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Romantic Reads and Such

~ Book Blogger & Reviewer

Romantic Reads and Such

Monthly Archives: April 2014

Book Review – Three Minutes to Happiness

06 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, sally Clements, The Logan series, Three Minutes to Happiness

 

cover41643-mediumPhotographer Valentine Jones doesn’t believe in love, but when her romantic friend Maggie drags her along to a speed dating event, she finds herself reluctantly attracted to architect Finn Logan. Against her better instincts, she ticks yes on her scorecard to seeing him again. He never calls.

Finn shouldn’t have flirted with Val at the speed dating event. He was there to chaperone his wayward niece, not find another girlfriend – he has two already. When he meets Val again at his cousin’s wedding, he tries to explain, and ends up kissing her instead.

Finn’s company need a photographer to nail an important contract, and Val needs the job. Before long, Finn has dissolved his harem, and persuaded Val into his bed. She’s all for a quick fling, but nothing more – a ruined marriage has taught her that love is an illusion. But Finn’s ruthless pursuit is making her change her mind, until the party at his parents’ house that changes everything…

Three Minutes to Happiness is book 2 in “The Logan” series and I will say that I think that I missed out on just a little bit by not having read book 1.  There is discussion on the romance of Finn’s brother – how he was dating his fiance’s sister but something happened (obviously) – and it affected Finn’s view on relationships.  I think that it might have helped to have more information on what happened so new readers could understand.  I felt that the rest of the book easily stood on its own so just a few sentences to help explain would have been nice, but overall it was just an annoyance instead of something that would cause me to rate this book lower.

I did feel like Finn fell for Val a little too quickly.  He went from having a “harem” to being in love in just a couple of days.  I think that if he wasn’t so against it or if they’d had more time it would have been more realistic.  Val’s issues though were a little more believable.  Her mother has had a lot of heartbreak in her life, trying to find her Mr. Right again after Val’s dad died, and Val had a front row seat.  Then Val got married young only to have her husband cheat.  All of it combined to make her not believe in love.  But she had a few really good conversations and her dealings with Finn make her reevaluate.  It’s a little slower (or at least more explained) transition so it worked a little better for me.

Overall though, I found Three Minutes to Happiness to be very enjoyable.  It’s a sweet romance and a fast read, the characters are engaging and for the most part the story is believable.  If it appeals to you, I say give it a shot – your take on Finn’s change of heart might not be the same as mine.

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Book Review – The Marshal’s Ready-Made Family

05 Saturday Apr 2014

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Book Review, Sherri Shackelford, The Marshal's Ready-Made Family

cover38599-mediumGentlemen don’t court feisty straight shooters like JoBeth McCoy. Just as she’s resigned to a lifetime alone, a misunderstanding forces the spunky telegraph operator into a marriage of convenience. Wedding the town’s handsome new marshal offers JoBeth a chance at motherhood, caring for the orphaned little girl she’s come to love.

Garrett Cain will lose guardianship of his niece, Cora, if he stays single, but he knows no woman could accept the secrets he’s hidden about his past. The lawman can’t jeopardize Cora’s future by admitting the truth. Yet when unexpected danger in the small town threatens to expose Garrett’s long-buried secret, only a leap of faith can turn a makeshift union into a real family.

I really enjoyed The Marshall’s Ready-Made Family.  Usually my historical romances are all about the British lords and ladies so it was a nice change to move to the Old West.  Being a part of the Love Inspired line, it delivers the expected heart-tugging warmth their books are known for.

Jo is wonderfully unsure of herself – she’s not the typical girly girl (well, as girly as you get in small town Kansas).  I’d actually think that she’d be more attractive because she can take on a lot and life would have been hard, but I think she’s intimidating instead.  Garrett is a guy’s guy, as to be expected from a lawman in the West.  He’s a straight-shooter and doesn’t take a lot of nonsense.  But he’s also carrying a heavy burden and now is taking on the role of father for his orphaned niece.  The little girl is sweet and charming as only a moppet of a child can be and she instantly steals Garrett’s heart (and Jo’s too).

These two have a lot to work through before they can make a true family for Cora.  I think it is a little unfortunate that they do that work alone, instead of together, but their journey to peace is an interesting one.  For those who like a historical western, I think this one is a winner.  It’s an interesting take – with a woman that doesn’t fit in even in her rough world and a man who is carrying a whole load of weight on his shoulders.

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Author Interview – You Again

04 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Ashlee Mallory, You Again

This morning I am very pleased to welcome author Ashlee Mallory as she talks about her take on romances … and we discover we feel the same way about one of Jude Devereaux’s classics!  And keep reading to find out about her new book, You Again (which looks quite intriguing).

*****

1.  What do you like best about writing romances?

Giving the characters the happy ending I want them to have! There were a few books I remember reading and totally hated the ending—maybe because buckets of tears were involved, LOL! One that comes immediately to mind Is Jude Devereaux’s A Knight in Shining Armor, which I think I read back in high school or early college. I was traumatized for several days after I finished that one. Don’t get me wrong, as there are more books I can list that left me with happy tear-filled endings too, and I only wish I could draw that kind of emotion someday. Am I twisted?

2.  What is your favorite romantic story (movie/book. fact/fiction)? 

Really? Could you pick a harder question, LOL? Books are really hard for me to come up with just one because it depends on not only the genre (contemporary, suspense, historical, etc.), but where I was in my own life when I read it. One of my top five stories is Ashes in the Wind from Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and I can’t tell you how many times I reread that one. But if I were to pick it up today, for the first time ever, I don’t know if it would leave the same impact for me.

So I’ll move on to favorite romantic movie and to do this I’m thinking of my movie collection and which one I’d pull out as the most romantic…Darn. I’d have to give you three because it would totally depend on my mood. I LOVE Some Kind of Wonderful, where the tomboy is in love with her best friend who’s in love with the prom queen. But that kiss…Best. First. Kiss. Ever. My other two favorites would be (cliché, I know, but true) Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth, and The Notebook (yep, even after I just said how much I hate sad tears at the end of stories).

3.  If you could be any romantic heroine, who would it be and why?

Finally, one I can answer without hesitation. Since I would know who would be at the other end of the kiss FOREVER it would have to be Elizabeth Bennett (again, the BBC version with Colin Firth). Although I have to admit their first kiss at the end of the movie was kind of weak. But I’ll use my imagination here. 😉

4.  Which of your characters/books was the most fun to write?

Molly, Allie’s eighty-two year old grandma, only because there were things she could get away with saying without the filter that kind of bind the rest of us.

5.  If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing instead? 

Well, I am actually an attorney so if the writing gig doesn’t work out, I guess I’ll just be practicing law…forever. Actually, that thought gives me a flashback to The Sandlot movie where the kid says, “Forever…forever…forever.” So, as you can imagine, I’ll always write because I’ll need to create other worlds that don’t make my head explode.

*****

YouAgain500You Again

by Ashlee Mallory

Release Date: 3/24/14

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Blurb:

Old acquaintances, New Lovers, and Murder…

A hopeless crush…

Back in high school, Allie McBride thought the sun set around Sam Fratto’s smiles, even if they were only friends. Now she’s older, wiser, hotter, and teaching at the same school they grew up in. When Sam joins the faculty, she has a chance to make good on the crush that got away. But when a dead body turns up on school grounds, they realize there might be a murderer in their midst. The heat keeps getting hotter between Allie and Sam, but more might be in danger than their hearts…

The cute kid from high school is all grown up…

A family crisis brings true-crime writer Sam Fratto back to town after more than a decade’s absence. Teaching at his alma mater seems like a good way to pass the time—especially when he sees that Allie, the geeky, sweet-mannered girl from high school, has blossomed into the saucy teacher in the classroom next door. Too bad finding a dead body transforms his return into one of his true-crime books come to life. And when it seems the killer might be after Allie next, it’s up to him to keep her safe…

A killer determined to keep the past buried at any price…

As if dealing with the return of one ghost from her past wasn’t enough, it looks like the killer might be the person they least suspected. Someone from the past. Someone with something to hide. Someone who thinks Allie and Sam are getting a little too close to the truth. If Allie and Sam are going to get out of this alive, these two friends to lovers will have to work together…or die together…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20944708-you-again

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1nkJ0iA

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://bit.ly/1ceCGYw

Entangled Book Link: http://bit.ly/1gNPFh3

*****

Author Info:

Ashlee lives with her husband, two kids, a dog, and cat surrounded by the majestic mountains of her hometown of Salt Lake.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, she always wanted to know what it was like to live on the other side of the mountains. In college, she interned a semester in DC and later attended law school in Syracuse, New York, where she also ventured to Israel for a summer semester. After graduating law school with a taste of what it’s like living in the bigger world, she moved back home to Salt Lake and took the Utah Bar Exam, got married, and settled in with her hubby and two wonderful kids. After a few more years in the legal realm, she grew restless and turned her pen to one of her first loves—writing stories.

Currently, when she’s not working the day job as in-house counsel, she spends her time with the family and squeezing in writing time—anything to avoid the housekeeping. Just kidding, honey! 😉

She writes with romance and humor at the heart of every story—and a healthy dash of mystery and suspense.

Hopefully she pulls it off.

Email: Ashleemallory7@gmail.com

Website: http://www.ashleemallory.com/

Blog: http://ashleemallory.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshleeMallory

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlee.mallory.50

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7912393.Ashlee_Mallory

*****

Giveaway:

Enter Ashlee’s fantastic giveaway for a chance to win

$25 Amazon, B&N or iTunes Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554291/

*****

All the tour details can be found at pumpupyourbook.com

Pump Up Your Book

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Book Review – Loving the Marquess

03 Thursday Apr 2014

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Book Review, Landing a Lord series, Loving the Marquess, Suzanna Medeiros

cover28998-mediumShe is on the verge of losing everything…

To save her home and keep her two younger siblings safe, Louisa Evans must turn to the head of the family that ruined hers.

He needs an heir…

The Marquess of Overlea is starting to show signs of having inherited the same illness that killed his father and older brother. To prevent the marquisate from falling into the hands of an unscrupulous cousin, Overlea must secure an heir before that illness also claims him.

But he is determined not to be the father of that heir…

Overlea’s plan is simple—marry the practical, yet desperate, Miss Evans and hold Louisa to her promise to provide him with an heir. But he waits until after they are married to tell his wife that he intends to have another man father that heir. His careful plan becomes complicated by an almost desperate need to claim Louisa for himself and an outside threat that proves even more dangerous than his illness.

I have put off reading Loving the Marquess (it’s been on my To Be Read list for a long time) and I have absolutely no idea why.  The blurb caught my attention, which is why it was on my TBR list, but for some reason I just never picked it up.  Now I regret it, because this book is quite enjoyable.

I really liked both Overlea and Louisa.  He’s your typical stubborn lord, convinced that he knows best and clueless to his emotions.  She’s sweet but strong, having to take care of her family from an early age.  They are definitely a good match for each other and once they get to the point that his silly plan is no longer on the table it was nice to see their connection deepen.

Speaking of Overlea’s little folly to have someone else father his heir, I think it could be off-putting for some but it was handled well and really didn’t go anywhere that would make anyone uncomfortable.  The plan was concocted very logically, too bad the heart had to get involved.  Being stubborn, of course, it took Overlea longer to let it go but Medeiros tied it all together nicely.

There’s a little bit of intrigue toward the end that added a little spice to the story.  I think that Overlea might have figured things out a little too easily, especially as it contradicted some strong beliefs, but otherwise it worked for me.  And had just that perfect little twist to keep things interesting.

There are also some great secondary characters that I’m looking forward to seeing more of in future books.  Louisa’s siblings and Overlea’s friend provide the perfect material for another couple of stories and although we didn’t get to know them very well, there was just enough to make me intrigued about the possibilities.

Medeiros is a relatively new author but she shows a lot of promise.  Loving the Marquess is perfect for those looking for a historical romance – the characters will keep you turning the pages and that touch of mystery will have you coming back for more.

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Spotlight – Unchained Memories

03 Thursday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Maria Imbalzano, Unchained Memories

We’re going to start our day by taking a look at Unchained Memories by Maria Imbalzano.  I think it looks like it could be a heart-strings puller…

(Oh, and make sure you come back later today because I’ll have another review ready.)

*****

UnchainedMemories_w8038_300Unchained Memories

by Maria Imbalzano

Blurb:

As a rising medical malpractice attorney, Charlotte Taylor believes in standing up for the injured, giving them a voice, and advocating for their rights. She couldn’t do it for her mother, so she does it for others, even if it means losing the love of her life.

Dr. Clayton Montgomery believes in working hard and playing even harder, until he reconnects with Charlotte. Barely noticing her crush when he tutored her ten years ago, Clay has a chance to make up for lost time when the beautiful lawyer comes back into town…until he discovers her chosen career path.

Now, philosophical differences soon become a reality and Charlotte is faced with the choice of representing a client against the hospital and against Clay. Will Charlotte give up her career and her tribute to her mother for a second chance with the man who got away?

Buy link:  Amazon – http://tinyurl.com/o3wgbdp
Website: http://www.mariaimbalzano.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaImbalzano
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?query=Maria+Imbalzano

*****

702a71d54aed0a7f0235d8.L._V353146832_SX200_Author Info:

I was born in Trenton, NJ , in the heart of Chambersburg, the Italian section of town. My father was a barber and my mother, a State employee, who also taught me to jitterbug at the tender age of four. We loved to dance in the living room while watching American Bandstand. Hardly star material, but I was driven nonetheless. The product of a Catholic School education, I learned the basics, and took for granted  I would be successful doing something, even if it entailed cutting hair. I attended Rutgers University as a psychology major, but after three years decided I liked political science better. My first job led me to Manhattan where I worked as a paralegal for four years before attending Fordham University School of Law. There I learned to think like a lawyer, write like a lawyer, and speak like a lawyer, all while living like a pauper in the city of my dreams. Living in New York City, albeit on a tight budget, allowed me to indulge my love of ballet, art museums, and theater. Did you know you could walk into a theater after intermission and no one checks your ticket? I enjoyed the second half of many plays as well as ballets.

My love of reading dates back to my childhood when I would borrow at least four books from the library every week. During the summer, I would sit in the house and read, until my mother, totally frustrated, would send me outside to play and lock me out. I always found my way back in. However, I must confess, I hated to write. In every English and writing class throughout college, I dreaded trying to be creative. As a friend from law school so aptly put it, “The reason why we’re here is because we don’t have a creative bone in our bodies.” I agreed.

Despite my dislike of creative writing back then, I embraced legal writing, and was first published in Volume 5 of the Fordham International Law Journal. My article was entitled “In re Mackin: Is the Application of the Political Offense Exception an Extradition Issue for the Judicial or Executive Branch?” I would advise you against reading it, for you will surely fall asleep.

Following law school, I returned to central New Jersey and took a job at a local law firm where I have been a partner for many years.  My area of practice is divorce, and while emotions run high and clients are living through the worst time of their lives, I find the practice very satisfying.  In addition to litigation,  I have added mediation and collaborative divorce to my repertoire, which are much more civil ways of dealing with issues in family law cases.

In addition to practicing law and raising two daughters, I’ve been working towards my second career.  Memoranda of Law and Legal Briefs, although fascinating, pale in comparison to writing romance/women’s fiction. So how does one transition from divorce lawyer by day to romance writer by night? That’s the beauty of having two distinct passions

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Guest Post – Hidden Mortality

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Hidden Mortality, Maggie Mundy

Now for round two of today’s paranormal romances (have you checked out Sex and the Single Vamp yet?) – take a moment and enjoy as Maggie shares some insight into her hero, Seth, from Hidden Mortality.

*****

As an introduction to a character from Hidden Mortality, today I’d like you to meet Seth the hero. Name: Seth Race: human Age: 35 for more than 200 years so far. When I stared to write this novel I always saw Seth as a combination of Kelly Slater and Vin Diesel. I have to admit I find them both yummy.

8th World Titlev

Background: Seth was born in the early 1800 in a small town called Trowbridge just outside of Bath where he trained with his father to be a blacksmith. He hated his father who was a drunk and beat his mother. She was found drowned in a local river and it was considered suicide. He swore he would never become like his father but he didn’t completely succeed.

His first true love Rosie was married when he met her. He was honourable and left her alone. When her husband died Seth was already in an unhappy marriage and starting to drink. His wife died in childbirth and Rosie was murdered. His life was spiraling out of control
Rosie was killed in a ritual that was said to provide immortality to the killers. She had witch blood and granted the gift of immortality to Seth as well. She asks him to protect her descendants and find the killers.

Two hundred and more years have passed and Seth still searches and watches over Rosie’s descendants. Recently his need to find Rosie’s killer has changed because he has fallen in love with her descendant Cara.

Interesting facts: Seth can only kill the other immortal who murdered Rosie with a dagger he fixed. He does not know the whereabouts of the dagger. When he kills the murderer he will die himself. That was fine with him until he met Cara. Below you can see the cover for Hidden Mortality that will be out with Soul Mate Publishing in November. I actually like the fact that Seth’s face is not completely shown as it gives the reader the ability to fill in the rest of the details.

*****

coverHidden Mortality

by Maggie Mundy

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Soulmate Publishing

Date of Publication: 6th February 18, 2014

ISBN:-13:978-1-61935-329-9

ASIN: B00I911NI0

Number of pages:281

Word Count: 85,000

Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Purchase at Amazon

Blurb:

A witch is murdered in 1850 in a ritual that will grant longevity to four men. What they are not aware of is that she has bestowed the same power to another called Seth to avenge her death.

Cara lives in present day Bristol, and is a descendant of the witch. Having been unlucky in love she fills her days with food with her Irish themed catering business. Her nights are another matter; they are full of erotic dreams of a mysterious lover, or nightmares with mutilated bodies. So this wasn’t the best time for her Nana to tell her she is coming into her power.

*****

Excerpt:

Cara kept searching but couldn’t find the book she wanted. The assistant at the empty counter smiled politely as she approached.

“I’m looking for a book called Immortality and Witchcraft, Fact or Fiction,” Cara said.

The woman typed the title into her computer. As Cara waited, someone walked up to the other counter beside her. She turned to look. Her world stopped as she met the slate grey gaze of the man staring straight at her. This wasn’t possible. He couldn’t exist. He was just a dream lover. Yet there he was, standing next to her as big as life.

She tried to smile, but it probably came out as more of a grin. He didn’t smile back. Her legs turned to jelly. If she didn’t breathe, she would pass out. She reached out and gripped the counter. One of them had to look away but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Someone was talking to her and the moment was broken.

“Excuse me.”

“Sorry.” Cara replied, as she forced herself to look at the salesperson. She was afraid if she glanced back, he would be gone. Her imagination must be playing tricks on her.

“It looks like we should have one copy left,” the woman said.

“I think I’m just about to sell it,” the other shop assistant said coming up to the register. “We could order it in for you. It might take a couple of weeks.”

“Please, take my copy.” The man at the other counter held out the book. His voice was deep, exactly as it was in her dreams. She was caught again in his gaze. The world disappeared and for a moment they were the only two people alive locked in the gaze they shared. Her hand went to her chest. She could feel her heart racing at the thought of him being near.

“Thank you, but no I couldn’t. You had the book first.”

“Please, take it. I have plenty of time to wait for another copy to come in.”

She found it hard to say no. Perhaps, it was the fact he was about six three and wore grey bike leathers. They added to the effect of making him look powerful. The shaved head and the stubble on his face gave a menacing look, but she wasn’t afraid of him. This wasn’t right. Her life was wild enough without dream lovers becoming real.

Plus, she wouldn’t want her other dreams to become real as well. She needed to say something, or he would think she was an idiot standing there with her mouth gaping. He held the book out to her. As she took it, her hand touched his. It was such a tiny touch and yet it meant he was real. She felt the heat rising up her neck as she blushed. She also sensed another heat inside her. It was the same way he had made her feel in her dreams.

“Thanks.” Cara paid for her book and listened as he confirmed his contact details. Seth Scanlon. She had a name. She wasn’t really stalking. Taking another book off a shelf, she flipped through the pages. He glanced her way before he left and caught her gaze once more.

She couldn’t fool herself. The look he gave her was so intense she felt he was seeing inside her soul. Her breath caught. She shivered although the shop was warm. For a split second, she considered following him and saying he must remember all the times they had made love.

She could just imagine the expression he would give her. He didn’t know her. She was a stranger. The shop became suffocating as she pulled at the collar of her jumper. She needed to be outside. There was no sign of him on the street. For a moment, she wanted to cry. At this rate, she would give the silly schoolgirls in the shop a run for their money.

*****

Author Info:

MMMaggie Mundy lives in Adelaide, Australia and is a member of Romance Writers of Australia, and the local chapter SARA (South Australian Romance Authors). She recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English at Flinders University. She had a short story published in the RWA Topaz Anthology Little Gems in 2010 called Sea and Vines. Over the past year she has had stories on line with Alfie dog in the UK and Antipodean SF in Australia. She has also performed for many years in corporate entertainment for which she wrote her own sketches, which probably explains why her head is so full of characters. She loves writing romance but thinks falling in love can be scary, especially in her stories where creatures of the night really exist.

https://twitter.com/MundyMaggie

www.maggiemundy.com

https://www.facebook.com/MaggieMundyAuthor

http://www.pinterest.com/maggiemundy/

http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/maggie-mundy/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428101.Maggie_Mundy

*****

Giveaway:

Tour Wide Giveaway
5 Kindle Gift Copies of Hidden Mortality
Enter at http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f596/

*****

Tour Schedule:

March 31 Interview
Darkest Cravings
www.darkestcravings.blogspot.com
March 31 Spotlight
Butterfly-o-Meter Books
http://butterfly-o-meter.com/
 
April 1 Interview
Diane’s Book Blog
http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot.com/
April 1 spotlight
Eclipse Reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com
April 2 Guest blog
Romantic Reads and Such
http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com
April 2 Spotlight
Books & Other Spells.
www.nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com
April 3 Guest blog
Cloey’s Book Reviews and Other Stuff
cloeyk.blogspot.com
 
April 3 Spotlight
Paranormal Romance Fans for Life
www.paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com
April 4 interview
Author Karen Swart
http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com
April 4 Spotlight
Midnight Musings with Bertena
www.bertena.com
 
April 7 Interview
A Writer’s Mind-
www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
April 7 Spotlight
The Snarkology
www.melissasnark.blogspot.com
*****
Hidden Mortality Banner 450 x 169

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Blog Tour – Sex and the Single Vamp

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Robin Covington, Sex and the Single Vamp

We’re doing another double header today, this time with a look at a couple of yummy paranormal romances.

Right now, check out all the sexy goodness of Sex and the Singe Vamp, including a fantastic giveaway – I love Robin Covington’s books so this one is a can’t miss!  And then come back later for Maggie Mundy’s Hidden Mortality.

*****

SexAndTheSingleVampHighResSex and the Single Vamp

by Robin Covington

Release Date: 3/24/14

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Love. Sex. Eternity. Dating never gets easier.

Cici Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the “Others”) at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago.

Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed.

Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when Cici is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20944668-sex-and-the-single-vamp

Entangled Book Link: http://bit.ly/1oi65kF

7777

AMAZON* BARNES & NOBLE

*****

Author Info:

Robin Covington, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romance.

A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut novel was named a 2012 finalist in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Awards, earned 4.5 stars and was touted by RT Book Reviews as bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she’s not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Mangianello.

Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today. You can find Robin on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter (@RobinCovington).

Email: robincovingtonromance@yahoo.com

Website: http://robincovingtonromance.com/

Blog: http://robincovingtonromance.com/burning-up-the-sheets/

Twitter: @RobinCovington

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5812874.Robin_Covington

Newsletter: http://averyflynn.us6.list-manage2.com/subscribe/post?u=86d6422aba38201281a747f83&id=a525b102ea

*****

Giveaway:

Pump Up Your Book and Robin are teaming up to give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card and 10 Swag Packs!
Terms & Conditions:
By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
11 winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive each of the prizes
This giveaway begins March 24 and ends on April 4.
Winners will be contacted via email on April 5, 2014.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554281/

*****

Check out more (including the complete tour schedule) at pumpupyourbooks.com

 

Pump Up Your Book

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Blog Tour – One Good Cowboy

01 Tuesday Apr 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Catherine Mann, Diamonds in the Rough series, One good Cowboy

This morning we’re going to look at Catherine Mann’s newest series Diamonds in the Rough, which kicks off today with Book 1 – One Good Cowboy.  I love Texas cowboys so this one looks like a winner to me … and it’s available today so go check it out.  And make sure you enter the giveaway, all the details are below!

*****

OneGoodCowboyOne Good Cowboy (Diamonds in the Rough #1)
by Catherine Mann
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Category Romance/Cowboys/Animal Rescue
Age category: Adult
Release Date: April 1, 2014

Blurb:

From Ex to Eternity?

To inherit his family’s empire, Texas cowboy-turned-CEO Stone McNair must prove he has a heart beneath his ruthlessly suave exterior. His trial? Finding homes for his grandmother’s rescue dogs. His judge? Johanna Fletcher, the woman whose heart he broke.

Sure, Johanna can handle a week traveling the country with her ex-fiancé to fulfilll his dying grandmother’s request. She and Stone want different things—plain and simple. But there’s nothing plain about Stone, or simple about the heat that still flares between them. One week may not be long enough…

You can find One Good Cowboy on Goodreads

You can buy One Good Cowboy here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo 

Harlequin

*****

Excerpt:

…”What are you doing?”

“You said you didn’t want to talk.” Sure he knew they weren’t really going to have sex on his desk, but he reveled in the regret in her eyes that she couldn’t hide in spite of her scowl.

“You’re being outrageous.”

“Good.”

“Stop. Now,” she said firmly.

Okay, he’d pushed her far enough for today, but he could see that while their love for each other might have burned out, their passion still had plenty of fire.

He buttoned his shirt again and tucked in the tails.  “Spoilsport.”

She brushed papers into a stack. “The pilot’s waiting.”

“Damn waste of an empty desk,” he said with a smile…

 *****

Do you like books with an animal rescue theme? Keep an eye out for Shelter Me by Catherine Mann, it’s being released on August 5, 2014. It’s a heartwarming novel about a returning soldier, the daughter of his fallen commander, and a very special dog with a mission.

SMShelter Me (Second Chance Range #1)
By Catherine Mann
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Blurb:

Staff Sergeant Mike Kowalski wants only one thing after he gets home from Iraq: to sleep in a king-sized bed with clean sheets. But first, he has to hand off his fallen commander’s dog, Trooper, to his family without handing off his heart to Sierra…

Sierra McDaniel needs a break. Her family life is crazy, and when she’s not mucking out kennels, she’s slogging through grad school. Sierra certainly doesn’t want another dog, especially one that reminds her of her father. And she definitely doesn’t want to see Mike with that charming smile of his…

But Trooper has a mission of his own. Before too long Mike is moving to the ranch to lend a hand—and hoping for his own second chance with Sierra.

You can find Shelter Me on Goodreads

You can view the book trailer for Shelter Me here

*****

Author Info:

CatherineMannHeadshotB2014USA Today bestseller Catherine Mann and RITA Award winner, Catherine writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, and Sourcebooks, With over two million books in print in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated five RITA finals, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. A former theater school director and university instructor, she holds a Master’s degree in Theater from UNC-Greensboro and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts: Theater (with minors in both English and Education) from the College of Charleston. Catherine and her flyboy husband live on the Florida coast where they brought up their 4 children – and still have 5 four-legged, furry “children” (aka pets). Catherine is an active volunteer with her local Humane Society, serving on their Board of Directors and fostering puppies and special needs dogs (she stopped counting at a hundred). She recently checked off a major item on her “bucket list” by completing the hands-on training for the Florida State Animal Rescue Coalition. Catherine enjoys hearing from her readers and can be found online daily. To receive an autographed bookmark, send a SASE to: P.O. Box 6065, Navarre, FL 32566

You can find and contact Catherine here:
– Website: http://www.catherinemann.com/
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineMannAuthor
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinemann1
– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93454.Catherine_Mann
– Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/catherinemann/
– Blog: http://www.catherinemann.com/category/blog/
– Newsletter: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/CatherineMann_News/

*****

Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for a 25$ amazon gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e460/

And make sure you check out the other sites participating in the tour because some are giving away winner’s choice of either 1 copy of Catherine Mann her January Harlequin Desire For the Sake of Their Son or 1 copy of her May book – a 2-in-1 reissue of Grayson’s Surrender and Taking Cover, the first two books that launched her award winning, bestselling “Wingmen Warriors” series. US & Canada only.

  
     SakeOfSonFront     GS_TC_Front

*****

This is my stop during the blog tour for One Good Cowboy (Diamonds in the Rough #1) by Catherine Mann. This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 1 April till 30 April, weekdays only. You can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/blog-tour-one-good-cowboy-by-catherine-mann/

One Good Cowboy banner

*****

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