Spotlight – Seducing the Princess

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Diane Alberts, Seducing the Princess, Shillings Agency series

Kicking off the week with another sexy soldier in a great new read!

*****

Seducing the Princess

Shillings Agency series

by Diane Alberts

Blurb:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

He’ll give her exactly what she needs…

Protecting a princess is not what former marine Gordon Waybrook signed up for when he joined the Shillings Agency. But instead of the spoiled, regal little creature he expects, Isabelle VanGuard is a fiery, sexy-as hell woman who’s been denied what she needs for too long. And he’s just the man to break through her frozen public facade and give it to her.

When she’s with Gordon, all Isabelle can think about is pleasure. Their blistering chemistry is immediate and intense, but volatile. In fact, the only thing they agree on is that their one night together is just that—one night. Even after it becomes more. But tempers and temptation can’t disguise reality. Isabelle is a princess, and a hot, hard, and tattooed bodyguard isn’t the Prince Charming her country expects…even if he’s exactly what she needs.

Goodreads link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22859196-stealing-his-heart

BUY LINKS:

Amazon – http://amzn.to/1z79zPG

B&N –  http://bit.ly/1zO7A2V

*****

Excerpt:

He tightened his grip on her shoulder. “You might own a fucking country, but tonight…I own you. Understood, Princess?”

She gasped, her stomach tightening at his naughty words. She’d never, ever been spoken to like that. Never talked dirty. It was a heady rush that she was doing it now. Here. With him. “I understand.”

He lowered his face to hers, their lips a scant inch apart.
“Are you sure you want this? I’m only going to ask you this one time. You’re a grown ass woman, so I won’t ask you if you’ve changed your mind every other step we take toward that bed.”

“I want this.” She reached out and curled her hands around his nape, her fingers brushing the soft curl that rested just below his ear. “I want you.”

“Then you’re mine,” he said. “You have been since you sat next to me in that coffee shop.”

She nodded frantically, needing him to get on with it. To claim her. “Yes. I’m yours.”

He growled and closed the distance between them, his lips crashing to hers. The second they touched, she knew that this would be unlike any experience she’d ever had. Gordon was undeniably sexy, and she was attracted to him more so than she’d ever been attracted to another man before, but that wasn’t what would make this so different.

It was him, and the way he made her feel. Every single caress, every soft move he made, sent a surge of lust crashing through her veins. He said he’d own her tonight, and he was right. He totally did.

*****

Author Info:

Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. She’s hit the Top 100 lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble numerous times with numerous titles. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author.  Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Author Links:

Website: http://dianealberts.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5081315.Diane_Alberts

 *****

Giveaway:

Win a $20 Gift Card and eBook copies of TEMPORARILY YOURS and STEALING HIS HEART by Diane Alberts.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/ rafl/display/726d2572215/

*****

 

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Spotlight – Want It

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Jennifer Chance, Rule Breakers series, Want It

*****

Jennifer Chance returns with another novel that’ll keep you hooked.

Erin Connelly meets alpha male Zander James in WANT IT, the third novel in Jennifer Chance’s sizzling Rule Breakers series! This one is not to be missed by readers looking for their military romance fix!

Want to get to know Jennifer better? Check out this exclusive interview!

*****

In the latest tantalizing Rule Breakers novel from Jennifer Chance, an irresistible alpha male follows his ex into a deadly standoff—and reignites a heated affair.

For Erin Connelly, being a good girl isn’t such a bad thing. She’s working her dream job at a Boston art gallery and staying out of trouble, which is more than she can say for her deadbeat mom. Unfortunately, her mother’s latest misadventure lands her in the clutches of a Mexican drug lord. Now the only person who can save her is the one man Erin has no business asking for help: the sexy-as-sin army ranger who just so happens to be her former high school sweetheart.

Zander James is no gentleman—and no officer, either, thanks to Erin. Four years ago, she made a call that terminated his highest aspirations … and their relationship. He’s never forgiven her, but when he learns that Erin’s embarking on a half-baked rescue mission, he sure as hell can’t let her go alone. Now, with a treacherous enemy lying in wait, the electrifying tension between them may just be Zander’s undoing. Because while he may be able to keep Erin alive, he can’t promise to keep his hands off her.

Goodreads | Amazon| Barnes and Noble

Also in the Rule Breaker series: Rock It (Book #1) and Fake It (Book #2) by Jennifer Chance!

*****

Excerpt:

A note to readers from author Jennifer Chance:

Zander and Erin go through a lot in this book that tests their fragile new relationship—the trip to Mexico, being faced with all of their past baggage (both the baggage they know about and the baggage they don’t), but they still are two people who were (and, of course, still are) very much in love. The little moments where they get to explore that love really made me happy. Even if it was only a stolen second or two, I loved when they forgot everything else around them and just breathed into the moment a little bit, allowing themselves to just be two young people who have found their way back to each other, willing to enjoy this time for all it’s worth.

~

Zander kissed Erin’s mouth so softly, so gently, that her entire world seemed to balance on its edge, precariously wobbling, just begging to fall.

“Zander, I—”

“Shhh,” he murmured. “I’m a trained professional.”

She couldn’t help it. The tiniest giggle escaped from her, and she leaned in to him just a fraction of an inch. She’d override all her own better instincts for one hot second, she decided. She could allow herself that, surely. She sighed and tilted her head back, letting Zander deepen the kiss if he wanted, content for the moment to just be in the circle of his arms.

Zander didn’t need any further invitation.

Without moving his hands from hers, he pressed himself against her, branding her mouth, and it was as if all the questions between them evaporated, leaving nothing but heat and adrenaline and an endless, aching need. A need that suddenly seemed all encompassing. Zander had been gone for so long, saving everyone but her, and now, for just this moment, in the cocoon of the hotel room where everything was still possible and nothing had yet gone wrong, she just wanted to—

“You know, you’re thinking an awful lot for someone about to get laid,” Zander murmured.

And just like that, it was like they were teenagers again. Erin’s laughter slipped out, loud and unrestrained, and Zander picked her up so easily that it startled her. And then they were in the bed, both of them fighting for the top position, but Zander winning easily—even more easily than he had before. His body loomed large as he stretched out on top of her, staring for one second into her eyes. That’s all she got, that one second, because then he shifted his gaze away and his mouth was at her temple, his body curving into hers as her legs parted naturally and she hooked her heels behind his legs. Erin still was fully dressed, but she was fast losing her grip on reality as Zander trailed a row of kisses across her cheek and along the delicate ridge of her ear.

“You’re still so goddamned beautiful, you know that, Erin?”

*****

Author Info:

Jennifer Chance is the award-winning author of the new adult Rule Breakers series, which feature sexy, wish-come-true romances that launched with ROCK IT and FAKE IT in 2014. A lover of books, romance, and happily-ever-afters, she lives and writes in Ohio.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Jennifer is offering up two fabulous prizes during the Want It Blitz Event. One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a Seasons Greetings Gift Basket and one Runner Up will receive a $25 Gift Card for Amazon or B&N (winner’s choice)! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YjA1MGVmMjkwYTE2NWQzYWI3ODNiODExNGJiNGU0OjQ1/

*****

 

Book Review – In Your Dreams

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A BLUE HERON NOVEL, Book Review, In Your Dreams, Kristan Higgins

Everyone loves Jack Holland, but Emmaline Neal needs him. Her ex-fiancé is getting married in Malibu and, obviously, she can’t go to the wedding alone. In Manningsport, New York, tall, blond and gorgeous Jack Holland is practically a cottage industry when it comes to rescuing desperate women. He knows the drill, Em figures, so he won’t get the wrong idea.

What Jack needs is an excuse to leave town. Ever since rescuing four teenagers from a car wreck, he’s been hailed as a hero and the attention is making him itchy, especially since his too-pretty ex-wife is back, angling for a reunion. He’s always liked Emmaline. She needs a weekend date? No problem.

So when they wind up in bed together, Em chalks it up to red wine and chocolate cake, just one impulsive night not to be repeated. But Jack’s pushing for more, and if she lets down her guard, either she’ll get her heart crushed again, or discover that Jack’s worth more than just dreaming about.

I’ve skipped one or two of the Blue Heron novels but the ones I read I loved (looks like I only reviewed The Best Man).  And In Your Dreams was just as good – I found myself halfway thru it before I realized it.  It’s a fun read but also an addictive one so be prepared to spend a little alone time reading. 

This is the second Ugly Duckling story I’ve read lately – where the heroine isn’t like the girls the hero normally dates and isn’t a traditionally pretty girl – and both did a fantastic job.  Em is in a more masculine professional and isn’t the most feminine of people.  She doesn’t try that hard and enjoys playing hockey & being a cop … she can’t wait to taser someone 🙂  She’s also put up a few walls, not that she’ll admit it, after her last (and first) relationship ended badly.  But she’s also smart, funny and she’s got a big heart under her more point blank exterior. 

Jack is the guy you can count on to do the right thing.  But after a tragedy has given him some attention he doesn’t necessarily want – and a big case of PTSD that he’s not prepared to handle – having Em thrust into his life is definitely the distraction he needs.  But how can Em keep from falling in love with someone so perfect?  (Heck, I’m half in love with him!)  Especially knowing he isn’t interested in anything long term with someone like her.   

If you’ve never read one of Higgins books, you are definitely missing out.  You can start here but you’ll be asking Santa to bring you everything on her backlist.  Full of emotion and heart and just enough heat to keep things exciting, her books never fail to put a smile on my face and leave me with a happy heart. 

Book Review – Christmas with the Billionaire

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Black-Heart series, Book Review, Christmas with the Billionaire, Susan Stephens

We took a look at this book already here and I’m SO happy to tell you what I think about it 🙂

This sizzling, feel-good holiday novella introduces USA Today bestselling author Susan Stephens’ all-new Black-Heart series.

Fabulously wealthy entrepreneur Jason Kent hates Christmas.

What Jason wants, Jason gets—which means solitude over the holidays to give him chance plot his next mega-value business deal.

Content in his luxurious penthouse apartment Jason is not prepared for the arrival of the whirlwind of change and challenge that is Ms Kate Black.

Enter Kate—no-nonsense sheep farmer’s daughter from the North of England.

House-sitting for a member of the British aristocracy over the holidays, Kate refuses to sit back and do nothing when she learns that people in her block are going to be on their own over Christmas. Aided by the scruffy little yappy dog she has also taken on, Kate makes it her mission to bring everyone in her snooty building together.

Working flat out to throw the party of the year, Kate meets an unexpected obstacle in the form of a man who turns her sturdy bones to jelly. With her no nonsense attitude to sex, Kate soon finds that she is a lot more deeply involved than she had intended to become with a man whose appetite for life might match her own, but who travels on a very different track.

Christmas with the Billionaire is a quick read, fun and sweet, and full of holiday cheer.  Novella in length it is a good set up to the new world that Stephens in creating.  Mostly we spend time with just Jason and Kate but it does give a glimpse at possible future characters. 

Watching Jason and Kate create sparks off each other is oh-so-entertaining.  Seeming very different on the outside, as we get to know them we see that not only do they complement each other well but they also have much more in common than it seems.  Both are hard-working, caring and dedicated.  Jason feels a need to hide his heart whereas Kate shows things a whole lot more.  As they fall for each other they take readers along for a very enjoyable ride.    My only complaint might be that we weren’t given enough of Jason’s history, so that his falling for Kate would be a little more magical.  BUT I must say that I did so very much love the falling for part. 

Christmas with the Billionaire is a sugar-coated, full-of-sprinkles treat. 

Spotlight – Strip Back

Tags

Ava Manello, Naked Nights series, Strip Back

Gonna celebrate it being Tuesday with quite the sexy read 🙂

*****

Strip Back

Naked Nights series #0.5

by Ava Manello

Blurb:

Strip Back brings you back to how the Naked Night’s began. This is Eric’s story. Back when life was a little less polished, and a whole lot harder.

Before there was Strip Teaser, there was Eric; manager and founder of the Naked Night’s male stripper troupe.

You wouldn’t think you’d be past it at 34, but that’s the position Eric found himself in, as well as newly single after finding his girlfriend in a compromising position.

Setting up the Naked Night’s wasn’t easy, it wasn’t fun, and it wasn’t without sleaze, but somehow he did it.

Strip Back is a humorous and steamy tale of one man’s journey to fulfill a dream. Not all male strippers are the same.

Add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23198845-strip-back?from_search=true

PLAYLIST – http://open.spotify.com/user/11148419572/playlist/4VSqmi0KiHZ0LbsB5TqxcR

FAN MADE TRAILER – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCfalfpgsP8&feature=youtu.be

*****

*****

Purchase Links:

Amazon CA – www.amazon.ca/dp/B00Q8RTD16

Amazon AUS – www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00Q8RTD16

Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1yhiyfC

Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/1HJjb7b

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/248467934/Strip-Back-Naked-Night-

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strip-back-ava-manello/1120842361?ean=2940046309911&itm=1&usri=2940046309911

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/strip-back

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/2fd1fb57-384c-46da-b388-7b0d89fe3264

WILL SOON BE COMING TO iTunes

Also available:

Strip Teaser (Naked Nights #1)

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strip-teaser-ava-manello/1119993527?ean=9781500670535

Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/strip-teaser

Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1F5sWbr

Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/1uEK0CD

*****

*****

Author Info:

Passionate reader, blogger, publisher, and author. I love nothing more than helping other Indie authors publish their books be that reviewing, beta reading, formatting or proofreading,

I love erotic suspense that’s well written and engages the reader, and I love promoting the heck out of it over on my book blog.

I’m a mother, but most of all I’m me!

Twitter – https://twitter.com/avamanello

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Avamanello?fref=ts

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7873269.Ava_Manello

*****

*****

8th December
Book Bangers Blog – Review
Book Hangover Page – Review
book pimpers – Review
Smut and Bonbons – Promo
Those Crazy Book Chicks – Promo
United Indie Book Blog – Promo
we stole your book boyfriend – Review
Drama Queens Book Blog – Promo
Grammy’s bookshelf – Promo
Novels In Heels – Promo
ByoBook Club – Review
Readers Heaven – Promo
Read It Woman – Promo
9th December
Book-lover – Review
Who Picked This? – Promo
Sarah & Kirsty’s Book Reviews – Promo
Romantic Reads and Such – Author Interview
Pinky’s Favorite Reads – Promo
Sammy Jones – Review
K&S Book Blog – Promo
Fantasy & Romance Reviews – Review
Coffee Addicts Book Reviews – Review, Author Interview
Babu’s Bookshelf – Review
a girl who loves books – Review
Pnr book lover reviews – Review
Mommas secret book obsession – Review
10th December
FMR Book Grind – Review
My Favorite Things – Review
Obsessed by Books – Review
Cruising Susan Book Reviews – Author Interview & Review
Book Friends Forever – Promo
Ebook Addicts – Review
Literary Lust – Promo
Not Another Damn Blog-Blog – Review
11th December
Anny books – Review
bfd book blog – Review
Reading Is My Superpower – Promo
Crazy Daisy Book Who’re – Review
Serenity = Reading Books – Review
Purpinkrosesbookcorner – Review
Francessca’s Romance Reviews – Promo
12th December
Book Loving Pixie – Promo
Jezabell Girl & Friends – Review
Kellys kindle konfessions – Promo
Reel Ladys Love Smut – Promo
Rock Out With Your Book Out – Promo
2 friends, promote your books with us – Review
Book Boyfriends Rock – Review
Imaginative Dreams – Review
13th December
Book Nook Nuts – Promo
Naughty Book Eden – Review
penny for my thoughts book blog – Review
Rockin’ & Reviewing – Review
The Fairest of All Book Reviews – Review
Kats book promotions/ Katsindiebookblog – Review
Best of Both Worlds: Books & Naughtiness – Review
Jackie’s Book Reviews – Review
Belle’s Book Bag – Promo
14th December
Best Book Boyfriends – Promo
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Books and Friends – Review
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Promo
LBM Book Blog – Review
Two ordinary girls and their books – Review
Cupcakes and Books – Review
Hooked On Books Forever – Review
Reading the sheets – Author Interview & Review
Whispered Thoughts – Review

Book Review – Lady Catherine’s Secret

Tags

Book Review, Lady Catherine's Secret, Secrets and Seduction series, Sheridan Jeane

 

Fans of historical romances will want to check this one out.  It has a strong heroine and sexy hero, great secondary characters and a tantalizing plot – an absolutely fantastic read.  Make sure you read the excerpt and my review!

*****

Lady Catherine’s Secret

Secrets and Seduction, #2

by Sheridan Jeane

Publication Date: December 1, 2014

Genres: Historical Romance

Blurb:

London, 1853

Despite Lady Catherine’s love of fencing, she needs to stop pretending to be a boy and fraternizing with men…but not until after the fencing tournament! Her mother plans to marry her off by the end of the season, so this will be her last chance to enjoy her freedom. When she impulsively puts her reputation at risk to save the life of a dashing competitor, all seems lost when he sees through her disguise, but he vows never to reveal her secret. Thank goodness for gentlemanly honor!

Daniel, Marquess of Huntley, wants to overcome the rumors of his father’s madness so that he can be embraced by London society. His plan is to marry the most proper woman who will have him, and then raise stable, respectable children. He certainly isn’t interested in some hoyden with a penchant for masquerading as a boy and flaunting society’s rules. In fact, he’d prefer to keep his distance.

When an obsessed suitor discovers Catherine’s secret and threatens blackmail, the only path out of social ruin is marriage. But what kind of protection does matrimony provide when a vengeful suitor is plotting the ultimate revenge?

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1qX5pSr

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1Cnqs70

*****

Excerpt:

Daniel downed the glass of Glenfarclas in one swallow. “My plan isn’t progressing at all,” he said.

“Yes, of course. Your ridiculous plan.”

Daniel shifted under his friend’s amused gaze. “I’m having trouble finding a highly respected woman who is willing to align herself with someone as—as unusual as I am. I believe ‘colorful’ is the most polite word I’ve heard used to describe me. Although I’ve also heard the words ‘bourgeois’ and ‘unbalanced’ bandied about.”

“Stop it.” Wentworth scowled at him. “With your title, you outrank everyone except a duke and the members of the royal family. Nobody would dare snub you.”

“Perhaps not openly, but once they factor in my shipping business, my lack of polish, my mother’s low birth, and the rumors of my father’s madness, I’m beyond redemption in the eyes of most members of London society.” He downed the contents of his glass in a single swallow, savoring the burn that turned into a spreading warmth. “The thing that provides me with the most satisfaction is the very thing these people find the most damning. My shipping business.”

“Why do you care what they think?” Wentworth said as he gestured angrily toward Daniel. “Why place so much emphasis on propriety? After all, your primary goal in this is to find a woman who can provide you with an heir, isn’t it? Why complicate the issue by insisting that she and her family also be paragons of propriety? Don’t you see your own hypocrisy?”

Daniel thumped his glass down on the sideboard and pulled the stopper from the decanter, sloshing another inch of liquid into his tumbler. “I know I’m not a saint, but I refuse to put my children through the same hell I endured.” He turned and glared at his friend. “You, better than anyone, know how much I suffered at Eton. You were there with me. How can you ask me why?”

Daniel clenched the glass as he remembered those first few months at Eton. The loneliness and abuse he’d endured had nearly broken him. He’d begun to believe everyone’s taunts. They were right about him. He was no good. Especially after the horrible things he’d done. They were unforgivable. How could he ever redeem himself?

The dogs of melancholy had nipped at his heels as they tried to chase him to ground. His depression must have been only a faint echo of what his father experienced on a daily basis, and it explained why the man had escaped into a bottle, eventually descending into madness. What if Daniel was destined for the same path? What if his regrets drove him mad as well?

*****

Review:

This is the second book in Jeane’s Secrets and Seduction series but as far as I can tell the two books are not closely linked.  And while the first one was a whodunit, this one deals more with the secrets people keep and the impact they have.  There is a villain but we know who he is about halfway thru, just when his part starts to come into play, so the rest is about what he’s going to do and how it is going to affect our happy couple.

I guess what I’m getting at is if you are starting here, that’s fine because it stands on its own very well.  But if you are a returning reader and looking for the same intrigue element from the first one you might not find what you are looking for here.  That being said, if you are looking for a well-written, well-paced and involved historical romance then this is definitely the book for you.

We are given our two main characters right away but they spend quite a bit of time going their own way.  Of course we know they are going to get together and live happily ever after but they have other plans … silly of them, eh?  I really like Catherine and Daniel.  Both have parts of their pasts that they want to overcome and readers can easily understand how they ended up where they are, doing what they are doing.  In a society controlled so much by impressions, the two of them are motivated by avoiding scandal at all costs.  They just don’t recognize that in each other they may find acceptance.

With matchmaking mamas, societal scandals, and a couple who needs each other to truly be free, Lady Catherine’s Secret is the perfect choice for lovers of historical romances.

*****

Author Info:

Sheridan Jeane writes exciting and emotion-packed historical romances set in the Victorian Era that confront issues of trust and conformity.

With the advent of the industrial age, life was changing. Many people tried to hold on to the old ways of life while others embraced the new opportunities open to them.

Join Sheridan as she explores the clash between the old and the new.

Sheridan has always loved books, history, and stories about amazing people who blaze new trails.

Despite naming their daughter Sheridan because they thought it might someday look great on the cover of a book, Sheridan’s parents urged her in a more practical direction for college. Sheridan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in English.

Website:  http://sheridan-jeane.strikingly.com/

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

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/SheridanJeane

GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/photo/author/8120594.Sheridan_Jeane

Media Contact:  IndieSage PR – www.indiesage.com

*****

Giveaway:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354273/

*****

Tour Schedule:

December 8– Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author– Excerpt

December 8– Coffee Talk Writers– Excerpt

December 8– SBM Book Obsession– Excerpt

December 8– Coffee Books & Art– Excerpt

December 8– LibriAmoriMiei– Review

December 8– Romantic Reads and Such– Review / Excerpt / Author Interview or Guest Post

December 8– Imagine a World– Review / Excerpt

December 8– Deliciously Wicked Books– Review

–

December 9– JassyBooks– Excerpt

December 9– Vera is Reading– Excerpt

December 9– LBM Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

December 9– ReneaMason– Author Interview or Guest Post

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December 10– Red Moon– Excerpt

December 10– Queen of the Night Reviews– Excerpt

December 10– Biraz Tuz Biraz ?eker– Excerpt

December 10– WiLoveBooks– Review / Excerpt

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December 11– Breezy Book Blog– Review / Excerpt

December 11– Crystal’s Many Reviewers– Review

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December 12– Renee Entress’s Blog– Review / Excerpt

December 12– Warrior Woman Winmill– Review

December 12– Girlygirlbookreviews– Review / Excerpt

December 12– Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics– Review / Excerpt

Book Review – Yours for Christmas

Tags

Book Review, Fool's Gold series, Susan Mallery, Yours for Christmas

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallory.

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hothe’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together.

Y’all I just LOVE Susan Mallery’s books (which you can see here and here and here and over a half dozen other reviews I’ve done) and Yours for Christmas doesn’t let me down.  The characters are so real that I feel like I actually know them, that I could call them up to meet me for coffee.  Every high and low was like my own and I gave a little hooray at the end.

Both Baily and Kenny’s feelings are totally understandable, the doubts and fears so real.  Their story has been coming along for the last couple of books, so we’ve had those little hints along the way, and I was so excited to finally read it.  Their relationship built so naturally and fluidly, it was sweet and fun and a little bit heartbreaking at times (for both of them).  And the ending has to be one of my favorites.  I won’t spoil anything but I gave Baily a little atta girl cheer.

I don’t know what more to say when it comes to Mallery’s work that I haven’t said before – fantastic characters, engrossing stories, real emotions, humorous moments, all mixed with times of angst.

For years I haven’t even hesitated when I saw her name on the cover of a book – she’s a master at the heartfelt, contemporary romance.  And it just makes it all the better when it is a Christmas story!

Spotlight – Unexpectedly Yours

Tags

Beachwood Bay series, Melody Grace, Unexpectedly Yours, Untouched

If you are looking for a yummy Christmas romance, Melody Grace has a story just begging to be read.  AND she’s even giving you an early present, because the first story in her Beachwood Bay series is now free!

Check out all the details below.

*****

Unexpectedly Yours

By Melody Grace

Blurb:

Sophie Young has been dreaming about the perfect Christmas in New York ever since she was a kid. But when her boyfriend bails on their romantic trip for two, she finds herself stranded in the city on Christmas Eve, with only a holiday-hating smooth-talking, utterly sexy stranger for company…Rock-star Austin Kelly is fed up with Christmas – he’s more interested in who’s going to be cozying up under the mistletoe. But when his little black book comes up empty, he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of the city with the most unlikely partner in festive fun…The snow is falling, but things are definitely heating up inside. And by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve, there will be plenty to celebrate with old friends and familiar faces back in Beachwood Bay.

A heart-warming, sexy new stand-alone holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Melody Grace!

Purchase on iBooks – http://bit.ly/1pS0V5Q

Add to Goodreads – http://bit.ly/10XbQz9

*****

Haven’t started reading the Beachwood Bay series yet?  Untouched is free!

Untouched

by Melody Grace

Blurb:

Emerson Ray is trouble. Juliet knows it the minute she lays eyes on Beachwood Bay’s resident bad boy. Forced to spend her summer before college in the sleepy beach town, she never expected to crash into the most devastating guy she’s ever met—or for Emerson’s blue eyes to strip through her dark secrets, and make her feel a desire she’s never known. Their connection is undeniable, but Juliet is torn. She knows, once she gives him everything, there’ll be no turning back.

Juliet McKenzie is dangerous. Emerson can tell from the way she blows through all his defences, laying bare the demons he’s carried alone all his life. He’s left a trail of broken hearts and empty beds in his wake, but Juliet is different. Her innocence is intoxicating—and the passion she keeps hidden, just below the surface. He wants to be the only one to set it free, but with every kiss, he’s closer to losing control and doing the one thing he swore he never would: fall in love.

One summer. Two damaged hearts. Their story is only just beginning…

UNTOUCHED is a prequel novella to the USA Today Bestselling UNBROKEN. It also can be read as a stand-alone story.

Free on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GSYLYY

Free on iBooks: http://bit.ly/1sIPBUh

*****

Author Info:

Melody Grace is the New York Times bestselling author of the Beachwood Bay series. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover, after spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She is author of USA Today & international bestselling Beachwood Bay series.

Website     Facebook     Twitter

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Guest Post – A League of Her Own

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A League of Her Own, Karen Rock

Today we get to visit with the delightful Karen Rock as she shares a little about herself.  She was even so kind as to bring a bit of a sneak peek at her newest Harlequin romance, A League of Her Own.  AND I got a few more looks at the story and let me say that this one could be an emotional rollercoaster.  Both Garrett and Heather have things in their backgrounds that make a relationship super difficult.  But a HEA is worth every moment of it, right?

*****

*What do you like best about writing romances? There’s something so special about falling in love. It’s the moment when we are most vulnerable and most filled with joy because we’ve finally found the person who understands and cherishes us. I love creating two characters who desperately need to find each other and creating that path (and it’s not an easy one!) to love. There is nothing like Happily-Ever-After.

*What is your favorite romantic story (movie/book, fact/fiction)? I love Jack and Rose in Titanic. They both grew so much from knowing each other. Rose became stronger and was able to stand up for what she wanted—and that was out of an arranged marriage with an abusive man. Jack grew into a man who no longer looked out for just himself… he became responsible and cared for others— namely Rose— more than himself. That’s what the best romances always do… bring out great changes in each person so they are worthy of love.

*If you could be any romantic character, who would it be and why? I would be Claire in THE OUTLANDER. Puh-lease let me ride a horse with Jamie Fraser… and have him wrap me in his plaid. Sigh*

*Which of your characters/books was the most fun to write? They’ve all been wonderful to write, but A LEAGUE OF HER OWN was the most fun because I got to research with a Florida minor league team and learn the slang, rhythms, and rules of the baseball world. Now I know what really goes on in those locker rooms… lol.

*If you weren’t a writer and could be anything you want, what would it be? I would love to direct movies, which, for me, is visual story-telling… same craft, different medium. I go to the movies at least once a month and it would be a dream come true to work on an actual set. My father got to consult with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks (who he said is a genuinely nice guy) while making THE TERMINAL and ate lunch with Stanley Tucci every day. Lucky man!

Thanks so much for hosting me on Romantic Reads and Such today! Wishing everyone a wonderful Holiday season 🙂

*****

A League of Her Own

By Karen Rock

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 1 December, 2014

Blurb:

He was attractive, talented…and way off limits.

Heather Gadway may have been a world-class college pitcher and a top university coach, but she’s a rank amateur when it comes to managing the Falcons, her father’s struggling minor league team. And when it comes to managing her aggravating attraction to Garrett Wolf, their talented new pitcher. It’s going to be difficult enough to make it as the first female manager in the league and prove to her overly critical father she’s worthy. No distractions. No missteps. And certainly no romances with players. Everything stands between them—including their troubled pasts—even as Heather’s world falls apart and Garrett’s the one who’s there to catch her…

You can find A League of Her Own on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23252231-a-league-of-her-own

You can buy A League of Her Own here:

– Amazon (Kindle): http://amzn.to/1tqr4Ee

– Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1sEFKPM

– Kobo: http://bit.ly/1v0W14e

– eHarlequin: http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=55073

*****

Excerpt:

Garrett’s grumbling teammates filed out of the pre-game meeting, followed by the coaches and Heather’s father. Garrett, however, remained in his seat, watching the lithe young woman as she stood by the door.

At last she turned to him.

“We meet again. Garrett, right?”

He stood and strode to the door. When he stopped, her eyes widened, caution swimming in their depths.

“You mentioned having individual meetings,” he said, keeping his voice even, hiding the irritation shimmering through him. “I thought we’d have ours now.”

She blinked up at him, and her lips moved. Though he strained to hear, he couldn’t make out what she’d said.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

A bright pink suffused her cheeks, and he forced himself not to notice how pretty the color made her.

“I said that I haven’t finished my notes for you yet. I’ll watch you pitch tomorrow. We’ll meet after that.”

He had to give it to her. Soft-spoken or not, she had a direct way about her. He didn’t doubt that she could lead…just not professional baseball players. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’m requesting to be released from my contract. This isn’t the right place for me to advance in my career.”

Her mobile face stilled. “And why would that be?”

“Look, I’ll be blunt.” He tapped his fingers on the sides of his legs. “This team isn’t hustling, and it’ll be a long time before they come around to supporting you. Things will get worse instead of better. I have a limited window of opportunity to advance. Given these factors, my bottom-line pitching won’t look good with a losing team behind me. I’d like to help you, but selfishly, this is my last shot.”

A speculative gleam entered her eyes. “So you’re asking to be released because you think I can’t help you reach your goals.”

A long breath rushed out of him. She was going to be reasonable. “That’d be great. Thank you.”

She arched an eyebrow. “You’re wrong, and I’ll be as frank with you as you were with me.”

His relief turned to irritation. So she wasn’t going to make this easy. He held his tongue and waited to hear her out.

“I think you’re overvaluing yourself.” She nodded when his mouth dropped open. Guys talked this way to each other. Not women…especially not pretty women…to him.

“Your control isn’t where it should be, and if that’s not addressed, you’ll also be another reason why this team isn’t doing well. But you have potential, and I can help you.”

“Right,” he scoffed. What could a softball pitcher do for him? “No offense, but I need someone with more experience.”

She tapped her chin and angled her head, her eyes flashing up at him. “If I can change your mind about that, will you drop your request and give me your support and a hundred percent effort?”

He held in a laugh. Was she for real? There wasn’t a chance she could change his decision. “What do you have in mind?”

She stepped closer, and her subtle citrus scent curled beneath his nose.

“A contest. If I get more strikes out of twenty pitches than you do, you stay. If you have more, then I’ll release you.”

He stared at her. Processing. She couldn’t be serious. Sure, he had control issues, but he was still better than a college-level player. She was making this easy. But if she was foolish enough to offer him this out, he’d take it.

They eyed each other for a long, tense moment before he jerked his chin at her.

“You’re on.”

*****

Author Info:

Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary romance author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time writer. Currently she writes for Harlequin Heartwarming and her first novel for the line, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and a finalist in the Published Maggie Awards. The first novel in her co-authored YA series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards.

You can find and connect with Karen here:

– Website: http://www.karenrock.com

– Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenrockwrites

– Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5

– Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/karenrockauthor

– Tumblr: http://www.karenrockauthor.tumblr.com

– Quarterly Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1rcOVJK

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Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of A League of Her Own. These are the prizes you can win:

– a 100$ Amazon gift card (INT)

– a set of signed paperback of Wish Me Tomorrow, His Hometown Girl, Someone Like You and A League of Her Own (US only)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f181/

*****

I hope you enjoyed my stop during the blog tour for A League of Her Own by Karen Rock. This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours and runs from 1 till 14 December.  You can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours: http://lolasblogtours.net/blog-tour-a-league-of-her-own-by-karen-rock/

Spotlight – Diamonds and Dust

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Diamonds and Dust, Jessie Evans, Lonesome Point Texas series

Y’all, I’m super excited about this one and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.  It’s got lots of things I love – cowboys, ball players and second chance romances … !!

*****

Diamonds and Dust

Lonesome Point, Texas series

By Jessie Evans

Blurb:

A sexy second chance romance from NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans

The home run neither of them expected…

Pike Sherman is a legend in Lonesome Point, a hometown boy who made it to the big leagues. Literally. Professional baseball acquired one hell of a pitching arm and its latest celebrity bad boy when the gifted Pike was drafted seven years ago. Pike’s broken heart came along for the ride, too, but he kept that private, and since leaving Lonesome Point has kept his distance from his hometown. But when Pike’s little sister, Mia, begs him to be the Dude of Honor at her wedding, he can’t refuse. He takes advantage of a break in the season and returns home to find himself thrown together with the one woman he never wanted to see again.

Tulsi Hearst is on the verge of losing her Equine Therapy business, and letting down all the kids she’s come to love. After a mix-up with the grant board, she needs to concentrate on finding more funding, not dealing with Pike Sherman, the boy she sacrificed so much for, and the one person she’s ever lied to. And what a lie it is… Pike would hate her if he found out. She knows she should stay far away from the brooding man her summer love has become, but Tulsi can’t resist a slow dance with the only boy who ever made her blood rush.

After just a few days back in Lonesome Point, Pike can’t imagine life without the girl he left behind, but when Tulsi’s secret is revealed, his heart is broken all over again. The only thing worse than losing Tulsi, is losing six years with the daughter he didn’t know he had.

Add it to Goodreads here!

Buy DIAMONDS AND DUST

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Excerpt:

Her response to Pike’s tongue slipping between her lips was anything but timid. She welcomed his invasion with a moan, parting her lips and pressing up on tiptoe to deepen the kiss, mating her tongue with his, tasting mint and something intoxicating that was all Pike.

He tasted like dessert for dinner and midnight on New Year’s Eve, like sinful indulgences, bright new beginnings, and impossible dreams coming true. By the time he palmed her bottom in his hands, drawing her up his body so they could kiss without Tulsi standing on tiptoe, she was thoroughly addicted. Kissing Pike was even better than she’d imagined it would be. Her body felt like a hot air balloon, soaring into the sky on the heat they generated together, and she never, ever wanted to come down to Earth.

Mercifully, it seemed he felt the same way.

“Shit, Tulsi,” he said, breath coming fast against her lips. “Where did you learn to kiss like that?”

“Hours of imagining what it would be like when you finally kissed me.”

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.

Connect with Jessie Evans

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

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