Ellesea Loves Reading: Tiffany Snow

Showing posts with label Tiffany Snow. Show all posts

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Release Day Review: Save Me, Corrupted Hearts #4 by Tiffany Snow

SAVE ME by Tiffany Snow

Montlake Romance

On sale April 17, 2018

Paperback ISBN: 978-1503900929 | $9.99 US | 264 pages

Ebook ASIN: B076V766LW | $4.99 US

Super-steamy romance develops between the pages of Tiffany Snow’s Corrupted Hearts Series. China Mack, girl genius and programmer of Vigilance, the government’s secret spy software, is not your everyday heroine. She’s a bit nerdy, a lot OCD, and caught in a love triangle between gorgeous tech billionaire Jackson Cooper and Clark Slattery, a broodingly handsome ex-military man. As China tries to navigate her attraction to both men, she’s pulled into danger by dark family secrets that lead to international intrigue, danger, and a thrilling read.

About Save Me Computer genius China Mack may be the former head of Vigilance, the government’s clandestine spy program, but she can still be knocked off balance. And two back-to-back personal blows have thrown her into a tailspin. While her relationship with tech billionaire Jackson Cooper is on the rocks, China is testing the boundaries of what she feels for man-of-mystery Clark Slattery. But when China learns that her mother’s death sixteen years ago wasn’t an accident, she can’t rest until she knows the truth. And China’s own father, an elusive ex–CIA agent, might have been the killer. To avenge her mother’s death, she needs help, and both Jackson and Clark step up to the plate. But when her investigation is linked to a decades-old international plot to hack the New York Stock Exchange, putting both of the men she loves in danger, China must make an impossible decision to keep them safe. As the three of them are plunged into a far-reaching conspiracy, China’s notions of love and trust are turned upside down. For China, this final case couldn’t be more personal—or more dangerous.

Praise for Tiffany Snow’s Corrupted Hearts Series "Beautiful, brilliant China Mack is lousy with social cues, obsessively organized, and a total geek. She’s also the best thing about Snow’s Corrupted Hearts series kickoff, and with assured writing and excitement, romance, and intrigue aplenty, that’s saying something." —Publishers Weekly on Follow Me

This has been an incredibly difficult review to write. Save Me is the fourth and final instalment of the Corrupted Hearts series.

When I first picked up this novel, I did something I don't normally do and skipped to the end to ascertain who won China's heart simply because I wanted to know. I read the final chapter and the epilogue before going back to read from the beginning onwards. I'm not going to give any hints or clues to the conclusion of that particular plot thread, so you'll just have to read this book yourself to make that discovery. I will add, my actions didn't impact on my overall enjoyment of this novel and I don't regret my uncharacteristic impulsive action.

The lives of China Mack, Jackson Cooper and Clark Slattery become more complicated when it becomes clear both men want China and she herself loves them both too, which isn't surprising. They are drop-dead gorgeous and powerful men so it's understandable the heroine is spoilt for choice and is undecided. Yet, China does make her choice but the decision doesn't have a noticeable "bells and whistles" impact I was expecting.

However, the conclusion of China's 'Happy Ever After' didn't go entirely as I predicted and an unexpected twist was a welcome surprise. However, because I've continually felt during this series the narrative is very similar to the first series the author wrote, it didn't have the impact it should have because I just wasn't invested in the protagonists and their tangled relationships to really care.

The suspense of the narrative is fast-paced as I've come to expect with this author and definitely the most positive aspect of this and the previous novels in the Corrupted Hearts series. Whereas I've struggled to wade through the storylines in the first three books, the writing seemed clearer this time around so I wasn't tempted to put the novel down until I'd finished reading the whole book. Whilst held captive as the numerous plot lines are tied up, I admit to rolling my eyes for each mention of the heroine's favourite biscuits. I wasn't interested enough to understand the acronyms displayed on her fan-fic clothing or tempted to find the meanings on Google. That aspect of China character went over my head and a significant reason why I've had trouble relating to her throughout the series.

If I was a new reader discovering Ms Snow's novels and this was the first series of hers I'd read, the rating would be much higher than what I've given. I've read all her novels she's published yet this series has failed to shine for me because whilst the characters, plot and setting are original; the elements shaping the narrative are very similar to The Kathleen Turner series.

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

Tiffany Snow is the author of Follow Me, Break Me, and Find Me in the Corrupted Hearts Series; she is also the author of the Tangled Ivy Trilogy and the Kathleen Turner Series. Tiffany has been reading romance novels since she was too young to be reading romance novels. Born and raised in Saint Louis, she attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, earning degrees in history and social studies. Later she worked as an information-technology instructor and consultant. At last, she now has her dream job: writing novels full-time. Mother to two wonderful daughters, Tiffany makes her home in Kansas City, Missouri. Visit her website, www.tiffany-snow.com, to keep up with her latest projects.

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

Review: Save Me by Tiffany Snow

(from Goodreads)

In this fast-paced romantic suspense, China Mack will make one final choice.

Computer genius China Mack may be the former head of Vigilance, the government’s clandestine spy program, but she can still be knocked off balance. And two back-to-back personal blows have thrown her into a tailspin.

While her relationship with tech billionaire Jackson Cooper is on the rocks, China is testing the boundaries of what she feels for man-of-mystery Clark Slattery. But when China learns that her mother’s death sixteen years ago wasn’t an accident, she can’t rest until she knows the truth. And China’s own father, an elusive ex–CIA agent, might have been the killer. To avenge her mother’s death, she needs help, and both Jackson and Clark step up to the plate. But when her investigation is linked to a decades-old international plot to hack the New York Stock Exchange, putting both of the men she loves in danger, China must make an impossible decision to keep them safe.

As the three of them are plunged into a far-reaching conspiracy, China’s notions of love and trust are turned upside down. For China, this final case couldn’t be more personal—or more dangerous.

This has been an incredibly difficult review to write. Save Me is the fourth and final instalment of the Corrupted Hearts series.

When I first picked up this novel, I did something I don't normally do and skipped to the end to ascertain who won China's heart simply because I wanted to know. I read the final chapter and the epilogue before going back to read from the beginning onwards. I'm not going to give any hints or clues to the conclusion of that particular plot thread, so you'll just have to read this book yourself to make that discover. I will add, my actions didn't impact on my overall enjoyment of this novel and I don't regret my uncharacteristic impulsive action.

The lives of China Mack, Jackson Cooper and Clark Slattery become more complicated when it becomes clear both men want China and she herself loves them both too, which isn't surprising. They are drop dead gorgeous and powerful men so it's understandable the heroine is spoilt for choice and is undecided. Yet, China does make her choice but the decision doesn't have a noticeable "bells and whistles" impact I was expecting.

However, the conclusion of China's 'Happy Ever After' didn't go entirely as I predicted and an unexpected twist was a welcome surprise. However, because I've continually felt during this series that I was reading a narrative I've read before, it didn't have the impact it should have because I just wasn't invested in the protagonists and their tangled relationships to really care.

The suspense of the narrative is fast-paced as I've come to expect with this author and definitely the most positive aspect of this and the previous novels in the Corrupted Hearts series. Whereas I've struggled to wade through the story lines in the first three books, the writing seemed clearer this time around so I wasn't tempted to put the novel down until I'd finished reading the whole book. Whilst held captive as the numerous plot lines are tied up, I admit to rolling my eyes for each mention of the heroine's favourite biscuits. I wasn't interested enough to understand the acronyms displayed on her fan-fic clothing or tempted to find the meanings on Google. That aspect of China character went over my head and a big reason why I've had trouble relating to her throughout the series.

If I was a new reader discovering Ms Snow's novels and this was the first series of hers I'd read, the rating would be much higher than what I've given. I've read all her novels she's published yet this series has failed to shine for me because whilst the characters, plot and setting are original; the elements shaping the narrative trigger memories of a previous series. (Thoughts based entirely on my own reading experience)

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Review: Find Me by Tiffany Snow

Find Me by Tiffany Snow

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This third instalment of the Corrupted Hearts series picks up three months on from the end of Break Me as we dive straight into the fast pace of this third novel in the Corrupted Hearts series.

An event that should have made China the happiest woman on the planet is overshadowed as her career takes priority over her private life. She isn't happy about the direction her work has taken her and Jackson and Clark are both vying for her too. Whilst I've become more tolerant of her 'over the top' fandom obsession, she's showing a side of her personality I don't care for. Her attitude towards the men in her life is disdainful as she struggles with the pressures and expectations from every aspect of her life.

Both Jackson and Clark are likeable and gorgeous...China is a lucky girl. However, for me the reader, I'm overcome with the feeling I've been introduced to these fine male specimens before. One is a man who's too good to be true and a perfect match for the heroine. The other is edgier, a bad boy. A guy worthy of a woman's fantasy? Maybe that's why I have no opinion or preference as to who will secure China's heart because I already have a hunch who she'll choose?

Mia is the light within the darkness and her bright, bubbly personality is a welcome presence and an entertaining contrast to a love triangle that has lost my interest. I'm thankful, the suspense element of this novel keeps me enthralled as it always does with this author's novels.

My thoughts(view spoiler)

With the scene set for book four, I'll be back to find out China, Jackson and Clark's destiny, secretly hoping my gut feeling with regards to the ending is wrong and Ms. Snow delivers a grand and shocking finale I know she's capable of.

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

View all my reviews

Monday, 28 August 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organise yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

Life right now! There is an Autumnal feeling in the air on this last week in August. Thankfully after such a rainy Summer, it's nice and sunny today in Southern Norway. My son has been back at school nearly two weeks, so I'm slowly getting back into my daily routine.

What am I currently reading? I couldn't decide what to read from my vast TBR so I'm trying to read two books right now that are are a complete contrast from each other; Medieval Historical Romance and a Rom-Com. Both books are by authors I've read and enjoyed before, so I'm enjoying both even though I'm still in the early stages of them.

Title: The Gift Bride by Sarah Hegger

(from Goodreads) 1153, in the period dubbed ‘The Anarchy’, King Stephen and Empress Maud are not the only ones embroiled in a fierce battle of the sexes.

Determined to control her own destiny, wilful Helena of Lystanwold has chosen just the husband to suit her purposes. But when her banished guardian uncle attempts to secure her future and climbs through her bedroom window with a new husband by a proxy marriage, she understandably balks. Notorious warrior Guy of Helston is everything Helena swore she would never marry; a man who lives by the sword.

This marriage finally brings Guy close to his lifetime dream of gaining lands and a title. He is not about to let his feisty bride stand in his way. A master strategist, Guy sets out to woo and conquer his lady.

Against a backdrop of vengeance, war, and betrayal, Guy and Helena must learn to forge a united front or risk losing everything.

Title: Blue Balls by R.C. Boldt

(from Goodreads) BLUE BALLS

Truth: A painful condition caused by a prolonged state of sexual arousal without release.
Myth: Only affects males.

SARAH

I’m beyond frustrated with the man who’s left me high and very far from dry. Multiple times. But, somehow, even though I’m not interested in a relationship, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome keeps me coming back for more—one crazy, sexual debacle after the next.

Come hell or high water, the stars will align, and the release will be out of this world.

JACK
I’m captivated with the woman who’s left me sixty-nine shades of blue, and she's only in this for one thing. The first time, I blew it—and not in the good way—but I’m going to ensure we finally see it through. I need to put an end to this “plague” of sexual calamities and prove to Sarah that we can have more.

It's time to grab the universe by the balls and show it who's boss.

Book(s) I've read this past week?

Title:Find Me, Corrupted Hearts #3 by Tiffany Snow

(from Goodreads)As the head of the government’s secret Vigilance spy program, computer guru China Mack already has her hands full when her billionaire boyfriend, Jackson Cooper, asks for one of them in marriage.

Thrown for a loop by the sudden proposal, China’s usually well-ordered life takes another hit when someone tries to assassinate the president. Even that comes with a shocking twist: the primary suspect is none other than her ex-partner, Clark Slattery. With nowhere else to turn, the sexy loner needs China’s help and expertise. Clark has linked the assassination attempt to a failed secret operation undertaken six years ago—and a deadly cover-up that’s putting the leader of the free world in the crosshairs. But the president isn’t the only one in harm’s way.

Now, China is going to have to dig deep for information that’s beyond even her clearance. And what she discovers may have far-reaching consequences for her life and everyone else in it.

Title:Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino

(from Goodreads) Charlotte has spent her twenties adrift, floating from interest to interest, job to job, and guy to guy, searching for a spark but never quite finding it. All she knows is that she won’t discover it working as a waitress at a pies-and-fries joint in Los Angeles or living with her fun but aimless best friend in a tiny apartment in the Arts District.

Then Charlotte collides with Adam, a gorgeous and soulful painter who seems just as lost as she feels. Their instant connection turns into a midnight drink… and a whirlwind night of champagne, Chinese food, and the kind of conversation that only happens in romantic comedies. But the next morning, Adam gives Charlotte the cold shoulder, leaving her confused and hurt—and wondering if the few odd moments between them the night before were red flags in disguise.

Months later, Charlotte hasn’t been able to shake Adam, so she decides to find out what happened the morning after their magical night together. This fateful decision rewrites their wild love story, but what Charlotte doesn’t know yet is that the ending has already been written.

What are you reading?

Friday, 19 May 2017

The Friday 56: No Turning Back by Tiffany Snow

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader (If you have to improvise, that's ok.)

*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)

*Post it.

* Head over to Frida's Voice to find more #Friday56

56% on Kindle: No Turning Back by Tiffany Snow

I peeked out from behind Kade and winced. Blane was standing about twenty feet away, also holding a gun.

“Blane!” I called out, “I'm here.” I stepped from behind Kade, but he grabbed my arm tightly.

“You know Blane?” he asked suspiciously. I decided to fudge the truth a little. Okay, more than a little.

“He's my boyfriend,” I answered, which was stretching the truth to a ridiculous degree, but I hoped it would deter Kade from keeping hold of me.

Being a bartender by night and law firm runner by day helps make ends meet for Kathleen Turner. Mostly. Being 23 and single in Indianapolis wasn’t exactly a thrilling adventure, but then again, that’s not what Kathleen wanted. At least, not until she met Blane Kirk.

Navy SEAL turned high-profile attorney, Blane is everything a woman could want. The only problem? He’s her boss.

Blane is known for playing the field and the last thing Kathleen needs or wants is to get involved with him. But when her friend is murdered and it seems Kathleen will be next, she may not have a choice.

Now Blane is the only thing standing between her and people who want her dead, including assassin-for-hire Kade Dennon. Beautiful but deadly, he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way, even the woman who makes him question everything he’s become.

The deeper she sinks into the web of lies and murder, the more Kathleen realizes she can trust no one if she’s going to survive. No one is innocent. Not even Blane.

Thursday, 16 March 2017

Review: Break Me, Corrupted Hearts #2 by Tiffany Snow

Break Me by Tiffany Snow

My Goodreads rating: 3 of 5 stars

China Mack is back and settled into her new role working alongside Clark Slattery. Her romance with Jackson Cooper is still going strong, although it soon becomes clear the love-birds are not on the same page when it comes to committing to their relationship.

Thankfully for me, the reading experience of this second book in the Corrupted Hearts series was pleasurable this time around however, fans of China in the first book may feel disappointment because her OCD tendencies have faded to a greater degree. The socially awkward IT genius is a more assured young woman as her role shifts to a more covert one. The deviation in China's personality trait is replaced with even more references to fandoms, which went over my head. I'm not interested in Star Wars or any sci-fi films so numerous mentions about China's cherished Stars Wars pyjamas was over the top!

The strength of this novel is the imaginative narrative, it's on-point with the current political feelings. Ms Snow has always written suspense incredibly well and I wish the romance aspect matched the same intensity. China and Jackson's romance is luke warm at best and Clark is in the background pretending he doesn't like his line manager (China). Therefore I'm grateful for the fast pace when the suspense is the main focus. The writing switched between first and third person which was a surprise, and a little confusing sometimes until I got used to the format.

I'll admit the biggest motivation to read Break Me was the inclusion of characters from the first series Ms Snow wrote. With rumours flying about a hint of a Happy Ever After for the one 'unlucky in love,' the temptation was too great an opportunity to miss. Knowing this, I dived into this novel reading the final chapter first, something I've haven't done before. Afterwards, I felt decidedly underwhelmed with regards to the cameo appearances. However, this was a hasty opinion because you need to read the full novel to gain a clearer impression of their inclusion within this plot-line. Duh!!! (face palm). If you are paying attention, you'll spot them much earlier (wink). The sequence of events within The Corrupted Hearts series reminds me of this series too, although, only those who have read those books gazillion times would pick up on it...maybe! The comparisons are subtle, but are there, leading me to speculate the route China's heart will take her.

To sum up, I'll be back for book three and sincerely hope Ms Snow delivers up the unexpected in the finale...something she's done before and is more than capable of doing again; If only to prove me wrong about how I see this series playing out.

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 4 October 2016

Release Day Blitz: Follow Me by Tiffany Snow

Will you follow China Mack?

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Montlake

Brilliant, quirky twenty-three-year-old China Mack is totally satisfied with her carefully ordered, data-driven life. A computer prodigy who landed a coveted programming job at the cutting-edge tech company Cysnet before even graduating from MIT, China is happiest when following her routine: shower before coffee, pizza only on Mondays, bedtime at ten thirty sharp.

But then things start to get a little…unpredictable.

First Jackson Cooper—Cysnet’s rich, gorgeous, genius CEO—assigns China to a dangerous and highly classified project for a government defense contractor. Her sixteen-year-old runaway niece suddenly arrives in town, begging to move in with China. And then there’s her sexy but oddly unsettling new neighbor, Clark…

Quickly the Cysnet assignment becomes disconcerting—and then downright scary—as key staffers turn up dead. China suspects she’s being followed and isn’t sure whom she can trust. For the first time ever, she’ll have to follow her instincts, rather than logic, if she’s going to survive.

Amazon Amazon Kindle Barnes and Noble

Jackson looked quizzical for a moment, then turned and headed for his office. “Follow me,” he tossed over his shoulder, and I rushed to obey.

I felt eyes on me as I walked. Jackson usually only met with the managers, not the staff directly. I reported to a guy named Brad who happened to be on vacation this week. I supposed that was why I was heading into Jackson’s office instead of Brad. Whatever it was, it obviously couldn’t wait.

“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the seating arrangement in his office. His desk stood to one side, diagonal to the windows that lined the wall. A sofa and two chairs were arranged facing each other on the opposite side, which was where he’d pointed.

Okay then.

Sofa or chair . . . sofa or chair . . .

I stood in indecision, frantically going through the pros and cons of each seat inside my head. The chair would be good but it faces the windows and there’s a glare. I’ll be squinting. Sofa is better but what if he sits beside me, then I’ll be craning my neck to see him and my feet won’t touch the floor. The other chair is in a better location but it’s higher than the sofa and if he sits on the sofa then I’ll be above him and that may be insulting since technically I’m not “above” him—

“China,” he interrupted my train of thought, brushing past me and taking the chair I’d been leaning toward choosing. “Have a seat.”

That was a command. I could recognize the tone. So I plunked myself down in the nearest spot, which put me on the sofa. Except I’d misjudged the softness of the cushions and I sank, putting me even lower than I thought I’d be, as I faced him. I forced a smile.

“Cushy couch.”

Okay, that was something a teenager might say. Not a grown woman with degrees piled behind my name and several years of experience under my belt. My smile turned into a grimace. I started fiddling with my pen and shoved my glasses farther up my nose.

“Brad would usually be the one to hold this discussion,” he began, “but since he’s out of the office right now, I thought I’d handle it.”

My palms began to sweat and I went cold. This sounded like the beginning of a conversation I wasn’t going to like. I searched my brain, trying to think of what I could’ve done to bring about a disciplinary meeting with the CEO.

“If this is about that argument between me and Toby last week, then I want you to know it’s resolved. He dinged my Mustang and refused to admit it, but when I had the paint samples compared, they totally matched.”

Jackson gave me an odd look. Okay, that wasn’t it then.

“And I’m not the one who keeps stealing Janine’s Diet Coke from the fridge,” I blurted. “It’s Megan in accounting. I caught her but she swore me to secrecy because she saw me borrow one of Blake’s Kit Kat bars that he keeps in the freezer.” I took a breath. “Borrow’s not really the right word, I guess, since I ate it. But I did replace it the next day.” I grimaced. “And ate it again. But I really am going to bring him more. I swear.”

Still nothing. His eyes were a bit wider though. Surely that couldn’t be a good sign?

“And I’m not the one that keeps adding h-o-g to Liam’s nameplate.” The guy’s last name was Hedge. Really, he was just asking for that one.

“Or—”

“Stop!”

I clamped my lips shut.

Jackson cleared his throat. “While I appreciate your willingness to, um, clear your conscience . . .” he paused, “none of those things are why I brought you in here.”

“Then why did you?”

“I was getting to that, before your impromptu confessional.”

Oh. I shut up again.

Tiffany attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, attaining two degrees in History and Social Studies Education. After working many years as an instructor and consultant in the Information Technology field, Tiffany now writes full-time.

Tiffany loves to read and has been reading romance novels since she was way too young to read such things. She has an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefers Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, thinks men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, has learned to never stop believing in her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero.

Married with two wonderful daughters, Tiffany and her family make their home in Kansas City, Missouri, not far from where she was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.