Book Review – Blaze a Trail

31 Monday Oct 2016

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Blaze a Trail, Book Review, Claire Boston, The Flanagan Sisters series

Blaze a Trail

The Flanagan Sisters #3

by Claire Boston

Blurb:

They’re from the opposite ends of town but they’re worlds apart.

Zita Flanagan wants more. She wants to help more Central American refugees and make more of an impact. But her family comes first and fulfilling her own dreams seems impossible.

David Randall leads a privileged life and knows nothing about refugee issues. When he meets dynamic, sexy Zita, it seems like the perfect opportunity to learn. Zita’s passion for helping those less fortunate and her selfless devotion to the girls her mother fosters brings David’s life sharply into perspective.

Zita soon realizes that David is so much more than a rich boy. She begins to trust him with her foster sisters’ stories, and her own hopes and dreams. But when David’s father announces he’s running for governor and the focus of his campaign is the ‘refugee problem’, Zita has grave concerns for her sisters’ safety. Then David’s betrayal exposes secrets, and it becomes a race against time to save lives.

Can David convince Zita to trust him again, or will his mistake put the life of the woman he loves in jeopardy?

I knew when I met David in Change of Heart that Boston just HAD to bring him back for his own story. And since there was just one sister left … tada! 🙂

I really like David and the moments of introspection he goes thru – not only does he have to evaluate his own life, but also that of his family. Time with Zita shakes things up for him and not just romantically. Seeing firsthand everything that her family does to support their foster girls gives him access to a world he knows nothing about and that is deeply affecting many people today (especially in this election year). I think that Boston handles it well – never getting too preachy but giving her readers a feel for the personal side around immigration.

Zita has taken on a lot of her family’s work with the foster girls. Being the only one at home, with her sisters living their own lives (but helping in their own way), puts a lot of strain on her. She feels like she HAS to do so much for her mom that she can’t pursue her own wants and dreams. I totally get where she’s coming from and I love how supportive her family & David are when it becomes obvious she wants to help in a different way.

I am also pleased that we got that little bit of danger like we had in Break the Rules, as it added just a little bit extra to an already emotionally packed story. It fits well with the story and also gives Zita a chance to shine a bit more, while giving David that redeeming (and humbling) moment he needs. She’s the one that has to be in charge here and he is strong enough to recognize it & support her.

The things that the foster girls and the Flanagan women deal with is not easy and Boston doesn’t really soften it much for you. These are horrible situations and a touchy one for many people. You have to be OK with taking on a lot of heartache with your HEA, but you’ll definitely be glad you did.

(While the story can stand on its own, returning readers will appreciate seeing more of the characters they’ve grown to love and getting to know Zita & David even better. Plus, we get a peek at the next Flanagan … and it isn’t a sister 🙂 )

Book Review – Candy Cane Christmas

28 Friday Oct 2016

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Book Review, Candy Cane Christmas, Cottonbloom series, Laura Trentham

Candy Cane Christmas

A Cottonbloom story

by Laura Trentham

A very Cottonbloom Christmas!

Jeremy Whitehurst has tried to leave his bad-boy behavior and tarnished image behind in Alabama for a fresh start in Cottonbloom, Louisiana. Unfortunately, trouble has dogged him across state lines. Stepping up and protecting a young woman from her abusive boyfriend earned him a beat-down and got him fired. Although the thanks in the girl’s dark eyes made it all worth it, he recognizes she’s just a different kind of trouble. A trouble he’s not sure he can stay away from.

One rebellious summer dented Kayla Redmond’s carefree innocence. Now her focus is on completing her associate’s degree for bookkeeping, and no one is going to derail her plans. Unfortunately, her job at Fournette Brothers Designs puts her in the path of the one man who has seen her at her worst, yet his blue eyes don’t judge her. He sees beyond the brokenness inside of her and rouses her wild side once more. But, that’s what got her in trouble in the first place.

Christmas is coming and Kayla’s ready to forgive herself and take a chance. But the holiday has only ever brought heartache to Jeremy. No Christmas miracle kept his mother clean or out of jail. Will one reckless night and some time spent in the back of a cop car be the best present Jeremy’s ever been given?

I’ve been waiting a long time for Jeremy to get a HEA and Trentham delivers beautifully. She gives us all of his background info that we’ve been waiting for, plus forgiveness and a chance at something more than just living for him.

Jeremy’s been beating himself up for his bad decisions for a long time but he’s proven himself to be a better man, to have learned from his past. Now he just has to realize it J Kayla also has a little self-forgiveness to do and to realize that bad choices don’t define us. Like Jeremy, it’s what you do from then on that’s important.

While there isn’t a lot of conflict here, the growth that they go through is just as important. It’s a Christmas novella so there’s the requisite heart and emotion, learning and moving forward, fresh starts and healing old wounds … but of course with Trentham flair! She’s not going to give us just any old holiday cheer – ours has leather, motorcycles and cop cars just to keep things hopping.

Book Review – Tempting Tristan

27 Thursday Oct 2016

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

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Book Review, Harborside Nights series, Melissa Foster, Tempting Tristan

OH MY! Tempting indeed!

*****

Tempting Tristan

Harborside Nights Series #3

by Melissa Foster

Releasing October 19, 2016

EverAfter Romance

Blurb:

Fresh off the heels of yet another bad relationship, Tristan Brewer is taking a break from men to try and figure out where he keeps going wrong. He knows his biggest fault—he leads with his heart, not his head—and that’s never going to change. But after several introspective weeks, he’s beginning to get a handle on things. That is, until badass heartthrob Alex Wells walks into his bar…

Alex has spent eight years in the Army, months in a hospital bed, and far too long hiding his sexual identity. He’s guilt-ridden, damaged, pissed off, and up for a Silver Star—for the incident that nearly cost him his life, and kept him from his grandmother’s funeral. But all he wants to do is forget his stint with the institution that allows but doesn’t necessarily accept, and live the life he’s always dreamed of.

The chemistry between Tristan and Alex ignites from the moment they meet, and the more time they spend together the hotter the flames become. But the closer Tristan gets, the more Alex’s walls go up, and when the two walk onto a military base, Tristan finds out Alex’s physical scars aren’t the ones that run the deepest.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24779486-tempting-tristan

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

*****

Excerpt:

“Can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer.”

Tristan shrugs. “Have at it.”

“Why were you taking a break? I get that your ex was a prick, but is there more to it?”

He looks down the street, across the street, and then his hand cruises through his hair as it has so often that I’ve already come to expect it when he’s nervous.

“Ian was a prick, but the rest is going to make me sound like a pussy,” he admits.

“I’ve only known you a day, and I already know nothing can make you sound like a pussy.”

He meets my gaze, and his jaw tightens. He lifts his chin and I recognize the struggle between feeling proud and worrying about looking weak. I fight that battle on a daily basis.

“I give away my heart too easily, and I end up getting hurt.”

His eyes never leave mine, and that trust, that confidence, is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.

“I was right. Nothing can make you sound like a pussy.” I slide my hand to the hard ridge of his jaw and lean in closer. “I’ve never given my heart away. That makes you braver than me.”

*****

Review:

I’ve seen a lot of Melissa Foster’s books floating around but for some reason not only have I never read one I’ve not even featured one on this site before. Even better, I have another one I’m reviewing in November – so I went from none to two in about a month 🙂 She’s very popular (and very good) and has done quite a few tours so I have NO idea how I’ve missed her up to this point. But I have to say I’m glad I finally wised up!

Not having read any of Foster’s books I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the characters are very well done. Tristan may be a little more overtly emotional than Alex but both of them feel deeply and they also each have their own issues they have to overcome. Wearing his heart on his sleeve has left Tristan a little battered. While spending almost a decade in the military, hiding his sexuality, has left scars both inside and out for Alex. But together they find ways to heal and move forward, growing individually and as a couple.

Some aren’t going to like the insta-love thing, but I think that Foster handles it well and, even though it is fast, it progresses in a believable manner. They spend a lot of time together and have a connection thru Alex’s grandmother that helps bind them even more. They are good at filling in the spaces the other needs – propping each other up and providing support when it is needed. It’s an equal thing between them, as each of them have moments of weakness and strength.

I have to admit that I was a little amused by some of the interactions between Tristan and Alex. One of them mentions a “sword” and it got me snickering but then I realized that while I don’t know that many gay men (and those I do aren’t all that vocally demonstrative) I do know guy’s guys and I can see them doing something similar. You have to be OK with a little blue talk and off-kilter humor but as Foster brings you closer to the guys it just works for their relationship.

You also have to be good with some very steamy m/m bedroom sequences (and anywhere else they find themselves in the mood). You should know what you are getting by the description, plus the insta-love is usually first based on insta-attraction, but just know that Foster doesn’t pull any punches. Tempting Tristan is hot and sexy and emotional.

Wonderful characters. A story with angst and growth but not a whole lot of drama. Easy-to-read writing. All of it adds up to quite an enjoyable read. And I can’t wait to see if Foster’s next book in my TBR pile is as good 🙂

(Even though this is part of a series it can easily stand on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Win a Print Copy of TEMPTING TRISTAN

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81143/

*****

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Spotlight – Promise Trail

27 Thursday Oct 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Promise Trail, Redemption Mountain series, Shirleen Davies

We’ve seen Shirleen Davies before and she’s quite the master at western romances. And this once looks like it could be a doozie!

*****

Promise Trail

Book Six, Redemption Mountain

Historical Western Romance Series

Blurb:

“The Redemption Mountain series is as good as historical romance gets—vivid settings, memorable characters, love, and lots at stake. Shirleen Davies knows how to bring the old west to life. You feel as if you’ve traveled, with the characters, to the frontier. I hope there will be more to come!” Book Review

Bull Mason has built a life far away from his service in the Union Army and the ravages of the Civil War. He’s achieved his dreams—loyal friends, work he enjoys, a home of his own, and a promise from the woman he loves to become his wife.

Lydia Rinehart can’t believe how much her life has changed. Escaping captivity from a Crow village, she finds refuge and a home at the sprawling Redemption’s Edge ranch…and love in the arms of Bull Mason, the ranch foreman. For the first time since her parents’ death, she feels cherished and safe.

In an instant their dreams are crushed…

Bull is resolute in his determination to track down and rescue Lydia’s brother, kidnapped during the celebration of their friend’s wedding. He’s made a promise—one he intends to keep. Picking the best men, they are ready to ride, until he’s given an ultimatum.

Choices can seldom be undone…

As their journey continues, the trackers become the prey, finding their freedom and lives threatened.

And promises broken can rarely be reclaimed…

Can Bull and Lydia trust each other again and find their way to back to the dreams they once shared?

Promise Trail is book six in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series. It is a full length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

*****

Excerpt:

Bull wanted to rage at the world, shout that Lydia was his and no other man had the right to her. Watching her disappear into the tent with White Buffalo was too much to bear.

When he started to push from the ground, a hand clamped across his mouth before strong hands pulled him away from the ledge, wrestling him back to the ground. Luke and Travis worked to control what could be a deadly situation if Bull acted on his emotions.

As he struggled to gain freedom from their hold on his arms, Tat and Johnny dropped to their knees, each grabbing one of his legs, holding him still.

“We will get her back.” Luke stared at his close friend, his gaze unwavering as hate poured from Bull’s face. “Going in there now will only get us all killed, and Lydia will still be with White Buffalo.”

Bull shook his head, his body convulsing as he tried to wrench away from their grasp.

“Dammit, Bull. You have to get control. Besides, we have something White Buffalo doesn’t.” A small grin pulled up the corners of Luke’s mouth when Bull’s eyes went wide. “Now, if you’re ready to listen, we’ll let go.”

Bull cursed, stopping his attempts to break free. The others backed away when he stood, not knowing what to expect from a man who’d always been slow to anger and reticent to use his fists. He turned to Luke, a look on his face none of them had ever seen before.

“You tell me what we have that will change any of this.” The look in his eyes was hostile, yet pleading. He needed to hear a solution, something that would take away the pain seizing his heart.

“There’s nothing that will change what we just saw, but we do have a way to get her back.” Luke watched Bull’s eyes narrow. “Unless you won’t take her back after what you saw.”

“Hell yes, I want her back. I don’t care what he does to her. She’ll always be mine.”

*****

Author Info:

Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance.

She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

*****

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight – Sweetly, Deeply, Absolutely

26 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Kira Archer, Sweet Love series, Sweetly Deeply Absolutely

When this one came across my desk, I knew it was going to be added to my TBR pile. Such a cute cover and a majorly yummy description, I’m seriously, wonderfully, definitely looking forward to crackin’ it open.

*****

Sweetly, Deeply, Absolutely

Sweet Love #3

by Kira Archer

Releasing October 17, 2016

Entangled Lovestruck

Blurb:

Hello, Mr. Right…for Now.

With a month off from culinary school, Jenny Boyd has some serious party plans. Especially when the hottest guy in the club literally lands in her lap. He’s 6’2” of cocky, sexy, man-candy, and just as commitment-phobic as she is.

She’s definitely off limits…

Graphic designer Jared Crew is shocked when his best friend’s sister-in-law doesn’t remember him right away. Luckily, she is more than willing to let him jog her memory, no complications required.

It’s all fun and games…until the condom breaks.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31950613-sweetly-deeply-absolutely?ac=1&from_search=true

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/174156-sweet-love

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

*****

Excerpt:

Gretchen snorted and looked back at His Royal Gorgeousness. “What is he doing?”

“Juggling?”

Jenny watched, mouth open, as Man-Candy juggled three limes in the air while bending backward, tilting his head enough so that the laughing female bartender could pour a shot directly into his mouth. The crowd gathered around him cheered and he popped back up, still juggling.

“Lime!” he shouted.

The bartender tossed a lime slice into the air and he tried to snatch it with his mouth. And missed. To the disappointment of his groupies.

“Again!” he said.

The bartender grabbed another slice, aimed it carefully, and tossed it in an arc. He staggered backward, keeping the limes in his hands going while he focused on the one falling through the air.

“Incoming,” Gretchen said, getting out of the way of certain disaster as he stumbled toward them, his attention intent on the lime slice.

He caught it in his mouth right as the back of his foot connected with their bench. His limes went flying. And so did he. His butt hit the floor. And his head landed face-up squarely in Jenny’s lap.

She yelped and pressed back against the bench. Little good that did her. She couldn’t really go anywhere with him half-laying on her. Didn’t really want to, if she was honest. He was even hotter closer up. Who was she to turn away a gorgeous man who introduced himself with his face in her lap? That would be rude.

He glanced up, opened his mouth, and smiled, the lime slice wedged firmly between his teeth. His friends cheered again and he held the lime up like a trophy. Then he turned his attention to Jenny.

“Hey, there.” He beamed up at her like she was his new best friend. “Sorry about that. I’m usually a bit more graceful with the party tricks.” He slid off her lap and stood, before holding out a hand to help her up.

“Not a problem,” she said. She glanced at the lime he’d dropped on the table. “That was impressive.”

“Thank you.” He looked her up and down and she shivered as if he’d run his hands over her body. And then she returned the favor, biting her lip as she feasted on the incredible specimen of manhood before her.

He gave her a slow, sensual grin that had her sucking in her breath.

“Interested?” he asked.

Nice line. Short, sexy, and to the point. She approved .“Very. You?”

His eyebrows raised in surprise. Maybe he wasn’t used to women who didn’t play hard to get. Judging by the sudden heat in his eyes, he didn’t mind at all.

“Extremely,” he said. “My place?”

She shook her head. “Dance floor.”

He playfully pouted and it was all she could do to keep from sucking his bottom lip into her mouth.

She laughed. “Sorry. Only dancing tonight.” For now. “Still interested?”

“Definitely,” he said.

He walked backward, keeping his gaze glued to hers while he made his way out to the floor. The crowd parted for him like he was Moses parting the Red Sea.

Jenny took a deep breath to try and calm her frantically pounding heart and leaned over to Gretchen, while still keeping her focus on him.

“Don’t wait up for me.”

Gretchen laughed. “Sorry. If things look like they are getting out of hand, I’m going to come drag you away. If you don’t come home tonight, Rick is going to have a total shit fit. He’ll have half the Hoboken PD out looking for you.”

Jenny’s sigh was full of fondness mixed in with exasperation. She loved Rick, but having a big brother who was a cop took the protective thing to a whole new level.

“You’ve got a point. I’ll try and rein it in, but you might seriously have to come pull me off the dance floor.”

“You really think your self control is that bad?”

“I know it is.” Jenny set her drink down. “He’s hot and I’m bothered and that’s a recipe for disaster. Well, it’s actually a recipe for some insanely hot sex. But I guess having my big brother come kick down the door would sort of put a damper on the mood. And Rick was very specific about me making it back home tonight. Ugh. Fine. I’ll try and keep it in my pants, if I must.”

“You must,” Gretchen said with a wink, heading off to do a little dancing of her own.

*****

Author Info:

Kira Archer resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kiddos, and far too many animals in the house. She tends to laugh at inappropriate moments, break all the rules she gives her kids (but only when they aren’t looking), and would rather be reading a book than doing almost anything else. She has odd, eclectic tastes in just about everything and often lets her imagination run away with her. She loves her romances a little playful, a lot sexy, and always with a happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

Win a ‘Hoots n’ Paris’ Prize Pack

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81151/

*****

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Spotlight – Once Upon a Royal Christmas

25 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Tags

Once Upon a Royal Christmas, Robin Bielman

I’m a huge fan of Robin Bielman’s work. Her stories have humor and heart and this time it looks like she’s bringing us a cheeky Prince and a sassy heroine to keep up with him.

*****

Once Upon a Royal Christmas

by Robin Bielman

Publication Date: October 20, 2016

Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Holiday

Blurb:

Colliding with a prince while walking four dogs isn’t how Rowan Palotay pictured meeting royalty, but then lately her life hasn’t gone according to plan. With one teensy tiny mistake, her job as a news reporter took a turn for the worse and now she’s lucky to have a small pet column in the local newspaper. Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and magic, but she feels like she’s forever stuck on the naughty list.

Prince Theodore Chenery is in Marietta shortly after the death of his mother to meet his grandparents for the first time. When an accidental run-in—literally—with Rowan leads to an unexpected friendship, he finds himself enchanted with the outspoken, feisty country girl. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met and her special brand of kindness and honesty make it harder and harder to keep temptation away.

Giving into the passion and deep-rooted emotions between them, Theo and Rowan discover what matters most. But when their relationship makes worldwide news, Theo must decide whether or not to follow his heart or his royal duty.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dO12el

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2egPymS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2e16lsu

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2egPymV

B&N: http://bit.ly/2dXdgqc

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2dfrbXj

iBooks: http://apple.co/2dUg0SX

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2eEWQ4y

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2e13AY4

*****

Excerpt:

Quickly, and without thinking, Theo sat down behind her, cradling her between his thighs and wrapping his arms around her waist. They both needed to get down the hill and this seemed like the best solution.

Her breath hitched, her body tensed.

“I thought we could do this last sled run as a team,” he said quietly. “But if you’d rather—”

“It’s okay.” She relaxed against him. “This is good.”

Having her in his lap felt better than good. Even with a bulky jacket on, she was soft. Her hair smelled like citrus shampoo. And she fit.

“Here we go.” He shoved them off. They gathered speed quickly and Rowan’s sounds of glee made him smile inside and out as the wind rushed their faces.

They started to slow, the slope evening out. Theo shifted slightly and the heel of his boot got stuck in the snow for a second. They spun out of control, pitched to the side, and crash landed. Their bodies tangled, rolled as one, and came to a stop with him on top of her.

Worried he was crushing her, he quickly pushed up onto his elbows. Her eyes were closed and her long, black lashes almost reached the tops of her pink cheeks. Snow clung to her hair. He gulped. She was beautiful. “Sorry about that. Are you okay?”

He was acutely aware of her chest rising and falling as she tortured him with silence for several seconds before finally opening her baby blues and saying, “That. Was. Epic.” Then she broke into a fit of laughter.

And God, it made her even more beautiful. She wasn’t irritated or flustered by their crash, but tickled by it. He stared down at her, enjoying her sound and the crinkles in the corners of her eyes. His body covered hers, making contact in so many good places, making him hungry for more. He hadn’t meant to like Rowan as much as he did, but she was great, and every interaction elevated his attraction to her.

Any affection had to be buried, though. He had a life waiting for him back home.

The thought bothered him more than he cared to admit.

How could it not when she stopped laughing and any pretense of this being a simple friendship vanished? The way she looked up at him, with desire and playfulness, was one hell of an aphrodisiac. He imagined she saw the same expression mirrored back at her.

He slid one hand in her hair to cradle the back of her head. With his other hand, he cupped her cheek. He’d never wanted to kiss someone so badly. At the moment, he didn’t care about the consequences. If he didn’t get to make her lips sore, suck her tongue into his mouth, and find out what she tasted like, he’d regret it.

“Rowan,” he whispered.

She reached up and brushed the hair off his forehead. “Yes, Theo.”

*****

Author Info:

When not attached to her laptop, USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman can almost always be found with her nose in a book. A California girl, the beach is her favorite place for fun and inspiration. Her fondness for swoon-worthy heroes who flirt and stumble upon the girl they can’t live without jumpstarts all of her story ideas.

She is a 2014 RITA Finalist, loves to frequent coffee shops, and plays a mean game of sock tug of war with her cute, but often naughty dog, Harry. She cherishes her family and friends and loves to connect with readers. Get the scoop on Robin, her books, and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com.

*****

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354931/

*****

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Spotlight – To Love and To Cherish

24 Monday Oct 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Lauren Layne, The Wedding Belles series, To Love and To Cherish

We’ve seen this series before but I have to say I think I’m most anxious for this one … it just squeezes my heart for some reason and I’m so looking forward to seeing these two figure things out.

*****

To Love and To Cherish

The Wedding Belles #3

by Lauren Layne

Releasing October 18, 2016

Pocket Books

Blurb:

Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, a contemporary and witty romance series about three high-powered New York City women who can plan any wedding—but their own.

Alexis Morgan has spent the past six years devoted to turning her tiny start-up into Manhattan’s premiere wedding planning company, The Wedding Belles. Now that her business is thriving, it’s time to turn towards her much neglected personal life, and Alexis approaches her relationships like she does everything else: with a plan. Not a part of that plan is Logan Harris, the silent partner in the Belles, and the one person who’s been there for her since the very beginning. But Alexis needs someone fun, and Logan’s all business, all the time—except when a late night at the office ends with an unexpected kiss that leaves the usually cool and together Alexis reeling.

Logan has lusted after Alexis since the day he walked into the tiny Harlem apartment that used to double as her office. But the ambitious wedding planner has always been untouchable…until now. Alexis has made it clear that she’s on the dating market—and equally clear that he’s not in the running. But when Alexis finds herself in need of a date for her sister’s last minute wedding in Florida, Logan knows it’s the perfect time to show Alexis that there’s more to him than numbers and spreadsheets—and beneath the pinstripes and glasses lies a hot-blooded heartthrob. As Florida’s sultry days turn into even hotter nights, Logan’s out to convince Alexis that the fling of a lifetime could just maybe turn into forever…

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28552677-to-love-and-to-cherish

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/165203-the-wedding-belles

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

*****

Excerpt:

“Hello.”

The sexy British accented startled Alexis out of her thoughts, and she glanced up, both alarmed and intrigued to find that the face that awaited her was every bit as appealing as the voice.

The man was about her age—early, maybe midtwenties—and ridiculously cute. His hair was dark and maybe just a touch too long, as though he intended to get a haircut but kept forgetting. The eyes were brown and friendly, accented by trendy black-framed glasses.

The chunky cable-knit sweater with elbow patches—for real—bordered on dorky, but then, Alexis had always had a soft spot for dorky. He had a bit of the Clark Kent thing going on, which had always been far more her type than the overrated Superman.

“Hi,” she replied quickly, realizing that she’d been staring.

His smile grew wider as he extended a hand. “Logan Harris.”

Darn. Even the name was good.

“Alexis,” she said.

“Does that come with a last name?” he teased, lowering himself to the vacant barstool beside her.

“Not to strange men,” she retorted.

“I could buy you a drink. Get rid of the ‘strange’ part.”

Alexis’s smile slipped as she remembered that romance, even flirting, wasn’t part of her plan. She’d learned the hard way that she could have one or the other—her own business or a boyfriend—not both. And even if she wanted the latter, the latter didn’t want her back.

“No thanks; I’m fine,” she said, letting the slightest amount of chill enter her voice. The ice-princess treatment, Roxanne called it.

Logan shrugged, undeterred. “All right then. May I borrow your menu?”

She nodded, and he picked it up, perusing it for several moments and paying her no attention.

It was both a relief and also a bit of an insult, if she was being entirely honest, to be given up on so easily.

Alexis tried to turn her attention back to her laptop but watched out of the corner of her eye as he finally shut the menu, waiting patiently to catch the bartender’s eye.

“Hi there,” he said, when the bartender ambled back over. “I’d like a Stella, and a maybe bite to eat?”

Alexis didn’t miss the once-over that the bartender gave Logan before the curvy redhead leaned over the bar, displaying perky boobs as she clicked her pen and pulled a notepad out of her back pocket.

“Shoot,” the bartender said flirtatiously, looking a good deal friendlier than she had when she’d spoken to Alexis.

Not that Alexis blamed her. A cute Brit could do that to a girl.

“All right then,” Logan said. “I’d like the burger, medium, with Swiss. Fish and chips, extra tartar, and . . . how’s your chicken club?”

The bartender blinked. “It’s good. But you want all that?”

“I do. Thank you.”

“Suit yourself,” she said, scribbling Logan’s order on the pad.

“Hungry?” Alexis couldn’t resist asking after the bartender moved away.

Logan gave a sheepish smile. “I’m a recovering student. I sometimes get so wrapped up in my day that I forget to eat.”

“A recovering student. What does that mean?”

He turned slightly toward her. “Someone’s showing plenty of interest in a strange man.”

She bit her lip. “I’m sorry if I was rude before. I’m just not really in the market for . . . you know.”

He gave her an easy smile. “Everyone’s in the market for a friend, Alexis.”

She opened her mouth and then shut it as she realized he was right. She could use a friend. She’d spent her entire life in Boston and knew almost nobody in New York. This guy seemed nice and nonthreatening enough—what would be the harm in a little conversation over dinner? It had been too long since she’d had somebody to share a meal with.

Logan seemed to know the moment she capitulated, because he turned more fully toward her. “A recovering student, Alexis, is a recent graduate. One who hasn’t quite absorbed that there will be no more finals, no more requisite all-nighters, and no more dorm sex.”

Alexis laughed. “Undergrad, then?”

He gave her a wry look. “How young do I look, darling? MBA from Columbia. Just finished up end of last year.”

She felt a little stab of relief that he wasn’t twenty-two.

He leaned toward her slightly. “Twenty-five next month, just in case you were wondering. As a friend.”

She tried to hide her smile and failed. “Columbia, huh? You’re a long way from home.”

“Noticed that, did ya?” He winked. “I came out here for undergrad, also Columbia. Always figured I’d go back to London and maybe someday I will, but . . .” He shrugged. “Seems I have stuff to do here first.”

“Such as?” She took a sip of her wine, dismayed to see that it was half-empty.

“Well, this will probably shock you, given my vast amount of brawn, but I’m an accountant. Or at least I will be, once I get my business up and running.”

Alexis was impressed. “Your own business?”

Most twentysomethings, even those with an entrepreneurial bent, opted to get a few years of work under their belts for someone else before branching out on their own.

He nodded. “I’m working out of my flat for now, but I’m hoping to lease some office space soon, get some legitimacy. If nothing else to get my father off my back.”

“He’s not a fan of your plan?” Alexis asked.

Logan’s shoulder lifted, and for the first time he seemed a little sad. “Both parents have had it in their head that I’d come home. Run the family business in London.”

“Which is . . . ?”

He spun his beer glass idly. “Financial consulting firm. My father’s the CEO, Mum’s the COO.”

“Wow, that’s . . .”

“Scary?” Logan supplied.

“I was going to say impressive. That they work together—without killing each other, I mean.”

“They’re in love. It’s atrocious,” he said with a wink. “What about your folks?”

Alexis laughed. “Not in love. They divorced when I was in high school. Dad’s remarried and happy now, I think. Mom not so much.”

“And you?” he said. “Are you happy, Alexis?”

She pursed her lips, surprised and yet not entirely unsettled by the personal question. “It’s been a while since anyone asked me that. Since I even thought about it, really.”

“Think it out. I’ll wait,” he said with a wink.

She didn’t have to think that long. “I’m almost happy.”

“You sound quite confident on that.”

She shrugged. “Let’s just say that I need a few things to fall into place in my professional life, but once that happens . . . yeah. I’ll be happy.”

She’d make sure of it.

*****

Author Info:

Lauren Layne is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband (who was her high school sweetheart–cute, right?!) and plus-sized Pomeranian.

In 2011, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time writing career in Manhattan, and never looked back.

In her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

For a list of all her works, please be sure to check out her official website!

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

*****

Giveaway:

Two Print Sets of TO HAVE AND TO HOLD and FOR BETTER OR WORSE

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81144/

*****

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Book Review – The Shepherd’s Daughter

24 Monday Oct 2016

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

≈ 4 Comments

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Book Review, Dry Bayou Brides series, Lynn WInchester, The Shepherd's Daughter

If you are looking for something sweet, clean and short, this is DEFINITELY the book for you!

*****

The Shepherd’s Daughter

Dry Bayou Brides Book One

by Lynn Winchester

Genre: Sweet Western Romance

Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing

Date of Publication: September 27th, 2016

ASIN: B01LVYT90X

Number of pages: 97

Word Count: approx. 26k

Cover Artist: Dar Albert

Blurb:

“Welcome to Dry Bayou, Texas, where Southern Charm meets the Wild West…”

From author Jackson d’Lynne writing as Lynn Winchester, a sweet and romantic western sure to warm your heart!

Ray MacAdams and Billy Ducharme have been best friends since her family moved to his ranch fourteen years ago to start a new sheep ranching operation.

Through thick and thin, good and bad, fire and rain, their friendship has only gotten stronger—so strong that nothing could possibly break their bond, a bond that for Ray has suddenly changed from simply friends to something deeper… Something that makes her dream of days and nights beside the man she loves, something that makes her wish she were more than just the shepherd’s daughter.

Then Billy’s mail order bride arrives.

Rebecca DuCastille is everything Ray is not: refined, well-mannered, and pretty as a porcelain tea cup. How can Ray possibly compete for Billy’s heart when his new bride is everything he could want in a proper wife?

Can the shepherd’s daughter convince her childhood friend that their love for one another goes beyond friendship, or will Billy marry the pretty interloper and leave Ray out to pasture?

Publisher Note: This is a ‘sweet’/’clean’ romance.

Amazon

*****

Excerpt:

So this was the new head shepherd his pa had hired? Billy didn’t know much about it other than what he’d overheard between his parents at night while he was supposed to be reading The Word before bed. He couldn’t help it. He liked sneaking down the stairs to listen to his parents talk when they thought no one was listening. Something about the love between them made Billy want to stick close.

From what he’d heard and could understand of their conversations, his pa wanted to expand the ranch into sheep and wool but didn’t know how to do it. He’d sent advertisements back east to the big cities, looking for a man who knew the industry and could come live on their ranch to manage the lambing and shearing and rotating—moving the herd from one parcel of land to another without losing a single one.

Apparently, these newcomers were the ones his pa had picked for the job. Billy didn’t know, quite yet, what he thought of the whole thing.

Not that it really mattered. Billy was set on growing up to be the best horse breeder in the state. He didn’t care much for smelly old sheep. He’d stick to the stable and barn, and leave Mr. MacAdams and Mr. Pallo to their sheep.

Billy’s pa turned to him and motioned for him to come forward. Billy complied with only a little warmth rising in his cheeks.

“Mr. MacAdams, this is my son, Willem.”

Pa patted Billy on his shoulders and squeezed one just enough to make him clear his throat and say, “Good afternoon, sir. Nice to meet you.” Just as his mother had taught him.

Mr. MacAdams grinned down at him. “What a polite young man ye are. Nice to me ye.”

Billy’s mother stepped forward. “Good afternoon. Welcome to Dry Bayou Ranch. I’m Linda Ducharme and we’re very pleased to have you here.”

His mother’s voice was soft, friendly, and cultured. She was a fine lady, much too fine for all the dust now coating her skirts. Pa said he’d found her in a catalog and she’d moved west to marry him. He said he was a lucky man, especially since she hadn’t turned tail and run at the first sight of the shack he’d lived in back then.

Mr. MacAdams turned around and helped the woman from the wagon. She strutted toward the porch, put out her hand, and smiled. Pa took it and shook it, a little less vigorously than he did the man’s.

“I’m Moira MacAdams—,” she called into the back of the wagon. “Get down here, bairn, and say hello.”

Billy didn’t know what to make of the bundle of rags and wild, frizzy, red hair that appeared. He stood, staring at the little girl who seemed more hair than girl. She looked a few years younger than his seven years, but he thought maybe her size threw him off. Her small face was covered with freckles, her brown eyes were filled with curiosity and something else he couldn’t name.

She bounced from foot-to-foot, then stuck out her hand. He blinked down at it, surprised and a little uncertain what to do.

“Go ‘head, take it, it won’t bite,” she chirped. Her voice was like sugar on syrup and he found he didn’t know what to say back. So, he stepped forward and gripped her hand without saying a word.

“Name’s Raychelle, but you can call me Ray, account of the fact that I don’t like Raychelle ‘cause it sounds too uppity.”

Billy couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

He liked her.

He tightened his grip on her hand. “He-hello, Ray, I’m Billy.”

Her smile brightened and he felt the light of it right down into his boots. In that moment, he wondered if smelly old sheep weren’t all that bad.

She must’ve read his thoughts because a glint of excitement filled her eyes and Billy could only blink in awe.

“Billy, do you know how to catch a frog?”

*****

I don’t know why I usually stay away from historical westerns but something about this description just caught my eye and I had to give it a go. And I am SUPER glad I did. Even though it is short, it is packed full of fun.

Billy and Ray have been friends practically their whole lives but suddenly they are seeing each other a little bit differently. Both are struggling because they aren’t quite sure what it means and, not wanting to ruin their friendship, they are keeping it quiet. While things would likely have worked out eventually, they’ve got to deal with it quickly because Billy’s mail order bride just showed up 🙂

Usually I’m not a fan of a miscommunication and secrets plotline but Winchester does an absolutely fabulous job of making it believable and fluid with the characters. It’s not annoying at all because you totally can understand where they are coming from and why the do the things they do. Granted you want them to hurry up and figure it out but that’s just because you like them and want them to be happy.

With moments of levity and a whole heap of sweetness, Winchester brings her readers a fabulous friends to lovers story.

*****

Author Info:

Lynn Winchester is one of the pseudonyms of a hardworking California-born caffeine addict, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

When Lynn isn’t writing sweet historical romances, she is writing spicy paranormal romance as Jackson D’Lynne, and YA Sci-Fi/Thrillers as DJ Sorber. When is isn’t writing at all, she is running a successful editing business, reading whatever she can get her hands on, raising her four children, making sure her husband is happy, and binge watching shows on Netflix.

Website: http://lynnwinchester.com/

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/LynnWinWesterns

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/LynnWinWesterns

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1483/

*****

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Book Review – Tell Me Again

21 Friday Oct 2016

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

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Book Review, Michelle Major, Tell Me Again

Let’s end the work week with something that has some teeth from @Barclay_PR and @michelle_major1

*****

Tell Me Again

by Michelle Major

Blurb:

As a teenager, Samantha Carlton used a career in modeling to break free from her painful childhood—walking away from her reckless twin sister, an alcoholic mother, and the boy she loved. Yet she never outran the guilt of abandoning her family. When the past shows up on her doorstep in the form of her late sister’s daughter, Sam opens her home and her heart to the girl she never knew existed. But it’s not so easy to face the man she left behind…

Sam had shattered Trevor Kincaid’s heart, and he’d sought comfort in her sister’s arms. But he’d pledged to shield his daughter, Grace, from the drama that followed the Carlton women. Now Grace has tracked down Sam, and Trevor is forced to deal with the one woman he wanted to forget.

History has a way of repeating itself, and the sparks between Sam and Trevor reignite an old flame. But as much as Sam wants a new future, is walking away again easier than risking her heart for a second chance at love?

Find out more at: Amazon

*****

Excerpt:

“I need to help you. I need to make it better so we’re even.”

“Even?”

She nodded. “I can’t owe you.”

“You don’t owe me.”

“We have a working relationship I can handle,” she said, dropping the towel to her desk and pressing the ice pack between her fingers. She welcomed the burn of the cold against her fingertips. “Then you go and play the hero.”

He laughed again. “I’m not a hero.”

“That’s not how I remember it,” she murmured, focusing her gaze on his shirt collar when it became too difficult to meet his eyes.

“What sort of working relationship do we have when you pretend I don’t exist any time I’m here without Grace?”

“The kind that doesn’t make me crazy.”

“Is that how you treat a hero?”

She laughed despite herself. “It is when I’m pretending you don’t exist because I want to rip off all your clothes and plaster myself to you every time we’re together.”

He raised one brow. “That doesn’t sound quite right to me.”

Embarrassment washed through her, but Trevor stepped into her space, crowding her, when she would have turned away.

“A better idea would be if we both had our clothes off.” He traced one finger along the skin above the collar of her baggy t-shirt. “What’s fair is fair.”

She bit down on her lip and ignored the sparks of desire that skimmed along every single one of her nerve endings. “It was actually a bad idea. Forget I said anything.”

“Fat chance,” he whispered and brushed his lips across hers.

It only took a second for the kiss to ignite into something hot and hungry. Even though it was the worst idea in the world, Sam lost herself in the feel of him. He tugged her closer, lifting her into his arms, and she wrapped her legs around his lean hips. He tasted the same as he had years ago, like mint and memories. He was the innocence she’d lost and everything she once longed for.

He kissed her like she was his whole world. It had been forever since she’d felt anything so perfect. His fingers tugged on the hair tie holding her bun in place and then his hands sifted through her hair. His mouth felt like it was everywhere at once–on her lips, her jaw, the sensitive spot just behind her ear that no other man had taken the time to discover.

*****

Review:

There are those books that you just fly through … the sassy, happy, easy to read books. This just isn’t one of those. And that’s more than OK.

Sam and Trevor have a lot of history, both together and apart. They are carrying a lot of baggage that needs to be handled before they can even think about moving forward. But they also have a lot of unresolved feelings and enough chemistry that staying apart isn’t all that easy. But, unaddressed, that baggage is going to cause them some serious trouble 🙂

Poor Sam, even with all of her beauty and success, has more hangups that a half dozen women put together. Her childhood was awful and the only bright spots were her twin and her best friend. Unfortunately her sister wasn’t a very strong person and Bryce’s negative feelings & actions have some long reaching impacts on both Sam and Trevor. They are still dealing with the fallout, even all these years later. It’s heartbreaking to see just how much but it’s also so much better when they are able to figure things out.

Not an easy read but a more satisfying one for it, Tell Me Again will have you hitting highs and lows and thanking Major for them every step of the way.

*****

Author Info:

Michelle Major grew up in Ohio but dreamed of living in the mountains. Soon after graduating with a degree in Journalism, she pointed her car west and settled in Colorado. Her life and house are filled with one great husband, two beautiful kids, a few furry pets and several well-behaved reptiles. She’s grateful to have found her passion writing stories with happy endings. Michelle loves to hear from her readers at http://www.michellemajor.com.

Connect with Michelle: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

*****

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Giftcard!

3 runner ups will receive a book bundle including Kissing Mr Right and Recipe for Kisses by Michelle Major!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29288/

*****

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Book Review – Saving Jake

20 Thursday Oct 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Tags

Blessings Georgia series, Book Review, Saving Jake, Sharon Sala

Saving Jake

A Blessings Georgia Novel

by Sharon Sala

Love heals in New York Times bestselling author Sharon Sala’s newest contemporary romance

There is always hope

After eight years in the Marines, Jacob Lorde returns to Blessings, Georgia, with no plans other than to hole up in his empty house and heal what’s left of his soul. But with a charming next door neighbor and a town full of friendly people, keeping to himself is easier said than done.

As long as you can come home

Laurel Payne understands far too well what Jake is going through, after witnessing her late husband experience similar problems. She’s in no hurry to jump into another relationship with a complicated guy, but their attraction is undeniable-and perhaps exactly what both of them need.

Jake suffers from PTSD and survivor’s guilt after leaving the Marines. He’s trying to figure out what he’s going to do with himself and what normal now looks like. He’s struggling with being known as a hero and coming back to his small hometown where everyone knows everything about everyone else just exacerbates his emotional turmoil. Then he meets a darling little girl and her beautiful mother … his life isn’t ever going to be the same 🙂

Laurel’s husband was also a veteran but he didn’t handle his troubles very well. Widowed and raising their daughter alone, she’s very hesitant to get close to a man with so many similar issues. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that Jake is strong enough that he just may be able to handle his problems. And help her handle hers.

There’s some trouble caused by old enemies that add a little extra drama and danger to the story, but it doesn’t overshadow the love story. Showing her skill, Sala does a great job of tying it all together and helping to bring closure to a few different things.

My favorite part is the slow build between Laurel and Jake. They get to know each other, find their footing, then move from acquaintances to friends and on to lovers. Both are carrying a lot of baggage but together they figure out a way to share their load. Giving readers a satisfying and realistic happy ending.

(Although this is part of a series, and we’ve seen some of these characters time and again, this can very easily stand on its own. Nothing of any importance comes from past stories and Sala does a great job keeping the characters fresh for returning readers but keeping new readers involved.)