Spotlight – Natural Selection

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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First we’re going to take at a new sexy read from Amanda Lance. Then later I’ll have a new review so make sure you check out both of today’s posts.

*****

Natural Selection

by Amanda Lance

Blurb:

To ensure she would have the life she deserved, Kasper Zafar ended his relationship with the beautiful Emilia Ward, sentencing both of them to a broken heart and lonely life.

But haunted by the memories of the foolish girl who stole his heart, Kasper has determined himself to win her back—or kill himself trying.

It’s been a year since Emilia Ward left Iram manor, and when Kasper comes back into her life the walls she has constructed around her heart threaten to come down.

And she might need him more than she wants to admit. Yet as badly as she wants him back, she won’t let him get away with hurting her so easily. Kasper needs to learn his lesson, and Emilia thinks she’s just the one to teach it to him.

However, just as they renew their sensual affair, Kasper’s elusive past comes back to jeopardize their happiness.

If he’s not careful, he may just die fighting for her after all…

*****

Author Info:

A native of New Jersey and lifelong nerd, Amanda Lance recently completed her Master in Liberal Arts at Thomas Edison State College after her BA in English Literature and AFA in creative writing. As an avid reader of all genres, some of her favorite authors include Hemingway, Marquis de Sade, Stevenson, Bukowski and Radcliffe.

When she isn’t writing or reading, Amanda can found indulging in film noir or hiking with her other half and their extremely spoiled dog. She is obsessively working on her next book and trying to tame her caffeine addiction.

Author Links:
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alance07

Twitter: @alance07

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.lance.378

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6966605.Amanda_Lance

www.amandalance.com

*****

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Guest Post – Waiting For You

20 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Heather Huffman, Waiting For You

This morning we welcome the lovely Heather Huffman as she gives us a little peek into her characters and what makes them so great. And then she gives us a look at her new book, Waiting For You (which looks super sweet and super fun).

*****

I thought it would be cute to make a list of ways my characters are smarter than me when it comes to love, but then I realized it boils down to two things that make all the difference for them.

First, they make time. I put my characters through the wringer, but they still manage to find time to picnic in the poppies or leap on the perfectly delectable man close enough to nibble on. All-to-often, I find myself so busy keeping my family afloat that I’m lucky to shower before collapsing in a gelatinous heap on the couch. I have to schedule time to shave my legs lest I start a rumor about the Ozark Sasquatch. No matter how busy my characters are, they still delight in being a girl. I should do that more often. (To that end, I did paint my toenails purple this morning. That should count for something.)

They also know who they are – and the ones that don’t figure it out. Some people mistakenly believe that I write about strong women because I am one. In truth, I’m a hot mess who’s allowed myself to be a doormat more times than I care to admit.

When I was younger, I hid the fears and frailties behind a spunky bravado, but they were still there guiding my decisions and actions. As I write about my heroines, I learn from their strength. I deal with my own demons on the same pages that navigate theirs. I really should have done more of that before I got married; I firmly believe it would have made for a smoother ride.

I love that my characters are strong enough for the romance to be about the guy, not just any guy. I hope to be just like them when I grow up.

*****

Waiting for You

by Heather Huffman

Release Date: May 7, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Sometimes a single spark is all it takes to change your life for good.

For years, Karise McAlister has been running: from her family, from herself, and from her dreams. Now she’s made it, with a successful career and a promising engagement. But when she meets the compelling and creative Aidan Donnelly, his down-to-earth charm provides the wakeup call Karise badly needs. Moving across country to start over, Karise devotes herself to her work, convinced she needs to be independent. But with handsome Aidan just down the road and a mischievous group of friends determined to set her up, Karise must face her concerns about life and romance head-on.

Amazon Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

Heather Huffman calls the beautiful Missouri Ozarks home. When not writing, this homesteading mother is busy raising three boys or tending the family’s myriad of animals, which includes alpacas, goats, chickens and ducks. Huffman’s optimistic and somewhat quirky view of life often finds its way into her novels.
Heather is the author of Throwaway, Ties that Bind, Jailbird, Suddenly a Spy, Ring of Fire, Tumbleweed, Devil in Disguise, Roses in Ecuador and Fool’s Game.

You can find out more about her family’s adventures as they strive to live off the land, as well as her writing and charitable work on http://www.heatherhuffman.net.

Author’s Links:

Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHuffmanBooks

Twitter:https://twitter.com/Heathers_mark

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/heatherhuffman/

*****

Excerpt:

Karise stepped forward, holding a hand out to skim the tops of the flowers as she waded into their midst. “Magical,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” he agreed, his voice taking on a huskier tone.

Karise studied the field for a moment longer before turning back to smile at Aidan. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

He took a step toward her. “You’re welcome.”

“You may never get me out of here. I just might decide to live right here, in this field.”

Aidan chuckled. “You might get cold at some point. Besides, the poppies don’t last long.

This is the peak of their season. After that, it’s just a field.”

“A field with a promise worth waiting for,” she amended.

“Something like that.” There was a pause. The expression on his face made Karise wonder what he was thinking. She was pretty sure that whatever it had been, it was more than his suggestion that they pick a spot to eat, which were the next words out of his mouth.

Karise only nibbled at the food he spread out in front of them. Her mind was racing in too many different directions, and her stomach had way too many butterflies for food to be a top priority. She listened as Aidan talked about how this field had inspired many of the designs used in his marketing material. The gentle cadence of his voice was like a caress. She couldn’t keep her eyes off of him – all of the excuses she’d been hiding behind faded away a little more with each syllable that fell from his lips.

Aidan paused mid sentence to eye her warily. “Is everything okay?”

Karise nodded. “Yes, sorry. Go on.”

“Am I boring you?”

“Quite the contrary.”

“You’re killing me, Karise. What is it?”

She hesitated then took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind. It’s possible she leapt at him. She couldn’t be entirely sure. All she really knew was that she was right where she wanted to be now: in his arms. His surprise quickly gave way to eager acceptance as he met her kiss with one of his own. He was salty and sweet at once. The hint of sandpaper on his jaw grazed her soft skin. A low growl of longing rumbled deep in his throat as he pulled her more firmly on his lap.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, arching into him as his mouth pulled away from hers to roam the skin exposed by the V of her shirt. Her fingers sank greedily into his dark hair as he left a trail of fire across her flesh. Karise couldn’t tell if she was flying or falling or something in between.

She kissed his temple, then his cheek, then reclaimed his lips. He leaned into her, deepening the touch. Time melted away. Karise was aware of only two things: She’d never felt anything remotely like this before, and she wanted more of him. She shifted positions, gently pushing him back on the blanket. She ran her hands up his sides, shoving his shirt out of the way as she did. Karise had lost many nights’ sleep thinking about the very muscles she now traced with her fingers. She moved to kiss his jaw, then his throat, then met her hands at his chest. He stopped breathing when she traced a feathery trail of kisses along his abdomen.

With lightning speed, he scooped her up and flipped her onto her back, his mouth setting fire to her throat while his hands splayed her small waist before moving up to her rib cage. He shifted his weight, the friction of his jeans against her shorts nearly her undoing. It hit her like a tidal wave – she’d reached the point of no return. Either she stopped him here or they crossed a threshold in this poppy field.

*****

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Book Review – A Demon In Love

19 Monday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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A Demon In Love, Book Review, Holley Trent, Sons of Gulielmus series

We’re going to start off the week with look at A Demon In Love and a review. This one is perfect for any of you who love paranormal stories.

*****

A Demon In Love

Sons of Gulielmus Book 2

by Holley Trent

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Date of Publication: 5/5/14

ISBN: 978-1-4405-8150-2

Number of pages: 163 (PDF)

Word Count: 79,000

Blurb:

Charles Edison has spent most of his 123 years courting women for Hell. As a faithful son of the demon Gulielmus, he’s never known true affection for women. Which is funny, seeing as how he’s descended from a love god on his mother’s side. Now that he sees his brother falling head over heels, Charles wants the same for himself. He wants to belong to someone.

The Fates conspire to right old wrongs, and Charles learns the woman destined for him is one he shouldn’t want. Marion Wilder’s family has been on the supernatural Most Wanted List for twenty-five years because they were responsible for the demise of a demon. Gulielmus would kill her if he had the chance.

But Marion’s the only human woman Charles can touch without harming. She’s his one chance at having a normal life and a real family, and he would give up anything to keep her. Even his father’s favor.

*****

Excerpt:

She bent to pick up the receipt she’d dropped, and then yelped at the sight of the stranger six feet from her. She blew her fright away on an exhale and put her hand to her heart.

Why did they always frighten her? By now, she should have been used to strange men approaching her. Sometimes they heckled her—the “little girl” truck driver. Occasionally, they tried to sell her things. Dick and weed, mostly. One she didn’t partake in. The other she sure as shit wasn’t going to pay for, even if she were that kind of desperate.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, hoping he’d catch the drift. Not that they ever did. Bozos.

“Cold night, isn’t it?” he asked. His voice was deep and cultured in the way Shakespearean actors’ voices were. Trained. Odd, seeing as how the only culture this guy had likely rubbed off from the newspapers he slept on. She cocked her head to the side and really studied him. Maybe he was experiencing some sort of delusion and believed he was on the set of a BBC miniseries or something. Maybe a modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. She knew which character she’d be cast as, and was already gearing up to play the role if he said something sufficiently stupid. And he would. There was always something wrong with these truck stop guys. Pity, because this one was hot. He had to be around six and a half feet tall, and a nicely proportionate breadth to go with that height. Not bulky, but there were definitely some muscles beneath that jacket. He had to outweigh her by a good hundred pounds.

He fixed a stare on her she couldn’t tell was from blue or gray eyes beneath the pole light, but either way, it was oddly mesmerizing. She couldn’t bring herself to break free of it, although it somehow made her feel exposed.

Naked.

Why was he looking at her like that—like he knew her? She’d never seen the man before. She certainly would have remembered those startling eyes and all that dark hair. Jesus, she liked a bit of mane on her men. Someone could slap him on the cover of a romance novel. Just wrap him in tartan, hand him a sword, and set up an unobtainable fantasy for a few thousand women.

She pursed her lips, considering him. Nah, she’d read probably a hundred thrift store romance novels in the past year, and this guy was too tan to be a Scotsman and not dark enough to be a sheikh. Greek tycoon, maybe? Oh yeah. Put him on the deck of a yacht wearing some of those little European swim trunks and—

“Isn’t it?” he repeated, and raised one dark eyebrow.

“Huh?” She blinked. Did he want something?

He shifted his weight and shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, grinning at her. Shit, he could have lit up the entire parking lot with that smile. He was so pretty—now, what did he want with her? Whatever it was, she wasn’t paying for it.

She closed her eyes and drew in a bolstering breath. “It’s cold,” she said blandly and hauled her toolbox up into her truck cab.

“Montana’s a pretty inhospitable place, huh? There’s still a month until winter, but I don’t think the snow cares about timeliness.”

“Mm-hmm.” She patted her pockets in search of her keys. The next thing he’d probably say was that he could make it a lot more hospitable for her, if she had enough cash.

Prostitutes were pretty predictable, and she certainly got propositioned enough, though usually the truck stop hos were a little less—upright.

But, shit, did she really look like the kind of woman who’d pay a man for sex? She wrapped her fingers around the handle, prepared to slam the door.

He moved closer and grabbed the door’s edge before she could pull it. “Hey, why don’t you let me buy you a cup of coffee? You look like you could use a cup.”

“I don’t think so, dude.”

She could afford her own coffee, obviously, but no prostitute had ever offered to buy her anything. Must have been a new sales strategy—the hook ’em, then hump ’em.

She just wanted to get back on the road, but he was right. She did need to refill her thermos, fiend that she was. Coffee was her one vice, and she’d forgotten to take the canister into the restaurant with her during dinner. She didn’t want to give the guy the satisfaction, though, no matter how good he looked.

She let her gaze fall on him once again. He looked harmless enough, with his easy stance and hands jammed into the pockets of his coat. His boots were actually quite good quality. Brown leather with some scuffs. Broken in, and wet from snow, but they looked damned expensive. Didn’t seem like hand-me-downs, either. The heels were too good.

There must have been good money in truck stop whoring.

“No, thank you,” she finally managed, and gripped the door handle again after two failed attempts. “I-I need to get back on the road and get this load delivered.”

“Must be lonely,” he said. His grin waned slowly, and this time it was he who looked away, toward a truck entering the lot. He waited until it had circled around to the gas pumps.

“It’s a job,” she said when he looked up again. Damn, those eyes. They were so sad, and for some reason, that made her a little sad, too.

*****

Book Review:

A Demon In Love gives readers a very intriguing world and is a fascinating paranormal story. With characters just as interesting as the world they inhabit, if you are looking for a paranormal story, it is a fantastic choice.

But I’m not sure how it works as a paranormal romance. I liked the world that Trent created, but Marion and Charles spend most of their time apart – not apart in a romantic since, but actually physically apart. And large chunks of time will go by with minimal explanation of what events happen in that time. Not that we need a moment-by-moment narrative, but it was a little odd to me.

It is supposed to be able to stand on its own, which I suppose it can, but I’m not sure if reading the first book would have helped fill in some of the details. Or it could just be that it is supposed to be more paranormal than paranormal romance. I think I was just a little thrown off by the lack of interaction between the two and, to me, the lack of development of their relationship. Without having read the first story, I don’t know how it compares and if it would have helped with my enjoyment.

Even though I missed the romance element, I had a great time reading A Demon In Love and easily recommend it to anyone who is looking for a paranormal read.

*****

Author Info:

Holley Trent is a Carolina girl gone west. Raised in rural coastal North Carolina, she currently resides on the Colorado Front Range with her family. She writes sassy contemporary and quirky paranormal romances set in her home state.

She’s hard at work writing other stories set in the Sons of Gulielmus world, including one for the mysterious Creole cambion Claude.

See Holley’s complete backlist of paranormal and contemporary romances at her website, http://www.holleytrent.com. When she’s not on deadline, she boldly tweets under the handle @holleytrent.

Website: http://www.holleytrent.com

Blog: http://www.holleytrent.com/blog

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/holleytrent

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writerholleytrent

*****

Giveaway:

-eBook copies of A Demon in Waiting and Melt My Heart (2 bundles, 2 winners)

-$25 e-gift certificate: ARe, Amazon, or B&N (1 winner)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f634/

*****

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Book Review – What Goes on Tour

18 Sunday May 2014

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Book Review, Claire Boston, What Goes on Tour

What goes on tour, stays on tour … or does it?

Few people know that socially awkward Adrian Hart is actually rock god Kent Downer, and that’s the way Adrian likes it. His privacy is essential, especially now that he has guardianship of his orphaned, ten-year-old niece, Kate. But when the nanny quits in the middle of his tour Adrian finds himself in a bind.

Until Libby Myles walks into his life.

Libby has only ever wanted to become a full-time author and prove to her parents that she can make it on her own. On the surface, the temporary job as the nanny for Kent Downer’s niece looks perfect—the pay is fabulous, the hours are short and Kate is a big fan—it’s the rock star that’s the issue.

Arrogant and way too attractive for anyone’s good, Kent Downer has enough swagger to power a small city. But when he’s out of costume he’s different—shy and uncertain. For Libby it’s a far harder combination to resist. She needs to find a balance between work, writing and ignoring her attraction to the rock star, because if she falls for him, it could mean the end of her dream.

But when a horrible scandal is unleashed—putting young Kate in danger—there’s more heat between Libby and Adrian than just sexual attraction. Libby must figure out if Adrian ever cared for her, or if it was all just part of the show …

I found What Goes on Tour a lot of fun but I do think that maybe there was also a lot going on. There’s: a) Libby’s self-esteem issues and her issues with her parents, b) Adrian’s childhood trauma, c) Kent’s fame, d) Adrian’s long-time friendship with his manager George, e) Kate’s adjustment to her parents’ death, and f) Libby and Adrian’s relationship. That’s a lot to fit into one story – not all of them require a ton of attention so you could probably fit in quite a few of them without any issue but, to me, it’s a little harder with all of them together.

I did like all of the characters involved – Kate is wonderfully precocious, Libby is sweet and caring, and Adrian is dedicated and loving. All of them manage to start developing a wonderful relationship together, despite all of their troubles. It is heart-tugging and emotional and touching. I just really wish that I’d gotten a chance to get to know them all a little better. (And I hope that there are more stories coming because I’d like to see more from George and Libby’s friend Piper. Maybe that will help flesh out some of the relationships and issues introduced here.)

With What Goes on Tour Boston does a great job of giving readers a sweet story, with lovely characters and one of my favorite endings.

Book Review – All I Need Is You

17 Saturday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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All I Need Is You, Book Review, M Malone, The Alexanders series

He’ll do anything to protect her… except fall in love

Kaylee Wilhelm is tired of always being a good, respectful Southern belle. So when the man she loves leaves town after their steamy kiss, she’s done. As a single mother with a demanding singing career, she has no time for pining after her former bodyguard.

Years ago Elliott Alexander disappeared for a year and then came back irrevocably changed. With the FBI still watching, he can’t afford distractions. Especially not sweet kisses from the only woman who gets under his skin.

When she’s targeted by a stalker who seems to know her every move, Eli is the only one who can protect her. He’ll have to stop running from his past and face his demons.

And maybe, just maybe, find his way back home again.

WARNING: This book contains best friends with attitude, blind dates, the reckless use of explosives and a hero that gives new meaning to the term “in the closet”. Did I mention this is a really sexy book? Just saying…

I enjoyed this one a lot more than One More Day. I felt that their reactions and reasoning was more understandable and I found both Kay and Eli engaging – he’s been fighting his feelings for her for months and she’s confused on why. He’s got secrets in his past that cause him to feel unworthy, plus he thinks his … ummm, bedroom preferences … might be more than Kay can take. She’s young and sweet and inexperienced but she loves him and for her that’s enough.

I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. Eli has a security firm that provides protection to high profile people and was on a case with Kay previously (check out He’s the Man for that – you won’t be disappointed in Matt’s story). Now she may be a target again and Eli’s feelings mean that he takes on her case himself, so in between battling his feelings he’s also got to figure out who is targeting her.

All I Need Is You combines a little danger, a little mystery and a lot of heat in one engrossing page-turner.

(I’ve been reading these out of order – Book 3, then the prequel, then Book 1 and now Book 4, somehow missing Book 3 completely – but I haven’t really noticed it being a problem. So if this is your first, then go for it. I think you’ll find it addictive and be looking up those others to add to your TBR pile.)

Book Review – Dare to Resist

16 Friday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Dare to Resist, Laura Kaye, Wedding Dare series

Today’s tour includes another look at Laura Kaye’s Dare to Resist with a review. Check it out below and if you are looking for something steamy, this is definitely the one for you!

*****

DARE TO RESIST is the prequel novella to the sexy wedding event of the year! The Wedding Dare Series brings together five New York Times bestselling authors, one sizzling story of how the bride and groom fell in love, and four super sexy tales of bridesmaids who hope to get lucky in lust—or maybe even love—at their friend’s wedding. Here’s the story that starts it all!

Blurb:

Trapped and tempted, this battle of wills rages all night long…

Kady Dresco and Colton Brooks click on a level that defies logic. There are only two problems. One, he’s her older brother’s irritating best friend, and two, they’re bidding on the same military security services contract.

When the competition heats up, Colton is torn between wanting to strangle Kady (and her annoying brilliance) and kissing her into submission. Which is a bad idea for a million reasons, because Kady’s submission is exactly what he craves. Being trapped in a tiny motel room with the object of his darkest fantasies will require every ounce of his restraint.

Kady doesn’t want his restraint, but Colton knows better. She deserves love, marriage, and a white picket fence—three things Colton can’t give her. But her proximity and the memory of their steamy near-miss three years ago slowly destroys his resolve. And he’s not sure how much longer he can keep his hands off…or his heart closed.

Dare to Resist on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Damn she had a smart mouth on her. So many things he’d like to do to temporarily cure her of that. And now he knew she’d enjoy them, too. “Kady, I just meant—”

She huffed, stoking both the flames of his aggression and his arousal. “I got it.”

He fisted his hands. “No, you fucking don’t, because you won’t stop talking long enough for me to explain myself.”

She blanched. “Well, do it. What do you want to say?”

Here it was. Moment of truth time. Fucking finally. “Three years ago—”

“Colton, I don’t want to talk about ancient—”

He was on her in a flash. One hand over her mouth, the other cradling the back of her head so that he didn’t hurt her when he shoved her against the closet door. He held her there with the weight of his own body, his legs on the outsides of hers effectively boxing her in. “It’s not your turn to talk. Understand?”

Eyes wide, nostrils flaring, Kady searched his eyes and finally nodded. He could almost feel the questions rolling off of her.

“Three years ago,” he said again, arching a brow, “I pulled back from what we started for a couple of reasons. Same reasons why I pulled away again yesterday when I wanted to kiss you. But this book…this book makes me wonder if maybe one of those reasons isn’t as relevant as I originally thought.” He heaved a breath and leaned his forehead against hers, bringing them eye to eye. “The guy in your book? I’m that guy,” he said, putting it in terms he hoped she’d understand.

A shiver ran over her body. Against his chest, her nipples went hard.

Holy hell. Did his declaration just turn her on?

Her pupils were dilating. Right there was his answer. His cock went from hard to downright torture.

“You get what I’m saying?” he asked. A small nod. “I get off on being rough. Because I like and respect you, and because you’re my best friend’s little sister—”

Her brows furrowed.

He pressed his hand more firmly against her mouth and nailed her with a stare. “I get it. After our talk yesterday, that’s not how I see you. But it is how Tyler sees you. How he’ll always see you. Big brothers are genetically programmed to be protective of younger sisters no matter their age. Trust me. I know from firsthand experience. So I’ve backed off because I didn’t want to scare you or offend you with what I want, and I certainly didn’t want to piss Tyler off, either.”

Her fingers pulled softly at the hand covering her mouth, a gentle plea. He removed his hand immediately. “Can I say something now?” she asked quietly.

When had Kady Dresco ever asked for permission to speak around him? But he’d exerted a little dominance over her, and she’d responded with submissiveness. Probably wasn’t even aware she’d done it. A dark satisfaction heated his blood and further hardened his cock. “Go ahead.”

*****

Review:

Dare to Resist has one of my favorite storylines – an intense attraction to a friend’s sibling (or a sibling’s friend) – with a touch of a friends to lovers transition. Both Kady and Colton are fun together. They are snarky and caring and have a wonderfully complex history. The dialogue between them is humorous and sassy and full of charm, and their chemistry bleeds through every page.

The biggest issues between Kady and Colton getting together pretty much fall on him. He’s got an honorable streak a mile wide and a huge blind spot to the fact that Kady is all grown up. She may be seeing him with clear eyes but he’s definitely still seeing her with a friend’s little sister filter. And with the horrible marriage his parents had, he’s not sure that he’s made for a long-term relationship. And then there are his more daring preferences in the bedroom.

Once their attraction comes to a head, Dare to Resist definitely heats up. It’s hot and sexy and daring. Brazen books are Entangled’s steamier fare and Kaye’s latest definitely fits in – Colton is a bad boy who will steal your heart in a second.

Once again I’m pleased by how well-developed a novella is. Dare to Resist is complete, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining. Even though it is just over 100 pages long, we get a good feeling for both Kady and Colton and for their motivations. Not only are we there for this latest chapter in their relationship, but Kaye also does a fantastic job of giving us their complicated past. And the ending is so sweet, and fits so well with these two, I finished the last page with a happy smile on my face.

(And it is the perfect introduction to the four Wedding Dare stories coming this summer. I’m definitely looking forward to those.)

*****

About the Wedding Dare Series:

When four bridesmaids dare one another to find lust—or maybe even love—at the destination wedding event of the year, the groomsmen don’t stand a chance. But little do the women know, the men are onto their game, and sparks will fly alongside the bouquet.

Four bridesmaids. Four groomsmen.

Four New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Long-carried torches, sizzling new attractions, and forbidden conquests will ensure a wedding never to be forgotten.

Tessa Bailey, Baiting the Maid of Honor

Diane Alberts, Falling for the Groomsmen

Katee Robert, Seducing the Bridesmaid

Samanthe Beck, Best Man with Benefits

Coming June 9!

All Wedding Dare Series Books on Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Giveaway and Wedding Dare/Brazen Swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9172c1159/

*****

Review Tour Schedule

May 13

Little Read Riding Hood

Cocktails and Books

Make My Day Book Club

Hesperia Loves Books

Talking Books Blog

Books Books & More Books

May 14

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club

May 15

Made For You Book Reviews

Bittersweet Book Love

May 16

My Favorite Things

Madison Says

The Romance Evangelist

Book Lovin’ Mamas

Read-Love-Blog

The Geekery Book Review

Reading Between the Wines

Romantic Reads and Such

Guest Post – One Night with a Cowboy

15 Thursday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Elizabeth Otto, One Night with a Cowboy, Paint River Ranch series

Today we’re going to check out oh-so-yummy cowboy Tucker in Elizabeth Otto’s latest Paint River Ranch novel, One Night with a Cowboy. Join me in welcoming Elizabeth as she gives us a little insight into what it took to get Tucker to his HEA.

*****

The Cowboy Path to Love

Whenever I start writing a new book, I let the characters in my head take the lead. I have a basic idea of the plot and the action sequences that need to take place to (hopefully) make the story compelling. But when it comes to personal connections between the lead characters and getting them to the point where they fall hard for one another, I basically have no control.

Sometimes, the characters want to take the path to love slowly. They want to follow routine steps—getting to know each other, learning each other’s ticks, and dreams, and fears. Other times, as in the case of Tucker and Sophie from my new release ONE NIGHT WITH A COWBOY, they fall without needing any fluff. Tucker is the kind of cowboy who knows what he wants when he sees it, and after meeting Sophie, he knows, deep down, that she’s the one for him. He doesn’t need to have hours-long conversations with her to know his heart…he just knew. Now getting him to admit to himself and to Sophie that she was the woman for him was an entirely different struggle!

Sophie, I suppose, is a lot like me. She didn’t need any fanfare or wooing to know Tucker was her man. Instead, she falls for his character; his quiet strength and ability to make her feel like one-hundred percent sexy, cherished woman. Sometimes, my characters can say a lot with a few words. And their actions? Let’s just say Tucker and Sophie aren’t afraid to show their feelings for each other—in more ways than one. This is the path they chose, as crazy as it sounds, to get to their happily ever after! And as long as they get there while leaving behind a well-rounded, tear-jerking story, I’m happy, and I hope you will be, too.

*****

One Night with a Cowboy

A Paint River Ranch Novel (#2)

By Elizabeth Otto

Blurb:

One night is never enough…

Jobless, broke, and struggling to support herself and her invalid mother, paramedic Sophie Miller doesn’t have time or energy for a relationship. Especially with her mother’s clock ticking down. So when the sexy cowboy she meets at a carnival proposes a no-strings, one-night stand, she’s all over it. Until her one-night stand shows up again and turns out to be everything she’s ever wanted.

Tucker Haywood has his hands full running Paint River Ranch and trying to deal with all the changes pulling the rug out from under him. His past has taught him it’s better to keep women at arm’s length, for their sake. Stubborn and temperamental, Tucker doesn’t have a clue how to deal with a city girl who’s scared of squirrels and dirt.

So when Sophie gets under his skin, he has to do whatever it takes to push her away. Even if it means losing the part of himself he never thought he’d find.

AMZ: http://amzn.to/1noBfLB B&N: http://bit.ly/1sa7sUz Kobo: http://bit.ly/1l7r0Id

*****

Author Info:

Elizabeth Otto grew up in a Wisconsin town the size of a postage stamp, where riding your horse to the grocery store, and skinny dipping after school were perfectly acceptable. No surprise that she writes about small communities and country boys. She’s the author of paranormal romance, and hot, emotional, contemporary romance, and has no guilt over frequently making her readers cry. When not writing, she works full-time as an Emergency Medical Technician for a rural ambulance service. Elizabeth lives with her very own country boy and their three children in, shockingly, a small Midwestern town.

Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElizabethOttoAuthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EAOtto

Blog: www.elizabethottowrites.blogspot.com

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $25 gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554359/

Elizabeth Otto will also be doing giveaways from her Facebook page throughout the month of May.

*****

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Spotlight – The Duke’s Obsession

13 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Frances Fowlkes, The Duke's Obsession

It’s time we looked at a historical romance romance again and today it’s The Duke’s Obsession by Frances Fowlkes, which looks super sweet …

*****

The Duke’s Obsession

by Frances Fowlkes

Release Date: 5/12/14

Genre: Historical romance

Blurb:

London 1818

An American Heiress Who Must Swallow Her Pride

Miss Daphne Farrington despises three things: England’s dreary weather, the grimy streets of London, and most especially the English aristocracy. Despite her misgivings, she must persuade the very English Duke of Waverly to save her family shipping business. If only she could ignore the way he makes her pulse race whenever she’s near him.

A Duke Who Must Overcome Her Prejudice

Edward Lacey, the Duke of Waverly, is convinced that the lovely Miss Farrington, with her penchant for numbers, is the woman he’d like to make his Duchess. But unless he can convince her that not all English lords are callous, calculating rakes, a dark secret will ruin his chance at happiness.

Goodreads Book Link:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21916116-the-duke-s-obsession?ac=1

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

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://bit.ly/QutzJa

*****

Author Info:

Frances Fowlkes lives in South Carolina with her high school sweetheart, three red-headed sons, and a spoiled standard poodle. When not writing about ardent heroes or strong-willed heroines, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with makeup, and planning her next vacation.

Author Website: https://www.francesfowlkes.com

Author Blog: http://www.francesfowlkes.com/blog.html

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/francesfowlkes

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francesfowlkes.author

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/francesfowlkes

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554347/

Guest Post – If I Stay

12 Monday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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If I Stay, Tamara Morgan

Dressing the Characters in IF I STAY

One of the biggest challenges for me as an author is to decide what my characters are wearing. As a rule, I’m not a very visual person (I prefer to deal in words, if you’d believe it), nor am I particularly fashionable one. I spend hours scouring online stores—not to replenish my own wardrobe—but to choose outfits for my hero and heroine.

My Montgomery Manor series provided a special challenge for me, since I not only had to dress a crew of downstairs staff members, but also the wealthy hotelier family they serve. Jeans and T-shirts I can handle pretty well, but designer duds? I’m useless.

Since IF I STAY focuses on the nanny and the chauffeur, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at what they’re wearing as they go about their daily business. (Note: I created the photo boards on Polyvore, which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to lose hours upon hours of their life.)

Amy Sanders

Jeans, jean shorts, or anything else that allows her the flexibility she needs to run after a pair of active toddlers.
Loose, off-the-shoulder shirts that hint at her ballet dancing past.
Tennis shoes and other flats that give her the flexibility to move.

Ryan Lucas

Jeans or cargo pants—anything he can get dirty from all his work underneath the hood of a car.
Tight-fitting T-shirts that make the most of his muscular frame. He’s also quite partial to ‘80s band logos.
Flexible, functional footwear that’s seen plenty of use.

*****

IF I STAY

Author: Tamara Morgan

Release Date: May 12, 2014

Publisher: Carina Press

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Ryan Lucas would rather be anywhere but Ransom Creek, Connecticut. After losing his high-adrenaline career as a Hollywood stunt driver, he’s had to tuck his tail between his legs and take up employment as a chauffeur for the Montgomerys, a wealthy hotelier family.

Amy Sanders has returned home to Ransom Creek to take over her mother’s former position as nanny to the Montgomerys—bringing her close to dashing Jake Montgomery once again. She grew up with a major crush on Jake, and it’s not easy to leave those feelings behind, even though her friendship with the hard-edged family chauffeur, Ryan, has a sizzling undercurrent of undeniable attraction.

Amy’s determined to prove to Ryan that life at Montgomery Manor isn’t all bad, but each time they draw closer Jake swoops in. Amy is torn between two men—and two worlds. And Ryan is rapidly coming to learn that if he wants to make Amy his, he’ll have to prove to her that life downstairs can be everything they both want.

Buy Links

Amazon –http://amzn.to/1nuCkhy

Barnes and Noble –http://bit.ly/1fvImt8

iTunes –http://bit.ly/1jFHqKg

*****

Author Info:

Tamara Morgan is a contemporary romance author of humorous, heartfelt stories with flawed heroes and heroines designed to get your hackles up and make your heart melt. Her long-lived affinity for romance novels survived a B.A. degree in English Literature, after which time she discovered it was much more fun to create stories than analyze the life out of them.

Whether building Victorian dollhouses, consuming mass quantities of coffee and wine, or crying over cheesy 1950s musicals, Tamara commits to her flaws like every good heroine should. She lives in the Inland Northwest with her husband, daughter, and variety of household pets and only occasionally complains about the weather.

Website – http://www.tamaramorgan.com

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/tamaramorgan

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTamaraMorgan

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Tamara_Morgan

*****

Excerpt:

Amy scooted out from underneath Ryan and got to shaky legs. Giving in to the indulgence of a backward glance to find him staring openmouthed at her, she lifted her shirt off and tossed it to the hallway floor.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice gruff.

She kept moving, an extra sway in her hips as she unbuttoned her shorts and shimmied them off her hips. “Leaving you a trail of bread crumbs in case you get lost along the way.”

“Amy…”

She reached behind her and flicked open her serviceable white cotton bra. The only way to dress up that kind of bland plant material was to dangle it enticingly from one fingertip, which she did as she reached her door. It wasn’t locked—unless someone wanted to steal her ancient ten-pound laptop or her collection of Old World maps, there wasn’t much to take—so she pushed it open and slipped in.

One. Two. Three. Four. She flicked on the lights, assuming Ryan was right behind her. Five. Six. Seven. Was he seriously not going to follow her in here? Eight. Nine. Nine and a half.

She slipped out of her panties—more of the same boring white cotton, though at least they had bits of scalloped lace at the edges—and tossed them out the open door.

Nine and two-thirds. Nine and three-quarters. What the heck came after that?

“Goddammit.” Ryan stormed through the door and tossed all her clothes onto the floor. “Are you trying to kill me?”

He stopped, suspended in a swirl of desire that hit him from all sides, holding him momentarily aloft. In his haste to somehow find the ability to both walk and gather up Amy’s clothes, he’d forgotten that he held all her underclothes. Nothing stood between him and her completely naked body except distance and air—both of which mattered for absolutely zero.

*****

Giveaway:

10 sets of Tamara Morgan’s Getting Physical series (e-books)and a grab bag of contemporary romances

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2365/

*****

Spotlight – Tempting the Bodyguard

12 Monday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Gamble Brothers series, J Lynn, Jennifer L Armentrout, Tempting the Bodyguard

Now for the second of our new books from today.

*****

We are extremely excited to celebrate the release of J. Lynn’s TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD!!! TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD is an Adult category romance novel being published by Entangled Publishing’s Brazen imprint and is a part of Jennifer’s Gamble Brothers Series!

TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

He can protect her from everyone except himself.

Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don’t protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he’s caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she’s at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose…

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Jennifer L. Armentrout/J. Lynn Bio:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.