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Romantic Reads and Such

~ thoughts on romances

Romantic Reads and Such

Monthly Archives: January 2016

Book Review – Ravaged River

31 Sunday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Lindsay Cross, Men of Mercy series, Ravaged River

A couple of months back we looked at this series when Raylan was released and I picked up the first book then because it was free.  Unfortunately I didn’t ever get around to reading it … and now I’m regretting it.  I really enjoyed the newest, Ravaged River, so my TBR list just got 5 books longer!

*****

LindsayCross_RavagedRiver_HRRavaged River

Men of Mercy 6

By Lindsay Cross

Genre: Military Romance

Blurb:

Special forces operative Hoyt Crowe wasn’t just damaged… he was broken. After suffering brutal torture in captivity, his once lively spirit is shattered. Now his greatest adversary isn’t some unknown terrorist in a foreign country, it’s himself.

Hayden James watched Hoyt slide into a private purgatory of post-traumatic stress disorder, taking her heart with him. No longer warm and loving, he is cold. Hardened. A shell of his former self.

When an old enemy threatens Hayden’s life, Hoyt must find the strength to slay his inner demons or lose the woman he loves forever.

Amazon

*****

Unhappy woman in focus crying and angry man leaving on the background after quarrel

Review:

Hoyt carries a lot of baggage from his captivity – scars that cut very, very deep and impact all facets of his life.  Because of it, he’s turned away from Hayden and placed a strain on his relationships with his brother & teammates.  As a member of an elite special forces team, it is extra hard to face what he feels is his weakness.  But when an old enemy brings danger to his door, he has to decide if he’s man enough to face his demons and conquer them.  He’s deeply troubled but also a good man, who just needs to find his way to get past his anger and pain.

I don’t know if it is because she is too close to him, but I would think that as a psychology grad student Hayden would have a little more understanding of what Hoyt is going through.  She’s understandably hurt by his leaving but she has to know that there is more going on than what is on the surface.  Once she does start looking at things a little more objectively though she gets it.  But then the bad guys arrive and things get crazy.

I kinda wish there had been more time for Hoyt and Hayden to deal with his issues, however Cross does a great job of keeping the story flowing.  First we’re caught up in Hoyt & Hayden’s relationship and then we roll straight into some non-stop action, which kept me glued to the pages right til the last page.

This is the first of the Men of Mercy series that I’ve read but I can definitely tell you it will not be my last.  Although I feel like I should warn you that while this one can stand on its own, there are events from the past that come into play along with an underlying plot that will continue on into future stories.  Cross does a fabulous job of giving you the details you need as they play into Hoyt’s story and she makes sure that you feel like you got the closure you needed to truly enjoy this one.  But it is part of a greater overall story and that may frustrate some new readers.  Or give them a whole new set of books to read (like me) 🙂

*****

author (3)Author Info:

Lindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.

An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams.

https://www.facebook.com/lindsaycrossauthorpage/

https://twitter.com/lindsaycross101

*****

BANNER (2)

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Spotlight – Granted Wishes

29 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Granted series, Granted Wishes, Tanya Vought

A “captivating” new story with a 4+ rating on Amazon?  Sign me up!  And if you are a Kindle Unlimited person you can get it for free – can’t beat that, eh?

*****

Granted Wishes - CoverGranted Wishes

The Granted Series

by Tanya Vought

GENRE – Contemporary Romance

PUBLICATION DATE –  Feb 24, 2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) –  234ish

PUBLISHER –  Booktrope

COVER ARTIST –  Shari Ryan

Blurb:

A decision that will change her life forever.

After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four-week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.

The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?

STANDALONE NOVEL WITH HEA

***FREE on kindle unlimited!!!***

AMAZON KINDLE US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5UEPYI

AMAZON KINDLE CA – http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00T5UEPYI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=13CER4PAWJH8HZXTY099&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2055621862&pf_rd_i=desktop

AMAZON KINDLE UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00T5UEPYI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d7_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1GMSCV569STYFSZY9YDJ&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=577048787&pf_rd_i=desktop

AMAZON PAPERBACK – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620157136?keywords=granted%20wishes&qid=1447439302&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/granted-wishes-tanya-vought/1121154276?ean=9781620157138#productInfoTabs

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23841112-granted-wishes

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

The dark, somber sky matches Gracelynn Calhoun’s disposition. Her heart beats rapidly in her chest as she grips the steering wheel of her Hyundai Accent. From her windshield, she notices the barren trees that once held her favorite fall foliage. Looking at them makes her feel just as empty as the trees in the Layton Hills Cemetery. She releases her right hand from the steering wheel, and clutches her angel necklace as tears pour down her cheeks. She closes her eyes, continuing to hold the necklace, remembering the day her beloved gave it to her. She lets go of her necklace, opens her green-grey eyes and wipes her cheeks.

While walking to her beloved’s tomb, leaves crinkle under her favorite pair of black, high-heeled shoes. As she reaches the stone, tears trickle down her face and she drops to her knees. She immediately starts cleaning around his grave, removing all debris.

She stares at the gravestone, and drags her fingers over the intricately carved angel wings. She reads aloud, even though she doesn’t need to. “Angelo Grant Calhoun. 11/28/1980 – 11/30/2012. “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” More tears stream down her face.

She reaches up and touches the top of the stone, resting her hand in the middle of the stone, like she’d be touching Angelo’s heart.  “I miss you so much, Angelo. How can I move on with my life…move on without you?” she cries to the gravestone. “I love you so much. I wore your favorite dress and shoes, hoping that you’d see me today. How crazy is that?” She laughs through tears, wipes her cheeks with her hand and grabs her necklace. “I still remember the day you gave me this,” she expresses to the gravestone. “How can I move on when you were my whole life?……”

*****

Author Info:

What started as a lifelong dream became a reality when Tanya Vought penned and released her debut romance novel, Granted Wishes. She is a hopeless romantic who loves reading, writing and singing. You may know her as blogger “Tanya – The Book Obsessed Momma”, where she’s been a loyal supporter of authors and an active participant in the book community for several years. You’ll find that Tanya writes stories that are sweet, sassy and unique–like her. When she’s not inspiring others with her kindness, she’s spending time with her husband and two imaginative children. She believes whole-heartedly that anything is possible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it!

 

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8SY04W

WEBSITE / BLOG –  www.thebookobsessedmomma.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/TanyaTheBookObsessedMomma/

TWITTER –  http://www.twitter.com/Tanya_TBOM

PINTEREST – https://www.pinterest.com/tanyavought/

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10802092.Tanya_Vought

OTHERS –  instagram : @Writer2015

*****

Giveaway:

7 ebooks of Granted Wishes

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9944253c211/

*****

Granted Wishes - Banner

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Spotlight – Sexy Bastards Anthology

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Antihero, Bad Boy Biker, Badass, Bella Love-Wins, Bella Wild, Biker Blues Baby, Billionaire Biker, C.C. Cartwright, C.J. Pinard, Cassie Alexandra, Christine Bell, Dale Mayer, Dog, Forbidden, Indecent Desires, Just Love Me, Kendra Wild, Kylie Walker, Lexy Timms, Lisa Ladew, Salvation, Sierra Rose, Switchblade, Taming The Biker, Tasha Lyons, The Biker's Secret Torment

Today we have a collection of sexy bad boys to tempt you … one of these hotties is sure to strike your fancy!

*****

1Sexy Bastards Box SetSexy Bastards Anthology

Steamy Romance (Biker and Bad Boy)

Date of Publication:  Feb 8 (currently available for preorder)

A Collection of Bad Boy, Biker and Alpha Romance Stories

Featuring New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors. 12 top selling authors bring you 12 never-before-published Hot and Steamy Romance stories

~

Christine Bell – SWITCHBLADE

Michael Blade has always thought of Kaitlin Pepper as the irritatingly prissy girl next door, but when she mistakes him for his twin and shows up at his house wearing only a trench coat and a shaky smile, he starts to reconsider…

Bella Wild – BAD BOY BIKER

Jessie used to think being a parolee psychologist was her way of helping ex-cons get a second chance as they integrated back into society–until she met Jace. He’s the angry, inked, biker ex-con who refuses rehabilitation and insists on getting under her skin.

Sierra Rose – FORBIDDEN

This is the fu—- up version of Romeo and Juliet MC Club style…imagine Juliet a pistol, and Romeo a sexy, bad ass with wicked tats….oh, did I mention there’s lots of cursing, leather-clad bikers, motorcycles, and sex?

Lexy Timms – BILLIONAIRE BIKER

Katie’s not your usual rich girl, and Morgan’s not your typical biker. Falling for each other is inevitable, but what will happen when their worlds collide?

Dale Mayer – SALVATION

Beaten. Broken. Finished.

An abused wife meets the most unlikeliest of angels – a man who looks like the very devil himself. He won’t let her give up. Nor will he let her go. Will he be yet another captor or will he become her salvation?

Lisa Ladew – THE BIKER’S SECRET TORMENT

He’d loved her for as long as he could remember, but he would never pursue her, because he alone knew he was responsible for the one thing she would never forgive anyone for. When she starts to pursue him though, he doesn’t think he can keep his distance.

Cassie Alexandra – TAMING THE BIKER

After a short fling with hell-raising womanizer, Taylor (Tail) Adams, Lauren Macey discovers that she’s pregnant with the biker’s child. Knowing that the MC lifestyle isn’t what she wants for their baby, and that Tail isn’t exactly ‘father’ material, Lauren decides not to tell him. This proves challenging, especially when she realizes that he isn’t ready to end their affair…

Tasha Lyons – BIKER BLUES BABY

Morgan and Jazz have dealt with most of the horrific problems that plagued their fledging relationship, at least they hope so. But just as one horrific set of troubles falls away, another interesting one comes into play. Will they survive this one too?

C.J. Pinard – ANTIHERO

Can a street punk on the wrong path be transformed into a military killing machine? Once he’s been”rehabilitated”, Ellis Anderson is determined to show the woman he loves that he’s nothing like both the lives he’s left behind. But actions speak louder than words – and he has a lot of work ahead of him.

C.C. Cartwright – JUST LOVE ME

Justin can’t get Sloane out of his head. He pushes her away for being his little sister’s best friend, but now that she’s filled out in all the right places, will he be able to resist the innocent, yet enticing woman she has become?

Bella Love-Wins – DOG

Kane is now top dog in the Rugged Angels MC, and has slept with half the eligible biker chicks in Tucson. He meets his match when Kim, daughter of his club’s former president, just won’t give in to his usual tricks.

Kylie Walker – INDECENT DESIRES

District Attorney Eric Steel is used to getting his way, and when he meets the new intern hired for his team, he wants her: preferably stripped down and bound to his bed. From the moment Crystal Reid first obediently whispers “Yes, Mr. Steel,” he knows she’s perfect for him. He has less than 1 week to convince her…and he doesn’t plan on taking no for an answer.

Kendra Wild – BADASS

The company recruited Nick Taylor from the US Army Special Forces and turned him into a mean machine. His first undercover assignment – to pursue and protect Nicole Hunt, a crucial federal witness with dark secrets.

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1lCmcj1
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/sexy-bastards-anthology
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sexy-bastards-anthology-lexy-timms/1123016240?ean=2940152682113
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1061747448

*****

Giveaway

(no purchase necessary

http://bellalovewins.com/sexybastardsanthologypreordercontest/

*****

1Sexy Bastards Facebook Cover Art

Pre-Order and Release Blitz – Jan 25 to Feb 14 

January 25th

Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours

Mythical Books 

Readsalot

January 26th

Busy Bumblebee Reviews

On a Reading Bender

January 27th

A Sky Full of Stars

Indy Book Fairy

January 28th

Live, Laugh, Love Books

Romantic Reads and Such

Share My Destiny

Crazy, Beautiful Reads 

Two Feisty Angels

January 29th

Satin’s Bookish Corner

Book Lover Circumspect

January 30th

Born to Read Books 

Jazzy’s Book Reviews 

Extreme Bookaholics

January 31st

Between Books and More 

A Life Through Books

February 1st

A Good Book Can Change Your Life 

All I Want and More Books

February 2nd

Eskimo Princess 

Making It Happen

February 3rd

JJ’s Kinky Books 

Wicked Babes Book Blog 

Books and Banter

February 4th

Texas Book Nook

Book Junkiez

February 5th

My Reading Addiction 

The Writers Inkwell

February 6th

Evermore Books

Coffee Book Mom

February 7th

Book Bangers Blog

AmazeBalls Book Addicts

February 8th

The Indie Express 

JB’s Book Obsession

February 9th

Steamy Side 

Nerdy, Dirty, and Flirty

February 10th

Novel News Network

February 11th

eBook Addicts 

The Butterfly Reads

February 12th

Tory Richards

February 13th

Sweet and Sassy Book Whore

February 14th

Obsessed By Books

Ramblings From Beneath the Sheets

RABT Reviews

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Book Review – To Win Her Trust

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Mackenzie Crowne, Players series, To Win Her Trust

cover76965-mediumTo Win Her Trust

Players series

by Mackenzie Crowne

Can she trust this player with her heart?

Ever since experiencing a childhood trauma, reclusive artist CC Calhoun has suffered from panic attacks. But when a fateful kiss from handsome wide receiver, Kevin “Tuck” Tucker, is enough to stop one of those episodes cold, she wonders if guarding her heart has been the right choice. Will going on a test date with Tuck open her to trusting someone for the first time in years? Or will she wind up being just another notch in the football player’s bedpost?

Tuck has a reputation for charming women into bed, but after his kiss with CC, he’s left aching for more. When he proposes a second date, his attraction to the sexy blonde looks like the makings of true love—something he’s never quite believed in—until now. But when Tuck discovers CC’s childhood secrets, will the pro athlete be tough enough to stay by her side—or will he betray her hard-earned trust?

Just like with To Win Her Love, Crowne delivers a fun, fast, and heartfelt read.  Tuck is just as entertaining as he was in the first story.  And just like I hoped, he meets his match is CC.  She does have hangups, completely understandable ones given her past, but Tuck is definitely not easy to ignore.  And you have to love that about him!

We’re given CC’s history in bits but it makes you value her strength and heart all the more as she works thru her issues with Tuck’s help.  Together they are so amazingly sweet and funny and sexy.  I think my favorite part is that there isn’t a huge amount of drama.  Everything flows so well and so realistically, and the issues that arise just made sense.

Returning readers will be thrilled to see glimpses of Jack & Gracie and their family, plus we are given a look at some possible future stories which is always fun.  And while I think you need to have read the first book to have the chance to get the full Tucker treatment, this can definitely be read on its own.

With two main characters who have a fun sense of humor and big heart (and in Tuck’s case a big ego), To Win Her Trust just proves that Crowne is one to watch.  I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.

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Spotlight – Debt

26 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Debt, Rachel Dunning

Today, for those who like sexy fighters, I’ve got a book that isn’t out yet BUUUUT preorder is only 99 cents!  How can you resist those abs when it costs you less than a buck???

*****

book-cover-debt-rachel-dunningDEBT

By Rachel Dunning

Expected Release Date: March 2016

Genres: New-Adult Romance, Sports Romance

Blurb:

The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to.

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father’s passing meant I would automatically take on dad’s debts. I refused.

And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that’s where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a “favor” when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn’t care who gets rolled over in the process.

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying “I’m sorry.” The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad’s wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn’t always like that.

I’ve had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.

She and I hit the road for the summer, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.

But there’s a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.

Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.

That’s all it was supposed to be.

I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.

And yet…so unbelievably right.

Content Warning

Not intended for readers under the age of seventeen.

99c Pre-Order Sale!

 

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A02LNLC
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/debt/id1071559413?mt=11
Nook / B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/debt-rachel-dunning/1123196983?ean=2940152548570
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603988
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28400056-debt

*****

Excerpt:

I push my head back against the wall, not sure what’s coming, but not fighting it either.

“Who are you?” he repeats.

“I…I don’t know what you mean.”

“I see you at a bar in Texas, then I look for you all over Nashville. And suddenly you’re at my side in a hospital, following me into this warehouse. Who are you?”

“I didn’t follow you into the warehouse. You needed to pick up your truck, and you were stumbling.”

“So?”

“So I wanted to make sure you were OK.”

“And?”

And I want you to take my clothes off and I want us to live happily ever after. “That’s it.”

Logan grins, a deadly look for him with his dimples. “Don’t do that,” I say.

“What?”

“Smile.”

“Why not?”

Because you’re beautiful. “Just don’t.”

*****

rachel-dunning-profile-pictureAuthor Info:

Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

Sign up for Rachel’s Newsletter and never miss a release or a special.  You can sign up here: http://www.rdunning.com/p/non-spammy-news.html

Where Else to Find Rachel
Blog / Website: http://www.rdunning.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/RachelDunning
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelDAuthor
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/racheldunning
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningBN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningiTunes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/racheldunning

*****

Don’t Forget!!!

99c Pre-Order Sale

~Logan~

She looks at me with eyes that say something to me. They’re the eyes of someone who’s realized something. Not happy, not excited, not sad. A bit of all of it. I think the word they use for that crazy mixture of emotions is Love.

debt-by-rachel-dunning-banner

 

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Spotlight – Extreme Honor

25 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Extreme Honor, Piper J. Drake, True Heroes series

7

Hot military heroes, the women who love them, and the devoted dogs that always have their backs.  EXTREME HONOR is the first book in a high adrenaline contemporary suspense series from Piper J. Drake published by Forever Romance. Fans of Jill Shalvis’s Animal Attraction series and Cindy Gerard’s One Eyed Jacks, will love this brand new action packed romantic suspense series.

*****

ExtremeHonor5_RGB300Extreme Honor

True Heroes #1

by Piper J. Drake

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever

Blurb:

David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier’s toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope’s Crossing kennel can break through the animal’s grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas’s heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde’s mesmerizing effect isn’t limited to canines. But when Lyn’s work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.

Lyn realizes that David’s own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he’s gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else—and he’s willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn’t want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both . . .

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

5

Exerpt:

Her heart rate had picked up, fluttering at the pulse point under his touch.

“Yeah?” The urge to slide has hands over more delicate areas grew and he couldn’t help running his thumb along the inside of her arm.

Awareness grew in her gaze and she bit her lip as she nodded.

He leaned toward her, focused on her plump lip caught under her teeth.

“What else do you like?”

She opened her mouth to answer but he didn’t plan to let her get a word out. Maybe later. He bent his head to capture her lips.

And seventy five pounds of fur jumped up on his side.

“The hell?”

Lyn gasped. “Atlas!”

“Af.” Mindful of the dog’s injury, Cruz gave Atlas a gentle shove.

The dog dropped back to all fours, his tongue lolling. Looking from him to Lyn and back again, Atlas lay back down on his belly.

Jealous. Damn dog was jealous.

Be real. Every dog recognizes a fake. And good men can see through it too.

“I’d really like to help.” Honest. Simple. All the other reasons paled in comparison to this.

“Whatever is going on, you know more about it than I do.” She licked her lips, her mouth gone dry.

His gaze dipped, focusing on her mouth. “I might. I know something. I’m not sure it’s related. But this next question is important.”

Can I kiss you?

Doubtful that was the question he was going to ask. But the moment was drawing out and she very much wanted for him to ask it. “Okay.”

“Do you think I would hurt you?”

“No!” It popped out before she had time to think about it. Anger burned up from her chest and spread outward. She scowled. “Of course n—”

He kissed her.

6

*****

Book_2_UltimateCourageBook two in the True Heroes series – Ultimate Courage – available July 26, 2016

Elisa Hall is good at starting from scratch. Leaving an abusive relationship in her rearview, she packs everything she owns into the trunk of her car and heads for refuge with her friend in Hope’s Crossing, Pennsylvania.

Alex Rojas returned from his second deployment as a Navy SEAL to find his condo empty and divorce papers on the breakfast table. Now he’s building a life for himself and his daughter at Hope’s Crossing kennels training younger dogs and handlers to search and rescue, struggling to adjust to life back in the States and as a single father.

When Elisa shows up at the kennels, it’s obvious she’s running from something. Luckily, the dogs and trainers at Hope’s Crossing are more than capable of warding off trouble. And with every minute he spends with Elisa, Alex becomes even more and more determined to protect the woman he’s certain he won’t be able to live without…

Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Piper_THAuthor Info:

Piper J. Drake (or “PJ”) began her writing career as “PJ Schnyder” writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

Connect with Piper at

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads| Youtube

*****

Giveaway:

Win a signed copy of Extreme Honor

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29178/

*****

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Spotlight – Woods Family

23 Saturday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Mandy Harbin, Surrounded by Pleasure, Surrounded by Secrets, Surrounded by Temptation, Surrounded by Woods, Woods Family series

For those of you who enjoy paranormal romances, Mandy Harbin has a shifter family made just for you!

*****

Woods Family Series

by Mandy Harbin

Genre: Paranormal Romance

MHSurroundedbyWoods6x9_MEDIUMSurrounded by Woods

Book #1

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

When Mikaela Patterson must take on a client with specific requirements that no single women be allowed on his property, she keeps her broken engagement a secret. She doesn’t realize her client and his sons are mountain lion shifters whose instinct to mate with any available woman turns deadly.

Josh Woods is her client’s eldest son, and he is immediately drawn to Mikaela. Knowing his father would never allow an available woman on the property, Josh doesn’t understand his fascination with her. Josh and Mikaela fight their attraction because of their own secrets, but when the truth comes out about Mikaela’s true availability and Josh’s animal instincts, they must be prepared to face the consequences.

 

MHSurroundedbyPleasure6x9_MEDIUMSurrounded by Pleasure

Book #2

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

Krista Owens is an attorney who works too much and plays too little. When her colleague, Mikaela, requests her assistance for a month on the Woods estate, hinting that her brothers-in-law are all hot with commitment phobias, Krista agrees to tell the guys she has a boyfriend, hoping to finally lose her virginity.

Toby Woods doesn’t want anything to do with Krista, but watching his brothers fight over her ignites his feral side. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

He knows it’s temporary, but will he be able to let her go when it’s time?

 

MHSurroundedbyTemptation6x9_MEDIUMSurrounded by Temptation

Book #3

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.

Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?

 

MHSurroundedbySecrets6x9_MEDIUMSurrounded by Secrets

Book #4

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

Lillian Caldwell has eyes on the hottie with the body, Jack Woods, one of the men who bought her family land and now new boss. She has big plans for Jack, including the getting-him-horizontal variety, and she always gets what she wants.

Jack is the family hard ass who’s trying to make amends. His plans of digging into the family secret he discovered are thwarted when he’s forced to work with Lillian, his gorgeous, pain-in-the-ass neighbor.

But a night of passion will unlock the secrets surrounding them and change both their lives forever.

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

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Book Review – Getting Out of Hand

21 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Erin Nicholas, Getting Out of Hand, Sapphire Falls series

22551014Getting Out of Hand

Sapphire Falls, Book One

by Erin Nicholas

Genius scientist Mason Riley can cure world hunger, impress the media and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he’s not sure he can get through his high school class reunion.

Then he meets the new girl in town.

Adrianne Scott loves Sapphire Falls. The sleepy little town has been the perfect place to escape her fast-paced, high stress lifestyle. Her only plans now include opening her candy shop and living a quiet, drama-free life.

Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her.

Mason sure doesn’t look–or kiss–like a genius scientist geek. In fact, he makes Adrianne’s heart pound like nothing she’s ever experienced. Passion like this with a guy who travels the world and parties at the White House should probably be a red flag for a girl who wants a simple boring life.

Good thing no one falls in love in a weekend.

WARNING: read only if you don’t mind some naughty words, sexy times described in great detail, humor, small town quirkiness, meddling best friends, mud in the kitchen, references to bisexuality, oh and talk about candy… and that’s not a euphemism for anything… actual candy.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.  I found it for free on Amazon and even though I should have been reading other books in my TBR pile, I was drawn to it.  I love the idea of the quirky hero and the woman who really understands him.  It’s sweet and fun and totally made me happy.

The characters are addictive and easily made their way into my heart.  I rooted for them from the first page and anxiously waited for them to get to their HEA.  Mason is too smart for his own good, which makes him a bit weird to most people.  But for someone who appreciates his big … brain, he’s just perfect.

And Adrianne is that person.  She’s smart and caring and loves her new town.  The people in it and the slower pace it can give her.  The fact that she truly appreciates all those things that make Mason who he is just makes her extra appealing, to him and to us.

There are so many ways that the strife could have happened between the two of them, but I really love how Nichols made her characters smarter than that.  Their difficulties (and how they handled them) weren’t cliched and that made their story all the more enjoyable.

 

Get it free on Amazon

 

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Spotlight – Montana Wild

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Montana Wild, Roni Hall

The debut novel from author Roni Hall releases today and looks fantastic!  Check it out below and make sure you enter to win an Amazon GC.

*****

Out Now is MONTANA WILD by Roni Hall…Born and Bred in NYC, Fate Leads Jamie to the Wilds of Montana Where the Reluctant City Girl Comes Alive. Empowered, She Risks It All To Save A Life, Befriend A Wild Stallion and Fall In Love…Only To Have It All Taken Away By Past Demons…Check Out MONTANA WILD by Roni Hall!

MontanaWild400Blurb:

Spiraling downward after losing two loved ones within one week, Jamie’s world was closing in…until she grabs an unexpected lifeline and escapes. Knowing only New York City, Montana is another world and she is unprepared by how the land, the people and even the animals touch her.

After risking her life to save a child, Jamie shares an undeniable bond and the beginning ripples of deep emotions with her co-rescuer, Kevin. However, her past follows her to Montana and threatens all that she loves there.

Jamie has no choice but to hurt Kevin in order to save his life and returns to New York with her ex, Derrick. Broken, Kevin refuses to believe she doesn’t love him and searches for Jamie, only to find her in Derrick’s lair. Once again Jamie tries to protect Kevin but this time gets caught in the cross fire…

On Sale in Digital: January 20, 2016     Amazon

Add MONTANA WILD to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

*****

Excerpt:

“All forward!” Kevin gave the command to paddle and the initial motion startled her as the raft was pulled by the current. With little effort they flowed around a few bends until she could hear the rapid waters ahead.

“Right back!” Kevin commanded his crew to maneuver the raft through the rocky course. They hit a wave head on and the spray of ice-cold mountain water hit Jamie in the face like a wakeup call. She felt alive. It was the ultimate amusement ride, the upward climb of Mother Nature’s roller coaster and she didn’t know whether to scream with fright or shout with joy. No time to think or ponder the emotional ups and downs. She was too busy trying to hear Kevin’s instructions and carry them out instantly.

“Left forward!” She heard him shout from behind her as anticipation built with each wave, knowing that in seconds, she would reach the crest, and then the downhill thrill would begin again. Eyes and mouth wide open, she welcomed the water’s cold slap in the face as the river challenged her.

“Bring it on!” She dared the raging waters. Sapphire blue skies, emerald pine treetops, and majestic mountain skylines were all a blur as she focused her attention on the beast below. The foaming water tossed them around like a toy but her crew had played this game before and met the challenge head on. The first three-hour segment seemed like fifteen minutes. The rafts pooled together and beached in a calm area. Jamie climbed out of the raft and kissed the ground. Kevin caught sight of this and laughed.

“So how’re you holding up?” he asked as she lay face down in the sand.

“Who me? No problem, I’m fine,” she said, her voice weak and slow. Then she bolted upright. “No really, that was AWESOME! What a rush!”

Sandwiches and drinks were passed around and they were back in the water within thirty minutes. With three hours of rafting experience under her belt, Jamie had a bit more confidence as the thrill and excitement continued into the afternoon.

*****

IMG_1654 (1)Author Info:

The summer after high school graduation, Roni worked two jobs to pay for nursing school. During the midnight shift as a waitress, a charismatic young man at the counter flirted with her for hours as he consumed seven cups of coffee.  Their first date was eventful enough to be a book itself! Thirty-seven years and two kids later, the love story continues. Just like her novels, life can’t be too simple and you must make it an adventurous ride!

Her favorite place to write is in her hammock at their small Michigan cottage where she literally dodges the feeding hummingbirds while being serenaded by the lake’s loons.  Besides writing, she loves Slow Rollin’ in Detroit and the combination of good food, better wine, and dear friends.

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon 

*****

CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize:  $25 Gift Card to Amazon

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29177/

*****

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Spotlight – Too Hot To Handle

19 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Bad Boys (Zero to 60) series, Never Say Never, Susan Arden, Too Hot to Handle

Y’all, this one is SERIOUSLY hot so don’t continue if you aren’t prepared for a lot of cowboy sizzle!  (Definitely not for those who don’t like their stories with rough talk, rough men and rough sex.  But a treat for those who do!)

*****

NEVER SAY NEVER SUSAN ARDEN JAN 4Never Say Never

Book #9 Prequel for Too Hot To Handle

by Susan Arden

Series: Bad Boys (Zero to 60)

Genre: Western Erotica, Erotica Humorous

Releases: Jan. 5

IT’S HOT.

IT’S DIRTY.

ZERO TO 60

SEX UP AGAINST A WALL AND SOME.

If you can’t stand the heat, better not come near this nuclear fusion Western, ’cause baby you will get burnt!

A random hookup…

And here’s a hot-n-tasty teaser:

Pulling away from my mouth, she gazed at me, her pupils fully dilated. “I’m ready to come. Are you?”

“Margo,” I grunted, taking hold of her hands. I wanted to kiss every inch of her skin. “I’m going to take my time with you. Suck on your clit until you soak my mouth.”

“Let’s go somewhere. Anywhere.” She piloted my hands down between her thighs. “Fuck me. So hard you bruise me. Fuck me everywhere,” she begged. “So rough it hurts. Really. Hurts. Can you?”

“Yeah.” I captured her wrists.

We stared at each other. She asked me to hurt her. Something I’d never delivered to another woman, but with her everything was different. Margo unlocked a side of me that demanded I mark her. Even if it meant she’d experience pain mixed with pleasure. I got what she was after—I hungered to give her that and more, but not in my truck. We’d need hours…days. And a plan.

“Please,” she whimpered, her breath sweet against my mouth.

“Not here. The next time we fuck, I want you in my bed. Open and submitting to me. Baby, I’ll give you what you need. So much, you’re going to surrender completely to me. Or not at all.”

 

IF YOU LIKE YOUR ROMANCE SO HOT IT SMOLDERS,

then you’ve come to the right ranch.

This girl wants it hard.

This man isn’t going to let her get away.

AND TOGETHER THEY’RE TNT.

Then on Jan. 12, TOO HOT TO HANDLE crash-lands!

Too-Hot-To-Handle-Susan-Arden-Zero-To-60-CoverToo Hot To Handle

Book #10

by Susan Arden

Series: Bad Boys (Zero to 60)

Genre: Western Erotica, Erotica Humorous, Military Romance, Sports Fiction, Literary Fiction Western

Releases: Jan. 12

NOTE: Don’t say you haven’t been warned. This smoldering erotic love story is for mature adults who have a hankering to go a little dark. If you adore Alexa Riley or Tarryn Fisher, then you know the score. Get a shot of tequila or Jack, buckle up, and c’mon. We’re about to enter the storm…

Blurb:

What began in a grueling game of cat-n-mouse with her step-uncle, has Margo on the move. In Never Say Never (prequel and included in Too Hot to Handle), she’s on the run, does a body slide right into the arms of a Rod McLemore, a recently discharged Marine. Outside of a crazy fling, there’s zero room in her life for men. Handsome distractions are dangerous to her health.

From working a fence line and dealing with cattle, Rod is thrust back into the line of duty. And he promptly fails. He crosses the line in a no-brainer mission: go and get the girl. On no hands is he prepared for Margo or her smart-mouth, right hook, and cargo to hide.

Together Margo and Rod are as volatile as flint and gunpowder. Bordering on taboo, their raw attraction is a recipe for disaster. Especially when the stakes are raised.

Their stormy love affair forces them over the edge and out of their comfort zones as they wrangle in-laws, Mother Nature, and a slick con man. A regular trial by fire. But a battle worth fighting means taking a stand and they’ll do whatever it takes to stay together. Even if it means they have to lie, steal, cheat.

Or kill.

MARINE DISCHARGED FROM DUTY RETURNS HOME AND FALLS HARD FOR A GIRL ON THE RUN

Are you TOO HOT TO HANDLE?  Hope so!

~snicker~

Remember all author earnings from the sales for January 2016 go to benefit the amazing Semper Fi Fund.

Never Say Never http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019S6ZH5O

Too Hot To Handle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019TKC9CI

*****

Author Info:

After packing up and moving to Nashville, Susan married the man standing behind her at Starbucks. Her husband is an incredible guy who puts up with a fly-by-the-seat zany wife. Together, they support several charity organizations including RAINN.org, Semper Fi Fund, Diversity In Books, and a robotics program for children.

Susan loves comedy in all forms. And music—anything dance-able. You’ll find her singing and dancing if she’s in the kitchen and cooking. And speaking of things that sizzle, if romance starring a dirty-talkin’ sexy cowboy ignites your fire, then stay in touch via Susan’s RED-HOT ROMANCE newsletter. Sign up for freebies, releases, and bad boy news!

CATCH SUSAN HERE

FB | Blog |Twitter |Amazon |Tumblr

Pinterest | Instagram | Google+

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to wind a Kindle Fire and an Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/297aa0dd50/

*****

Tour:

January 12th: Cat’s Guilty Pleasure – Spotlight w/Excerpt
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Spotlight w/Excerpt
Smokin’ Hot Reads Book Blog – Spotlight w/Excerpt & Top Ten List
January 13th: Book Liaison – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 14th: Babs Book Bistro – Review & Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 15th: Saints and Sinners Books – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 16th: Rustys Reading – Spotlight w/Excerpt & Short Q&A
January 18th: A Sky Full of Stars Blog – Spotlight w/Excerpt, Top 10 List
January 19th: Romantic Reads and Such – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 20th: Nerdy Dirty & Flirty – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 24th: The Book Bellas – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 26th: Badass Bloggettes – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 31st: Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – Review

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