Spotlight – The Colorado Mountain Series

20 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Kristen Ashley, Lady Luck, Sweet Dreams, The Colorado Mountain Series, The Gamble

Announcing three beautiful new trade paperback editions from The Colorado Mountain Series!

*****

THE GAMBLE

Life isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s meant to be lived . . .

Nina Sheridan thought she’d found the perfect man who would become the perfect husband. She was wrong. When Nina realizes the man she planned to grow old with doesn’t know her at all, it’s time to rethink her idea of perfect. And what better place to get her life in order than a remote Colorado mountain town halfway around the world?

Gnaw Bone, Colorado, may not be flashy or cosmopolitan, but it’s got a brand of hospitality all its own. Nina isn’t entirely sure she’s ready to trade the life she thought she wanted in England for cozy evenings in her mountain retreat, and she definitely isn’t sure she’s ready to handle the connection she feels to the owner of her rental house, Max Holden . . .

Nina didn’t come to Colorado to find love, but even the best-laid plans can go awry. Now, if Nina can let go of her past, Max-and a future in Gnaw Bone-might just be the perfect second chance she’s been waiting for.

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

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2qbOF44

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2raSZ28

Target: http://bit.ly/2pHrHiX

Add The Gamble to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ptNSwR

SWEET DREAMS

When you lose everything, anything is possible.

Lauren Grahame needs a whole new life. A simpler life. After leaving her cheating husband, she moves to Carnal, Colorado, takes a job as a waitress, and realizes she might have finally found the hometown she’d been searching for. Except things are about to get a lot more complicated . . .

Lauren’s fresh start does not include her growing feelings for her boss, Tate Jackson. She’ll take the new friends, the new job, not to mention the incredible banana bread from the local coffee shop, but love is not on the agenda.

However, the people of Carnal know chemistry when they see it, and they’re not about to let Tate and Lauren miss their chance.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rb5k6H

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2pGOESz

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2qb20Ky

Target: http://bit.ly/2pHrHiX

Add Sweet Dreams to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ptNlLd

LADY LUCK

All you need is a little luck.

Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. You name it, Lexie has probably survived it-or worse. But there’s only so much bad luck a girl can take, and now one promise is all that stands between her and a brand-new life.

When that promise brings her to Carnal, Colorado, Lexie isn’t sure the rough, yet strangely charming, town is for her. But there’s something Carnal has that might just make staying around worth it . . . and that’s Ty Walker.

For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Lexie knows there’s a difference between vengeance and justice, and she’ll do everything she can to make sure Ty gets the latter. And with the good people of Carnal on their side, Lexie and Ty might finally find their luck is changing for the better.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2raJy2O

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2r9wr13

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2qbXAmt

Target: http://bit.ly/2qc08kt

Add Lady Luck to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2qBpB8d

*****

Author Info:

Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Social Media Links

www.kristenashley.net

www.facebook.com/kristenashleybooks

www.twitter.com/kristenashley68

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win 1 of 5 sets of The Gamble, Sweet Dreams, and Lady Luck! http://bit.ly/2r26Avw

*****

Book Review – Her Baby, His Love

19 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Her Baby His Love, Lynn Marshall

Her Baby, His Love

by Lynne Marshall

All Taylor Clark ever wanted was a normal life and a traditional family, but so far she’s had neither. Soon after discovering that her boyfriend was secretly engaged and she moves to Charity, Montana for a fresh start, she realizes she’s pregnant. As her new friendly and sexy landlord helps her settle in, they become friends, although Taylor has to keep reminding herself to keep her distance. The last thing she needs is to start something new.

As an ex-con, Joe Collins knows a little something about fresh starts. Despite his determination to keep his head down, he can’t ignore Taylor’s natural beauty or obvious vulnerability. In short time, a tentative friendship blooms along with something more precious—trust.

When Taylor’s ex comes to town, he threatens everything that Joe and Taylor have built together. Joe steps up to care for and protect her, even though he risks losing more than the woman he loves.

I’m giving this one 3.5 stars … I’m not quite comfortable with giving it 4 but it definitely doesn’t deserve 3.

As you can imagine this story spends a lot of time delving into trust issues. Taylor has had some really bad luck with men and so she’s pretty much at the point of thinking they are all going to treat her poorly. Then when she does meet one that seems like he could be different, he turns out to be an ex-con. Not having known anyone who has gone to jail, she’s pretty much only got stereotypes to go off of. It’s a slow process as Joe shows Taylor what an up-standing guy he is, regardless of a stupid choice in his youth.

There is a lot of back-and-forth on the romance side of things as they both struggle with timing and their own histories. I can understand where Taylor comes from on a lot of stuff but Joe really is a good man and he shows it. There comes a point where I think that some readers might be tired of her attitude but luckily she figures things out.

Spotlight – Kelly Bowen Sweepstakes + Vote on Kelly’s New Duke

19 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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A Duke to Remember, A Good Duke is Hard to Find, Between the Devil and the Duke, Duke of My Heart, I've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm, Kelly Bowen, You're the Earl That I Want

Forever Romance is giving away a Kelly Bowen historical romance prize pack and asking for your help in choosing the cover design for Kelly’s February 2018 release. Click the link below to enter for a chance to win and you can cast your vote on the dreamiest duke while you’re at it!

Click here to enter for a chance to win.

Prize pack consists of a Forever/Forever Yours tote bag and the following six (6) Forever titles from Kelly Bowen:

Duke of My Heart by Kelly Bowen

A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen

Between the Devil and the Duke by Kelly Bowen

A Good Duke is Hard to Find by Kelly Bowen

I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm by Kelly Bowen

You’re the Earl That I Want by Kelly Bowen

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE CHANCE OF WINNING. Void where prohibited. Must be legal US resident 18 years or older as of June 16, 2017 to enter. Sweepstakes begins June 16, 2017 at 12:01 am ET and ends June 30, 2017 at 11:59 pm ET. Visit http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/forever-romance/kellybowen/ for Official Rules and details. Sponsor: Hachette Book Group, Inc., 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104.

*****

Author Info:

Kelly Bowen grew up in Manitoba, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba and earned a Master of Science degree in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. But it was Kelly’s infatuation with history and a weakness for a good love story that led her down the path of historical romance. When she is not writing, she seizes every opportunity to explore ruins and battlefields.

Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two boys, all of whom are wonderfully patient with the writing process. Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey.

Follow:

www.kellybowen.net

www.facebook.com/authorkellybowen

www.twitter.com/kellybowen09

Pre-order Kelly Bowen’s February 2018 release

Spotlight – Lost and Found Sisters

17 Saturday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Jill Shalvis, Lost and Found Sisters

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins. Order your copy today!

*****

Lost and Found Sisters

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.’s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she’s looking for a missing piece she can’t find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t quite fit in right away, she can’t help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there’s another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn’t a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she’s searched so long for.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rlgg4C
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2r0CUOM
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2qT3c5l
Google: http://bit.ly/2qjXXc4
ibooks: http://apple.co/2qjOYaT
BooksaMillion: http://bit.ly/2rU6cg9
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2rYWg48

ADD LOST AND FOUND SISTERS TO YOUR GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32319723-lost-and-found-sisters

*****

Excerpt:

“You’re up, honey,” Carolyn said and gestured to the front counter.

Trev, the carefully tousled barista, was an L.A. beach bum and aspiring actor forced to work to support his surfing habit. His hands worked at the speed of light while the rest of him seemed chilled and relaxed. “Hey, darlin’, how’s life today?”

“Good,” Quinn said. She didn’t want to brag, but she’d totally gotten out of bed today with only two hits of the snooze button. “How did your audition go?”

“Got the part.” Trev beamed. “You’re looking at the best fake Thai delivery guy who ever lived. It means my luck as changed, so say you’ll finally go out with me.”

Quinn smiled—see, she totally did smile!—and shook her head. “I’m not—“

Trev piped in along with her, in perfect sync, “—dating right now,” and then shook his head.

“Well, I’m not,” she said.

“It’s not right, a hot chick like you. You’re way too young to be in a rut. You know that, right?”

“I’m not in a rut.” She was just…not feeling life right now, that’s all. “And hey, I didn’t tell you my order yet,” she said when she realized he was already working on her coffee.

“Has it changed?” he asked. “Ever?”

No, but now she wanted to order something crazy just to throw him off, except she wanted her usual, dammit.

Okay, so maybe she was in a rut. But routine made life simpler and after the complications she’d been through, simple was the key to getting out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other every day.

That and the badly needed caffeine, of course.

“You should go out with him,” Carolyn whispered behind her. She smiled kindly when Quinn craned her neck and looked at her. “You only live once, right?”

“Not true,” Quinn said. “You lie every day. You only die once.”

Carolyn’s smile slowly faded in understanding. “Then make it count, honey. Go hog wild.”

Hog wild, huh? Quinn turned back to Trev.

“I’m all for the hog wild,” he said hopefully.

Quinn went for it. “An extra shot and whip.”

Trev blinked and then sighed. “Yeah, we really need to work on your idea of hog wild.”

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

*****

They say life can change in an instant …

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women’s fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood.

Pre-order your copy in any format and receive an exclusive crossover Heartbreaker Bay meets Wildstone bonus scene, featuring Archer and Elle going to Wildstone, CA, the town in which Lost and Found Sisters takes place – read about their night in a haunted B&B!

Simply enter your order number OR upload a screenshot of your proof of purchase. Entries must be received by June 25th and you will receive content via email on June 27th!

Preorder and fill out the form here: https://a.pgtb.me/MdHvvG

*****

Schedule:

June 12^th

East Coast Book Chicks – Review & Excerpt

Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Excerpt

I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt

Lucky 13 book reviews and news – Excerpt

June 13^th

Adventures in Writing – Excerpt

Book Angel Booktopia – Review & Excerpt

Cocktails and Books – Review & Excerpt

Melena’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

The Book Hammock – Review & Excerpt

June 14^th

Aly’s Miscellany – Excerpt

Books,Dreams,Life – Excerpt

Coffee Books Life – Excerpt

She Reads too Much Romance – Review

The Readdicts – Review & Excerpt

June 15^th

Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions – Excerpt

Debbie’s World of Books – Review & Excerpt

Ramblings From This Chick – Excerpt

Red Hot + Blue Reads – Review & Excerpt

Shannon’s Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

June 16^th

A Literary Perusal – Review & Excerpt

Brittany’s Book Blog – Excerpt

I Smell Sheep – Review & Excerpt

Reads & Reviews – Excerpt

June 17^th

Bookishly Yours – Review & Excerpt

Lover of Big Books Cannot Lie – Review & Excerpt

Romantic Reads and Such – Excerpt

Two Girls with Books – Review

June 18^th

A geordielass honest blog on reviews – Review

Nicole’s Book Musings – Excerpt

Robinson Reviews – Review

Those Crazy Book Chicks – Review & Excerpt

With Love for Books – Review

June 19^th

Becky on Books – Review & Excerpt

BooksPieAndCoffee – Review

IrishdaisylovesRomance – Review & Excerpt

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC – Review & Excerpt

Writing My Own Fairy Tale – Review & Excerpt

June 20^th

Marieke’s Books – Review & Excerpt

Reviews from the Heart – Review & Excerpt

Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored – Review & Excerpt

Thoughts of a Blonde – Review & Excerpt

Two Book Pushers – Review & Excerpt

June 21^st

AC Squared Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Babbling about books and more– Excerpt

Literary Gossip – Excerpt

Love’s A State Of Mind – Review

June 22^nd

Books 2 Blog – Review & Excerpt

Cara’s Book Boudoir – Review & Excerpt

I’m A Book Shark – Review & Excerpt

Love Affair With Fiction – Review & Excerpt

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

June 23^rd

Books and Tequila – Review & Excerpt

Once Upon A Page – Review & Excerpt

Reading To Unwind – Review & Excerpt

Sweet Red Reads – Review & Excerpt

Talking Books Blog – Excerpt

June 24^th

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

Red’s Romance Review’s – Review & Excerpt

Renee Entress’s Blog – Review & Excerpt

TjLovesToRead – Review

Book Review – Read, Write, Love at Seaside

16 Friday Jun 2017

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Addison Cole, Book Review, Melissa Foster, Read Write Love at Seaside, Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers series

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers features a group of fun, flirty, and emotional friends who gather each summer at their Cape Cod cottages. They’re sassy, flawed, and so easy to relate to, you’ll be begging to enter their circle of friends! Start reading FREE with Read, Write, Love at Seaside!

*****

Read, Write, Love at Seaside

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers #1

by Addison Cole

Releasing June 14^th, 2017

World Literary Press

Blurb:

Bestselling author Kurt Remington lives to write. He spends twelve hours a day in front of his computer, rarely leaving the seclusion of his beach-front property, where he’s come to finish his latest thriller — that is, until free-spirited Leanna Bray nearly drowns in the ocean trying to save her dog. Kurt’s best-laid plans are shot to hell when he comes to their rescue. Kurt’s as irritated as he is intrigued by the sexy, hot mess of a woman who lives life on a whim, forgets everything, and doesn’t even know the definition of the word organized.

Leanna’s come to the Cape hoping to find a fulfilling career in the jam-making business, and until she figures out her own life, a man is not on the menu. But Leanna can’t get the six-two, deliciously muscled and tragically neat Kurt out of her mind. She tells herself she’s just stopping by to say thank you, but the heart-warming afternoon sparks an emotional and unexpectedly sweet ride as Kurt and Leanna test the powers of Chemistry 101: Opposites Attract.

*Read, Write, Love at Seaside by Addison Cole is the sweet edition of New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster’s steamy romance novel Read, Write, Love. The stories and characters remain the same, and convey all of the passion you expect between two people in love, without any explicit scenes or harsh language.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34845082-read-write-love-at-seaside

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/203990-sweet-with-heat-seaside-summers

*FREE in ebook format

Buy Links: AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS | GPLAY

*****

Excerpt:

Leanna Bray was wet, cold, and floundering. Literally. She’d been floundering for twenty-eight years, so this was nothing new, but being pummeled by rain, wind, and waves, chasing a dog that never listened? That was new.

“Pepp—” A wave knocked her off her feet and she went under the water, taking a mouthful of saltwater along with her. She tumbled head down beneath the surface.

Now Pepper and I will both drown. Freaking perfect.

Something grabbed her arm, and she reflexively fought against it, sucking in another mouthful of salty water as she broke through the surface, arms flailing, choking, and pushing against the powerful hand that yanked her to her feet.

“You okay?” A deep, annoyed voice carried over the din of the crashing waves.

Cough. Cough. “Yeah. I—” Cough. Cough. “My dog.” She blinked and blinked, trying to clear the saltwater and rain from her eyes. The man’s mop of wet, dark hair came into focus. He held tightly to her arm while scanning the water in the direction of where she’d last seen Pepper. His clothes stuck to his body like a second skin, riding the ripples of his impressive chest and arms as he held her above the surface with one arm around her ribs.

“Come on.” She coughed as he plowed through the pounding surf with her clutched against his side. She slid down his body, and he lifted her easily into his arms, carrying her like he might carry a child, pressing her to his chest as he fought against the waves.

She pushed against his chest, feeling ridiculous and helpless…and maybe a little thankful, but she was ignoring that emotion in order to save Pepper.

“My dog! I need to get my dog!” she hollered.

Mr. Big, Tall, and Stoic didn’t say a word. He set her on the wet sand and tossed her a rain-soaked towel. “It was dry.” He pointed behind her to a wooden staircase. “Go up to the deck.”

She dropped the towel and plowed past him toward the water. “I gotta get my dog.”

He snagged her by the arm and glared at her with the brightest blue eyes she’d ever seen—and a stare so dark she swallowed her voice.

“Go.” He pointed to the stairs again. “I’ll get your dog.” He took a step toward the water, and she pushed past him again.

“You don’t have t—”

He scooped her into his arms again and carried her to the stairs.

*****

Review:

This is the absolutely perfect beach/summer read (even more so since it is set in the Cape … on the Cape? Whatever – there is sand involved.) Cole brings the right amount of fun in the sun, humor with heart, and characters that capture your attention.

Kurt is fantastic from the beginning. He’s a little OCD and likes to be alone while he writes. And pretty much all he does is write, but when happy-go-lucky Leanna comes crashing into his life she quickly stirs things up. Like the awesome guy he is, though, he takes it in stride – there is no angst or drama over her bubbliness to his stoicism. Instead she helps to bring him out of his shell, reminding him that there is more to life than his books, and that he needs to get out to enjoy it.

And he complements her as well. She’s been drifting for years but she seems to have found a calling in her jam business. Unfortunately she doesn’t have a clue what it means to really go after this as a career, but with some help from her friends and the support that Kurt gives her she starts to figure things out.

This is a super sweet romance, with just enough heat to keep your attention but without ever getting too explicit. (I haven’t read this series by Foster, but I’m definitely curious if Kurt was a little less refined in the original 🙂 ) The story is very smooth and moves along at a good pace – very realistic with Kurt and Leanna getting to know each other, figuring out whether they fit together, and (of course) falling in love. There’s a ton of friends introduced here so it looks like we’ll have plenty of stories to keep us entertained … and I’m looking forward to every one!

*****

Author Info:

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language. Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Website: https://addisoncole.com/

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16711767.Addison_Cole

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cole

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Addison_Cole_

Newsletter: www.AddisonCole.com/Newsletter

*****

Giveaway:

Win an Addison Cole Tote Bag Prize Pack

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81311/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour … including a look at Book 2 in the Sweet with Heat Seaside Summers series!

Spotlight – Talen

15 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

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Dark Protectors series, Rebecca Zanetti, Talen

Ooooh, a sexy, broody vampire who’s all alpha … Zanetti’s newest looks promising for danger and suspense and, of course, the sexy!

*****

Talen

Dark Protectors series

by Rebecca Zanetti

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pub Date: 6/6/17

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32426225-talen?ac=1&from_search=true

Blurb:

She’ll love him forever . . . but he can’t make her obey . . .

The war is over. Danger has passed. Cara Kayrs is healed after decades of illness and ready for a break.

Too bad her brooding, alpha vampire husband can’t seem to change gears. In their twenty-five years together Talen Kayrs has learned to sense every shiver of her body, to ignite her desire with a word or a look. She would think he could learn she’s not some fragile damsel in distress.

But Talen is on edge, watching their backs, treating her like she’s made of glass. Like there’s something following them, a deadly threat that somehow none of their intelligence has uncovered. It’s enough to drive a woman crazy, and Talen has plenty of those tendencies already.

But what’s even more maddening is that he seems to be right . . .

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Talen couldn’t shake the itch between his shoulder blades. Taking his mate from the safety of their headquarters didn’t set well with him, and his muscles tensed in one long line.

“Would you relax?” she whispered from the passenger seat, her head back on the leather and her eyes closed in pleased abandonment.

Her legs were up on the dash, her feet in little sandals that showed off bright pink toenails. Sexy and pink. Her long auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and he fought the urge to tug on a strand.

The woman was right. The war had ended, and he really did need to relax. He watched the road outside and yet kept a close eye on his woman out of his peripheral vision. “It occurs to me that you think things have changed.”

She opened her eyelids then . . . her eyes a stunning blue. “Huh?”

He cleared his throat and made sure her seat belt was firmly around her small body. “The war is over, you’re well, and you think things are different.” In fact, his woman hadn’t been healthy since right after they’d mated, and for years, he’d been more than gentle with her. At the thought that she was whole, finally, his heart started to thrum.

“Of course things are different.” She gestured out with one arm.

“We’re on a road trip, without guards, without death hanging over our heads.” Her laugh was throaty and full. “Emma and I are taking a Vegas trip next month for a girls’ weekend.”

“Absolutely not.”

She gaped. “I did not ask permission, Kayrs.”

He bit back a wince. Whenever Cara used his last name, he was about to end up in the doghouse. Yet she was no longer vulnerable or weak, and he was finished placating her. “Mate? I have no intention of allowing you to go anywhere for a girls’ anything.” The second the word allow was out of his mouth, the tension in the car ratcheted up several degrees.

“Oh, you did not,” she sputtered, her eyes narrowing.

He sighed and turned to pin her with a look. He’d forgotten her stubbornness in the last difficult years when she’d been fighting a deadly virus that had almost taken her life. Now that she was healthy, memories of their first months together, before she had become infected, filtered through his mind. “I was fairly certain I tamed you way back when,” he said thoughtfully.

Red infused her face. “I’m about to kick your ass, Kayrs.”

Maybe not. Interesting. At the thought, his entire body tightened, and his cock started to throb. “Cara.”

Her shiver enticed him. “What?”

“I strongly advise you not to push me.” It was only fair to warn her, and he went on instinct. After nearly dying when the war had ended, he’d been restless since. For so many years, he’d treated his mate with more gentleness than he would’ve thought possible as she’d endured the virus.

Now that she was healthy, a primal part of him, one much closer to the surface than he liked, wanted to claim her again with all the dominance that was inherent to his species. “Okay?”

She breathed out. “Oh, mate. You’re the one who needs to stop pushing.”

He reached out, catching the long strands of her hair before she could avoid him. Her eyes widened, and he twisted his wrist with enough pressure to tilt back her head, fighting instincts he’d forgotten he had.

Curiosity and desire spilled from her.

His nostrils flared, catching his mate’s scent. It had been too long since they’d both been whole and healthy. He’d forgotten her defiant nature and how much she liked to challenge him. “Maybe this trip was a good idea,” he said softly, the beast inside him raging as her lids half-lowered.

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Print copy of the book

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a9251/

*****

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

Spotlight – Hard Stick

14 Wednesday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Breakaway series, Hard Stick, L.P. Dover

Even if we don’t spend a lot of time on the ice, it never hurts to have a hockey player between your … pages.

*****

Hard Stick

A Breakaway Novel #1

by L.P. Dover

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 13, 2017

Published by: Random House/Loveswept

Blurb:

He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.

On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl I’d never let go.

When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .

I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.

** Hard Stick is an action-packed romantic suspense. Just to warn you, the story line does NOT center around hockey. The main character plays but a lot of the book is set outside of the rink. **

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30173246-hard-stick

Amazon —> http://amzn.to/1XAQS36

Amazon CA —> http://amzn.to/2qhOZeM

Amazon UK —> http://amzn.to/2qN7L0R

Amazon AU —> http://amzn.to/2qTAj9A

B&N —> http://bit.ly/1szQlDn

Kobo —> http://bit.ly/1WEBwep

iBooks —> http://apple.co/1W3gpCG

Google Play —> http://bit.ly/1U0h5oM

*****

Praise for Hard Stick:

“L. P. Dover did a great job with this book and if you know going into that it has more of a suspenseful love story, you might not be so surprised. I recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down.”—Wicked Love of Books

“I loved this book! A great romantic/suspenseful story with a HEA (and it also involved sports which is always a plus with me). I really liked the author’s style of writing.”—Rebel Spinster (five stars)

“Hard Stick may have been my first L. P. Dover novel, but it won’t be my last. I am so excited to see what’s next in the Breakaway series.”—A Novel Glimpse

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.

Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency and Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management for dramatic rights.

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/lpdover

Website- http://www.lpdover.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/LPDover

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526309.L_P_Dover

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/L.P.-Dover/e/B00AFVV8TG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1380503353&sr=8-2-ent

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

Google +: https://plus.google.com/+LPDover/posts

Email: authorlpdover@gmail.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/EbduX

*****

Giveaway:

$15 gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78941348/

*****

Spotlight – Thorn’s Journey

14 Wednesday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

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Burnt River series, Shirleen Davies, Thorn's Journey

We’ve seen Shirleen Davies before – both her contemporary and historical western romances are showing her to be a must read for the genre.

(And I am definitely looking forward to getting to know Thorn! 🙂 )

*****

Thorn’s Journey

Burnt River series, Book 2

by Shirleen Davies

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Pres

Blurb:

Welcome to Burnt River, a new series of Contemporary Western Romance stories set in the fictional town of Burnt River, Montana. Brought to you by Shirleen Davies, Peggy L Henderson, Kay P. Dawson, Tristi Pinkston, and Kate Cambridge.

Thornton “Thorn” Macklin, ex-Special Forces sergeant, has returned home to focus on his future. Scorpion Custom Motorcycles is one of the two dreams he pushed aside when he left Burnt River. The second dream? Well, it died long ago.

Grace Jackson works hard to be successful, trying to forget the one great mistake from her past. Returning to Burnt River to work for the family business forces her to confront her future—as well as the man who shattered her heart.

Being close to his brothers, helping at the ranch, and working with lifelong friends is exactly what Thorn needs. The last person he expects to see is the woman who vanished from his life without a word. Now she sits in her plush office down the street, resurrecting emotions, as well as memories he’d buried long ago.

Not only must he confront his feelings for Grace, he and his friends face another danger. Someone wants their new business to fail, and isn’t above putting people at risk to achieve this goal.

Guarding against threats is what Thorn does best. Protecting his heart from the woman he’s never forgotten is another matter.

Could coming home, and the hope of a second chance, be his ultimate journey?

Thorn’s Journey, book two in the Burnt River Contemporary Western Romance Series, is a full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

*****

Excerpt:

“Mind if I join you?”

She jumped, startled at the familiar voice. Twisting around, she saw Thorn a few feet away, a bag from Evie’s in his hand. Pushing aside the lump in her throat, she gestured to the other side of the table. “Go ahead.” Picking up her drink, Grace did her best to ignore him and the butterflies now lodged in her stomach.

Unwrapping his sandwich, Thorn couldn’t seem to move his gaze away from Grace, studying her features for signs of the girl he once loved. Taking a bite, he chewed slowly, making her squirm under his intense gaze.

“Did you follow me?” She took another bite, but the sandwich now tasted more like cardboard than chicken salad.

“Nope.”

She looked around, expecting to see Josh and Tony walk up any minute. Grabbing her drink, she took a long sip, deciding the best way to deal with him being so close was to talk.

“I eat here all the time. Two or three times a week, in fact. Sometimes there are families with children, but most days, it’s quiet, like today. I’ve even brought my fishing rod a few times, although I’ve yet to catch anything. Seems the older I get, the less luck I have. I…” Her voice faded when she saw Thorn raise his hand.

“Do I make you nervous?” He wadded up the sandwich paper, easily tossing it into a can several feet away.

Grace crossed her arms, scowling at him. “Of course you don’t make me nervous.”

He mimicked her behavior, crossing his arms, although his lips turned up at the corners. “Then why are you babbling? I don’t remember you being so chatty.” Some perverse pleasure washed over him when he saw her face redden, her eyes going wide.

“It’s called small talk, Thorn. It’s what people do when they’re trying to break the ice, be sociable. You should try it sometime.”

He studied her a moment, his gaze hooded. “I’ve seen you naked, Grace. Several times. Do you really think small talk is necessary?”

Without an inkling of warning, she picked up her cup and threw the contents at him. Shock came in an instant, followed by disbelief, then a sputtering laugh as he stood, letting the liquid sluice off him.

Grabbing her trash, she tossed it into the can, then picked up her purse. “You’re such a jerk, Thorn. I don’t know how I ever loved you. Leaving here was the best decision I ever made.” Her stomach twisted when his smile disappeared, replaced with something she couldn’t quite define.

Standing, Thorn stepped beside her, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “You’re right. My love would never have been enough for you. I’m all the things your father thought—and worse.” Straightening, he adjusted his sunglasses and strode away, not bothering to check her reaction. If he had, he’d have seen the indignation of a moment before replaced with grief and regret, tears welling in her eyes at the love they’d lost and the pain that replaced it.

*****

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.

*****

Click on the link below to check out the rest of the tour and enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card

Spotlight – The Man She Knew

13 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

By Way of the Lighthouse series, Loree Lough, The Man She Knew

I love second chance romances and I’m definitely rooting for Ian.

*****

Fun Facts

Following his release from Lincolnwood, Ian—feeling lost and alone—spent hours rebuilding his Harley, piece by piece.

When an Autistic boy goes missing during a camping trip in the Allegheny Mountains, chaperone Maleah joins the search…with Ian and his SAR dog, Cash.

Ian Sylvestry loves his SAR work almost as much as he loves Cash, his trusted SAR dog…and Maleah, the love of his life.

*****

The Man She Knew

By Way of the Lighthouse Series, Book 1

by Loree Lough

Book Type: Fiction

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Publication Date: June 1, 2017

Blurb:

Don’t they both deserve a second chance?

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner’s trust is a far more daunting challenge.

From their first sparks-flying reunion, it’s obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn’t convinced.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34838422-the-man-she-knew

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qfC1zv

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9780373368419_the-man-she-knew.html

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-man-she-knew-loree-lough/1124589136?ean=9780373368419

*****

Author Info:

Once upon a time, Loree sang for her supper. That space reserved in pubs for “the piano lady?” Well, that’s where she sat, strumming her Yamaha in cities all over the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from the old 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes. And with the release of the 1st book in her third series for Harlequin Heartwarming, “By Way of the Lighthouse,” she’ll have 110 books on the shelves. She feels blessed that, over the years, most of her stories have earned 4- and 5-star reviews, but what Loree is most proud of are the dozens “Readers’ Choice” awards she has won, because it’s the readers’ opinions she cares most about!

Loree and her husband and live in a Baltimore suburb and enjoy spending time at their cozy cabin in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains (where she has nearly perfected her “identify the critter tracks” skills). They have two lovely daughters and seven ‘grandorables,’ and because she believes in giving back, Loree donates a generous portion of her annual income to several worthwhile charities. (See the full list on the “Giving Back” page at http://www.loreelough.com.)

While you’re there, Loree hopes you’ll drop her a note, because she loves hearing from her readers, some of whom have become lifelong friends! (You can also interact with her at Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.)

Website: http://www.loreelough.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoreeLoughAutho

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

Harlequin Author Page: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/23924_loree-lough.html

Whitaker House Author Page: http://www.whitakerhouse.com/DeskTop.aspx?page=AuthorInfo&author=11557

*****

Giveaway:

Tour wide, 6 winners:

1) 2 x $10 Amazon Gift Card

2) 2 x The Man She Knew Paperback Copy (US Winners)

3) 2 x The Man She Knew eBook Copy (International Winners)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5ddfc19f84/

Date: June 1 – 14, 2017

*****

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

Book Review – Dancing in the Rain

12 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Dancing in the Rain, Kelly Jamieson

Dancing in the Rain

by Kelly Jamieson

Happily ever afters aren’t just for fairy tales. In this heartfelt novel, a retired athlete must become a father to the daughter he never knew—just as he discovers the power of love with a woman who reignites his passions.

Drew Sellers is drowning in broken dreams and empty beer bottles. Hockey was his world, until a bum knee reduced him from superstar to has-been. Then he learns that, thanks to a one-night-stand back in college, he’s the father of a preteen girl with major issues. Her protective aunt sees right through Drew’s BS, but “Auntie P” is no stereotypical spinster. With her slender curves, toned legs, and luscious lips, she has Drew indulging in fantasies that aren’t exactly family-friendly.

At another point in her life, Peyton Watt would have been all over a cocky alpha male who pushes all her buttons like Drew. Right now, though, she needs to focus on taking care of her niece during her sister’s health crisis, all while holding down a job and keeping her own head above water. Besides, Drew’s clearly no father of the year. He’s unemployed. He drinks too much. And he’s living in the past. But after Peyton gets a glimpse of the genuine man behind his tough-guy façade, she’s hooked—and there’s no going back.

Drew is at a crossroads in his life – his hockey career is over and he has no idea where he’s going to go next. He’s wallowing in self-pity and just treading water. And then he finds out he has a 12 years old daughter he never knew about and he’s got to decide whether he is ready to part of her life. It’s not easy for him, especially since her mother is facing a serious health crisis so whatever decision he makes has to be made soon.

Peyton is kinda at a crossroads of her own. Her job is in NYC but her sister and niece need her in Chicago. She’s doing the best she can to juggle caring for her sister, helping her niece, and keeping up with her work. Bringing in a former hockey player with lots of baggage just adds to her load. Especially when there are sparks between them that are hard to ignore.

This is an emotion packed book – between the health issue, the newly found dad, work problems, life problems, tween problems … there’s a lot going on here but Jamieson keeps it real. While I doubt a lot of people ever have to worry about a long-lost child appearing, there are all sorts of forks in the road that we have to face. These are very relatable events and they are delivered in a way that draws you in, keeping your heart engaged & your tear ducts on notice 🙂 These people aren’t perfect and they make mistakes along the way, but they face things head on, do the best they can and work it out. We should all hope that we have their strength, courage, and heart when we need them.