Spotlight – Last First Kiss

17 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

Tags

Brightwater series, Last First Kiss, Lia Riley

Y’all I’ve seen a couple of sneak peeks for Lia Riley’s Last First Kiss and I SOOOO can’t wait to get my hands on it. I think Annie and Sawyer may soon be one of my favorite romance couples.

And as a special treat, Ms Riley stopped by today to give us a little glimpse into how she gets in the mood to write. Enjoy!

*****

Music inspires me as I write and it’s a common part of my process to set up a playlist. Below are some of the songs that helped me set a tone, get in the right headspace or just reminded me of Annie and Sawyer. Hope you enjoy!

Playlist for Last First Kiss

Link: https://open.spotify.com/user/12150480907/playlist/07hrhHnJrw19OybMQrmF8z

The Kooks: She Moves in Her Own Way

Norah Jones: The Long Way Home

Eddie Vedder: Tuolumne

Passenger: Beneath Your Beautiful

Willy Nelson: Always on My Mind

The White Buffalo: Sleepy Little Town

Ian Britt: The Shape of Us

Perrin Lamb: Everyone’s Got Something

*****

Last First Kiss

Brightwater Series Book #1

by Lia Riley

Releasing June 23rd, 2015

Avon Romance

Blurb:

New to Avon author Lia Riley makes a splash with her first sexy, hilarious book in the sizzling Brightwater series!

A kiss is just the beginning…

Pinterest Perfect. Or so Annie Carson’s life appears on her popular blog. Reality is… messier. Especially when it lands her back in one-cow town, Brightwater, California, and back in the path of the gorgeous six-foot-four reason she left. Sawyer Kane may fill out those wranglers, but she won’t be distracted from her task. Annie just needs the summer to spruce up and sell her family’s farm so she and her young son can start a new life in the big city. Simple, easy, perfect.

Sawyer has always regretted letting the first girl he loved slip away. He won’t make the same mistake twice, but can he convince beautiful, wary Annie to trust her heart again when she’s been given every reason not to? And as a single kiss turns to so much more, can Annie give up her idea of perfect for a forever that’s blissfully real.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23507376-last-first-kiss

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/141818-brightwater

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“You name all those birds?”

“Oh sure. Constance, Shy, and Petunia are the Araucanas over there.” She pointed to the three white hens with impressive feathery ear tufts. “They’re the only ones that lay those pretty blue eggs. Over in the far corner are the Rhode Island Reds: Bixby, Big Mama, Miss Thing, Chatterbox, Honey, and Crazy. Then scratching in the back is Feather Foot, because, well, that’s obvious, and . . . what? Are you laughing at me?”

“You name your chickens.” God, she really was too fucking adorable for her own good.

“What, Mr. Funny—if you had a coop, you’re saying you wouldn’t name yours?”

“Sure I would.” He gave a shrug. “I’d call them all the same thing.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that? Chicken?”

“Dinner.”

Her lips twitched even as she sniffed. “That’s so not funny.”

“It’s a little funny.”

“Must be that Kane humor. I’m genetically immune.

*****

Author Info:

Lia Riley writes offbeat New Adult and Contemporary Adult romance. After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, she scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling XXXX with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.

A British literature fanatic at heart, Lia considers Mr. Darcy and Edward Rochester as her fictional boyfriends. Her very patient husband doesn’t mind. Much. When not torturing heroes (because c’mon, who doesn’t love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about future books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. Right now, Icelandic hot springs and Scottish castles sound mighty fine.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8709/

*****

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

Book Review – The Closer You Get

16 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Carter Ashby, The Closer You Get

The Closer You Get

by Carter Ashby

If there’s one thing Rye Holcomb hates, it’s small, tight-knit towns with high virtues and zero tolerance for outsiders. Fidelity is just such a town. And Rye is just such an outsider. So when he and his brother, Cash, take jobs in Fidelity, Rye decides not to get too comfortable. Which is why he is avoiding some rather confusing feelings for his new boss, Cora McKay.

Cora was born, raised, and baptized in Fidelity. She owns a thriving construction business, has a close circle of friends, and is the breadwinner for her mother and four sisters. The one thing she lacks is a sex life, something she’s never longed for until now. One conversation with Rye sparks her sexual awakening, and, in spite of his reputation as a man-whore, Cora can’t resist giving in to his advances.

As Rye enjoys initiating his virgin employer, and Cash experiences a relationship with a man for the first time in his life, they begin to think of Fidelity as home. But small towns have brought them trouble in the past, and it appears Fidelity holds trouble for their future. Can their newfound relationships be enough to overcome a past that relentlessly follows them? Can two men who have been burned by love learn to trust again?

Y’all Rye is a complete dog at the beginning of this story. He’s got some baggage that he’s carrying around with him and it affects his relationships with others – he’s in a vicious cycle of shallow interactions and bad attitude. Fortunately for him, interacting with Cora shakes him up and has him re-evaluating things. Once he starts acting like a human being, he proves to be intelligent, fun-loving, resourceful and caring. We know early on that he is very dedicated to his brother, but he shows that that part of him extends to all those that he calls his.

Cora is an interesting duck – she’s repressed, afraid of sexual interactions and not confident in herself as a woman. She’s spent years thinking she was unattractive and unable to get a guy’s attention, but after a couple of meetings with Rye she starts to look at things differently. Some might find that her timidity gets old but it works for the person she is and the more time spent with Rye the better she gets.

I love the way that these two interact once Rye finally starts trying to be a better man. His attempt to help her experience all of the things that she missed out on is so endearing and fun. He shows that he cares with his actions and the thought he puts into making her happy. He may be coarse and nothing like she’s used to, but he proves to be just what Cora needs 

There’s a secondary story around a relationship between Rye’s brother Cash and Cora’s friend Adam. Cash’s lifestyle is one of the things that has given Rye his attitude about small towns but the love and dedication between the two brothers is strong. Unfortunately Adam isn’t able to get over the things that Rye has done since he hit town and how it has created waves with those around him, while Cash’s history makes it very difficult for him to share his feelings and thoughts. As they start to develop a relationship (there is some M/M scenes so be prepared if that isn’t your thing – but keep in mind that it is the heart that is the most important part of this story), their issues may make things impossible for everyone.

The Closer You Get is full of emotional ups and downs. With friends, family and significant others learning how to maneuver around each other, things get messy fast. All they can do is try to figure out if what they have is worth fighting for. I think so and I’m sure you will too.

Book Review – Crazy for the Competition

15 Monday Jun 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Cindi Madsen, Crazy for the Competition, Hope Springs series

The lovely Cindi Madsen has just released the next book in her Hope Springs series and you are going to want to check it out.

*****

Crazy for the Competition

Hope Springs # 2

by Cindi Madsen

Releasing June 9, 2015

Entangled Bliss

Blurb:

The road to trouble is paved with sweet temptation…

Always the rebel in her ultra-conservative family, Quinn Sakata dreams of quitting her dad’s real-estate business and restoring the old Mountain Ridge Bed and Breakfast in her hometown of Hope Springs. Except that Quinn’s not the only person bidding on it. Worse still, her competitor is her high school crush, Heath Brantley, who is all kinds of ripped, tattooed hotness…

So much for her “nice, conservative boys” rule.

Heath has his own reasons for bidding on Mountain Ridge, and he won’t give in without a fight—even to the red-lipped hottie with a sailor’s mouth. But when their rivalry shifts into an unexpected zing of chemistry, Heath realizes he’s in deep trouble. Because it’s inevitable that emotions will get involved, and he needs to keep his eyes on the prize before they both get hurt.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23113981-crazy-for-the-competition

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/135463-hope-springs

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks

*****

Excerpt:

Quinn sat across from him, and they worked on shaping the wire. She passed him tools and held things in place when he needed an extra hand. Here and there she made a few half-mumbled noises that he took to mean she wasn’t sure he was on the right path. She kept her word and let him make the decisions, though.

After a few minutes straining to see the tiny wire, he reached back and pulled his glasses out of the workbench— he really only needed them for intricate parts.

“Bloody hell, you’ve got to be kidding me,” Quinn said.

He looked at her, her features now extra crisp thanks to the glasses. She had these cute freckles across the bridge of her nose, and her bottom lip was between her teeth. “What?” he asked.

She shook her head and swallowed. “Nothing.”

Really? The glasses turned her on? Hell, he’d wear them all the time, then. “What’s with the bloody? You turning British on me?”

“I’m an equal-opportunity swearer.”

“Well, Miss Potty Mouth, hand me the needle-nose pliers next to your feet, please.”

She picked them up and extended them to him. He let his fingers brush across hers, testing how far he could milk this. “Can you hold these two pieces together while I twist?”

Quinn knelt next to him. She gripped the two wires, and he took the pliers and twisted. Every time he turned the pliers, his forearm brushed her chest, even when he tried to do the honorable thing and go from another angle. The beating pulse at her neck called to him again, begging to be kissed. She smelled amazing, too, a light vanilla scent that invaded his senses.

“I’ll be damned,” she said once he lowered the pliers. “It actually looks like a butterfly. Look at you using your manly skills to spread your wings and fly.”

His lips trembled as he tried to keep a straight face—she kept him on his toes, that was for sure. “One, never say that to me again, and two, I told you I’d find a way—never doubt me, woman.”

“It was a compliment. No need to get your wings in a bunch.” She innocently batted her eyes, the amusement in them clear.

Oh, she wanted to play? He could play. All day he’d held back, not taking opportunities he would under usual circumstances, because she wasn’t just any girl. She was in a different class and her family already disliked him, she was Sadie’s best friend, and most problematic of all, she wanted to take Mountain Ridge from him. But between the flirting and the constant challenges she threw out, he was done overthinking and worrying about making things complicated.

Letting his instincts take over, he reached up and brushed the strands that’d fallen free of her ponytail off her face. The amusement died, other emotions taking over her features. Surprise and temptation—he could work with both of those.

*****

Review:

While I won’t say this is my favorite Madsen book, it’s pretty much because she’s written some really good stories. And you can’t love them all the same, ya know? 🙂 But I did enjoy it and that excerpt was one of my favorites scenes – gives you a pretty good idea of what the rest of the book is like. It’s funny and sweet, but with its share of angst and issues.

I didn’t necessarily like Quinn all the time thru the book, but I did understand her and she does some growing by the end. She has some serious issues with her family and their expectations, especially her dad. She’s different than the rest of her family, and unfortunately for her, there isn’t anyone who really understands her – love her yes, understand her no. She’s not had much more luck in her personal life … until she meets Heath. But it is hard to let go of those bad experiences.

Now, Heath I absolutely loved. He’s sexy and sincere, hard working and caring. He didn’t have the best start in life, but he’s working on bettering it for his brothers. Unfortunately of course that’s where the conflict with Quinn comes in. As much as they are attracted to each other, there is a big issue between them with the property.

To which, I saw a solution from about Chapter 3 but then where would all of the fun come from? I think Madsen does a fantastic job of having them get there on their own (again, it’s kinda obvious) but her’s works a lot better since they had a chance to fall in love. And we get to enjoy being there with them as they do.

*****

Author Info:

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb55495564/

*****

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

Book Review – Clean Lines

12 Friday Jun 2015

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Cedar Tree series, Clean Lines, Freya Barker

Y’all, Joe Morris is this week’s book boyfriend – he’s caring & sexy, strong & brave, with moments of male stupidity to keep him humble 🙂

*****

Clean Lines

Cedar Tree #4

by Freya Barker

Genre: Erotic suspense

Cover Designer: RE&D, Margreet Asselbergs

Hosted By: Francessca’s Romance Reviews

Blurb:

When her surly teenage son moves back to live with ER physician Naomi Waters unexpectedly, her motherly instincts go on high alert. Nothing could’ve prepared her for the wave of trouble that follows him back into her life.

Sheriff Joe Morris blew his chance with Naomi a few years back when he’d moved faster than his own past allowed. At the first opportunity to get his foot back in the door, he takes it and risks everything to keep her and her son safe.

But working for a future isn’t easy when you’re fighting to survive your past.

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25295373-clean-lines?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr

Available at

http://amzn.to/1FRGNGs – Amazon UK

http://amzn.to/1SGuzWK – Amazon USA

*****

Excerpt:

On the short drive home, with Joe riding my bumper, I still have way too much time to think. And what I’m thinking is that I’ve gone and lost my mind. Who says shit like that? I behaved like some two-bit sex operator and sounded no better. If I didn’t need both hands on the steering wheel, I’d have my face covered right now; I’m that embarrassed. Emotional. Too fucking emotional. It’s either flat or deep with me and it’s exhausting. Why I have to be this emotionally unbalanced every time around Joe, I have no idea, but I’m sure the man’s had enough of crazy women for a lifetime.

When I park the car, I turn off the engine and drop my head on the wheel. Maybe this is not such a good idea. I probably should’ve stayed with Katie and the baby and not just gone running off with Joe at the first opportunity. Well, not exactly the first opportunity but still. It seems inappropriate. Doesn’t it?

The door beside me opening startles me, but even more so does the feel of Joe’s firm hands pulling me down from my seat.

“Don’t. Don’t sit there and talk yourself out of something we both know is going to happen,” he says talking to the top of my head because I am studying the tips of my toes.

“Naomi?” He leans in and I can feel the heat of his words penetrate my skin as he speaks. “I need you. I need to feel your fingers tangle in my hair, your tongue in my mouth, your skin under my hands and your pussy squeezing my cock. I need it all, honey.”

Slowly raising my eyes, I find his burning with lust and something more. Need? I trace my fingers over his lips and along his jaw before whispering, “Let’s go.”

*****

Review:

How many of you are going to be surprised when I say that this is the first book in this series that I’ve read? No one? Yeah, not a surprise. I was a little surprised at how much I liked this story. Barker somehow made a whole lot of things come together easily and without making her story clunky. Clean Lines easily stood on its own too, which only added to the enjoyment. There were characters who had their own stories before and at least a couple who are going to have one coming up, but none of it left me confused … just excited to get my hands on those stories.

I will say that I’m stunned that it took three years for Joe to find a way to fix things with Naomi. She’s got some history and it lead her to be prickly but surely in that amount of time, and with sharing friends, there would have been some way to get an explanation to her. He doesn’t seem like a guy who would be willing to let it go for that long. But that is my only complaint and Barker does try to explain it away.

Overall, though, it is a fantastic suspense romance. There’s a great amount of heat and angst between the two, plus they come with baggage that is fun to explore. But there is also a lot of danger and mystery surrounding her ex-husband and son. It made for a nail-biter in a couple of places … as well as a few spots to get your heart racing for other reasons 🙂

If sexy thrillers are your thing, I highly recommend you add Barker’s books to the top of your TBR pile. A fun read with interesting characters and a captivating plot, Clean Lines is a great place to start.

*****

Author Info:

Freya Barker craved reading about ‘real’ people, those who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives – So she decided to write about them. Always creative, from an early age on she danced and sang, doodled, created, cooked, baked, quilted and crafted. Her latest creative outlets were influenced by an ever-present love for reading. First through blogging, then cover art and design, and finally writing. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she packed her two toddlers, and eight suitcases filled with toys to move to Canada. No stranger to new beginnings, she thrives on them. With the kids grown and out in the world, Freya is at the ‘prime’ of her life. The body might be a bit ramshackle, but the spirit is high and as adventurous as ever. Something you may see reflected here and there in some of her heroines…. none of who will likely be wilting flowers.

Stalker Links

http://www.facebook.com/FreyaBarkerWriter – Facebook

https://twitter.com/freya_barker – Twitter

https://www.tsu.co/FreyaB – TSU

http://plus.google.com/FreyaBarkerWriter – Google+

http://www.freyabarker.com – TSU

http://www.amazon.com/Freya-Barker/e/B00N36NDYI/ – Amazon Author Page

http://www.goodreads.com/FreyaBarker – Goodreads

http://bit.ly/1DmiBub – Newsletter

*****

Other Books In The Series

”AGAINST ME” (Cedar Tree #3)

http://bit.ly/AgainstMe – Amazon USA

http://bit.ly/AgainstMe – Amazon CA

http://bit.ly/AgainstMe – Amazon UK

http://bit.ly/AgainstMe – Amazon AUS

“HUNDRED TO ONE” (Cedar Tree #2)

http://bit.ly/HundredToOne – Amazon USA

http://bit.ly/HundredToOne -Amazon CA

http://bit.ly/HundredToOne – Amazon UK

http://bit.ly/HundredToOne – Amazon AUS

“SLIM TO NONE” (Cedar Tree #1)

http://bit.ly/SlimToNone – Amazon USA

http://bit.ly/SlimToNone – Amazon CA

http://bit.ly/SlimToNone – Amazon UK

http://bit.ly/SlimToNone – Amazon AUS

*****

Giveaway:

Up for grabs – $24 Amazon GC and the full Cedar Tree series on Kindle

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ae51915615/

Spotlight – Blame it on the Kiss

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Blame it on the Kiss, Kisses in the Sand series, Robin Bielman

I’ve read (and loved) a lot of Bielman’s books, including the first Kisses in the Sand novel – Keeping Mr. Right Now, where we first meet Honor and Bryce. I can’t tell you how excited I was to have this book come out.

*****

Blame it on the Kiss

A Kisses in the Sand novel

by Robin Bielman

Blurb:

The one guy she shouldn’t want…

Honor Mitchell has lived with guilt and regret for a long time, so when she promises to do the things on her dying best friend’s wish list, she’s determined to follow through and do something right for a change. But when she’s thrown together for wedding duties with the one man who complicates her vow–just by looking at him–she has to put her faith in Bryce Bishop’s pledge to help her, no strings attached.

Bryce’s near one-night stand with his ex-girlfriend’s best friend a few months ago might have been a mistake, but helping the beautiful, free-spirited Honor with her promise isn’t. His trust in women is shot, but he can’t help but play his best man card to his advantage and help Honor tick off the items on his ex’s list, even if it puts him in a no-win situation. Because his assistance might get Honor what she wants, but suddenly being the do-good guy puts his plans–and heart–in serious jeopardy.

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1APUmX9

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1F1ExIb

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ITPgK8

iTunes: http://apple.co/1LlBC1z

*****

Excerpt:

Bryce stared at her. Most girls would’ve had a fit if the sprinklers had soaked them. Not only had Honor laughed it off, she looked amazing and none the worse for wear as the pink light of the toy ring glowed at her waist.

“Do not tell me you have x-ray vision and can see the color of my undergarments, because then I’d have to use this magic ring to one, make you color blind, and two, make your clothes disintegrate so everyone could see if you’re a boxer or briefs man.”

His grin came quick and easy. “You want to see what I have on underneath my jeans, all you have to do is ask.”

“No thanks.” She stopped in front of him.

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“You don’t look positive.”

“How do I look?”

He took a slow inspection down her body and back up. “You really want me to answer that?”

“Boy, you had me fooled there for a minute Captain Underpants, but I see you’re just like every other guy, which is a huge relief, I can’t even tell you.” She brushed by him and headed toward the front door.

“What does that mean?” He fell in step beside her. Something didn’t feel right inside him. He didn’t like being lumped in with all guys.

“Here,” she slipped the ring off her finger and dropped it into their bag. “Be a good partner and turn our stuff in so I can raid Sophie’s closest for something to change in to.”

“Grab me one of Zane’s shirts, would you?”

She paused at the porch to slip off her shoes and slowly rake her eyes down and up his body. Touché. “Really? Zane’s got all sorts of muscle going on and I’m not sure—”

He whipped off his shirt. Honor was messing with him, but he wanted to remind her Zane didn’t have anything on him. He took care of his body, often working out with the guys he represented. He put forth the best image possible for his agency and that included being in good physical shape.

The appreciative look in her eyes told him she liked what she saw. She’d had her hands all over his chest in their hotel room, and if he closed his eyes he knew he’d remember exactly how hot her touch had made him.

“Can I ask you something?” he ventured.

“Okay,” she said to his chest.

“Eyes up here, sweetheart.” He motioned his hand in the direction of his face.

Her cheeks reddened. “Sorry, yes?”

“Have you had your one night stand?” He fisted his hands. It didn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter. But for some reason, he wanted to know. She might not be wired for it, but according to Payton, the two of them were like sisters, and if Honor promised to do the things on Payton’s list, he imagined she would keep that vow.

She gulped and again he could see her mind at work in the way she blinked and her head tilted a fraction to the side. “No.” A crease drew her brows together. “But I might be able to remedy that these next few days. A couple of Zane’s friends seem like they’d be willing to help me out.”

No doubt. “People hook up at weddings all the time, don’t they?”

“That’s what I hear.”

*****

Author Info:

USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and one crazy-cute dog who loves to chew on everyone’s socks. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, eat cupcakes, and dip her toes in the ocean. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com.

Places to find Robin Bielman:

Site: http://robinbielman.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobinBielman

Goodreads: h http://goodreads.com/robinbielman

*****

Giveaway:

Necklace – Open for International Shipping

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/208eb8ed1127/

*****

Tour Schedule:

6/10/2015
Reading Between the Wines Book Club	www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com
What I’m Reading	sillymelody.blogspot.com
Romance Reviews Today Blog	www.romrevtoday.blogspot.com
Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews	www.straightshootinbookreviews.com
Amber’s Passion for Books	www.facebook.com/amberspassionforbooks
A British Bookworm’s Blog	britishbookwormblog.com
Smut Fanatics Book Blog	smutfanatic.blogspot.com
6/11/2015
Read-Love-Blog	www.Read-Love-Blog.com
True Story Book Blog	www.truestorybookblog.com
Book Junkie: Not-So-Anonymous	ashleythebookjunkie.blogspot.com
Romantic Reads and Such	romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com
The Romance Dish	theromancedish.com
Short and Sassy Book Blurbs	shortandsassybookblurbs.blogspot.com
6/12/2015
Book Liaison	www.bookliaison.net
dazzled by books	dazzledbybooks.com
Read Your Writes Book Reviews	readyourwrites.blogspot.com
Fiction Fangirls	www.fictionfangirls.com
Ex Libris	www.stella-exlibris.com
So Many Reads	www.somanyreads.com
ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING	chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com

Book Review – Blissful Kisses

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bliss Harbor series, Blissful Kisses, Book Review, Juliet Spenser

Blissful Kisses

Bliss Harbor series

by Juliet Spenser

USA Today bestselling author Juliet Spenser brings you more contemporary romance set in the small town of Bliss Harbor, where love and laughter are just around the corner…

Enjoy three romantic romps in this collection of Bliss Harbor shorts:

In KISS ME AGAIN, a high school teacher writes naughty love stories just for fun, and she’ll do anything to get her secret stories back when her notebook falls into the hands of the sexy, fun-loving guy who loves to tease her.

In WARM WINTER KISSES, a bed and breakfast manager is determined to avoid her feelings for her best friend, a hunky detective, but there’s no avoiding the heat between them when a blizzard strands them alone together.

In THEN WE KISSED, a curvy, no-nonsense baker wakes up with regrets over a night with the sexy soldier who stole her heart, but a mix-up sends her straight back into his arms.

I’ve never read any of Spenser’s Bliss Harbor books, but I really liked these three little novellas. I don’t think that it would be that big a deal if you started here too, because I didn’t really have any problems keeping up. I do think there were a few references that I missed out on but nothing too big.

The characters in all three shorts were very detailed for such a short number of pages. You quickly get a feel for each of them and what motivates them. In each, Spenser pretty much focused on just those characters, which makes sense given the small time to make a story with a punch, but that gives her plenty of opportunity to fully embrace those people.

There is a theme running between them – one of feelings unspoken and avoided – and it’s interesting to see how each of these stories has a different take on it. Spenser makes sure that each couple makes it their own and she does it quite well. We are given the story exclusively from the heroine’s point of view, and even though I usually like to get both perspectives, it makes sense given the idea that the guy’s feelings are unknown to her. We get the reveal as she does, which is very satisfying.

If you are looking for a fast read, perfect for when you just have a little time to yourself, Blissful Kisses is an absolutely perfect choice. With engaging characters and appealing plots, these three shorts are sure to please. And now I’m totally going to have to check out everything else I can find about the lovely people in Bliss Harbor.

Guest Post – The Major’s Faux Fiancée

05 Friday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Erica Ridley, The Dukes of War series, The Major's Faux Fiancee

The ever awesome Erica Ridley is bringing us another story in her Dukes of War series and took time to stop by to answer a few questions. If you haven’t already, check out my review of The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress. And then take a gander at all the goodies below for book 4, The Major’s Faux Fiancée, which I can not wait to get a chance to read … I’ll make sure that I tell you all about it when I do 🙂

*****

What do you like the most (or least) about writing romances?

My favorite thing about writing romance is taking two characters who aren’t looking for love and hurtling them down the path to Happy Ever After. I enjoy characters who find love when it’s the last thing they think they want, need, deserve, or have time for. That “oh, crap” moment when they realize it’s too late and their heart got involved despite their best efforts. And then figuring out what to do about it!

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

I’m not sure I can pick a single book, but I can pick an author. Some of the first historical romances I ever owned were written by Julie Garwood, and I bet I read every one of them at least six times. The heroes were strong, determined, and very alpha, and the heroines were just as strong and determined, and never failed to drive the heroes batty until they ended up in love. I really enjoy stories with humor.

If you could be any romantic character, who would it be and why?

It may not strictly be a romance, but I loved the hero in Anne Rice’s The Mummy: Ramses the Damned. Ramses was an Egyptian pharaoh cursed with immortality, entombed, and forgotten… until he awoke in the heroine’s parlor in Edwardian London. So I guess my answer is that I want to be Julie, so I could spend some serious quality time with that fascinating hero.

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

Oh man, this is a tough one. I’m having a blast with my Dukes of War series. My two favorite couples to write (so far!) were Amelia and Benedict in The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation, and Jane and Xavier in The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress. I think what I like best about both of those books was that the poor hero had absolutely no idea what he was in for, and yet he didn’t have a snowball’s chance of not falling hopelessly in love.

If you weren’t a writer and could be anything you want, what would it be?

I love to travel, and I love languages, so my non-writer dream job would be traveling the world, learning and teaching other languages. I have a friend who was born in Italy, studied in Spain, then moved to the United States, and now teaches French. My kind of lady! I would happily be a fry cook, if it included travel around the globe. 😉

*****

The Major’s Faux Fiancée

by Erica Ridley

Release Date: June 2015

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

Length: 300 pages (65-70k)

Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 978-1939713322 (ebook) MSRP: $2.99

ISBN: 978-1939713339 (mmpb) MSRP: $6.99

Blurb:

When Major Bartholomew Blackpool learns the girl-next-door from his childhood will be forced into an unwanted marriage, he returns home to play her pretend beau. He figures now that he’s missing a leg, a faux fiancée is the best an ex-soldier can get. He admires her pluck, but the lady deserves a whole man—and he’ll ensure she gets one.

Miss Daphne Vaughan hates that crying off will destroy Major Blackpool’s chances of finding a real bride. She plots to make him jilt her first. Who cares if it ruins her? She never wanted a husband anyway. But the major is equally determined that she break the engagement. With both of them on their worst behavior, neither expects their fake betrothal to lead to love…

The Major’s Faux Fiancée is a standalone story in the Dukes of War regency romance series, featuring roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

The Dukes of War romance books in Series Order:

#1 The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation Nov. 2014

#2 The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower Dec. 2014

#3 The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress Mar. 2015

#4 The Major’s Faux Fiancée Jun. 2015

#5 The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride Sept. 2015

*****

Excerpt:

Daphne could barely even hear the music over the thundering of her heart at what this moment meant to him. Bartholomew wasn’t just dancing with her. He was risking all the rejection and humiliation he’d had to cloister himself into his town house to avoid.

He was confronting his deepest fears just for the chance to waltz in the garden with her.

She touched the side of his face. “You don’t have to do this if you’re afraid someone might see.”

“I don’t care about anyone’s opinion but yours. If I fall…” His lips curved wryly as he met her eyes. “I think I’ve already fallen.”

Her heart thudded. “Then it’s fortunate we find ourselves in each other’s arms.”

“Indeed.” He lowered his mouth. Slowly. Giving her plenty of time to turn away.

She slid her fingers into his hair and lifted her lips to his. He was what she wanted.

His kisses were gentle. Tender. She didn’t want gentleness. Her heart yearned for him too sharply to be content with mere tenderness.

Her kisses were hungry, demanding. She wanted every taste, every sensation to be seared upon her soul. If she couldn’t keep him in her arms, she would keep moments like these in her memory. Cleave them to her heart.

His feet stilled and, slowly, he broke their kiss. Their private waltz had come to an end.

She couldn’t repress the small sound of disappointment that escaped her throat… until she realized how far they now were from the ballroom. Although still and bare, the gardens’ trees and fountains provided a dark, secluded nook, sheltering them from prying eyes and the winter wind.

They were alone. Scandalously, deliciously, alone.

She didn’t think for a moment that it meant he was finally willing to introduce her to hedonistic pleasure—no matter how many nights she dreamt of just such a liaison—but she was greedy for any part of himself he was willing to share.

He led her to a stone bench and pulled her onto his lap.

Eagerly, she wrapped her arms about his neck, thrilling at the warmth of his embrace. He could have forced her to go back inside. Yet he cradled her in his arms instead. She wished she could be there forever. Her heart beat so rapidly, pressed against his.

He kissed the top of her head, the side of her temple, the shell of her ear. Letting her know he wanted more. Letting her know it was her choice.

Of course she would choose him.

She lifted her parted lips to his. He took her mouth. Her soul. His arms were heaven. She devoured him, her tongue dancing with his. He held her closer. The heat and passion of his kisses proved the intensity of his desire matched that of her own.

Her skin grew hot. Her clothes, restrictive. She wished she could tear his greatcoat from his beautiful shoulders. Feel her mouth on his warm neck, his muscled arms, his bare chest. To taste him on her tongue and know that he was hers.

The fantasy was so intoxicating, it stole her breath. Robbed her ability to think.

His kisses heated her flesh. All she could do was lose herself in the moment. Surrender to his mouth, his touch.

And pray he never let her go.

*****

Author Info:

Erica Ridley is a USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels. Her latest series, The Dukes of War, features roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Get free stories and 99¢ new releases: http://www.EricaRidley.com/club99

Trivia:

Born: Indiana
From: Florida
Lives: Costa Rica
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Beer or wine? Tequila
If there were no tequila: India Pale Ale
Beach or mountains? Mountains
Football or soccer? Da Bears
Favorite movie genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy
Favorite book genres: Suspense, Thriller, Romance
Favorite pastime: Traveling
States visited: 26
Countries visited: 30
Morning or night person? Morning
Walk or run? Rollerblade
Plotter or Pantser: Storyboard + Scrivener
Apple or Android: Apple
Tea or Coffee: Coffee
Chocolate, light or dark: Yes, please
Meat or veggies? Vegetarian
Favorite foods: Indian, Thai, Italian
Favorite music: All of it
Instruments played: Piano, guitar, violin
Biggest fear: Snow

Social Networks:

Website: http://www.EricaRidley.com
Blog: http://www.ericaridley.com/news
Reader Newsletter: http://www.ericaridley.com/club99
Dukes of War fan group: http://facebook.com/groups/DukesOfWar
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EricaRidley
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/EricaRidley
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/EricaRidley
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Erica_Ridley
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ericaridley

Published Works:

2010 Too Wicked To Kiss Kensington Zebra
2011 Too Sinful To Deny Kensington Zebra
2012 Born To Bite Kensington Publishing
2012 Charmed Intrepid Reads
2013 Tis The Season Anthology
2013 Midwinter Magic Intrepid Reads
2013 One Enchanted Season Anthology
2013 Let It Snow Intrepid Reads
2014 Dark Surrender Intrepid Reads
2014 The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation Intrepid Reads
2014 The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower Intrepid Reads
2015 Romance Writers of America: Première Anthology
2015 The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress Intrepid Reads
2015 The Major’s Faux Fiancée Intrepid Reads

Retailer Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/ericaridley
Apple / iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/erica-ridley/id426778365?mt=11
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/erica-ridley
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Erica+Ridley
Kobo: http://kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=erica+ridley

*****

Giveaway:

Erica is giving away an e-book copy of Dark Surrender to one lucky reader!

Leave you name and email address in the comments by 10 PM CT on Saturday June 20th and I will randomly choose a winner.

*****

Book Review – A Love Like Ours

04 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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A Love Like Ours, Becky Wade, Book Review, Porter Family series

A Love Like Ours

Porter Family series

by Wade, Becky

Scarred from his military days, cowboy Jake Porter is content being alone…until his old friend Lyndie starts tearing down the walls he’s built.

This is a Christian Romance so God & faith play a huge part in the story. Sometimes these books only have a special innocence and a hint of religion but here it is a center point of the story – Lyndie’s belief in a good God and Jake’s turning away from his.

I love the idea of these two having a connection even though they haven’t seen each other in decades. There are people who are that special and make such an impact on you that they live in your heart forever and that’s Jake & Lyndie. But a lot has happened to him since then and it has left scars both inside and out.

Jake is dealing with a lot of survivor’s guilt and PTSD from his time as a Marine. It’s led him to a dark and troubled place. He’s still a good man – one who cares for his family and takes his obligations seriously – but he feels unworthy and that’s led him to distance himself from others. Then Lyndie comes back into his life.

Her life with a disabled sister has taught her a lot about love, grace and faith. Her patience and understanding, plus her belief in a good God, gives her the ability to see into Jake and hope to be able to help him. She knows that God is what he needs but he needs to find his faith again. He just has to find it within himself to want to make that connection again.

It’s a lovely journey for both of them – one that has extreme lows to go with the highs but beautiful nonetheless.

(This story is part of the Porter Family novels but can be read as a stand alone.)

Spotlight – The Tycoon’s Red Hot Marriage Merger

03 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Christine Glover, The Tycoon's Red Hot Marriage Merger

The Tycoon’s Red Hot Marriage Merger

by Christine Glover

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: Sweet N’ Spicy Designs

Release Date: June 3, 2015

Join the Facebook Party!

Wednesday, June 3

6:00pm – 9:00pm CST

Can he unleash her inner vixen without losing his heart?

Geeky mathematician, Cassandra Nelson, proposes to her father’s sworn enemy to protect her family’s shipbuilding corporation from a takeover. Regatta racing tycoon, Marco Delgado, knows their union is a quick ticket into the society that shunned him after a devastating boating crash. He agrees, but expects a permanent commitment; one with sizzling side benefits. And, after a Vegas wedding, he unleashes Cassandra’s inner vixen during a steaming hot honeymoon in Argentina while aboard his yacht.

Cassandra never calculated falling in love into their equation, but there’s more than desire and passion flaring between them. Soon she believes they can have so much more than a sexy bargain on paper. But when Cassandra’s secrets are revealed, during a reception held in their honor, Marco must learn the power of forgiveness and love before they can have the future they deserve.

Mentally, she checked off her reasons for forging ahead with her plan. First, Marco had said she excited him. Second, she had ample exposure to the level of his physical excitement. Third, she might be inexperienced, but she had done her share of reading romance novels and given his days of self-denial she figured he’d reached a breaking point. Heck, seducing Marco couldn’t be harder than calculating algebraic equations.

He walked her closer to the edge of his bed until they tumbled onto the duvet, arms and legs tangling in a mad race to connect again. Then they synchronized their movements, born out of a knowing that had grown between them. Body-to-body, skin-to-skin, breath-to- whispered-breath they rediscovered each other.

Print: Amazon

Christine Glover loves writing sensual, sizzling, emotional contemporary romances where two lost souls find each other and discover home. She resides in Alabama with her husband, two insane cats and her wonderful daughter. She enjoys finding the silly in the serious, making wine out of sour grapes, and giving people giggle fits along with heartfelt hugs. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling the world, cooking gourmet food, and desperately seeking a corkscrew.

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Book Review – Tempting the One

02 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Meadowview Heat series, Rochelle French, Tempting the One

Tempting the One

Meadowview Heat series

Rochelle French

Country-girl Chessie Gibson’s always been a giver. Billionaire Theo Courant’s always been a player. Since childhood, the two have irritated the heck out of each other. Only when Theo breaks both wrists and ankles in a snowboarding accident, Chessie’s asked to care for her family friend. But being stuck with egotistical Theo in her Meadowview farmhouse is most definitely not her idea of fun.

Theo sees Chessie as part pin-up girl, part hippie-chick—nothing like the models and social climbers he’s used to dating. She’s gorgeous and luscious, but he’s never made a move on his best friend’s younger sister. The two of them are opposite in almost every way imaginable. But wow—is she ever hot!

But when Theo and Chessie end up stuck together for weeks, they come to know each other in ways neither thought possible. Seeing a different side of Theo—he’s not exactly the frivolous playboy he seems—Chessie finds herself unable to resist the temptation to try a “friends with benefits” situation. But their differences continue to come between them…and if Theo doesn’t learn love is something that cannot be bought, the chance of a lifetime could pass them both by.

Guess what, y’all? Yep, once again I’m picking up a series after it started. Surprised? Of course not. But the good thing is that this time it didn’t really matter. There were some mention of previous plot-points and the couples from the other books made the occasional appearance (because they are all related in some way – but that’s small town life for ya) but none of it really impacted this story. The author did overdo some of the references to how they related to one another but I did have an Advanced Copy so I’m not sure if all of them made it in the final cut … but it’s easy enough to overlook.

Chessie is one of those hippie-dippie Earth-lovin’ girls – she’s got her own, very unique, style and is big on being green. Usually I find that authors try a little too hard to get these free spirits on the page and they end up not appealing to me at all, but French does a fantastic job and I absolutely adored Chessie. She’s got a wonderfully positive attitude and a big heart … and a love-hate relationship with Theo.

To her, he is just too shallow, too rich, too good-looking … just too too. But when they are forced to live together for a few weeks while Theo recovers from his accident, Chessie starts to see the good guy underneath. She finds that his heart is just as big as hers and he works very hard to help those who need it … he just hides it behind that pretty boy façade. Which makes him very hard to resist.

Buuuut, Chessie has some baggage when it comes to rich men and it makes it very hard to trust Theo. Plus, even though he has a big heart, he does have a different attitude toward money than she does, which adds to their conflict. I totally understand where both of them are coming from (well done Rochelle French) and I was right there with them as they struggled to find a way to make things work.

Some might have a little trouble with how they got to the point of being “friends with benefits” but these two definitely had a unique relationship before Theo’s accident so it does work. And while there are a few steamy scenes between them, the majority of the book is about them getting a chance to see beneath the surface of the other, falling in love, and deciding whether they can risk their hearts.