Spotlight – Love Overcomes

19 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Got a busy day today – starting with a sweet new contemporary romance from Angela Schroeder. I’ve got a little peek for you below, but I’ve seen a few others and this one looks like it could be a heartbreaker (but in a good way).

*****

Love Overcomes

by Angela Schroeder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Release Date: October 21, 2014

Blurb:

Going to Hollywood was supposed to be something that would change Clara Mackenzie’s life forever.

Her younger sister, single mother Arabella, never imagined that going to California with her sister would have such a huge impact on her life. Now, she needs to try to overcome her past and try to trust again or be doomed to be single forever.

Arabella Mackenzie and her son Liam have never wanted or needed anyone other than their family. When Arabella meets Jeremy Fowlis she begins to have feelings for a man for the first time since before her son was born. Shy, Clara begins to fall for an actor of her own when she meets dashing Jake.

Jeremy is not used to women who do not want to date him because he is an in-demand actor let alone a woman who does not even recognize him. He finds he wants to know more about her but is not sure if he can handle the fact that she is a single mother and has a past that seems to be shrouded in mystery.

Can Arabella and Jeremy both overcome their doubts, fears and past in order to find love?

You can find Love Overcomes on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22387163-love-overcomes

You can buy Love Overcomes here:

– Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Overcomes-Angela-Schroeder-ebook/dp/B00OU6E50G

– Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-overcomes-angela-schroeder/1120631335?ean=2940046364965

– Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/love-overcomes

– Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/487148

*****

Excerpt:

Jeremy watched Arabella’s face as they played Bluff. She was trying so hard to keep a serious expression but he could see the twinkle in her eyes every time she laid down something other than what she called.

Arabella’s laughter broke into his thoughts. He looked over at Jake and Clara to discover that Clara was curled against the sofa, almost asleep. Jake and Arabella were both looking at him. “What?”

Jake looked at Arabella with a huge grin on his face. “Nothing. We’re just waiting for you to take your turn.” Jake looked at his watch. “Oh, for about the past five minutes.” He grinned as Arabella softly laughed again.

“I doubt that it’s been that long.” He laid down two cards and called out aces but he looked up when he heard the two of them break out into laughter. “What in the world?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all,” Jake replied quietly, as if he had just remembered that Clara and Liam were sleeping. Arabella stood to get a cup of hot tea. She refilled the guys’ sweet tea, drew Jeremy’s jacket closer to her, and sat back down on the floor in the living room.

“Did he notice yet?” Her green eyes darted between the two of them.

“What am I supposed to notice?” he asked, wondering how deep in thought he had been for either of them to have pulled some sort of stunt.

“Jake laid down about ten cards in that last hand,” she said through stifled giggles.

He looked down at the pile of cards and saw there were several there that were neatly stacked under the two that he had just laid down.

“Well, once a cheater, always a cheater.” His mouth turned down in a scowl but eyes were smiling. He picked up his glass of sweet tea and motioned toward Jake. “Never play Monopoly with this man if he offers to be the banker.”

Jake feigned innocence before caving in, “I cannot tell a lie to you, milady. I will cheat you out of money in Monopoly. The banker should not have to do his job without getting paid.” He smiled at her, brown eyes laughing. Jake’s eyes shifted to Clara and he stood.

*****

Author Info:

Angela was born and raised in Iowa, in a river town known for its pearl buttons. Having four siblings, she never lacked for someone to play with. As she grew older, she found herself pulled into books and writing more and more. Her parents are her heroes, her siblings her confidants and tormentors, and her children her wonderful blessings.

You can find and contact Angela here:

– Website: http://angelaschroederauthor.blogspot.com/

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Schroeder/269007303281318

– Twitter: https://twitter.com/EverAfterPromo

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8286447.Angela_Schroeder

– Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alschro/

– Google +: https://plus.google.com/102176736600470518124/posts

*****

Giveaway:

Win a $10 B&N or iTunes giftcard (US only)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1101/

*****

This is my stop during the book blitz for Love Overcomes by Angela Schroeder. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 19 till 25 May, you can view the complete blitz schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours: http://lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-love-overcomes-by-angela-schroeder/

Spotlight – Taken by Desire

18 Monday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Demonic Desires series, Taken by Desire, Valerie Twombly

Starting off the week with a new paranormal series by the wonderful Valerie Twombly … if the blurb doesn’t make you take a second look that cover is sure gonna!

*****

Taken by Desire

Demonic Desires, Book 1

by Valerie Twombly

Release Date: May 18, 2015

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

Greydon has two important missions: Find his brothers and rescue his people. His duty becomes complicated when he’s forced to beg a human to save his life.

Aimee Jarvis always considered her bookstore a detour to bigger things. Little did she realize her next stop would be the intriguing world of a demon prince. Yet, she finds the dangerous Greydon alluring.

While their attraction continues to burn, they both deny what their hearts already know. It will take the mystery of an ancient civilization and a shocking discovery for them to admit their desire.

Buy Links

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | ARe

Also Available for Pre-Order: Shades of Desire, including Spanish Nights.

99 cents for a limited time; includes 10 full novels.

*****

Excerpt:

Greydon and Fang checked the perimeter of the compound to be sure there was no trouble. Greydon didn’t trust Zolar, even if it was impossible for the god to enter. It would only be a matter of time before the god succeeded in finding a way in.

“So, how do you feel knowing that Aimee is part demon?” Fang asked.

Greydon shrugged. “How am I supposed to feel?”

The demon protector snorted. “You have the fucking hots for her. Why won’t you simply admit it?”

Greydon stopped outside the front door to the palace. “Just like you to speak what’s on your mind.”

“Will you deny it?” Fang raised a brow.

Greydon laughed. “No, I guess I’m not.”

“Well that’s good because her scent is all over you. So, what are you going to do about it, or have you already?”

“I don’t know.” He opened the door, crossed the threshold with Fang on his heels and immediately sensed Aimee’s restlessness. He was driven to find her. “Fang, I have something I need to do.”

“Of course you do.” The demon walked in the other direction, laughing to himself.

“I’m glad he finds this humorous,” Greydon mumbled under his breath as he followed both Aimee’s scent and the pull his tie had to her.

Seconds later, he found himself standing in the doorway of the expansive library, staring at her as she stood in front of the fire. The black yoga pants formed to every inch of her lean body and the pink tee allowed her midriff to peek out.

“You look far away.”

She jerked and spun to face him. “I didn’t hear you. I wasn’t tired so thought I’d come in here.”

He walked into the room and made himself comfortable on the couch in front of the fireplace. “Something bothering you?”

She rubbed her arms as if cold, but he knew better. She was anxious about something. He could smell it. “I’ve been thinking. I want to help you, but I’m not sure how. Maybe you can guide me in the right direction?”

He cocked his head and stared at her, then patted the seat next to him. “Come sit and we can discuss it.”

She plopped down beside him and stared straight into his eyes. “I want to get one thing straight. I know you think that your attraction to me is from the blood bond, and maybe it is. However, I’m attracted to you as well and I have no bond to blame. I liked the kiss, and well, I hope you’re not discouraged from doing it again.”

At a loss for words, he figured the best place to start was with her request to help. “Okay, let’s deal with one thing at a time. I think you might be a big help in deciphering our society. We’re taught when we are very small about this world and what happened here. However, there are many gaps. You studied ancient languages and have a love for old books.”

She nodded. “I think I know where you might be going with this. You want me to do some digging around here to see what I can learn?”

“Would you mind?” he asked, watching her eyes light up and a big smile spread across her lips. He realized he liked seeing her happy.

“Absolutely! I would be honored. I have to admit, it would also give me a chance to learn more about my supposed heritage.”

“I guess you probably have a lot of questions. I know I sure as hell do. In the morning, Fang and I plan to go back to the compound where you were held, and see if we can locate the others.”

Aimee stared off into the flames. “I’m sure by now they know I’m gone.” Her pleading gaze came back to meet his. “You have to save the other humans there too. God only knows what they’ve done to them.”

The need to provide comfort coursed through him so he brushed his thumb down her cheek, desiring the intimate contact. “I’ll do my best, but you have to understand. My people, and especially my brothers, come first. After that I will not hesitate to save who I can.”

“Of course I understand, and I wouldn’t expect any less.” She leaned into his palm and desire darkened her hazel eyes.

He couldn’t stand it anymore, so he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. He wanted more, and even though she’d admitted being attracted to him, he still held back. However, it took him by surprise when she placed her palms on his chest and pushed him back into the couch. Her lips never broke contact with his and when he could go no further, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her tongue pressed and he opened, allowing her to sweep in and taste him. She positioned herself between his spread legs and the next thing he knew, she was grinding against his swollen erection.

She laced her fingers in his hair as her tongue continued to plunder his mouth. Never before had he given control to a woman. He wondered why, since he was loving every second of it.

He slid his hands down her back and cupped her ass, digging his fingers into the firm flesh. She moaned into their kiss and pressed harder against him. Heat radiated between her thighs and caused his shaft to ache. He needed both his cock and his fangs buried deep inside her, but damn he had to stop this and quickly.

*****

Author Info:

As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying. “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

Connect with Valerie:

*****

Giveaway:

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b6938c4230/?

*****

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

Book Review – Monica’s Match

15 Friday May 2015

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

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Book Review, Katya Armock, Monica's Match, Perry Grove

Gonna end the week with a fun little small-town romance – take a look below and see what I thought, plus what the rest of the tour thought as well.

*****

Monica’s Match

Perry Grove #1

by Katya Armock

Blurb:

Monica has the ability to see a guy’s aura light up the first time he touches his soul mate, but she’s kept it a secret since her parents shamed her as a child. Still, she decides to start her own matchmaking company—even if she doesn’t advertise her unique ability. Business is so-so until she gets a call to find matches for the singles of the small town of Perry Grove. She’s not looking for love herself but has an immediate attraction to one of her clients. Too bad another woman lit up his aura.

Hunky dairy farmer Jeremiah wants nothing to do with his grandpa’s hare-brained matchmaking scheme but agrees to play along to appease the man who raised him. But when he meets the sexy matchmaker, he starts to rethink his single status. Too bad she’s intent on pairing him up with another woman. If there’s one thing he knows, though, it’s how to be stubborn.

Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

*****

Excerpt:

Monica Morgan slammed the door of her red Camry and kicked the offending tire for good measure. “Ow. Darn it!” Her sensible black flats were no match for the doughnut wheel. Smooth move, Sherlock. Get your head in the game. You need this job or your business is toast.

She took a moment for one deep breath then hurried to the entrance of the Perry Grove United Methodist Church. Before she reached the double door, it swung open and Ed Thompson greeted her with a kind smile. His white hair was a bit shaggier around the edges than when they’d met in person seven weeks ago. She’d spent that afternoon in Perry Grove meeting with only the town council, as she had a strict rule that she couldn’t come into contact with any potential bachelors or bachelorettes in public.

That edict had raised a few eyebrows, but in the end she had sold them on her “process” with no mention of the true reason for the rules. No one needed to know she saw a guy’s aura light up the first time he made physical contact with his soul mate. In a public setting, even one as small as Perry Grove, she ran the risk that more than one woman or man could brush against a man at the same time and mess up Monica’s aura-reading mojo. So she insisted on one-on-one intake interviews with each client early on. Then she oversaw each potential couple’s first contact with no other parties in the room under the guise of wanting to see their first impressions of each other in a closed environment.

Now that she was here for her extended stay, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson would be her hosts for the next month.

Mr. Thompson held the door for her. “Glad to see you made it in one piece. Lucky you were close enough you could make it on a doughnut, but now that you’re here, Sherman’ll get it fixed right up for you. He already ordered the tire. It’ll be in tomorrow.”

Pasting on her best professional smile, she headed down the walkway, hoping he hadn’t witnessed her meltdown. “Glad to be here and to see you again, Mr. Thompson.”

The crinkle around his cornflower-blue eyes deepened with his smile. “At your service. And I told you before to call me Ed. Now let’s get you settled. We have the bachelorettes from the dating pool in the fellowship hall downstairs and the bachelor in an adjacent room, as you requested. Pat Staley—she’s the church secretary in case you don’t remember her—called all the men for today to let them know the appointments have been pushed back a few hours.”

She did remember meeting Pat briefly, as she had made a point of recording everyone’s name, occupation, and relationships in the town. “Thank you for taking care of that, Mr. Thompson. I apologize again—”

He waved a dismissive hand as they reached the stairs. “Ed. And there’s nothing you can do about a flat tire except deal with it.”

She rolled her shoulders to ease some of her tension. She hated being late. “So your grandson is still up first, correct?” An involuntary shiver echoed through her just thinking about her first client’s dimpled smile and the striking blue eyes that stared at her from the photo she’d received along with his profile information—and how inappropriate that thought was. No dating clients.

“Don’t look so glum, girl. No one blames you for being late. Although, I should warn you that Jeremiah isn’t too excited to use your services. I have to admit I strong-armed him a bit, and he’s been stuck in the Sunday school room for a few hours. I was afraid if I let him leave, I’d never get him back, if you know what I mean.” He laughed and winked conspiratorially.

*****

Review:

Monica’s Match is all about trust. In order to give love a chance, she’s going to have to share her secret and she has to decide if she’s willing to take that chance. Here the thing she’s hiding is her ability to read auras but this really applies to anyone. We all have something – funny toes, addiction to bad made-for-tv disaster movies, eating crackers in bed, psychic abilities – it doesn’t matter what it is, there is something (and most often somethings) and we have to trust that the person we are interested in can accept us for good and bad. It’s not easy but it is the only way a relationship can be successful. But I totally understood Monica’s hesitation in sharing her secret. She had it drilled into her by her parents that it was something that needed to be hid and being a good daughter she took it to heart.

I’m not sure I totally liked Monica – she is a little harsh and somewhat stand-offish, especially with Jeremiah. But when she relaxes, she becomes a lot more fun. Jeremiah has his moments as well, but I like how he poked at Monica trying to get her to loosen up. It made for some fun interactions between the two.

I’ve seen some complaints about how she treats Jeremiah later in the book and how quickly things are resolved, but I think it works for how the story is written. Just because Jeremiah changes his attitude doesn’t mean that Monica is going to do the same immediately. She’s always had that push away thing going on with him – earlier on when she thought he was meant for someone else and then later when she was afraid of getting involved. As for the big reveal, I think it just highlights the idea that it isn’t a huge problem. She’s made it into something so much worse than it is, which is understandable because the more she focused on it the more she built it up in her mind. And we’re back to that main theme – she’s gotta learn to trust.

*****

Author Info:

I like books that are funny and fun to read, but also make me think or look at the world in a new way. These days you’ll find me living my happily ever after in the Midwestern U.S. with my husband, dog and cats. I love to hear from readers, so please come find me on the Internet.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Tour Schedule:

May 3^rd

My Book Filled Life

www.mybookfilledlife.blogspot.com

Review

May 3^rd

Musings in Fiction Alley

http://musingsinficitonalley.blogspot.com/

Review

May 5^th

MJ Austin Books

mjaustinbooks.com

Review

May 6^th

Paige Bradish

http://paigebradish1996.blogspot.com/

Review

May 8^th

The Reading Head

http://www.thereadinghead.com

Review

May 10^th theverdictsout.wordpress.com

Review

Devi Nair Reviews

May 12^th

Laurie Michele

www.lauriemichele.wordpress.com

Review

May 13^th

Around the World in Books

http://www.aroundtheworldinbooks.ca/

Review

May 15^th

Romantic Reads

https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

Review

June 8^thhttp://booksandbindings.com/

Review

Books and Bindings

Spotlight – His Ultimate Desire

14 Thursday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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His Ultimate Desire, Indigo Falls series, Joy Avery

Toady’s spotlight is only $3.99 on Amazon AND it is getting some great reviews.

Don’t forget that author Joy Avery is giving away One His Ultimate Desire Goodie Bag. Enter content below.

*****

His Ultimate Desire

Book 2 in the Indigo Falls series

by Joy Avery

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction

ASIN: B00W8MUYRC

Publication Date: April 17, 2015

Blurb:

A past packed with memories…

When Marisol Chesapeake returns to Indigo Falls, North Carolina, her ex is the last person she expects to see. The second their paths cross, sparks fly out of control. There’s no denying the attraction that still lingers, but there’s no way she can allow herself to act on it. No matter how badly she needs his strong, protective arms around her.

A future filled with possibilities…

Kincaid Tinsdale has spent the last few years away from Indigo Falls, and the hurtful memories there. But now he’s back, and so is the woman he’s dreamt about for the past ten years. The second his eyes settle on his ex, it awakens a hunger only she can satisfy. There’s just one problem. By the looks of it, Marisol wants nothing to do with him. But looks can be deceiving.

A present that will determine everything…

She’s not searching for love—especially his. He’s not giving up. Will the flame that once blazed between them be reignited? Or will she simply remain his ultimate desire?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1EsXu68

Tour Hosted by WNL www.wnlbooktours.com

*****

Author Info:

Joy Avery is a contemporary romance author who loves watching her imaginary friends fall in love. In addition to HIS ULTIMATE DESIRE, she’s the author of SMOKE IN THE CITI, HIS UNTIL SUNRISE, and CUPID’S ERROR: a novella. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. When not crafting her next love story, she enjoys reading, spending time with the family, playing with her two dogs, and cake decorating.

Website: http://www.joyavery.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjoyavery

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorjoyavery

*****

Giveaway:

Author is giving away One (1) His Ultimate Desire Goodie Bag.

Enter to Win. Content open to USA only

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/96d196a628/

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Joy Avery and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com

*****

Tour Info:

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

Book Review – The Millionaire Daddy Project

13 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Men of the Zodiac series, Roxanne Snopek, The Millionaire Daddy Project

The Millionaire Daddy Project

Men of the Zodiac series

by Roxanne Snopek

(Entangled Indulgence)

Sign: Leo

He takes control…and gives all kinds of pleasure

In the space of about a second, successful restaurateur Dane Bergman has gone from millionaire playboy to daddy. Now he’s the sole guardian of a very adorable and willful five-year-old child, and he’s counting on his executive assistant, Pamela Atwater, to save his ass. Even if it means bringing her along on a month-long ocean-side retreat…

Pamela Atwater prides herself on being the perfect assistant. Whatever Dane wants or needs, she’s there – pretending to ignore Dane’s golden charm and drop-dead gorgeousness. On vacation, however, Pamela sees a side of Dane she never imagined. And it’s a side that tempts her to cross the line between professional and personal. But is one month enough time to prove to Dane that his perfect assistant might just be his perfect match?

I love, love, LOVE Roxanne Snopek’s books. The characters are always so interesting and full of life, while the plot just keep me glued to the pages.

Dane is one of those hottie billionaires that are so popular in romances – he’s smooth, gorgeous, wealthy, and knows how to play just as hard as he works. He’s also anti-commitment … then the ultimate commitment, a little girl, lands on his doorstep and shakes up his world. Luckily he has his oh-so-efficient assistance to help, but the more time they spend together, the more attracted to her he becomes.

Pam knows exactly the kind of man her boss is – short term affairs with gorgeous women. But she also knows how smart and sexy he is. Forced together thanks to a haunted little girl, she’s finding him super-hard to resist. She’s just about the only person in the world who will force him to be the dad that he can be. But can she live with (or without) the man she makes him into …

Dani is just too adorable and the interactions between the three of them as they learn how to navigate new waters is just too darn sweet, heartbreaking and funny all rolled into one addictive ball. They are totally believable and touching as they slowly become a family unit. And just because some might find the secretary/boss fantasy a little clichéd doesn’t mean that in the hands of a great author like Snopek the dynamic can’t be just about perfect.

Book Review – A May Bride

12 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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A May Bride, a Year of Weddings novella, Book Review, Meg Moseley

A May Bride

by Meg Moseley

“Meg Moseley follows her stellar debut with this lovely dive down south . . . this inspirational tale is destined to be another winner.” -Julie Cantrell (on Gone South)

A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

She thinks she has prepared for her wedding all her life . . . but it seems she may have forgotten the most important part.

Ellie Martin, a country girl in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life-a wedding just like the one her younger sister is planning back home. Their single mom will pay for Alexa’s wedding, but Ellie started her own wedding fund years ago. She only needs to find a groom.

At a wedding at her church, Ellie bumps into a man who’s one of the guests. She’s noticed him around the neighborhood, but today he introduces himself as Gray Whitby. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but her mother doesn’t trust freewheeling men like Gray.

When Ellie risks her own future for her sister’s sake, Gray feels betrayed. Will he always play second fiddle to Ellie’s family?

Will Ellie and Gray reconcile their differences so her dream wedding can come true, or will the romance they’ve begun come crashing down?

I totally understood Ellie and her troubles. Feeling like she needs to follow other peoples wants, learning how to set boundaries in her life is very tough for her. With the kind of mother she has, it is easy to get why she hesitates so much with stepping away from the path her mom decides is right.

Managing family expectations is never easy, but Ellie’s packs a little extra punch. Then she meets Gray and he’s definitely hard to resist (I was half in love with him myself). It’s an emotional journey for her but one that makes their HEA all the sweeter.

I have really been enjoying these little novellas – they are nice bite size romantic treats, quick reads with a lot of heart, and they’ve exposed me to new authors as well. With A May Bride Moseley delivers a winner. It is a story of emotions, troubles and love, with complicated family dynamics and personal growth.

Book Review – Until You

11 Monday May 2015

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Book Review, Jeannie Moon, Until You

Until You

by Jeannie Moon

When newly divorced Kate Adams is approached on the sunny deck of a California hotel by hockey star David Burke, and he invites her to dinner, she almost says no. He’s obviously younger than her. And charming. And drop dead gorgeous. But there’s also something sweet about David, so Kate—who hasn’t done anything spontaneous in a very long time—accepts his invitation.

It is, after all, her fortieth birthday.

However, a real romance with thirty-year-old David, whose picture is in the gossip pages as often as it’s in the sports pages, is out of the question. No matter how much she wants him, it’s just too risky.

But meeting Kate has been David’s lightning strike. She’s the one for him, and he has no intention of giving up on her.

So while Kate guards her fragile heart, David sets out to win her over with the same determination that drives him on the ice.

And he’ll break every rule in the book if he has to.

After her divorce, Kate is a little insecure but thanks to David she finds herself again. Once she discovers who she is at her core, she’s surprisingly settled for her past – strong and confident. But she has to let that past go and remember how great she really is. And that she can hold the interest of a younger, super-hot pro-athlete.

David grows up a lot too. He starts to realize the man that he didn’t even know he wanted to be. He just has to convince Kate that he’s ready to commit and that she’s the one for him. David and Kate face a lot of troubles, because of their fears and hang-ups, but it leads to a really great HEA.

The characters are fantastic, both the main and secondary, and Moon does a wonderful job of drawing you into their world. And of making you interested in what happens next – I really hope we get Jack’s story. I felt for him almost as much as the main characters. He’s young but a good guy underneath and he got a good kick in the teeth so I have my fingers crossed that we can see him get his own HEA.

With realistic issues and an emotional storyline, Until You is definitely one to add to your TBR pile.

Book Review – No One Like You

08 Friday May 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Barefoot William series, Book Review, Kate Angell, No One Like You

I’m so excited to share this one with you guys! Kate Angell is one of my favorites for a good summer time read and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Barefoot William books – make sure you check out my review of No Sunshine When She’s Gone (and the rest of the series ASAP)! I’ve also got a review on this one – you’ll find it below.

*****

No One Like You

Barefoot William # 4

by Kate Angell

Releasing April 28th, 2015

from Zebra

Blurb:

No One Expects a Curveball

For Rylan Cates, the gloriously sunny beachside town of Barefoot William may be home, but the pro baseball player needs to focus on spring training. Hiring a personal assistant to keep him and his four dogs organized for the next eight weeks is the first step—and Beth Avery is the perfect pinch hitter.

Beth is still looking for her place in the world, and a couple months caring for Rylan’s two dachshunds, his golden retriever, and a Great Dane named Atlas should shore up her finances before she moves on. Except it’s Atlas who won’t budge, pushing her toward tanned, scruffy, sexy Rylan every chance he gets. One more strike and she’s calling the dog out—unless she and Rylan admit that the attraction they’re feeling is a game-winning grand slam…

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22715924-no-one-like-you?from_search=true

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/103002-barefoot-william

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher

*****

Excerpt:

Barefoot William Sun Classified Ads:

Live-in personal assistant: eight weeks

Appointment scheduling

Maintaining and updating contact lists

Dinner parties

Travel planning

Dinner reservations

Personal shopping

Tickets to entertainment events

Manage invitations

Culinary ability

Interaction with fans, family, and teammates

Light housework

Pet sitter/dog walker

Salary: negotiable with room and board

Contact: RCates@CatesMgmt.com

Dog playing dead in the middle of the road. Beth Avery couldn’t believe the black Great Dane had stopped, dropped, and rolled onto his side. He had a mind of his own and was testing her patience. She shook her head. She should never have applied for the personal assistant position. Dog walker wasn’t on her résumé.

The big boy couldn’t be coaxed or talked from the crosswalk at Center Street and Egret Way. Nothing worked. He’d lain down and stayed down. All one hundred and fifty pounds of him.

The situation was hopeless.

Beth tugged gently on the leather leash attached to his harness. “Up, Atlas, up,” she pleaded again.

Not a flicker of his ears. He even closed his eyes. What if he was sick or hurt? She stared at his chest. The rise and fall was slow and peaceful. Had he fallen asleep?

Atlas was the alpha dog of the four dogs she was walking. Dismayed, she watched the golden retriever and two dapple dachshunds follow his lead. They, too, settled on the asphalt. The dachsies, Oscar and Nathan, turned onto their backs so the sunshine could warm their bellies. They stretched, yawned, looking way too comfortable.

What was she to do? Beth clutched the loop handles on the leashes so tightly they left an imprint on her palm. For a beat, she thought about letting go. See what they would do. It couldn’t be any worse than watching them sunbathe on the road. She wasn’t a dog person. She favored cats. So how was it that she found herself in this predicament at ten a.m. on a Monday morning?

She knew why. She was so desperate to find work, she’d somehow missed the dog walking requirement in the ad. She was so excited she’d been called back for a follow-up interview with Rylan Cates for the assistant position, she didn’t dare tell him she had no experience with canines. He’d met with people all week and had narrowed his choices to three women, herself included.

The final applicants went on to walk, feed, and bathe his dogs. She had no idea how the other ladies had fared before her, although Atlas smelled profoundly doggie. Beth shook her head to clear her thoughts. She wasn’t doing all that well, either.

She’d walked the pack for close to an hour, up and down the streets of Olde Barefoot William, where the homes were handed down through generations. She’d fallen in love with the beachside town, which was as eclectic in its architecture as it was harmonious. William Cates had founded the community. Here lay the inner circle. The old Florida-style cottages were quaint. The houses were shingled and shuttered, with wide porches. They’d withstood hurricanes and time. A few had had minor facelifts.

Enormous evergreens lined the narrow two-lane road. Ancient moss clung to the cypress. The sun cast shadows through the scarlet-flowered branches of the Royal Poinciana trees that cornered the street. The scent of plumeria, gardenia, and hibiscus was heavy on the air. Sprinklers on automatic timers kicked on, watering lawns.

Only three blocks from Rylan’s house, Beth sighed heavily. The neighborhood was momentarily quiet. No cars and no joggers. No one to witness the sleeping dogs. Thank goodness. How was she going to explain she’d fallen off schedule because Atlas pulled a Rip van Winkle? Baths needed to be given to the dogs before noon. Ry had handed her a canine cookbook for their food. They ate organic. A blender and baking were involved. Lunch would be late.

Determined to find a solution, she transferred the leashes to one hand, and then patted the back pocket on her cutoff jeans with the other. She had one trick up her sleeve she’d yet to play. She’d purposely changed her clothes and had dressed down for the walk. Had to. Drool stained white linen slacks. Dirty paws would leave permanent marks. She couldn’t afford cleaning bills. Not in her current economic state.

Sweetening her tone, she tried, “Atlas, treat? Yum, yum.” She smacked her lips.

Treat didn’t get the slightest reaction from the Dane, but the other dogs perked up. The two dachshunds scrambled to their feet and the golden retriever looked at Atlas then back to Beth. Rue was slow to make her decision.

“Oatmeal-apple biscuits,” Beth said, enticing the golden with a handful of snacks she pulled from her denim pocket.

Rue sniffed the air, then nudged Atlas with her nose, but the Dane wouldn’t budge. The retriever slowly rose.

Three up, and one to go. A minor victory, Beth thought.

The dachsies and golden ate their snacks, then eyed Atlas once again, waiting for him to make his move. Or not. Beth agonized over the moment until inspiration struck. Looping the leashes over her wrist, she crouched down near the big dog. There, she quickly tied her retro red Keds. Atlas had stomped all over her feet when he’d spotted a squirrel. She’d tripped twice over the loose laces.

Leaning forward, her cutoffs rode up and snugged her bottom. The fringe tickled the tops of her thighs. Her bright blue crop top had shrunk in the dryer making the back hem even with her sports bra. The sun kissed her bare skin.

She didn’t care if she looked ridiculous, whispering to the Dane. She needed this job. She drew in a breath and started making promises that she never planned to keep, sweet-talking him. “No organic food for you, Atlas. I’ll cook you a big, juicy steak if you’ll get up.”

The Dane cracked his eyelids, a good sign that he was listening.

“You can have the entire couch to yourself. I will stand for the remainder of my interview.” His tail thumped.

“We could even skip your bath.” She had dreaded it anyway. The shampooing might not be so bad. Rinsing him off would drench her. What other enticements could she offer?

“He doesn’t take bribes,” said a man from behind her. His voice was deep and concerned. “I’ve tried.”

Rylan Cates’s sudden arrival took her by surprise. Beth sat down hard on the asphalt. Small rocks jabbed her bottom. She jarred her tailbone. Winced. His shadow loomed over her, larger than life. She turned slightly, tilted back her head, and worked her gaze up his body.

Navy flip-flops. Long legs dusted with brown hair. Gray board shorts. Lean hips. A hint of his package. Defined abs beneath a T-shirt scripted with I Came to Play. Muscled arms. Solid shoulders. A scruffy chin in need of a shave. A masculine mouth that tipped up at one corner. Straight nose. Eyes so blue they made the sky jealous. His hair was dark blond and shaggy. He looked more surfer than professional baseball player.

He was way hotter than she remembered. Or was it because she’d barely looked up from her hands folded in her lap during the interview? Interviewing was new to her.

She’d been incredibly nervous then, and was even more so now.

He cleared his throat, shifted slightly, breaking her stare. He extended his hand, and she took it. He helped her up. His grasp was strong. His palm callused. He squished her fingers. She shook out her hand when released and brushed pebbles from her thighs and butt cheeks. Tugged down her top then faced him.

Her stomach tightened, her mind working overtime imagining what he must be thinking. Where had he come from? she wondered, glancing along the street. She hadn’t heard him approach, but soon understood why. He drove a McLaren. The black sports car was built for stealth and speed and was good for sneaking up on someone. Especially someone walking his dogs. He could easily spy on her. It was parked against the curb, looking shiny and pricey against the backdrop of aging homes.

He ran one hand down his face. “Why is Atlas sleeping in the street?”

“He needed a nap,” was said with more snark than she’d intended. She had never been more frustrated.

“He can’t stay there all day,” he told her. “Traffic picks up closer to noon.”

She tried to read his expression. Was he amused or angry? She couldn’t tell and released a short breath. “I’m open to suggestions.”

He stuck his hands in the pockets of his board shorts, rocked back on his heels. She couldn’t believe he had the balls to debate helping her.

Moments passed before he said, “Give him Rue’s leash so he can walk her home.”

A dog walking a dog? Her eyes widened. Surely he was joking.

“The big boy likes to be in control,” Rylan explained as if she should have known that and adjusted her dog walking style. “He’s had a crush on Rue since they were puppies. She won’t mind.” Ry paused, looked her in the eye. His lips twisted. “Staring at me like I’m crazy won’t get him up.”

She blushed, embarrassed by her inability to manage Atlas. He hadn’t taken to her, but it hadn’t been for lack of trying. She wondered if the other applicants had won him over. Perhaps this job wasn’t meant for her after all. A position stocking shelves at Crabby Abby’s General Store or scooping ice cream cones at The Dairy Godmother might be a better choice. At either place she wouldn’t have to contend with scooping dog poop.

Rylan nudged her aside and took the leashes from her. Separating Rue’s hot pink lead from the others, he held it up for Beth to see the teeth marks—big indentations made by a big mouth—on the curved handle. No mistaking the Great Dane’s signature bite. “Watch this. Atlas, take Rue home,” he instructed the Dane.

Atlas stood up so quickly, Beth swore the earth moved.

Rising on his back legs, the dog put his paws on Rylan’s shoulders. They were eye to eye. Ry smiled and scratched the dog’s floppy ears. Atlas barked. It was a sight she’d never forget.

Dropping back down, Atlas snatched Rue’s leash from Ry’s hand and gripped it between his teeth. His tail whipped wildly. He was happy and attentive. He took off at a trot, dragging Rue several steps before she balked. He then slowed his stride so the golden could keep up and they headed down the sidewalk.

*****

Review:

So you guys have no idea how excited I was to get another of Kate Angell’s books – especially when it centers around one of the Richmond Rogues players. Years ago I fell in love with her Rogues and while there is no doubt that I love the Barefoot William crew, those ball players will always have a special place in my heart. (Pssst, you can get the original books in a special 4 Book Boxed Set on Amazon!)

Rylan and Beth together are just fantastic. It’s not a very angst ridden book, instead it’s all about the people (yea!) – getting to know each other, falling in love and developing relationships with those around them. Rylan is all sexy ball-player, but being a Cates he’s also smart, settled and big-hearted. He cares about his family & those around him and so does Beth. She immediately adopts all those in Rylan’s sphere and tries to make things better for them, but of course she puts Rylan first. She’s running a little from her past but working for Rylan gives her the chance to sit still for a little bit and confront it.

I did a really big happy dance about halfway thru the book when I started to realize that Angell was possibly setting us up for more Rogues books! We usually spend time with the people of Barefoot William but with Rylan being a starter for the baseball team we got to see more of the players. And what a fantastically fun crew they are. I can’t wait to see this group of grown up little boys fall in love – it is guaranteed to be a hoot. Based on the sneak peek at the end, we’re starting with Halo, the biggest little kid of the bunch. I’m so excited!

With a Great Dane matchmaker and hyper ballplayers, Rylan and Beth are kept on their toes … while being pushed into each other’s arms. Humorous and full of heart, No One Like You is another home run from Kate Angell.

*****

Author Info:

National bestselling author Kate Angell lives in Naples, Florida. She’s an animal lover, avid reader, and sports fan. Bookstores are her second home. She takes coffee breaks at Starbucks. Her philosophy: Out of chaos comes calmness. Enjoy the peace. Please visit her on Facebook or at www.kateangell.com.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Win one of three copies of No One Like You

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8673/

*****

Check out the rest of the tour by clicking on the banner below

Book Review – Win by Submission

07 Thursday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Melynda Price, Win by Submission

Win by Submission

by Melynda Price

To win her heart, he’ll be in for the fight of his life.

After an illegal kick during a CFA title fight fractures Cole Easton’s spine, doctors say there’s nothing more they can do for the bitter Vegas fighter. They say it’s a miracle he can walk, if that’s what you call his crutch-dragging limp. Unwilling to give up on him, Cole’s manager sends the injured fighter to the best physical therapist he knows: his niece, Katie Miller. When Cole arrives in the small town of Somerset, Wisconsin, he quickly discovers his sly manager may have had reasons other than rehab for sending him to this frozen tundra.

After a year of running from an abusive ex-boyfriend, Katie has returned to her hometown to care for her father, who’s recovering from a stroke. When Uncle Marcus calls in a favor, she reluctantly finds herself taking on a rancorous MMA fighter, broken at the height of his career. He’s insanely sex-on-a-stick hot—and everything she loathes in a man.

If Cole thinks his fighting days are over, he’s dead wrong. To save Katie from her past and to win her heart, he’ll be in for the fight of his life.

I don’t know why but I was surprised at how wrapped up in this book I got. Price delivers characters that I latched onto and a story that kept me coming back for more. There were some surprises and some expected moments, but I turned the page content with the journey and hungry for more.

Katie lives in fear but somehow Cole manages to get past all of her walls. Cole is your typical alpha fighter, full of testosterone and power, but surprisingly understanding and sensitive. He’s got struggles of his own but once Katie stumbles into his life, nothing is going to be the same. I loved watching these two dance around each other – Katie so very skittish because of her history and Cole so very male.

Win by Submission has lots of scary, suspenseful moments and mixes it with the emotional give-and-take of Cole & Katie falling in love. It has a fantastically nail-biting ending – a little predictable but still affecting and one that had me satisfied. With enthralling writing and characters that pop, Price delivers a great series and one that has me looking forward to the next book.

Spotlight – The Werewolf Wears Prada

06 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Kristin Miller, San Francisco Wolf Pack series, The Werewolf Wears Prada

Today I’ve got the start of a fantastic new paranormal romance series to share with you today. Check it out below!

*****

The Werewolf Wears Prada

San Francisco Wolf Pack Book 1

by Kristin Miller

Genre: paranormal romance

Publisher: Entangled

Date of Publication: 4/28/15

ISBN: 9781633752641

ASIN: B00VQ1HJS8

Number of pages: 230

Word Count: 67,000

Cover Artist: Curtis Svehlak

Blurb:

Falling in love bites…

Melina Rosenthal worships at the altar of all things fashion. Her dream is to work for the crème de la crème fashion magazine, Eclipse, and she’ll do much anything to get there. Even fixing up the image of a gorgeous, sexy public figure who’s all playboy, all the time. Even if he’s the guy who broke her heart a year ago…

Even if Hayden Dean is a werewolf.

Since his father’s death, Hayden’s the heir apparent to the San Francisco Wolf Pack-well, once he settles down. Hayden isn’t interested in giving up his partying ways, except he’s pretty sure he’s found his fated mate, and the fact that she’s a non-shifter is bad news. Now he must find a compromise between the traditions of his wolf world and his certainty that Melina is his…before fate (or another werewolf) bites them both in the butt.

Available at Amazon | BN | iBooks | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Life is not a fairy tale.

Melina Rae Rosenthal had lived her entire life repeating that mantra to herself. She’d kissed a long list of frogs, and put up with a lot of B.S. Today, however, made her question whether she’d been wrong, and incredibly bitter, all those years. She’d been asked out by one of the most eligible bachelors on the planet.

Prince Charming had finally arrived.

There was only one thing missing: a fairy godmother who’d wave a glittery wand in front of her face and turn her yoga pants into a puffy blue dress.

“I’ve got nothing to wear.” Melina dove into her walk-in closet, tossing leather pants and a fur poncho onto the bed behind her. “What am I going to do?”

Her best friend Colleen squealed from the bedroom, probably ducking for cover. Not very fairy-godmother-like. “Just calm down. You’ve been skipping around all day like Little Red Riding Hood on Redbull.”

“Not Redbull. Espresso.” Throwing hangers behind her, Melina huffed and shoved two coats apart. “I’ve had six today.”

“Six?” Colleen laughed—one of those witchy cackles Melina both loved and hated her for. She really was more like the Wicked Witch of the West than any fairy godmother Melina had ever seen. “You and Hayden must’ve really hit it off.”

Merely hearing his name made the hair on Melina’s arms stand on end.

Hayden Dean.

He was a San Francisco business mogul, millionaire, and model magnet. He was also scorching hot. Dark brown hair parted perfectly down the center with silky strands that nearly brushed his ears. Creamy chocolate eyes set against golden tan skin. Thick, swooping jaw, and a set of plush lips.

Totally Prince Charming material.

Before today, she might’ve settled for far less. She hadn’t had a date with a real man in months. The ones she’d gone out with had turned out to be mama’s boys, cat-callers, loud eaters, snorters, and scratchers. And if she went out with another guy who called her “Doll” she was going to scratch out his eyeballs.

She’d started to think the good ones were either already taken or dead.

“I’m telling you, it was magic. He’s not anything like you see on E! News.” They’d painted the famous Hayden Dean to be a stupid playboy. A chauvinist who cared for nothing and no one but himself. To her surprise, he’d shown her none of those things. “He’s unexpectedly…charismatic. And caring.”

Two hours interviewing the drop-dead gorgeous hunk, and Melina knew he was the one she’d been waiting for. The guy plucked straight from her dreams. He was tall, dark, and unquestionably handsome—more so in person, if that was possible—so staring at him while she fired questions about his personal life wasn’t the worst assignment she’d ever had.

And she could go off for hours about the trashy assignments she’d had from Celebrity Crush magazine. She’d worked as the Celeb Life & Style columnist for eighteen months, and longed to move up the ranks to Eclipse, the city’s leading fashion magazine.

Every article was one step closer to reaching that goal and leaving the unrealistic demands of her editor behind her.

“I’m stoked you two hit it off,” Colleen said, her voice laced with concern, “but they don’t call him Hook-Up Hayden for nothing.”

A subtle twinge in Melina’s gut warned Colleen might’ve had a point. All those stories about Hayden’s womanizing ways couldn’t have been terribly off-mark. But how could she turn down the chance to see for herself? Guys like Hayden didn’t come around that often, if ever.

“I think I can take care of myself.” Melina squeezed between two Gucci dresses. Exactly how deep was her closet? “If you got to know him, you’d see he’s different. Deep down, I don’t think he wants to be that way…the way everyone paints him to be.”

Colleen huffed. “You really think you know him? Deep down? After two hours in Starbucks?”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Melina’s fingers gripped silky-soft pleats. “Gotcha.”

She yanked a Prada gown off its hanger and burst into the bedroom holding it high. The dress was a gorgeous shade of eggplant. Grecian. Long and draping, with pleats on the gown and a dangerously low V-neck.

“Ooh!” Colleen crooned, jumping off the bed, her platinum blonde locks bouncing over her shoulder. “It looks like the one whats-her-face wore to that huge awards show last season.”

“Yes, but this one’s better. The V-neck is deeper, the skirt is tamer. The differences are subtle, but it’s striking, don’t you think?” She stroked the pleats, seeing the image take form. “I’m going to pair it with glittering gold Manolo Blahniks, nude lips, and the most fabulous earrings I can find.”

What better way to make a splash at the Silverlight Awards?

She still couldn’t believe he’d asked her.

Infamous womanizer Hayden Dean had leaned across their tiny table in the back corner of Starbucks, gazed deep into her eyes, stirring something in her chest…and whispered the words she never thought she’d hear: Be my date tonight?

Not only any date. His date to the Silverlight Awards. She’d walk the red carpet. Mingle with celebrities. Wave to the cameras. If she were lucky, she’d show up on E! News. The minute she’d returned from the interview, Melina had set her TiVo to record the event. Just in case.

“What do you think?” Melina bounced on her toes and met her friend’s bright blue eyes, practicing the show-stopping smile she’d give to the paparazzi that followed Hayden around. “Am I going to rock his socks, or what?”

“Wow, Mel, I don’t—I’m speechless.”

“Let’s hope he is, too.”

“I don’t understand why Hayden is going to the Silverlights in the first place,” Coleen said, her gaze raking up and down the dress. “He’s not in the film industry.”

“No, but I guess his father is on the Board of Governors and is getting some kind of honorary award for his work.” She shrugged, excitement pulsing through her. “Hayden gets two complimentary tickets.”

Colleen shook her head slowly. “And he asked you to be his date…”

Melina flinched at her friend’s disbelieving tone. “Why wouldn’t he?”

“I don’t mean it like that.” Colleen grabbed Melina by the arm and dragged her to the edge of the bed. They shoved clothes aside and plopped down, dangling their legs over the edge. “It’s just that…isn’t he still dating that Sports Illustrated model? You know, the one with the rack?”

“I’ve got a nice rack.” Frowning, Melina grabbed handfuls of her B cups and held tight. “Okay, okay, so they’re not as big as the other girls he’s dated, but at least they’re real! Doesn’t that count for something?”

“I don’t know.” Colleen shrugged. “I’m more of a leg girl.”

Melina snorted into a belly laugh. “I don’t think the size of my boobs matter anyway. He totally thinks I’m hot as-is.”

“Really?” Colleen beamed, snatching Melina’s hands off her boobs. “He told you that?”

“He didn’t say the words, but one glance and I could feel the chemistry. It was like—” How could she possibly explain their connection? It was crackly. Sparkly. Fizzling the air between them. “—Snap, Crackle, Pop.”

Colleen’s smile fell, and she cocked a thinly-plucked eyebrow. “You’re talking about the cereal? Sweetheart, I think we need to get you out more often. You shouldn’t feel anything close to cereal when you’re with a guy like Hayden Dean. You should melt. Like butter.”

“Oh, there was definite melting going on.”

If Hayden had been any hotter, he would’ve melted the panties right off her body.

“All right.” Colleen nodded. “You better get your petite ass moving. He’ll be here in twenty, right?”

Melina gasped, shooting a glance at the clock on her bedside table.

Six o’clock.

“It can’t be that late already!”

She swept off the bed in a whirlwind, dug around in her drawer for a pair of Spanx, and dashed into the bathroom. Squeezing into the bodysuit, she leaned and tugged as the stretchy material inched up her body. With a groan, she wiggled into the stunning Prada dress. Colleen zipped up the back, oohing and aahing as Melina spun, excitement spearing through her. For the next fifteen minutes, she applied her makeup. Dried her hair. Straightened and smoothed down the fly-aways. If she hadn’t drained her bank account to buy this dress last week, she might’ve had the money to pay for a stylist. But things were tight.

As soon as she landed a job at Eclipse, she’d be fine.

Six-thirty came and went.

Glad to have a few extra minutes, Melina wiggled her size eights into her sky-high shoes and had Colleen strap them. She tweaked her hair. Reapplied her lipstick. Chose a pair of long silver earrings with chunky beads hanging off them. They were high fashion, bordering on gaudy, and they were perfect.

She checked the time on her cell, and just in case, scanned the log for missed calls. There weren’t any.

Nerves settled in, though there was really no room for them in her dress.

“I’m sure he’s having trouble parking,” Colleen said. But her voice didn’t sound so confident.

“Yeah.” Her lips twitched. “Parking’s hellacious around here.”

Melina shrugged off the doubt. As her toes protested the squeeze she’d put them under, she lowered herself onto the bed—keeping her posture straight so the dress didn’t crinkle—and then flicked on the flat-screen mounted to the wall.

“Look.” Using the remote as a pointer, Melina poked it in the direction of the television. E! News flashed over the screen. “People are already showing up.”

“I think they show up early and circle the block over and over again, waiting for the perfect moment to stop.” Colleen sat beside her, crossing her leather-clad legs at the ankle. She was long and lanky—probably six inches taller than Melina, who stood at five-foot-two on tiptoe—and hung her feet over the end of the bed. “I’m sure some like to be there first thing, and others like to make an entrance. From what I’ve heard, Hayden likes to have all eyes on him. I’m sure he won’t mind being late.”

It must’ve been Colleen’s mention of Hayden that made Melina see him emerge from a limo parked at the curb. The camera angle was distant and from the side, so she couldn’t be sure, but this man was the same height and general size, with the same complexion. He turned before she could get a good look at his face. He extended his hand for two blonde bombshells to exit the limousine behind him.

That couldn’t be right.

Blinking quickly to clear her head, Melina leaned forward as worry hardened into a ball in the pit of her stomach.

“Mel,” Colleen whispered, “is that…”

“I don’t think so.”

Colleen had either read her mind, or Hayden Dean was there with someone else. Two, to be exact. As the camera angle zoomed on Hayden’s look-a-like, Melina’s heart dropped to her Blahniks.

Hayden grinned and held up the hands of his escorts as they spun for the cameras, their green silky gowns hiding little of their curvy figures.

It was Hayden Dean. Playboy. Casanova. Pompous ass.

“Oh my God, Mel.” Colleen grasped her shoulders. “What a jerkhole!”

Melina nodded as tears pinched her eyes. She wasn’t crying for him. She wasn’t. She couldn’t be. She’d just been so freaking excited to be going to the Silverlight Awards. That had to be it. She’d spent all day building up tonight’s experience. She’d planned it all out in her head. Of course she’d feel deflated when the fantasy didn’t match the reality.

Cinderella wasn’t going to the ball after all.

Desperate to get a closer glimpse of the television and Hayden’s smug face, Melina crawled over the bed on her hands and knees. When she reached the end, the breath whooshed out of her lungs.

“Are you okay?” She heard Colleen say. “Mel?”

“I’m fine.”

Oh, she was far from the bland emotion. She wanted to rip out Hayden’s tongue and shove it where the sun didn’t shine. The man was a snake in—oh God, was that Prada? They would’ve matched. They could’ve been the perfect pair.

“I should’ve known better,” Melina mumbled. “I should’ve listened to my gut. Somewhere deep inside I think I knew all those magazines couldn’t be wrong.” She shook her head. “I gave Hayden Dean the benefit of the doubt, and two hours of my day. Those are two things he didn’t deserve. I won’t spend another second thinking about him.”

“Good for you.”

Melina sighed. “I guess I just hoped—I just thought maybe for once, the fairy tale could actually come true for me, you know?”

As her legs cramped, she sat back. The ear-piercing sound of fabric ripping hit her ears. She stilled, slowly glancing down. She brushed her fingers over a rip in the Prada dress she’d spent her entire month’s earnings on.

Tears burning her throat, Melina glared at Hayden’s face on the television screen and realized two things.

By ripping her Prada dress, she’d just committed a fashion sin.

And fairy tales were most definitely real. They were. Maybe not for her, but for the girls on Hayden’s arms. They radiated happiness, their wide, innocent eyes taking in the fanciful scene around them. They smiled as she would’ve been smiling. If those blondes could live in a dream, she could too. She had control over her life, including who came in and out of it.

She should be blissfully happy too.

Why’d she have to wait for some dashing knight in shining armor to come riding in on a white horse and sweep her off her feet?

She vowed, then and there, in her torn Prada dress, that she’d make her fairy tale come true…without an arrogant Prince Charming like Hayden Dean on her arm, acting as if he was the one responsible for it all.

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Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Kristin Miller writes sweet and sassy contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance of all varieties. Kristin has degrees in psychology, English, and education, and taught high school and middle school English before crossing over to a career in writing. She lives in Northern California with her alpha male husband and their two children. She loves chocolate way more than she should and the gym less. You can usually find her in the corner of a coffee shop, laptop in front of her and mocha in hand, using the guests around her as fuel for her next book.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorKristinMiller

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristinmiller02

Web: www.kristinmiller.net

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Giveaway:

There will be 3 winners

Signed copy of GONE WITH THE WOLF, bookmarks, glamour notebook, “Books and Coffee” Starbucks cup

Signed copy of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A WEREWOLF, bookmarks, glamour notebook, Custom WEREWOLF WEARS PRADA locket with interchangeable faces.

Signed copy of SO I MARRIED A WEREWOLF, bookmarks, ALEX AND ANI Rose bracelet, “Books and Coffee” Starbucks cup

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb55495550/

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