Color of Love Blog Hop ~ CHANTA RAND ~ #GIVEAWAY #ColorOfLoveHop

Color of Love Blog Hop

Every year we celebrate interracial and multicultural romance. Come and join us as we celebrate Color of Love 2015 from 27 November - 6 December, 2015.

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There is a huge giveaway with this blog hop. Please be sure to enter with the RaffleCopter below. There are several stops on the tour that are offering a prize. Hop along and visit each blog for a chance to win fun prizes along the way. 

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I am so excited to Host Chanta Rand's stop on the Color of Love Blog Hop.Chanta is celebrating her recent release of Rise of a Queen.

She wants you to celebrate with her too. She's offering a 2016 Love Under Construction Wall Calendar to one lucky commenter. All you have to do is leave a comment below with your email address. 

A dead husband. An unconsummated marriage. She needs an heir. Any man will do.

1061 AD. A sprawling empire rich in gold, resources, and military might dominates West Africa. It’s The Kingdom of Ghana, and it’s at the height of its power.

Twenty-year old Nabeela is grappling with her own power struggle. In order to save her younger sister from their step-brother’s clutches, Nabeela agrees to marry a repulsive African prince and bear him an heir. However, her plans are waylaid when tragedy strikes on her wedding night—her new husband dies—without consummating their marriage.

She must find a replacement to impregnate her immediately. Any man will do—including a drunken soldier her servants find naked taking a bath in a neighboring village. Nabeela holds him captive and coerces him into having sex with her—stealing the one thing he can never get back—his seed.

What she doesn’t know is the soldier is Rafan, Commander of a warring tribe’s royal army, and one of her family’s arch enemies. Eager for revenge, Rafan tracks her down once he’s released. But when these two reunite, they realize their lust for each other is far greater than their disdain.

Enamored by Nabeela’s beauty and bravery, Rafan makes her an offer of marriage, and the promise to help her become queen. He convinces her that they are stronger allies than enemies. Even though they share a commitment to unite, there are others who are determined to destroy them and their plans, including the one person Nabeela would have never suspected. In the end, she’s is forced to choose between her passion and her ambition.

Amazon Buy Link

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Hidden by Amy McKinley ~ GIVEAWAY

Hidden

by Amy McKinley

 Amy will be giving away one $50 Amazon/BN gift card to one randomly chosen winner. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. Those locations may be found here.  

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Q&A with Amy McKinley

Q: Can you describe your dream home?

A: My dream home would be on the beach with a gorgeous view of the ocean. There would be a screened-in lanai with gently turning ceiling fans and comfortable furniture to sit and relax for breakfast, or anytime really, while watching the waves roll in. It would be the perfect place for me to work as well.
Inside would be a mix of warm, handcrafted hardwoods and stone. There would be an updated kitchen and all the modern necessities we’d desire, while still maintaining enough of a beach vibe. Inside, living would be a minimum of two spacious bathrooms with double sinks and enough bedrooms for my family to comfortably use, but not too big. Access to the beach via a boardwalk or path directly from the home to a private beach for swimming, watersports, and relaxing is exactly what I’m hoping for some day. And an office for me to write with a view of the ocean would be a must!

Q: If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

A: Oh, wait…I have to cook? If I was hosting a gathering I’d serve lasagna, French bread, and Caesar salad. Or we’d grill out. Steaks, hamburgers, and these incredible blue cheese and bacon brats with corn on the cob or I’d make mashed potatoes and asparagus.  


Q: Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

A: There are so many places I really want to go. I’d have to say Ireland and Scotland have been two places that have been a dream for a long time. Either one would be great. To visit the castles, walk through them and witness a little bit of the history in that beautiful country would be amazing. 
Kylemore Abbey is a castle in Ireland that I modeled Jade’s family home after.
Who designed the book cover for the book you are touring?
Trisha Fitzgerald designed my book cover for Hidden and I absolutely love it. I was stunned when I saw it for the first time. She is a fabulous artist and I am so happy with how it turned out.


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BLURB:

Cursed since birth, hunted by gods, and desperate for love—Jade never stood a chance.

Half-demon, half-goddess, Jade’s fate makes her a pawn in an epic battle among the gods. Hidden on Earth with her sisters, she successfully avoids the Oneiroi—the dream gods—bent on her destruction until the prophecy, long dormant, awakens a dark shadow within her.

Roen, a reclusive Worr demon known for his battles against the Oneiroi, is called to protect Jade. Together they must unlock their mysterious connection and find a way to beat back destiny. Can she outsmart the prophecy, change her fate, and find love—even when she learns who is connected to her destruction?

GENRE:  Paranormal Romance

Amazon Buy Link

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EXCERPT:

Jade’s temples throbbed. She headed toward the east turret where she knew her mom favored her morning meals. As she burst into the room, Jade startled Aiesa. A fork clattered right before her brother, accompanied by shrieks of joy, jumped up from his chair and ran to her.

Jade pasted a wide grin on her face as she bent to pick up her half-brother. His arms wrapped around her neck was the sweetest thing ever. She sunk into his embrace and inhaled deeply, closing her eyes. He had the best little demon smell. She clutched him to her until he squirmed. Releasing him, she realized that for the first time in a while, her shoulders were relaxed. Opening her eyes, she met her mom’s gaze over her brother’s shoulders.

Her mother’s dark hair hung down in a fall of midnight. A storm of worry shone in her eyes. Aiesa half rose, her mouth forming a circle. Damn. Tension rocketed back up again. Nahl pushed at her, forcing her gaze back to him.

“Hey, little demon, you’re looking very handsome this morning.” Jade tweaked his nose.

He favored both their mother and step-demon with hair black as night and ebony eyes. And lucky for him, he inherited Xavior’s olive-toned skin, but not their mother’s deep-red lips. On Mom, they looked stunning. On a boy, well…not so much.

“I’m fierce, not handsome.” Nahl frowned at Jade, grasping her long tresses for emphasis.

“Fierce and handsome.” She chuckled. “What mayhem have you got planned today?”

He beamed as she sat him down, then scampered back to his food. “I get to go to Kristo’s to work on magic. We’re going to turn beetles into snakes.”

“That sounds like fun.” She snuck a peek at her mother, who watched her closely.

Nahl’s laugh turned wicked as he gazed his sister with glee. “Then the snakes into spiders.”

Jade shuddered. “Wonderful.” She couldn’t stand spiders as her mischievous little brother knew very well.

“Why don’t you head over early, Nahl? Cade can escort you there. He’s in the war room with your father. Go find him.” Aiesa instructed her young son.

“Okay, Mom.” Nahl hopped off his chair. A quick hug and kiss were given to their mom and Jade before he raced from the room.

“I can’t believe how much he’s grown since the last time I saw him.”

“Hmm, why don’t you have a seat, Jade?” Aiesa’s gaze never left her daughter.

“Sure.” After sitting down, Jade glanced nervously around the bright room. The sunlight streamed in, illuminating the blue and green mosaic tiles. The room emanated the feeling of being at the seaside. All it lacked was a bit of sand.

With a little illusion, Aiesa used to take her daughters to breakfast on the beach in this very room. It had been heaven. Perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to California in the human realm.

Unable to avoid it any longer, Jade met her mother’s gaze.

Grasping her hand, Aiesa asked, “The fiery orange circle around your eyes is new. How long has the Fates’ curse been active?”

Icy fingers crawled up Jade’s spine, and her stomach churned with worry with her fears confirmed by her mother’s words.


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amy McKinley is a freelance writer and author. She lives in Illinois with her husband, their four talented teenagers, and three mischievous cats. Her debut novel, Hidden is the first in the Five Fates Series. 

Connect with Amy
www.amymckinley.com 
Twitter: Amy McKinley@amymckinley7
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymckinleyauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/amymckinley7 
Wordpress https://amymckinleyauthor.wordpress.com

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#Review :Hansel and Gretel-Twisted by Bobbi Romans

Are you looking for the perfect fairytale or the perfect gift for the grownups in your life? This is it! Hansel and Gretel is certainly not a children's story but it is a whole lot of fun! Bobbi Romans has created yet another fabulous story full of humor, twists, and steamy scenes with her own flare.

Fairyville is full of all those fun characters from the fairy tales we all remembers as children. Though just like us they have grown up and few of them are a little on the naughty side. But naughty can be fun sometimes right? 

Hansel finds himself in a mess with the Queen of Hearts. He certainly isn't living the charmed life he had hoped to find with the Queen.

Gretel is lonesome and misses her brother. She sets off into the world of Fairyville where she encounters all sorts of characters some good and few evil, some playful and a few she needs to run from. 

Prince Charming and his donkey are off on an adventure of their own. They encounter a few interesting characters along their way.

And as an added bonus we meet Cinderella, her wicked step family, and her beast. Beast is a unique character that is a whole lot more then the name implies. The story is an interesting twist on Cinderella with all the fun that can only happen in fairyville. There is mischief, mayhem, and maybe, just maybe a happily ever after.

 I always enjoy Ms. Romans' stories she has a unique writing style that is truly her own. I can't wait to see what fun an creative story she has in store for us lucky readers next. I am always beyond excited when I hear she has a new release coming out. I know I am in for a fun read that is going to take me on an exciting adventure. 

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Hansel and Gretel -Twisted.

You may find more of my reviews on Bobbi Romans' work here.

Amazon Buy Link

GETTING LUCKY By Stacy Finz RELAPSE IN PARADISE By Roxanne Smith TWELVE NIGHTS By Sharon Struth

 GETTING LUCKY 

By Stacy Finz

RELAPSE IN PARADISE
By  Roxanne Smith

 TWELVE NIGHTS
By Sharon Struth 

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GETTING LUCKY By Stacy Finz

In Nugget, California, a tiny town tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains, luck is what you make it, and love is never far behind…

From his humble beginnings in Nugget, Lucky Rodriguez has become a champion on the rodeo circuit, truly living up to his name in every regard. But when he returns home, he gets something success can’t buy: a daughter he never knew he had. And the girl’s mother, an old friend he has hasn’t thought about since, now touches his heart like no buckle bunny ever could.

Tawny Wade hasn’t always had luck on her side. She fell for a boy she couldn’t have, lost her parents too young, and now her daughter needs a transplant she can’t provide. But if Lucky is a stem cell match, all that could change. The trouble is, Lucky’s got a past in Nugget that makes him off-limits as anything more than a donor for her daughter. And yet, Tawny’s never stopped loving the man who now holds her family’s fate in his cowboy-callused hands…

“Finz is a unique new voice. Nugget, California is a charming small town filled with inventive characters and sweet romance.” –Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author of the Lucky Harbor Series

“Tender and touching, Stacy Finz writes romance with heart.” –Marina Adair, #1 National bestselling author of Summer in Napa

Release Date: October 10, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook/Paperback

Getting Lucky Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | kobo | Google Play | Goodreads

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Meet the Author:

Stacy Finz is an award-winning journalist. After more than seventeen years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns for the San Francisco Chronicle, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.

Visit Stacy  website | Twitter | facebook

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RELAPSE IN PARADISE By  Roxanne Smith

She likes Hawaii, but she just might love Boston…

Still stinging from her recent divorce, Emily Buzzly heads to majestic Hawaii to soothe her wounds. But once she arrives on Oahu, Emily discovers that a man she assumes is a beach bum is in fact her personal tour guide, hired by her sister. With his long hair and tattoos, Boston Rondibett is everything Emily detests—despite his sun-kissed surfer body. And with her straight-laced, executive persona, Emily is everything Boston rebels against. But both have a lot to learn about making snap judgments…

As it turns out, Boston’s real job, the one he truly cares about, is running his soup kitchen and homeless shelter. Embarrassed by her assumptions, rather than lazy beach days, Emily soon finds herself feeding the hungry, and even involved in the search for an AWOL soldier. And to Boston’s surprise, she’s loving every minute of it—and he’s loving seeing her loosen her chignon and be the admirable, beautiful woman she is. As each works through the challenges of the past, these two very different people just might find their hearts are on the very same page…

Release Date: October 10, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook

Relapse in Paradise Book links:

Amazon | B&N | kobo | google play | Goodreads

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Meet the Author:

Men Like This, is my debut novel, the first story in a series of three I’ve decided to call Long Shot Romance–long odds and stubborn hearts make love a thing to fight for. I’ve always loved characters who surprise me and make me laugh, with just a tad of the dramatic tossed in, and I hope that’s something I’ve been able to do for my readers. So much of what inspires me comes from the unexpected; the fork in the road you might trip over. Life takes funny turns and there’s not much you can do but hang on.

Most of us pick up a pen with the understanding that the odds are against us. It’s a dream. I decided in my early twenties to take writing seriously and try. With trying came falling flat on my face more times than I can count, but there’s always something to be gained from effort, and I took that and ran with it like I was a wide receiver gunning for the end zone at the bottom of the fourth on Superbowl Sunday. Lots of revising, rewriting, and tears between then and now, and a whole stack of friends and family at my back.

I’m a mom and wife before I’m an author, which is just as well. You can’t leave the little people behind once you’ve ascended to greatness. Remember where you came from. My kids are my two favorite people. They’re weird and hilarious. They’re at that age where they’re forming into something unique and apart from everyone else. They’re developing self. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced as a parent so far, right up there with teaching them bathroom independence. A teen parent twice over, I’ve done just as much growing as they have in the last decade, and I’ve done it with the perfect partner–married 11 years and still arguing over who gets to drive the hypothetical Corvette.

Visit Roxanne website | Facebook | Twitter

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 TWELVE NIGHTS By Sharon Struth 

True love waits forever…

For Erik Lindholm, it’s been a long climb to the top of his company. Now, as president he has the power to bring his vision to life and speed his company in bold new directions. If that means a complete staff overhaul, so be it. If that means firing the woman who left his heart in tatters fifteen years earlier, it’s a business decision, not personal…

Beryl Foster is highly competent and respected by everyone at the office. But rumors of a big shake-up are rampant and—surprisingly, scarily—Beryl’s job as CFO is on the line. Fifteen years ago she made a decision to put her career before everything else. It was also the last time she and Erik shared a life together. Every Christmas is a reminder. This one could be a second chance…

“Struth has a gift for layering stories within stories while keeping them all connected.” —Library Journal

“Struth is an author to watch!” —Laura Drake, author of RITA-award winner The Sweet Spot

“Sharon Struth writes a good story about love and loss. She knows her characters and has a path she wants them to take.” —Eye on Romance

Release Date: October 10, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ebook

Twelve Nights Book Links:

Amazon | B&N | kobo | goodreads

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Meet the Author:

Sharon Struth writes from her home in Bethel, Connecticut where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She’s a graduate of Marist College and was raised in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Sharon’s next release is SHARE THE MOON (Kensington Books/Lyrical Press), Book One in the Blue Moon Lake novel series. Her debut novel, The Hourglass (Etopia Press.) is a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards for “BEST FIRST BOOK.” She also appears in several Chicken Soup for the Soul Books, the anthology A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers, Sasee Magazine and WritersWeekly.com. Her work is represented by Blue Ridge Literary Agency (http://www.blueridgeagency.com/)

Prior to writing full-time, Sharon worked for thirteen years at the headquarters of Waldenbooks/Borders Books. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and Treasurer of The Romance Writers of Southern Connecticut and Lower New York (CoLoNY).

Visit Sharon’s website.

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Tour Schedule:

 November 9

Book featured at 3 Partners in Shopping

November 10

Book featured at Kristy Centeno

November 11

Book featured at Romantic Reads and Such

November 12

Book featured at Harmonious Publicity

November 13

Book featured at Queen of the Night Reviews

November 16

Book featured at I’m Shelf-ish

November 17

Book featured at Write and Take Flight

November 18

Getting Lucky, Relapse in Paradise and Twelve Nights Reviewed at Our Families Adventures

November 19

Getting Lucky Reviewed at Written Love Reviews

November 20

Book featured at Authors and Readers Book Corner

November 23

Book featured at Booklover Sue

November 24

Getting Lucky, Relapse in Paradise and Twelve Nights Reviewed at Give a Little Love Book Blog

November 25

Getting Lucky Reviewed at Lisa’s Louisiana Home

Book featured at Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions

November 26

Book featured at Reviews by Crystal

November 27

Book featured at Teatime and Books

Hockey Agony by Donna M. McDine~ Illustrations by Julie Hammond ~ REVIEW

Larry  is down in the dumps since he has been sidelined from Hockey due to his broken leg. When the coach ask Larry to do something special he is pressured by some of his teammates to help the team. He has a huge decision to make when it comes down to the win. He has to decide if he is going to do the right thing or give into the pressure of his peers allow them to cheat. 

I thought this story was nicely written and shows the real emotions and trauma that a young athlete would feel when having to sit out the sport they love due to an injury. Donna M. McDine has done a fabulous job of setting up the moral of the story. She has a nice writing voice that made for an enjoyable read.
The Illustration by Julie Hammond are great and really add to the story. They nicely done and added to just the right places.

This really is a quick read and I liked the approach of the life lessons it touched on. This age on this book is 8 to 12. I think depending on the reading level kids younger and older may enjoy as well. Ms. McDine has done a great job of showing the emotions that decisions have on a child.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Hockey Agony.

Hockey Agony Amazon Buy Link

FLASH FIRE by Dana Marton ~Civilian Personnel Recovery~ REVIEW

Flash Fire is a fabulous story packed with heart stopping suspense, blood pumping action with the perfect amount of mystery and romance that kept me flipping those pages just as fast as I possible could. 

Clara Roberts is on a mission for the Civilian Personnel Recovery unit when she receives a call for another mission in a dangerous area. She accepts the mission with a few reservations and some really mixed up feelings. 

 Light Walker has suffered major losses in his life. He's been trained to take care of problems with any means possible. He is on a mission of his own in the same dangerous territory that Clara is headed into. Light Walker has the skills the military trained him to use and the street or should I say jungle smarts he's mastered. 

The first meeting between Clara and Light is the start of one really rocky relationship.  They are both fiercely independent and use to working on their own. Their strong personalities clash instantly. Their squabbles are interesting with a touch of humor and a nice attraction that they are trying so hard to fight. 

The action in this story has been well written and made my heart miss a beat or two while I was completely engrossed in Clara and Light's story. The mysteries that they uncover bit by bit are intriguing and make for a very dramatic read. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading Flash Fire. I bonded with the characters quickly, became completely invested in the searches and battles they fought through, and the drama that was revealed with each twist.  Dana Marton has once again written a wonderful romantic suspense story that kept me submerged in the story for the first page all the way to the end. 

This is the second book in the Civilian Personnel Recovery Unit series but will stand alone just fine. Ms. Marton has created each story with such detail that you will not feel as though you are missing any pertinent details to disrupt your joy of reading Flash Fire. 

Dana Marton is one of those authors that I impatiently await their next release. She does a fabulous job of writing a story that keeps me engrossed with characters that unique traits that make them so much fun to read about.

I was given the opportunity to read Flash Fire so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Flash Fire.

You may find more of my reviews on Dana Marton's work here.

Flash Fire Amazon Buy Link



Forced Disappearance Amazon Buy Link

Rainbow Of Friendship by Joni Klein-Higger ~ illustrations by Eileen Goldenberg ~ REVIEW

Rainbow Of Friendship is completely adorable! I loved the concept of the story and the illustrations are beautiful. I think I have found another wonderful book for the children in your lives. 

When little red girl goes on a walk she encounters children of many shapes and colors. At first she isn't sure it's OK to play with these children that look so different from her. The story is written in a nice tone that flows easy and makes for an entertaining read as little red girl discovers that everyone is the same on the inside even though they are so different on the outside. What a lovely lesson that many could learn from. 

Joni Klein-Higger has done a wonderful job of writing a story that I think children are going to enjoy and learn from. The illustrations are done by Eileen Goldenberg. I have recently read another book that was written and illustrated by her. She does a fantastic job with  illustrations. The illustrations are creative, colorful and fun. I enjoyed them as I was reading the story so I am sure they are going to catch the eye of a child in your life. 

I was given the opportunity to read this cute story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Rainbow of Friendship. 

Rainbow of Friendship Amazon Buy Link 

Ex-Con: Bad Boy Romance by M.S. Parker & Shiloh Walker ~ REVIEW

I know any book that has Shiloh Walker's name on it is going to be a good read. Ex-Con: Bad Boy Romance is no exception. This was one of those books that I could not put down because I had to see what turn the next twist was going to take. 

Bobby Cantrell has a checkered past, OK striped past might be better. He has been to prison and been through all the nastiness that one can only imagine may happen in a place like that. He has learned to be rough and tough. However under that extreme rough and tough exterior there is a sweet and protective teddy bear and a heart of gold. 

Carly Prince is not what you would expect from a rich "princess". She's not the snotty stuck brat that some might expect. She is sweet, kind, loves those that are close to her like family, and maybe just a little bit use to getting her way about a few things. She smart and savvy and I really liked her attitude. I connected with Carly fairly quickly. I liked that she would stand up for those she cares about and she wasn't above using her status or power to get things done in a good way. I just admired this lady. 

When Bobby and Carly's path's cross it sits of a whole load of fireworks in may different forms. These two seem to know just the right buttons to push to set the other one off. They also share a tremendous attraction. These two should not ever be allowed near anything flammable because they just might become combustible at any moment. The fireworks are tense and the attraction is extremely hot. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other through the tough and bickering times and the hot, steamy, and romantic times. 

Carly is in need of a bodyguard and Bobby just might fit the description to a t. Carly's team has their work cut out form them to convince him of that. I loved Carly's team. They are not only her protection but they are family to her as well. They work well together and truly are interesting to watch at work.

There is a lot of action in this book. The suspense had me clinging to the edge of my seat, the secrets that are revealed and the source of the danger were a bit of surprise to me. I had suspected one person might not be whom he claimed to be. I was still shocked and held spellbound by the drama that unfolded right there on my kindle. 

I would highly recommend this awesome story if you like a little steam with your drama and suspense. You are going to love this story as much as I did. 

I was given the opportunity to read and review this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Ex-Con: Bad Boy Romance.

You may find more of my reviews on Shiloh Walker's work here.

Amazon Buy Link