Book Review – Hanky Spanky

18 Thursday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Erotically Bound series, Francesca Hawley, Hanky Spanky

Hanky Spanky

Erotically Bound Book 2

by Francesca Hawley

Curious Sub seeking the perfect Dom…

Karen Eckberg has spent months in front of a webcam, writhing and moaning, dutifully performing to Master Lars’ voiced commands. She’s sexually alive for the first time in her life but when her perfect Dom turns out to be none-other than her high school crush “Aw Shucks” Andy Larson, life takes an even more sensual turn than she’d ever expected.

Karen is everything Andy Larson has ever wanted in a sub, achingly responsive and eager to please her Master in every way. Unfortunately, their red-hot affair both in and out of the dungeon draws unwanted attention from his possessive ex-wife fueling Andy’s protective streak.

And now there’s no safe word that can protect Karen from a woman scorned.

While I know this book isn’t going to be for everyone, I think that those that do give it a chance are going to enjoy themselves. We get a bit of the kink out of the way early on, with a trip to a BDSM club, but after that it is mostly just really hot sex (with the occasional Sir or Master thrown in). The main story though is about finding the match for you and weathering some rough times. It’s nice to see Andy find someone that fits so well with him, especially after how unfulfilling his first marriage was. And he does a great job supporting Karen and showing her what a fantastic person he thinks she is. I liked watching them develop their relationship into something that works for them. And as awful as she is, I also liked seeing them handle his ex together.

You should know what you are getting into from the title, so there should be no surprises there. And while it isn’t my main genre of romance, I’m not the type to turn away from a little of the heavy stuff J I’m sure there are those who are more in tune with this scene who may have issues with the way the BDSM is handled (again, not my major thing so I just go with what works for me) or those that just don’t like it all (aaand you should know that going in) but as a novice who just enjoys an entertaining story I was more than pleased.

Book Review – Till I Kissed You

17 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Cottonbloom series, Laura Trentham, Till I Kissed You

Till I Kissed You

Cottonbloom #3

by Laura Trentham

It’s summertime in Cottonbloom, where two lovers find themselves at a crossroads just as things start to heat up. . .

Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…

Sawyer knows that Regan’s never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?

I hate to say it but it took me a little bit to get into this book. I absolutely loved the first two in this series (Kiss Me That Way & Then He Kissed Me) and was so excited at the idea of finally getting this couple’s story … and it was because of that that I kept at it until I got hooked. I can’t put my finger on exactly why, maybe it was because I was so anxious to get their HEA that the build-up just got to me, but whatever it was I was very happy that I didn’t give up. Once it did get going I had a hard time putting it down.

I love Sawyer. He’s got a good heart, cares about his family and his community. His only big weaknesses are his feelings for Regan and how his insecurities from his childhood still cause him moments of doubt. Especially with the wealthier ‘Sips (most importantly Regan’s mom).

Regan isn’t my favorite of the heroines but she grew on me as we find out her secrets and fears. She’s a complicated person but she’s spent her whole life hiding every little thing and putting on a “face” for everyone. I think that it causes her to be misunderstood by not only those around her but the readers as well. As we get to see beneath the surface we start to understand her more.

The threat to Regan wasn’t as big of a deal as I expected it to be after having it be a part of all three stories – if you’ve read the others, it pretty much continued on in the same vein, but of course we finally get to find out who is behind it, which worked very well with what we’ve seen so far. I was also thrilled to get the resolution on what happened to Regan & Sawyer all those years ago, causing such bad feelings between the two of them. Unfortunately those emotions are still present and give them all sorts of trouble in the present. But it was fun seeing them try to fight it out!

As is to be expected from Trentham, complex personal interactions and layered personalities are present in the last of the Fournette stories. These stories are so much more than just a romance – it’s the chance to get to know people and love them like family. I’m happy that there are more coming (most especially a HEA for my favorite Alabama transplant) and I definitely am looking forward to the new & sure-to-be interesting characters we will have the pleasure of meeting 🙂

(This is part of a series but can stand on its own with minor overlap to other stories, which are explained well so you can easily keep up if this is your first book.)

Book Review – Knocked Out By Love

16 Tuesday Aug 2016

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Abby Niles, Book Review, Knocked Out By Love, Love to the Extreme series

Knocked Out By Love

A Love to the Extreme Novel

by Abby Niles

Brody Minton has loved Scarlett Harris for years. But she’s his best friend’s wife, so he’s worked hard to keep his distance. Hearing the marriage is over shouldn’t change anything. Only an ass would make a move on a friend’s ex… Except Scarlett wants help getting back in the dating game, and Brody’s torn. If he helps her out, he can keep an eye on her and guard her vulnerable heart. But having the woman he’s longed for for years in arms’ reach is hell on a man’s restraint, no matter how iron strong his will.

But loving Scarlett is only half the fight.

All Scarlett Harris wants is to get away for a while and rethink her life after filing for divorce from her lying, cheating bastard of a husband. The gorgeous Bahamas sounds like the perfect escape, except she’s booked in very resort Brody “The Iron” Minton is staying at for his sister’s wedding. Now her ex’s best friend is dogging her every move, and is a witness to her first pathetic attempts at flirting in years. If Brody isn’t going to leave her alone, then she’ll just recruit him to help get her reacquainted with her single self.

There are stories that you enjoy but are difficult to get into and then there are stories that suck you in. This is definitely the latter – I was absolutely stunned to look up and realize I was over halfway thru the book and had no intention of putting it down any time soon!

I totally see where Brody is coming from with his attraction to Scarlett. He’s spent months avoiding her because she was his best friend’s wife but just because she’s divorcing him it doesn’t make it any easier to turn off those feelings of guilt. I like him as a man even more for it. He’s got things he feels strongly about – family, friends, loyalty. It is hard for him to ignore them … until he finds out exactly what happened. I love the way he’s there to support Scarlett, both before and after the Bahamas vacation. She needs someone to be there for her and he does it so well. And so sexily 🙂

Scarlett finds herself single, beaten down and unsure of herself. Trying to get her single girl mojo back isn’t working and even more so once Brody is in the picture again. Until she finds herself attracted to her old friend … and figures out that it could be mutual. I totally get where she’s coming from too – her insecurities and fears. I’m going to give a minor spoiler in saying that I loved how she was able to resolve things with her ex at a time when they both needed it most. There is something freeing in that interaction that could color so much for her and Brody, while it also helps her figure things out on what she needs to do to have a happy future.

There are some serious issues at play here but Niles handles them very well. I also appreciate how she gives the two of them a supportive relationship – both of them are there for each other in ways that matters, understanding what is needed and providing the support that the other needs. The last few chapters are just fantastic and I think the ending is just too darn adorable.

I read the first couple of stories in this series, but then I skipped a couple. This one can definitely stand on its own, although it looks like there’s some set up here for future stories. And I’m definitely gonna keep my eye out for what she brings next.

Book Review – Kickin’ Up Dust

15 Monday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Em Patrova, Kickin' Up Dust, Operation Cowboy series

Y’all, we’ve got a cowboy as hot as Texas in July … and he’s not afraid to show you 🙂

*****

Kickin’ Up Dust

Operation Cowboy Book 1

by Em Patrova

July 19, 2016

Blurb:

This Marine follows the rules. This cowgirl is all about breaking them.

After losing his best friend and CO, Matt, in combat, Brodie Bell didn’t think his spirits could sink any lower. He was wrong. One look at his and Matt’s storm-flattened hometown nearly levels him.

Los Vista needs a leader, and as Brodie takes the weight of the world on his shoulders, he comes up with a plan. Merge the two ranches left standing, pray for a good calving season…and keep his hands too busy to get busy with Matt’s sexy little sister.

Danica was in pigtails when Brodie and Matt went off chasing glory. Now she’s a woman with a broken heart, but if Matt knew of the depraved cravings Brodie ignites in her body, he’d haunt her from the grave.

As they work to mend miles of broken fences, Brodie fights to ignore Danica’s tiny cutoff shorts and mile-long legs—and to ignore the “weapon” that’s locked and loaded in his Levis. Because the last thing he wants is to dishonor his friend’s memory by ravishing the sweetest little cowgirl he’s ever laid eyes on.

Warning: Involves a sweet and sassy ranch girl who knows her way around a rope, and a Marine turned cowboy who’d like to tie her down and spank her until she begs for more.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28514351-kickin-up-dust

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/29qUFfO

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/29qUYaA

Kobo: http://bit.ly/29pp42j

iBooks: http://apple.co/29l8UAI

Google Play: http://bit.ly/29tHJYc

*****

Review:

So, I just have to say I have absolutely NO idea why no one thought it was a good idea to tell these 4 guys that their entire town (including some of their homes) was leveled by a tornado. It isn’t like it happened in the last couple of days … I get that they were away at war and really couldn’t do anything about it, plus they’d just lost their close friend, but wow! I would be so beyond ticked off if I came home to something like that completely unawares.

But I did appreciate the way that Patrova picked it up from there – the way that the guys pitched in, the actions of the townsfolk, and the feeling of community as they all tried to work something out. In a place like that where you have to support each other, that doesn’t go away just because you lose your house It is highlighted in times of hardship.

My other trouble spot was why Brodie would think that he wasn’t good enough for Danica. I get that they held Matt in such high regard that after his death they would put his little sister on his pedestal but he’s a good man and has a lot to offer her. If he’d given any indication that he was just trying to play her I might feel a little different about it, but he genuinely cares. And he’s a pretty good catch 🙂 The military taught him a thing or two about being in control, which he brings to all areas of his life … ALL areas. Mix in his sexy cowboy-ness and *whew* scorcher!

Danica is strong in her own right but has always had a soft spot for Brodie. Having him come back in her life looking as hot as can be and taking charge makes him almost irresistible. Unfortunately he seems determined to stay friends but she’s cowgirl enough to take him on!

The grief from Matt’s death does weigh on the both and I feel that Patrova handles it pretty well. Fortunately they have a lot to deal with that keeps them from dwelling and allows them to take their time to work through it all. It’s a lot to hit them with all at once but they are strong Texas folk and easily up to handling it.

We get glimpses of the rest of the men, enough to know that they all have their strengths as well. I’m curious to see what they have in store for them as they work to setting their town back to rights … and finding that special someone to help & support them.

*****

Author Info:

Em Petrova lives in Backwoods, Pennsylvania, where she raises 4 kids and a Labradoodle named Daisy Hasselhoff. Her dream is to find an old pickup and travel small-town USA, meeting new people. Her heroes are hardworking–in bed and out–and she is known for panty-scorching erotic romance.

She also writes lesbian romance as Hallie Knight.

Website: http://www.empetrova.com/

Newsletter: http://www.empetrova.com/subscribe.html

Twitter: http://twitter.com/empetrova

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/empet16/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4342760.Em_Petrova

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29xEkYLIY

*****

Click the link below to check out the rest of the stops on the tour

http://rockstarlit.com/content/kickin-up-dust-operation-cowboy-book-1/

Book Review – This Loving Feeling

12 Friday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Miranda Liasson, Mirror Lake series, This Loving Feeling

This Loving Feeling

A Mirror Lake Novel

by Miranda Liasson

Samantha Rushford’s future looks bright: the high school art teacher is getting ready to leave Mirror Lake and move to Boston with her ambitious boyfriend, and she hopes a diamond ring is just around the corner. But her past still has a hold on her—especially the bittersweet memory of her rebellious ex, who kissed her passionately before he left town without a word.

Since then, Lukas Spikonos has parlayed his rebel ways into life as an up-and-coming recording artist. When he shows up for a surprise gig at the high school prom, Sam is more dumbstruck than starstruck—he used the words of a poem she wrote about their breakup to create a number one hit. But Lukas hasn’t returned just to impress students; he’s facing some real-life responsibilities and needs Sam’s help. But she has her own unresolved issues about the life she wants to lead. Will the music—and the pull of true love and family—put their hearts back in harmony?

I remember Lukas & Sam from This Love of Mine and that I couldn’t wait to find out how they come back together again. And Liasson delivers a winner.

It’s quite a few years later and Sam’s ready to start a life with someone else … then Lukas comes back into town. Even though she’s tried very hard to move on, having Lukas nearby is throwing everything into turmoil.

Lukas has worked very hard to be successful. A foster kid who never really knew love or family, he doesn’t believe that he’s got what it takes to be in a relationship. He’s convinced that leaving was the best thing he could do for Sam. Until he sees her again.

I adored these two together. Sam tries so hard to be the good girl but she’s hiding her spirit and trying to fit into what she thinks she should want, not necessarily what she does want. Having her sexy and oh-so-tempting ex around, showing her what a great man he’s grown up to be, definitely isn’t helping things.

And while Lukas may not think he has what it takes to be a family man, especially with the crazy life of an up-and-coming rock star, his actions definitely speak loudly. He may not have had the best childhood but he’s turned into a kind and caring man. He just has to learn to believe in himself.

It is so great seeing these two come together again. While they have a few bumps getting there, they manage to figure out what works for them and throw everything they have into making it work. Knowing that things will work out makes it easier to sit back and see them work through their issues. Those growing moments just grabbed my heart and didn’t let go.

Book Review – Welcoming the Bad Boy

11 Thursday Aug 2016

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

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Annie Rains, Book Review, Hero's Welcome series, Welcoming the Bad Boy

Y’all, who doesn’t love a bad boy in uniform?!?!

*****

Welcoming the Bad Boy

Hero’s Welcome #3

by Annie Rains

Releasing August 2, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of Welcome to Forever (“Full of heart and emotion!”—Lori Wilde) comes a sweet, sexy novel about breaking all the rules. In Seaside, North Carolina, the boys on the base are heroes—but that doesn’t mean they’re always well-behaved.

As a preacher’s daughter, Valerie Hunt only dates the very respectable, very boring men who meet her father’s strict standards. In private, however, she leads a double life as a romance writer of steamy stories about the least respectable sorts of men. Valerie has always kept her hottest fantasies separate from her real life, but when she nearly runs a hot-blooded biker off the road, the lines begin to blur.

Even though Valerie almost killed him, Griffin Black can’t be angry after he learns the reason for her distracted driving: an unruly puppy belonging to her ailing friend. As a member of the military police K-9 unit, Griffin insists on training the dog himself. But he soon wonders how he’s ever going to stay disciplined around the most alluring, down-to-earth, and totally unattainable woman he’s ever met. Valerie is the ultimate good girl. And Griffin is going to need all his old tricks to unleash her wild side.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27774343-welcoming-the-bad-boy

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/154832-hero-s-welcome

Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“Damn.” He tipped her chin up with his index, looking at her with his dark molasses eyes. “I’m serious. I want to go out on a date tomorrow. No sex.”

“No sex?” she asked.

“Just flowers and chocolates. And lots of kissing. Say yes to me,” he said, kissing her mouth again, making it impossible for her to tell him no.

“But there is more sex tonight, right?” she asked, moaning as he lowered his mouth to cover one breast.

“Say yes, Val,” he said, as the rough, unshaven edge of his jaw scraped against her skin, feeding her arousal.

“Yes,” she said through shortened breaths. “I say yes.”

He emitted a low laugh that tickled against her skin. Then he thrust himself inside her again, making up for the arrangement they’d just made for tomorrow. Making up for all the lonely nights she’d endured until this one. Making up for all the lonely nights she would endure after he was gone.

*****

Review:

(This is the third book in this series – after Welcome to Forever and Welcome Home Cowboy – but it can be read on its own. Val and Griffin are friends with the couples from the first two books, and they make the occasional appearance, but their storylines don’t come into play here. Although it is nice to get an update on their relationships 🙂 )

I did find this one to be a little lighter of a read than the first two books. Griffin has issues with his mom and Val has a difficult relationship with her dad, but overall this came off as a little more of a traditional contemporary romance than what we’ve seen before.

Since they have friends that are in relationships together, Griffin and Val are aware of each other but they haven’t spent any time together. A freak meeting puts them on a collision course that quickly turns flirtatious. It’s a slow burn as they get to know each other and we get to know them a little better. Spending time together has them evaluating a few things and making some decisions about their lives & the relationships that they hold dear.

Val is keeping her career as an author secret from everyone and you know that some how that is going to bite her. I will say that I didn’t feel that part of the book was handled completely. And she also makes some decisions that doesn’t make that much sense if she wants to keep it a secret … although maybe she was just aching to get caught.

The parts with her relationship with Griffin and her time with the people at the retirement community, even the stuff with her dad that needed to be addressed before she could truly be free (and which needed about three more paragraphs to really satisfy me), are wonderful. But the author thing only worked for me in spots. It wasn’t enough to cause me trouble but it did make me shake my head here and there 🙂

With sexy and fun characters, entertaining and flirtatious interactions mixed with heart and emotion when it comes to those who mean the most to them, Rains delivers another heart warming love story. And you just know she’s got a couple more good ones up her sleeve.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina.

Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$20.00 Amazon or B&N eGift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81102/

*****

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Book Review – To Have and to Hold

10 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Returning Home series, Serena Bell, To Have and to Hold

To Have and to Hold

A Returning Home Novel

by Serena Bell

In this emotionally charged novel from the bestselling author of Hold on Tight (“Sweet, sexy, and real.”—Jessica Scott), a war hero fights to remember the love he left behind—and the woman who refuses to fade away.

The reunion is supposed to be the start of the rest of their lives. But when Trina Levine sees the soldier she promised to love forever, Hunter Cross looks at her like she’s a stranger. The connection is gone, lost in the blank stare of those soulful brown eyes. Hunter remembers his young daughter but not Trina, and he certainly can’t recall why Trina and her own child are living in his house. Although his lean, rugged frame bears the scars of battle, his mind took the worst hit.

But Hunter Cross hasn’t forgotten everything. His body remembers caressing Trina’s delicate curves, holding her close, never wanting to let go. Was it just a dream, or was it real life? Now, as he tries to put the pieces back together, Trina’s the one who comforts him when his night terrors strike. It’s Trina whose warm touch rekindles a connection no man could deny. Even with the odds stacked against them, Hunter wants to believe. Because passion has the power to awaken the past—and remake the future.

Based on the blurb, I think I expected something a little different than what I got. For some reason I read that as Trina fighting for Hunter but in reality it is something so much more complicated.

We start with Hunter coming home and not recognizing Trina, but at that time he doesn’t realize that he’s lost a year of his memory. With all the hub-bub of getting him healthy and home no one recognized that there were gaps … until he comes back and finds Trina waiting for him, obvious signs that she’s more than just a friend.

I feel so bad for both Hunter and Trina. He’s freaked out by the memory loss and because of his first marriage very hesitant about giving his heart to anyone again. Finding that he’d apparently started a relationship with Trina sometime during his missing year only adds to his stress. Without any basis for it, and only remembering what happened with his wife, he’s not ready to try to rekindle anything.

Trina doesn’t have a good history with men. She got pregnant in high school, only to have the boy chase his dreams and leave her & the baby behind. She wasn’t necessarily looking to fall in love but Hunter convinced her to trust him with her heart … only to break it when he doesn’t remember her. With an opportunity to go to California so her daughter can be near her dad, and without Hunter as a reason to stay, Trina starts packing.

But first Hunter talks her into staying just until he can get comfortable in his home and with his daughter again. Lots has changed in a year, especially with a preteen girl, and he needs a little help to get settled. The only problem is having Trina in his home, and knowing that they had something together, makes the situation even more complicated.

There’s such a jumbled mess of emotions in this house – the girls don’t want to be separated (from each other or Trina & Hunter), Trina started to love again only to have it turn on its head, and Hunter is scared and confused. Bell does a fantastic job of showing their confusion, heartache and hope. And of delivering a fantastic HEA ending.

Book Review – Worth the Trouble

09 Tuesday Aug 2016

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Book Review, Jamie Beck, Worth the Trouble

Worth the Trouble

by Jamie Beck

Cover girl Cat St. James’s picture-perfect life is anything but flawless. Luckily, she’s a master of hiding the truth from the camera. Relying on that skill, she conceals her latest secret from her family while attending her brother’s wedding. Her only trouble now is Hank Mitchell—the soft-spoken carpenter she’d once brushed aside. Seeing him at the reception underscores her private heartache and ignites unwelcome longing, which she promptly drowns in champagne.

Hank is no stranger to sacrifice, having set aside his own ambitions to take care of his family. One thing he won’t forsake is his pride, which Cat already wounded once. But when the maddening beauty’s reckless behavior forces him to rush to her rescue, he sets in motion a series of events that leads Cat to make a business proposal granting him his dream job.

When Cat and Hank mix business with pleasure, promises and secrets unravel, and each must decide if and what they’ll surrender for love.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Worth the Wait, and I’m really not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading this one. Maybe because I didn’t remember liking Cat all that much (actually I’m not really all that sure how I felt about her) but I think that I expected her to be difficult to like in her own story.

I was seriously wrong. She’s flawed, full of pride and neurosis, but she’s also caring. She works in a world that is all about her image and her dad has never seen her as more than just a pretty face. It’s easy to see why she gets so hung up on what will happen to her now that she’s older and how she can prove herself to be more than just a trophy. Unfortunately a disastrous relationship and a serious secret has her hesitant to give her heart to any guy again.

Hank definitely sees more than just her beauty. He’s a sensitive, loving person who unfortunately has been dealt a very difficult hand. Shortly after his dad died his mom started displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s so he’s had to support his family since a very young age, giving up many of his dreams. It also means he doesn’t have a lot of time or energy to give to a relationship. He thought something might have developed with Cat but she threw him over for someone else … and now that she’s single again he might be tempted but he’s also very hesitant to be hurt again.

I would have thought that Cat’s attitude would have gotten to me but Beck does a fantastic job of giving her readers a couple they can relate to and care about. I found myself turning page after page hoping that they would find some way to get past their history and issues to be together. When things go sour for them (as you’d expect), it made me sad for them – although I was definitely more on Hank’s side than Cat’s. But they manage to get it all together finally and get that HEA they so need. And I definitely can’t wait to see what comes next.

Spotlight – Playing by Her Rules

08 Monday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Amy Andrews, Playing by Her Rules, Sydney Smoke Rugby series

We’ve done football, hockey and baseball … I’m thinking it’s time for rugby!

*****

Playing by Her Rules

Sydney Smoke Rugby #1

by Amy Andrews

Publication Date: July 18, 2016

Genres: Adult, Entangled Brazen, Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

In this grudge match, the first to score…

When style columnist Matilda Kent accidentally lets slip that she was once involved with the captain of the Sydney Smoke rugby team, she suddenly finds herself elevated to the position she’s always wanted – feature writer. The catch? She’s stuck doing a six-part series on her ex. Still, there’s no way she can turn down a promotion…or the chance to dish the dirt on the guy who so callously broke her heart.

…could win it all!

Tanner Stone wants to be involved in a feature series about as much as he wants to snap an Achilles. But the thought of seeing Tilly again is a bonus—and has him more worked up than he wants to admit. Only he’s not prepared for how different she is – all cool and professional. His Tilly is still in there, though…and he still wants her, now more than ever. All he has to do is charm her into giving him a rematch. And this time, winner takes all!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29LVj6G

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/29ETjxr

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/29GgTcb

B&N: http://bit.ly/29RtbC1

Paperback: http://bit.ly/29ZXVTt

Kobo: http://bit.ly/29ET714

iBooks: http://apple.co/29RtRYc

*****

Excerpt:

She folded her arms and tapped her foot. She wasn’t in the mood for his jokes. He held his hands up in mock surrender, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I promise I won’t even try to—” his gaze dropped to her mouth “—kiss you.”

Matilda’s mouth tingled under his intense scrutiny, and all she could think about as the lift opened, inch by noisy inch, was Tanner kissing her.

She’d been kissed by other men. Some had been most excellent kisses even if none of them had worked out. But this was Tanner, her first love—the gold standard of kissing. And her body was melting down at the memories.

She escaped into the lift as soon as the gap was wide enough to allow it. “I’m not sure you’ll fit in here,” she said and really hoped it was true. “It’s possibly the world’s smallest lift.”

“I’ll manage.” He strode in undeterred, dominating the space instantly, sucking away all her air.

Matilda punched the floor ten more times than necessary, keeping her eyes trained to the front, hyperaware of Tanner, sprawled casually against the opposite wall, his hands-in-pockets stance exposing a splash of white shirt pulled taut across his abdomen. She crowded forward, closer to the control panel, desperately trying to keep as much distance between them as possible as his cologne swirled around her.

He smelled like orchids and…ouzo.

The door slowly ground shut, protesting all the way and Matilda willed it to—just this once and she’d never ask again—deliver her speedily to her floor. As was its custom, the lift stood still for long moments before finally grumbling to life.

She stared straight ahead as it slowly ascended, desperately trying to think about anything other than him kissing her. And failing. How could she not when she was excruciatingly conscious of him standing all big and solid and silent in her peripheral vision, staring at her, his gaze heavy on the patch of skin where her neck joined her shoulder as if that might be the place he’d like to start.

It was warm and getting warmer in the lift but still her nipples beaded as if they were standing in a fridge. And for all the room in here, they night as well have been.

She hated that her body had so easily gotten over his Judas kiss. That she was a slave to her hormones. Or maybe it was her memory?

The emergency telephone panel was right in front of her and she concentrated on that instead of his relentless gaze. She wondered if she picked it up and ordered some amnesia stat whether that would be considered misuse of public property?

“You could get up to a lot in a lift that moves this slow.”

His words rumbled out into the small space and Matilda swore she could feel each one of them glide over her skin. Her pulse fluttered madly as an image of them going for it against the wall—his trousers open, her skirt rucked up—filled her head. She spoke quickly, unthinkingly to dispel it.

“It’s faster going down.”

He chuckled, causing goose bumps everywhere. “Clearly it has its priorities all wrong.”

*****

Author Info:

Amy is an award-winning, best-selling Aussie author who has written fifty plus contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets and been translated into over a dozen languages including manga. She is a USA Today best-seller and has sold in excess of one million books featuring lots of sex and kissing. She likes to make her readers tingle, laugh and sigh.

She loves good books and great booze although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else. At sixteen she met a guy she knew she was going to marry and she did. They’re still married and have two grown kids who never stay away long enough to be missed.

She lives on acreage on the outskirts of Brisbane with a gorgeous mountain view but secretly wishes it was the hillsides of Tuscany.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354822/

*****

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Spotlight – Eight Second Ride

05 Friday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Anne Jolin, Eight Second Ride, Willow Bay Stables series

Finishing up the week with a rough & tumble sexy cowboy!

*****

Eight Second Ride

Willow Bay Stables #2

by Anne Jolin

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Owen Daniels lives his life eight seconds at a time. The thrill of anticipation that comes with sitting on twelve hundred pounds of untamed power is unparalleled. The adrenaline rush that floods his system when the chute opens is one of life’s most unique and natural highs.

Ride eight seconds bareback on a bucking bronco—that’s his life.

When Owen’s stock horse, Remington’s Lady, is injured midway through the rodeo circuit, he trailers her back home to Willow Bay, Alberta, to remain in the care of the local vet, Ray Brookes.

Months later, with a truck bed full of buckles, Owen comes home to collect his Lady from the man he trusted to help her recover. Only Ray happens to be short for Rayne, and Rayne happens to be a woman.

And this woman wants nothing to do with a cowboy fresh off the circuit. As far as she’s concerned, he can take his buckles, boots, and spurs right back on out of her life.

Will Rayne keep them from holding on to their eight-second ride? Or will love buck out of the chute in time for a perfect score?

PAPERBACK: http://amzn.to/2aEbxQB

KINDLE US: http://amzn.to/2a2GNZr

KINDLE UK: http://amzn.to/29gL91x

KINDLE CA: http://amzn.to/29oKN6O

KINDLE AU: http://amzn.to/29m1JN6

iBOOKS: http://apple.co/29ozqh5

KOBO: http://bit.ly/29gvdYQ

NOOK: http://bit.ly/29xxa8N

Want to read CHANGE REIN, Book #1 for FREE? Click below to claim your copy!

https://www.instafreebie.com/free/KNVkw Copies are available until August 8th!

*****

Other books by Anne Jolin

Willow Bay Stables:

Change Rein, Book 1: http://amzn.to/2a6IfLS >> .99cents!

Eight-Second Ride, Book 2: http://amzn.to/2aEdUD4

Rein In, Book 3: Releasing this October!

Rock Falls Series:

Chasing Rhodes, Book 1: http://bit.ly/ChasingRhodes

Choosing Henley, Book 2: http://bit.ly/ChoosingHenley

Breaking Bennett, Book 3: http://bit.ly/BreakingBennett

Keeping King, Book 4: http://bit.ly/KeepingKing

HELL ON HEELS:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2a3UWtI

Audiobook: http://adbl.co/29LxIqX

*****

Excerpt:

Shoving the last (a bit too large) bite of bran muffin into my mouth, I push out the doors that led to the clinic’s driveway.

There was a dusty red pickup truck with a horse trailer hitched to the back blocking my view of the barn. Sidestepping around it, I opened the file in my hand to refresh my memory. We’d had Lady here for a little over four months, but I liked to cover all the bases with an owner before we discharged an animal from our care.

“Oh, here she is!” I heard Nora boom over the flat land.

Next was a deep and gravelly voice. “She?”

Lifting up my head, I choked on my muffin.

His butt.

That was literally all I could see. A ten-gallon, tan cowboy hat and a Wrangler-clad ass. Somewhere in between, I was pretty sure I’d skimmed over some pretty impressive muscles, but that butt…

My coughing (from my choking) must have encouraged him to turn.

I declared the front wasn’t so bad either.

He stood at what I had to guess was at least six foot four and stretched across the broad expanse of his chest was a faded black T-shirt. The man looked rough, not in a bad way, but in the kind of way that made you wish you could spend a lifetime curled up in his lap. A five o’clock shadow darkened his hard jaw, and eyes as green as the summer grass watched me as I stopped a few feet from him.

“I’ll be on my way,” Nora muttered and disappeared across the parking lot.

The silence left in her wake made me uncomfortable so, after swallowing, I decided to fill it.

“Ray Brookes.” I held out my hand to him, and he studied it.

Eventually, he slid a much larger, calloused hand into mine and squeezed. “Darlin’, I’ve met Ray Brookes, and you sure as hell ain’t him.”

“Oh.” I tugged at my hand a little as a result of the odd backhanded compliment, but it didn’t budge. “I’m sorry.”

“Nothin’ you need to be apologizin’ for.”

He was rough around the edges but charming in a way that cowboys so often were. They were a legend after all, weren’t they?

*****

Author Info:

Hey y’all,

I was born and raised in Ladner, a small farm town just outside Vancouver, Canada. I grew up riding horses, shooting guns, and driving in trucks.

I never expected to be an author. A massage therapist? Yes. Take over the family construction company? Yes. But an author? No. Writing was something that snuck up on me and rooted itself into my life. It was beautiful to discover that love, and I’m truly grateful to say I’ve found my passion.

Since I’ve always been a creative person, it feels amazing to harness all of that energy and use it to tell a story I love. I enjoy incorporating bits of my real life into the stories I write. What parts are true? Hah. I’ll never tell—what would be the fun in that?

If I could leave y’all with one thing, it’s that life’s far too short to not live it out loud. Drown in your passions, hold on tight to the things that inspire you, and chase your dreams relentlessly. I can promise you without a doubt that you won’t regret it. I know I don’t.

Mad love,

Anne Jolin

Social media links:

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8388273.Anne_Jolin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorannejolin

Website: http://www.annejolin.com/

*****

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