#TravelingtotheTerminus Review ~ Coming Clean ~ C.L. Parker

Coming Clean by C.L. Parker
Monkey Business Trio #3
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #BlogAhead2016
Goodreads

Synopsis
The steamy conclusion of C.L. Parker's Monkey Business Trio

They have been rivals who fought until the bitter end and lovers who know every sensual inch of each other's bodies. Now sports agents Cassidy Whalen and Shaw Matthews are about to become the one thing they never expected to be: parents. But this new dynamic to their relationship threatens to fizzle the sizzling desire that once held them in thrall to each other. If salvation is only a forbidden fantasy away, then Shaw and the woman he loves must embark on the adventure of their lives.

Cassidy is aching to reignite their connection. In steamy assignations in strange places, she and Shaw live out their most intimate desires--and reveal their deepest secrets. But as Shaw works overtime to sign a superstar athlete, a corporate reshuffling could be a game-changer. Can Cassidy and Shaw save their relationship and have it all--a career, family, and passion that never quits?

Coming Clean is intended for mature audiences.

Coming Clean is a departure from the tone of the first two in this trio. And thinking on it now, each book followed the different phases in the evolution of Cassidy and Shaw's relationship. That's kinda clever. We've been along for the ride with this couple as they went from enemies to loves, falling in love, and in this final installment, we see them trying to find their way back together after events in their lives forced changes in their relationship.

Coming Clean wasn't what I was expecting but it turned out that wasn't a bad thing. I actually liked seeing a realistic portrayal of a couple a few years into their relationship and with a child - how it affects your feelings towards each other and about yourself. And I liked seeing their commitment to one another remained strong despite the "bumps in the road" and that they got outside help in order to achieve their goals. With that help they were able to get to where they wanted and needed to be.

This installment wasn't as exciting as the previous ones but as I said, it felt realistic and genuine. And in the end, it was heartwarming.

Brandee's Bookish Babble #25 ~ Pricing: Amazon vs B&N

Welcome to Brandee's Bookish Babble. There are many, many similar posts to this one - but basically I wanted a place to discuss bookish and/or blogging stuff and I needed a title. :) 

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If you aren't an owner of both a Kindle and a nook, you may never have noticed the occasional differences between prices on ebooks. Having started out with a nook and only gotten a kindle because so many indie authors were choosing Amazon as the publishing platform, the price discrepancies are things I noticed and wondered at. I did a little research and thought I'd share my understanding of pricing with y'all.

Full disclosure - I was, until recently, a bookseller for B&N. 

For the most part, ebook pricing is set by the publisher. (I'll get to indies in a moment.) Therefore, in order to make a profit as the book seller, the set price must be charged. Amazon, because of the business model, tax situation, and the number of products they sell other than books, can offer books below the publisher's set price. Why? Because they can make up the loss elsewhere. For example, they can run an ebook normally priced at, say, $9.99 for $0.99 because they make enough money on selling a particular electronic product to make up the loss. Walmart and Target have similar business models and can offer books at discounted rates. B&N, however, because they primarily sell books, cannot do that. As a result, they lose business because consumers would rather spend less (which I can appreciate) so they're in a catch-22 situation.

As for indie authors, I think if they've published on multiple platforms, their pricing eventually matches across those platforms. Sometimes we, as consumers, have to notify the different platforms of the lower price elsewhere but it seems they all get it right. However, I have noticed a lower price on Amazon only quite often and I have a feeling (no evidence) that the author did this because Amazon tends to be their top selling platform and this helps sales numbers.

So, there's your lesson for the day - as far as I understand it. :D

New Release Review ~ Trust ~ Jana Aston

Trust by Jana Aston
Wrong #3
Release Date: November 8, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author but also purchased my own copy on Kindle
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
"Knock knock!"
"Um... Who's there?"

Yeah. That was me, on my last date. Before you feel sorry for me you should know that I was the one telling the jokes. Jokes as in plural, because I didn't stop with just one. Of course not.

Hi, I'm Chloe Scott. The most awkward single girl in the city.
But I'm going to get it together. I am.

I'm going to learn how to date like a grown up.
I'm going to have an orgasm not given to myself.
I'm going to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Right after I get out of this interrogation room.

I have adored every moment I've spent in the world Aston created in the Wrong series. These characters - I feel like they're my all my friends. But Chloe and Boyd - these two characters and their story will forever hold a special place in my heart.

We met Chloe and Boyd in the previous installments but spent little time with them. I knew enough about Chloe to like her but I had no idea I'd relate to her on such a personal level. And Boyd, well, I knew he was an upstanding guy. I mean, he's an FBI agent and he took the time to build a relationship with his half sister, Sophie. But the patience (saintly patience) and creativity he showed with Chloe was heartwarming.

trustnoun1. firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something

I think trust is something we sort of take for granted but its an integral part of any relationship. And it's an element Chloe has a hard time granting - especially with a relationship that might turn intimate. She gets very anxious in new social situations - and starts telling ridiculous jokes. And she thinks something's wrong with her - that's she's not normal.

Boyd knows he's attracted to her and that he'd like to get to know her better from their first meeting in an interrogation room. After crashing one of her dates, he realizes he'll have to tread carefully and creatively to get to where he wants to be with Chloe. Being witness to his gameplan, watching it unfold, was so much fun. And I fell just as hard for him as Chloe did.

Aston really outdid herself with Trust, incorporating her comedic talents while digging deeper and dealing with something that afflicts many people - social anxiety. As a person who suffers from it, although not to an extreme degree, she nailed it.

I'm kinda sad to say goodbye to these characters. But I'm also extremely eager to see what Aston comes up with next. I have complete and total trust whatever it is, it'll be golden!

#TravelingtoTerminus New(er) Release Review ~ Mr. Mysterious ~ JA Huss

Mr. Mysterious by JA Huss

Misters #4
Release Date: October 12, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Paxton Vance isn't as cryptic as he thinks. That broody nature and tough-guy exterior aren't fooling me one bit.

I know everything about him. I listen in on his most personal phone calls. I read his mail before he does. I even know what his mother got him for Christmas last year.

You're the man of my dreams, Paxton Vance. You just don't know it yet.

But don't worry, I'll remind you. I'm here to give you everything you need, before you know you need it.

So don't get defensive because I take a challenge seriously. You have to open up to someone, and that someone is me.

Besides, you can't stay Mr. Mysterious forever. Why play the game if you never want to win?

I read this installment at a much slower pace (not by choice) than I usually read Huss books and I actually felt I was able to savor it, ruminate on revelations and ponder where things might be headed. And I think Mr. Mysterious might be my favorite Mister. *wink*

Paxton Vance is an interesting Mister. I still don't feel like I know him all that well but what I do know, I admire. He kinda made lemonade out of the lemons life gave him. He's as loyal as they come, someone you want at your back even if I had doubts at time - and even if he's slept with your baby sister. *wink*

Cinderella Shrike! Her story is quirky and hilarious. She's a Shrike so she's touch and devious and maybe a little crazy. Also more than a little determined. She set her sights on Pax and went at him balls th the wall. As as aside, she has this quirk where she narrates her life - out loud - and I just loved it!

As for what's going on with the mysteries surrounding the Misters - well, there were some revelations regarding all that. Some questions were answered - more here than in any of the previous installments - but in typical Huss-style, more questions were posed. And I honestly still have no idea who's behind the shit that's going on. I can't wait to find out though and Oliver's book, Mr. Match, promises to be epic!


Julie, in the EOBS you said that some people may read you because your sentence structure is simple. I read you because you always give me a story that will stick with me - roll around in my brain wondering what I may have missed - for quite awhile. Your characters are always complex - usually much deeper than they appear - and always have a compelling story. Your worlds, whether set local to me, in another state, or on another planet, are always well-crafted - so much so that I can "see" them in my mind's eye. I love the suspense, the mind-fuck, the clues and red herrings - gah! I love the interconnections of so many of your stories because I always but always appreciate more time with these people, in their worlds. Your sentence structure may be simple, although I don't agree, but your writing is anything but. And I love it...and you!!

New Release Review ~ Fling ~ Jana Aston

Fling by Jana Aston
Wrong #2.5
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Comedy
Source: I received an ARC from the author but also purchased my own copy on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
I have a crust on my boss' best friend.
At least it's not my brother's best friend.
Or my best friend's brother.
Or... never mind. It's all pretty cliche.

And worse? My boss' best friend is his business partner. Which sort of makes him my boss too. Okay - it's not sort of. It's definite. Gabe Laurent is off limits. Totally off limits.

Which is fine. I make do with my imagination. He'll never know. Ever. Unless my work bestie passes me an eighties-style teen movie sex quiz during a meeting and I fill it out.

And it ends up in Gabe's hands...

Good golly was this a fun read! Aston seems to have romantic comedy down to an art. And I loved the nod to John Hughes she incorporated in Fling!

We met Sandra and Gabe in Right. Sandra has a huge crush on Gabe but believes he'd never look twice at her since he's gorgeous, rich, an the CFO of the company where she works. Add to that, it'd be unprofessional to have a fling with someone who is technically her boss, and Sandra is nothing if not professional. But she's wrong about Gabe not looking twice. ;)

What ensues is a fun little interlude in the Wrong world told in dual POV - Sandra's and Gabe's. The fall - for them both - was highly entertaining with antics from best friends and partners-in-crime. And as this story unfolds in the same timeline as Right - in fact, we relive a scene from Right through Sandra's and Gabe's eyes - I got to spend a little more time with Everly and Sawyer. A true pleasure!

Fling was a delightful little morsel of a read. And now I'm gearing up for Trust!

#ShelfLove Discussion ~ The Bookish Item I'm Most Thankful For...

As part of the #ShelfLove Challenge, we have monthly discussion topics. November's topic is The Bookish Item I'm Most Thankful For.  

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My most favorite bookish item, the one I'm most grateful for...well, I'm stretching it here a bit but I'm going to say my bookshelves. I love that they were gifts from my Hubs, so that makes them even more special. And I love having a way to showcase my books - a tangible way to display my passion for reading. Having all my books on shelves is my own little slice of heaven. Being able to be surrounded by them is a joy. Of course, it also showcases my addiction since my shelves are full to bursting despite participating in #ShelfLove. But we won't go there... *wink*

What about y'all? What bookish item(s) are you most thankful for?

An InLinkz Link-up

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#TravelingtoTerminus New(er) Release Review ~ With Ties That Bind: Book Two ~ Trisha Wolfe

With Ties That Bind: Book Two by Trisha Wolfe
With Ties That Bind: Broken Bonds #2
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Genre: Adult, Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
A new threat has descended upon Arlington, and lead medical examiner Avery Johnson is in its sights, being targeted by the city's latest serial killing menace known to the public as the Alpha Killer.

Whether urban legend or reality, the Alpha feeds into the media craze, orchestrating a killing spree to stamp out all rivals. And when Avery's tangled web of deception pulls her further into the Alpha's sadistic game, there's only one thing she fears more: losing Quinn. With just as many secrets to guard as the elusive crime lord, Avery's time is running out to reveal the truth to Quinn, the stubborn, by-the-book detective bent on protecting her at all costs.

As a lead takes the ACPD task force deep into the bowels of a corrupt law firm, the discovery of a vast criminal network with far-reaching connections threatens to unmask many players. How deep does the corruption go? How far does the Alpha's reach extend? While the team races to catch a killer, Detective Quinn is faced with an impossible choice. Will he betray the woman he's fallen for, or seek his own vengeance outside of the law?

With Ties That Bind was the perfect followup. There were things revealed and more hints dropped. There were revelations and "oh sh!t" moments. It had a slightly different feel because of events concerning Quinn - the action was there but there was less police procedural in this installment. However, it was everything I've come to expect from Wolfe with her dark thrillers.

I have to admit to getting a wee bit grumpy with Quinn. I *know* he lives by a code - he prides himself on it. But there are times when rules are meant to be bent, if not broken. He had to suck it up and figure out exactly how much Avery is worth to him. Avery, for her part, showed her incredible strength and resilience. She is someone to admire even if she'd disagree. Both Quinn and Avery did some growing in this installment, realizing the limits and boundaries they both had were maybe closer to guidelines when push comes to shove. Love has that sort of revelatory power.

I adored getting to spend more time with Sadie and Colton, Chase and Alexis, and even Carson. Honestly, I'm nervous with how things were left. I had no idea where this was going and I'd never have guessed it'd end up going where it did. Seriously, didn't see that coming! I'm even considering a re-read so I can take notes and create theories - you know, like a detective. *wink* I believe there's only one book left and I want to see if I can puzzle it out. I doubt it though. If Quinn and Sadie haven't figured it all out, I'm not sure I can. *haha* But please, Trisha, please don't hurt anyone...too much. I've come to care about them all and I don't know if I could bear it.

Blog Tour Spotlight ~ Timeless ~ Crystal Collier

Welcome Crystal Collier here today to share her new book and introduce you to YOUR Maiden of Time doppelganger!

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

BUY: Amazon | B&N

GUEST POST

Have you ever met someone who looks and acts like someone else you know?



These doppelgangers exist in life, so it makes sense they would exist in literature. Today, you can meet your alternate ego in the Maiden of Time trilogy. Answer 5 simple questions to find out which character is most like you. (Some villains included.)

Look at that! You're a story book character. What do you think? Didn't like your match? Maybe should have picked something else? Try again. Share your results. Buy the books and learn more. (Did she really just say that? Yes, yes she did.) You can also enter to INSTANTLY some really cool prizes below.

Who is your ideal book character match? (Inside or outside the Maiden of Time trilogy.)

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese.


Find her online HERE.

(Email address is required for awarding prizes.)