also a great debate.  As you know, the Twilight series began the whole "Team" concept.  (Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?)  Well, fans of the Kathleen Turner series are rabid Team Blane or Team Kade fans.  Personally, I don't really like the whole "Team" thing.  So I try not to refer to myself as being on one Team or another.  I know who I think Kathleen belongs with, and I've been known to get into some rather heated discussions with my friends who have read the series, but I'm not going to tell you that I'm on a Team.  So while I don't love the concept, I thought it was only fair to at least address it since it is such a hot topic.

There's also much discussion about who people picture as Blane or Kade.  Or who should play them if it ever becomes a movie/series.  My opinion on that, I'm just not a fan of taking my favorite books and making them into movies because they almost never do the books justice.  They end up changing the story for some reason.  And the vision of the characters that I have in my head when I'm reading never line up with the actors they choose to portray them.  Now I did enjoy the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series, but part of that is probably because I saw the first movies before I read any of the books.  So those actors were already in my head as those characters.  And I think those also worked because the actors were virtual unknowns when they were cast. 

I know that most authors are thrilled when their books are made into movies and it's a huge honor, but I'm just not a fan and I'm really hoping that they don't make this series into a movie.  Sorry Tiffany.  I love you and what you write and I don't want some studio exec telling you to change the story to make it fit the screen.  And if it does become a movie, I'm not sure that I'll ever see it. 

So, I hope I've sparked your interest in this series.   I can't really explain why I loved it so much, I just did.  The characters, the story, everything about it.  About the only negative thing I have to say about it is this:  I work in a law firm in the big city, and I have never come across a lawyer as gorgeous as Blane Kirk.  Not even close.  Maybe all the really hot ones work in the midwest. 


If you want to purchase the series for your Kindle (it's not available for Nook), you'll find them here:
No Turning Back #1
Turn to Me #2
Turning Point #3

And available for pre-order:
Out of Turn  #4
Turn on a Dime - Blane's Turn

And yes, there will be Turn on a Dime - Kade's Turn coming this Fall.

Happy reading!!



Loving Liberty by Belinda Boring

If you've read Belinda Boring's Mystic Wolves series, you know that she tells amazing stories about supernatural beings.  But with Loving Liberty, she ventures into contemporary romance.  There are no supernatural creatures here, although, perhaps you could consider Liberty's family to be rather unnatural.  And Andrew is certainly an animal of some type, and not a cute furry one that you want to cuddle up with either.  In fact, when he slobbered all over Liberty the first time he attempted to kiss her, I wanted to be sick. 

But enough about them, let's focus on Liberty and Oliver.  Ahhh....Oliver!  Every woman deserves an Oliver in their lives.  I'm getting sidetracked again. 

Liberty is a young woman who really wants to live up to her name.  She wants to know what freedom is.  But her parents are very rigid and they keep a very tight leash on her, bullying her to do what they want.  She is expected to dress a certain way, act a certain way and to never vear from the path that her parents have chosen for her, including, the man they want her to marry because it will benefit them.  (The aforementioned Andrew.  Ick!  Yuck!  Ptooey!  Suck a duck Andrew.)

But Liberty has dreams of her own, and when she meets Oliver, she thinks those dreams might actually have a chance.  Oliver shows her what the world is like outside the bubble that her family has built for her.  Liberty starts to believe and to live. 

But Liberty also has a sister...Erica, who may have been one or both of Cinderella's evil stepsisters in a previous life.  She is definitely evil.  I wanted to hit her...on more than one occasion.  When Erica finds out about Oliver, she uses what little she has to blackmail Liberty.

Liberty begins to think that there is no way out.  But will Oliver save her?  (I can't help thinking about that line in Titanic, when Rose says "he saved me, in every way that a person can be saved.")  Or is Liberty destined to live the life her parents choose for her with the miserable Andrew?  You'll have to read Loving Liberty to find out. 

Get it now for just 99 cents

for your Kindle.
Loving Liberty for Kindle

Or for your Nook
Loving Liberty for Nook

I'm giving Loving Liberty 4.5 stars. 

If you want to learn more about Belinda Boring, visit her blog at http://www.belindaboring.com/

And I can also highly recommend her Mystic Wolves series!

Happy Reading!

Upcoming Releases! (or What I'll be reading in the next few months!)

Over the next few months, three of my favorite ladies are releasing new books.

First up, we have Belinda Boring with Loving Liberty, which will be coming out this weekend!  Look for it on Sunday, July 14th.  I'll be looking for it on Amazon so I can download it to my Kindle as soon as it appears.

Here is the book blurb:
Liberty Montgomery is many things:
A dutiful daughter.
Perfect wife-in-training.
Easy to manipulate.
Compliant.
But secretly she wants more.
For years, Liberty has dreamed of a life filled with opportunities—a life where she makes the decisions, living by her own rules. Unfortunately, her parents have other plans for her, ones that involve her submission and total obedience. Every attempt to break free from their control is met with threats, leaving her feeling trapped. Just when all seems hopeless, Liberty meets Oliver Nichols. With just two words, be brave, he stirs up her secret longings for more . . . friendship, fun, and independence. He almost has her believing her dreams are possible.
However, taking a stand can be terrifying when you’ve spent your entire life pleasing others. Are some chances worth taking? What would she risk for freedom?

Did that grab your attention?  I haven't showcased Belinda on my blog yet, but after I read Loving Liberty, I promise there will be a review posted right here and I will give you a little more info on her and her other series. 


Coming up on August 4th, Kamery Solomon releases her followup to Zeus, which I reviewed here just last week.  Early reviews on Poseidon are saying it is even better than Zeus.  Don't miss out on the release day price of $0.99 for your e-copy.  (My husband was lucky enough to score an ARC copy so he gets to read it before I do.  He has promised that he will not spill the beans and he'll let me read it before we talk about it.)

 

 

I can not wait for this one to come out.  I really loved Zeus and think Kamery is an amazing storyteller. 

 

And last, but certainly not least, the woman who started it all for me by introducing me to these other two ladies (Kamery is her daughter and Belinda is her best friend.  So much talent in this little group.), Lacey Weatherford's next release Fire and Ice - Book of Shadows is due out September 8th.  (If you look at prior blog posts, you'll see that I highlighted Lacey's Smitten when it was a released a few weeks ago.)

 



If you have read Lacey's Of Witches & Warlocks series, then you're recognize these characters.  This new series, Book of Shadows, is going to be from Vance's viewpoint.  It is going to include his story from before, during and after his life with Portia.  Apparently, Vance has a lot to say and Lacey just can't get him out of her head fast enough.


So as you can see, I have a lot to look forward to this summer!  These three talented and beautiful women just keep putting out great books.  So keep your eyes hear for reviews once I read them, or better yet, go out and grab them yourself when each is released and then come back and read my reviews and post your own comments too! 

Happy reading!! 

Zeus (The God Chronicles) by Kamery Solomon

(Note:  this post originally appeared on my Wordpress blog on 7/2/13.  I have decided to transfer the blog here and all futures posts will appear here.)

What happens when a college girl meets a Greek God on the Las Vegas strip?  Well, you'll have to read Zeus to find out.  Did you think I was going to give the story away?  Well, I guess I have to tell you something about the book to make you want to read it.

Zeus is the story of Karly who moves to Vegas to go to art school.  Her parents are not thrilled with her moving to Vegas and they have made her a bit nervous, but she decides it's time for her to live her live.  Her roommates are triplets who take her to the hot new club on the strip the day after she arrives, where she meets Zeus.  There first meeting ends with her storming out of the club, but Zeus doesn't give up easy and he continues to pursue her.  Will Karly give him another chance?  Will she ever learn who he really is?

Have I convinced you to read it yet?

Zeus is contemporary romance meets Greek mythology.  We actually meet Zeus in the prologue when he's been banished from Mount Olympus.  I'll be honest, I don't know much about Greek Mythology, but reading Zeus has me a bit more interested.  I'm sure that Kamery has taken some liberties with the history while intertwining the stories, but this is a work of fiction and not a history lesson.

Zeus is actually the first in The God Chronicles.  The 2nd, Poseidon, will be released in the next couple of months.  (Stay tuned for release info here!)  In the meantime, why not pick up Zeus and enjoy a little romance with a Greek God?

Zeus for Kindle at Amazon

My rating for Zeus.  I gave it a 5 out of 5.  I really found myself wrapped up in it early on and I just couldn't put it down.  I started it on Sunday afternoon and finished it on Monday morning.  If Kamery Solomon has more stories like this floating around inside her head, I think she's got a very long and successful career ahead of her.

Happy Reading!

Update:  Just wanted to add the Barnes & Noble link for anyone who has a Nook.
Zeus for Nook from Barnes & Noble

Smitten (Crush #2) by Lacey Weatherford

(Note:  This was copied from the previous incantation of this blog which was over on Wordpress.  I've decided that I prefer blogger.com.  It was originally posted on 6/26/2013.)

For my first actual blog post, I'm promoting my new friend Lacey Weatherford and her new book, Smitten, which was just released this past weekend.

Here is the link to the book on Amazon: Smitten on Amazon

I'm a huge fan of Lacey.  I first read her Of Witches and Warlocks series and instantly fell in love.  I had to read her other books, which include Chasing Nikki and Finding Chase in the Chase series (a third is in the works), and Crush, to which Smitten is the followup.

Each series she writes has one basic premise, they are all about true love.  And who doesn't love LOVE?  But each series is also uniquely it's own.  Of Witches and Warlocks is about, well, I think the title says it all, witches and warlocks.  The main characters are Portia and Vance.  The Chase series and the Crush series don't involve any supernatural beings, but they are still great stories that will make you want to read the next in the series.  I have enjoyed all of them and can not wait to read more of Lacey's books.

So, what is Smitten and why should you read it?  It is the second book in the Crush series, which originally introduced us to Cami and Hunter.  Hunter was the "bad boy" and despite her intentions, Cami fell for him and fell hard.  Hunter has a secret that he is sure could tear them apart.  I won't give away the ending, but I really think you'll enjoy the story.  In Smitten, Cami and Hunter's story continues with new adventures and dangers.

And you should read it because Lacey wrote it.  LOL  Or read it because I said so.   Ok, maybe that's not the best reason.  You should read it because it's well written and a good read.  It may not change your life, but it is an enjoyable story.  It would be a great beach/vacation read.  It's a nice escape without taxing the brain.  Isn't that what we read romance novels for?  A little escape from reality?  Some fun?  Again, we all love LOVE, so read it and enjoy.  The series would be characterized as Young Adult, Teen Romance, etc., and while I'm far from being a teen, I'm still young at heart and I love a good love story.

I'm so glad that I discovered Lacey's books and I now consider her a friend, even though so far we've only met through Facebook, and sometimes I do wonder if she might be afraid that I could be a stalker.  Honest, I'm not!  Really!  I'm just a rabid fan.  Ok, rabid might not be a good word to use.  I do call her my obsession, but I mean that only in the most loving way possible.  Ok, even that sounds creepy.  I should just quit now.

Bottom line...if you love to read, go look for Lacey Weatherford!!  And if you have a Kindle, click that link above and buy Crush and Smitten now while they are still 99 cents!!!

I'll even make it easy for you, so you don't have to search for Crush..here's the Amazon link: 
Crush on Amazon
So click this one for Crush and the one all the way up there at the top of this post to get Smitten.  Hurry up!  What are you waiting for?  Why are you still reading?  I'm done.  Over and out!  Sayonara!

Oh wait, you don't have a Kindle?  You have a Nook?  Ok, here are those links too:
Smitten on Barnes & Noble
Crush on Barnes & Noble

And here it is on Smashwords, so don't tell me you can't find it:
Smashwords
And if you want the good old fashioned paper and ink book, check out your favorite bookseller as they should have it available for you too.  Although it won't be 99 cents.

Now I'm really done!  For today anyway.  Please feel free to leave me any comments.  I'm new to blogging about books.  I'd love to hear what you think of me, my blog, my opinions.  I promise, I won't take it personally.  Ok, I'll try not to.

Happy Reading!

Welcome!!

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Raquel and I love to read.  I also like to write so I thought I'd combine the two and write about what I read.  And I read a lot! 

Are you wondering about the title of this Blog?  I think the "read" is obvious.  The Roc is a twist on my name.  From the day I was born, my grandfather called me Rocky.  He tried to give his 3 granddaughters boys nicknames because he thought he wanted grandsons.  Mine was the only one that stuck and I don't think he was ever disappointed that we were all girls.  We were pretty tightly wrapped around his little fingers. 

Sorry for that little side trip.  Anyway, the Roc is short for Rocky.

So I hope you'll enjoy following along as I tell you all about the books I'm reading, have read or want to read.

(FYI:  I decided to move this blog from Wordpress because this one allows me more freedom with design.  So if you followed me from there, thank you!  If you're reading this and wondering, wait, haven't I seen this before?  That is probably the reason.)