Book Review – Back in the Game

Stella Davenport wasn’t made for small-town life. Sure, teaching ballet in Blanco Valley, Colorado, is great, but she longs for the chance to perform in a big city. Stella swore she’d never let anything get in the way of her dream-until sexy, broad-shouldered Brandon West walks back into her life. Stella is determined to resist him, even if arguing with Brandon is sexier than any foreplay.

For Brandon, it’s always been just him and his son, Matt. Knowing that love only leads to heartbreak, he isn’t looking to expand his family any time soon. Stella, with her long, gorgeous legs and infectious laugh, is a breath of fresh air he didn’t even know he’d been missing. But when she’s offered her dream job in Chicago, will he be willing to put his heart on the line?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iEE2G0

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2uMVYP5

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

iBooks: http://apple.co/2hQSM3x

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

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/2iClw0O

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2vX6NSI

Add SERIES to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/championvalleyGR

*****

Excerpt:

Was it just her, or had their almost-kiss a few months ago not been this hot? This intense? She didn’t remember her panties almost going up in flames or her desire threatening to choke her.

“A kiss doesn’t equal a relationship,” Brandon told her.

Stella nuzzled her nose against his. “But we’re not kissing.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Stella.” Before she could respond, before she could even exhale the breath she’d been holding, his mouth was there. Fitting over hers, exerting a gentle pressure that had her fingers digging into the flesh on the back of his shoulder.

When her eyes dropped closed, her other senses took over and magnified the virile man who was so much bigger and harder than she was. His arm enclosed her waist, tugging her closer, inch by slow inch until she was flush against him. Chest to chest. Feet to feet. Leg inserting between hers so that his muscled thigh was nestled perfectly in between her softer flesh.

Best. Kiss. Ever.

Brandon West could use his mouth as a lethal weapon to bring women to their knees. Because if he hadn’t been holding her to him with such firmness, she would have sank the second his mouth touched hers. And then she didn’t have time to think about all the other things she wanted him to do to her, because his tongue smoothed over her lips in gentle, yet not-so-subtle invitation to open the hell up.

He didn’t have to ask her twice. Without thinking about where they were, or the cars and people hovering around outside, even her looming anxiety, Stella obliged and parted her lips. With a hesitation that was sweet, yet longing, his tongue slowly pursued hers, touching just the tip before retreating again.

Since it wasn’t enough, since the minimal contact had opened an emptiness she’d been living with for a long time, Stella did her own pursuing. Her tongue chased his, testing the warmth of his mouth. When he groaned against her and tightened his hand on the back of her head, the heat was kicked up a notch. The passion she’d once possessed but that had gone dormant from lack of use awakened with an explosive burst of fireworks. She returned his groan with one of her own when he tilted her head to change the angle of the kiss, allowing him to dive deeper.

And she let him, because Brandon West was an overpowering man who held her passion and trust in the palms of his hands. The question was, what would he do with it?

Their tongues continued to dance and weave around each other until someone opened the front door of her studio, and the outside sounds of cars and people intruded on their moment of intimacy.

“Oh!” the startled voice announced, ripping her and Brandon away from each other like two teenagers who’d been caught necking by the principal.

Her mother stood by the door, her eyes wide to match the smile on her face, as though to say, Score one for the team, honey.

Only Gloria Davenport.

She held her hands up and backed toward the door.

“Don’t mind me,” she told them. Then offered Stella two thumbs up. For Pete’s sake. “But good job, honey. Way to take my advice.”

And then she was gone, blowing back out the door as quickly as she had interrupted them, taking Stella’s dignity with her.

One of Brandon’s dark brows lifted, showing nothing of the passion he’d exhibited just a second ago. “Advice?” he repeated.

“Ah . . . ,” she began, not sure how to explain Gloria Davenport to someone who didn’t know her. “Just ignore her. She obviously hasn’t taken her medication today.”

The slight curl of his mouth widened. “You look like her.”

Please God, don’t say that. “Okay.”

His brown eyes narrowed, scrutinizing way too much. “Is this another thing you don’t want to talk about?”

Right on. She lifted a shoulder and pretended her heart wasn’t still pounding from their kiss. “I have no issues with my mom.” At least none that she was willing to share.

Brandon nodded. “You know, one of these days all those walls you’ve thrown up are going to come crashing down.”

As Stella watched Brandon saunter out of her studio as though he hadn’t just knocked her socks off with his mouth, all she could think of was how right he was.

*****

Review:

Brandon and Stella are so absolutely adorable together. They have the steam and the sass and all the feels that you could want!

Brandon found himself a single dad at way too young and while he is a fabulous dad his past has left him with some trust issues when it comes to women. He can’t handle being left again and with Stella’s plans to go to Chicago that’s exactly what will happen if he lets himself get involved. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the two can’t fight their attraction and he starts to fall, regardless of how hard he fights it.

Stella has her own trust issues thanks to her nomadic upbringing and the revolving door of men in her mother’s life (especially one in particular). She’s trying just as hard as Brandon is to resist the pull between them but the man is just about perfect. How can you turn away from someone with that much patience, that much understanding, and that much sexiness?!?

Kern does a wonderful job of addressing both Brandon and Stella’s issues with the consideration that they deserve. She never glosses over their feelings and reactions, giving readers great back and forth between the two without getting overly dramatic.

She so great at drawing you in with the heartwarming emotions, entertaining you with the perfect amount of humor, and keeping you turning pages with characters that you can’t help but love. I am SO looking forward to what she has lined up next!

*****

Author Info:

Erin Kern lives in north Texas with her husband, two kids and their dog. She loves BBQ, Texas sunsets, antiquing and high school football games. The Champion Valley series was inspired by Erin’s love of Texas football, small towns and happy endings. When she’s not at the computer working on her next tale, she can be found spending time with her kids or curled up with a good book.

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2iBuziw

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

BookBUB: http://bit.ly/2uvtNZD

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

*****

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#ReadForever

*****

Giveaway:

Win 1 of 10 paperback copies of BACK IN THE GAME by Erin Kern.

https://app.viralsweep.com/view_widget/a3eec5-23176

*****

Spotlight – She Walks in Moonlight

30 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Jennifer Silverwood, Second Chances series, She Walks in Moonlight

“An enthralling second-chance love story that will excite contemporary romance readers.”

*****

She Walks in Moonlight

A Second Chances Romance, #1

by Jennifer Silverwood

Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

Kindle Edition, 200 pages

October 28, 2017

Blurb:

Globetrotter, Danica Pavlova spends her days scouring old folktales and her nights trying to forget her life is anything but a fairy tale. Ten years ago, she ran away from her best friend the night after causing his crippling accident, convinced Adam King was better off not loving her.

But when her brother is diagnosed with leukemia, she resolves to come home to care for the family she abandoned and face the love she never forgot. Will she find forgiveness for the mistakes of her past, or can there be a second chance for a woman who walks in moonlight?

Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, She Walks in Moonlight explores both redemption and romance in the face of tragedy.

*Warning-Contains Adult Situations & Some Language*

Amazon | Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

I wished I could say I stood my ground and walked up to Adam with a saucy grin on my face. That was how I imagined it playing out in my head, at least. But the truth was I was a coward. I ran. That was the gypsy in my blood.

“What the hell, Caleb!” Adam shouted. I heard the early stages of a scuffle behind us. I didn’t turn around to watch.

“Sorry, man, didn’t know you would be here tonight!” Caleb protested.

A girl screamed.

“Caleb!” Andi screeched.

“Chill out, guys!” Jameson growled.

I dared a glance over my shoulder to see Adam, my best friend, throw a heavy punch in his face. Jameson fell to the ground, and Adam looked up.

I turned the moment our gazes clashed for the second time and stumbled through the backyard, into the shadows beside the house. My vision blurred, and I rubbed the tears out as fast as I could. I hated this, hated this stupid small town and the stupid guys. I hated Adam for being so different, but not as much as I hated myself.

I dropped my keys next to my car and cursed. I crouched down to feel the grass and gasped when another hand brushed mine. It was nearly twice as big as mine, with long, calloused fingers and numerous scars I didn’t remember. I stood and nearly collided with Adam King. He pushed the keys into my hand, but I barely noticed. I might as well have been dead.

I hadn’t even heard him come after me. His chest heaved from the fight, and his once beautiful eyes were filled with something wild and burning. His voice was deeper—the voice of a man, not the boy who’d loved me.

“You don’t belong here,” he began, and I could tell he was holding back more, a lot more.

He might as well have cut me with the words. I wanted to agree with him, lie down, and admit I had screwed up. But that was when I remembered the shell of a man my brother was now, when I saw the faces of my niece and nephew. So instead of giving in, I saw red.

“I’m pretty sure I was invited here,” I said as I gripped the bottle in one hand and my keys in the other. The pinch of pain woke me up.

His voice rose. “It was a mistake. Caleb was trying to stir up shit.”

“You mean it was a mistake to invite the biggest slut in school. No one lets me forget that, do they?” I spat back. The muscles in his forearms bulged, and I noticed the grease staining his skin.

He spoke past clenched teeth. “You know what this is really about!”

“Do I?” I challenged, but I was finding it harder to stand my ground. He was standing a lot closer than I realized. While the old Adam King was an open book of facial expressions, this Adam might as well have been made of stone. Again, I hated him for doing that to himself.

“You had no right showing up here. These are my friends! You left all that behind a long time ago!” He leaned forward, fury breaking past the mask on his face.

“You have no right telling me where I’m allowed to go or who I’m allowed to see!”

“I never told you what to do!”

“Pretty sure that’s exactly what this is! What are you gonna do? Forbid all our old friends from speaking to me? Well, congratulations, that won’t be a problem. ’Cause the last place I wanna be is around a bunch of assholes still hung up on high school!” It was a low blow, I knew, but I wasn’t in control of my tongue anymore.

“What the hell, Danica! Cut the bullshit!” he shouted.

“Quit acting like a controlling boyfriend!” I pushed his chest with my bottle hand, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he grabbed the vodka out of my hands.

“You aren’t leaving like this!”

“Oh, so now I’m not allowed to leave?” I grabbed the neck of the bottle and tried to tug it free. “That’s my liquor, asshole!”

He raised his arm up higher and held me off with his free hand. When did he get so freaking strong?

“You’ve had enough of this shit!” He threw the bottle aside, ignoring my scream, and grabbed the keys out of my other hand.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Caleb and Andi came running up to us then. Caleb’s face looked as if it had been rammed by a concrete block.

Andi picked up the tossed vodka while Caleb put his hand on my shoulder. “Please, guys, you’re going to wake the kids up.”

Adam took my hand in his and pulled me out of Caleb’s grasp. “I’m taking her home,” he grunted.

“Hell no, I am not going anywhere with you,” I hissed and dragged my feet.

Adam pulled me to the passenger seat and set me inside as if I weighed nothing. His willing touch sent a series of violent sparks, a chain reaction that made me lean into him, only slightly. I froze when I heard the click of my seat belt.

“Bastard,” I spat at him. His arms flexed as he shut my door, scowl frozen in place. I crossed my arms over my chest. I could have tried harder to escape, but I didn’t know this new Adam. He was a lot more physical than I remembered and a lot less patient, apparently. I was too pissed, in more than one way, to do anything other than sulk.

Caleb tried to grab Adam before he could climb inside my little SUV. “Man, I swear I didn’t know. When you said you were working tonight, I just assumed…”

“Not now.” Adam shoved Caleb’s hand off and slid into the front seat. He glared at Caleb while adjusting the seat to fit his much larger frame. “We’ll talk about this later, Brewer.” He slammed the door shut before Caleb could touch it and revved my engine to life.

He didn’t speak again until we had pulled out of the Brewers’ winding drive onto the back roads. I was still too angry to speak and too dumb to do anything adult about it.

“You shouldn’t have come tonight.”

I snorted. “Obviously.”

He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. “I didn’t mean to lose it earlier.”

“I tend to have that effect on men,” I murmured and rested my elbow on the door, my chin in my hand. “You didn’t have to pitch the vodka. It was a twenty-dollar bottle.”

“You drank at least thirteen of that.” And then, after another long moment, he said, “You were running away from me again.”

I dragged my knees up to my chest and stared out the window. “You were yelling.”

“Guess I have that effect on women,” Adam said after an even longer pause. I turned to find him staring straight out the windshield with the same scowl creasing his brow.

“Was that supposed to be a joke?” I blurted.

“What, I can’t have a normal conversation with you?”

I didn’t reply because I didn’t know the answer to that. I didn’t know this Adam. I was too afraid to try.

You’ll only hurt him again.

Adam sighed as though releasing a weight off his chest. “Seeing you there tonight took me off guard. I wasn’t ready. But it is what it is, and I need to go ahead and get this off my chest. I don’t want you to talk, just listen.” He glanced at me again and took another tense breath.

“Okay.” I shifted in my seat and tried not to study his profile, the two days’ worth of stubble on his square jaw, or the scar running across his forehead and down the side of his face into his hairline.

“I’ve got a life here that took me a long time to come back to. The way I said it earlier was wrong, but I meant it. I don’t want you coming around the Brewers’ place anymore.”

I dug my fingers into my knees and bit my tongue at that comment.

“For me, the Brewers’ is one of the few places I can go where I feel like myself. I’m not telling you what to do. I’m asking you for a favor, if you ever cared about me. I know you’re in town for Peter and the kids, and that’s fine. But I think it’s best if we don’t see each other.”

I waited, and when he had nothing else to add, I looked up to find his eyes on me again. This time, they weren’t hard and withdrawn, but weary. What had given him the worry lines at the corners of his eyes and forehead?

It doesn’t matter. You heard the man. You’re poison.

Adam had every right to be angry with me, but some part of me couldn’t let it go.

“It’s been ten years, you know,” I said and held his gaze. “Can’t we at least be civil?”

His eyes narrowed slightly, and his mask fell in place again. “Guess what happened was nothing to you, just another high school fling. Except it didn’t just happen with some guy, Danica. It happened with me.”

My head was spinning slightly, but I recognized the lights on Peter’s house and knew we were already home.

Adam leaned between the seats and reached over to pop open my door. “I’ll get the car to Peter tomorrow.”

I stumbled out of my car and opened my mouth to say all the things burning in my throat. I wanted to cut him, hurt him like his words hurt me. He pulled the door shut behind me before I could speak. I teared up again. I wanted to hate him, but he was right, and I was just the bitch who’d broken his heart.

*****

Author Info:

Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time, she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador, or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas.

She is the author of two series—Heaven’s Edge and Wylder Tales—and the stand-alone titles Stay and Silver Hollow.

Website – Blog – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Tumblr

*****

Spotlight – Thigh Highs

27 Friday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Katia Rose, Thigh Highs

How about something a little fun and sexy to finish off the week?

*****

Thigh Highs

by Katia Rose

Publication Date: October 26th, 2017

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

Blurb:

Modelling lingerie for her arch-nemesis was not on Christina’s to-do list.

Then again, neither was he.

Aaron Penn might be the talk of the advertising school they both attend, but to Christina he’s just an egomaniac with a cocky smirk to match. Fast forward to the end of term, when a class project gone wrong has her stripping down to a negligee and letting Aaron photograph her to advertise a line of women’s underwear.

She expects suggestive comments and smarmy-eyed stares, but when Aaron gets behind the camera he treats her body like a work of art. Even though all she’s got on is a scrap of satin, the room suddenly feels way too hot.

As the tension between them builds to expensive-panty-melting-levels, Christina finds herself caught between falling for the complicated artist who knows just what poses to put her in, and wondering why he acts like such an irritating hotshot around everyone else.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36234030-thigh-highs?ac=1&from_search=true

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thigh-Highs-Katia-Rose-ebook/dp/B076HV7VWG/

*****

Excerpt:

“No way,” I gasp, staring at the very large, very professional-looking camera in Aaron’s hands. “Did you just steal that?”

He looks up after setting the camera down on the desk next to the carefully arranged lingerie.

“Really?” he demands, cocking a brow. “Is your opinion of me actually so bad that your first assumption is to think I stole this?”

I give him a look that suggests exactly that.

“I didn’t steal it,” he confirms. “It’s mine. I…”

His eyes drift to the floor and he takes a moment to heft the gear bag he has thrown over his shoulder onto the desk, turning away from me as he does.

“I do photography sometimes,” he continues. “It’s just a hobby. I was going to come back in here after the shoot and play around a bit.”

“That looks like more than just a hobby.” I gesture towards all his gear as he turns back to face me.

He shrugs, avoiding my eye. “I mean, I have to look good in all my selfies.”

“It’s like being a douchebag is just a reflex for you,” I sigh. “I almost can’t even blame you for it.”

He starts unzipping the bag and pulls out a few lenses. As I watch, it occurs to me that even though we’ve now got a camera and someone who knows how to use it, our problems are far from solved.

“So do you have a C cup model hiding in that bag?” I ask him. “Because if not, we’re still screwed.”

“You must be at least a C cup,” he responds, not looking up from the lenses.

I’m about to ask what that has to do with anything when the realization of what he’s suggesting hits.

Oh hell no.

*****

Author Info:

Katia Rose is not much of a Pina Colada person, but she does like getting caught in the rain. She prefers her romance served steamy with a side of smart, and is a sucker for quirky characters. A habit of jetting off to distant countries means she’s rarely in one place for very long, but she calls the frigid northland that is Canada home.

https://www.katiarose.com/

https://www.facebook.com/katiaroseauthor/

https://twitter.com/katiaroseauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17000769.Katia_Rose

*****

Spotlight – Stolen Kisses

26 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Annie Rains, Blushing Bay series, Stolen Kisses

Continuing her awesome new series (after Forbidden Kisses), the delightful Annie Rains brings us the new Sawyer to fall in love!

*****

Stolen Kisses

Blushing Bay, Book 2

by Annie Rains ~ USA Today Bestselling Author

Release Date: October 10^th 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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

Hosted By: The Wit & Wonder Agency

Blurb:

Krista Nelson loves being a pediatric nurse. What she doesn’t love is her demanding boss and stressful workload. Fortunately, Krista knows she can count on a waterfront happy hour every Wednesday with her childhood best friend, Noah Sawyer, the one part of her life she never wants to change. But, like it or not, things are changing – because Krista can’t stop wondering what would happen if she grabbed Noah by the collar and kissed him like it was her job.

Bored of the superficial women he’s been dating, Noah’s putting his love life on hold so he can focus on his family’s high-end fishing business. Sure, there are moments when he’s tempted by Krista’s soft lips and killer smile – but her friendship is too important to Noah. How could he let himself jeopardize everything they share? The trouble is, if he doesn’t take the real risk of opening his heart, Noah might just let the perfect catch get away.

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

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

iBooks: http://apple.co/2kF0bEv

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2yc9krq

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

“I adore the author’s voice, the compelling characters she creates that I want to spend time with, and the heartfelt moments as they fall helplessly in love” ~ Books and Spoons, Amazon Review.

“Stolen Kisses is a sweet romance that will sweep you away. I couldn’t get enough of Krista and Noah’s story. This has to be one of my favorite books that I have read to date!!” ~ Read with Me, Amazon Review.

*****

Excerpt:

“I get it. You have that biological clock thing ticking.”

This made Krista laugh even though she was half past frustrated. “Actually, yes. And, news flash, some men out there have the same thing.”

Noah looked at her, and if she wasn’t mistaken, maybe he felt a pang of sadness, or regret, or . . . “Maybe one day,” he said on a nod.

“One day what?”

“You know, maybe one day I’ll get married, too.”

This was the first time Krista had ever heard him talk of such. “No way.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. It might be nice.”

“I can’t believe my ears right now.”

He looked at her again, his gaze sticking. Was she imagining the heat between them? Was it just her? His gaze dropped to her chest and her head went dizzy with desire and anticipation and . . . “You still wear that silly fishing hook I gave you when we were seven.” He reached out and lifted the charm off her chest, his hand achingly close to her racing heart.

“It’s one of my favorite things,” she said, mouth parched. The space between them was hot as a sauna.

“I caught my first Bass with this hook. That’s why it’s lucky.”

“And why you gave it to me before my surgery. It’s always brought me luck.”

His gaze lifted. “Good luck, I hope.”

“What?” Her head was spinning.

“Good luck and not bad.”

“Oh, right. Yes. I wouldn’t wear it if it brought bad luck.” A small laugh escaped her lips.

Get up, Krista. . . Kiss him, Krista . . . No, she’d kissed him first last time. She wasn’t doing that again. No way, no how . . .

His hand placed the charm back against her chest. He didn’t pull it away, though. Instead, he leaned in closer to her. Without thinking, Krista swallowed and rolled her lips inward to wet them. She was preparing for a kiss that couldn’t possibly happen.

There was no way. They were best friends, that’s all.

Then he reached up, pushed that unruly lock of hair behind her ear, and cupped the back of her neck, offering a gentle tug in his direction. Her body didn’t resist. Their gazes locked, a silent agreement that their lips were going to meet. “Noah,” she said, unsure if any other words would follow. A protest. A confession.

“I’m going to kiss you now, if that’s okay with you.”

She swallowed again, unable to think fast enough. She nodded. “Yes.”

Before she could take a breath, his lips brushed against hers and his hand ran down to her shoulder, holding her in place, grounding her to the moment. She parted her lips for him, allowing him to go deeper . . . because it felt right. This felt right.

And wrong on so many levels.

*****

Author Info:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Annie’s Facebook Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Annie-Rains-1452963021669865/

Join Annie’s Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/476944485847988/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AnnieRains_

Bookbub Author Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annie-rains

Find me on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13911602.Annie_Rains

Newsletter sign-up link:

http://smarturl.it/annierainsnewsletter

*****

Spotlight – Ryder

25 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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7 Brides for 7 Soldiers, Barbara Freethy, Ryder

Fall in love with seven sexy and irresistible soldiers who find their courage and heart tested like never before in the battle for love! This multi-author collaborative series of contemporary romance novels is brought to you by bestselling authors Barbara Freethy, Roxanne St. Claire, Christie Ridgway, Lynn Raye Harris, Julia London, Cristin Harber and Samantha Chase. You won’t want to miss a single one!

*****

Ryder

7 Brides for 7 Soldiers, Book 1

by Barbara Freethy

Blurb:

When Navy pilot Ryder Westbrook is shot down, his only thought is making it home—to the place he left behind a long time ago. But dreaming about the small town of Eagle’s Ridge and going back are two very different things, and upon arrival Ryder finds himself in the middle of another battlefield—an old family feud between the Westbrooks and the Tuckers. To complicate matters, he needs disputed land to start his second career at the local airfield. He decides to enlist the help of beautiful Bailey Tucker, but the chef soon has his senses spinning in another direction…

The last person Bailey is interested in helping is golden boy Ryder Westbrook. After a painful personal betrayal, irresistible attraction to another man, who is probably too good to be true, seems like a terrible idea. But she also needs something from the Westbrooks, a chance to start over and build the restaurant of her dreams.

Ryder and Bailey make a simple plan—work together to get what they both want, but what happens when they find out what they really want is each other?

Apple – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_iBooks

Amazon – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/ryder_kindle

B&N Nook – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_nook

Kobo – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_Kobo

Google – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_GooglePlay

Amazon AU – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_AmazonAU

Amazon UK – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_AmazonUK

Amazon Print – http://www.barbarafreethy.com/Ryder_paperback

*****

Excerpt:

Prologue

“We’re hit! We’re hit!”

Navy pilot Ryder Westbrook heard the panicked words of his copilot, Michael Valdez, but he was too busy trying to regain control of the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter to reply. They were coming back from a humanitarian mission—having dropped food, water and medical supplies into the rugged and remote villages of Afghanistan—when they’d taken enemy fire.

They weren’t going to make it back to the carrier in the Persian Gulf. They were going to have to set down somewhere, hopefully far from the rebel forces that had just shot at them.

His heart pounded against his chest, but he remained calm, his training playing through his head as he went through every option to retain control of the twin-engine helicopter.

Flying was in his blood. The helo had always felt like an extension of his own power, but now that power was crumbling, and he was being forcibly reminded of just how fragile life could be.

But he couldn’t quit. There had to be a way out.

Unfortunately, his optimism was dampened by the fact that the ground was getting closer by the second, and his crew was depending on him to get them down safely.

His copilot had a wife and a baby back in the States. Colin Forbes, the sensor operator, was getting married in a month. And he…well, he still had things he wanted to do.

He had to keep them all alive.

Searching the ground for a viable landing site, he spotted what appeared to be a flat, open rural area. Not only did he want to protect his crew, he didn’t want to hurt anyone on the ground.

Glancing over at Michael, he saw his friend making the sign of the cross.

“We’re not going to die,” he said emphatically, drawing Michael’s gaze to his. “Not today. Not this time.”

He could see the hope in Michael’s eyes. His friend wanted to believe him.

Hell, he wanted to believe himself.

He’d been in tight spots before, and he’d always come out on top. It had been that way his entire life. Growing up in Eagle’s Ridge, he’d been the golden boy—the one who set new records, who made things happen, who achieved whatever he went after.

But this was real life. This was happening now, and he was the only one who could save all their lives.

In ten years of naval service, he’d never encountered a situation exactly like this. He’d never felt so worried that his number might really be up.

He shook the negative thought out of his head, squaring his jaw, tightening his hand on the controls, as he rode the bird down to the ground.

The impact was harder than he’d expected, the helicopter shattering into pieces of fiery metal. And when everything went black, he fought against the idea that this might be it.

He had more he wanted to do, people he should have made peace with a long time ago, a home that beckoned to him—the Blue Mountains, the Snake River, the people of Eagle’s Ridge—a life still to be lived.

He needed more time… He just didn’t know if he was going to get it.

*****

Author Info:

Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 60 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women’s fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara opened Fog City Publishing in 2011 and has since sold over 7 million books! Twenty-three of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists, including one title, SUMMER SECRETS, which hit #1 on the NYT. In 2014 Barbara was named the Amazon KDP Bestselling Author of all time! She was also the first Indie writer to sell over a million books on Barnes and Noble.

Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, romance and suspense, Barbara is a six-time finalist and two-time winner in the Romance Writers of America acclaimed RITA contest for her novels DANIEL’S GIFT and THE WAY BACK HOME.

For more information, visit her website at www.barbarafreethy.com

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | YOUTUBE | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

PRAISE FOR BARBARA FREETHY NOVELS:

“This book has it all: heart, community, and characters who will remain with you long after the book has ended. A wonderful story.” — NYT Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber on Suddenly One Summer

“Barbara Freethy writes with bright assurance, exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the excitement of blue water sailing. SUMMER SECRETS is a lovely novel.” — NYT Bestselling Author Luanne Rice

“In the tradition of LaVyrle Spencer, gifted author Barbara Freethy creates an irresistible tale of family secrets, riveting adventure and heart- touching romance.” — NYT Bestselling Author Susan Wiggs on Summer Secrets

“Hooked me from the start and kept me turning pages throughout all the twists and turns. SILENT RUN is powerful romantic intrigue at its best.” — NYT Bestselling Author JoAnn Ross

“A warm and wonderful book about love, family and everything that’s important in life. Irresistible! I loved it!” — NYT Bestselling Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips on Ask Mariah

“A page-turner that engages your mind while it tugs at your heartstrings…Don’t Say A Word has made me a Barbara Freethy fan for life!” — NYT Bestselling Author Diane Chamberlain on Don’t Say a Word

“If you love nail-biting suspense and heartbreaking emotion, SILENT RUN belongs on the top of your to-be-bought list. I could not turn the pages fast enough.” — NYT Bestselling Author Mariah Stewart

“I love The Callaways! Heartwarming romance, intriguing suspense and sexy alpha heroes. What more could you want?” — NYT Bestselling Author Bella Andre

“Freethy’s skillful plotting and gift for creating sympathetic characters will ensure that few dry eyes will be left at the end of the story.” — Publishers Weekly on The Way Back Home

“Freethy is at the top of her form. Fans of Nora Roberts will find a similar tone here, framed in Freethy’s own spare, elegant style.” — Contra Costa Times

*****

Don’t miss any of the sexy soldiers!

Ryder (#1) – Barbara Freethy

Adam (#2) – Roxanne St. Claire

Zane (#3) – Christie Ridgway

Wyatt (#4) – Lynn Raye Harris

Jack (#5) – Julia London

Noah (#6) – Cristin Harber

Ford (#7) – Samantha Chase

*****

Spotlight – Secrets at Seaside

24 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Addison Cole, Seaside Summers series, Seaside Summers Sweet with Heat series, Secrets at Seaside, Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers series

We’ve seen most of this series before and I’m SUPER excited that Tony & Amy finally have their chance!

*****

Secrets at Seaside

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers, #5

by Addison Cole

Publication Date: October 25, 2017

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Standalone, Sweet Romance

Blurb:

In SECRETS at SEASIDE…

Tony Black is the hottest surfer on the planet. He travels the world throughout the year and spends his summers on Cape Cod with his friends, at the Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He’s got his choice of women, but Amy Maples is the one he wants. Fourteen years ago she was his for an entire summer, until a devastating accident changed everything, and what they had seemed like it had never existed–at least for her.

Amy Maples is as consistent as the day is long. She’s spent summers on Cape Cod forever, she always does the right thing, and she’s spent years trying to reclaim the heart of Tony Black, the only man she’s ever loved. She’s back for a summer of fun with her friends at Seaside, only this year she’s been offered the opportunity of a lifetime thousands of miles away, and she’s decided to try one last time to reconnect with Tony. But having a relationship with Tony means dealing with her past–and dealing with her past may knock her to her knees.

Secrets at Seaside by Addison Cole is the sweet edition of New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster’s steamy romance novel Seaside Secrets. 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.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zqYa1r

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2zso9W0

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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2l7JIJ4

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

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2zt6dun

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2gzN1Y2

*****

Excerpt:

Amy tucked her straight blond hair behind her ears and moved her shoulders to the slow beat of the music. “I’m not sure being here for the summer is smart anyway. It’s like torturing myself.” She stopped dancing at the thought of not coming back to Seaside for the summers. Could she really do that? Would she even want to? Could she survive not seeing Tony even if she knew for sure he didn’t want her?

This was why she had to figure out her life and make a change. She was becoming pathetic.

She sensed Tony’s eyes on her again and forced her hips to find the beat as Bella and Leanna danced closer. “It might be time I move on,” she said more confidently than she felt.

“Move on from Tony?” Bella took her hand and dragged her back toward the table with the others on their heels.

Amy saw Tony’s eyes narrowing as they hurried past. Why was he so angry all of a sudden?

“He’s so into you, he won’t let you go.” Bella elbowed her as they took their seats. “He texts you almost every day.”

“Yeah, with stuff like, Won another competition and Check me out in Surfer Mag next month! He texts me when he’s going to miss an event at Seaside. He doesn’t text me because he misses me or wants to see me.” Tony had started texting her during the summers when they were teenagers, because Amy was the only one who checked her cell phone when they were at the Cape, and at some point, those summer texts had turned into a year-round connection. He’d stopped texting her for a few years when she was in college and he was building his surfing and speaking careers, although she knew the real reason he’d stopped, and it had nothing to do with either. After she’d graduated from college, he’d begun texting again. She hadn’t known why he started up again, and after having been without that connection for so long, she didn’t ask. She was just glad to have him back. Since then, she’d become his habit, but not exactly the type of habit she wanted to be.

“It’s not like what each of you have. I want that, what you have. I want a guy who says I’m the only woman for him and that he can’t live without me, like your guys say to you.” I want Tony to say that.

Seeing her girlfriends so much in love was what really drove home how lonely Amy had become over the past few summers.

“I think he takes care of you like you’re his. I mean, how many guys text to say they saw a kitty pajama top you’d look adorable in if they aren’t gay or interested?” Bella shifted her shoulders in a Yeah, that’s right way.

“I’m probably the only woman he knows who wears kitty pajamas. He was teasing me, not being flirty or boyfriendish.” Was he? No, he definitely wasn’t. There had been times when Amy had thought Tony was looking at her like he was interested in a more intimate way, but they were fleeting seconds, and they passed as quickly as he’d taken his next breath. She was probably seeing what she wanted to see, not what he really felt, and she’d begun to wonder if she’d really loved him for so long, or if he’d become her habit, too.

“You know, he’s never brought another woman to Seaside.” Leanna’s loose dark mane was wavy and tousled. With her golden tan and simple summer dress, she looked like she’d just come from the beach. Her gaze softened in a way that made Amy feel like she wanted to fall into Leanna’s arms and disappear. “And look how he treats you. He’s always got an arm around you, and when you drink too much at our barbecues, he always carries you home.”

Amy wanted to believe them and to see what they apparently saw when he looked at her, but she never had. It was the secret memories of being in Tony’s strong arms that long-ago summer, feeling his heart beat against hers, feeling safe and loved, that made her hopeful there would come a day when they’d find themselves there again. But then her mind would travel to the end of those recent nights when she’d had too much to drink and he’d carried her home. When he’d tucked her into bed and gone along his merry way back to his own cottage across the road, quickly dousing her hope for more with cold reality. Whatever they’d had that summer, she’d ruined.

*****

Be sure to check out the other books in this fun, flirty and sweet (with a dash of heat) series!

Read, Write, Love at Seaside (Book #1)

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

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2zEL8OC

Audible: http://adbl.co/2gxZXxK

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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2zELC7o

iBooks: http://apple.co/2yAmnp0

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2zrc9UJ

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2yYluHH

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2zFdF6x

Dreaming at Seaside (Book #2)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gv5OAo

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2zsq5he

B&N: http://bit.ly/2rE4s9C

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2gu93rS

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

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2hVXF8q

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2xWArF2

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

Hearts at Seaside (Book #3)

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

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2iqSzF6

B&N: http://bit.ly/2uHp464

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

iBooks: http://apple.co/2xW5NeR

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

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2xdkhr8

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

Sunsets at Seaside (Book #4)

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

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2yJegGk

B&N: http://bit.ly/2xeh5vL

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2hWDp6q

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

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2yF2nzk

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2xe3tjU

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2l5YLDo

*****

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.

Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Addison’s books are available in paperback, digital, and audio formats.

*****

Giveaway:

Win an Addison Cole Tote Bag and print copy of READ, WRITE, LOVE AT SEASIDE

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81361/

*****

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

Book Review – Appetite of Envy

23 Monday Oct 2017

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Amabel Daniels, Appetite of Envy, Book Review

A little klutzy and a tad awkward, Lia wiggled her way into my heart.

*****

Appetite of Envy

by Amabel Daniels

Romantic Suspense

Published July 8, 2016

Blurb:

You can’t always get what you want.

Shy and sweet Lia Gardella has only wished to make her father proud. Dropping plates, spilling drinks, and missing orders, she’s never fit in at the family business. And after nearly incinerating the whole building, she ran from the stressful environment.

Want not.

As head chef of one of the city’s best eateries, Finn Newland seems to have it all. He enjoyed a youthful career in the MMA. Women worship him. After years of hard work, he finally has an opportunity to take over the restaurant he’s always considered his own.

Be careful what you wish for.

When Lia’s father summons her to supervise Gardella’s, instead of handing the reins to Finn, no one is happy. They don’t know how to collaborate on running the restaurant. Nor are they confident they can continue to deny their attraction to one another. But before they can attempt a partnership of any kind, they’ll need to find the culprit behind a trend of spiteful sabotage aimed at Gardella’s.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Appetite-Envy-Amabel-Daniels-ebook/dp/B01HY9E6PO

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/appetite-of-envy-amabel-daniels/1124061386?ean=2940158207006

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/appetite-of-envy

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1131044444

*****

Excerpt:

Finn nodded. “See. She knows she can’t handle it.” He held his hand up in a truce. “Give me a chance, Rico. Take some time off and let’s see how I handle it. All right? There’s no need to be rash. I already run the cook’s line. I’ll step up and watch over the servers on the floor. I’ll contract a bookkeeper. I told you I’d work extra. I’ll handle it all.”

“You can’t handle yourself! You can’t stop whoring around enough to even think about this place no more!” Enrico flared up in his face.

Working his jaw, Finn eyed the little man. That damn critic. “Maybe I’ll just sleep with Lia and have her give it to me, huh, Rico?” He smirked. “What’s one more woman in my way?” It was a dirty hit, but Rico’s decision was ridiculous.

Enrico waved. “Ha! Not with her.” He grunted. “Won’t work.”

Finn crossed his arms, enjoying the blush on Lia’s cheeks. “I think it could.”

She slapped him.

Are you kidding me? His glared at her. Well, he deserved it, but hell, he was just joking. He’d never seriously—

“I’m not a, a pawn!”

“See?” Rico ceased his chuckle. “She doesn’t fawn over pretty boys like you.”

Finn rubbed his cheek and faced his boss. “Rico, she’s got no business being here. I do. I’ve worked for this, Rico. I’ve been here for years. She’s never even bothered to come back here. Not even once!”

Enrico hardly batted an eye. Actually, he smiled. “I never asked her to.”

“Why are you asking me now?” she said.

“Because I am.”

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed the suspense element of this story. Daniels does a really good job of keeping you guessing who is behind all of the “accidents” and mishaps at the restaurant. She gives just enough hings to have your brain working as you work to figure out what is malicious, what is bad luck, and what might be something really dangerous. I was surprised at the ending (which is always a bonus) but it worked really well with the rest of the story.

I also enjoyed Finn and Lia working their way into a HEA. They are absolutely HORRIBLE about communicating and both do a lot of jumping to conclusions but they eventually figure things out. They’ve got a lot of history and assumptions to overcome but Daniels does a good job of getting them there.

I was all that much of a fan of the rest of the characters. They seemed like the cast of a really bad (fake) reality show. They are awful to Lea, disrespectful to those in authority, and snipe among themselves when they aren’t trying to get in each other’s pants. There is not a single redeeming one in the group, except for the dishwasher who keeps his head down and stays out of the way. Even he has a moment though – although I totally get where he is coming from.

The writing style is also a bit awkward, but if you push through it (and the horrid people) you end up with a enjoyable romance and a good mystery to keep you turning pages. Daniels is a pretty new author so I’m looking forward to seeing her talent blossom and will be on the lookout for new stories from her.

*****

Author Info:

Amabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, adventurous toddlers, smiley baby, and a collection of too many cats and dogs. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, or wondering how to negotiate with her mightily independent two-year-old daughter, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”

Website: www.amabeldaniels.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmabelDaniels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amabel_daniels

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30902615-appetite-of-envy

*****

Giveaway:

$20 Amazon egift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/40826401702/

*****

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

Book Review – Finding Peace

21 Saturday Oct 2017

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

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Baytown Boys series, Book Review, Finding Peace, Maryann Jordan

Ooh, let’s celebrate the weekend with a sexy, former marine with a heart of gold … it’s gonna be hard to not fall in love with big, bad, gruff Brogan!

*****

Finding Peace

Baytown Boys Book 4

by Maryann Jordan

Release Date October 27, 2017

Blurb:

The Baytown Boys Mysteries

Military duty called them away to war zones, but after tours overseas, the group of friends found their way back home as men, seeking the peaceful little seaside town. Now, the band of brothers, together once more, work to provide a place for less fortunate veterans to call home.

Brogan MacFarlane, a former Marine, filled his days with hard work at the family bar and his nights running along the shore to rid himself of the war memories he would rather forget. But there was one thing in town that provided a distraction…the pretty cop with the haunted eyes.

Ginny Spencer loved the small, shore town and her job, as long as she could keep people at arm’s length. Former Army Military Police, she carried her own battle scars deep inside and that was just where she planned on keeping them. If only the surly bartender with the Irish blue eyes did not make her long for more.

When reports of a Peeping Tom in town escalate to a man accosting women, Ginny and the Baytown police work to find the culprit, but for her, it opens wounds she would rather forget. Brogan, seeing her pain, steps in, no longer willing to sit on the sidelines. And in doing so, allows her to soothe his nightmares as well.

When two scarred souls come together, their love allows them to find the peace they’ve been seeking.

Due to scenes of an explicit sexual nature and language that some consider crude, please be warned – for 18+ only! If you do not like alphas with heart who fall instantly in love with strong female characters while dealing with real life issues…again be warned!!

Amazon Kindle

*****

Excerpt:

“You want to tell me what happened last night?”

Brogan looked over at Aiden, standing at the bar with a dishtowel slung over his shoulder. “What do you mean?”

“Ginny,” Aiden replied, rolling his eyes. “Who else?” Still staring, he added, “And I saw you high-tail it after her when she left suddenly.”

“She wasn’t feeling well, so I wanted to make sure she got home okay.” Brogan lifted a heavy crate of alcohol and moved it to the bar, where he opened it and began to sort the liquor. Not hearing anything from Aiden, he dared to glance up, not surprised to see his inquisitive brother still staring. “You got something to say?” he growled.

“Yeah, I do,” Aiden said, tossing the rag down onto the bar with a slap. “You never were Mr. Talkative, so I don’t expect that. But after you got outta the Marines, you sure as shit came home different.” Jerking his hand up, he said, “I know. I know. We all came back changed, some just older and wiser. But you…you’re different, Bro. It’s like you’ve dug a hole, buried yourself, and have been content to stay there.”

Grimacing, Brogan remained silent, wanting to refute Aiden’s description but not willing to lie.

“At least until recently.”

At those words from Aiden, Brogan looked up, his brow knitted in question. “Recently?” he asked.

Nodding, Aiden placed his forearms on the bar as he leaned forward. “Yeah. The first couple of years we were back, we threw ourselves into taking over Finn’s. You worked harder than anybody, but we all just figured you needed the work to keep focused—”

“We?”

Aiden rolled his eyes. “Are you shittin’ me, Brogan? Of course, we. Hell, you think in this family, anything is hidden from Pops, Mom, Dad? Sure-as-shit not Katelyn.”

Silence acknowledged Aiden’s words, so he kept going. “You grew your hair…so did I. Mom hated it but we both had that finally out of the militaryrebellion thing going on.” Seeing Brogan about to speak, he added, “Okay, that’s what I had. What you had going on was an I don’t give a fuck what Ilook like.”

Brogan’s lips twitched, knowing Aiden hit the nail on the head. He really had not given a fuck what anyone thought since getting out.

“Then suddenly Ms. Spencer shows up in town as the new cop, and a pretty one at that, and we all see you’re interested. Oh, I know you tried to hide it, but hell, Brogan, you’d have to be dead not to get a walking hard-on when she’s around.”

At that, Brogan growled, stepping forward, his fist at the ready. Laughing, Aiden danced back from the bar, now safely out of reach.

“Sorry, Bro. I just had to get that in there to see what your reaction would be.

*****

Review:

This is the first in this series for me but it didn’t matter from a story perspective (this one can easily stand on its own). I think that returning readers may have been a bit more amp’d for this one, though, because it looks like Brogan and Ginny’s story has been a long time coming 🙂

So there is two main parts of the story – the romance and the peeping tom mystery. I’m gonna start with the love story, which I really enjoyed. Both Brogan and Ginny have some things in their past that they need to address, with a professional and with each other, to be able to build a solid relationship. I think that my favorite thing that Jordan does is make sure that these military vets get help from a therapist and have a chance to talk about their pasts & work on their issues. It is such a hot topic today and one that I think she handles really well.

And working through their troubles help bring Brogan and Ginny closer. They’ve apparently been doing this dance for a long time 🙂 so they don’t need a lot of build up but their finally getting together is handled very realistically. (The writing style isn’t the smoothest, especially at the beginning, but once I carried through the early rough parts things started working for me.) Their’s is a wonderful slow-burn romance that is finally seeing it’s HEA ending and it’s a sweet ride, especially for those who have been there from the beginning.

The other piece of the story, though it is a bit less important, is the peeping tom case. I’m not sure how well the suspense portion of the other stories were done, but it wasn’t the strongest part here. There are a lot of red herrings and not a lot of hints to who actually did it. Instead you get attitude from lots of people, without explanation in some cases, so readers are busy looking in a lot of different directions but with clear clues lacking it seemed a little like the bad guy came out of nowhere.

BUUUUT to me this part of the story was really a catalyst for Ginny to address her feelings and for the two of them to work on some potential trigger points for their relationship. It’s not as vital to the story as it could have been so I easily let it go in favor of a satisfying coupling.

And Ginny & Brogan getting together definitely made me happy!

*****

Author Info:

As an Award Winning, Amazon International Bestselling and All-Star author, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. In 2013 I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

My first novel, Emma’s Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love’s Series. Soon, other spin-off series came along and 8 of my books have made Amazon top 100 Bestselling books.

Gabe, from the Alvarez Security Series won Silver Medal and 5 Star Review by the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Honor Love was an award winning novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Serial Love was an award finalist novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Coming Home was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I have just retired and look forward to more time with family and writing!

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 36 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.

When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!

Website Newsletter Goodreads Amazon Facebook Twitter Instagram

*****

Spotlight – A Moment at Christmas

19 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

A Moment at Christmas, Jennifer Faye, Whistle Stop series

I love this time of year – Christmas romances are my absolute favorite and this one looks like a perfect choice!

*****

A Moment at Christmas

A Whistle Stop Romance #5

by Jennifer Faye

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age category: Adult

Release Date: October 19, 2017

Blurb:

Needed: A nanny in time for Christmas!

Christian Danser keeps his home at the Broken Arrow Ranch just as his late wife left it: cozy and orderly. With an early winter settling in and the ranch shorthanded, he needs a nanny ASAP.

When Noelle Forrester finds herself unexpectedly unemployed, she and her young son are facing eviction. An ad for a live-in nanny appears to be the answer to her prayers. Until she comes face-to-face with Christian—the sexy yet irritating cowboy who cost Noelle her previous job!

Christian resists hiring the beautiful but failed waitress. She’s too young, too busy, and far too tempting. Nonetheless, when his daughter takes a shine to Noelle, he reconsiders. But when Noelle’s holiday cheer conflicts with Christian’s avoidance of the holiday, sparks fly. Somehow, Noelle has to open Christian’s heart to the spirit of Christmas…or she and her son will be homeless by the New Year.

You can find A Moment at Christmas on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31119818-a-moment-at-christmas

You can buy A Moment at Christmas here:

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Moment-Christmas-Whistle-Stop-Romance-ebook/dp/B075VV6T6N/

– Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-moment-at-christmas-jennifer-faye/1127142146?ean=2940154945940

– Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-moment-at-christmas

– iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1288856981

Start this series for free!

For a limited time A Moment to Love is free on all vendor sites! Start this series for free and pick up book 1 today:

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RPLREWE/

– B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-moment-to-love-jennifer-faye/1120998869?ean=2940151691468

– Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-moment-to-love

– iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-moment-to-love/id955228722?mt=11

And buy book 2 A Moment to Dance (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W4EBD1A/) for only $0.99!

Also available:

– A Moment on the Lips (A Whistle Stop Romance #3): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015ERT2JS/

– A Moment to Cherish (A Whistle Stop Romance #4): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G0UEVWQ/

*****

Excerpt:

Christian held out his hand. Noelle hesitated before accepting. Hand in hand, they headed for the dance floor. Suddenly, Denise and Chuck stopped. They turned back to Christian and Noelle.

“Kiss,” they said in unison, as though they’d planned it ahead of time.

She and Christian turned puzzled looks on each other and then back to the newly married couple. Both Chuck and Denise pointed at the mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. Now who had put that there?

“You two are the ones that should be kissing,” Christian said. “After all, you just got married.”

“Ah, but we’ve got the rest of our lives to kiss,” Denise said. “But tonight, you two are standing beneath the mistletoe.”

“Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.” Their chant grew in strength as more and more wedding guests started clapping their hands and chanting along. “Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.”

Christian sent Noelle a questioning look. She didn’t say a word, feeling as though their fate was sealed. Heat rushed up her neck and swirled in her checks. The chanting wasn’t letting up.

Her gaze met Christian’s, and she nodded her consent. He tentatively pulled her close. Her arms automatically wrapped around his back. Her chest pressed to his, and a pounding ensued, but she couldn’t tell if it was his heart or her own. His head lowered to hers, and her eyes fluttered shut.

Though it went against her better judgment, she wanted this. With Christian holding her like this, the noise of the other wedding guests faded into the background. The only things registering in Noelle’s mind were the feel of Christian’s hands pulling her snugly to him and the pressure of his mouth on her own. His lips parted, and his tongue teased hers.

It wasn’t until an ear-splitting whistle broke through the mounting desire that they reluctantly stepped apart. Noelle pressed a hand to her lips, shocked and embarrassed by their public display.

*****

Author Info:

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband, amazing daughter (the other remarkable daughter is off chasing her own dreams) and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

You can learn more about Jennifer at:

– Website: http://jenniferfaye.com/

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

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

– Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferFaye34

– Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JenniferFaye34/

– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Faye/e/B00BOVCDLS/

– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Jennifer_Faye

– Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-faye

*****

Free bookmark offer for A Moment at Christmas

Jennifer Faye is offering reader her latest bookmark for:

A Moment at Christmas

NOTE: A big apology but due to postal fees the freebies are only available to continental U.S. residents.

All you have to do is go to Jennifer Faye’s Contact Page (http://jenniferfaye.com/contact/) and let her know your physical mailing address.

NOTE: Please be specific as to the quantity desired.

And remember you can order extra to share with your favorite bookstore, library and friends. 🙂

*****

Giveaway:

One winner will win a $25 Amazon Gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1261/

*****

This is my stop during the book blitz for A Moment at Christmas by Jennifer Faye. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 19 till 25 October. See the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-a-moment-at-christmas-by-jennifer-faye/

Spotlight – Hotter Than the Caribbean

18 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Building Love series, Hotter Than the Caribbean, Stacy Hoff

Y’all, I’m so happy to have Stacy Hoff here to answer a few questions and share her newest book. The first book has gotten some great reviews and I’m sure that the second book (releasing today) is goin got be just as good!

*****

*What do you like best about writing romances?

I’ve been practicing law for over twenty years. Notwithstanding my hard-boiled profession, I’ve always been drawn to stories that have a “happy ever after.” In romance novels (unlike the legal world) everyone gets a satisfying resolution to their problems. The characters I write emerge stronger, and emotionally richer. Their emotionally satisfying journey becomes my own.

*What is your favorite romantic story (movie/book, fact/fiction, whatever you love most)?

I have a loooong list of favorite romantic stories. My list began back in college. I was assigned to read Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. I finished these stories knowing that romance books were going to be a life long addiction for me. My passion for the classics hasn’t faded, but I’ve added a boat load of modern books to the list. Kristen Higgins has written most of my contemporary romance favorites. Chloe Neill is my favorite paranormal author. Of course, not all great romances stories are books. My favorite romantic movie is Dirty Dancing. I was sixteen years old when the film came out. I spent the rest of my youth convinced my true love would sweep me off my feet – figuratively and literally. (I did marry a wonderful man who, ironically, does not like dancing.)

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

When I’m not busy being a full time attorney, wife, and mom, I draw and paint. A part of me has always wanted to become a professional artist. I attended the “Fame” high school in New York City. Today, I sketch in a local art gallery.

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

My off-beat characters are the most fun to write. Melanie “Mel” Merritt, the heroine in HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN, is one of my most off-beat characters yet. Mel struggles like I do with a secret ambition to be a professional artist. Like Mel, I had wisps of my hair tinted blue. (It was temporary hair dye back in high school, but still!) The more creative the character’s personality, the more I can have fun delving into who they really are.

*****

Hotter Than the Caribbean

Building Love #2

by Stacy Hoff

Blurb:

In the Caribbean, the secrets, sex, and scandals are hotter.

Luis Serrano, the unwanted love child of a hotel construction magnate, is determined to reach his father’s level of success. When Luis finds himself pitted against his half-brother for control over their ailing father’s company, sibling rivalry comes to a head. The stakes are high. The brother who best completes their portion of the Caribbean construction project will gain control over the entire company. To win, Luis hires an interior design firm. But the firm will have to perform difficult work under serious time constraints.

Melanie Merritt is used to sibling rivalry. She’s always been second best to her older sister, the “golden child” of their parents’ interior design firm. Melanie’s desire is to be an artist. She works for her family to appease them. Her newest task is to implement a complex project for Luis Serrano under an impossibly short deadline. If she fails, her family’s company may go bankrupt. But Melanie can’t keep her too-creative ideas away from her family, and the client.

Completing work on time won’t be easy. Especially when dual sibling rivalries threaten to destroy the project, and a passion hotter than the Caribbean.

HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN (Building Love #2) can be read as a stand-alone novel. The other books in the Building Love series are BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (Building Love #1) and MAD FOR YOU IN MADRID (Building Love #3), which releases March, 2018.

Get your copy from Amazon

*****

Excerpt:

Mel quickly keyed into her suite on the fifteenth floor of the Condado Beach Resort. She was in a hurry to get ready for her dinner meeting with Luis. Afterwards, she’d call her sister to let her know his handsome appearance was the least intimidating thing about him. The man was confident to the point of cocky, and as determined as a Caribbean hurricane.

Despite his cool response, however, his eyes had been warm as they appraised her. There was something sexual about the man, putting her senses on high alert. Making her skin super-aware. Had he been appraising her body as well as her competence? Or perhaps she was just imagining his reaction.

Her own reaction, however, was harder to figure out. Why did she feel extremely turned on when she should feel put off? What the heck is wrong with me? The minute she finished her phone call to Denny she would take a frigid shower to chill her libido.

Working for unapproachable authority figures was a pattern that had to be broken. Like her parents, Luis was clearly someone who was hard to please. The tension he exuded when he spoke about the project was so apparent on his face it was practically palpable. Worse, his work pressure would surely be passed on to her. As if she didn’t have enough stress to deal with already. Ugh! Please fly the hell down here already, Denny!

This design project would no doubt eat her alive. Not only would she have to quash her libido, she’d have to design the lobby in the way her ultra-stuffy sister envisioned. Denny didn’t think anywhere near similar. The whole assignment would probably end up being a disaster.

Worse, her family would never let her live failure down. They had publicly touted this project as the firm’s showcase assignment. News of a failure would be widespread.

Her phone vibrated next to her with enough force to almost bounce off the bed. Her sister’s name flashed across the screen. Guess Denny beat me to it. “We Are family” by Sister Sledge played loudly, a song Denny had suggested as a way to try to bring them closer together. Delving into her bag just in time to swipe the bar, Mel accepted the call.

“How are you doing so far?” Denny asked without preamble.

“The flight was . . . challenging. At least I made it here in one piece.”

“What company did you rent your car from?”

“None. The client sent a limo.”

“Ooooh, I like a man with class and style. One who spends lavishly on his team of designers.” Denny chuckled. “I swear, Mellie, Luis Serrano is bachelor of the year. But not for long, because I can already tell you I’m going to marry him. He’s hot, owns a very successful company, and comes from a rich family. There’s no way I can go wrong with a man like that.”

“Optimist,” Mel quipped.

“Sure, I’m an optimist. Why not? I believe in happy endings. Fairy tales. Prince Charming. Heck, I’ll even shop around for a castle and pair of glass slippers.”

Although Denny was obviously kidding, Mel bristled. “Um, which one of us is going to be Cinderella in your fairy tale? I’m always the one stuck sweeping out the cinders.”

“Mellie, I was joking,” Denny answered in a soft voice. “I know Mom and Dad are tough on you. I hope you don’t think I am, too.”

Not since last week when you asked me why I was wasting time with art. You might as well be Mom and Dad’s echo chamber.

“Hello? Mellie? Are you still there?” Denny prompted.

“Yes. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I know you’ll do your best to keep the client happy until I arrive.”

“What about Mom and Dad? Do they think so, too?”

Denny hesitated before speaking. “They’ll come around.”

“Right.” Mel knew her voice sounded strained. Sometimes the hurt was hard to filter out.

Silence lingered in the air a full minute. Fighting with her sister, especially over their parents’ favoritism, would only drive more wedges into the family tree. At this point, a light wind would blow the fragile, old oak over. Splintering as it landed from the years of heavy blows.

Mel coughed to clear her tight throat. “I don’t know about a prince, but I bet Luis Serrano will be taken with your good looks, and your design proposal.”

“Thanks, Mellie.”

“Give him two days to eat of your hands, just like your many other admirers.”

Her sister paused for a moment. “Men are attracted to you, too, Mellie. Try breaking out of your shell. Live a little. Put yourself out there. No one woos a recluse. You’ve got plenty going for you. I know you think I’m better looking than you, but if we were any closer in appearance, we’d be twins. Everybody says so. You know that.”

Mel mustered a lighthearted voice. “Sure, sure. You’re right.” At least some of her sister’s compliments weren’t left-handed. Little did Denny know that Mel was already trying to “live a little” and “put herself out there.” Although not in the way Denny suggested.

*****

Author Info:

Stacy Hoff is a contemporary romance author, as well as an attorney. She has practiced law for over two decades, primarily handling contracts. Romance novels have always been her secret passion. She writes her romantic stories until the wee hours of the night. Stacy lives in New England with her husband and two boys. Stacy’s other full-length contemporary romance novels are: JOCKEYING FOR YOU, LAWFULLY YOURS, DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES (Desire #1), and DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC (Desire #2).

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Hoff/e/B00NN0HCW8

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Author website: http://www.stacyhoff.com

*****

And while your shopping on Amazon make sure you get a copy of Betting on Love in Vegas (Building Love #1) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WD1J7LW/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

Catherine(Cat)Warner has problems. The profits from her inns are down. The pressure from her parents is up. Her love life is non-existent. But Cat did manage to get the attention of tough, powerful, gorgeous hotel magnate Ty Orland. Unfortunately, his interest in her is for all the wrong reasons. Instead of wanting Cat, this debonair CEO only wants her land—a parcel he desperately needs for his next big development deal. Too bad, it’s not for sale. A people pleaser by nature, Cat knows to stand strong. If she caves in to the demands of this sexy, alluring man, it will be her own neck on the line.

Ty Orland has a lot of things going for him. Success. Power. Respect. Unfortunately, he’s also got an old chip on his shoulder and a new financial nightmare. His development deal is going down in flames—and fast. His only way out is if Cat sells him her strategically located parcel. But romancing the land from her is not easy when love gets in the way. The woman is as beautiful as she is beguiling. And Ty no longer knows which prize is more valuable.