Spotlight – Exposing the Heiress

13 Thursday Aug 2015

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Exposing the Heiress, Jennifer Apodaca

And now for the second of two sexy new reads for your Thursday!

*****

Exposing the Heiress

by Jennifer Apodaca

Publisher: Entangled Ignite

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Format: Kindle

Blurb:

This Marine will protect her at all costs…

When wealthy heiress Alyssa Brooks finds out her stepfather has been paying her fiancé to marry her, she’s humiliated and betrayed. She quickly breaks the engagement, only to be blackmailed by her now ex-fiancé, who threatens both Alyssa and the son she gave up for adoption. With nowhere to go, she turns to the one man she can trust.

Former Marine sniper Hunter Reece’s lethal skills could save Alyssa’s life. But his little sister’s best friend has turned into a woman, who is an irresistible mix of secrets and sexiness. And while Hunter can trust himself to protect her, he can’t trust himself to keep his attraction hidden…or even pretend to be the man that Alyssa remembers.

Because the only way to keep the lovely heiress safe is to become the one thing he knows she could never love…a killer.

ORDER INFORMATION

Exposing the Heiress is available for purchase at

*****

Author Info:

Award winning author Jennifer Apodaca grew up in Southern California and met her very own hero at the dog pound. She worked there, he came in on business, and it was puppy love. They married and had three wonderful sons.

While her husband worked on his master’s degree, Jen did the mom thing by day and went to college at night with the intention of pursuing a marketing degree. But her true passion was writing. With time at a premium, she had to make a choice.

Choosing writing, and with the full support of her husband, she poured herself into her dream. A mere eight years later, she published her first book DATING CAN BE MURDER. In her career, Jen has written a fun and sexy mystery series and a variety of contemporary romances. Taking the pen name of Jennifer Lyon, she also created a dark, sizzling paranormal series, and most recently, The Plus One Chronicles, an emotional and sexy adult contemporary series.

Jen has achieved many of her dreams except for attaining a self-cleaning house, a latte delivery service, and finding the holy grail of nonfattening wine and chocolate. She can live with those disappointments as long as she can keep writing the stories she loves to share with readers.

For More Information

Visit Jennifer’s website.

*****

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

Spotlight – Consumed By You

13 Thursday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Consumed By You, Fighting Fire series, Lauren Blakely

Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories –one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. And CONSUMED BY YOU is absolutely no different! CONSUMED BY YOU is the next book in the red-hot Fighting Fire Series and is Travis and Cara’s sexy love story.

*****

Consumed By You

Fighting Fire series

by Lauren Blakely

She’s playing with fire…

Dog trainer Cara Bailey wants to find “the one,” but fantasizing about her sexy-as-hell client, firefighter Travis Jansen, is getting in the way. Her only option? Get the confirmed bachelor out of her system-in every position possible-so she can settle down with Mr. Right. Starting right now.

Travis doesn’t do relationships, so no matter how badly he wants the pretty little brunette, he keeps his distance. Until Cara goes and changes the game. She’ll fulfill all of his fantasies if he agrees to walk away when it’s over. But when the wildfire between them blazes out of control, it will consume everything-and everyone-in its path….

CONSUMED BY YOU is a full-length, standalone romance novel that follows Travis and Cara’s scorching story.

CONSUMED BY YOU Buy Links:

✦ Amazon US➙ http://amzn.to/1LQZ2yd

✦ Amazon UK➙ http://amzn.to/1OAJTjM

✦ iBooks US ➙ http://tinyurl.com/ConsumedByYouLB

✦ iBooks UK ➙ http://apple.co/1GQb3Cx

✦ B&N ➙ http://bit.ly/1dIMpYw

✦ Kobo ➙ http://bit.ly/1IpQn08

✦ GooglePlay ➙ https://goo.gl/DftCrq

Add it to Goodreads here!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25007332-consumed-by-you?ac=1

FIGHTING FIRE series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/128767-fighting-fire

And don’t miss the first two titles in the Fighting Fire series!

BURN FOR ME

MELT FOR HIM

Praise for CONSUMED BY YOU:

“A seductive tale of bets and propositions that will ignite your senses and warm your heart.” – Patricia at A Literary Perusal

“This book was amazing!! Cara and Travis are awesome together! They can go from friendly joking to smoldering lovers in the blink of an eye. A 5-Star Read!” – Book Lovers Obsession

“I totally loved Consumed by You. It was an amazing book about second chances, about finding and fighting for what you want in life, about sexy deals and, of course, about how easy is to fall in love with a firefighter as awesome as Travis Jansen, my new addition to the book boyfriend collection.” – Angelica at Collector of Book Boyfriends

“The intensity that flows between Travis and Cara not only consumes them, but the reader as well.” – Liz’s Reading Life

*****

Excerpt:

“So you want dog training and sex?” he asked, still sure he was hearing things—like, his wildest fantasies coming true.

“Yes. The perfect combo.”

“Okay. And not that I’m protesting, because let me make it clear, my answer is yes, fuck yes, and absofuckinglutely yes, but why the change?”

She let go of his hands to stand up, then sank back down, straddling him. Oh, hell. There went any breathing room in his jeans. His dick did its best approximation of a flagpole.

She cupped his shoulders, looking him square in the eyes. Being this close to her was dizzying, and an absolute rush. “Because, Travis, I can’t get you out of my head. Or my body. I went on a date the other night with the nicest guy around. I think there could be something real with him,” she said, and he bristled and nearly breathed fire. The image of her on a date with someone else made his gut twist. “But all I could think about when I was out with him was sleeping with you and all the ways I want to have sex with you.” His head was fever hot. A tremor of lust slammed into him, and he grasped her waist, digging his fingers into her hipbones.

“There are so many ways I want to have you, Cara,” he whispered, hot and rough against the delicate skin of her throat, savoring the way gooseflesh rose instantly on her skin.

“And that’s what I need. You gave me the best sex of my life, starting way back when we were in high school, which is crazy in and of itself. But so it goes, and no one compares to you. Not that I have a ton of experience, but the way I see it is, I will never be able to move on and have the dream— the white picket fence, and the family, and all those things I want—if I’m still thinking of how good it is with you.”

“Don’t forget about the time after college graduation on the picnic table in the woods by the river. And then that night three years ago when you were back in town for Alycia’s holiday party, and I kissed you under the mistletoe at the party after you sang that song, and you pulled me into a coat closet and insisted on having me right then and there,” he said.

She dropped her face into her hands. “See? That’s my point,” she muttered, and then looked up at him. “All those times are messing with my head. And I can’t seem to connect with anyone else because I’m hung up on you. So the only conclusion I can come to is, if I’m ever going to meet Mr. Right, I need to get Mr. Wrong out of my system.”

*****

Author Info:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and thirteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. This summer she’ll release Consumed by You, her next title in her NYT Bestselling Fighting Fire series about sexy firemen and the women they love. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

Links:

Website: http://www.laurenblakely.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3

CONSUMED BY YOU Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25007332-consumed-by-you?ac=1

Lauren Blakely Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card, Signed Copy of Melt For Him, and 2016 Fireman Calendar

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/03bad0a3131/

*****

Spotlight – Dopey Women

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Dopey Women, Laura Barnard

Dopey Women

by Laura Barnard

Sadie had a bumpy upbringing but she’s still managed to drag herself out and carve a career for herself. That all comes crashing down when she, along with the women she manages; Mags, Lexi & Steph, get made redundant. She’s screwed. In hindsight she shouldn’t have attacked her colleague in a moment of rage. There goes the reference.

When they all bump into each other a few months later at the job centre Sadie finds she’s not the only one in a hole. Steph’s boyfriend has left her holding the baby, Lexi’s stuck in an abusive relationship and poor Mags has breast cancer. They’re all struggling to keep on top of their bills. They all need money to get out of their situations, its as simple as that.

Mags mentions that some women find marijuana helps ease the sickness caused by chemo. With the desperation mounting and the coffee spurring them on they somehow decide to start growing it. They’re only going to sell to ladies going through chemo, so its not too bad, right? They’re not going to be proper drug dealers. And its only temporary.

They didn’t bet on the business taking off so well though. Before they know it they’ve got orders coming out of their ears, a sexy detective on their trail, suspicious neighbours and drug dealers angry they’re working on their patch.

Can Sadie pull them out of this dangerous world they’ve found themselves in? And can she do it before they end up in prison?

UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013RSMV4Y?keywords=dopey%20women&qid=1439403344&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3

US – http://www.amazon.com/Dopey-Women-Laura-Barnard-ebook/dp/B013RSMV4Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1439403376&sr=8-2&keywords=dopey+women

Laura is also having a big giveaway over on her facebook page – www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks – chance to win £20 Amazon voucher!

Book Review – And Then He Kissed Me

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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And Then He Kissed Me, Book Review, Kim Amos, White Pine series

And Then He Kissed Me

White Pine series

by Kim Amos

PLAYING WITH FIRE . . .

Five years ago, Audrey Tanner flung caution to the wind and herself into the arms of an emerald-eyed bad boy biker she met at the White Pine Asparagus Festival. Two blissful weeks together convinced her that Kieran Callaghan was The One-until The One blew town without a word, leaving her brokenhearted. Now, starting a new job at the new Harley Davidson showroom, Audrey is floored to meet her new boss: Kieran. He’s still hot as hell, but she won’t fall for his sexy smile again. This time, she’s calling the shots.

. . . OR PLAYING FOR KEEPS?

Kieran never thought he’d return to White Pine, Minnesota, much less see Audrey again. Gorgeous and smart as ever, she’s just as irresistible as he remembered. She still doesn’t know why he had to leave-or that he’s missed her every day since. But he can’t deny he wants more than the no-strings fling Audrey proposes. As things between them heat up, Kieran must choose between the secret he’s sworn to keep and the woman he never stopped loving . . .

In most of my reviews I talk about how fabulous (or not until the end) the hero is but in And Then He Kissed Me Audrey is definitely the star. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kieran and I applaud the changes he’s made to his life since leaving White Pine five years ago. But it is the changes that Audrey is going thru now, thanks to losing her job and becoming a Harley model, that are truly awesome and fun.

While out of her comfort zone in the new job, especially once she realizes that Kieran is her new boss, standing in front of everyone in sexy leather biker clothes gives her a certain attitude that bleeds over into her every day life. Watching her come out of her shell and shine is an absolute treat. But it isn’t always easy.

Besides dealing with Kieran (which would be enough on its own), her controlling sister is pushing against not only her changes but her being anywhere near Kieran again. Having it been the two of them for so long, it definitely isn’t easy for Audrey to deal with her sister’s attitude. But as she finds a new stride, I cheered for her every step of the way. It’s glorious and she’s definitely one of my favorite heroines of all time – her opening comment to Kieran sealed it for me … but you have to read it to find out what she said (or look at reviews on Goodreads) 🙂

I also loved how vulnerable both Audrey and Kieran are in this situation. Both of them have to come to terms with the past and decide if they are going to let it impact their future – Audrey on whether she can trust Kieran again and Kieran on whether he can be vulnerable but more importantly if he can reveal a secret that will hurt Audrey. It’s not an uncommon dance in romances but one that Amos handles exceptionally well.

It’s no surprise that I didn’t read the first story in this series, A Kiss to Build a Dream On. Luckily this is one of those times when it didn’t matter, although I’m definitely adding it to my TBR pile. With fantastic primary and secondary characters and an emotional storyline, And Then He Kissed Me is a must read and Amos is an author to watch. She has two more White Pine stories this year and I can’t wait!

Spotlight – The Dating Intervention

10 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Hilary Dartt, The Dating Intervention, The Intervention series

I have to say this one looks like a hoot and a half and so far the reviews on Amazon say it is a great summer read. A great way to wind up the season!

*****

The Dating Intervention

The Intervention series #1

by Hilary Dartt

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: August 1, 2015

Blurb:

When Delaney Collins’s fail-proof dating system fails completely, her best friends Summer and Josie take absolute control of her dating life through The Dating Intervention. Although Delaney’s intuition is always right on when it comes to men, she never listens to it. If she doesn’t start now—with her friends’ help—she’s in danger of ending up alone and lonely in a sea of men with stained neckties and cumbersome baggage.

You can find The Dating Intervention on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25718388-the-dating-intervention

You can buy The Dating Intervention here – Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dating-Intervention-Book-ebook/dp/B01240L6RO/

*****

Excerpt:

Online dating? What’s wrong with meeting guys at bars? Aren’t guys with online profiles usually creepy?

But her friends forged ahead. They leaned over the tablet, lips pursed in concentration.

“Oh, definitely not him,” Summer said. “Too much hair gel, for sure.”

“What’s wrong with hair gel?” Delaney asked.

“See? This is exactly what we’re worried about, D. Too much hair gel on a guy over thirty means he’s a prima donna. It means he doesn’t like his mother. It means he drives a nice car but wears holey underwear. It means he doesn’t want children.”

“You get all this from hair gel?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Ooh, look at this guy,” Josie said. “Very good-looking.”

“Get the details,” Summer said.

Josie tapped the tablet’s screen.

“Damn. He’s a consultant. Code for unemployed.”

“Seriously, you guys? Code for unemployed? How do you even know?”

“Again. Another example of why we’re doing this for you, D,” Summer said. “You’ve demonstrated previously–and you’re demonstrating now–that you don’t have an instinct for this stuff. Next.”

*****

Author Info:

Hilary Dartt is an author and freelance writer who grew up among the redwoods and hippies of California and now lives among the cacti and cowboys of the wild west. She and her husband live in Arizona’s high desert with their children and an assortment of pets, including five chickens. To maintain sanity and quiet her inner critic, Hilary runs, drinks wine and eats chocolate. She’s the author of The Intervention Series: The Dating Intervention, The Marriage Intervention and The Motherhood Intervention. Learn more at http://www.hilarydartt.com/.

You can find and contact Hilary here:

– Website: http://www.hilarydartt.com/

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

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

– Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bfVlEH

*****

Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of The Dating Intervention. You could win a 10$ amazon gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1124/

*****

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

This is my stop during the blog tour for The Dating Intervention by Hilary Dartt. This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 1 till 14, you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours: http://lolasblogtours.net/blog-tour-the-dating-intervention-by-hilary-dartt/

This is the first book in the Intervention series.

Spotlight – Hell Bent

10 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Hell Bent, Karen Crompton, South Shore Beach series

I’m so happy to have Karen Crompton with us this morning to answer a few questions and to share her newest – Hell Bent: A Wild Young Adult Romance (South Shore Beach Book 1) – available on Amazon right now for only 99 cents!

*****

What do you like the most about writing romances?

I enjoy the cheeky/flirty side of love, so that’s always fun to write. Readers like to lose themselves in books and I enjoy taking them on that journey.

What is your favorite romantic story?

I absolutely love Jane Austen’s novel, Emma.

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

Abby Abernathy from Beautiful Disaster … because come on, who wouldn’t want Travis Maddox chasing after them.

Which of your characters was the most fun to write?

Corrie’s best friend, Alana, was really fun to write. She’s a bit quirky and loves old movies, quoting lines at the most inopportune times. Most of the time no one has any idea what she’s even talking about, especially her boyfriend, Rake. This of course, proves hilarious for the reader.

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

A ballerina!! (not that I’ve been able to squeeze myself into a pair of tights since I was twelve years old!) But a girl can dream, right?

*****

Hell Bent

South Shore Beach series

by Karen Crompton

Blurb:

He’s charming. He’s rebellious. He’s as beautiful as he is damaged.

South Shore’s bad boy surfer Beau Huntington has a solid plan to get through life: one night stands, copious amounts of alcohol, and walls so high no one can ever get in — it’s all about numbing the pain. And his plan’s working fine — until he meets Corrie Johnson. That’s when things begin to unravel. Because falling in love was never part of the plan.

Angry, bitter and confused, Beau’s violent temper lands him in trouble more often than not — but he’s about to learn that the fight of his life doesn’t involve his fists.
Hell Bent is the journey of one troubled soul, two broken hearts, and the bonds that bind three brothers.

Hell Bent’s sequel – Heaven Sent is due out later in 2015.

Amazon – http://amzn.com/B00PLA5ZJK

Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id941977198

*****

Excerpt:

I grin and lean closer. “Dilated pupils normally indicate arousal of some sort, did ya know that?”

“What?” she says, blinking.

I burst out laughing. “You heard me, so maybe your knickers are in more of a twist than you realize.”

She makes a sort of gagging noise. “You’re a walking cliche.”

“I don’t do anything by the book,” I protest.

“Oh really, is your motorbike parked out the front, bad boy? The one you ride shirtless, showing off your impressive abs, your nipple rings and your surfing tattoos. Let me guess … a Yin and Yang no doubt. Or did you scab a ride with one of your stoner friends?”

I instantly see red. She thinks she has me worked out. Stuff that. I’ve done a lot of shit lately, but I don’t do drugs. Never have. And my tattoo is something else all together.

*****

Author Info:

Karen Crompton was born and bred on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Hell Bent is her highly accomplished debut novel that explores both the joys of young love and the pain of loss. Having always had a great interest in Young Adult / New Adult films and literature, Karen says that having a book published — one that means so much to her personally — is a dream come true.

www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenCrompton

*****

Bonus Excerpt:

My eyes drop to the floor and my hands press against Corrie’s warm back, pulling her in so close that she can barely move. I frown, confused almost at just how deep I’ve got myself in this.

“What is it?” she asks.

“I know I’m totally wasted and probably talking shit, but meeting you has changed everything. You make me feel, I don’t know, worthy of you or something. Nothing means more to me than you, Corrie. I love you so much.”

A small breath escapes her lips. She’s watching me closely, searching my eyes for something she’s missed, something lost. Doubt washes through me and the thought of the next sentence ever becoming a reality burns a huge gaping hole in my chest.

“Don’t leave me,” I say, my mouth against her ear.

I hold her close again and she rests her head on my shoulder. My eyes get lost in the haze of smoke and mirrors and I know for sure that the time’s finally come. I can’t keep the truth from her any longer. I owe her that much.

Spotlight – Stepdog

09 Sunday Aug 2015

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Nicole Galland, Stepdog

I’m ending the weekend with an AWWWW cover … and when isn’t the cute quotient of a book severely upped by a dog?!? You guys have to check out the newest from Nicole Garland – I mean, how can you resist that face?

*****

Stepdog

by Nicole Galland

From the author of The Fool’s Tale and I, Iago comes a disarmingly charming and warm-hearted “romcom” about a woman, her dog, and the man who has to prove he’s good enough for both of them.

In NICOLE GALLAND’S STEPDOG Sara Renault fires Rory O’Connor from his part-time job at a Boston art museum, and in response, Rory—an Irish actor secretly nursing a crush on his beautiful boss—throws caution to the wind, leans over, and kisses her. Now Sara and Rory are madly in love.

When Rory’s visa runs out on the cusp of his big Hollywood break, Sara insists that he marry her to get a green card. In a matter of weeks they’ve gone from being friendly work colleagues to a live-in couple, and it’s all grand . . . except for Sara’s dog, Cody, who had been a gift from Sara’s sociopath ex-boyfriend. Sara’s over-attachment to her dog is the only thing she and Rory fight about.

When Rory scores both his green card and the lead role in an upcoming TV pilot, he and Sara (and Cody) prepare to move to Los Angeles. But just before their departure, Cody is kidnapped by Sara’s ex—and it is entirely Rory’s fault. Sara is furious and broken-hearted. Desperate to get back into Sara’s good graces, Rory takes off and tracks Cody and the dog-napper to North Carolina. Can Rory rescue Cody and convince Sara that they belong together—with Cody—as a family? First they’ll need to survive a madcap adventure that takes them all across the heartland of America.

STEPDOG is a refreshing and hilarious romantic comedy that asks: How far would you go for the one you love?

On Sale August 4, 2015

ISBN: 9780062369475

$14.99

Praise for I, Iago:

“This is an astonishing work of imaginative empathy, buttressed by deep research and enriched by lively storytelling … Galland takes one of Shakespeare’s most enigmatic characters and creates a full life for him, sweeping the reader into the vibrant world of Venetian intrigue and the carrying us, also, to the deep places of the human heart.” — Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

*****

Author Info:

NICOLE GALLAND is the author of five previous novels: The Fool’s Tale, Revenge of the Rose, Crossed, I, Iago and Godiva. A native of Martha’s Vineyard, she graduated from Harvard University and studied Dramatic Literature at UC Berkeley, then divided her time between California and New York City for many years, before returning to the Vineyard to stay (except for when she’s somewhere else, like Boston). She is the co-founder of Shakespeare for the Masses at the Vineyard Playhouse, and writes a cheeky etiquette column for the Martha’s Vineyard Times. She is married to actor Billy Meleady and owns Leuco, a dog of splendid qualities.

Book Review – Pete Sebastian, Coach

08 Saturday Aug 2015

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

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Book Review, First & Ten series, Jean Joachim, Pete Sebastian Coach

I love football … even fictional football 🙂

*****

PETE SEBASTIAN ANSWERS A FEW QUESTIONS:

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, or course.
Mounds or Almond Joy? What? You don’t expect me to answer that in public, do you?
Steak or lobster? Steak – cooked on the grill.
Oatmeal or scrambled eggs? Chocolate chip pancakes.
Sausage or Bacon? Bacon. Goes better with chocolate.
Airplane or train? Airplane. I hate to waste time.
Walking or driving? Running. Was that an option?
Country or Rock? Country.
Women – brunette, blonde or redhead? Blonde, about five three, nice rack.
Pretty or Witty? Both – smart. Gotta be smart and love football. Sexy wouldn’t hurt. Wait. Maybe that should go first? Nah. Smart first.

*****

Pete Sebastian, Coach

First & Ten Series

by Jean Joachim

GENRE – Sports Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – June, 2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 66,000 words – 220 pages

PUBLISHER – Secret Cravings Publishing

COVER ARTIST – Dawne Dominique

Blurb:

Pete Sebastian, Coach Bass to his team, thought he had his life under control until smart, alluring Jo Parker sashayed into a front office job with the Connecticut Kings. He locks horns with the beautiful female when she implements new ideas to clean-up the team’s rep. Was she there just to push him around or was she the one woman he’s been seeking?

Struggling toward success in the man’s-man world of the NFL, Jo Parker has relied on her brains and determination to get ahead. But her new job at the Kings has one hurdle she hadn’t counted on – a sexy coach standing in her way. How can she kept her mind on her job when all she wants is to get closer, much closer, to the coach?

Can Coach Bass handle a woman in the boardroom and bedroom? Can he keep his heart safe or will the revelation of a secret destroy his dreams, leaving him alone once more?

Caution: Locker room language.

AMAZON KINDLE US – http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZAXXGUS/

AMAZON KINDLE CA – http://www.amazon.ca/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZAXXGUS/

AMAZON KINDLE UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZAXXGUS/

AMAZON PAPERBACK – http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Sebastian-Coach-First-Ten/dp/1631056417/

BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pete-sebastian-coach-jean-joachim/1122088468?ean=2940151448949

ITUNES – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pete-sebastian-coach/id1009752750?mt=11

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25694459-pete-sebastian-coach?ac=1

*****

Character Bios:

PETE SEBASTIAN – Winning the Super Bowl is just the beginning for Coach Bass, as his team calls him. He walks on water, until his world gets turned upside down by a feisty female. When the new V.P. of Publicity turns out to be a gorgeous blonde, Pete is stopped in his tracks.

Raising twin daughters alone after his wife took a powder, Pete has been too busy to be lonely. But now that his girls are off to college, loneliness has become his constant companion. Bed partners are easy to find, but the right woman, one who loves football almost as much as she loves him isn’t easy. So far, he has come up empty.

With a beautiful woman in the office next door, Pete can hardly concentrate on preparing for training camp. All he wants to do is kiss Jo Parker, but she’s tucked away behind a professional demeanor and not going to play his game.

Never one to throw in the towel, Pete has a strategy to win this woman who keeps one step ahead of him. Can the charming, sexy coach win the affections of the elusive Ms. Parker? Or his he destined to continue on playing a solo game?

JO PARKER – Jo Parker is a woman who knows what she wants, right? She thinks she does. A successful woman in the man’s world of NFL front office, Jo has worked hard and taken lots of guff to rise to the level of vice president of publicity.

Her new job at The Connecticut Kings presents a challenge. Not only does she have to clean up the reputation of a team that fired two players for domestic violence, but she has to resist the practically irresistible charms of the coach, Pete Sebastian.

With her pug, Daisy, tucked under her arm, Jo takes Monroe and the Kings by storm. She rolls in, determined to send the players to anger management, to avoid further bad behavior. But they roadblock her at every step. And leading the resistance is the devastatingly handsome, Coach Bass.

Chemistry and mutual attraction short-circuit Ms. Parker’s plans. She finds herself in unfamiliar waters, falling in love. But love is not in her plans. She doesn’t believe in Prince Charming and she’s not about to give up her independence for a roll in the hay.

But loneliness and a hunger for love, born from a sterile childhood, draw her to the warmth and charm of Pete Sebastian. Will she be able to control her emotions, fight through their mutual attraction to focus on the job and only the job?

*****

Excerpt:

Pete stripped down to boxers and donned his running shorts. Not bothering with a shirt, he headed for the beach. There was no way he could get to sleep after his steamy encounter with Jo Parker. Running would clear his mind and calm his body.

He pulled an elastic with his house key on it over his wrist and left. As he walked down the path to the sand, he thought about Jo. Christ, I can’t stop thinking about her! Chilled by the night air, he started to run. He’d known she was sexy, but the way she had surrendered in his arms, well, surprised wasn’t the word. He never thought she’d fall without a major seduction. Flowers, candy, dinners out—now he could forget that. Next date would end in his bed.

Pete could hardly wait. Searching his memory, he couldn’t remember when he had been so turned on so quickly. She’d had him when she’d walked in wearing that sweater. Shit, I could barely keep my eyes or hands off her breasts. Lust had boiled up in his veins when she’d insisted on seeing his bedroom. Standing there with the sea on one side and alluring Jo Parker on the other, a foot from his bed, he could hardly control himself or ignore the protests from his dick.

*****

Review:

I’m so ready for football season to start and I’m loving the influx of football related romances 🙂 With Pete Sebastian, Coach we get it from the coach’s & front office’s POV – a fun change from just players (which I’m not knocking’ btw!).

This is the first of the First & Ten books for me so I don’t know if this is a good representation of Joachim’s work, but from what I’ve seen on different sites she’s got a pretty vocal (and happy) following, which is a good sign. The writing isn’t the tightest that I’ve read but the story is very satisfying and the characters have struggles that readers can get behind. Both Pete and Jo have their moments of stupidity – and Jo’s penchant to run when trouble strikes doesn’t do anyone any good – but they also have very real and touching moments.

Pete’s put his love life on hold while he raised twin daughters on his own, but now they are off to college and he’s ready to fill that empty spot. What he didn’t count on was finding someone in the team’s office that hits him quite like Jo does. Jo has spent years fighting for her place in a man’s world and she’s a success but at the expense of her dating life. Meeting Coach Bass starts something that quickly takes off.

I really liked these two together – yes, I wanted to smack them when they were being dumb but I also wanted to give them a hug, which means I was involved and that’s always a good thing 🙂 Again, there were moments when the phrasing wasn’t the smoothest, but for me it was easily overshadowed by the characters and the plot. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on Joachim – I expect lots of good things to come!

*****

Author Info:

Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued put, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – http://www.amazon.com/Jean-C.-Joachim/e/B001ITRQKY/

WEBSITE – http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

BLOG – http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jean-Joachim-Author/221092234568929

TWITTER – http://www.twitter.com/jeanjoachim

GOOGLE+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/111423777977819826895/

PINTEREST – http://www.pinterest.com/jeanjoachim/

NETWORKED BLOGS – http://jeanjoachim.blogspot.com

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/334810.Jean_C_Joachim

*****

Giveaway:

$10.00 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9944253c168/

*****

Spotlight – Made For Us

07 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Made For Us, Samantha Chase, The Shaughnessy Brothers series

Meet the Shaughnessy Brothers

This month, bestselling author Samantha Chase launches her new contemporary romance series the Shaughnessy Brothers. In the series starter, MADE FOR US, readers are introduced to the five amazing Shaughnessy brothers–each more successful than the last. From a building contractor, to a scientist, to a former racecar driver, and even a rock star, these brothers are as different as can be, but also extremely close. Losing their mother early in their lives solidified the brotherly bond and helping raise their baby sister also brought them together. But with their sister raised and careers in order it is time for the next phase in their lives. And while these brothers might not be looking for happily-ever-afters, romance is looking for them! Below get to know each of these sexy Shaughnessys, starting with Aidan from MADE FOR US.

~~~

Name: Aidan Shaughnessy

Occupation: Building Contractor

Height: 6’2

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eye Color: Blue

Age: 34

What makes you the perfect date?

No one – including myself – has ever said that! But if I had to say something, it would be that I like to take care of all the details so that my date doesn’t have to worry about a thing.

What do you look for in a woman?

Typically someone strong and independent but also enjoys being taken care of.

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

I’m a bit of a control freak – or so I’ve been told! I’m hard working and know exactly what I want out of life. I can be quiet and observant – a bit of a people watcher. I don’t enjoy crowds very much. I prefer if I’m out, to be out in a small group or with one person.

~~~

Name: Hugh Shaughnessy

Occupation: Luxury Resort Owner/Designer

Height: 6’3

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eye Color: Blue

Age: 32

What makes you the perfect date?

I am extremely attentive. I believe in taking a woman out for a romantic dinner with dancing and candlelight and making her feel like she is the most important thing in the world.

What do you look for in a woman?

She’s intelligent and easy to talk to but who isn’t looking for forever. I travel a lot and she would need to be understanding of that.

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

I’m a really regimented man. I mean really. I like things done a certain way and I’m a stickler for routines and schedules. Some say I’m overly cautious – in every aspect of my life – but that doesn’t mean that I’m boring. I have an appreciation for the finer things and I’m outgoing and enjoy being around people and making new friends.

~~~

Name: Quinn Shaughnessy

Occupation: Former Race Car Driver turned Automotive Restorer

Height: 6’

Hair Color: Dirty Blonde

Eye Color: Blue

Age: 30

What makes you the perfect date?:

I’m the fun one in the family. I like to go out with a woman to a bar or someplace with loud music or find something athletic to do. I want to be where the party is.

What do you look for in a woman?

I’ll admit to being a little shallow here – I am all about looks. Tall, blonde, curvy…and that’s about it.

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

Like I said, I’m the fun one. I am all about living life to the fullest. I enjoy sports – all sports – and I hate to be idle. Cars are my current passion and to me it’s go-big-or-go-home. If I can’t succeed and excel at something, then it’s time to move on. So far it’s worked for me.

~~~

Name: Owen Shaughnessy

Occupation: Astrophysicist

Height: 6’

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eye Color: Blue

Age: 28

What makes you the perfect date?

I don’t really think I am. I don’t believe perfect is something anyone can attain. Dating really hasn’t been on my radar but when I do take a woman out, we usually talk about science. And she’s normally a scientist so I guess you can say I make sure we talk about mutual interests.

What do you look for in a woman?

I spend a lot of my time trying to not be noticed. But if I notice a woman, it’s usually because we’re both working together or studying together. I look for someone who understands me.

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

Quiet. Shy. Socially awkward. At least that’s how most people tell me I am. I don’t think about it much. I’m devoted to my field of study and helping others learn about astrophysics and it pretty much consumes all of my time and energy.

~~~

Name: Riley Shaughnessy

Occupation: Musician/Rock Star

Height: 6’

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eye Color: Blue

Age: 28

What makes you the perfect date?

When I’m out on a date with a woman, there is no one else in the world. I put all of my attention on her and do my best to make sure that our date includes everything she wants.

What do you look for in a woman?

I used to be all about the looks – mainly because women were always chasing after me. I had superficial relationships, now I look for a woman who sees more than a rock star, a celebrity. I want to find someone who just sees me.

Describe yourself in 100 words or less:

Confident. Talented. And currently, mildly insecure. I have always loved music, loved to sing and if I couldn’t do that, I don’t know what I’d do with myself. Music is just a part of me. I put my partying ways behind me – not that I had much of one. I’m just as comfortable on stage in front of thousands of people, as I am at home watching TV.

*****

Made For Us

by Samantha Chase

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: The Shaughnessy Brothers, Book 1

Blurb:

Can’t make time for love?

The Shaughnessy brothers have spent the years since their mother’s untimely death taking care of each other and trying to make their father proud. Oldest son Aidan is hard-working, handsome, successful-and still single. Sure, he’d like to have his own family someday, but who has the time?

She’ll show him how to find it

Zoe Dalton, a stunning designer Aidan meets on one of his construction jobs, has the beauty and heart to make Aidan realize how much he could be missing. But it’s not easy to break down walls you’ve spent years building up. Now there’s a major storm bearing down on the North Carolina coast, and it could be catalyst enough to force Aidan and Zoe into some major decisions of the heart.

Buy Links

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

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1Kje4hf

iBooks: http://apple.co/1SAHlTT

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1DtcvFI

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://www.chasing-romance.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamanthaChase3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1250276.Samantha_Chase

*****

Giveaway:

Samantha Chase Book Bundle and Shaughnessy Brothers Tee Shirt

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7161/

*****

Book Review – Not So New In Town

06 Thursday Aug 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Michele Summers, Not So New In Town

Not So New In Town

by Michele Summers

Harmony Homecomings

You can’t go back, and you can’t stand still…

Lucy Doolan is a marketing genius. She can sell rain to a frog and snow to a polar bear. Newly single and unemployed, she’s lured back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister…only to find former crush heartthrob Brogan Reese has returned too, to open a new business in town. To add insult to injury, he’s still hot.

If the thunder don’t get you, then the lightning will…

Brogan never noticed Lucy much when they were young, but seventeen people have recommended her to help him. She’s got his attention now. With her sweet personality, brilliant imagination, and penchant for doing the completely unpredictable, Brogan is finding a whole lot of excuses to spend his days-and nights-with Lucy.

My only complaint about this book is that I’m not sure that Lucy’s issues with her stepsister were ever addressed. I mean they never actually fight, there are little digs and comments, but then suddenly they are supposed to be on good terms? I would have liked to have seen some kind of heart to heart, even if it was a snarky one. Something that would have shown some progression in their relationship and maybe an understanding of where they are coming from. Unfortunately I didn’t feel like we got that.

But I read these for the love story and that part hit it on the head. Small town romances can be so much fun – especially with the humorous cast of characters that you can get in the South. I mean who doesn’t love a sassy best friend who has a pet pig … and not a miniature one 🙂 Actually that is my other complaint. I think that Lucy’s friend Wanda needed her own story, because there is a lot going on there as well. Before I get too far with my complaints I should say that I haven’t read the first book, so I’m not sure if any of this would have been addressed with Find My Way Home. It doesn’t seem like it, because Lucy comes to town after the happenings of book 1, but you never know so I feel like I should throw that out there.

The relationship between Lucy and Brogan, though, is absolutely darling. I loved these two together and their journey is a ton of fun (& funny). With their history and the paths that life has led them down, it makes for an interesting and sometimes difficult attraction. I loved the way that Summers brings them together and the resolution she gives them at the end. It wraps things up beautifully and I smiled when they finally get it all figured out.