Book Review – Starting From Scratch

14 Friday Feb 2014

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Book Review, Stacy Gail, Starting From Scratch

Christmas is the perfect time to start from scratch

Lieutenant Sully Jax saved his unit during an IED attack, but he couldn’t save his marriage. He can’t even remember it. Recovered from his injuries, he’s come home to the family and friends he knows—and an ex-wife who’s a stranger to him.

Lucy Crabtree was heartbroken last Christmas when Sully announced his plan to go on one last tour of duty, and devastated when he asked for a divorce after he awoke in the hospital with no memory of her. She’s finally moving on from her hurt and from losing the man she loved more than anything, and her cookie-baking business is taking off just in time for the holidays. But now Sully’s back, and she can’t deny she still loves him. But how can she trust her heart to someone who breaks it every time she sees him?

Sully might not remember Lucy, but something inside won’t let her go. With every bite of her cookies, he finds a new love for Lucy, and he soon realizes he wants to rebuild his life…with her by his side.

I’d forgotten how much I liked Gail’s writing until I started this book. Actually, I should say I realized how much I liked Gail’s writing as I got into Starting From Scratch only to find out when I was done that she’d also written Ugly Ducklings Finish First, which I adored. One of the problems with reading so many stories is that it is very hard to keep all of them straight. I can always tell you when I like a particular story, and usually why, but I’m occasionally surprised to realize that I’m not reading an author for the first time.

Starting From Scratch pulled me in immediately and I absolutely couldn’t put it down. Luckily it was a novella, so at less than 100 pages it didn’t take me long to read it, but since I wasn’t stopping until I was done that’s definitely a good thing. I felt for both Sully and Lucy, and it was so hard to watch them have to battle their feelings, their fears and their hurts, and figure out how to deal with each other. Each has such a unique and heartbreaking problem and it’s so hard to watch them have to battle themselves and one another as they try to find a way to live in the same town now that their life together is gone. It’s a devastating thing but one that Gail handles in a very intriguing way.

Lucy has to handle the struggle of figuring out how to deal with a man who doesn’t know her, while she remembers a relationship that can no longer be. Sully feels drawn to Lucy but there is so much anxiety mixed in with his attraction that he can’t grasp onto it all. We get both of their points of view, which makes it so easy to understand where each is coming from, but it’s so hard for each to understand the other while dealing with their own pain and confusion.

It’s an emotionally difficult book, one that made me both happy and weepy, but when it was over I definitely was glad I’d gone on the journey with them. Readers need to make sure they check out Gail’s website for the deleted scenes from the book, because they add a little extra to an already heartwarming book.

Book Review – A Midsummer Bride

13 Thursday Feb 2014

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A Midsummer Bride, Amanda Forester, Book Review, Marriage Mart Regency series

Love is one experiment this scientist hasn’t tested

Miss Harriet Burton, a horrendously rich American heiress, laughs too loud, states her opinion directly, and even conducts science experiments. Her uncle is desperate to get her off his hands and is offering a king’s ransom to anyone able to arrange a suitable marriage that comes with a title. To avoid marriage, Harriet swears off all men, until she meets Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton. But when Thornton is falsely accused of being a traitor, Harriet must use her knowledge of chemistry to find the real culprit and spark true romance.

I really don’t know that the person who wrote the blurb read the same book I did … Harriet is a horrendously rich American heiress and she knows nothing about carrying herself in English society but that’s because she never expected to be there. She was sailing up the coast of America when her ship was attacked by a member of the British Navy and she was kidnapped, taken back to London to see the grandfather she never met. Years ago Harriet’s mother ran away with an American ship’s captain and, now that Harriet has been returned to her grandfather, he plans to marry her off to an English lord so that she’ll never leave again. Never mind that Harriet just wants to return to America. She’s giving him a month but after that she’s heading back to her parents. That’s all the time her grandfather needs and so he’s taking her to a house party in the hopes that he can find her a husband. She meets the awfully yummy Earl of Thornton, host of the party and business associate to her grandfather, but Duncan has sworn he’d never marry a heiress, regardless of how much in need he is of money. With his vow and Harriet’s determination to return to her parents, these two can never be more than friends … regardless of how much they want to be.

A Midsummer Bride is part of Forester’s “Marriage Mart” series and I think that there is definitely some benefit to be had in reading them in order. It wasn’t enough to keep me from enjoying this one but there were a lot of things that I didn’t quite understand. There is a running theme of Thornton’s friend, the Duke of Marchford, being a spy hunter, which apparently flows through all of the stories. The story and the spy stuff found here were complete but I think I’d have understood a little more of what was going on if this wasn’t my first book. Forester does have an effortless and addictive writing style, though, so the idea of having to read more stories has a lot of appeal. I’m definitely adding her stories to my To Be Read pile and I think she could quickly become a historical romance favorite of mine.

The characters, both main and supporting, are well developed and interesting. There is the typical Ton mean girls (and guys) but also a good group of people with honor and appeal. Harriet’s developing relationship, even though there was a lot of back and forth because of Thornton’s feeling about heiresses, was very engaging and I hung on every page waiting for them to get their happy ending. Both of them are different than those around them and it was wonderful for them to find a complimentary soul to make them happy.

There is also a decent mystery over who the spy is and I felt that the resolution was very satisfying, with just the right amount of political intrigue without the book becoming too immersed in it. For the most part I want to read a romance but I also like to have something different to add a bit of spice to my story and Forester does a great job of balancing it all. I’m looking forward to the next book when hopefully we see Penelope and Marchford get their own happy ending.

A well-balanced mix of love and intrigue, A Midsummer Bride is a perfect story about finding that special someone to complete you and daring to take a chance.

Book Review – The Rebel

13 Thursday Feb 2014

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Assassins Guild series, Book Review, C. J. Archer, The Rebel

Cole’s heart is dark.

He’s a mystery, even to those closest to him in the Assassins Guild. All anyone really knows for sure is that he’s ruthless, grim, and cares little for his own life. So when he loses his memory during an attack and thinks himself a naive eighteen year-old again, no one can really believe the transformation. But as his memory returns, so do the nightmares and the dark reality of who he has become.

Lucy’s world is bright.

When gentle-natured Lucy falls in love with the damaged stranger, she thinks him a smiling, amiable gentleman. But rumors of a murder in the nearby village have her suspecting that her patient may be hiding a terrible secret.

Can opposites really attract?

What will happen when Cole regains his memory and his past catches up to him?

The Rebel is the second novel in the Assassins Guild series. The books in this series do not need to be read in order, but it will enhance your reading experience if they are.

I did not read the first “Assassins Guild” book so I can agree that they don’t have to be read in order. I’m not sure what secrets or additional details were revealed in that story but, while The Rebel references characters and happenings from the first story, Archer does a great job of filling in the details so you don’t get lost.

I did feel like maybe their relationship was rushed a little, although this is a common historical romance theme. They do discuss how quick it is but that doesn’t make it any more believable. After her questionable past, I kinda felt she was a little too easy to fall in love. But as the two spend more time together and as Lucy supports Cole during all of his troubles, their relationship becomes more realistic. By the end I could easily see the two together.

Cole was by far my favorite of the two. It was heartbreaking to have all that he’d experienced revealed to him (and us) and for his darker past catch up with him. There was so much optimism and charm in the eighteen-year-old version that you know that life had to do something awful to turn him in to the more hardened man introduced at the beginning. Lucy on the other hand seemed a bit naïve about things and less accepting about the bad things that happen. The ending is handled very well and I felt very satisfied by the way Archer wrapped it all up. There were plenty of options that could have been taken but I felt this one was definitely one of the best.

And Cole’s history as an assassin, and the group of men that he worked with, makes for a very intriguing plot point. Although they do what they do for good, it cannot be an easy job to kill people for a living and it makes for a lot of intriguing story possibilities. I’m going to be keeping my eye out for more from these guys.

Book Review – Lost in New Falls

12 Wednesday Feb 2014

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Cherie Marks, Lost in Love Series, Lost in New Falls

Twenty-eight-year-old Kate Delaney left New Falls, Tennessee, heartbroken but determined to be a successful screenwriter. She?s spent the last ten years in LA, but is back in town, fifty pounds lighter, California hotter, and she?s written The End on a screenplay, which is movie magic in the making. Just one problem?a nerve-nuking thief runs-off with her laptop, attached USB back-up, and the contents of her underwear drawer?and as if that wasn?t enough, the heartbreaker from ten years ago just walked through the door with a sheriff?s badge and looking more hormone-carbonating than ever.

Quentin Taylor likes the new and improved Kate, but to be honest, his feelings aren?t new. When a teen-aged Kate bloomed, her older brother Reese established a no-look, no-touch, no-anything else rule. Quentin figured it was the anything else that worried him most. Attractive then, now she was irresistible, and he needed to know one thing. Was touching her still off-limits?

Despite a meddling, matchmaking mother, a gossiping dispatcher/receptionist with an obsession for orange, and a small-town burglar who steals thimble collections, garden tools, and underwear, Quentin and Kate search for her missing script and try not to fall for each other as they get Lost in New Falls.

I was pleasantly surprised by Lost in New Falls. It uses some familiar plotlines – girl in love with brother’s best friend, best friend can’t go after girl because of brother, grown up girl has self-esteem issues from childhood but still has hots for the best friend, best friend is commitment shy but still has hots for girl too. Somehow, though, Marks manages to keep her story fresh and entertaining. The interactions are funny and charming, the cast of characters is quirky but believable, and the plot flows smoothly and quickly. She manages to infuse the mystery over the thefts with just the right amount of intrigue to keep it interesting while not short-changing the love story.

Both Quentin and Kate have their issues but when they get together it is amusing and fun. There is a lot of back and forth between the two, but you can’t really blame there. There is a lot of long-held hurt on Kate’s side and Quentin has been burned severely by his ex. But it is very entertaining to watch them dance around each other and then when they finally give in it just made me smile. I loved these two together and found the ending to be quite satisfying.

I’m also looking forward to future potential stories out of this small town. The secondary characters were just as much fun as Kate and Quentin, and I think there is a ton of potential for other romances. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book by Cherie Marks.

Spotlight – Temptation in a Bottle

12 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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In a Bottle series, Shona Husk, Temptation in a Bottle

Today let’s look at Temptation in a Bottle, which looks like a yummy treat for those who like paranormal romances!

*****

Temptation in a Bottle

In a Bottle Book 2

by Shona Husk

Genre: paranormal romance

ISBN: 9780992423902

Word Count: 22000

Cover Artist: Helen Katsinis

iTunes ARe Smashwords BN

Blurb:

His only wish is to be free…

For centuries Gage has existed only to fulfill the most intimate desires of the woman who holds his bottle. Now Gage has a wish of his own—to be a real man and a have a real life even though he knows it’s an impossible dream. This time he plans to take his bottle and break it just to see what will happen.

Paramedic Sasha Watts has seen the damage falling in love does to people and she has no intention of being another of Cupid’s victims. She accidentally frees Gage without knowing what he is. After one kiss he walks away and she never expects to see him again, but the goddess Inanna has other ideas.

As punishment for breaking his bottle she erases Gage’s memory of everything but Sasha. Only Sasha can give him the life he longs for and only Gage can be the man she’s always dreamed of, but first she’ll have to open her heart and he’ll have to finish the job Inanna gave him. If he fails, he’ll cease to exist.

*****

Author Info:

Three time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back. Drawing on history and myth, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally.

With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she is published with Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing and Sourcebooks.

You can find out more at:

www.shonahusk.com

www.twitter.com/ShonaHusk

www.facebook.com/shonahusk

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/lySiD

*****

Excerpt:

Sasha glanced away before she became trapped in his beautiful wild eyes. Her heart pounded like she’d received a shot of adrenaline. Either she walked away and went home, regretting not giving him a chance, or she gave him a chance and regretted giving him the opportunity to hurt her. “You’re making this hard. I should be leaving.” The clock was ticking to the start of her shift.

“We’re just getting started.”

He tipped her chin for another kiss. This one was almost chaste, a brush of lips that heated her blood and sent it scorching around her body at speeds that made her dizzy. She reached up for more, but he pulled away.

She caught herself before she begged for more. He was addictive. She glanced around, looking for Logan to save her, but he’d been sidetracked by Evie. Gage still held her. Without thought, her fingers traced along his jaw, his golden stubble rough on her skin. He couldn’t hurt her if she didn’t let him. Sex was easy; lust was good. Love was for idiots who believed in happily-ever-afters.

Yet she wanted more than one night. She wanted to know who he was. Could she find out without her heart getting trampled?

“What do you do, Gage, when you’re not riding mechanical bulls and chatting up girls at a party?”

He blinked as if surprised. “I do most of the running around on the farm.”

Sasha gave him another once-over, taking in his boots, jeans and shirt and the hint of a silver chain around neck. “What type of farm?”

“Cattle.”

“You’re a real cowboy?” Of all the men she could’ve kissed at the party, she’d picked him, as if she’d known there was something different and he didn’t belong.

“Yes, ma’am.”

A little shimmer of attraction ran down her back. But she wasn’t going to let him off that easy. “How come you’re in the city?”

“I had a few things to do. And what do you do when you’re not talking to strange men?”

“Paramedic. I have an early start tomorrow.”

“And you’re brushing me off.” He gave her a rueful smile.

Was she? He’d be gone in a few days. What did it matter what she did with him? Maybe they should complete his dare. Her skin warmed at the thought of getting naked with Gage. It had been a long time since a man had sparked this much interest, and he wouldn’t be hanging around. He had a time limit. Neither of them would have the chance to get too involved. He was her idea of a perfect date, yet she was standing here, gazing into his eyes instead of getting in his jeans. What was stopping her?

“I’m wondering how far you want to take that dare,” she finally said.

His eyes narrowed a fraction. “What do you mean?”

“We could find somewhere quieter…” She held her breath. Was she being too forward?

“Where did you have in mind?” Gage took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

Sasha let out a sigh, while lust danced through her blood. She hadn’t planned on finding anyone tonight, but Gage was making it hard to think. Being alone with him seemed like a really good idea. Lust and excitement mixed with nerves that weren’t usually there. For half a second she didn’t want to be his easy city girl. But that was who she was…but not who she’d be when she moved.

“This music is giving me a headache.” A smile graced his lips.

Was he playing, knowing she’d jump to the wrong conclusion? Well, she could play too. Her mind skipped through the possibilities. The music filled the house and the back yard. She wanted something a little private…but not too private. “I know just the place.” She took Gage’s hand and led him into the house, through the mass of bodies singing into a karaoke game and down the hallway at the front of the house.

She opened the door that led into Evie’s study. The modem blinked at her, but the computer was off. She drew Gage in, and he gave the door a nudge so it almost closed. The sliver of light cast the room in shadows that pulsed with the music, but the edge was gone and they could speak in soft tones.

“Quiet enough?”

“I think so.” He pulled her into his arms. “I can actually hear you.”

“What were you doing before, lip-reading?”

“You do have lovely lips.” He brushed his mouth over hers in a kiss that was a promise of what could happen if she wanted it to go further.

*****

Giveaway:

$20 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f547

*****

Tour Schedule:

Interviews

Pembroke Sinclair – www.pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com

Roxanne’s Realm – www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com

A Writer’s Mind – www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com

Fang-tastic Books – www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom – www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com

Dalene’s Book Reviews – http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com

Book Whispers – www.shera-bookwhispers.blogspot.com

Reviews

Ramblings of a Book Lunatic – http://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com

Spotlights

Darkest Cravings – Adult Blog – http://darkestcravings.blogpsot.com

Eclipse Reviews – http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

Author Karen Swart – http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com/

Romantic Reads and Such – https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

Melissa Stevens – http://melissastevens.us

Darker Passions – https://darkerpassions.net

Shut Up & Read – http://shutupandreadgroup.blogspot.com/

Paranormal Romance Fans for Life – www.paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com

Paranormal Romance And Authors That Rock – www.pratr.wordpress.com

Share My Destiny – http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com

Books Direct – http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au/

Books, Books The Magical Fruit – http://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com

Beverly @ The Wormhole – http://wormyhole.blogspot.com

Cloey’s Book Reviews and Other Stuff – cloeyk.blogspot.com

Mama Knows Books – http://mamaknowsbooks.blogspot.com

Queen of the Night Reviews – http://queenofthenightreviews.blogspot.com

Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews – http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

*****

Book Review – Her Perfect Earl

11 Tuesday Feb 2014

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Beth Pattillo, Her Perfect Earl

One priceless manuscript. Five untamed children. A widowed earl in search of an heiress. And a scholar-disguised-as-a-governess with designs on his library.

Has a happy ending ever been more unlikely?

Plain Esmerelda Fortune must make her own way in the world, which is difficult for a lady when the men of her class seem to want beauties with no brains. She plans to take employment with the Earl of Ashforth for as long as it takes to gain access to the Life of Corinna—a rare manuscript rumored to belong to the earl and the key to her paper for a scholarship prize. That prize will allow her to open a school for young ladies who want more from education than painting and embroidery skills.

Julian, Earl of Ashforth, needs an heiress or the Ashforth name and estates are forfeit. Julian is no stranger to sacrifice and duty in the name of maintaining the Ashforth façade of perfection. He’s resigned to marry for money, but first he must tame his unruly children. Miss Fortune seems the perfect candidate for the job—that is until the gray-eyed governess arrives at Ashforth Abbey and proceeds to turn his life head over ears.

I actually started reading this one and put it down just a few chapters into it. I’m not sure what caused me to not get into it right away because when I came back to it a second time I flew right thru it. It does have the two falling in love absurdly fast but that seems to be quite common in historical romances. And of course they are kept apart by their stations, their prejudices and Julian’s need to be seen as perfect. I thought the resolution was a little abrupt and I definitely would have liked it if Julian had had more of an active role in how it turns out but I thought the ending was a good fit for the story.

By far my favorite characters were the kids. They are so in need of someone to love them. The war that their father has waged with himself concerning them is very touching and I really enjoyed how Esme gets the family back together again.

I don’t know that I would consider this to be the best example of a historical romance, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it to someone that has not tried the genre before. However, if you are already a fan, you’ll find Her Perfect Earl to be sweet and funny, and I dare you to not be in love with the Ashforth children by the time you are done.

Spotlight – Sweeter Than This

11 Tuesday Feb 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Samara King, Sweeter Than This

Today we’re going to check out Samara King’s newest, Sweeter Than This. It looks like a great choice for those who like suspense romances.

*****

Blurb:

With her best friend murdered, the man believed to be partly responsible under the nose of her gun and a stranger looming in the shadows out for blood, Officer Elle Taylor is running out of time and people to trust. Will Elle risk crossing the line between attraction and revenge to take help from an unexpected source, before the murderer strikes again and leaves her life in flames?

Durant Kane is no stranger to trouble, especially the kind that comes with a gun trained on his face and an angry woman attached. But Elle’s something different, something unexpected and sweeter. He never could have imagined coming to feel so deeply about her, even if his own disastrous path in relationships hadn’t left him so wary. But he’ll have to take the risk if he doesn’t want to lose the woman he’s come to realize he can’t even think of living without.

Buy Links

Loose Id: http://www.loose-id.com/sweeter-than-this.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sweeter-than-This-Samara-King-ebook/dp/B00I3RJQES/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sweeterthanthis-1406017-178.html

*****

Author Info:

Samara King is the author of eighteen multi-genre works within romance fiction in novel and novella lengths as well as poetry. Writing romance has been a part of Samara’s world since her days of sneaking to the back of the library in grade school with a love story in tow; soon after, she wrote her own.

She was a Poet of the Year nominee in 2011 by African Americans on the Move Book Club and is a current member of The Romance Writers of America, several sister RWA chapters, and Sisters In Crime. Samara has penned stories for Totally Bound, Cobblestone Press, Loose Id, sexy mobile reads for Ether Books, and also writes under her co-produced self-publishing entity, Crimson Whispers with author Shonell Bacon.

Samara previously co-hosted SoundNOff, a poetic format for poets and spoken word artists and hosted InCharacterN10, a former showcase for authors on Blogtalkradio.com/samaraking. Her newest endeavor is On The Hush, a monthly book column at MsNixInTheMix.com that focuses on relational issues. Samara’s first poetry collection, The Ebony Kryptonite, was well received and was followed with Stripped Barefoot, a sultry mix of poetry and spoken word, which went on to reach #20 in Chicago’s Top 40 on Reverbnation in September 2013. Her next poetic endeavor, The Naked The Bare is slotted for late 2014. To find out more about Samara’s poetry visit: http://reverbnation.com/samaraking or listeners may also find her on Spotify.

Currently, Samara is hard at work on her next romance series, as well as a new co-written mystery, Mama Has A Brand New Bag.

*****

Excerpt:

Everyone had a guilty pleasure. Some gave in once and could walk away afterward. Others became a slave to it. Given the wicked spasms pulsating between Officer Elisha “Elle” Taylor’s thighs, the deciding factor of which side she fell on was clear.

Seeing Durant Kane again cracked open her wall of defense. Elle gritted her teeth as she waited on her coffee. Her usual early morning joint was filled with commuters and the normal hum of conversations and steady traffic. Her gaze traveled slowly over the handsome man standing at the entrance of the diner. His golden skin, brilliant blue eyes hinting at wise-cracking cynicism, and cropped blond hair gave him the air of a playboy. Sophistication and confidence defined every move he made.

The shrewd gleam Elle knew oh so well in his baby blues matched his smooth-talking ways. Although it hadn’t taken much talking for her to end up in his bed. The dark designer suit lined his tall, muscular frame with contemporary style, as did the black, quarter-length coat he was shrugging out of. She noted that same potency registered with several of the men Durant stood with as he gazed occasionally at traffic. They seemed intent on his every word. She was addicted to him in all the ways that shouldn’t matter to a cop, but as a full-blooded woman–that was a different story.

Look away!

Elle turned to him just as Durant looked in her direction, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his lips. She faced the counter. Where the hell is that coffee? She needed to be on the road, and not recounting the ways he’d made her come a year ago. Knowing he still had the ability to captivate her attention made her blood boil. Lines had been crossed, dotted, and underlined in Durant’s company.

Guilty pleasures… Elle knew of them; she was experiencing one right now. The swipe of his tongue across his lips made her stomach clench. She balled her fist. Moments later, she felt the brush of his hand graze her lower back. She didn’t dare turn around, and with the steady stream of people roaming the diner, no one would notice that Durant was standing inappropriately close behind her. The heat from his breath fanned the back of her neck.

“Excuse me, Officer. So rude of me to reach over you.” He leaned forward, grabbing a menu.

“I should shoot you.”

She could hear the smile in Durant’s whispering voice. “A pleasure to see you as well, Elle.”

She raised her eyebrows, despite the sexual intensity spreading throughout her body. “I doubt your associates would see it that way.”

Durant chuckled. “That’s why they’re waiting outside.” The sound of his laughter was rich and filling, just as he’d been when their bodies had intertwined.

Elle squeezed her thighs, standing stiffly. “Perfect, a henchman who does delivery.”

“I try to be as accommodating as possible to my employees and otherwise.”

Elle grunted. “Is that what you’re calling it these days?”

“There are many names I have for what I want to do to you.” He moved closer, the hard muscles of his chest pressed against her back. An innocent onlooker would only see a man perusing the menu and not the sensual heat ricocheting between them.

Durant snaked his right hand to the side of her waist, over her belly, and tugged her backward. Her ass brushed his erection. “What’s good here?” he said against her ear, inhaling her scent.

“Get your hands off me.” Elle’s eyes fluttered for a moment before she pushed away, only to feel his hand clamp tightly against her. Her body responded swiftly, and her clit quivered wildly. She bit her lip to stop from moaning out loud. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. “Damn you! If I scream–”

“If you scream, it’ll be a sound I’ve been longing to hear,” he replied huskily.

“Officer? Your coffee. We threw in a couple of chocolate glazed donuts for the wait.”

Durant edged back, pretending to be intent on the menu.

Elle jerked away from his intimate lock and turned her attention to the cashier, flashing a smile. “Thanks.” The caffeine would do little to smooth over the tumultuous emotions rumbling within her.

She turned to find Durant’s eyes glowing. “If you ever try something like that again, I will shoot you, Kane.” She maneuvered around him, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible.

He looked over his shoulder. “You never told me what was good.”

“I would think the fact that you are still standing.”

Once outside, Elle closed her eyes. The cold winter air drowned out the heated vibrations and her frayed nerves. Fortunately it was the end of her shift. The attraction she’d felt for him hadn’t gone any damn place. The realization slapped her firmly upside her head.

Did you really think it would go away?

It was not normal to feel like this, to act like some wanton teenager. It was definitely not her customary “love ’em and leave ’em before attachments could be made” style. She had stayed away from Durant since that night. Being around him clouded her judgment. Yet his heated gaze had reeled Elle in, reawakening a forbidden desire that not only threatened her sanity but her job.

He stoked something deep within her, a fire she hadn’t yet learned to tame. The tremors coursing through her body must be payback for the dormancy. There was a higher price to be paid if she gave in to her cravings. The forbidden truth was she’d never felt more alive.

Elle opened the door to her cruiser. They lived in two separate worlds, and nothing would change that. Sleeping with the enemy was dangerous; none of her training had prepared her for a skilled criminal like Durant Kane.

* * * *

“Hello, Honey,” a digitized voice whispered into the receiver. “Or should I call you…Mother?”

Alaina Taylor frowned in confusion at the mention of her old nickname. “Who is this?” It wasn’t her daughter, Elisha. Her only child would not play on the phone. Her hand tightened around the cord. At the caller’s silence, Alaina asked again, “I said, who’s calling?”

“Your child.”

A chill swept through Alaina’s body at the venom in the stranger’s voice. “I don’t have time for your foolishness.” Her heartbeat sped up. It couldn’t be, she thought. No, this is someone’s sick idea of a joke and nothing more. After all this time, she refused to think there was any other possibility. That life was dead. Gone. She couldn’t relive that pain. Never again.

“Whoever this is, you have the wrong number. Do not call here again.” Alaina started to hang up, but the laughter on the other end stopped her.

“You think it’s that easy, bitch? You ruined my life.”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. How did you get this number?” Alaina sagged down into the couch. “I don’t know what sick game you’re playing, but–”

“Game? I guess you could put it that way. You certainly played with my life.”

“I told you, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why are you doing this? I’m hanging up–”

“No! You listen very carefully, Honey. You may not know me, but you will. I’ll make sure of it. You are not the victim, though you play that role so well. I’m the one you threw away like garbage.”

Alaina closed her eyes as a wave of nausea hit her. “I-I had no choice. I tried to do the best I could.” The words came out in a hoarse whisper. “Do not try to find me. Do you hear me?”

“Now that sounded mother-like, very authoritative, but there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop me, now is there, old woman?”

“Who is this?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. I’ll be seeing you real soon.”

The line went dead.

*****

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDE3MzExNzE5ZDA2NzRiOGFhYmVjNTAzOTY1ODhmOjQ=/

*****

Tour Schedule:

Feb. 3rd- YGRR– Spotlight

Feb. 4th- Sizzling Hot Books-Spotlight

Feb. 5th- Lusty Penguin-Interview

Feb. 10th- Dawne Prochilo-Spotlight

Feb. 11th-Romantic Reads and Such-Spotlight

Feb. 13th-Phenomenal Reviews-Spotlight

Feb. 14th-Becky Moe-Spotlight

Feb. 17th- In Shadows-Spotlight

Feb. 18th-My Erotic Notions-Spotlight

Feb. 20th-A Passion for Romance-Spotlight

Feb. 25th- Must Read Faster-Spotlight

Book Blitz – Once in a Lifetime

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Jill Shalvis, Lucky Harbor series, Once in a Lifetime

Now we get to take a peek at the newest from the incomparable Jill Shalvis. I adore her – with her hilarious I Love Lucy moments, the time-outs from facebook for no-no pictures (one of which was the cutest baby bottoms you’ve ever seen) and funny & immensely touching books – and I always get excited when I hear she has a new story coming out. Once in a Lifetime, releasing next week, finishes up the latest trilogy in her Lucky Harbor series, which I definitely think is a must read.

*****

ONCE IN A LIFETIME

Author: Jill Shalvis

Release Date: 2/18/14

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he’s back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she’s not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben – even though he has absolutely no idea what she’s done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

*****

Excerpt:

“I don’t want to talk about it,” she said. Once again he was close. Too close. So damn close. “At all,” she added, hearing with some alarm that her voice had softened. Everything had softened, at just his proximity. “Ever,” she whispered, and found her gaze locked on his mouth.

He had a really great mouth.

“I don’t want to talk, either,” that mouth said very seriously. And then he lowered his head. They shared a breath for a beat, just long enough for her to know what was going to happen and feel the anticipation swamp her.

Then he kissed her, deep and slow and utterly mesmerizing. His hands were firm on her back. Needing an anchor, she reached out and grasped his shirt and leaned into him. He was warm and solid, so very solid, emitting the kind of strength that she herself was a pint low on today.

Leaning in more, she felt his body respond.

Someone moaned. I did, she realized, swamped with the sensation of being wanted, even just physically. She took in the delicious taste of him, the feel of him, the sound of his very male groan when she stroked her tongue to his.

Things got a little hazy then. A lot hazy. She felt his hands move over her, melting her bones away. She touched him, too. Her hands wandered all over his body—and good Lord, what a body.

She had no idea how long they kissed—and kissed—but she didn’t think about stopping until she ran out of air. Breathing hard, she slowly opened her eyes and stared directly into his.

They’d heated. Darkened. And something else. He wasn’t looking so relaxed now. In fact, he was looking the opposite of relaxed. He looked…feral.

And she was his prey.

Pre-order Links

Amazon – http://amzn.to/1d78Gxh

Barnes & Noble – http://bit.ly/1cOQUx0

iTunes – http://bit.ly/KoRQ0Y

IndieBound – http://bit.ly/1dw31iF

*****

Author Info:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Social Networking Links

Website – http://www.JillShalvis.com

Facebook – http://www.Facebook.com/jillshalvis

Twitter – https://twitter.com/JillShalvis

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis

*****

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDdjMjM2M2Y2MGZmNDQwNmZmZjJiNGE3OTlhY2ZhOjI=/

*****

Guest Post – Lynked

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Bethany-Kris, Lynked

This morning we’re welcoming Bethany-Kris as she talks about her inspiration and her new book, Lynked.

*****

Five Romance Authors Who Inspire Me…

Hi there!

As almost any writer will tell you, every good writer reads. Do they always read their genre? Maybe not, as everyone has their own specific tastes, but they still read. I happen to be a writer with a large plate of topics I enjoy reading. Suspense, paranormal, erotica, horror, YA, and even some biographies. As long as I can read, I’m happy. Give me a book and you’ve become my favorite person.

But, as a romance author, I’m quick to pick up a book that is more subjective to romance. I’ve always been like that, even when I was a teenager. There’s something about the magic between characters when they’re fighting for love, learning to love, or just being plain old in love that gets me every time I crack open a book to read.

I also have a large range of taste when it comes to what genres of romance I enjoy reading. Historical, erotic, contemporary…well, it doesn’t really matter. I’ll read all of it and soak up the love.

So, I thought today I would share a list of my five favorite romance authors that have inspired me in one way or another since I began writing my own stories. Some of these authors I grew up reading, and a couple of others, I’ve only recently discovered. Some are adult, and some may be young adult. They all have their own place in romance, wherever it is that they fall. Either way, they’ve had an impact on me somehow. The list below is in no particular order, just as they fell into my mind.

1) Lora Leigh – an erotic romance author of titles like Only Pleasure and Forbidden Pleasure, she was the first erotic author I ever read. I happened to pick up her book off my aunt’s bookshelf by mistake, and wow.

2) Nicolas Sparks – Do I need to list some of his titles? Ha ha. The Notebook is probably one of the most famous. To me, he will someday be a classic in romance if he isn’t already considered one. My favorite in his backlist is Dear John. If he can’t me cry while reading, it can’t be a Nicolas Sparks novel in my hands.

3) Philippa Gregory – an author who stays strictly in the historical romance category, she owns a hefty backlist. Some of my favorites are The White Queen, The Virgin Queen, The Other Boleyn Girl, and well, just about any book she’s put out. I have an entire shelf for just her and it’s already overflowing. Not only does Gregory give you the romance in a great way, she works the history as true to fact as she can get it. Any historical lover who enjoys romance would be pleased to pick up one of her books.

4) V.C. Andrews – This choice might be a surprise for some. I grew up reading Mrs. Andrews. In some places, she was forbidden. Topics like incest and rape were common in her Young Adult novels. And even though her family series could go on for books and books, there was always some romance theme. Perhaps it was the taboos in her writing that kept me coming back and when I was older, allowed me to be open to writing my own erotic stories without fear of judgement.

5) Sylvia Day – Quite by accident while at work one night, I was attempting to ignore the lecture my boss was giving our crew. It wasn’t unusual for me to disappear behind the racks of books and pick up one to read while he did his rant. The book I happened upon was Bared To You. I’m not a huge BDSM fan, so the fact that I was suddenly devouring this book was crazy to me. I still haven’t found a BDSM title that makes me enjoy it quite as well as Day’s does.

I sincerely hope if you haven’t heard of, or picked up, one of these authors’ works, you will now. They’ve each had their own stories and struggles in the publishing world, as well as their successes. I’m proud to say their titles are in my library because they’ve inspired me. Thank you for letting me share!

*****

Lynked

by Bethany-Kris

Release Date: February 3^rd, 2014

Contemporary Erotic Romance

He’d give up everything to keep her, in fact he did. But will she still be waiting on the other side when it’s over?

Blurb:

When a fighter’s path crosses with a beautiful woman, he’s positive the meeting will only end in her leaving his penthouse with sex hair and a smile—until life and the law steps in, inevitably linking their futures forever.

The accident that ended his fighting career wasn’t enough to keep former mixed martial arts champion Devon Lynk out of the sport. His new business, Chaine Lynk, an exclusive fighting company, has made him millions through illegal gambling. Happy with his life, he never suspected it could be his downfall … until the morning after leads to something so much more than he expected, and he’s left with the weight of guilt and responsibility on his shoulders.

Veronica “Nic” Stacey made her way to Edmonton with the intention of starting life anew, but her first night in the city lands her in a stranger’s bed and things don’t quite go as planned. Waking up to find out her brother is in jail is one thing, but learning the man she slept with is also his boss is another matter altogether. With no knowledge of the city and nowhere to go, she’s left taking the only help offered: Devon’s.

With Chaine Lynk’s doors closed and Devon facing possible jail time for his involvement, reality takes a front row seat. Love and lust intermingle as he comes to learn what his business and choices have cost the girl he wants most—now he just has to fix it. But is it already too late?

*****

Author Info:

Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover, and mother of two young sons, two cats, and two dogs. With a fulltime job, her children underfoot, animals at her side, and a spouse calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something…when she can find the time.

Author’s Website: www.bethanykris.blogspot.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethanykriswrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bethanykris

*****

Excerpt:

“What is your name, pretty girl?”

Something sinful crawled over every nerve Nic had in the best way at the voice in her ear. She couldn’t not respond to the hand suddenly holding tight to her waist. The heat of the man’s palm soaked straight through the fabric of her dress and seeped into her skin in the best way. She swore it travelled over her flesh with a tingling dance that had her burning hot instantly. Shooting him with a simpering grin, Nic turned her head just enough to check him out.

Tall and well dressed with broad shoulders, a muscled frame, and hazel eyes that seemed to pierce right into her soul, Nic was stunned for a second. The dark color of his skin stood out against the cream color of her dress and his fingers tightened, making her breath catch. Handsome was an understatement. This man was downright gorgeous in a way that made her pulse pick up and her sex ache.

There was a faint grin playing on his full lips and her gaze was drawn down to his hand still holding firm to her waist like it belonged there. No one had so blatantly approached her like he had throughout the night, not to mention physically touched her.

Actually, this man was the first to ever do that at all and not get an instant rejection.

Maybe it should have bothered Nic, but instead she found herself curious as to why he had approached her. After all, she hadn’t been actively trying to invite attention her way.

“Your name?” he asked again.

The roughness in his voice was almost mesmerizing. The flecks of green in his eyes seemed to dance under the lights, sparkling with suggestion and want.

“Nic.”

“What are your plans in the next five minutes?”

Nic turned to look back at the fight. The man did the same, watching as Jordan locked down hard to his opponent, pinning him to the mat with a chokehold that looked like it must have hurt. She’d thought seeing Jordan fight would turn her inside out with worry, but instead, Nic only found herself proud.

Maybe making the choice to come to Alberta had been the right one after all. Change was supposed to be a good thing, right?

“That depends,” she finally answered.

“On what?”

Once more, she met his gaze, feeling his hand gripping tightly to her waist and wanting to become lost in just the sensation of that action alone. Nic could feel her body wanting to press harder into his grip. Never had her insides reacted so strongly to another person. He didn’t let up a bit. Haze yielded behind them, tapping out hard against the mat. People started to cheer as their hands hit the cage. Jordan’s name rang out in the crowd louder and louder.

“On that.”

Her brother won.

The tuition was all but paid now.

Do something different. Those words rung in her mind like a toll bell.

What would it hurt to go home with this man? Nic wondered. Who would know what she had done? There wouldn’t be a soul to say anything bad. There would be no one judging her like they did back home. He clearly wasn’t a fighter if his clothing and attitude were any indication, so she was still following along with her brother’s only request.

What could it really hurt? Nothing. She was grown. Jordan would be celebrating his win. A single phone call to let him know she was fine would be enough until the morning.

“Come home with me,” he said, his eyes seeming to search hers for any sign of indecision.

Nic laughed an airy sound. “I don’t even know you.”

“I don’t bite.”

“Maybe I’d like that, though.”

“All right, I bite a little,” he teased.

She could easily say no, but she didn’t want to. That should have scared her. Whatever influence this man seemed to have on her was one she hadn’t experienced before. Nic was the rational one; a person who didn’t make irresponsible choices that would shine her in a bad light. Straight and narrow; white as a dove. Whoever this man was, he made her want to jump headfirst into the filth of sin without even thinking of possible consequences.

“Married?” he asked.

“Nope.”

“Escort?” The face she made must have given away how she felt about that comment. “Sorry,” he said.

Again, his mouth came dangerously close to her face, lips ghosting over the shell of her ear. Heat saturated Nic all over again and she shivered. Who was this man? She didn’t even care that his name had yet to be uttered. She wet her tongue with her lips.

“Come home with me,” he repeated, his voice turning down to a husky tone.

Nic bit her lip, her eyebrow rising in contemplation. “You’ll get me home in the morning?”

“In a private jet if you want, sweetheart; just say yes.”

“Yes.”

*****

Review:

I have to say that this one wasn’t anything like I expected it to be. I was intrigued by the idea of the book: a woman, new in town, lets herself get picked up by a stranger for a one night stand and then finds out the guy is her brother’s boss … in a fighting ring, with illegal betting, which her brother has just been arrested in relation to. So now she’s all alone in the city and the only person she knows, who isn’t in jail, is said one night stand. That has to make things just a tad awkward. But there were times that I just didn’t understand them. Luckily most of that was in the beginning and once I got past that I was good.

There’s a lot going on here – lots of angst and guilt and really, really hot sex. You have two people who are getting to know each other after spending an amazingly steamy night together, plus they have to figure out the future (individually and perhaps together) and deal with the fact that her brother is in jail for a crime that Devon masterminded. Lots of emotions floating around. Again, not really what I expected … a lot more drama, I think, but for about $4 on ebook (either Amazon or B&N) it is definitely worth a try.

*****

Tour Schedule:

Feb. 10th- Romantic Reads and Such-Guest Post

Feb. 11th-Books to Get Lost In-Spotlight

Feb. 12th-A Little Bit of R & R-Spotlight

Feb. 13th-Becky on Books and Quilts-Spotlight

Feb. 14th-Literal Hotties-Spotlight

Feb. 17th-My Erotic Notions-Spotlight

Feb. 18th-Red Heads Review It Better-Spotlight

Feb. 19th-A Passion for Romance-Character Interview

Feb. 20th- Must Read Faster-Review

Feb. 21st-In Shadows-Spotlight

Guest Blog – Love at Stake

07 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Love at Stake, Victoria Davies

Help me welcome Victoria Davies, author of Love at Stake, as she shares with us her secret to beating writer’s block. Then read on to get a look at her new book, available now. (Oh, and don’t forget you can check out my review here!)

*****

How to combat writer’s block

The dreaded writer’s block. You stare at a blank word document, fingers ready to type. In the background your favourite song plays and a half eaten chocolate bar teeters on the edge of your desk. Steam rises gently from the cup of tea beside you and the unmistakable scent of earl grey fills the air. Everything is set. Except you haven’t a single darn word to say.

We’ve all been there. The frustration of knowing you should be reaching your daily word count but simply can’t is a feeling pretty much every writer can relate to. Everyone has their own way to deal with writer’s block and the internet is littered with how-to guides explaining ways to avoid it. Here is my super duper contribution. Ready?

Just write.

Mind blown! No? Well, I find this is a strategy that works for me when I am completely blocked. However, I don’t write anything that connects in anyway to the story I am struggling with. Instead I have a file called “Bits and Bites” that I use as a dumping ground for any lingering idea in my mind. This file is filled with half formed scenes and conversations that I know will never see the light of day. They aren’t meant for anyone’s consumption but my own. They don’t grow into future novels and they won’t ever be the slightest bit polished. The reason I write in this file is to turn my brain off for a little while. I’m not thinking about deadlines or other people’s opinions. I’m just writing for the love of it.

And that, remembering why I love what I do, helps blast through the writer’s block. It reminds me I still have the ability to pen stories even if I feel like I have no words to offer. So often writing is serious work and using this strategy allows me to play with the ideas in my head that will never amount to anything. It’s just simple entertainment.

So next time you get stressed staring at a blank page, take a minute, relax and write something just for you. Your scattered idea might not win any prizes but it should remind you why you love to write and that, in my opinion, is the best motivator of all.

*****

LOVE AT STAKE

by Victoria Davies

Release Date: 1/27/13

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Hunting for love is a pain in the neck…

Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs
members of the supernatural community with their eternal mates.

To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he’s not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency… unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.

As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn’t a part of the plan.

Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble

*****

Author Info:

My love for writing started young. Luckily I had a family who encouraged believing in magic and embracing imagination. From stories quickly scribbled in bright pink diaries, my love of storytelling developed. Since then my characters may have evolved and my plots may have grown decidedly more steamy but I never lost my love of the written word. Writing is not only a way to silence the wonderful voices in my head, but it also allows me to share my passions with my readers. I hope you enjoy my titles!

Currently I write from Toronto, Canada. While I have a healthy love for the unknown, this corner of the world will always be my home.

Website Facebook Goodreads

*****

Make sure you enter the great giveaway!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554245/

*****

Tour Schedule:

1/28: Becky on Books – Spotlight

1/29: Guest post – Lia’s Book Haven

1/30: Spotlight – In Shadows

2/1: Interview – Diane’s Book Blog

2/3: Spotlight – A Little Bit of R & R