Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Ok, so before I slay her book, I would first like to say that J.R. Ward is still one of my favorite authors and even if she wrote a book entitled "This book seriously sucks" I would still buy it.

That being said, Lover At Last was not one of my fav's in the Black Dagger series.  And no, it's not for the reason you are thinking.  Yes, this book is about a gay couple, but that was the least of my worries regarding the book.  It was actually one of the few parts I enjoyed about the book.  But more about that later.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my top favorite series of all time. I can't tell you the number of people I have gotten hooked on this series from my endless rantings.   The last book, Tohr's book - I was actually pissed going into it.  How could she re-mate him?  Don't they only get one?  But I LOVVVED that book.  It was beautiful and had me in tears.  When J.R. announced her next book was on Blay and Qhuinn, I  had to give her mad props.  Let's all be honest.  We all know why we read a J.R. books.  They have a great plot, and she's a kick ass writer, but come on...  The real reason we all pay major bucks to crack open her book the minute it comes out is because the woman can write a sex scene like no other.  So when the reigning Queen of sex scenes decided to dedicate an entire book on two gay characters, what did her fans do?  They jumped up and down with glee!  It just goes to show how awesome and devoted we are to the series and J.R. Ward.

So the reasons the book was just "eh" for me.  First, it was long.  Like really, really long.  I don't mind a long book, but combined with several other reasons, I felt like it was endless.  Secondly, I've noticed this pattern taking place in the series.  I don't know if its always been there, or new in the last few books, but she seems to have books with just one main plot, and others that are have a ton of set up going on.  In Tohr's book, there was one main plot.  Most of what happened in that book revolved around Tohr and Autumn.  In Lover At Last, there are about fifty different things going on.  New characters are introduced, other's are made more prominent.  She's setting the ground for future books, which is great.  I'm glad the series will be continuing on.  But I felt like it took away from Blay and Qhuinn.  I wanted more of them, and their story and I felt everything else was a distraction.

Speaking of Blay and Qhuinn...I know you must be asking...how did she, you know??  Well, let me just say that the Queen does not disappoint.  Only J.R. Ward could write a romance novel for women, take two men, throw them in a room and make it totally hot.  I mean, come on...it's Blay and Qhuinn!  I'd still prefer a scene with V and Belle, or Wrath and Beth, but it was still pretty hot.

So, if you're a fan of the Black Dagger Brothers, I already know you're going to read this book.  You're already addicted, and there's no hope for you.  So, go buy the book and just know it's a long ride.  But the HEA for Blay and Qhuinn is worth it.

If you haven't read a single Black Dagger book....don't let this one be your judge.  Go out and pick up Dark Lover - Wrath's book.  You won't be sorry.  And then you'll be a junkie like the rest of us.  ;-)

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New Website!

J.L. Berg (that's me!) now has a home!  

Come take a look at my fancy new digs!

www.jlberg.com

When You're Ready Teaser #1!!

As a reward for getting 60 "likes" in less than 24 hours on my brand new author Facebook page, I released the very FIRST teaser from my debut novel, When You're Ready!

This is from the unfinished version, and is still a work in progress!


Note to Viewers: This post includes adult content. ;-)

A knock on the door marks the entrance of yet another person.  As I turn my head, I find myself face to face with the real-life version of Dr.McSteamy entering the exam room.  Holy hell, I think I just whimpered a little.  Tall and built like a swimmer, he’s the sexiest thing I've ever seen in a pair of scrubs.  Like the sky right before a summer storm, his eyes border between gray and blue, and I can’t help staring into their thunderous intensity.  His hair, dark brown that edges near black, has that "just fucked" look to it.  The kind of hair that makes you constantly want to run your hands through it.  How do guys do that?  Do they spend time creating that look in a mirror, or is it really a product of being fucked?  I suddenly wanted to know.
Oh shit, was I drooling?  Did he say something?
He’s looking right at me, waiting.
“Are you the mother?", he asks.  His eyebrow arched, forming a question.  A really hot question.
Seriously, Clare...get your mind out of the gutter.  "Uh, yes.  I'm Clare Murray.  This is my daughter Madilyn, uh, Maddie." I say trying to cover up the fact that I had probably been standing there for an ungodly amount of time, lamely staring at him and forming my own mini puddle of drool, while he tried to get my attention back on my sick daughter.
Yup, best mother ever.
“Nice to meet you Ms. Murray, I’m Dr. Matthews.”  Turning to Maddie, he says “And this, must be the Princess.”
Calling Maddie a Princess earns him major brownie points, and I think I even hear a faint giggle.  She immediately looks up, her big brown eyes connecting with his as he begins the examination.
Dr. Matthews bends down, leaning over her tiny frame, and runs his hand over Maddie’s head.  I know he’s checking for any bumps or abnormalities, but his gesture seems protective and my heart does a little flip flop seeing my daughter in the arms of another man.
He settles himself at the end of the hospital bed and motions for me to take a seat in the chair positioned next to Maddie.  It’s a small room, making us all very cozy.  I can feel the heat radiating off his body.  His really, really hot body.  His eyes linger on mine briefly, and I can feel the blush starting to creep up my cheeks.  I see a quick smirk flash across his face before he begins speaking.    
 "Well, your nurse already gave me some of the details on what lead to Maddie’s injury this afternoon.  Sounds like you had an eventful day.” he says, giving Maddie a gentle smile.  She looks up at him like he’s the king of the world, which surprises me.  Maddie’s generally not a fan of men, having never been around many.
“But it looks like a classic concussion.  Her skull feels normal, and I don’t see any signs of swelling or bleeding.  But I’m going to go ahead and order a CT just to rule out anything major and  make sure we've covered all of our bases.  But more than likely she’ll be back to her old self in a few days.” he says reassuringly.  
I nod absently, those stark white walls starting to feel tighter around me.  It’s not the fact that he wants a CT that sends me into an instant panic attack.  I understand the precaution.  I’m glad Dr. Matthew's taking the time to do so, and appreciate his thoroughness.  It was the way in which he said it.  The exact phrasing.  One sentence, and the memory comes back to haunt me, flooding my mind and taking over my senses.   

Ethan sits down next to me on the bed.  He looks at me with those dark brown eyes and concerned, loving look on his face.  He knows I always worry about everything.  "Baby, I don't need any more tests.  The doctor says there only migraines."  he says.  "The CT came back normal which rules out anything major.  I don't want to fight with the insurance company to get an MRI.  You know they aren't going to pay for it, so why bother?"  He pulls me down onto the bed so we are both laying side by side, his hand gripping my waist.    "It's going to be fine.  So, please.  Stop worrying."  He grins, leaning in to kiss me slowly, desperately trying to change the subject.  He pulls away, looking at me with a devious grin plastered on his face.  "Besides, we have more important things to think about right now." he whispers, looking down my body slowly and appreciatively. "Oh, yeah?  I can't think of anything."  I fake a yawn.  "I think I'm going to go to sleep.  Night!" I try and keep my face steady, but I can't help the grin that escapes, and before I can cover my mouth to hide it, he attacks and I’m squealing with laughter.  He straddles my body, pinning me to the bed with his knees, trapping my wrists above my head in his tight grasp.  "Shhh!  This is the first night in weeks the baby has been asleep for more than an hour at a time, and you're going to ruin it with your squealing horse laugh!"  he says, leaning down to kiss me, chuckling."I do not laugh like a horse!"  I pout.  The annoyance in my voice is already melting away, as he leans down and kisses my neck, making his way to my shoulder, taking the strap of my nightgown with him.  He pulls my body firmly against his and slowly makes his way back to my mouth and finally, he kisses me, and I forgot all about tests and headaches.   

If only I had been more persistent, more demanding...taken him to more specialist...
"Are you sure the CT will be enough?  Nothing will be overlooked?  I ask, as I pull myself out of the memory.  The fear is evident in my voice.  I know everything is fine, and what happened with Ethan was rare, but the irrational panic is there nonetheless.
Maddie is not Ethan.  Maddie is not going to die.  I silently chant, slowly beginning to feel myself calm.
I look up at Dr. Matthews, and he’s watching me, with concern and confusion painted all over his face.
Awesome.
Good job Clare.
Now the hot doctor thinks you're crazy. 

When You're Ready
By J.L. Berg
Coming August 2013

Isn't he cute?!

We had family pictures last week, and just got the proofs back.  This just became my new favorite picture ever.  You have to understand my husband never smiles in pictures.  As you can see he has a gorgeous smile, but get him in front of a camera and...nothing!  I saw this picture and was like, FINALLY!  Someone capture that super hot smile I get to see every day.  He's probably laughing because his hands are snaked around covering up my ass from the rest of the park.  Nothing like hiking up your dress, jumping your husband and exposing yourself in front hordes of children.  It was for art, I swear.
Anyway, I had to share.  He's my HEA, my hero and my rock.  Here's to hoping everyone finds their real life book boyfriend.

Photo by Studio FBJ

Suicide Note by Teresa Mummert

"You can't force love. you can't control how someone else feels. You just have to enjoy it while it lasts and hope the ride doesn't end."

I read this book in a day...the majority of it on a bus filled with about fifty eight-year old kids. I'm pretty sure it's the only reason I kept my sanity. Suicide Note is a quick read, but it's entertaining and keeps you engaged and flipping the pages until the very end.

Don't let the name deter you.  No one actually commits suicide in this book.  I can't explain why the book is called what it is without giving something away, but know that there is a reason...just not the reason you fear.  All is well at the end of the book.  ;-)

This book is written in my favorite style - first person with the perspective switching between the two main characters.  This is how I'm writing my book, and I personally love it because it gives you the chance to dive into both characters heads and see the world from their own unique perspective.  Third person gives you this, but only to a certain extent.  An author can do so much more with first person... monologues are stronger, the character's inner voice is louder, and when that perspective can switch between the female and male character, it feels like an invisible circle is completed.  I was a psych major in college, so it's no surprise I like getting into peoples heads, and I guess book characters are no different.  

Suicide Note is about Shane, a soldier on a two week leave from deployment overseas, and Jenn (nice name, hehe), a young woman who recently suffered the ultimate betrayal in her relationship with her fiance.  Both are bruised and battered from recent breakups when they stumble into each other, and find that sometimes life gives you what you need the most at the exact right moment.

“When I met her, I saw her as someone else who needed saving but she had saved me. She had given me hope when I had given up on everything in my life.” 

I loved the flirty interactions between Shane and Jenn in the beginning of this book.  Their courtship was very cute.  They were drawn together so swiftly, it's almost like they're addicted to each other, but yet they're able to hold back and establish a connection before they become physical.  It's very intense, and yet playful at the same time.  There were so many scenes I absolutely loved.  The scene in the arcade when they play air hockey, yum.  The many scenes during her sisters wedding rehearsal when he put her ex in his place, also...yum.

 “You can be a cocky asshole to me. I deal with little pricks like you all of the time. But you leave Jenn the hell alone or the next time you take a piss, it will be through a fucking tube. Do we understand each other?” 

I loved watching their love grow, and the connection between them become stronger with every page.  Even with the obstacles they faced, and there were several, they still managed to become stronger in their love for each other.  And after all, isn't that what a romance novel is suppose to be about?  Love overcoming all?  :-)

This is a nice quick read.  Perfect for an lazy afternoon without kids, or husbands.  :-)  Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and take a few hours and enjoy some Shane time with Suicide Note.

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Cover Reveal for Gabriel's Redemption!

Gabriel's Redemption has a cover!  And it's yummy!  The third book in the Gabriel's Inferno series comes out December 3rd and I seriously can't wait!

If you haven't read this series, you really should.  If you are a Fifty fan, this is the next series for you.  It has the same dark, forbidden flavor to it, with a different twist.

Here is the synopsis for Gabriel's Redemption:

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.
Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.
But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.
In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

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Sylvain Reynard links:

http://www.sylvainreynard.com

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Ten Tiny Breathes by K.A. Tucker

 

"Just Breath, Kacey. Ten Tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them."

Holy freaking hell. This book blew me away. I finished it last night, and my head is still spinning this morning. It was amazing. Everything you expect from Atria, and this wonderful new genre that is New Adult.

 K.A. Tucker just became one of my new favorite authors. She's now in my hall of fame with authors like Jamie McGuire, S.C. Stephens and Abbi Glines. These authors write characters we fall in love with, and can't seem to shake. We think about them days after, their lives branded to brains, twisting their ways to our hearts. We find ourselves returning to their books time after time, just to be close to the characters again, to hear them "speak" and to feel the connection they share with each other. It's why we, as readers, read. To feel emotion, and connections. And when an author is able to capture both of those so perfectly, we are helpless but to fall captive.

Ten Tiny Breathes is a roller coaster of emotions, dealing with two sisters, Kacey and Livey, who move to Miami, FL to start over. Kacey, 20, is a broken shell of her former self, after recovering from a horrific accident that left her and Livie alone in the world. Her only goal in life is to make a better one for Livie. Until she meets Trent, a new neighbor who skates the line so perfectly between bad boy and savior, Kacey can't tell which side to trust.

"He stops what he's doing to glance over his shoulder, blazing eyes leveling me with a look that makes me want to do things to him  for him, with him.  His attention drags down the length of my body, unashamed.  This guy is a contradiction   One second sweet, the next second brazen.  A mind-blowing hot contradiction."

 I loved every character in this book.  Each one of them was expertly crafted and had a specific role and duty in the story-line.  Seeing life through Kacey's heartbroken eyes was difficult at times.  You wanted to cry for her, bleed for her and sometimes, knock her upside the head and say "Really?"  It seemed like every time she took a step forward, she took two back, no matter who was there trying to guide her.

"What?  What did you think?  You don't know the first thing about what I've gone through and you...what, think you can swoop in, give me an orgasm, and follow it up with a survivor's group full of fucking cyborgs who talk about their supposed loved ones like everything's all right?"  

But Trent...he's my favorite.  I think he's my new book boyfriend.  He's some kind of hot.  I love how K.A. Tucker describes him as the perfect balance of bad boy and Good Samaritan because isn't that what woman love about romance novels?  The bad boy who will only soften for the right woman?  It's why we pay for book after book, and spend hours reading.  It's that perfect balance between the boy next door and the guy who's gonna slam up against a wall and take whatever he wants.

"When the gaze lifts back to my face...whoa...it it has just the right mixture of anger, frustration, and smoldering heat to make me bite my bottom lip.  And that's all it takes to push him over the brink.
'God, Kacey' he growls and takes two quick steps in tho slam against my body, his hands seizing my biceps as his mouth claims mine.  Dipping my head back, he forces his tongue into my mouth, demolishing me with a depth of need I've never experienced before.  This is the real Trent.
Unleashed."  

Seriously, if that quote doesn't make you go out and buy this book, then I've got nothing.  There's obviously something wrong with you.  ;-)
This book is raw, emotional and just plain...wow.

It's about two people experiencing more trauma and emotions at a young age than most people experience in an entire lifetime.  It shows how a single event can shred you, and shatter your entire life.  How do you recover?  Can you?  And what do you do with the pieces that are left?

I don't give ratings on my blog.  Authors are worth more than numbers or gold stars.  All I can say is this book is stellar.  Probably the best book I've read all year.  Read it.

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