Book Review: Secret Father by Suz DeMello

July 17, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

Secret Father Cover

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sweet Romance

When Linda Travers was fourteen, Dave Madsen, then age seventeen, rescued her from a snowy death. They later met at an end-of-term party at their college and lost their virginities to each other before Dave left the country.

And now…Despite spending her teenage years mooning over Dave, Linda Travers has moved on with her life. Being left pregnant and alone will force that on a gal. Age twenty-five, she lives in their hometown with their six-year-old, Mac. Then Dr. Dave Madsen reappears. He’s spent the last years exploring in the Amazon, searching for new plants and medications. A vicious snakebite has left him needing rehab from the only physical therapist around—Linda.

Their college lovemaking was the first time for both, so Linda and Dave remember each other. She’s amazed to feel the same old anger, hurt, and need. Less emotional, Dave’s curious about Linda, wondering why she didn’t leave her address and phone number for him when what they’d shared had been so good. Neither totally believes the explanations the other offers.

Since the rescue, Dave was always Linda’s hero, but she doesn’t know him anymore. Is he worthy of fathering their son? And what of their love? Can they create a future…together as a family?

SGMyReview

This is such a sweet read. If you’re after a nice, clean book with lots of chemistry and romance than look no further. Suz DeMello has written a lovely story of a couple who spent many years apart, but in the end, fate and the universe bought them back together. I love how intense Dave gets at the end towards Lin. One of my favourite quotes is about their love, when he explains it as:

“No, not just biology. So much more than hormones saying ‘hi’ to each other. I love you. With all your confusion and your struggles, you’re the one. You’ve always been the one, and you always will be.”

This is a definite happily ever after, and the author is up front about that in the beginning. Be sure to read this book when you’re in the mood for a kind, easy to read, touching HEA.

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authorbiowordsturnmeon

Best-selling, award-winning author Suz deMello, a.k.a Sue Swift, has written seventeen romance novels in several subgenres, including erotica, comedy, historical, paranormal, mystery and suspense, plus a number of short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. A freelance editor, she’s held the positions of managing editor and senior editor, working for such firms as Totally Bound and Ai Press. She also takes private clients. Her books have been favorably reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist, won a contest or two, attained the finals of the RITA and hit several bestseller lists. A former trial attorney, her passion is world travel. She’s left the US over a dozen times, including lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning her next trip.

–For editing services, email her at suzdemello@gmail.com
–Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzdemello/
–Her current blog is http://www.TheVelvetLair.com

Thank you to Words Turn Me On and Suz DeMello for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Review – Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

June 13, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

The movie is out Thursday! Have you read the book, yet?! I’m very excited about watching the movie. It’s going to be tissue heaven!

SydneyGen Reads

Genre: Romance. Adult Fiction. Chick Lit. Drama. Angst. Contemporary Romance.

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they’re going to change the other for all time.

I’m going to keep this simple. There aren’t many books that…

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Book Review: Fire Me Up by Rachael Johns

April 16, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

(Deacons of Bourbon Street 2)

Genre: MC Romance. Contemporary Fiction

Travis “Cash” Sinclair values only two things from his days with the Deacons of Bourbon Street: his prized Harley Davidson and the man who gave it to him. But now Priest Lombard is gone, and Cash has inherited the Deacons’ clubhouse—not to mentions its unexpected tenant. She’s exactly the type of woman he tries to avoid: all incense and art, with a sharp tongue that promises trouble. So why does Cash want to push aside those flowing skirts and lose himself between her legs?

Billie Taylor fled a bad marriage to start a new life among the grit and glamour of the French Quarter. She refuses to let another man distract her from her dreams, especially an outlaw biker with nothing to offer except hot sex and an eviction notice. Cash is dangerous, with an untamed streak he tries desperately to conceal. He drives Billie wild, sending her too close to the edge for her own good. And she won’t fall under his spell—or into his bed—without a fight.

SGMyReview

The next instalment in the Deacons of Bourbon Street fills in some more detail surrounding the mysterious death of former President, Priest. Travis “Cash” Sinclair has been let down so many times in life, that he truly believes that he is meant to travel the world alone, never to love.

“If he learned one lesson early in life, it was that the only person you could count on was yourself. He was a lone player now, and that the way he intended to stay.”

That is, until he meets a feisty Australian artist who occupies the art gallery, former home to the clubhouse. Cash comes barreling into Billie’s world and turns it upside down, without ever meaning to. Billie and Cash have a swirling, messy romance, like charcoal on paper. They epitomise the opposites attract analogy; the yin and yang of love.

The author seamlessly recreates the world established by the first author in the series. This is something to be commended when writing in the same world, with some of the same characters from the previous book. The city of New Orleans features once again, as the artistic and historical side starts to come into play. The introduction of the ‘bad bikers’ from the rival motorcycle club ramps up the tension and creates interest and intrigue into the continuing storyline of finding out why Priest died, and why the four brothers left town in the first place. Another great read.

Can’t wait to read the next instalment.

Book Review: Make You Burn by Megan Crane

March 17, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

isbn9781472236791

Genre: Contemporary Romance. MC Romance.

Meet the Deacons of Bourbon Street, bad boy bikers who are hell on wheels and heaven between the sheets. Fans of Madeline Sheehan, Katie Ashley, Joanna Wylde and Kristen Ashley, buckle up – you’re in for a wild ride. First stop: Make You Burn by Megan Crane.

Sean ‘Ajax’ Harding’s oaths are inked into his skin. Once second-in-command of the Deacons of Bourbon Street motorcycle club, he left New Orleans to protect his brotherhood. But the death of his beloved mentor, Priest Lombard, has lured him back. Heading straight to the club’s hangout, he’s welcomed by the delectable new owner. A wild ride with her is just what he needs – until he finds out she’s Priest’s daughter, all grown up and off limits.

Sophie Lombard loved her father, but she’s done with bikers. Then Ajax roars into town and changes everything. Sophie knows better than to get close to an outlaw but Ajax is impossible to resist. Their chemistry is steamier than the Louisiana bayou – and with heat like this, it might just be worth getting burned.

SGMyReview

Stepping into the world of the Deacons of Bourbon Street is as thrilling as a fast paced ride on the back of a motorcycle. The first book, Make You Burn, is a scorching read covering loss, love, and tragedy. Sophie tries to navigate life without her father, the president of the local disbanded MC club, after he dies mysteriously in a riding accident. Enter, Ajax, returned home after ten years of exile by Sophie’s dad, slipping into the role of President.

It was great to read a female lead who gave as good as she got. Sophie did not back down from a guy like Ajax, and was able to me meet him head on, creating chemistry off the charts. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding why Ajax and the three ‘brothers’ were exiled, and whilst you don’t find out in this book, the story line offers enough mystery and clues to start piecing the puzzle together.

“Why had Priest sent four of his most loyal and trusted brothers away ten years ago? Sure, shit had gone down wrong and blood called for blood, but why four exiled lives for one death? That math had never worked”.

I loved the setting of New Orleans-reading her as another character that created depth to the story. The book is full of flawed characters who live in a dark and dirty world. Together, can they create the light that can dim the darkness of the back alleys of NOLA?

A great read for anyone who loves a good, well-written, MC genre story.

~Book 1 in the Deacons of Bourbon Street. Look out for my future reviews of the rest of the series!

About the Author:

megancrane

Megan Crane is a New Jersey native who had great plans to star on Broadway, preferably in Evita, just like Patti LuPone. Sadly, her inability to wow audiences with her singing voice required a backup plan. Accordingly, she graduated from Vassar College and got her MA and PhD in literature from the University of York in England. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on AIDS literature, mostly so she could wallow in her obsession with the remarkable multimedia artist David Wojnarowicz and her idol, the bitter and hilarious David Feinberg. After many years in the rain and subject to the whim of seasons, she followed the sun to Los Angeles, where she lives with too many pets and an artist named Jeff. She is still plotting her Broadway debut.

Visit Megan’s website www.megancrane.com, find her on and on

Book Review: The Master by Tara Sue Me

March 3, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

Master Submissive 7

THE MASTER by Tara Sue Me

Genre: Contemporary Romance – BSDM – Erotica

She’s ready to try again. . . .

Sasha Blake is scarred from a BDSM session gone wrong, but she can’t deny how much a strong Master turns her on. Determined to overcome her fears and rejoin the Partners in Play community, she asks Abby and Nathaniel West to set her up with a Dom who can help her feel safe again as a sub. They know the very experienced Cole is exactly the kind of man who can push all of Sasha’s buttons—and she soon wants to go much faster than she had planned. . . .

Cole knows that Sasha is not the kind of submissive he needs. He wants someone who will serve him 24-7, not a part-time partner. Still, the further they go into their play, the more Cole begins to wish he could make Sasha his all the time. . . .

When forbidden desires turn into scorching action, Sasha and Cole come face-to-face with their demons—and realize their scorching relationship might be too dangerous to last. . . .

SGMyReview

In her latest novel, Tara Sue Me has masterfully written a world of sophistication and eroticism as we step into the pages and days of master and slave. The relationship between Master Cole and his submissive, Sasha, takes the reader on a journey of discovery and healing. Sasha has experienced a tragic experience in the world of BDSM, and it’s up to Master Cole to train her to trust again. Can he do it while remaining professional and not becoming emotionally involved?!

One of my favourite things about Tara Sue Me and her writing is the ability she has to build a world without to need to micro describe every detail. The reader is encouraged to use their imagination and form the characters and situations from the page to their mind.

The Master is another delightfully dirty addition to the world of BDSM that Tara Sue Me started in The Submissive. Having the characters from her ‘series’ appear in this book makes it feel like you’re reading about a special group of people, that don’t usually let outsiders in. A true voyeuristic peek into the world of BDSM, both in and out of scenes.

The Master is a must read for anyone who loves eroticism sprinkled with deeper relationships. A stand alone that can be read as a part of the series, or on its own.

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I received a copy of this book on NETGALLEY

Out of Office

March 1, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

I am currently out of the office (and on a delayed posting schedule) due to scheduling conflicts (aka – life, work, school balance!) I will return as soon as possible with reviews and words.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

((I am still reading with the intent to review – reviews will be posted soon))

GIVEAWAY~Brooklyn Movie Passes!

February 8, 2016sydneygen 3 Comments

Opening in Cinemas
FEBRUARY 11th!

PG-13
111 min
Drama, Romance

BROOKLYN tells the story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. The film is directed by John Crowley from a screenplay by Nick Hornby based on the novel by Colm Tóibín. The film also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen with Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters. The film is produced by Finola Dwyer & Amanda Posey. The filmmaking team includes director of photography Yves Bélanger, production designer François Séguin, set decorators Jennifer Oman and Louise Tremblay, editor Jake Roberts, music by Michael Brook, and costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux.

Adapted from the book, Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín (2009).
Hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking, Colm Tóibín’s sixth novel, Brooklyn, is set in Brooklyn and Ireland in the early 1950s, when one young woman crosses the ocean to make a new life for herself.

Eilis Lacey has come of age in small-town Ireland in the hard years following World War Two. When an Irish priest from Brooklyn offers to sponsor Eilis in America — to live and work in a Brooklyn neighborhood “just like Ireland” — she decides she must go, leaving her fragile mother and her charismatic sister behind.

Eilis finds work in a department store on Fulton Street, and when she least expects it, finds love. Tony, who loves the Dodgers and his big Italian family, slowly wins her over with patient charm. But just as Eilis begins to fall in love with Tony, devastating news from Ireland threatens the promise of her future.

By far Tóibín’s most instantly engaging and emotionally resonant novel, Brooklyn will make readers fall in love with his gorgeous writing and spellbinding characters.

You can watch the trailer for the film here:

With thanks to Kabuku PR & Transmission Films I have
10 IN SEASON DOUBLE PASSES* to give away!

TO ENTER CLICK THE GIVEAWAY TIME! BUTTON!

Open to Australian residents. Passes are valid where accepted. Giveaway ends Feb 14th. Prizes will be sent via Australia Post.

Not valid public holidays. Not valid on cinema discount days. Valid even with No Free Tickets. Not valid on Saturdays after 5pm. Subject to availability. This ticket is taken as offered and is not exchangeable, for sale, transferable or redeemable for cash.
Not valid in GOLD CLASS, VMAX, IMAX, or 3D screens.

Book Review: Cage’s Misconduct by Nikki Worrell

February 4, 2016sydneygen 1 Comment

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Genre: Contemporary Romance. Sports.

Dalton ‘Cage’ Booker is the number one goalie for the San Diego Scorpions. Most people describe him as willful and stubborn—sometimes even difficult to control. More often than not, words fly out of his mouth without the benefit of passing through his brain first. And women love him.

Karen LaGrange, little sister of the former enforcer for the Scorpions, lives in Canada, where she works with special needs children. After losing her job to downsizing, she makes an extended visit to San Diego, forming a friendship with the errant goalie.

Through frequent reminders that they are friends without benefits, Karen struggles to keep their relationship platonic, but the more she shuts him down, the more he wants her.

Can Cage convince Karen to slip under the sheets with him, or is he destined to be firmly entrapped in the friend zone?

Cage Teaser 1

SGMyReview

There is just something a little yummy about hockey players. I know they get their faces beat up a lot, which isn’t attractive, but I just love them!! This book is another in the hockey genre and it did start out as a typical hockey book. Guy tries to go after girl, guy is hot stuff, girl says she just wants to be friends. Cage is definitely a typical ladies man and you’re reading the book in the beginning, wondering how the story is going to play out. About forty percent into the book there was a pleasant surprise that shifted the storyline of the book. There’s more than you think in this book, and it’s full of flawed characters who are trying to find out who they really are. I found the book interesting with the different point of view chapters. It’s part of a series, and whilst it’s the third book in the “NHL Scorpians” series, I had no problem picking up the storyline, as a stand alone. Grab this book if you don’t mind a guy who drops a few ‘f’ bombs…and knows how to use his stick (hockey stick, of course!!)

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Buy the book

About the Author:

3c3097_3db1f64cc6b9447e90949c1679ecf3de About me. Let’s see. I work full time as a bookkeeper in a law firm located in Old City, Philadelphia. I’ve been there for almost ten years now. I am a country girl at heart and am more than ready to get home to my country living in South Jersey at the end of the day, but it’s nice to get a taste of the city too.

I have a B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management. If I have any valuable advice to give, it’s to go to college directly after high school! I didn’t finish with my degree until I was thirty-eight.

I am married for over twenty years with no children. We prefer the furry kind, although I love, love, love my niece and nephew.

I write under two names. I use my real name, Nikki Worrell, for my hockey romance series and Michelle Craig (www.michellecraigauthor.com) for my erotic romances.

*Book provided by promotional company in exchange for an honest review

Surprise Release!!! Unspoken (Book 1.5) by Stephanie John

January 8, 2016sydneygen Leave a comment

Title: Unspoken: A Short Story
Series: The Heal Me Series Book 1.5
Author: Stephanie John
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Blitz: January 7 & 8, 2016
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Hosted by: S.B.B. Promotions

My first rule of business–never mix it with pleasure. Ever.

One unexpected encounter with a new employee and that fundamental rule was forgotten.

With a single touch, Kara Collins obliterated the order of my disciplined life, forcing me to question everything I believed in. Intuition told me I needed her, ensuring I couldn’t forget my second rule.

Trust my instincts. Always.

Unspoken takes us back to the first meeting between Nate Blake and Kara Collins in Salvation, retold from his POV.
This short, sexy tease (approx 5k words) provides insight into the mind of this passionate, powerful and utterly addictive man. You can discover more about Nate in the full-length novel Salvation (Heal Me Series Book 1), then prepare for the thrilling conclusion to Nate and Kara’s story in Book 2, scheduled mid-2016.

Unspoken can be read on its own, or as part of the Heal Me Series, either before or after Salvation.

To celebrate the surprise release of Unspoken, Stephanie John has made it FREE for a limited time!

Don’t miss out! One click your copy today before the price changes to US$0.99/£0.99

Always #free on #KindleUnlimited

“Have dinner with me.”

Miss Collins gaped at me. “Dinner?” she spluttered. “You mean like a business dinner?”

“No.” I had no idea why she was so surprised by my suggestion. Men must proposition her all the time. “No business talk.”

“A date?” Disbelief laced her seductive tone. Two elegant fingers pressed against lush, pouty lips that were turning a deeper shade of red to match the small band of rubies adorning one of her fingers.

I eyed her curiously, recalling her dismissive remark about contributing little to her earlier meeting. Why would she have such a low opinion of herself?

“That’s what I’d call it, yes. Do they call it something different in England?” I teased.

Miss Collins lunged for her glass, took a large gulp then frowned. “Dating the boss isn’t really my thing,” she murmured, returning the tumbler back to the table.

At first, her rejection didn’t register. Watching her slender neck work the liquid down had seriously screwed with me. An image of her on her knees, bee-stung lips closed around my cock and enthusiastically sucking made me more determined than ever to have her.

I really enjoyed Salvation by Stephanie John, so when the opportunity came up to read and review a surprise short story with Nate, I jumped at the chance. When you love a book, you often want to know what the other characters are thinking, what they would do in a situation, or how they would react. This novella gives a great tease into the mind of Nate, the main character from the Heal Me Series. He is completely enamoured with Kara, and this time we get to read exactly what he thinks of her. This is a wonderful addition to the series, in which I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment of!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Salvation

Author: Stephanie John

Genre: Adult Contemporary Erotic Romance

Series: Heal Me Series, Book 1

Formats: Available on Amazon in ebook, paperback and free on Kindle Unlimited

A chance meeting turned my world inside out.

Intelligent, sexy, and rich. With a dash of roguish charm and a cocksure smile, Nathan Blake is the ultimate fantasy. He can have any woman he wants with only a glance.

And he wants me.

My past has left me broken and humiliated, wary of men like him. I cut myself off from the pain, moving thousands of miles away to escape every reminder, determined to start anew.

I’ve been second best before. It isn’t happening again.

One kiss and I’m caught under his spell, drawn to him with every breath I take.

I can’t resist.

The passion that explodes between us becomes an intense connection neither of us thought we’d share.

Or need.

The suffering inside me reflects his – a pain I know he feels, but can’t bring himself to reveal.

I have no idea his love can heal me – that mine can heal him…

…if only I can let down my guard for him and trust.

Salvation is a captivating story of finding, fighting and finally giving in to a love that is clearly meant to be. This is no ordinary billionaire romance – it is a breathtakingly sexy, tenderly erotic story with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.

Warning: This work of fiction is intended for mature audiences over the age of 18 due to the sexual content and explicit language used throughout. Parental/reader discretion is advised.

Please note that even though this book is set in the USA, it is written from the POV of the female lead who is English, therefore British English vocabulary and spelling has been used.

On Sale for a Limited Time!

From 7 – 10 January Salvation is ON SALE on ALL Amazon platforms!

Don’t miss out on this highly-rated Amazon Bestselling Erotic Romance! Grab your copy today!

Always #free on #KindleUnlimited

What reviewers are saying about Salvation

“The chemistry in this book is OFF THE CHARTS and the writing is so well done you CANNOT help but connect to these characters and hope you can one day pull that delicious Nate Blake right off the pages and into your world!!” ~ Bitches Heart Books

“Add me to the long list of readers who loved this book! Stephanie John’s writing has such a beautiful flow with much heart and depth. Nate is the ultimate book boyfriend from being pure eye candy with a dirty mouth to the way he tenderly nurtures Kara. Their longing for one another was off the charts and the physical exchange of emotions without words was so strong. A true love story that doesn’t let go. DON’T MISS IT!” ~ Luv My Books

“I’m in withdrawal I want more Nate! 5 stars all the way! I was hooked from the start. When these two hook up it’s like the fourth of July! Salvation is a MUST READ.” ~ 2 Girls, A Book & a Glass of Wine

“Stephanie John has a genuine talent for bringing stories and characters to life and taking the reader along on an effortless ride to pure pleasure. And when I say pure pleasure – your heart will pound as their love heats up. One particular scene at the beach house will rank among the most erotic and powerful expressions of love that I have ever read. This book deserves more than five stars – it deserves a heaven full of them – because that is where you’ll think you’ve been when you’ve finished Salvation. I can’t wait for the next chapter … and the next … and the next. Don’t deny yourself one of the truly outstanding contemporary romances of 2015.” ~ Passionate Reads

“A beautifully written contemporary erotic romance. Plenty of great banter between the characters, plenty of story to get your teeth into, and plenty of sex to curl your toes.” ~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

Most days, you’ll find Stephanie John on a yacht, wearing a very skimpy bikini, drinking champagne, eating chocolate and never gaining weight. When she isn’t asleep and dreaming, in real life you’re more likely to find her at the school gates, wearing whatever she dragged on that morning, drinking copious amounts of coffee. She still eats chocolate, though — everyone has their vices, right? Somehow, amidst the chaos of full-time mummy duties, she manages to write. Contemporary romance has always been her favourite genre to read for as long as she can remember (age-appropriate, of course).

Never in a million years did it occur to her to write one of her own. Now, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

~ HOSTED BY: ~

Happy 2016!!!!

January 6, 2016sydneygen 1 Comment

Happy 2016, everyone!!

How many books will you be reading this year?! I can’t say how many I’ll be reading, because the pull of academia looms and I’ll be replacing my reads for textbooks and essays.

What was your favourite book of 2015?

I’m so lucky I got to read so many wonderful books last year. About half way through the year I decided to go back to sharing book reviews on my blog, rather than rating them. It’s something that works well for me, because I don’t like boxing any reads into 1-5 stars. Everything I read is usually a 3-4 star, and to me, that’s an enjoyable rating. I think some people can be focused on the negatives of stars, rather than the positives.

Soooo..I’ll be continuing to review and rate books with words, rather than stars.

If you’ve submitted a request via the form, I’ll be getting back to you in the very near future.

Thank you to all of the authors, promotion companies, and publishers who have allowed me to read and review their books in 2015. It’s a great honour and I absolutely love that I get to share them with everyone. Thank you to everyone who stops by and reads the blog. I know I haven’t been very consistent with posting, but it’s definitely something I’m looking to change for 2016!

I’d love to know your most anticipated releases of 2016! Let me know in the comments!

Until next time…
Read On!

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Author: sydneygen

Book Review: Secret Father by Suz DeMello

Review – Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

Book Review: Fire Me Up by Rachael Johns