Book Review – Take Me Home for Christmas

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Book Review, Brenda Novak, Take Me Home for Christmas, Whiskey Creek

Time for a holiday book review!

*****

I have not been shy about sharing my love for Brenda Novak’s“Whiskey Creek” novels – When Lightning Strikes , When Snow Falls , When Summer Comes – and Take Me Home for Christmas doesn’t disappoint.  We’ve gotten to know Ted and Sophia through the rest of the series (although if you haven’t read any of the others, don’t worry) and now we finally get their story.

Christmas is a time for remembering…

Too bad not all memories are pleasant! Everyone in Whiskey Creek remembers Sophia DeBussi as the town’s Mean Girl. Especially Ted Dixon, whose love she once scorned.

But Sophia has paid the price for her youthful transgressions. The man she did marry was rich and powerful but abusive. So when he goes missing, she secretly hopes he’ll never come back—until she learns that he died running from an FBI probe of his investment firm. Not only has he left Sophia penniless, he’s left her to face all the townspeople he cheated.…

Sophia is reduced to looking for any kind of work to pay the bills and support her daughter. With no other options, she becomes housekeeper for none other than Ted, now a successful suspense writer. He can’t bring himself to turn his back on her, not at Christmas, but he refuses to get emotionally involved. He learned his lesson the last time.

Or will the season of love and forgiveness give them both another chance at happiness?

I will say up front that my only complaint is that we don’t get a better explanation of their past. We were given the bits and pieces but I would have liked to have had a full on discussion about exactly what happened and why. We got the idea, so while I wanted Sophia to own up to her reasons, we got enough and really the details don’t impact their current relationship.

Ted was great and I was drawn in by his confusion, hurt and uncertainty, but it was Sophia that I felt for most.  I ached for Sophia as she tries to figure out what she’s going to do now that her life has imploded so dramatically.  She’s had a very awful life but she managed to grow into an amazing woman and I cheered for her every step of the way.

We’re also given a look at their friend Eve’s story as she looks for her own love.  I know that Novak will give her a HEA, but it looks like there might be some heartbreak before she gets there.  I felt for her so during Take Me Home for Christmas but based on the tidbits that we were given, I think that her path might get more rocky before she’s done.

As always, Novak gives readers engaging characters, full of heart and humor and sadness, but always so real they could live next door.  Take Me Home for Christmas is a fantastically sweet read, perfect for the holiday season, reminding us about love, forgiveness, and second-chances.

**And for those new readers – Novak does a fantastic job of giving the highlights of what has come before, especially as they impact this story, so if this is your first book you’ll be fine.**

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Spotlight – Lynn Raye Harris

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Hostile Operations Team novel, Hot Mess, Hot Package, Hot Pursuit, Hot Sexy & Bad, Lynn Raye Harris

Some of you may be familiar with Lynn Raye Harris’s work – I recently did a review of Hot Pursuit (which you can find here) and I’m super excited to read the second story, Hot Mess.  For those of you who haven’t read any of Lynn’s books, I definitely recommend going out and picking one up today.  She brings to life strong men and the equally strong women who bring them to their knees.

And I’m also super excited because this morning I get to play host as Lynn discusses her love of books and gives us a sneak peek at the first three stories in her “Hostile Operations Team” series … and they are just as HOT as they sound and look.

*****

Hey, y’all!  Merry Christmas!  I’m so happy to be here with you today.  It’s hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner, isn’t it?  I think I’m ready.  I have a couple more gifts to buy, and today I hit a 50% off Christmas decorations sale, so I think I’ll be shoving some more poinsettias on the mantel before the week is through. 😉

My husband always wants to know what I want, and I try my best to think of things besides the usual.  But I love the usual.  Do you know what the usual is?  I bet you do, because if you’re here, you like the same things I like: BOOKS!

I like paper books: hardbacks, trade, mass-market.  And e-books.  Doesn’t matter, just get me some books!  Or gift cards.  Those work quite well too, right?  I could spend hours in Barnes & Noble.  I love browsing the shelves, and I love sitting in the café with a latte.

And I love browsing the virtual shelves of Amazon.com, iTunes, and Kobo too.  I love bargain books, but I also impulse buy books that look good just from the sample.  Do you do that too?  I hope it’s not just me.

I hope you get everything you want for Christmas.  If you’re like me, you’ll try to steal away from the hustle and bustle and curl up somewhere with a book.  And that’s a perfect day if you ask me. 🙂  Merry Christmas, y’all.  Hope yours is fabulous and fun and peaceful.

*****

Hot Pursuit

Hostile Operations Team, Book 1

The last man she ever wanted to see…

Evie Baker’s luck just ran out. Thanks to an ex-partner with organized crime ties, she’s lost her restaurant, her money, and nearly all her self-respect. Forced to return to her hometown and work as a shampoo girl in her mother’s salon, she doesn’t think her luck can get any worse.

But then someone starts shooting at her, her sullen baby sister is suddenly missing, and the high school heartthrob who stole her heart—and her virginity—is the only man big enough and bad enough to help.

Might be the only one who can save her…

Captain Matt “Richie Rich” Girard can’t afford to get involved. He’s already on the verge of a court-martial after a Top Secret op gone wrong, and he’s been ordered to stay out of trouble while he’s home for his sister’s wedding.

But when Evie’s ex-partner turns up dead, staying out of trouble is the last thing on Matt’s mind. He failed Evie once before; he can’t fail her again. If he’s going to protect her from a killer, and find her sister before time runs out, he’ll have to risk his entire future—and both their lives—to do it.

Excerpt:

“I think you lost your drink.”

Evie knew that voice. It slid over her like hot silk and she spun to find Matt Girard standing behind her, holding the bottle she’d just ditched. Why did her heart skip the second he showed up? And why did he have to look so delicious?

“I didn’t lose it.”

He stood there in faded jeans and a dark T-shirt that molded to his hard pecs and biceps. But it wasn’t his clothing that got her attention so much as his eyes. There was something in them, something she didn’t remember seeing when he’d been seventeen. He’d been part of this crowd long ago, much more than she had, but he no longer looked like he belonged—in spite of the longing looks some of the women cast in his direction.

His gaze dropped over her before rising again, slowly, and her body reacted as if he’d brushed his fingers over her. There was something hot and sharp and thrilling in that gaze—and she was way more susceptible to it than she wanted to be.

Once, she would have given anything for him to look at her like that. Now, she wasn’t certain she’d survive the experience.

“Great dress.” His voice was silky.

Evie swallowed. She was tingling and that wasn’t a good thing. The last time she’d tingled over this man, it had not turned out so well. “Thanks. I think.”

He grinned.  “It’s definitely a compliment.”

Evie crossed her arms and tried to look cool.  “Thought you weren’t coming tonight.”

“Now what made you think a thing like that?”

Her blood slogged like molasses in her veins. “I believe you said ‘probably not’ in response to Julie’s query.”

His teeth flashed. “Yeah, but that’s before I knew you’d be here.”

“What do you want, Matt?” Her heart thrummed like she was sixteen again.

His gaze dropped once more.  “Maybe I might like to see what’s under that dress.” His voice sounded low and sexy. It pooled in her belly, sent hot waves of need spiraling outward.

“Forget it,” she said with a conviction she didn’t quite feel. “As I recall, the last time didn’t turn out so well for me.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

“You said that earlier.”

“I did.”

She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “So why’d you come then? I heard you the first time.”

He sighed. “Evie, Jesus.”  He raked a hand through his hair, and her blood hummed at the ripple and flex of muscle. “I just got back from the desert. Life out there is…unpredictable. It makes a man think. And I’ve decided that I don’t like feeling like a shithead for something that happened ten years ago. I want to clear the slate.”

Evie let out a breath. She’d been so hurt, and then she’d been angry.  But it was a long time ago and she couldn’t hold a grudge forever. Even now, she recognized that most of her feelings about the incident were still tied up with having her love so cruelly flung back in her face. The other stuff, while definitely unpleasant at the time, hardly mattered anymore.

“We were kids, Matt.”

“I hurt you.”

She didn’t flinch from his gaze.  “You did. But I’m not sixteen anymore. And like I said today, it was my fault too. I asked you to do it. And I told a couple of my friends about it, so it wasn’t just you telling the boys.” She shrugged with a lightness she didn’t quite feel. “What happened was probably inevitable. The guys thought I was easy. The girls who were jealous said I was a slut. They made my senior year difficult in some ways.  But what hurt the most was never hearing from you again.”

There, she’d said it. She’d told him what really hurt, and she’d given him a window into her feelings back then. He’d have had to be an idiot not to know, but it was always possible he hadn’t.

“I should have called you.”

The music changed, the beat slowing. Evie took a step backward instinctively, but Matt caught her hand and held it tight. She tugged once, and then stopped. They faced each other across a few feet of space. Around them, couples began to slide together, fitting into each other like pieces of a jigsaw.

Evie’s pulse beat harder.  Her skin sizzled where they touched, his big hand engulfing hers, his palm calloused in a way that shocked her. He was a Girard, rich, entitled—and he had a workman’s hands.

“One dance.”

Her insides melted a little more. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

But what she really wanted to do was say yes.

His eyes were bright.  “Why not?  We’re adults now, Evie.  No one’s getting hurt here.”

He said it like it was so easy, but was it really?  Wasn’t she still vulnerable on some level?  She was down on her luck right now, feeling like a loser, and here he was, the same gorgeous, cocky, beautiful creature he’d always been. Except, no, he was more than that, wasn’t he?  There was something behind his smile now. Something dark and sad. Pain flared in his grey eyes and then was gone so quickly she wondered if she’d imagined it.

It shocked her. She suddenly wanted to know what had happened to him. She’d heard about him being held captive by terrorists. How could he not be affected by something like that? Of all the things she’d expected Matt Girard to do with his life, putting himself into danger had not been it. He had everything. Why would he want to risk his life that way?

She remembered when his mother had died.  He’d been twelve.  Mama had taken her to the wake out at Reynier’s Retreat.  There were so many people crowding the beautiful rooms of the mansion. The house was heavy with sadness and thick with grief and it had scared her.  She’d escaped to run down the wide lawn.  She’d known where to find Matt.  He’d been curled inside the hollow of a tree they’d found a few years before.

He’d been dressed in a black suit, his dark hair slicked back carefully, his grey eyes wide and wounded as he looked up at her.  Her heart had lifted into her throat then.  She’d only been eleven, but she’d felt something in that moment that rocked her world—and would continue to rock her world until she was sixteen and shattered by his casual cruelty.

But not that day.  That day, she’d slid into the hollow and sat down beside him.  When she’d put her arms around him, he’d turned his face into the crook of her neck and wept.

Evie sucked in a breath.  How could she walk away from him now, knowing there was something behind those eyes?  Something that hurt him?

“One dance, Evangeline,” he said softly when she hesitated. “Make a soldier’s night. I just got back from the desert a few days ago. I’d like to dance with a pretty woman and forget about that hellhole for a while.”

Evie swallowed. “That’s not fair.”

He grinned.  “Because you can’t say no now?”

She nodded.

“Good for me then.”

“Just one dance and we go our separate ways, got it?” Because she didn’t want to feel this tangle of emotions again. This tiny blossoming in her heart that said she was going to be in so much trouble if she didn’t shut it down quick.

“If that’s what you want.” His voice was rough.

He took her other hand then, ran his palms up her arms to her shoulders. Little sparks of sensation swirled in her belly, lighting her up like the fourth of July. He pulled her into his arms right there on the edge of the floor.

Evie braced her hands against his chest, pressed back when he tried to bring her closer. It was already overwhelming to be so close to him. To feel his heat and hardness next to her body.

To feel everything she’d once wanted so much…

*****

Hot Mess

Hostile Operations Team, Book 1.5

English professor Dr. Georgeanne Hayes has a problem. Her star pupil, an Army sergeant who works in a Top Secret government program, is missing—and someone tried to push her in front of a train last night.

Sam “Knight Rider” McKnight is used to looking out for Georgie.  When they were kids, she was just his best friend’s baby sister. But Georgie’s not a baby anymore and Sam is getting some very male—and very dirty—thoughts about the girl he knows he can never have.

When someone threatens Georgie’s life again, Sam will do anything necessary to keep her safe. Even if it means spending the next few days locked up in a remote house on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her.

Sam might be used to denying himself what he wants, but he’s about to find out that being cooped up with Georgie will push him to the limit. And maybe beyond.

A Hostile Operations Team novella, complete at 33,000 words.  Spicy!

Excerpt:

The car ride was silent.  Or would have been if not for the incessant meowing of Georgie’s cat.

“You know something, Sam?” Georgie said, and he started at the sound of her voice breaking into his thoughts when the cat had almost become white noise to him.

He shot her a glance.  “What?”

“Maybe I don’t want you to be good. Maybe I want you to be as bad as you can be.”

Sam gripped the wheel of his truck and stared straight ahead.  Jesus.  “Don’t say shit like that to me, Georgie.  You know I’m not going there.”

She snorted.  “Boy, do I.”

“Georgie—”

“No, don’t you Georgie me.  When you stopped that night…”  He could feel her looking at him, her eyes boring an angry hole into him.  He told himself she was reacting to everything that had happened to her today and taking it out on him.  This wasn’t really about something that had happened twelve years ago.  It was just a convenient catalyst.

“When you stopped that night, I thought there was something wrong with me.  I thought I wasn’t sexy enough or special enough for you.  And that hurt.”

“Of course you were,” he bit out.  “But you’re Rick’s little sister and I was the wrong guy for a lot of reasons.  I stopped because you were special.”

“You were the one I wanted.”

He swallowed hard. “I couldn’t do it, Georgie. I couldn’t do it and look Rick in the eye ever again. Or your parents.”

She didn’t say anything for a long moment. “You know who was my first?”

“Goddamn it, I don’t want to know.”  His voice snapped in the interior of the car. Even the cat went silent. Sam closed his eyes.  He did not lose his temper. Not ever. But she made him forget all the vows he’d ever sworn to himself.

Georgie folded her arms over her chest. “Fine. But you know what you need to remember right now? Here it is, so put it front and center in that brain of yours and keep it there. I’m not your sister, and I’m not a kid anymore.”

Sam sat there in stony silence, uncertain what in the hell he could possibly say. No, she wasn’t his sister. But it was safer for him if he thought of her that way. He wanted to keep her in a safe place in his head, but in the space of a conversation she’d gone and thrown her grappling hook over the walls he’d erected and torn them right down.

She thought he had trouble remembering she wasn’t his little sister.  No, what he had trouble remembering was that he was no good for her.  Because damn if he didn’t want her.  He wanted her every possible way he could have her.

*****

Hot, Sexy & Bad

Hostile Operations Team, Book 1.6

This Holiday Season grab the gift everyone wants. Eight BRAND NEW novellas by Eight Best Selling Authors that will light your fire and warm your heart. But be warned, unwrap this collection with caution!

HOT, SEXY & BAD: A Holiday Collection features original novellas written by New York Times, USA Today and Bestselling Authors!

including Lynn’s novella HOT PACKAGE (coming March 1, 2014 as stand-alone novella)

When public relations expert Olivia Reese stumbles onto evidence of a conspiracy right before Christmas, there’s only one man she can call for help. Billy “The Kid” Blake is a Hostile Operations Team soldier—and Olivia’s former lover.

Billy never forgot the woman who walked out on him, and he’ll do anything he can to keep her safe. But as time runs out and the snow piles up, can Billy and Olivia work together without getting involved again?

Excerpt:

Olivia halted in the door to the kitchen. Billy was sitting at the table with three computers open and that distant look in his eyes that he got whenever he was engrossed in some cyber puzzle. She cleared her throat and he looked up in surprise. And then his eyes narrowed as they dropped over her form.

She was wearing one of his T-shirts, his socks, and no bra. Or panties. Geez. She’d taken them off and washed them in the sink before hanging them near the heating vent to dry. Olivia crossed her arms over her chest and walked over to the fridge. The T-shirt covered her ass, but if she bent over or reached for something, it definitely wouldn’t. Why hadn’t she rummaged around for a pair of his sweat pants at least?

Because she hadn’t expected him to be here. Then why did you get his attention instead of turning around and going back to his room?

“Sorry to interrupt,” she said brightly. “I couldn’t sleep and thought I’d get a snack.”

He leaned back in the chair and stretched. His pectoral muscles bunched and flexed beneath his T-shirt and her mouth nearly went dry.

“You’re not interrupting. I couldn’t sleep either. Thought I’d go through some things.”

She opened the fridge and found a package of mozzarella sticks. She grabbed two and turned around to lean against the counter and peel the plastic off the first one.

“Anything to do with Titan Technology?”

He looked at the computer again. “Yeah. Can’t find a damn thing that indicates Alan Cooper left the CONUS for a trip to St. Thomas. Or anywhere else for that matter.”

Her heart thumped. “Maybe he’s hiding out somewhere.” She hoped so anyway. She didn’t know Alan well, but she liked him. He’d always been nice enough. Quiet, studious, a bit nerdy. A typical engineer.

“Could be. He’s not using his credit cards, if so.” Billy tapped something on the keyboard. “His last known location was a gas station in Alexandria two days ago. He filled up and bought a bag of chips and a bottle of water.”

Olivia shook her head slowly. “I don’t know how you do it, but I’m sure glad you’re on the good guys’ side. Think of all the mayhem you could do if you were willing to be bad.”

He looked up, his eyes sparking with something that set up a thrumming deep inside her belly.

“I’m willing to be bad,” he said, his voice low and dark with promise. “As bad as you want me to be.”

*****

Author Info:

USA Today bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris burst onto the scene when she won a writing contest held by Harlequin. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband and two crazy cats. Lynn writes about hot military heroes, sizzling international billionaires, and the women who dare to tame them. Her books have been called “exceptional and emotional,” “intense,” and “sizzling.”

Ten Random Things About Lynn You Might Find Cool:

1. I’m a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This makes my husband a HODAR (Husband of DAR), which I find hilarious.

2. I used to ride show jumpers when I was a teenager. Other teens were going out with their friends while I was riding horses every evening after school.

3. I’ll try any kind of food once, unless it’s really weird (like scorpion-on-a-stick). I have eclectic tastes and I believe life is an adventure! Why not try the food, right?

4. I got married in Germany and I have two anniversaries. The first is the civil ceremony, performed by the Burger Meister, and the second is the church wedding, which was the next day.

5. I used to live in Hawaii. This was every bit as cool as it sounds.

6. Though I lived in Hawaii, I am not a water sport kind of person. I do not surf. I do not snorkel. I do not like sticking my toes in an ocean in which sharks also swim. I did it on occasion, but it’s not my favorite thing to do. I’d rather look at the water from the beach.

7. Flying used to terrify me, and now I like it. Except for the long lines and security and all that stuff, of course.

8. I’m an introvert, which is pretty typical for a writer. I love going to events and meeting readers, but I’m kinda scared too. What if you don’t like me?

9. I don’t eat dessert very often. I’m just not a sweets kind of person. I’d rather have the savory than the sweet. Chocolate is good, and I like it, but I don’t have to have it.

10. I will read just about everything. Except horror. It scares me.

*****

Make sure you check out Lynn’s website – http://www.lynnrayeharris.com/.  You’ll find a lot of fascinating stuff, including a free short story (Maddie’s Marine) and behind the scenes info about her books.

*****

Blog Tour – Last Chance Proposal

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Barbara DeLeo, Last Chance Proposal

This morning we welcome Barbara DeLeo’s heroine, Ellie Jacobs, from Last Chance Proposal as she faces a … tense situation.

*****

Immigration Service: State your full name, age, occupation and residence, please.

Ellie: My name Ellison Jacobs, I’m a 26 year old architect from New Zealand.  I’m staying in the beach town of Rata Cove, New Zealand over Christmas and then I have projects all over the world.

Immigration Service: So, Miss Jacobs we’re conducting this interview today because there has been some question about the legitimacy of the relationship between you and surf store owner and U.S. resident, Cy Hathaway.

Ellie (clearing her throat): I don’t understand what you mean. Cy and I have been friends for years. Anyone will tell you that our relationship is real.

Immigration Service: Friendship’s one thing, Ms Jacobs, we want to ensure that you’re not just marrying him to gain entry into the United States and so he will have a better custody case for his son, Jonty,

Is it true that Mr Hathaway left you a number of years ago and you hadn’t seen him again since last week.

Ellie : Yes, but…

Immigration Service: And is it true what some of the townsfolk have told us—that he broke your heart back then and that you were surprised when he turned up at Rata Cove for Christmas?

Ellie: We were teenagers back then, and my heart was broken by something even bigger than my relationship with Cy.

Sometimes you never forget people. Sometimes they become a part of you so deeply that you can’t turn your back on them when they need you most.

Immigration Service: Yes, Ms Jacobs, that’s exactly what we’re afraid of.

*****

Blurb:

A wife he needs. The woman he desires.

Cy Hathaway needs a wife, fast, to win custody of his son, Jonty. He returns home to discover the childhood sweetheart he left behind has become a vibrant, beautiful woman. Even though wanting to sweep her off her feet wasn’t part of the plan…

For Ellie, Cy’s sudden reappearance awakens a flood of memories—and resentments for the way he’d abandoned her all those years ago. But she has a life now, a career. She can’t simply drop everything and get hitched, even if the sight of him still makes her heart race.

But after Ellie meets his little boy, she can’t refuse. Certain she has a grip on her old feelings for Cy, she agrees to marry her first love until he gains custody. But when did helping out a friend become something with the capacity to hijack her heart?

Find Last Chance Proposal Online:

Amazon | B&N | iBookstore | KoboBooks | Goodreads

 *****

Author Info:

Barbara DeLeo’s first book, co-written with her best friend, was a story about beauty queens in space. She was eleven, and the sole, handwritten copy was lost years ago, much to everyone’s relief. It’s some small miracle that she kept the faith and is now living her dream of writing sparkling contemporary romance with unforgettable characters.

After completing degrees in Psychology and English then travelling the world, Barbara married her winemaker hero and had two sets of twins.

She still loves telling stories about finding love in all the wrong places, with not a beauty queen or spaceship in sight.

Find Barbara and her books here:

http://www.barbaradeleo.com

https://twitter.com/BarbDeLeo

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDeleoAuthor?ref=hl

*****

And be sure to enter Barbara’s contest here!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554232/

*****

Book Blitz – Untangle Me

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S.J. Maylee, Untangle Me

Today we get a sneak peek at Untangle Me by S. J. Maylee.

*****

Untangle Me 

by S.J. Maylee

Genre: Erotic Romance with D/s

Length: Novelette

Published: December 5, 2013

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

BLURB:

Ivy’s revenge on the people behind her family’s downward spiral is simple and it’s working. There’s no need to long for help from the wealthy business owners who turned their backs on her father. Ivy may be worn out, but she’s finding herself again after joining the local BDSM club.

Seth has it all. He has homes around the world and the little red speedster he dreamed of as a little boy, but none of the things he can buy satisfy him, not the socialites hanging on his arm or the submissives falling at his feet. Then, he hires Ivy to plan his next event.

Seth and Ivy enjoy each other’s company in and out of the planning stages for Seth’s charity event. Their playful bets lead them to a first date. When their secret kinks are revealed, the pair fall deep, but it’s not meant to last. Past hurts come back to haunt Ivy. Now, it’s time for Seth to use all he’s learned, regardless if he can win back the girl.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18710704-untangle-me

*****

EXCERPT:

Where was Seth?

Once in the center of the dance floor she turned in a circle, looking every direction.

There.

From the center seat at the bar, Seth’s direct stare held her captive. A new song excited the crowd and cheers surrounded them, but neither of them paid it any attention.

His jacket and tie were gone, giving her a closer look at his all-male body. The top button on his white shirt was undone. She wanted to undo the rest and get a glimpse at what lay underneath. Round shoulders tapered to his waist. She bit her lip as she imagined his length.

He made no move to come to her, his elbow still rested on the bar. He was a man waiting for the world to come to him.

Not the world. Her.

The comfortable confidence and the heat shining in his eyes turned her on. She swayed her hips to the hypnotic beat. Her hands felt their way up her thighs, around her hips, and an inch past her waist, he got up and walked towards her.

In no time, his feet stepped in between hers and together they rocked to the music. The drums and base from the band pushed a rhythm into her body, driving her desire. Their fingers interlaced. She snuggled closer and breathed in his clean musky scent.

She wanted to touch him, but he kept a hold on her hands. He pushed them both behind her, causing her back to arch and her breasts to press deliciously into his hard body. Heat rolled through her. She let her head fall back, exposing her neck.

His lips brushed across her collarbone. They continued to rock back and forth, their hips swaying and rubbing together. He took her wrists in one hand and his other stroked down her neck, over her shoulder, caressed the side of her breast, and around her waist to land on her butt. He squeezed her ass and pressed her into the hard ridge of his cock. She lowered her chin and moaned as she took in his expression filled with raw desire. A slow devilish smile lit his features and sent a tremble through her.

The song ended and another began while they continued their dance. He let go of her hands and she wrapped them around his neck. Both of his hands molded her ass. She nuzzled his neck, taking a nibble and a few kisses as she breathed him in. She wanted more.

Lots more.

She made her way closer to his mouth. Before she stole a kiss, she looked into his eyes. His brown eyes had darkened to the color of night, matching his hair. She sucked on her lower lip.

“You know what you’re doing, right?” he asked.

“I know I want you.”

“The Masters work the back rooms on club nights. But we can stay on the dance floor all night, if you want.”

“You’re talking about the one on one rooms?” She sucked in a breath.

“I don’t think this crowd is prepared to see what I want to do to you.”

“Can we go back there? I want to go back there.” She looked directly into his eyes.

BUY LINKS: 

Evernight Publishing, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand

*****

Author Info:

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.

Blog: http://SJMaylee.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJMaylee

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Maylee/339463696094996

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SJMaylee

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 *****

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate the release of UNTANGLE ME, SJ is giving away one $15 Amazon Gift Card – http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/11b0765/.

*****

Stops:

Behind Closed Doors

Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews (R)

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melissa kendall

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In Shadows

Book Review – Compromising Willa

Tags

Accidental Peers series, Book Review, Compromising Willa, Diana Quincy

Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope is ruined and everyone knows it.  Back in Town for the first season since her downfall, Willa plans to remain firmly on the shelf, assuming only fortune hunters will want her now.  Instead she focuses on her unique tea blends, secretly supporting a coffee house which employs poor women and children.  If her clandestine involvement in trade is discovered, she’ll be ruined. Again.

No one is more shocked by Willa’s lack of quality suitors than the newly minted Duke of Hartwell.  Having just returned from India, the dark duke is instantly attracted to the mysterious wallflower.  His pursuit is hampered by the ruthless Earl of Bellingham, who once jilted Willa and is now determined to reclaim her.

Caught between the clash of two powerful men, a furious Willa refuses to concede her independence to save her reputation. But will she compromise her heart?

When I first started writing this review, I thought I’d never read any of Diana Quincy’s “Accidental Peers” books before but then realized I’d read Book 2, Tempting Bella.  And really liked it.  But if you haven’t read any of them, don’t worry about it – Compromising Willa can definitely stand on its own.  But I definitely recommend reading other books by Quincy if these two are anything to go by.

The interactions between Willa and Hartwell are fantastically fun.  They are sassy and funny and they both give as good as they get.  Hartwell is fabulous – he’s charming, handsome and caring.  He is immediately drawn to Willa’s cheek and blatantly sets out to win her hand.  Willa is also wonderful – she’s given up on ever marrying, but she’s strong, smart and resourceful in her own right.

Some may be thrown off by Bellingham – he’s quite the villain.  Convinced that he’s loved Willa for ages, he’s intentionally set out to ruin her reputation to keep away other men until he’s in a position to marry her.  He’s got a horribly black heart and does despicable things to people.  Quincy may have been a little zealous in making him the bad guy, but she does it with such style that you actually enjoy hating him.

The plot is well-developed and the pacing is very smooth.  As we move through each of the stages of Hartwell and Willa’s relationship, I kept finding more and more to be captivated by – from the initial stages where she tries to rebuff his advances to their engagement and Bellingham’s machinations, Quincy finds new and interesting roadblocks to their happy ever after.

Compromising Willa is a wonderful treat for those who like historical romances – the dashing, gorgeous hero has to win the heart of his clever, sexy heroine and defeat the plans of the dastardly villain.  It’s deliciously fun, with a clever narrative and engaging characters, and I’m definitely looking forward to more.

Blog Tour – Toying with Temptation

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Madison Martin, Toying with Temptation

This morning we welcome Madison Martin as she looks at the idea of “opposites attract”.  Then keep reading to get a sneak peek at her new book, Toying with Temptation.

*****

Do Opposites Really Attract?

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your blog today! I’m thrilled to be here. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family, whether it was smooth sailing or conflict for all involved. I’m not much for conflict in real life, and I always like a drama-free holiday, with everyone happy and enjoying themselves. My ideal family holiday would make for a couple of very boring scenes in a book! Hmmm … definitely food for thought.

Having two characters who are polar opposites make for fantastic fiction. There’s nothing more satisfying than two people learning and growing from one another, and appreciating the other person’s differences. The other person can bring a fresh viewpoint and way of seeing the world. This can challenge the other character, enrich them, and broaden their world. It’s often the opposite qualities the character falls in love with. I’ve found that stories flow off the keyboard or the pen much faster if there’s good conflict, and stories with lots of conflict are a blast to read. But it’s tricky to get it right.

In Toying with Temptation, Quinn runs the family business, but he’s laid back and confident. He’s always had the support of his family, and family is the most important thing in his life. Hailey is a workaholic who grew up with little support from family, and she isn’t quite sure she’s cut out for family life, or that it’s cut out for her. They have to compromise, and by the end these compromises have softened their flaws. They’re better people. They haven’t lost their strengths or the essence of themselves, but Quinn learns it’s okay to pursue his own dreams, and Hailey learns that being part of a couple doesn’t diminish her power, but makes her stronger.

I’m not so sure conflict in real life makes for a great relationship work in real life. I think people who share the same world views, values and interests and who basically think the same way are more likely to get along. But I could definitely be way off base!

What do you think? Do opposites really attract in real life? Or is it better to have more in common with your mate?

*****

Toying With Temptation

Genre:  Romance/Contemporary, Romance/ Adult

Blurb:

Driven, business savvy Hailey Burton, Vice President of Tryton Financial Institute, has been put in charge of running what could be her first ever failure: the company’s Christmas Eve toy drive. Toys and Christmas are beyond Hailey’s expertise, but when she’s offered the chance for the promotion she’s been waiting for if she succeeds, her competitive spirit kicks into high gear. When every company in Los Angeles turns her down, desperation leads her to Quinn Matheson. Ten years ago, Hailey chose a prosperous career over Quinn, but as she falls for him all over again, she can’t deny that they make a good team in business…and more. This second time around, is she finally ready to make the leap and become his partner in love?

Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Toying-Temptation-Romance-Madison-Martin/dp/0981718647/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384101471&sr=8-1&keywords=toying+with+temptation+madison+martin

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/toying-with-temptation-madison-martin/1106523063?ean=9780981718644

AllRomanceEbooks.com: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-toyingwithtemptationaromance-612066-149.html

*****

Authors Bio:

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember…I still have my first “book” – scribbled in pencil in a 1-subject notebook in sixth grade. When my mom taught me how to type (on an electric typewriter!) there was no going back. I’m crazy about stories in every form – movies, novels, poems, songs, etc. and love making up my own.

I live in the Washington, D.C. area and when I’m not writing I like exploring the sites, going for long walks, and listening to every bit of music I can get my ears on. But most of all I love writing stories…my goal is to make a reader’s day a little lighter and brighter!

Author’s website address:  www.madisonmartinbooks.com

*****

Excerpt:

She couldn’t wait any longer. She unzipped his pants and pulled them down with such force that she almost knocked both of them to the floor. He pulled her down along with him until they landed together in a heap on the carpet.
He gave out a deep laugh.
Years and years of seamless business deals, and somehow she was managing to screw this up. Always with the personal stuff, she was there to make a mess of it. “You’re laughing at my ravaging you?” she asked sheepishly, feeling her cheeks burning. “I know, I know…being with me is kind of like being in a French farce, right?”
“I’m not complaining.” Still seeming to be enjoying himself, he drew her up beside him on the carpet and kissed her. “You gotta admit that was kind of funny. It’s okay to laugh at yourself sometimes.”
Instead of taking offense, she lightened up. “Help me, then.”
Together they managed to get his pants all the way off.
Pushing him flat onto his back, she settled herself on top and pressed her hands against the delineated muscles of his chest. He was all hers. She raised up onto her knees, and a little jab of pain made her wince.
With a harsh breath, he leaned up, a worried look on his face. “Your knee…”
“No, it’s all right.” She adjusted her astride position, settling comfortably. “There. That’s better.”
“No, this won’t work. We’ll hurt it.”
“It’s fine,” she insisted.
Unconvinced, he leaned up and grasped her thigh with one hand. “That scab still looks bad.”
“It’s all right. I promise.”
He leaned back, giving in. With a gruff sigh, he said through gritted teeth, “I should have known you’d want to be on top.”
She grinned, shifting her silky underwear along the hard length covered by his boxers. “You used to like it.”
He gritted his teeth and grasped her hips. “Sure. Use and abuse me,” he croaked out.
She examined the look on his face and bit her lower lip. Was she really torturing him? “You don’t sound too happy about it.”
“I’m not going to be able to handle much of your teasing tonight.”
All right, so she admitted she liked teasing him. He was too fun to tease, only because he took it so well. “Are you mad about—?”
In a split second, he had her flat on her back. She laughed as Quinn moved on top of her, pressing his body against hers.
“How about we do it like this?” he asked with a triumphant smile, his dark eyes exploring her face.

Book Review – Talking Dirty with the Boss

Tags

Book Review, Jackie Ashenden, Talking Dirty series, Talking Dirty with the Boss

Marisa Clair wants to get her artist dreams back on track after a life detour. That means no partying, no shopping…and definitely no men to distract her. Should be easy, but there’s something about her hot and exceedingly uptight boss and she can’t seem to stop herself from ruffling Mr. Tall, Dark and Irritating.

Financial consultant Luke McNamara lives his life strictly by schedule – his OCD simply won’t allow him to do anything else. And the very last thing he needs is a sassy blonde putting lipstick on his collar and messing with his routine. She annoys the hell out of him so why can’t he stop thinking about the color of her panties…and how free he feels when he’s with her?

Marisa and Luke’s plans to steer clear of one another are shot to hell after a hot office encounter. Now the two of them will have to learn to get along as they face a much more permanent reminder of their lack of self-control – a pregnancy.

I absolutely loved this book, read it in less than a day and didn’t want to put it down.  The funny thing is that I REALLY didn’t like Marisa at first.  There is just something about her that drove me nuts, but as I got to know her I started to feel for her.  She comes across as quite self-confident, even cocky, but it is all an act to keep people from looking at her too closely.  Ashenden does such a fantastic job of making her so sympathetic that by the time the book was over I felt all of her highs and lows as if they were my own.

From the very beginning, Luke appealed to me – not because I personally have any of his quirks (just the opposite actually) but because he is so heartbreaking in his troubles.  He has such tight control over his life that you know he can’t be happy but he doesn’t see any other way to live his life.  And then comes Marisa … and she definitely shakes things up.  He’s actually the reason I initially decided to pick this one up.  I was SO captivated by the idea of a gorgeous, sexy man having to live with OCD.  I just read about a similar man in Wendy Sparrow’s novella, On His List and found the idea intriguing.  Luke is smart, sexy and caring but he carries a heavy burden and is often mistaken for being cold or weird.  He definitely makes you remember that all of those odd people in the world may have things going on that you can’t see or understand.  The outer disabilities are much easier to recognize than the ones that are on the inside.

This is Ashenden’s follow-up to Talking Dirty with the CEO and Talking Dirty with the Player and though I’ve not read either one, I’m very much intrigued.  The heroes and heroines from both books make very small appearances in this one and their storylines don’t seem to have had any direct impact on this book, so if you haven’t read them either you’ll be fine.

You’ll find Talking Dirty with the Boss to be an interesting new take on the unplanned pregnancy romance – with a flawed hero and heroine who just need someone to see who they are underneath and love them anyway.  Sharp and witty writing, combined with interesting and troubled characters, make this a can’t-miss read for romance lovers everywhere.

Blog Tour – Men Can Do Romance

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Men Can Do Romance, Michael Holloway Perronne

Like yesterday’s A Long Time Coming, this one is a little outside my norm but it also is one that appealed to me greatly so I couldn’t resist.  Check out today’s guest post from Michael Holloway Perronne, author of Men Can Do Romance.

*****

A Big Easy Romance

Despite it being almost sixteen years since I lived in the New Orleans area, time and time again I find my writing taking me back to the eccentric and one of a kind city that is the Big Easy.  To me, there has always been something undeniably romantic about the high energy, colorful history, diverse architecture, unique music, street performers, renowned jazz clubs, and lively nightlife of the French Quarter.  The city tends to be as much of a character in my books as my protagonists as the culture of the New Orleans often has a direct impact on the journey of my characters.

In my new novella, Men Can Do Romance, Troy is a military veteran who recently returned back to U.S. and has only just coming to terms with his sexuality.  The unabashedly in your face open sexuality of the French Quarter helps ease him out of the closet.  As for Elliot, Troy’s eventual love interest, the close-knit community that can be found in the Quarter has provided him with a loving, accepting second family comprised of his circle of friends who help give him the confidence to go after his dream man.

I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve had the chance to visit and/or live in what I believe to be the most distinctive city in all of the United States and what some of your favorite memories are during this holiday season.  And if you haven’t had a chance to explore the Big Easy, I encourage you to do so as few can resist the charms of this special city that has always followed the beat of its own drummer.

If you’re lucky enough to visit, I encourage you to also check out and support one of the few LGBT bookstores left, FAB Arts & Books in the Marigny area of the city snuggled between some of the hottest jazz clubs found in the area.   A trip to FAB and a visit with its proprietor, Otis, can give you a crash course of information about one the most gay-friendly cities in the nation.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!

— Michael Holloway Perronne

Michael@michaelhperronne.com

www.michaelhperronne.com

*****

Men Can Do Romance: A Novella

Release Date: 10/2013

Genre:  Romance/Gay, Literature/Gay

Blurb:

Despite living in free-spirited New Orleans, Elliot finds that his career as an insurance actuary has him constantly weighing the risks of every move he makes in his life. When Troy, his teenage crush, returns home to the Big Easy after a stint with the Marines and unexpectedly announces he’s gay, Elliot must decide if he’s willing to take a chance and find out if men really can do romance.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Men-Can-Do-Romance-Novella-ebook/dp/B00F1YNQBU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384100978&sr=8-1&keywords=men+can+do+romance+perronne

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/men-can-do-romance-michael-holloway-perronne/1116860892?ean=2940148808046

AllRomanceEbooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-mencandoromanceanovella-1281806-341.html

*****

Author Info:

Michael Holloway Perronne is the author of five novels: “A Time Before Me”, “Starstruck: A Hollywood Saga”, “Falling Into Me”, “A Time Before Us” and “Embrace the Rain” and the novella “Men Can Do Romance.”  His debut novel, “A Time Before Me” won the Bronze Award, Foreword Magazine’s 2006 Book of the Year Award in the Gay/Lesbian fiction category.  In addition, Michael recently released his first travel guide, “The Quickie Gay Guide to Cape Town, South Africa.”

Michael was born and raised in Mississippi.  He received a BA in Film from the University of Southern Mississippi and a MFA in Drama and Communications from the University of New Orleans.

To find out more about Michael, please visit www.michaelhperronne.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chances-Press-LLC/464594523611777

*****

Excerpt:

“Oh, hi,” I said, thrown off when a muscular handsome god opened Louie’s door. It took a few moments before it registered who stood before me. He was as handsome as ever, but now there was an added maturity to him. “Troy?”

“Elliot! Long time, no see. Come in,” he said, opening the door wider for me to walk inside.

“I’m sorry…I…uh…wanted to bring back Louie’s camera. He’s such a night owl. I thought….Well, I hope I didn’t wake you up or anything. I didn’t know you were in town.”

I found myself feeling hot and flushed all of a sudden. I had always had a crush on Troy growing up. He had been Louie’s older, dreamy brother. Over six feet tall, coal black hair, emerald green eyes, and a wide killer smile that would leave you breathless. My first big crush. Sure, Louie and I had been close friends since elementary school, but when I hit puberty, around the time Troy must have been a senior in high school, I came up with an endless supply of excuses to visit Louie’s house in the hope of just catching a glance of his brother.

Everybody in school knew of Troy. He had been the big man on campus from first grade to graduation…quarterback, dating the head cheer-leader, most likely to succeed at…well…everything. I used to practically swoon if I happened to walk by him in the halls at our tiny Catholic school, and he’d say, “Hey, Elliot. What’s up?” to me. This walking sex on a stick would actually acknowledge me…little freshman me. It made me feel special each and every time.

He’d joined the military right after high school. Louie said his brother wanted to give back to his country in this time of war and crisis which of course made him even more swoon worthy to me. When he came home he usually stayed at his and Louie’s parents in Mandeville about an hour from New Orleans, and I hadn’t seen him in years now.

“No problem. Come in,” he repeated.

I tried to pull myself back together. Damn. In a matter of seconds, he had turned me back into a shy awkward teenager.

“Thanks,” I said, finally walking inside. “Is he here? I just stopped by on the off chance to return this.”

I laid the camera on the coffee table, and then nervously stuffed my hands into my pockets.

“Nah, he went out with some friends. He hasn’t come back in yet. You want anything to drink?” he asked.

“Ah, that’s okay. I should probably be heading home myself. I bor-rowed his camera for a trip I took to Puerto Vallarta. I never get around to buying a good digital camera myself. Why should I when I can borrow Louie’s, right? I just left meeting up with a da…friend, and since he’s always up late, I thought I’d stop by to see if…”

Dear God! I’m rambling. Someone stop me please before I embarrass myself even more!

“You know, see if he was home.”

Finally. I shut myself up.

“I’ll make sure he knows you dropped it back by,” Troy said. He started to open his mouth again as if he were about to say something else. Then, he paused for a bit before saying, “So, how you been all these years? When I’ve asked about you, Louie says you’ve been working as an…uh… actuary here in town.”

He’s asked about me! Don’t. Stop. Please don’t further embarrass yourself by reading more into a casual conversation.

“Yeah, for a few years now. I’ve never made it too far away from New Orleans. Sort of stayed close to home. How are you? Louie said you were finishing up with the military. He didn’t say you’d be in town though.”

“Yeah, I sort of surprised him. I was going to travel around for a bit before you know…making my mind up about my next move. But I decided I should spend some time with my little brother.”

“That’s great. Maybe I’ll see some more of you while you’re in town. Any idea on how long you’ll be here?”

He shrugged his shoulders, and I couldn’t help but notice how his blue t-shirt pulled tightly in all the right places.

“I’m still figuring some things out. What the next move is. Stuff like that,” he replied.

“Cool,” I said, momentarily unable to think from the impact of gazing at him. “Well, I better head home and let you wind down. Thank Louie for me again.”

“Sure. I…” Troy started to say before trailing off.

I stood there waiting for him to finish. Why did Troy look so nervous? I could never recall seeing him look nervous about anything. Then again, it had been a long time, and I couldn’t even imagine some of the things he must have gone through in the middle of a war zone.”

“See you around,” he finally said.

I had the nagging feeling that that had not been the phrase on the tip of his tongue.

“You, too, Troy. Take care,” I said, walking out and shutting the door behind me.

Damn. Some guys just got better looking with age. As I walked back down to the street, I wondered what he had been about to tell me…and what had stopped him.

 *****

Check out the other great stops on the tour:

Dec.9th: Behind Closed Doors-Spotlight

Dec. 10th: myeroticnotions.com- Spotlight

Dec. 11th: Romantic Reads and Such-Guest Post

Dec. 13th: Must Read Faster– Guest Post

Dec. 16th: YGRR-Spotlight

Dec. 17th: Inner Goddess-Spotlight

Dec. 18th: Bookbliss– Spotlight and Review

Dec. 20th: Sizzlinghotbooks.com -Spotlight

Blog Tour – A Long Time Coming

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A Long Time Coming, David Anderson, Heather Van Fleet, Mason Daniel, When It's Least Expected

I don’t usually cover New Adult romances but this one definitely appealed to me and we get the special treat of a character interview with David Anderson (from A Long Time Coming) and Mason Daniel (from When It’s Least Expected).  Check out all of Heather’s books at http://sunshinepressbooks.com/product-category/young-adult/.  And enjoy this inside look at Heather’s boys and her new book, plus a fantastic contest.

*****

Meet David Anderson and Mason Daniel…together. It could get spoilerish in this interview, so beware…

Just know that nothing good can come out of this interview.

— Heather Van Fleet

Me: *smiles as two of my favorite boys step into my kitchen. David gives me his serious nod, and sits. Mason on the other hand, flips the chair backwards, settles his elbows on the back and winks. I think I might be nuts bringing them both here.*

Hey gentlemen. It’s very good to have you both here in my humble abode. I never thought I’d get you two together in the same room alone again without causing a riot!

David: Yeah, don’t count on it very often. Mason and I have a mutual understanding. For Harley’s sake, I don’t kill him.

Mason: *Grins and leans forward even more* Dude, You know you love me. I make your sister happy.

David: *Slouches lower in his seat* That hasn’t always been the case you know…

Mason: Aw, hell…I’m the shit. Don’t deny it. Harley is my wife now. You and I? We’re brothers all the way.

David: *Rolls eyes and looks at me* See what I have to put up with? *throws a thumb towards Mason* Lucky we don’t have to see each other very often anymore.

Me: Come on you two, I feel like your mom. Let’s just relax, and let by gones be by gones, okay?

David: Fine. *waves me along with his hand* Have at it. Why did you want us both here?

Mason: Leave Ms. Van Fleet alone. *grins widely* She didn’t screw you up too badly, ya know. You got the wife, the kid, the whole packages. Granted you lost a leg and shit…

Me: *Glares at Mason* I wanted youboth here because I missed my boys. Not really understanding why that is at the moment, but, whatever. Anyway, David, you first. Tell me one thing you like about Mason—besides the fact that he makes Harley happy.

David: *Scoffs* Um, can I plead the fifth here? *runs a hand through his messy hair.*

Me: Nope. Can’t do it.

Mason: *taps a beat out on the tabletop* I know what I like about him! *Jabs a thumb in David’s direction*

Me: Oooookay then…Mason. You go first.

Mason: *Grins* All righty then. The one thing I like about David is that he doesn’t take anyone’s shit. He stands up for himself. He’s a pretty powerful dude in that sense.

David: *laughs* So heartwarming, Mason. *leans over and pats him on the back*

Me: Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants David. Your turn.

David: Fine, *groans* I guess you could say he’s pretty decent because he tries really hard to be a good guy. He’s always there for people too, not just my sister, but his own sister Maisy, and his mom too

Mason: *Leans over close to David’s ear to whisper* That’s more than one. You really like me, don’t you? *winks at me*

David: *Shakes his head and grins* Don’t press you luck. I don’t know if I’ll ever like you so to speak. I just tolerate you.

Me: *clears throat* Moving on you two. David, if you met Mason on the street and no idea who he was, what would you say if you saw him?

David: Easy. I’d tell him to get a haircut. That shit isn’t right!

Mason: *Frowns, brushing his chin length hair from his face. It’s impossibly long, even for Mase* It’s not so bad. Gives Harley something to hold onto when we’re—”

Me: Mason Daniel, enough! *Runs hand down my face and shuts eyes*

David: Christ, you better shut your mouth.

Mason: Sorry dude, crossed a line. Won’t step over it again. *grins evily*

Me: Fine. Mason, only fair…your turn. But keep it clean, okay?

Mason: *blue eyes widen, smile grows huge. And yes. The dimples are there. I didn’t realize how much I missed this boy until now* If I saw David, I’d think to myself that he was inspirational. Having only one leg and all is pretty bad ass. I mean, I don’t know what I could do if that was me. Surfing would be impossible and I don’t know what I’d do—”

David: Shut the hell up. *rolls his eyes and grins*

Mason: *leans over and pats him on the shoulder* I’m just saying, dude. You inspire me. You’ve been through a shit storm, but came out of it a lot better than I ever would. I mean, seriously. I’m proud to call you my brother–in–law.

Me: *gets all teary and swoony over the surfer boy* Mase, I’ve missed you.

Mason: *winks and leans back in his chair* And I’ve missed you, Ms. Van Fleet.

David: Can we get a move on it here? I need to get home. My girls need me.

Mason: *Leans forward* My god though dude, you and Abs make some beautiful kids. *looks at me* have you seen their baby Ms. Van Fleet? Because if you can make their kids that cute, I can’t imagine what you’ll do when me and Har decide to go on our baby–making spree. I think I want four. Har says two, minimum. We might compromise at three but who knows.

David: *shakes head* try one first. Then go from there. Do you even realize how much a baby shits in one day, dude? Cuz they don’t come out potty trained. And the no sleep is wicked too. But damn…*sits back in his chair. Dark eyes go distant and dreamy. I haven’t seen him this in love since him and Abigail first decided to get together. I am one lucky girl, lemme just say* When you hold that baby in your arms for the first time, there’s nothing else like it.

Mason: Better than sex, eh?

Me: *closes eyes and sighs. Leave it to Mason to ruin a perfect moment*

David: *Laughs* Yeah, dude…it really kind of is…

Me: *smiles*

Mason: *nods and grins*

David: So yeah, I think I’ve had enough of the mush for now. Let’s go, Mason. My sister is probably wondering where you are.

Me: When do you and Harley head back home?

Mason: My guess is she’s never gonna want to leave her niece now. *grins and stands*

David: Yeah, but can you blame her? *stands up and moves to grab his coat*

Mason: Nope. Not a bit. My niece beats the waves in a heartbeat.

David: Damn right she does *slaps Mason on the back*

Me: Bye boys. Be nice to each other. I’ll be watching. And you never know when I might see you again.

Mason and David: *both freeze and glare at me in unison from over their shoulders*

Me: *cackles* Love you two!! *waves*

*****

A Long Time Coming

By Heather Van Fleet

Contemporary New Adult Novel

From Sunshine Press, 266 pages

Blurb:

Abigail Orson has a problem. A love problem to be precise; and she has absolutely no idea how to go about fixing it.

For years now, she has been chasing her best friend’s brother—demanding things from him that he’s never wanted to give. For one? A real relationship that surpasses well beyond that dreaded ‘just friends’ zone. You see, David Anderson is her idea of perfection to a T. The one and only guy who has ever had the ability to make her heart beat faster; make her toes curl with the simple blink of his long, girly lashes. But David is also a recovering amputee, and the only thing he really wants from Abigail is to be left alone. Abigail is a fighter though, and losing the one guy who has ruined her for every other is no longer an option.

A guy with one leg who has lost his motivation to live—to love—to actually be a man. David believes he’s a waste of space. If only the beautiful girl of his unattainable dreams would get that through her perfect, blonde, stubborn head! He’s not the right guy for Abigail. He’ll never be worthy of what she deserves. However, staying away is almost impossible, especially when he’s just as in love with her as she is with him. But Abigail has a life ahead of her, one that’s definitely livable without a nineteen–year–old gimp like him holding her down. What makes her want to stick around is beyond questionable to David’s mind.

Choices will be made. Lines will be drawn. And together, they will face challenges that nobody saw coming. David and Abigail may have had almost fourteen years to fall in love, but the thing is, timing and love have never exactly worked in their favor.

It has been years in the making, and definitely A Long Time Coming for David and Abigail. Let’s hope they don’t screw it up before they actually have the chance to get it right…

Buy links:

Smashwords – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376721

All Romance Ebooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-alongtimecoming-1343646-149.html

Sunshine Press – http://sunshinepressbooks.com/shop/a-long-time-coming-by-heather-van-fleet/

Amazon  –  http://www.amazon.com/Long-Time-Coming-Perfect-Timing-ebook/dp/B00GLRP89E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384206327&sr=8-4&keywords=Heather+van+fleet

Barnes & Noble  –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-long-time-coming-heather-van-fleet/1117368951?ean=2940149087785

Book Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQKcgfuqZVU

*****

Excerpt:

She spun around, nibbling on her lip, grabbing both of his hands as she pulled him slowly along with her. Her eyes were so focused and shiny that he barely remembered his own name, let alone what he was about to say.

“No crutches, David.”

They made it to the edge of the floor, just as the tempo of the music slowed, to that of a seductive, rhythmic beat. She pulled his hands towards her, and he took that non–verbal command, wrapping his arms around her waist. His fingers knew just what to do, settling into the curves of her body right above her perfect ass. Those damn traitorous body parts had a mind of their own.

“I won’t let you fall…” she whispered in his ear, running her fingers through the back of his hair like a vixen who he wanted to steal away forever, only, though, so he could lock her up with him in the backseat of her car again.

Shit …it wasn’t the fear of falling that worried him. Oh no…it was the fear of never wanting to let her go again.

 *****

About the Author:

Midwestern native Heather Van Fleet lives in a small town on the Iowa/Illinois border. She’s a wife to her hubby–and high school sweet heart–Chris, as well as a mom to her three little girls, Kelsey, Emma and Bella. When she’s not obsessing over her fictional book characters, cooking dinner, or running around chasing her crazy kiddos, you can usually find her with her head stuck in her Kindle, sucking down White Chocolate Mochas like they’re water.

Author Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18365239-a-long-time-coming

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorheatherpowell

Twitter @HLVanFleet

Website: www.heathervanfleet.com

 *****

Giveaway:

Heather is doing a Tour wide giveaway of 5 ebooks of A Long Time Coming and a $25 Amazon GC – http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2e2a5f3/

*****

Go to http://www.bridgingthegappromotions.blogspot.com for more info on this and other great tours.

*****

December Spotlight – Indulgence releases

Tags

'Tis the Season (to Bundle Up!) bundle, 'Tis the Season to be Kissed, 'Tis the Season to be Tempted, 'Tis the Season to Get Lucky, 'Tis the Season to Kiss Santa, Aimee Carson, Amy Andrews, Annie Seaton, Falling for Mr. Wrong, Heidi Rice, Holiday Affair, Hope Tarr, Inara Scott, Italian Affair, Jackie Ashenden, Kate Hardy, Outback Affair, Romance Abroad bundle, Talking Dirty with the Boss, Talking Dirty with the CEO, The Billionaire's Christmas Baby, The Cinderella Seduction, Victoria James

It’s release day and that means new Indulgence books.  Get those eReaders out and enjoy!

*****

The Billionaire’s Christmas Baby, by Victoria James

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/the-billionaires-christmas-baby/

An Entangled Christmas Classic …

Jackson Pierce didn’t make his fortune entertaining every half-cocked idea, especially one involving diaper changes. Not even the cute brunette who links him to the baby in her arms can crack his icy heart.

A baby on the doorstep is the least of Hannah Woods’s problems—she has to find the baby’s uncle, or the child will end up in foster care. She sleuths her way to the reclusive CEO’s doorstep only to find six feet of holiday sexy—and a door slammed in her face.

But when Jackson comes around and urges they marry for little Emily’s sake, Hannah finds herself falling for the jaded billionaire and wishing for a holiday miracle of their own…

(I’ll have a review of this one coming soon … so far it looks fantastic!)

*****

Talking Dirty with the Boss, by Jackie Ashenden

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/talking-dirty-with-the-boss/

Marisa Clair wants to get her artist dreams back on track after a life detour. That means no partying, no shopping…and definitely no men to distract her. Should be easy, but there’s something about her hot and exceedingly uptight boss and she can’t seem to stop herself from ruffling Mr. Tall, Dark and Irritating.

Financial consultant Luke McNamara lives his life strictly by schedule – his OCD simply won’t allow him to do anything else. And the very last thing he needs is a sassy blonde putting lipstick on his collar and messing with his routine. She annoys the hell out of him so why can’t he stop thinking about the color of her panties…and how free he feels when he’s with her?

Marisa and Luke’s plans to steer clear of one another are shot to hell after a hot office encounter. Now the two of them will have to learn to get along as they face a much more permanent reminder of their lack of self-control – a pregnancy.

(I’ve read this one and LOVED IT!  I’ll have a review up later this week.)

And Get Talking Dirty with the CEO for just 99 cents (two weeks only!)!!

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/talking-dirty-with-the-ceo/

Gadget journalist Christie St. John is more geek than chic. But when research for an article she has to write on online dating leads to the bed of the hottest guy she’s ever met, she knows that if the geek is to keep the hottie CEO, she’s going to have to come out of her digital shell.

Tech mogul Joseph Ashton never expected an Internet blind date to end in the best sex of his life. Yet as the chemistry between him and Christie burns out of control, he can’t help but think this woman is out for his money like all the rest. She claims she wants his heart instead – but that’s the one thing he can never give.

*****

Romance Abroad, featuring Holiday Affair, Italian Affair, and Outback Affair, by Annie Seaton

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/the-romance-abroad-bundle/

Enjoy 3 books for the price of 2 with this Affair Series bundle by the incomparable Annie Seaton.  

Holiday Affair

Book one in The Affair series! Staid professor Lissy McIntyre believes that choosing a mate should be based on common sense. And Lissy would certainly never pick a rolling stone like Nick Richards for long-term love. But a red-hot, tropical romance? Oh, yeah. He’s got a body made for sinning and his sizzling kisses leave her senseless. But what will happen when she discovers her new neighbor and co-worker is the same man she shared one night of forbidden island pleasure with?

Italian Affair

Free-spirited sex therapist Brianna Ballantine has four days to find a fiancé so she can inherit her birth mother’s Italian villa. Commitment is not on the agenda. When finance guru Tomas Richards offers a marriage of convenience to help Brianna secure her inheritance, the sizzle between the sheets promises an affair to remember, despite family complications at every turn. Now Tom must convince her to stay, and make this Italian affair a lifelong commitment.

Outback Affair

Jessica Trent needs to land a one-on-one interview with the reclusive Alessandro Ricardo, a man hell-bent on staying out of the limelight. But she wants the ruggedly sexy fisherman taking her to Crocodile Springs—in the Outback–to get it. Alex Richards protects his privacy and his heart in equal measure, but the Yankee bombshell he’s helping cross the Australian wild threatens both. Their attraction ignites, but will his lie destroy them both?

*****

‘Tis the Season [to Bundle up!], featuring Kate Hardy, Heidi Rice, Amy Andrews, and Aimee Carson

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/tis-the-season-bundle/

Four novellas at one low price!  Get into the spirit of the season with these ‘Tis the Season moments.

‘Tis the Season to Kiss Santa by Kate Hardy

With the help of a sprig of mistletoe and some snow angels, a recently single pastry chef teaches a highly successful and sexy Scrooge the true meaning of the holidays on a snowy Christmas Eve that quickly heats up.

‘Tis the Season to Get Lucky by Heidi Rice

When a Christmas Day blizzard strands an up-and-coming marketing manager and her boss’s very off-limits, very hot playboy son in his department store, the two toe the line between naughty and nice as they unwrap their holiday presents—and each other!

‘Tis the Season to be Kissed by Amy Andrews

A down-on-her-romantic-luck kindergarten teacher plans to drown her New Year’s Eve sorrows in a gallon of spiked eggnog, but the arrival of her best friend’s sexy brother threatens to melt the snow piling up outside the tiny Vermont cabin.

‘Tis the Season to be Tempted by Aimee Carson

After the worst year ever, a jilted music manager rings in the New Year alone, swearing off men forever. But things get complicated when her brother’s best friend, the perfect man with the perfect body, tempts her to break her vow—if only for one hot night!

*****

The Cinderella Seduction by Hope Tarr

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/the-cinderella-seduction/

Greek tycoon Nikolaos Costas has a debt to collect fro the Stefanopoulos family and he won’t leave until he gets his money. Stefanie Stefanopoulos has been tasked with entertaining—i.e. distracting—him while he’s in town, all in hopes of getting him to forgive the debt. She may not be an ugly duckling, but she’s a far cry from her petite stepsisters and she knows that the gorgeous playboy won’t even notice her. It doesn’t stop her from wanting him to, though.

Four months ago, Nick’s bachelor-style life was turned upside down. Now the sole parent to a seven-year-old daughter he never knew existed, Nick doesn’t have time for pleasure. But he hadn’t factored in Stefanie or the intense attraction he’d feel for her. As her seduction heats up, so do the stakes, both professionally and romantically. Can he let business go long enough to allow Stefanie into his heart?

*****

Falling for Mr. Wrong by Inara Scott

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/falling-for-mr-wrong/

Looking for Mrs. Right…

Single father of three, Ross Bencher, knows the kind of woman he wants: someone predictable, reliable, and safe, who can give his kids the security they deserve. Someone entirely different from high-altitude mountaineer Kelsey. Kelsey bewitches him with her long legs and wild passion and is about as far from his ideal as a woman can get, but try telling that to his body. Or his heart…

Falling for Mr. Wrong…

When Kelsey agreed to fill in as a temporary nanny for her best friend’s agency before a big climbing expedition, she had no idea she’d be working for drop-dead sexy Ross Bencher, a man she can’t seem to keep her hands off. She knows if she wants to bring herself—and her father—back alive from the Himalayan Mountains, she can’t afford second-guessing, attachments, or distractions. But Ross’s blue eyes and strong hands leave her gasping…and questioning everything she’s ever known about love…