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Romantic Reads and Such

~ thoughts on romances

Romantic Reads and Such

Monthly Archives: December 2013

Spotlight – Heart of the Incubus

31 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 3 Comments

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Demons of Infernum series, Heart of the Incubus, Rosalie Lario

Today we get to take a look at Rosalie Lario’s Heart of the Incubus!

*****

HotI500HEART OF THE INCUBUS

by: Rosalie Lario

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Tour Run Dates: 12/30-1/17

Blurb:

Biochemist Cresso Taylor lives the sort of lifestyle most men would envy—he has wealth, natural incubus charm, and more women than he can handle. But it’s not enough anymore. Not after meeting Genevieve Russell, the sexy scientist who works with him at Elcorp Laboratory. And she wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

After her fiancé broke her heart, Genevieve has had enough of womanizers. She’s determined to steer clear of sexy-as-sin Dr. Taylor, despite the fact that his incubus allure makes her want to rip his clothes off. But when a secret admirer’s affection turns to the macabre with threatening notes and grisly gifts, Cresso appoints himself her protector. As she and Cresso hunt her stalker, she discovers there’s a lot more to the sensual incubus than she ever imagined.

To win her heart, he’ll have to save her life.

Goodreads Amazon Barnes and Noble

*****

Rosalie LarioAuthor Bio:

Rosalie Lario is the award-winning, paranormal romance author of the Demons of Infernum and the Fallen Warriors series. Rosalie double majored in Anthropology and Classics as an undergraduate student, and briefly considered becoming an archaeologist before realizing they don’t actually live the life of Indiana Jones. So what was a classical geek armed with a lot of useless knowledge to do? Become a lawyer, of course!

After attending law school in Florida, she practiced real estate law for several years before finally admitting to herself that negotiating contracts wasn’t nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. She never imagined all the mythology she’d learned throughout her undergraduate education might actually come in handy, but it makes perfect fodder for the paranormal romance stories she now dreams up.

When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children in their home state of Florida.

Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Newsletter

*****

Giveaway Info:

3 Touch of the Angel Prize Packs (US Only)

Touch of the Angel (Int where Book Depository Ships)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554234/

*****

Excerpt:

She cut off when she saw him. He’d donned a pair of black slacks and was in the process of pulling a burgundy sweater over his head. His damp hair curled around his strong, masculine neck, and the sight of his bare chest—of the hard planes and well-defined muscles of his pecs and abs—sent a bolt of pure lust racing through her body and into her loins. God, he was so gorgeous. Heart-stopping.

How the hell had she resisted him for so long?

Cresso tugged on his sweater and met her gaze. “No, thanks.”

Genevieve resisted the urge to drool while she eyed his outfit. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes, I have a few things to take care of. Don’t worry—you’ll be safe here. I’ll ask Taeg and Maya to look in on you.”

Something about the way he said that put her senses on alert. “Everything okay?”

“Fine,” he said in a clipped tone.

“You don’t sound fine.”

When she started toward him, he held out his hand. “Stay there.”

She paused, suddenly uncertain. Had she done something to upset him? “What’s wrong?”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ve waited longer than I should. I need to go

“Go…feed,” she repeated numbly. He meant go have sex. With someone else. A sliver of

pain wrenched her stomach. She closed her arms around her waist. “Oh.”

Cresso reopened his eyes in time to see the pained expression she couldn’t quite manage to hide. Something bittersweet flashed across his face. “I can’t wait any longer. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I understand.” Truly she did.

“Good.” His lips twisted into a half smile. “Left my shoes in the living room.”

When he headed for the doorway, she backed up so he could pass by her. But then it hit her. She couldn’t let him go.

“Cresso, wait.”

She reached out and grasped his arm, and he stopped midstride. The muscles in his arm went taut as he turned toward her. His jaw tight, he said, “Gen, please.”

Her stomach fluttered with nerves she had no chance of quelling. This was it, the moment of decision. Should she guard her heart and continue living her lonely life…or take a chance, even knowing what might go wrong?

Oh hell, there was no choice. Not really.

“Don’t go,” she whispered.

His eyes darkened and a muscle ticked in his jaw. “I have to feed.”

“Then”—she gave a nervous lick of her lips—“feed from me.”

His whole body went stiff. “Don’t tease me.”

Genevieve took a shaky breath. “I’m not.”

Cresso’s eyes widened and he slowly closed his hands over her arms. “Gen.” Her name sounded like a prayer on his lips.

She leaned into him. “Yes.”

*****

Tour Schedule:

12/30:  Diane’s Book Blog – Spotlight

12/31:  Romantic Reads and Such – Spotlight

1/2:  Laurie’s Thoughts – Spotlight

1/6:  Book Bliss – Guest blog/Spotlight

1/7:  Gigi’s Book Blog – Review

1/8:  Mark of the Stars – Guest blog

1/9: Trips Down Imagination’s Road – Review

1/12:  A Little Bit of R&R

1/12:  Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews – Spotlight

1/13:  You Gotta Read – Spotlight

1/14:  Inner Goddess – Guest Blog

1/16:  In Shadows – Interview

1/17:  Becky on Books – Review

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Covet December Releases

30 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

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Ashes, Beg Me To Slay, Lisa Kessler, Sarah Gilman

Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.

Today I’m happy to be featuring Covet’s December releases.  And as a special bonus, Lisa Kessler is going to have a Facebook party today from 4 to 8 PM PST.  Check it out here –  https://www.facebook.com/events/655747377781974/.

Be sure to enter their great giveaways at the bottom of this post.

And one last thing, come back later this week because I’ll have a review of Ashes and lovers of paranormal romances will definitely find this one to be a treat.

Beg Me to Slay by Lisa Kessler

He’ll slay her demons, but it may cost her heart…

Four years ago Tegan Ashton was attacked. Determined never to be a victim again, she devotes her life to martial arts and self-defense. When her assailant returns to finish what he started, only one person can help her.

Gabe is a private investigator by day and demon slayer by night. After losing loved ones, he vows to defend people from a threat they don’t realize exists.

The relationship is supposed to be strictly business, but fighting demons together stirs up emotions they never expected. Turns out demon slaying is a breeze compared to facing their scarred pasts and even worse – hearts.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Ashes by Sarah Gilman

Journalist Ambrosia Pellerin accepts an assignment involving the legendary phoenix, expecting, if nothing else, a little entertainment. Instead, she winds up pregnant—by a surprisingly human-looking firebird, Reece Bennu.

As the Phoenix prince, Reece is next in line to the throne and expected to marry a purebred royal. A common human such as Ambrosia is not in the cards. He swears, though, he’ll never be an absentee father.

As Ambrosia’s due date grows closer, so do the soon-to-be parents. But will their tentative love survive the prejudice of Reece’s grandmother, who will stop at nothing to tear the two apart?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

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Spotlight – Break Out

30 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Blood Hunter series, Break Out, Nina Croft

This morning we’re looking at Nina Croft’s book, Break Out.

Make sure you enter her cool contest.  She’s giving away a $25 gift card and a cool necklace, but you have to check out each stop on the tour to get your Scavenger Hunt Quote.  Contest link and links for all the tour stops can be found below.

*****

BO RGB-500pxBreak Out

Nina Croft

Genre: Accessible Sci-Fi

Tour Run Dates: 12/30-1/17

Break Out, book one of the Blood Hunter Series, is now on sale for a limited time. Get your copy for only $.99.

Blurb:

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous—or so fun.

Irreverent. Irresponsible. Insatiable. Who says immortals can’t have any fun?

Get your copy here!

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11829006-break-out

Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Break-Out-Blood-Hunter-Novel-ebook/dp/B0059IXO56

Barnes & Noble Buy Link:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/break-out-nina-croft/1104075463?ean=9781620612279

Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTWHSXcHy7Q

*****

Excerpt:

 “Mr. Sanchez—Rico—”

“Sit.”

Had she really thought his voice sounded like warm honey? That one word cut through the air like ice. She didn’t even have to think about it. She sat right down. Her lips were suddenly dry, and she ran the tip of her tongue over them.

“Is there a problem?” She decided that the squeak in her voice was quite allowable within the parameters of her character.

He strolled into the room, one hand resting on the laser pistol at his thigh, and came to a halt in front of her chair, far too close. He was tall. And broad. And menacing. She licked her lips again.

“Just a small one.”

“Well, I’m sure we can sort it out.” When Rico didn’t rush to agree with her, she decided to give the bimbo smile another try. Her dry lips stretched across her teeth in what she hoped would bring an answering smile from Rico.

He grinned, but for some reason it didn’t make Skylar feel any better at all. “Oh, I’m sure we can.” His smile broadened and the tip of one white fang showed briefly.

Skylar’s heart stopped. Then started again, so loudly she could hear the blood thundering in her veins.

Holy Meridian. What the hell was this guy?

Her mind flashed back to the rumors she’d heard about him, rumors she had ignored as too ludicrous to even consider. Just legends dredged up from the past.

She forced herself to take a deep breath. He could be any number of things. One rather large tooth did not mean he was a….

He reached up and slipped the shades from his eyes. His gaze locked with hers, and ice-cold prickles skittered down her spine. “Er—I just have to pop back to my shuttle for a moment.” She stumbled to her feet. “I forgot to—”

She closed her mouth as he continued to stare at her out of those crimson eyes. Who, or rather what, had eyes the color of blood?

He reached out a hand, placed one finger on her shoulder, and pushed her down. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember her training. What to do if caught. What to do if facing torture. Unfortunately, nothing was coming to mind.

Taking a few deep breaths, she pushed her fear to the back of her mind. She knew they wanted the money. She just had to hope that they wanted the money more than Rico wanted—

Again, her mind refused to finish the sentence. After all, she didn’t actually know what he wanted.

He licked his lips, ran his tongue over one sharp white fang, and stepped toward her.

Okay. She didn’t know, but her mind was doing a good job of guessing. Or a bad job.

She shook her head, took another deep breath, and sat up straight. “So,” she said and was proud of how normal her voice came out, “this problem… Are you going to tell me what it is, or are you just going to stand over me and drool?”

Scavenger hunt quote:  “Is she dead?” Tannis asked. Rico frowned. “Of course she’s not dead. What do you take me for—some sort of monster?”

*****

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAuthor Bio:

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of nine-to-five work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Nina’s writing mixes romance with elements of paranormal and science fiction.

Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads Newsletter 

Goodreads Amazon Barnes and Noble

*****

Contest:

Nina is giving away a $25 Gift Card and this necklace. https://www.etsy.com/listing/162724085/glow-in-the-dark-space-locket-6-styles

 Contest Link:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZTU2MWEzNzQwNjU2YTNmNzMwOGE3ZjViYWI4OTFlOjI1/

*****

Tour Schedule:

12/30:  Romancing the Dark Side

12/29:  Book Bliss (R)

12/30:  Romantic Reads and Such

1/1:  Harlie’s Books

1/2:  Book Reviews and More

1/6:  Mark of the Stars

1/7:  Becky on Books

1/7:  Books to Get Lost In

1/8:  Diane’s Book Blog

1/9:  Lusty Penguin Reviews

1/10:  Kayla’s Place

1/13:  In Shadows

1/14:  You Gotta Read Reviews

1/15:  Laurie’s Thoughts

1/17:  A Little Bit of R & R

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Book Review – Conveniently His Princess

29 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Conveniently His Princess, Married by Royal Decree series, Olivia Gates

Book review time!

*****

cover32437-mediumOnly one thing stands between Aram Nazaryan and the high-powered position he craves: the proper wife. Although this billionaire would do anything to return to Zohayd, the desert kingdom he considers home, marrying Princess Kanza Aal Ajmaan is too high a price to pay. Or so he thinks—until he meets Kanza…and she turns his world upside down.

After claiming Kanza as his princess, everything falls into place. But then she learns the truth. She may have married for love, but his vows are tainted by ambition. Will doubt, betrayal and mistrust end this too-convenient union?

I think these romances with middle eastern heroes aren’t going to be for everyone – the men tend to have very specific ideas and are more dominant than some romances – but they are very popular with some.  Personally, I liked it, so if you are into this kind of thing this is definitely a good choice.  It is part of a series, so there are returning characters, but they play a small enough role that you can read this one as a stand alone novel.

And being a Harlequin Desire book, some of the prose tended to be a little more flowery than maybe some other romance novels – the hero and heroine make statements that some may find cheesy – but the plot was very interesting and I was quite satisfied with the resolution.  Some of the sex scenes were a little florid too, but hot at the same time.  Just prepare yourself for a more colorful writing style and you’ll be ok.  The story is definitely worth reading as long as you are OK with the tone.

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Sneak Peek – Summertime Dream

27 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

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Babette James, Summertime Dream

Today we’re taking a look at the new book by Babette James.

*****

summertimedream-300x400Blurb:

The Fourth of July is over, but for these summer lovers the fireworks have just begun.

An unexpected inheritance brings business consultant Christopher Gordon from Los Angeles to quaint Falk’s Bend. He’s carved a week from his demanding schedule to list his great-grandparents’ house for sale and explore his roots. However, disturbing family secrets and the sweet temptation of writer Margie Olsson derail his plans, challenging him to seize the elusive dream missing from his hectic life— love.

A recent brush with death shook Margie’s life, but not her dreams and she’s ready to move forward. Only, standing up to her loving, over-protective family isn’t easy. Helping Christopher explore the derelict mansion and unravel his grandmother’s mysterious past should be a harmless fun taste of independence. But when her experimental summer fling ignites into unexpected love, how can her small town dreams work with his big city life?

 *****

Authors Bio:

Babette James writes sweetly scorching contemporary romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. Babette is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers, where she has served on the Board. She is also a Pro member of Romance Writers of America, and the Celtic Hearts, and Contemporary Romance Chapters of RWA, and Liberty States Fiction Writers. As a teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test! Born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California, she’s had a life-long love of the desert and going down the shore. Babette now lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and extremely spoiled cats.

Author of Sweetly Scorching Contemporary Romance

Website/ Twitter/ Facebook Fan Page/ Facebook/Amazon Author Page

Google Plus/ Goodreads/ Pinterest

*****

Excerpt:

Beautiful, isn’t it? I fell so in love with this place when I was little and dreamed I’d live in a house like this someday.” Margie laughed. “Of course, in my dreams it was  bit less rundown.”

“I’d imagine so. Interested in buying?”

“Oh, if only I could, I would in an instant. I’m sure the property alone is worth far more than I can afford.  It’s a huge piece of land. And the repairs and restoration…” Longing swelled. She sighed. Someone else would buy and live in her dream home.

Quiet fell between them for a while. Bees buzzed in the clover. Birds sang, chirped, and flitted. A hummingbird whizzed past. Two more ducks joined the first amid quiet bickering quacks. Dandelion fluff drifted by on an unfelt breeze.

A truck rattled down the lane, breaking the moment.

“Suppose we ought to head back…” Christopher turned, so close their arms brushed, but instead of retreating, he hesitated. Their eyes locked. Where dismay and frustration had filled his green eyes, want simmered. The heavy air electrified.

You need a change.

On a surge of bewildering crazy courage, she stretched up and kissed him. The brief brush of lips to lips left her shaken and her heart pounding, like she had  just come up for air.

His eyes widened in his serious, craggy face.

No, oh, no. Blowing out an unsteady breath, she pressed a hand to her stomach. She’d carried her day’s adventure one impetuous step too far. Her heroines were the daring part of her. She’d never even kissed on a first date before, and this wasn’t even a date.

Before the apology fluttering in her mind could break free, he cupped her cheek and touched his mouth down on hers.

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Book Review – Fighting Love

26 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Abby Niles, Book Review, Fighting Love, Love to the Extreme series

We’ve seen a sneak peek of this one before here, but check out what I thought of it with my new review.

*****

cover40270-medium

Talk about kicking a fighter while he’s down.

Former Middleweight champion and confirmed bachelor Tommy “Lightning” Sparks has lost it all: his belt, his career, and now his home. After the devastating fire, he moves in with his drama-free best friend, Julie. One encounter changes everything and Julie is no longer the girl he’s spent his life protecting but a desirable woman he wants to take to his bed. Knowing his reputation, he’s determined to protect Julie more than ever—from himself.

Veterinarian Julie Rogers has been in love with Tommy since she was ten, but would love to get over the man. She’s quiet nights at home and a glass of wine. He’s clubbing all night and shots of tequila. As friends they work great. As a couple? No way in hell. She just can’t get her heart to agree. When she starts spending time with another fighter, the man who’s always treated her like a sister is suddenly not being very brotherly and enflames her body like never before.

Can two childhood friends make a relationship work, or will they lose everything because they stopped FIGHTING LOVE.

I loved LOVED loved Niles’s Extreme Love and I was very excited to hear that another “Love to the Extreme” novel was coming out … and Fighting Love didn’t disappoint.  I laughed through a good portion of it and the ending brought tears to my eyes – and being able to elicit that much of a reaction definitely makes it a winner in my book.

If you’ve read Extreme Love, you’ll remember Tommy and his best friend, Julie.  Her feelings for him were pointed out, as well as the fact that he was very clueless.  But life’s thrown him a few curves and it’s going to throw him one more when suddenly the two are facing mutual feelings of a non-sibling variety.  All of the delicious trouble that could come out of this kind of situation is there in Niles’s latest, and she delivers them with a beautifully deft hand.

In Extreme Love Niles gave readers a very Alpha male hero – one that I knew not everyone was going to like – but both Caitlyn and Dante appealed to me and she made them almost leap off the page.  With Fighting Love she once again delivers.  Her characters are absolutely engrossing – they come alive in amazing Technicolor glory, full of life and confusion, complication and hope.  From the first page I felt every up and down as Tommy and Julie felt them.  And, though very much a fighter (both in the cage and in life), Tommy isn’t quite the overt Alpha that Dante was, so I think that this one will appeal to a larger audience.  (And the nice thing is you definitely don’t have to have read Extreme Love to be able to enjoy it.)  But Niles didn’t skimp on the hot-factor, so prepare yourself for another scorcher.

And I’m all over the fact that she’s hinting at two upcoming heroes (Mac and Brody) so I’ll be anxiously waiting for their stories to make an appearance.  Niles has definitely made a lifelong fan of me – her characters are just so compelling, her stories are fast-paced and well-developed, and her writing style is very addictive.  I get giddy just knowing that she’s got something new coming out.

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Book Review – Candlelight Christmas

24 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Candlelight Christmas, Susan Wiggs, The Lakeshore Chronicles

For Christmas Eve, I want to share a wonderful holiday read.  Check out my latest review.

*****

cover33731-medium

A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O’Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O’Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.

One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake—Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she’s the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.

Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.

When I first discovered Susan Wiggs, I went through her “The Lakeshore Chronicles” series like it was candy.  I just couldn’t put them down and went straight from one to another until I ran out of released books.  That was shortly before Marrying Daisy Bellamy came out, which is the story of Logan’s ex … and I just couldn’t do it anymore.  I started the book and I think that it just broke my heart.  I felt so badly for Logan, who wanted to make a family so much, and I just couldn’t see it to the end – not that there is anything wrong with the book, both Julius and Daisy are fantastic.  I just loved Logan so much, all of the difficulties he’d faced and how he wanted to make things work out, that it was hard for me to get through … which is a wordy way of telling you why I was BEYOND THRILLED to see this book come out.

Logan started out as such a messed up kid, a lot of pressure from his dad and a substance abuse problem led him to be a wild child … then he knocked up Daisy Bellamy.  Once he decided to turn his life around, he did it whole-heartedly and he has definitely grown into a fantastic man and a wonderful father.  I love seeing him with Charlie.  They have a relaxed and hilarious relationship but Logan still knows how to be the grown-up.  In Logan, Wiggs has given her readers a man who they can identify with – one who is flawed but strives to do the best he can.  He’ll find a way into your heart and make himself at home.

Darcy is new but she’s just as much fun.  Her love of life got a little crumpled after her divorce but she’s starting to get it back … and spending time with Logan and his family helps even more.  I love these two together – they are fun, funny and I fell in love right along with them.

But the best part of any Wiggs book is that it isn’t just a romance.  It is as much about the people around them, their friends and families, as it is about the couple.  They aren’t perfect but they are definitely appealing and I had a great time getting to know new people and catching up with old friends.  If you’ve never read one of “The Lakeshore Chronicles” books, you can definitely start right here (and those that have already picked up the book so they know what I’m saying).  You’ll meet some of the characters from the previous stories (more than just Logan’s family) but you don’t have to know their history.  At most, you’ll be tempted to start at the beginning and work your way through them all.  I know I’m adding those two books I missed to my To Be Read file, because now that Logan finds his happy ending, I think I’ll be able to make it to the end.

Candlelight Christmas is the perfect choice for a holiday read, or any time of year.  It’s an addictive, feel-good, happy-ending, give-you-the-warm-and-fuzzys story that should not be missed.

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Book Review – Color Me Bad

23 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Color Me Bad, Sharon Sala

I’m going to share with everyone a short novella that you’ll want to pick up in preparation for Sharon Sala’s upcoming book, Curl Up & Dye.  It promises to be quirky, fun and sweet. But first let’s look at Color Me Bad.

cover34555-mediumAn original short story by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala links to her full-length contemporary women’s fiction novel, The Curl Up and Dye.

The novella centers around the four women who run the Curl Up and Dye hair salon and their relationships with the quirky customers of small-town Blessings, Georgia. Their meddlesome efforts at match-making run awry, but there’s always another makeover just around the corner.

This is a fun introduction to the world Sala has created in Blessings, Georgia – it is entertaining and definitely whets the appetite for Curl Up and Dye, coming out in February. It’s got all of the spunk and spice you’d expect from small-town Southern women, with their smiles and Bless You’s covering heartbreak and troubles.  Their humorous antics made me laugh, while I hurt for them at the same time.

Come join me in getting to know the fabulous citizens of Blessings and don’t be surprised if you find yourself anxious to visit again.

 

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Book Review – Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

23 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Christmas in Snowflake Canyon, Hope’s Crossing, Raeanne Thayne

Check out my review for a great holiday read.

*****

cover34491-medium

Holiday gifts don’t always come in expected packages…especially in the town of Hope’s Crossing.

No one has ever felt sorry for Genevieve Beaumont. After all, she has everything money can buy. That is, until she discovers her fiancé has been two-timing her and she’s left with two choices: marry the philanderer to please her controlling father or be disinherited and find a means to support herself.

Genevieve’s salvation appears in the most unlikely of prospects: Dylan Caine, a sexy, wounded war vet whose life is as messy as hers. Dylan’s struggling to adjust after his time in Afghanistan, and the last thing he needs is a spoiled socialite learning about the real world for the first time. True, she may have unexpected depths and beauty to match. But he knows he could never be the man she needs…and she knows he could never be the man she thinks she wants. So why are they each hoping that a Christmas miracle willl prove them both wrong?

Like Sophia in Brenda Novak’s Take Me Home for Christmas, Genevieve has a horrible reputation around her small town community – some of it deserved and some of it not.  It is hard but also encouraging to see her stumble around, trying to right some wrongs but to also find out for herself the person she is and the one she could be.  She’s got a lot of spunk and courage.

Dylan on the other hand is doing a little running, from the truth and life and other people.  But, inexplicably drawn to Gen, he’s quickly given a swift kick … and while he might fight it every step, it’s the kick he needs to evaluate his life and where he’s going.  He’s a good man, also courageous and full of fight, but he needs to remember that too.

I absolutely love these two and their journey.  And considering how much I enjoyed Charlotte and Spencer in Willowleaf Lane, it just proves that Thayne has an amazing talent for giving her readers believable, sympathetic, engaging characters.  I couldn’t put the book down and anxiously turned pages as I waited for Dylan and Gen find their way to their own happy ever after.

This is only my second Raeanne Thayne book, but it definitely won’t be my last.  (And if you haven’t read any of her books you can easily start here.  Like a lot of series, Thayne does a great job of filling in all the pertinent details about what has happened before.)  Christmas in Snowflake Canyon is amazingly sweet and touching and heartwarming and all of those other fuzzy feelings that you want from a great holiday romance.  With an endearing cast of characters and a heartfelt story, it’s guaranteed to please anyone looking for a feel good read.

 

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Blog Tour – Tangling with the CEO

20 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Annie Seaton, Half Moon Bay series, Tangling with the CEO

Today we get to enjoy some time with the lovely Annie Seaton as she talks about the importance of secondary characters and then we get to peek at her new book, Tangling with the CEO.  Enjoy!

*****

In all of my books, and across all of the genres that I write, I love using secondary characters to create and balance the tension and conflict that surrounds the main characters. In Tangling with the CEO, Blake’s family, particularly his nephews and nieces provide light-hearted moments of fun and laughter, which helps to relieve the instant tension that is between Blake and Ana when they first meet up again.

The fictional town of Nebbiton also has a warm chaotic environment. The elderly folk, including Thelma and Mitzi who became surrogate aunts to Ana after her mother passed, and many other local characters, provide lots of support for her throughout her romance with Blake.

Secondary characters can often paint truer portraits of the main characters than the characters themselves and I used Sienna and Georgie to give more insight into Ana’s character. Sometimes Ana can lose her confidence and her friends are there to bolster her up. (Both of them get their own stories in Books 2 and 3 of this series too!)

The cohesion of the small town, and their love and concern, for Ana and Blake is particularly evident in the final chapters of the story.

I would love to give away a copy of the first book in my Affairs series, Holiday Affair to a reader who tells me who is their favourite character ever and why?

I love hearing from readers!

http://annieseatonromance.com

http://www.facebook.com/annieseaton26

@annieseaton 26

*****

9781622660902_500Tangling with the CEO by Annie Seaton

Publisher: Entangled Bliss

Date of Publication: December 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-62266-0-902

Blurb:

Mixing business with pleasure never felt so right.

Blake Buchanan and Anastasia Delaney were roommates in college and could never see eye to eye about anything. The only time their walls came down was during one night of passion before Ana left without a word, never expecting to cross paths with Blake again.

Years later, Blake has made his millions. He comes back to Ana’s small California town to manage a corporate takeover that will close down the home restoration business she’s poured her heart and soul into. The fiery Ana is determined to convince money-minded Blake of her business’s worth, but when a family emergency throws them together, their walls come tumbling down once again…

Problem is, Blake’s business-first position hasn’t changed. And Ana can’t fall for the man who could become her boss—it’s not only her job at stake, but her heart.

Find Tangling with the CEO Online:

Amazon | B&N | iBookstore | KoboBooks | Goodreads

*****

About the Author:

Annie Seaton lives on the edge of the South Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Australia and she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing, and has been delighted to discover that readers love reading her stories as much as she loves writing them.

Annie lives with her own hero of many years. Their two children are now grown up and married, and two beautiful grandchildren have arrived. Now they share their home with “Bob” the dog and two white cats.

Her debut full length novel, Holiday Affair, a contemporary romance set in the South Pacific was released as part of Entangled Publishing’s Indulgence line in March 2012 and was an Amazon, and Barnes and Noble bestseller. Since then Italian Affair, Outback Affair, Dangerous Desire and Tangling with the CEO have been published by Entangled in 2013. Annie has more books lined up for 2014.

When she is not writing she can be found in her garden or walking on the beach… or most likely on her deck overlooking the ocean, a chilled glass of wine in hand as the sun sets.

Find Annie Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

*****

Also on sale December 9, 2013!

Annie Seaton’s Affair Bundle also is on sale December 9 and includes all three Affair titles, Holiday Affair, Italian Affair and Outback Affair for just $5.69.

 *****

Giveaway:

Blog Tour Wide Giveaway Rafflecopter Code: $20 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554231/

*****

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I have received ARCs of books free from BookTrib.com to review but the majority of the stories are either bought by me or provided for free from the publisher. The opinions I share are my own and in no way are influenced by an author or publisher. There is no promise of a positive review by any party and there is no additional compensation. Unless otherwise noted, I am not affliated with any contest or other event mentioned on this blog and I do not receive a paid endorsement for any posts.

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