Book Review – Officer Next Door

19 Tuesday Aug 2014

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

Tags

Book Review, Lock and Key series, Officer Next Door, Ranae Rose

For our third and final post today, I’m super thrilled to get a chance to share with you Ranae Rose’s Officer Next Door. With a sexy prison guard hero, a spunky heroine and a good amount of danger, it’s an addictive page-turner. Make sure you check out the cute first-meet between the two, plus my review.

*****

Officer Next Door

by Ranae Rose

Publication Date: June 2, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Romance, Suspense

Blurb:

How can anyone resist temptation when it’s right next door?

Riley County North Carolina has a lot to offer: coastal views as far as the eye can see, and men in uniform who are even more gorgeous. Home to the most notorious prison in the state, Alicia’s new hometown is crawling with men who carry their own handcuffs and know how to use them – like Officer Liam Alexander, her one and only neighbor. After catching him out of uniform, she can’t resist pausing to enjoy the show. When Liam’s Southern charm drives him across the property line, life gets hotter than the Carolina summer could possibly account for. Unfortunately, there’s a dark side to life in the coastal haven, even with an officer next door.

Coordinating special events at a historic – and supposedly haunted – plantation is enough to have Alicia questioning her senses and her sanity, but the spirits of the past take a backseat to a pair of escaped convicts who blaze a trail of mayhem across Riley County. Not even the most intense chemistry can survive the perils that make a sunny seaside town a dangerous place to be after dark … can it?

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1k9xtFn
Nook: http://bit.ly/1tyFRkZ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1u45wiX
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1qNI0Ji

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

The rising sun burnt on the Carolina horizon like a jewel, causing the tidal mist to light up like it’d been set on fire. It was the most gorgeous thing Alicia had ever seen, besides her naked neighbor. The sight of him stripping down lit up the morning like nothing else could – not even the extra-bold, extra-large cup of coffee she clutched as she stared through her kitchen window.

Everything about him was extra-large, too. She, however, was anything but bold.

She’d die if he knew she’d been watching him like this for the past three weeks, ever since she’d moved in. Guilt surged through her system just like her daily caffeine infusion, but that didn’t keep her from enjoying the display, all that taut muscle and bare skin.

Not even close.

“Good Lord,” she sighed, to no one but herself. DC seemed faraway already; the big city had disappeared in her rearview mirror weeks ago to be replaced by real Southern heat and charm, two things her new neighbor radiated in spades.

Not that she’d spoken to him much yet.

There’d been the occasional hello when they glimpsed each other outside, usually coming to or from work. That was it, mostly because the sight of him in uniform had a way of leaving her tongue-tied, silenced by the guilty pleasure that struck her every time she looked in his direction. She couldn’t so much as glance at him without thinking about that uniform coming off in slow motion, revealing his perfect body.

Maybe it was his fault for not closing the bathroom blinds, the ones that hung over the window directly across from the shower.

Or maybe it was her fault for enjoying the striptease with her morning coffee day after day, saying nothing.

Either way, she wasn’t complaining. Close-cropped dark hair, sun-tanned skin stretched over a six foot frame of solid muscle and an ass that appeared to be sculpted from granite, not to mention the amazing view when his back wasn’t to her: the vision had been seared into her memory, and it stayed with her even after he slung a towel around his hips and strolled out of the bathroom, disappearing from her view.

That was her cue to gulp down the rest of her coffee and pull herself together before she rushed to the Wisteria Plantation House. She’d been hired there as the special events coordinator, had moved and reshaped her life around the new job, though as she drained her coffee mug, swallowing the bitter grit that swirled at the bottom of the cup, she was so dazzled by what she’d just seen that it was sure to be a challenge just to coordinate her hair and makeup for the day, let alone an outfit.

Despite the sexually-charged fog her neighbor had left her in, she managed to brush on some cosmetic staples, twist her chestnut hair into a simple chignon and shed her robe, pulling on khaki pants and a purple blouse. As she dressed, she pretended that the brush of her own fingertips against her skin didn’t inspire imaginings of what it’d be like to feel her neighbor’s hands on her body. Lastly, she slipped on sandals, a pair with modest kitten heels that’d allow her to navigate Wisteria’s grounds without breaking an ankle.

Or so she thought. When she finally walked out the door with her purse slung over her shoulder and a travel mug in one hand, she tripped over the threshold and was launched forward through the muggy Carolina air.

She windmilled, dropping her handbag but – miracle of miracles – managing to maintain her grip on her coffee.

The mug was a fancy one that remained sealed until one pressed a button, freeing the flow of liquid within. As she bent to pick up her purse and then straightened, quickly smoothing her clothing, she realized that the anti-spill mug was the best twenty dollars she’d ever spent.

Heat flooded her cheeks as she said a silent prayer of gratitude for spill-proof technology. Her neighbor was standing on the front porch of his bungalow-style house, a cute place painted a shade of moss-green that blended right into the wooded backdrop. Judging by the way he stared, frowning in her direction, he’d seen everything.

“Are you all right?” His voice echoed across the few yards between them, sounding with a depth that sent a frisson racing down her spine.

*****

Review:

I’m going to start with a disclaimer. I’m not sure that everyone is going to appreciate the paranormal portion of the book – it’s hinted at a little in the blurb and it makes a few (occasionally important) appearances in the story, but I don’t know that it was developed as much as it could have been. So it might throw some people off stride, but for me the rest of the book made up for any oddities in having a ghost here and there in my suspense romance story.

I loved Liam and Alicia together and they are so sweet as they do a little dance around each other. Both are a little awkward as they try to decide if the other one is interested, but once they get their act together it goes full speed from there … and it works. Plus, with the escaped convicts, there is that extra touch of danger to keep things moving fast.

We’re also introduced to Alicia’s two girl friends who conveniently have the hots for Liam’s two guy friends (what are the chances, huh?). But the characters are intriguing and I’m looking forward to finding out more about them. Being prison guards there is definitely opportunity for sexy guys doing manly stuff to help their women, but the ladies seem strong enough that I think they’ll prove to be just as useful in getting out of scrapes. And there is enough of an opening at the end of Officer Next Door that I’m sure it will come to play in at least one of their stories.

Full of fabulously sexy men in uniform, a scrappy heroine (and future heroines), menacing bad guys, and hot bedroom scenes, Officer Next Door kept me turning pages and has me anticipating more installments in Rose’s Lock and Key series.

*****

Author Info:

Ranae Rose is the best-selling author of more than twenty adult romances and counting. Originally from Maryland, she grew up the daughter of a US Marine and always wanted to be a writer. Today she lives on the US East Coast with her man in uniform, young children, German Shepherd dogs and overflowing bookshelves.

Her love affair with the romance genre began as a teen when a classmate handed her a romance comic book. Instantly hooked, she read them during class behind her textbooks and under her desk. She hasn’t looked back since.

When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys things like good coffee, travel and fitness – especially pursuing her elusive goal of getting her husband to tap out on the jiu jitsu mats (no luck so far).

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Signed Print of any Ranae Rose title & Lock and Key series swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a35497/

*****

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

Spotlight – Elemental Magic series

19 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Brynna Curry, Earth Enchanted, Elemental Magic series, Fire’s Ice, Sea’s Sorceress, To Take Up The Sword, Wait for the Wind

Now we’re going to look at Brynna Curry’s “Elemental Magic” series, including TWO great sneak peeks.

*****

Earth Enchanted

by Brynna Curry

Blurb:

Writer Liv Corrigan has the worst luck with men — her telepathy tends to make them run for the hills. When she meets widower and ex-cop Jack Roarke, she decides to keep her talent hidden. Things are looking up until their third date crashes and burns as the man who murdered Jack’s wife turns out to be after him too.

Injured, Jack retreats with Liv to his house under armed guard. But with Liv’s mysteries rapidly coming unraveled, a diamond-thief killer to stop and passion in the air, the safe house is anything but safe for their hearts!

Series Buy Links (Now only $.99 each)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│Kensington

*****

First meet between Hero and Heroine

Jack scanned the bookstore as he sat in the hard metal folding chair, at the small table, and wrote. He thought his hand would fall off. Whoever said writing wasn’t real work had to have been crazy. He knew things about two hours’ worth of people their mothers probably didn’t know. Mandy Lou something or other had a granny who thought he was grade A and she was his number one fan. She didn’t look old enough to be allowed to read his brand of horror, but she had two copies of each of his books.

Jack had politely—he hoped—shrugged off the forty invitations to dinner, fourteen offers for coffee, and two very indecent proposals for ‘wild, hanging from the chandelier sex’ to quote one lovely fan. All in all, a long day barely described it, but he’d seen people and observed, that was for sure. If it helped with the new book, it might have been worth it, and then again maybe not.

Ellie dropped by to see how things were going, and then promptly ran away when he tried to beg out. He didn’t like being maneuvered, and Ellie was a champion at it. Entertaining the notion of strangling her got him through the second hour, but considering he needed a good editor, he changed his mind.

The line grew shorter. While he juggled the newest Hastings baby on his knee, which the boy’s proud papa had insisted on, Jack inscribed a message in the front cover to Mrs. Hastings, another number one fan and the mother of six children all under ten. How does she have the time to read at all? His message to her read, “Mrs. Hastings, I’m your number one fan. You rule. Jack.” Mentally saluting her efforts, he passed back junior, and sent them on their way. He automatically reached for the book a slim hand offered. Eyes down on the cover of what he’d created, he said the same thing he’d told countless others. “Hi, who should I make this out to?”

“Just sign it to Olivia Corrigan, fellow mystery writer.”

Her voice alone lifted his eyes to meet hers, a musical lilt that teased of mist and bogs, faeries and leprechauns. She was dressed professionally, but he could easily imagine her calling up a wild wind or casting spells. She was only about 5’4” and slim, claimed black Irish coloring. He saw a flash of what might have been a premonition, but after blocking the gift so long he couldn’t hold on to it. Did he smell rain? Candles or lightning? But the sun was shining. For a moment he just stared, couldn’t speak , and was certain he knew her but couldn’t remember where from.

“Is something the matter?”

He quickly signed her book, before he forgot that was the reason for their meeting in the first place. She was the last in line, and he was free. Thank God! Sorry, muse, position filled.

“Jack Roarke, it’s a pleasure, Miss Corrigan.”

*****

Author Info:

Brynna Curry was born south of the Mason-Dixon Line. After living all over the southern states, she finally landed in North Alabama where she lives with her husband and their three children. Growing up, books fueled her dreams and imagination, ultimately becoming her salvation during the hardest times in her life.Writing is her passion, but she enjoys the fun of sharing those stories with others by reviewing books and working in publicity.

When she isn’t writing or promoting, she’s often found haunting the library for new books to read or just spending an quiet evening at home with Jackie watching old westerns on TV. Although her wizards, shifters and vampires are as real to her as anyone, she insists love is the truest magic and with it every day is another wonderful adventure.

Brynna’s Links:

Website│Twitter│Facebook│Street Team│Goodreads

*****

Exclusive Excerpt:

Laughter echoed out of the little cottage as Ryan looked through the kitchen into the living room, wishing he had called first. Not yet, he wasn’t ready. Liv sat on the sofa with a tea cup in her hand, her feet propped up on Jack’s lap. Jack absently rubbed her ankles. She had her back to Ryan.

Kate sat across from Liv in a puffy chair by the fireplace. They had a fire going, as the weather was cool this time of year. The memory of Kate lying in front of another roaring fire pushed to the front of his mind and tormented him. Gone were the wisps of long blond hair. She’d cut it in a more practical short, sunny cap that framed her slender face, giving her a pixie-like quality. No longer was she the girl who’d walked away from him–Kate was a grown woman. A gorgeous woman, he amended. Slender as a reed, and Ryan wondered if she still carried herself with a sexy air as if she owned the world. Her white lab coat reminded him of the years and pain between them. Stop it. She murdered your child. He swallowed hard, gave a cursory knock on the door and walked into his sister’s house.

Stepping into the room, for just a moment he let his eyes unerringly lock onto Kate’s. Ryan saw surprise and joy there, along with an aging that didn’t belong. Heat surged through him, a flame hot enough to burn a man. The memories all came flooding back too, until he was reeling from them, but years of hiding emotion allowed him to show her only indifference. He gave a polite nod to her and watched the light in her eyes fade a little. Squashing the pity, the joy, and yes most of the heat, Ryan pulled the door closed behind him.

“What? No welcome home party?”

Liv squealed and jumped up to hug him as quickly as her pregnant body would allow. “Ryan! Oh, you’re home! I’m so glad. Have you been to see Ma? Skye will be out on the cliffs by now, or maybe the pub. Jack, look! Ryan’s home!”

Jack laughed at her enthusiasm and walked over to him. “Hey, Ryan. Welcome home.”

Ryan peeled his sister away long enough to shake Jack’s hand.

“Hi, Jack. Always a hundred questions with you, Liv, isn’t it?” He was surprised he could laugh and mean it. “Yes, I just left there. The house looks good, Jack. Thank you for looking out for Ma.”

“Molly’s an amazing lady. I love her to pieces.” Jack took Liv’s hand and led her back to the sofa.

“I’ll go down to the pub later. How have you been? When are you due?”

Liv curled her feet on Jack’s lap, while Ryan took the chair opposite them next to the fire. “We’re due in about a month.”

“And the baby?”

“Is doing well and so is the little mother. Let me add my welcome, Ryan.” Kate shifted in her seat and crossed her ankles.

He had a mental flash of her slim and pale, rising above him in the moonlight. Impossibly blue eyes burning through his, then he killed the memory like a spider

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon or B&N gift card to be given away on 10/1 during the kickoff of 31 Days of Halloween

1 digital copy of series

3 digital copies of Earth Enchanted

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

Elemental Magic Series

Tour Banner

Earth Enchanted

Elemental Magic #1

To Take Up The Sword

Elemental Magic #2

Missing diamonds and a killer on the loose…will a schoolteacher and FBI agent escape with their lives and hearts intact?

After the acquittal of Gueraldi’s right hand and favored killer for hire, Ashton Smythe, Special Agent Gabriel Spiller takes time away from his work with the FBI. Having failed in his mission to avenge his lost would be lover, Serena Roarke, Gabe returns to Alabama in search of the missing diamonds needed to reopen the investigation and to lay low from the death threats he’s received since Smythe went free.

Almost two years after her sister’s death, Leannan O’Neal feels the loss of Serena more now than ever. A secret meeting between them before she died left Lea with an ugly figurine and nothing but questions. Hang-up calls at work and a trashed house reminds her of the card Serena gave her. “If you find yourself in trouble, go to him and only him” were the last words her sister spoke to her.

With Smthye out for revenge and hot on her heels, Lea goes on the run in search of Serena’s ‘Angel’, but how long can Gabe keep her alive, and is the cost worth more than her life?

Wait for the Wind

Elemental Magic #3

Kate O’Connell grew up loved by the Corrigan family, all the while suffering from the inescapable reality of her own alcoholic father. At a young age she gave her heart and innocence to Ryan Corrigan. For once happiness seemed within her reach, until in one horror-filled night, the monster she called ‘Daddy’ changed everything.

Too many misunderstandings forced Kate and Ryan apart, but now Kate’s come home to open her clinic and raise her daughter, Allaina, closer to his family. Will she be able to open Ryan’s heart to his magic?

Ryan is glad to be back on Irish soil, but the reason he left still haunts him. As he tries to build a new life and redeem his past, can he forgive Kate and reclaim his healing gift in time to save his sister and her twins?

Sea’s Sorceress

Elemental Magic #4

Love can come along at the most inconvenient times…

Skye Corrigan treasures family above all else. Standing by his best friend Rhia while she suffers the heartache of losing her father to cancer has strengthened their childhood bond. Lately Rhia affects him in ways she never has before.

Rhiannon O’Malley shares Skye’s past and hopes for a future with him, but love must come with a willing heart. Her father’s terminal illness has left her in charge of the family pub. Skye has always been there for her, but when their relationship changes, will she find the courage to claim the future? Or will a thousand-year-old curse keep its grip on two hostage hearts?

Fire’s Ice

Elemental Magic #5 (series end)

Ultimate power, or endless love?

Born the son of a Scottish laird a thousand years ago, but now trapped by his cousin’s spell, Devin McLoch has seen countless battles and death. The erstwhile thief has turned away from darker pursuits to lead a life of peace, protecting those he loves and considers part of his clan.
However, there is one woman he can never forget, who must be given a chance to change, to accept her heart and his.

Arianne Farrell is just as dangerous and intoxicating as her power. Imprisoned in an ancient stone dance more than a thousand years ago, her only chance at freedom from the spell is through love—a love she denied. When Devin asks for her aid to save another from imminent death, she realizes there is more at stake than just her freedom or her heart.

Spotlight – Seducing Lauren

19 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Kristen Proby, Love Under the Big Sky series, Seducing Lauren

Releasing today is the second book in Kristen Proby’s “Love Under the Big Sky” series. Check out the details below, including a great sneak peek and a cool giveaway.

*****

Seducing Lauren

by Kristen Proby

Blurb:

In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love.

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

And don’t forget to read the first book in the Love Under the Big Sky Series…

BUY LINKS:

*****

Excerpt:

As I approach his house, I see his Jeep parked in the drive, the hood up, and a tight, jean-clad ass bent over the side.

Okay, he’s definitely home.

I tentatively wander around the other side of the Jeep and lean against the side, looking at the engine. He hasn’t noticed that I’m here yet, and I’m not even sure how he’ll react to seeing me here, but I can’t seem to stay away. His dark head is bent low, his arms buried in the engine, tinkering with something. His arms are bare as he’s pulled off his T-shirt, which is draped over the windshield. A thin sheen of sweat covers his shoulders and back, and his entire sleeve tattoo, which runs from just above his wrist all the way up to the top of his right shoulder, is on full display, making my girlie parts all tingle and come to life.

Holy Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

He’s so fucking toned it’s crazy. Jeez, his muscles bunch and stretch as he pulls on the wrench in his hand.

“Come on, you motherfucker,” he mutters. I have to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” I finally ask when he doesn’t notice me, keeping my eyes trained on the engine when his head whips up to look at me. I slowly lift my eyes to his and grin.

“I didn’t hear your car,” he murmurs with a smile.

“I walked.” I shrug and look back down into the bowels of his Jeep. “What’s wrong with your car?”

“You walked from your house?” he asks incredulously.

“No.” I shake my head and chuckle. “From Sips. I had coffee with Cara this morning.”

He stands up straight and leans his palms on the side of the Jeep, watching me. My eyes immediately fall to one drop of sweat slowly making its way down his hard chest.

“You had coffee with Cara?” He smiles.

“Yeah.” I shrug shyly. “I’m sorry to just stop by like this. I was out for a walk and just sort of found myself here.” I feel my cheeks heat and I back away, but he shakes his head and smiles widely.

“I’m glad you came by.” He raises his brows as I continue to stare.

I shake my head and raise my eyes to his, then bust out laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a shirt. I didn’t realize the tats went all the way up your arm. Who would have thought that under it all you’re just a bad boy?”

His eyes flash with heat as he narrows them on my face, watching me. He pulls a rag out of his back pocket and begins wiping off his hands, but his gray eyes stay on mine. Did I offend him?

“I’m not such a bad boy. Looks can be deceiving, Lauren.” He smirks as he lowers the hood on his Jeep. “But from the look of you right now, you don’t seem to mind the tats.”

“I don’t mind.” I shrug nonchalantly and try to ignore the way my heart picks up speed as he slowly saunters around the hood of the vehicle.

“Do you have any tats?”

“Yeah.”

His eyes widen in surprise and then rake over me from head to toe.

“Where?”

I grin, enjoying this flirtatious banter. “Here and there.”

“I have ways of making people talk, you know.”

“Bright lights and rubber hoses?” I ask with a raised brow.

He tosses his head back and laughs, an all-out belly laugh. “I’m not a cop,” he smirks.

“You might get to see them. Someday.”

He closes the gap between us and kisses me gently on the forehead, not touching me anywhere else.

“I hope someday comes sooner rather than later,” he whispers before pulling back and smiling softly down at me. “I would hug you, but I’m dirty.”

I wave him off, as if it’s no biggie, although I don’t mind so much that he’s a bit dirty and sweaty. “What were you doing?” I gesture to the car.

“Changing the oil.”

“There are places you can go,” I inform him with a perfectly straight face, “where you pull into this big garage, and then you leave your car and go into this small room with five-year-old magazines and stale coffee, and the people there will change your oil for you.”

“Or, smart-ass, I can do it myself in my own driveway.”

“Suit yourself.” I shrug.

“Did you sleep okay on the couch?” he asks, changing the subject.

“Yeah, actually, I did. But I could always sleep just about anywhere.”

“Hence the chaise in your office.” He chuckles.

I nod and stuff my hands in my pockets. “I’m sorry that I interrupted your morning. I was just out for a walk and found myself here.”

“I’m glad you did.” He scratches his stomach, and my eyes follow the movement. His abs are just delicious. For being so dark haired, he has little hair on his chest and stomach, but a light trail of hair falls from his navel and disappears into his jeans. He’s also sporting a V in the muscles on his hips that the heroes in my novels would covet.

“Lo?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Yeah?” I drag my eyes up to his again.

“I lost you for a second.”

I blink rapidly and feel heat fill my cheeks. Jesus, get a grip! You’ve seen hot men before, Lauren. “Sorry, my mind wandered.”

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

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

SEDUCING LAUREN Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18123205-seducing-lauren?ac=1

*****

Giveaway:

Signed set of Loving Cara and Seducing Lauren, necklace and swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9172c1a0185/

*****

Blog Tour – Southern Born Books

18 Monday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Erika Marks, Flirting with Forever, In the Island Bliss series, Kim Boykin, Magnolia Bay series, Pick Me

Now, I’m so thrilled to welcome Kim Boykin as she gives us a sneak peek into her little area of the world. And then we’ll take a look at her new book, as well as the newest from Erika Marks. Enjoy!

*****

COLORFUL OR JUST PLAIN CRAZY?

Okay, sometimes it pays to get off the beaten path. The Isle of Palms is 3 hours door-to-door from where I live in Charlotte; we zip down I-77 and I-26 and we’re there. My husband heads there as often as possible to soak up the relaxed Lowcountry vibe; we load up our three dogs and count the minutes until we reach our little piece of heaven on earth.

Sometimes, the traffic on I-26 stinks. For years, we’ve stayed on the Interstate and waited for the way to clear. And waited. But lately when that’s happened, we’ve gotten off the crowded highway and headed back to Charlotte via the Hurricane Route that parallels the Interstate.

Sometimes, it’s good, and maybe even educational to get off the beaten path. I’ll let these pictures taken in Bowman, South Carolina Speak for themselves. What’s the best thing that you’ve found when you’ve taken the backroads?

*****

Flirting with Forever Blurb:

Forty-year-old Tara Jordan’s first book, The Perfect Marriage in 30 Days, is at the top of the bestseller lists, and her publisher wants her on a book tour ASAP. Tara’s about to live her dream only there’s one problem. Her husband of 15 years has just walked out, leaving Tara on the brink of financial ruin with no choice but to promote a self-help book about marriage when hers is secretly in ruins.

Enter publicist Jake Randall, 30, who’s had it with hand holding newbie authors channeling their inner divas on their first book tours, until he meets Tara. Their instant attraction blossoms quickly into love. Tara thinks she has achieved her dreams and earned her license to thrive until her husband, Jim returns determined to win her back.

*****

Kim Boykin Author Info:

Kim Boykin is a women’s fiction author with a sassy Southern streak. She is the author of The Wisdom of Hair, Steal Me, Cowboy, and Palmetto Moon (Summer 2014.) While her heart is always in South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, 3 dogs, and 126 rose bushes. For more on Kim’s books, visit her website at http://kimboykin.com

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads

*****

Pick Me Blurb:

Recently dumped by the man she’d planned to marry, no-nonsense attorney Thea Dunn has returned home to Magnolia Bay to mend her broken heart. But when she learns her new neighbor is Calder Frye, the bad boy who sets the pulse of every good girl at Magnolia Bay High racing, Thea’s verdict to swear off men is in danger of being overturned…

Fourteen years after graduation, Calder has traded his rebel lifestyle to become an ER doctor—but his sex appeal is every bit as powerful as Thea remembers. Could her short-term residence be the perfect chance to live out a teenage fantasy? Or could their reunion be a chance for something more?

Amazon | Goodreads

*****

Erika Marks Author Bio:

Erika Marks is a women’s fiction writer and the author of LITTLE GALE GUMBO, THE MERMAID COLLECTOR, THE GUEST HOUSE and IT COMES IN WAVES (July, 2014). On the long and winding road to becoming published, she worked many different jobs, including carpenter, cake decorator, art director, and illustrator. But if pressed, she might say it was her brief tenure with a match-making service in Los Angeles after college that set her on the path to writing love stories (not that there isn’t romance in frosting or power tools!) A native New Englander, she now makes her home in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, a native New Orleanian who has taught her to make a wicked gumbo, and their two little mermaids. For more on Erika’s books, visit her website at http://www.erikamarksauthor.com

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Copy of Southern Charms and $5 Git Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb94/

*****

Schedule:

July 21

Talking Books Blog Excerpt

Hot Guys in Books Review–Flirting With Forever

July 22

Reading Between the Wines Book Club Guest Post

July 23

SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews Excerpt

WiLoveBooks Excerpt

July 24

Rage, Sex and Teddy Bears Excerpt

July 25

Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews Review–Flirting With Forever

Romance Bytes Review–Flirting with Forever

July 26

Rusty’s Reading Playlist

Ramblings From This Chick Review–Pick Me

July 28

Born To Read Excerpt

July 29

Theresa Hernandez Guest Post

July 30

TBQ’s Book Palace Excerpt

Aug 1

Evocative book reviews Review Pick Me

Aug 2

Sleepless Nights Filled with Endless Books Review Pick Me

Aug 3

Red Hot + Blue Reads Review Pick Me

Aug 4

deal sharing aunt Interview

Aug 5

Sexyways of Reading Dreamcast

Aug 6

Ficwishes Guest Post

Aug 7

Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance Playlist

Aug 8

A Book Addict’s Delight Excerpt

Aug 9

Deluged with Books Cafe Playlist

Hello Precious Bliss Review Flirting with Forever

Aug 10

Obsessed by Books Review Pick Me

Aug 11

deal sharing aunt Excerpt

Kindle and Me Review Pick Me

Aug 12

The Two Brains of Book Reviewers Review Flirting with Forever

Making it Happen Review Pick Me

Aug 13

Evocative book reviews Excerpt

Aug 14

Emthebookbabe’s Book blog Review Flirting with Forever

Aug 15

The Chronic Romantic Review Flirting with Forever

Aug 16

Becky on Books Review Flirting with Forever

Aug 17

Aria Kane Excerpt

Aug 18

Romantic Reads and Such Guest Post

Aug 19

Short and Sassy Book Blurbs Review Pick Me

Aug 20

Adventures in Writing Review Flirting with Forever

LuLo Fangirl Review Pick Me

Aug 21

Book Club Sisters Guest Post

Aug 22

Amazing Reading Experiences Review Pick Me

Forget the Housework, I’m Reading… Review Flirting with Forever

Aug 23

Smart & Savvy with Stephanie Playlist

Aug 24

Crawling Over The Pages Review Pick Me

Bujoijoi22 Review–Pick Me

Blitz – Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

18 Monday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Carmen Falcone, Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

Let’s kick off our week with the SIZZLING Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon ….

*****

Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

by Carmen Falcone

Publication Date: August 18th

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Passion was never in the bargain

Addison Reed lost her fiancé, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect his legacy. When the gorgeous and arrogant landowner, Brazilian billionaire Bruno Duarte, who is thwarting her at every turn, refuses to meet with her, she puts her plan into action.

He will listen to her

Bruno’s plan was simple: return to Brazil and marry to fulfill his father’s dying wish. But when his engagement crumbles, and he’s then stranded with an idealistic woman hell-bent on saving a tribe of people on his land, he sees the perfect solution. If his feisty and passionate abductor agrees to a bogus marriage, he’ll relocate the tribe.

With the Brazilian heat rivaling the growing heat of their desire, will Bruno and Addison abandon their respective plans and give in to each other, or will their differences tear them apart?

Goodreads | B&N | Amazon | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“If you want to sleep with someone, just be discreet about it. But don’t lie to me. I can’t stand lies.” Her voice trembled at first and gained strength at the end.

He couldn’t help the way his lips curled into a smile. “I do want to sleep with someone.”

She bit her lip and nodded with quiet dignity. “Thank you for your honesty.”

“I won’t be the least discreet about it.” He stepped closer, feasting on the shape of her luscious lips, the vein pulsing on her neck. “In fact, when it does happen, we’ll need soundproof walls.”

Not wanting to miss her reaction, he stared into her eyes and enjoyed the blend of surprise and surrender in them. Her ragged breath overpowered the sound of faraway crickets and frogs. He had promised not to kiss her, and he hadn’t. But, by God, he hadn’t promised not to touch her. Not to share every filthy thought that crossed his mind.

Without being able to resist, he closed the remaining gap between them. With slightly trembling fingers, he outlined the waves of her hair ever so carefully. Maintaining control proved a hard task, and he feared if she responded, he would pull her against him and kiss her with the lust lodged in his throat.

“That’s exaggerating.”

“Not for what I have in mind.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. She gasped, and he smothered a groan. Every time she was near him, his resolve to keep her at an arm’s length evaporated. With her eyelashes shadowing her freckled cheeks and pink, parted lips, Addie’s state of arousal confirmed what her words tried to mask—she wanted him.

He dipped his head down, coming close to breaking his promise not to kiss her unless she verbally asked him.

*****

Author Info:

Carmen Falcone learned at an early age that fantasizing about fictional characters beats doing math homework any day. Brazilian by birth and traveler by nature, she moved to Central Texas after college and met her broody Swiss husband—living proof that opposites attract. She found in writing her deepest passion and the best excuse to avoid the healthy lifestyle everyone keeps talking about. When she’s not lost in the world of romance, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, being walked by her three crazy pugs, reading, catching up with friends, and chatting with random people in the checkout line.

She loves to procrastinate, so please indulge her and drop her a line at carmenauthor@yahoo.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Media Contact:

IndieSage PR www.indiesage.com

*****

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354114

Book Review – A January Bride

16 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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A January Bride, a Year of Weddings novella, Book Review, Deborah Raney

Part of A Year of Wedding Novella series

In A January Bride by Deborah Raney, what will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser’s “pen pal” friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?

Who can work in a house that’s overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny’s friend, Arthur. Maddie’s never met the innkeeper – but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie’s alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn’s owner – a man who’s likely many years her senior – and who she’s never even met.

So we’re only a couple of chapters in before it is revealed that Arthur isn’t an old man like Maddie thinks. He’s a young widower with a unique friendship with Ginny, just like her. But we get to be there as Maddie and Art learn more about each other thru notes left to each other every day. It’s quaint and old-fashioned … and very warming. I love that they take time to write heartfelt notes, even if they are short and sometimes mundane. It’s sweet that they each develop a crush on what they think is an older person, someone who isn’t actually a romantic possibility.

Maddie hasn’t had a good history with her relationships and Art still has some feelings of guilt and uncertainty about moving on from his first wife. So when they find out that there feelings could lead to something more, they have to decide if their timing is right and if they are willing to give romance a chance.

For a sweet, fast read that will leave you with that warm-fuzzy, A January Bride is the perfect choice.

Book Review – The Homecoming

15 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Robyn Carr, The Homecoming, Thunder Point series

In a small town, reputation is everything. In her latest novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr explores the burden placed on a young man returning home to face his mistakes—the first step in claiming the life he was meant to live

At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been.

Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he’s been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he’s become a better, humbler version of his former self.

Winning over his father isn’t the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he’s finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud?

I keep saying the same thing about Carr’s books – they are realistic, heart-warming, and addictive. Every time I pick one up, it is like catching up with old friends and I’m ready for the next one as soon as I finish one.

In The Homecoming, we get to meet Mac’s replacement, Seth, and school counselor, Iris. Seth was mentioned during The Promise, but he doesn’t actually appear until this book and if Iris was in any of the others I don’t remember her. But that’s OK, I love meeting new friends too. And that also means that if this is your first Thunder Point book then you’ve chosen a good place to start.

I’ve mentioned it with other books, but the friends-to-lovers plotline is one of my favorites and Carr delivers it beautifully here. There was a misunderstanding between Seth and Iris in high school that ruined their friendship. Over the years, Seth realizes that the thing that has been missing from his life is Iris and now that he’s back in town he plans on getting her back. Iris had feelings for Seth for years and even though she’s tried to move on with other guys, she’s never gotten over those feelings.But she doesn’t believe that he could feel anything romantic for her … after all, he didn’t in high school, so why should he now.

I love these two together. They had a fantastic friendship and a connection that the years apart couldn’t destroy. Now they have the chance to make it into more and it is super sweet and fun and sassy and cute. We also have Seth’s attempt to reconnect with his father and some drama over a high school student who might be abused. With Iris and Seth’s jobs, it fits in well with their developing relationship.

And that is where the true drama lies because Iris and Seth flow seamlessly into their new relationship and it works so well. There isn’t too much angst and trouble, just a little bit where she doesn’t really trust his feelings (and a little bit about what caused their rift all those years ago), then a little bit about another guy who has feelings for Iris. (And I love Troy, I’m pretty sure his will be the next story and I’m looking forward to finding out everything I can about him.) Otherwise, it is a trademark Carr relationship – so real and so believable, these people could just as easily be your neighbors or friends.

And that, at its basic level, is why I love the Thunder Point books. It all goes back to how I feel like I’m coming home again – making friends and catching up on the goings on in my favorite little coastal town. As I mentioned earlier, this is a good place for new readers to start … but you better be ready to go back and read all of the others as well. Addictive page turners, with characters who have depth and charm, are Carr books at their best.

Book Review – Crazy for You

13 Wednesday Aug 2014

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Book Review, Crazy for You, Juliet Rosetti, Life and Love on the Lam series

In the tradition of Janet Evanovich and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Juliet Rosetti ups the ante in her laugh-out-loud funny Escape Diaries series, as Mazie Maguire must use any means necessary to keep her main squeeze out of the slammer.

Once you escape from prison and ride off into the sunset with the gorgeous guy who helped you nail a killer, you live happily ever after, right? Well, not exactly—not if you’re Mazie Maguire, and the flow chart of your life looks like a pinball machine. Mazie has broken up with her guy, Ben Labeck, she can’t pay her rent, her car is infested with mice, and she’s working at a coffee shop where the dress code is teddies, thongs, and toe-cleavage heels. Now Ben is the chief suspect in a murder investigation, and Mazie’s tapping into her fugitive wiles to keep him out of jail. Strictly as friends, she vows. No kissing, no touching, no romance. But how is Mazie supposed to keep her thoughts platonic when her “buddy” is giving her erotic back rubs, and a make-believe-we’re-newlyweds charade puts her in the mood for a wedding night?

I love the Mazie Maguire books – if you haven’t read The Escape Diaries put it on your TBR pile immediately. Mazie is quirky and funny and keeps getting herself in the most entertaining situations. She reminds me a lot of Evanovich’s early Stephanie Plum – full of charm and spunk and a whole lot of luck, both good and bad.

The mystery is intriguing and quite solid, as is the more romantic element. Sometimes you have to short-change one to get the other, but Rosetti does a good job of balancing both. Just like The Escape Diaries though everything isn’t quite wrapped up with a pretty bow, but that just gives us more material for the next one.

The supporting cast is a hoot – full of drag queen performers, “lingerie model” baristas, smart-mouthed kids, and a hunk or two to keep things steamy. I wish my life was made up with half the colorful characters that Mazie surrounds herself with.

A fast paced read, with a lot of humor and suspense, Crazy for You is perfect for those looking for a more lighthearted mystery mixed with a good amount of romance. With an addictive writing style and even more addictive characters, Rosetti is quickly becoming a can’t-miss author for me.

Book Review – You Again

12 Tuesday Aug 2014

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Ashlee Mallory, Book Review, You Again

It is a light week for blog tours so I”m going to be doing book reviews for the rest of the week. Hope you find something you like!

*****

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…

A few months ago we took a look at You Again and I’m just now getting around to reading it … I’m not sure what took me so long! It’s got an interesting, fast-paced mystery and fabulous, high school-crush romance.

The suspense part of the story is great. It flows well and I didn’t feel like there were too many red herring moments. Everything tied together nicely, with logical flow and a reasonable resolution. Every step of the way, each clue that was unearthed, worked together nicely and nothing felt forced or like it didn’t make sense.

And I liked Sam and Allie together. They work together well to figure out what happened and along the way get to know each other better, falling in love. Of course, it helps that Sam is a true crime writer but that causes a little trouble too.

With entertaining intrigue and a lovely little romance, You Again is perfect for those who like their mysteries with a love story twist.

Spotlight – Marriage by Design

11 Monday Aug 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Designing Love series, Elley Arden, Marriage by Design

We’re kicking off the week starting with a sweet and sexy contemporary romance.

Elley Arden is back with a new sexy and emotional romance that will make you cry and swoon, all at the same time, with MARRIAGE BY DESIGN, book 2 of the Designing Love series.

*****

When carpenter Angie Corcarelli goes steel-toe boot to high-polished loafer with her best friend’s ex, construction engineer Stuart Perrault, sparks fly in Elley Arden’s latest Designing Love novel, Marriage by Design.

Blurb:

Family first. That motto led Angie Corcarelli to become a carpenter and take over the family construction business when she was barely out of her teens. And now it’s leading her into battle against her best friend’s ex. Stuart Perrault and his swanky, family-run construction engineering firm have been tapped to oversee a highway project that includes demolishing a stretch of row homes. Over her dead body will it come to that.

Stuart Perrault knows a thing or two about family allegiance. For the past fifteen years, he’s been working alongside his brother and father, dreaming about the day he’d be named CEO of the Perrault Group. But then came the bridge debacle in Paris. And now his dream seems a little further away. As he fights his way back to the top of the company, he isn’t about to watch another project fall apart just because his ex-girlfriend’s best friend is a loose cannon.

When Stuart’s father insists he take Angie out to dinner and neutralize things, he obliges. But has he bitten off more than he can chew? Angie isn’t at all what he expected, and his usual self-control doesn’t seem to work when he’s around her.

The more time Angie spends with Stuart, the harder it is to see him as the bad guy she’d believed him to be. But falling for each other would mean going against their respective families. Are they strong enough for that?

Goodreads | Amazon

Also in the Designing Love series: BABY BY DESIGN

*****

Author Info:

Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.

Charming characters. Emotional stories. Sexy romance.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Gift Card and a signed copy of Baby By Design

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef2928/

*****