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Romantic Reads and Such

Category Archives: Contest

Spotlight – Sweet Indulgence

17 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Charleston Harbor series, Debbie White, Sweet Indulgence

Another one getting absolutely FANTASTIC Goodreads reviews … including a 5 star review stating “Great feel good book” and another declaring “This book is too sweet to pass up!”

*****

Sweet Indulgence

A Charleston Harbor Novel Book 1

by Debbie White

Genre: Sweet Romance

Blurb:

Real Men Eat Cupcakes

Annie McPherson has had it with all the blind dates her grandmother and auntie set her up with. She just wants to be left alone to run the Sweet Indulgence cupcake bakery – even if it means she’ll remain single forever.

Jack’s just been through a gut-wrenching break-up, and women are the last thing on his mind. Now he’s on a mission to pick up cupcakes for his niece’s birthday party—not a mission to fall in love. Pulled in by Annie’s good looks and witty charm, though, temptation proves too sweet.

But will Annie’s pesky grandmother and auntie welcome Jack as Annie’s choice or will they have him jumping through hoops to prove he’s the one?

Fans of Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs are sure to love Sweet Indulgence, the first sweet romance novel in the Charleston Harbor series.

This book is too sweet to pass up!

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“Oh, Vicky,” Annie said, spreading her arms wide.

“Girl, it’s been way too long. It’s so good to see you.”

“I can’t wait to hear about your wedding plans. Are you stressed yet?”

The two gabbed as the hostess led the way toward their table.

“I’m so stressed. But you know, my new favorite saying is, it is what it is.”

Annie laughed. “I bet. Well, I can’t wait to come and see you two lovebirds finally tie the knot. Soon you’ll be Vicky Collins.”

“Victoria Collins,” Vicky said with a tone of superiority.

“I like the ring of that,” Annie said, nodding.

Vicky fussed to Annie about how picking out the right bridesmaid dresses for Jessica, who’d just given birth and still had a few extra pounds to camouflage, as well as one to accommodate the expanding girth of Cassie’s tummy, challenged her beyond her wildest dreams.

“I’ve selected five different dresses at three different stages of planning my wedding. I’m about to just have you as my only bridesmaid. You’re not pregnant are you?” Vicky teased as she poked at her salad.

“No, I’m not pregnant. I’m hardly seeing anyone.”

Vicky peered up at Annie. “Hardly?”

Annie smiled. “Jack is his name. We really just started seeing each other. He’s a great guy.”

“Good. Great guys are good.” Vicky put her iced tea to her lips and drew in a taste.

Annie nodded. “You know Jessica and Cassie didn’t do these things on purpose. They love you, and it’s just one of those things.”

Vicky forked a beet chunk and put it in her mouth. She chewed it slowly.

“Having a baby is a nice thing. You are happy for them, right?”

Vicky twisted her mouth then relaxed her lips. “Of course, I’m happy for them. It just makes it difficult picking out dresses. Do you realize we went from a fitted knee-length shift to an A-line skirt? Not to mention the color changes.”

“I think A-line is still a good choice,” Annie said, savoring a spoonful of her chicken gumbo soup.

“Yes, but now the measurements have changed. These changes are costing me money.”

“The wedding is in two weeks. You’re probably safe with one more fitting.”

“Tell me more about Jack.”

Annie’s eyes lit up. “He’s part owner of Powell Limousine Services. Oh, and they also have a vacation rental business.”

“I’ve used his services before.”

Annie knitted her brows together. “You have? When?”

“A while back. In fact, he’s providing pick up service for me at the airport for my out of town guests. And I’ve rented a couple of houses for them to stay at. Diane …”

Annie widened her eyes. “Diane is his sister. In fact, my sister, Mary is working with Diane now.”

“What a small world.” Vicky glanced at her watch.

“Do you have to run off?” Annie said, relaxing her shoulders and slumping.

“I do, dear. I have to meet Cassie and Jessica at the dress shop. Thank God you are still the same, and no adjustments are necessary for your dress.” She pushed back her chair.

“Lunch is on me,” Annie said.

Vicky dug in her purse and fetched her keys. “Thank you. Next time it’s on me.”

Annie slid her chair out and met her halfway. She reached her arms out and pulled her in for a hug. “Everything is going to be just fine. The dresses will be beautiful, you’ll be beautiful, and it will go down as one of the best weddings in Charleston history,” Annie said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

Vicky drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Thanks for saying that. I really am happy the girls are in the wedding. I just want everything to be perfect.”

“It will be. And, you know why?”

Vicky cocked her head to the right.

“Because we’ve been best friends for many years. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we all agreed we’d be in each other’s weddings. This is just us keeping our promise.”

*****

Author Info:

Debbie is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She currently lives in northern California where the hills are dotted with vineyards and the jagged coastline is nearby. Many of her books describe the beautiful area she calls home. She avidly supports animal rescue by donating a percentage of all book sales to rescue groups nationwide! Now here are a few more interesting tidbits of information about her!

1. Her spouse served in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years. She uses some of her experiences as a military wife in some of her stories.

2. She has two granddaughters and a grandson.

3. She received her degree in Sociology in 2011 and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

4. She hasn’t always dreamed of writing, but she’s always loved reading and decided she’d give it a try. Her fans love her so much, she’s still putting out books three years later.

5. Her very first book, The Salty Dog was an Amazon Best-seller.

6. You can follow all the latest news about releases, book signings and more on her website http://www.authordebbiewhite.com

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Tumblr

Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

 $25 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a9549/

*****

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Spotlight – Seducing Her Brother’s Best Friend

11 Thursday Jan 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Noelle Adams, Seducing Her Brother's Best Friend, Tea for Two series

I love the best friend’s sibling/sibling’s best friend story-line and Adams is delivering!  We got the first couple with Falling for Her Brother’s Best Friend and I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next.

*****

Fifteen years ago, three girls were thrown together because their brothers were best friends. Now they’re all grown up, and their brothers are grown up too. The Tea for Two series tells their stories. Fans of New York Times Bestselling Author, Noelle Adams, will love this newest playful friends become lovers story featuring Carol and Patrick, releasing January 10, 2017.

Seducing Her Brother’s Best Friend

Tea for Two series

by Noelle Adams

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 10, 2018

Publisher: Noelle Adams

Format: Digital eBook

Digital ISBN: 9781386624455

Blurb:

After too many years being overlooked by men, Carol is ready to take action. She wants a man, and she knows which man she wants. Her brother’s best friend, Patrick Stevenson.

Patrick is funny and brainy and the sexiest man she’s ever known, but he has never looked at her as anything except his friend’s little sister. That’s going to change.

Carol isn’t good at flirting. Or seduction. Or anything that requires putting herself out there. But she’s going to make sure Patrick sees her as a desirable woman—and one he wants for more than one night—even if it turns her whole world upside down. He already likes her a lot. He just needs to open his eyes to how good they’d be together.

After all, how stubborn can he be?

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

*****

Excerpt:

She narrowed her eyes even more and gave him a cool glare. “You might as well just admit it. I know exactly what happened.”

He groaned softly. “All right. Fine. I couldn’t believe you’d be acting like… like that.”

“Like what?”

She was making this as hard as possible for him, and he couldn’t even blame her. “Like you… liked me.” It sounded ridiculous, immature, but he couldn’t think of any other way to put it.

“And you really can’t believe that I do?”

He wanted to be anywhere but here, put on the spot like this. He wanted to get up and leave, somehow escape everything he was feeling.

But, if he did, that would be it. He’d never have Carol in his life again. He might have messed this up completely, but he wasn’t prepared to lose her for good. So he told her the truth. “No. I really can’t.”

“Why the hell not?”

Carol almost never used to rough language—even something as mild as “hell.” It seemed to emphasize how upset she really was.

“I… I don’t even know.”

She stared at him for a full minute. He could see her chest rise and fall with her heaving breathing. Then she finally got up, muttering, “You’re a real idiot sometimes. You know that, right?” She went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

He hauled himself to his feet and followed her. “I know I’m an idiot. I know that. But I’m still here, trying to fix things.”

She was staring into her open refrigerator, like she’d forgotten what she’d come here for.

“Carol,” he said, touching her shoulder gently. She looked so hurt and wounded. He couldn’t believe he was important enough to her to make her feel this way.

She whirled around to face him. “Why shouldn’t I like you?” she demanded.

He blinked. “Because… because it seems pretty obvious that it’s just because the others have gotten together.”

“What does that even mean?”

“I mean Emma and Noah got together, and then Ginny and Ryan got together. So now we’re the only two left. I get it. I do. It would make sense for us to get paired up in the same way. But that doesn’t mean it’s… it’s real.”

She made a loud, throaty sound of naked frustration.

Patrick contorted his face as he was washed with self-consciousness and confusion. “I’m trying to be honest here.”

“I know you are. I know you are!”

She closed the refrigerator, having taken nothing out. “Why wouldn’t we be good together?”

“We’re totally different. If I wasn’t the last guy left in our little group, you’d choose someone totally different.” He knew this much for sure. He’d been rehearsing it over and over again—for months now—reminding himself that any soft looks she’d given him had been based on something other than real attraction.

“How do you know that?”

“Carol, please. I know I act stupid sometimes, but I do have a functioning mind. And neither one of us deserves to be stuck with… whoever happens to be left.”

She gaped at him. Literally gaped. Then her cheeks paled even more. “You think I’m… just whoever happens to be left.”

“Not you,” he gasped, shocked that she’d ever even imagine he felt that way. “Not you. Me. I’m whoever is left.”

“You… you… you…” She was panting, couldn’t even get the words out.

“Me what?”

“You idiot!”

He was processing her uncontrolled outburst and so he wasn’t prepared for what she did next.

What she did was launch herself at him, grabbing his head and pulling it down into a kiss.

Since he wasn’t prepared, he couldn’t control his response. And he’d been wanting her too much, for too long, and not letting himself act on that desire.

So he didn’t stop it, even though he knew he should.

He didn’t push her away gently and explain that it couldn’t happen.

He kissed her back.

Copyright © 2018 Seducing Her Brother’s Best Friend by Noelle Adams

*****

Other Books in the Tea For Two series:

Falling For Her Brother’s Best Friend

After too many bad decisions in romance, Emma is going on a man-fast. For the next six months, she’s fasting from men. No sex. No dating. No soulful gazes. No fond memories of her first crush. She’s going to spend the time focusing on her career, getting in touch with herself, and helping her two best friends with the launch of their new tea room. No men.

And that includes her brother’s best friend, Noah Hart, who has just returned to their hometown.

She doesn’t want Noah anyway. He might be even hotter than he was before, but he’s not a nice guy anymore. He’s made a fortune by acting ruthless in business, and the last thing he’s looking for is small-town domestic life. He doesn’t even want to be in town again, but a sick grandmother guilted him into it. Then he has nerve to not even recognize Emma when he sees her again. Maybe it’s been seven years, but a decent guy would remember his best friend’s little sister.

Noah is not a decent guy. Anyway, Emma is on a man-fast. And she doesn’t want Noah.

At all.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

Winning Her Brother’s Best Friend

Ginny Hart loves men. And she loves dating. She just doesn’t want a serious relationship. She’s tried it before–with her brother’s best friend, Ryan–and it’s clear she’s not cut out for it. So she’ll keep having fun and focusing on the new tea shop she recently opened with her best friend.

That’s all she needs in her life.

She definitely doesn’t need Ryan, who is always hanging around and has turned into a real player. When he challenges her to prove which of them is more popular with the opposite sex, she takes him up on the bet. One month. Four Saturday nights. She’ll show him she’s not still holding on to old feelings. It doesn’t matter if she can’t seem to keep her hands off him.

She’s not about to let him win.

Add to your TBR list:  Goodreads

Available:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

*****

Author Info:

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she reads any book she can get her hands on and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  BookBub

*****

Giveaway:

Noelle is offering one (1) lucky Grand Prize winner a $25 Amazon Gift Card and three (3) Runner-ups eCopy of one book from Noelle’s Tea For Two series (winner’s choice).

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29464/

*****

 

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Book Review – Nikan Rebuilt

10 Wednesday Jan 2018

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

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Book Review, Nikan Rebuilt, Preload series, Scarlett Cole

Another great entry into Scarlett Cole’s Preload series … the lady kills it every time!

*****

Does the past ever really stay in the past? Find out in Scarlett Cole’s NIKAN REBUILT, the steamy, third standalone in her rockstar romance series, Preload. After years of no contact, Nik and first love Jenny’s connection still blazes between them. Will they have their second chance at love? Or will the weight of their past crush their future together?

Nikan Rebuilt

Preload #3

by Scarlett Cole

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press SWERVE

Format: Digital and Paperback

Blurb:

From the queen of heart-pounding, sexy, emotional romance Scarlett Cole comes Nikan Rebuilt, the next novel in the Preload series.

Does the past ever really stay in the past?

Nikan can never be complete. He’s got a rock group made up of the family he built for himself, more money than he knows what to do with, and a stream of groupies falling over themselves to date him. But none of them are her. The one regret that still plagues him, still taunts him with what he could have had.

Jenny is a survivor. Now running a group home after overcoming life in a cult lead by her manipulative father and watching her mother drink the poison he fed his followers, she fights to keep the light in the eyes of every boy who walks through her doors. Far from simple young love, Nik taught her to trust, showed her how good life could be. Before he formed the band. Before he became a famous rockstar. Before he destroyed it all.

A chance meeting after years of no contact shows the connection still blazes between them. But will they have their second chance at love? Or will the weight of their past crush their future together?

Buy Now: Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Chapters Indigo

*****

Excerpt:

Nik took the towels out of her hands and placed them on the dryer. “Hey, come here,” he said as he reached for her hands. “Talk to me.”

She wasn’t ready to, not least because she didn’t understand the swirl of feelings sweeping through her. To put into words for Nik exactly how that felt was impossible. “I’m fine, I’m good. I just have a lot to do here now.”

Nik placed his finger under her chin and raised her eyes so she was forced to look at him. “I think we can safely say that lies have no place between us. So, I’ll tell you what I’m thinking, and then you can tell me what you’re thinking. Okay?”

Jenny sighed and nodded. “Okay.”

“I didn’t come here tonight expecting to kiss you like this. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it, but I know I have a lot of work to do to prove myself to you. But seeing you laugh, and seeing you look at me, just for a moment, without the pain I caused you in your eyes . . . Well, I don’t even know how to begin to explain what that felt like to me—except that I didn’t want to be away from you for another moment, and that it felt like a new beginning of sorts. If there’s any doubt in your mind about what that kiss did to me, I’d encourage you to touch me and check, but I think that might be a step too far, given where we are. Now it’s your turn.”

His words made her stomach flip, and despite her best efforts she was filled with a warm and fuzzy feeling. She looked over to the staircase again to check that nobody was within earshot. “We’re coming at this new friendship . . . relationship . . . from two completely different places. I’m mad at myself for letting you get this close to me again. It’s reckless to fall for you all over again and I know it. But when you stand so close to me, I can . . .” Crap. How could she explain that the way the smell of him, and the heat of him, and the proximity of him, and the touch of him took her straight back to that time and place where she wholeheartedly loved him?

“You can what?” Nik asked, moving his hands to her hips.

“I can remember us. Before.”

*****

Review:

I think that there are going to be some who are turned off by this book without giving it a chance just because it deals with cheating.  But they’re SOOO going to miss out on what can happen when an awesome writer like Cole puts together a second chance love story!  Nikan and Jenny have been a connection waiting to happen again – he’s never gotten over his feelings for her (and what he did to ruin it) and she ran away because she knew she couldn’t stay strong if she saw him.  And she was right.  She makes him work for it but eventually the connection between them proves to be too great to ignore … come on, it’s a romance so you know that they’ve got to have a HEA somewhere in there!  It takes some doing but they do get there.  And it is surprisingly low on drama.  Instead we have realistic reactions, characters with depth and emotion, and a situation that you can understand and get behind.

I’d braced myself for being put through the wringer again so I was a little grateful that Cole took it a bit easier on us here.  The unique family that the guys built together is still strongly at the forefront but they are all starting to work their way into individual happiness.  I think that is finally giving Nikan a chance to notice that he’s not as content as he could be now that he’s not expending so much energy keeping everyone else together.  It’s hard for him to look after himself instead of the group (and for me because that love between them is so nice to see but it is also good that they are starting to heal as well).  Bumping into Jenny again, and finally having a chance to work through his biggest regret, couldn’t come at more opportune time.

I will admit that it was a little unexpected to have this story be so lacking in the  commotion department.  The rest of the Preload series has dealt with some pretty hard issues and the guys haven’t been all that great at handling their pasts up to this point.  I guess from what Cole has shown us of Nikan, though, he does seem the one with his act together the most.  Being the oldest and the one that has taken on keeping everyone else together he had to or they would have all gone off the rails!  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining.  I kinda enjoyed that we mostly only had to deal with the do-over on Nikan and Jenny’s relationship without piling on a whole lot more.  (I have a feeling that Cole is saving that up for Lennon … that one might just be the most heartbreaking yet, and she sure hasn’t been easy on us in the past!)

Nikan Rebuilt is gritty and real and packed full of emotions.  It’s oh-so-satisfying to see these two figure things out!

*****

Author Info:

The tattoo across my right hip says it all really. A Life Less Ordinary. Inked by the amazingly talented Luke Wessman at the Wooster Street Social Club (a.k.a. New York Ink). Why is it important? Well, it sums up my view on life. That we should all aspire to live a life that is less boring, less predictable. Be bold, and do something amazing. I’ve made some crazy choices. I’ve been a car maker, a consultant, and even a senior executive at a large retailer running strategy. Born in England, spent time in the U.S. and Japan, before ending up in Canada were I met my own, personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. Both of us are scorpios! Yeah, I know! Should have checked the astrological signs earlier, but somehow it works for us. We have two amazing kids, who I either could never part with or could easily be convinced to sell on e-bay.

I’ve wanted to be a writer for a really long time. Check through my office cupboards or my computer and you’ll find half written stories and character descriptions everywhere. Now I’m getting the chance to follow that dream.

Connect with Scarlett: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

(Plus ebook copies of JORDAN RECLAIMED and ELLIOTT REDEEMED!)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29459/

*****

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Spotlight – The Captain’s Disgraced Lady

08 Monday Jan 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Catherine Tinley, The Captain's Disgraced Lady

I love the idea of the man with many layers … reminds me a little of Mr. Darcy (if he had a smile that dazzled :)).

*****

The Captain’s Disgraced Lady

by Catherine Tinley

 Blurb:

Who is Captain Harry Fanton?

When Juliana Milford first encounters Captain Harry Fanton, she finds him arrogant and rude. There’s no way she’ll fall for his dazzling smile! Her visit to Chadcombe House was always going to prompt questions over her scandalous family, so she’s touched when Harry defends her reputation. She’s discovering there’s more to Harry than she’d first thought…

A man so plagued by the demons of war, he’s sworn he’ll never marry, no matter how tempted…

Get your copy  – getBook.at/DisgracedLady

*****

Author Info:

Catherine Tinley writes witty, heartwarming Regency love stories. She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech and language therapy, NHS management, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now works for Sure Start. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, and dog.

Website www.catherinetinleycom

Facebook – www.facebook.com/CatherineTinleyWriter

Twitter – www.twitter.com/CatherineTinley

*****

Giveaway:

Win 2 x signed copies of The Captain’s Disgraced Lady (Open to UK only)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c6949455/

*****

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Book Review – Flowers in Winter

29 Friday Dec 2017

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

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Book Review, Flowers in Winter, Hart of Rock and Roll series, Mary J. Williams

This is the first in this series that I’ve read but it won’t be the last.  Flowers in Winter is the perfect way to finish out 2017 on a happy note!

*****

Flowers in Winter

Hart of Rock and Roll Book 5

by Mary J. Williams

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

A HART OF ROCK AND ROLL HOLIDAY ROMANCE

Tula Carson knows what her future holds. A good life. A secure life. Safe. Steady. Boring.

She has no one to blame but herself. She chose the path she’s on. But, she wants something more. Something different. Now. Before it’s too late.

Fleet Sherman is a Rock God. And he isn’t afraid to enjoy the perks. Money. Fame. Beautiful women. As far as he’s concerned, his life is perfect. Until he meets smart, funny, talented, frustrating Tula Carson. The one woman he can’t resist. The only woman he can’t have.

On the surface, Tula and Fleet seem worlds apart. She grew up loved. He just wants to forget his childhood. She’s led a sheltered life. He’s experienced everything life had to offer. Yet, from their first meeting, they clicked.

Tula has a chance to fulfill her dreams. But the first step is always the hardest. Will she jump, or play it safe?

Fleet doesn’t believe he deserves a woman as good and sweet as Tula. For her sake, he has to let her go.

A love of music brought them together. Will their pasts tear them apart? Do they need a Christmas miracle? Or will they realize love is the greatest gift of all.

Grab this standalone book today.

Goodreads * Amazon

*****

Excerpt:

Tula’s heartbeat stuttered. Before she raced ahead, she had to make certain they were headed down the same road.

“You said you wanted me too much. What does too much mean?”

“I don’t want to hurt you. I sure as hell know I’m not good enough for you. I don’t take what isn’t freely offered. But make no mistake, I’m no saint. If you want me? Say. The. Words.”

The Irish in Fleet’s voice whispered across Tula’s skin like a warm summer’s breeze. He left the rest up to her. If she wanted the heated promise in his eyes, she had to be the one to jump.

Tula had come so far. She’d be a fool to turn back now. She didn’t hesitate. She said the words.

“I want you, Fleet Sherman.” Confident and a bit cocky, Tula tipped her head to one side. “Now, what are you going to do about it?”

*****

Review:

Tula is girl-next-door perfect but she’s reached a point where her life just isn’t making her happy.  So she enters the contest but never expects to win.  And when she does she freaks out!  It means coming clean to her family about how she no longer wants the future she’s been working towards and that just isn’t something she’s brave enough to do.

Luckily, Fleet isn’t the type to take no for an answer.  He comes busting in to Tula’s life with all of his charm and take-no-prisoners attitude.  Too bad for him she’s willing to give as good as she gets.  But they quickly realize that they have a connection and even though Fleet doesn’t think he’s relationship material … Tula may have him thinking otherwise 🙂

Williams delivers an absolutely awesome holiday romance!  Honestly, I just wish it was longer because these two together are a blast.  I’ll definitely be looking to see what this author delivers next.

*****

Author Info:

I love books, I always have and always will. Writing is an extension of that and though it has taken me a while to get here, I now can officially call myself a published author.

I grew up on a ranch in Eastern Washington, so I wanted to set my books on the Columbia River in Washington state. Harper Falls is completely fictitious, but I think anyone from the area will know right where it would be if it did exist.

My hobbies are gardening, reading, baking(fattening desserts are my favorite), exercise(I don’t love it, but it is necessary due to the desserts), and animals. I had a dog but when he died I couldn’t bring myself to replace him. That is why I wrote Edgar, the dog into “If I Loved You”, I consider him my surrogate puppy until I can get a real one.

I love to get feedback on my books so I hope everyone will feel free to leave a question or visit my website(it is a work in progress, but I’m getting there).

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

5 ebook copies of the first book in the series, Flowers on the Wall.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a9507/

*****

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

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Guest Post – Julie Moffett

27 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Julie Moffett, Lexi Carmichael Mystery, No Regrets, Winter Holidays Traditions (+ reads!) from Harlequin

Today I’m thrilled to welcome Julie Moffett as she shares her latest book AND a few suggestions on how to … Make 2018 the Year of You!

~

Who needs New Year resolutions? Psychologists say nearly 85% of all people who make resolutions on New Years Eve break them in less than thirty days. Yikes! Do you want to avoid making, then breaking, your New Year’s Resolution? If yes, I’ll show you how to make 2018 the Year of You! Here is a handy, dandy list of suggestions.

  • Plan a Vacation. Start the new year by setting aside a small amount of money every month. If you do it electronically through your bank, it can be set up to come out of your account every month on a certain day(s). Or you can have a vacation jar that you drop loose bills or change into at will. You can save for a small trip or a large one, it doesn’t matter. Research has shown that just thinking about a vacation and daydreaming about the activities is an automatic mood booster. In the spirit of full disclosure, I went to London and Paris this year, and next summer, I’m going to Italy!
  • Spend Time Alone Every Day. This is a hard one for a lot of us who have children, and especially for single parents. I admit to hiding in the bathroom just to have a minute to myself. Daily alone time is vital to refresh our mental state. Often our days dissolve into a frazzled disarray of deadlines, responsibilities and stress. We need a bit of breathing room to get ourselves back to where we need to be.
  • Show Kindness. Scientific research has proven that giving makes us feel better. Buying a coffee for the person behind you in line, taking time to notice the new haircut on your co-worker, volunteering at a food bank, or asking someone how they are and sticking around to hear the answer. Easy peasy. Remember to give without expecting something in return. Sometimes a simple kindness can save someone’s life and enrich yours in the process.
  • Make a Bucket List. This is a fun one. Sit down and write a bucket list of all the things you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the chance. Let your imagination go wild. Keep in mind, this isn’t a one-time list. You can add or delete things from this list. When you complete one item, cross it off. That will give you a sense of excitement and accomplishment.
  • Say “No.” So many times we say “yes” to activities or things we do not want to do. Stop it! It’s okay to say no when you don’t have the time or energy to do it. Just be polite and firm.
  • Love Yourself. We all have flaws. Let’s get real. No one is perfect. You will make mistakes and bad choices in life. We all Understand that we do the best we can at the time. Mistakes don’t define you. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Think of yourself as your best friend and treat yourself accordingly. You’d forgive your best friend for any transgressions — so do so for yourself.

So, now you are ready to focus on you! Go ahead! Do it! Make 2018 the Year of You! You’re worth it.

*****

No Regrets

A Lexi Carmichael Mystery

by Julie Moffett

Print Length: 243 pages

Publisher: Carina Press (January 1, 2018)

Blurb:

Geek girl Lexi Carmichael has tackled her share of formidable tasks, but nothing quite as daunting as serving as maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding

When I agreed to stand by my best friend, Basia, on her big day, I had no idea what I was in for. Bouquets and unflattering evening wear I can handle. But between disgruntled dates, a beach venue and suspicious packages, what else can go wrong? Oh, right—my parents don’t know I’ve moved in with Slash. Oops?

Thankfully, I’ve got everything semi under control, at least as far as Basia and Xavier know. They can leave for their honeymoon happy, knowing Elvis, Slash and I will keep things safe at home.

Meanwhile, Elvis and Xavier’s boss at ComQuest has asked X-Corp—well, me—to take a quick trip to retrieve a sensitive company package from the British Virgin Islands. No hacking involved. Just show up, accept the package and bring it home safely. A cushy assignment, and a safe one. Right?

Wrong. Things start to unravel the minute I set foot on the boat to the island. Before I know it, I’m up to my neck in thugs, sand and trouble. I’m going to have to work fast to stop the bad guys before the sun sets for good on this unexpected beach vacation…

And don’t miss the rest of Julie Moffett’s Lexi Carmichael Mysteries: No One Lives Twice, No One To Trust, No Money Down, No Place Like Rome, No Biz Like Showbiz, No Test for the Wicked, No Woman Left Behind, No Room for Error, No Strings Attached and No Living Soul, available now from Carina Press!

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon giftcard giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/82ae250c83/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out all of the other wonderful authors, Winter Holiday traditions, and reads from Harlequinn

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Book Review – Only For You

20 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 1 Comment

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Book Review, Melissa Foster, Only For You, Sugar Lake series

Who’s ready for a hunky soldier with a heart of gold???

*****

Only For You

Sugar Lake #2

by Melissa Foster

Blurb:

Love only works when your heart is in the right place. Hers could be right next door…

Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses—not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling. Having loved and lost, Bridgette’s not ready to hand over her heart…but she could use a distraction.

Bodhi has one rule: never leave anyone behind. As a special operative, he knows that each new mission is more dangerous than the last. He’s never made a promise of forever to a woman, not even to the beautiful widow who has him tied in knots. And if there were anyone who could tempt him into putting down roots, it would be Bridgette and her adorable son.

But as his next deployment nears, they make a startling discovery. Their passion, meant only for the here and now, might already be blossoming into something more…

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Paperback   Audiobook

This book is being published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE ereader app to read it HERE (or order the paperback)

*****

Review:

I loved getting to know Bridgette and Bodhi.  Foster really is talented so everything she does just keeps you glued to the pages.  Bodhi is a great guy – very honorable (and hot) and has a big heart (and hot) and has a lot of love to give (did I mention, hot?  Inside and out, people!)  He’s chosen to give up having a full life to protect others and he’s darn good at his job.  He has purpose and he’s dedicated to that purpose, without hesitation.  Until he meets Bridgette.

Bridgette is a wonderful single mom.  She was a wild child once but after the birth of her son and the death of her husband she did a little growing.  And maybe some suppressing too.  But meeting Bodhi helps her remember a bit more of the girl she used to be and to find a way to fit her into her life now.

I’ll be honest, though – I enjoyed the book but nearly as much as The Real Thing.  It’s a good setup and there is no denying that Foster has some serious skills as a writer.  Her characters are vivid and they feel so real.  It’s just that here it seemed like Bodhi and Bridgette’s story was just a bit too long.  Their only real issue is Bodhi’s job and his not wanting to leave anyone at home worrying about him.  Which is SO understandable … it just seems to go on a bit too long for me.

Without any other problems there isn’t anything else there to keep things moving so we keep coming back to the same thing – he can only give her now because he can’t promise he’ll be there tomorrow.  It’s difficult and emotional, and it lingers there waiting for us when his time with Bridgette is over.  I felt so bad for them and Foster’s resolution is pretty darn perfect, but it didn’t help with the sense of waiting for me.  Although maybe that is perfect too, because it gives you just a taste of what it was like Bridgette and Bodhi.

*****

Also available in Sugar Lake Series

The Real Thing (Sugar Lake Book 1)

Fall in love on the shores of Sugar Lake in the small town of Sweetwater with Willow Dalton and Zane Walker.

This sassy, spirited baker is fine with heat—but is her fake fiancé too hot to handle?

Bakery owner Willow Dalton’s friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane’s always had a reputation as player. He’s arrogant, and he’s definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough to go along with a fake engagement a decade later—even if it comes with a real diamond ring?

Zane should have known better. Nothing involving Willow has ever been easy. Still, he knows her better than anyone, and becoming America’s hottest new leading man means cleaning up his reputation. An “engagement” to curvy, sass-mouthed Willow is the perfect PR move . . . provided no one gets hurt.

Now Zane and Willow’s little white lie has turned into an irresistible recipe for sweet temptation. And soon no one will be able to tell the difference between their fake engagement or the real thing—including them.

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Paperback   Audiobook

This book is being published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE ereader app to read it HERE (or order the paperback)

*****

Author Info:

Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented– perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole. 

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.

Website   Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Goodreads   Pinterest   Amazon Author Page

*****

Giveaway:

Win Bad Boys After Dark: Mick ebook – 2 winners!
Ending on Friday 22nd December at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b25fc618381/

*****

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

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Book Review – Unexpected Christmas

18 Monday Dec 2017

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

≈ 2 Comments

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Book Review, Nell Iris, Unexpected Christmas

Who’s looking for a sweet fast read (with a little emotional bite) this holiday season?

*****

Unexpected Christmas

by Nell Iris

Length: 13,527 words

Publisher: JMS Books

Blurb:

Daniel Erickson stormed out of his family celebration after choking on turkey served with a side of bigotry. Utterly miserable, he reluctantly lets himself be charmed by the hulk of a man and gets into the stranger’s car … hoping he won’t be axed before the night is through.

Axel Wilson — Ax for short, unfortunately — is a sweetheart. Really. He may be badass-looking but his heart melts into goo at the mere mention of his four-year-old niece. Surely he isn’t dangerous?

Thrown together by family drama, the two men spend the evening getting to know each other. Axel is nothing like Daniel expected. But it doesn’t matter that he loves poetry, is gentle and patient — and hot! — Daniel is absolutely not falling in love at first sight. There’s no such thing.

Right?

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | JMS

*****

Excerpt:

A few minutes later, a vehicle approached from behind. Reacting instinctively, I turned around and waved my arms, hoping the big truck would stop and have mercy on my freezing ass.

I let out a giddy yelp as it slowed down, but it got stuck in my throat when the driver rolled down the window.

He was huge and couldn’t hold his head upright without banging it on the ceiling. Big steel gauges adorned both his ears — at least an inch and a half wide — and his hair was black and so closely cropped it resembled a five o’clock shadow more than an actual haircut.

“You need a ride?” he asked and his voice was deeper than the Mariana Trench, perfectly matching his frightening appearance. Black tattoos crept up his neck and snaked down his hands below his sleeves. His shoulders were wide, his muscles strained the sleeves of his thick black jacket, and his cheeks were hollow. I was one second from shitting myself.

“I’m not riding with a serial killer!” The words slipped out of my mouth and I groaned. I couldn’t have kept my mouth shut for five fucking seconds to avoid being chopped up and thrown to the wolves?

He threw his head back and let out a thunderous laugh.

“What’s so goddamned funny?” I glared at him, but he didn’t seem to care.

“I’m no serial killer.”

“And I’m just supposed to take your fucking word for it?” I raised an eyebrow. I knew I was being combative and taking out my frustration on this stranger, but I couldn’t stop myself.

“You could call my ma for references.”

“Ha ha. Very funny.” With a deep sigh, I resigned to my fate and started walking again. No way was I getting into a car with that mammoth of a man.

“Where you goin’?” he called after me. When I didn’t bother to answer, he eased off the break and let his truck crawl after me.

I swirled around. “Stop following me, you creep,” I hissed.

He let go of the steering wheel with one hand and held it up as if he surrendered. “Look, man. It’s freezin’. You’re wet and miserable. Get in the truck and lemme take you wherever you’re goin’.” His deep voice was surprisingly gentle. Non-threatening, as if he’d come to expect reactions like mine.

“I’m really not a bad guy.” He stuck out his lower lip in a pout that would have made a five-year-old girl green with envy and I had to bite my lip to stop a smile from erupting.

“Really?” I tried to hang on to my mistrust, but he made it hard. His appearance screamed RUN AND HIDE, but there was something soft in his eyes that told a different story.

He shot me a crooked smile. “It was worth a try. It works on my niece every time.”

The fucker knew all the right words to say to disarm me. “And how old is she?”

“Four.”

I huffed out a reluctant chuckle. “Well, you know how it is. Everyone always says how they couldn’t believe their neighbor was a serial killer because he seemed like such a nice guy.”

His eyes grew big and round. “You’re sayin’ you don’t trust my niece as a character witness?” He sounded as I’d just delivered the biggest insult of his life, but the amused glint in his eyes told me it was all for show.

“Can you blame me?”

“I guess not.” He sighed and grew serious. “Please. I couldn’t live with myself if I left you here to freeze to death.”

My body screamed at me to take him up on his offer. The ice pellets were relentless and I was soaked and gloomy and was starting to feel like maybe being ax murdered wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen to me right now.

The openness in his posture and honesty in his eyes had me on the verge of caving. “You promise you won’t kill me?” I sounded like a scared little kid even to my own ears.

*****

Review:

I love the fact that while Daniel is out in the cold because of an argument with his bigoted uncle he quickly realizes that we are all guilty of judging a book by its cover after he meets Ax.  He assumes that big, muscled, tattooed guy has to be dangerous, but he quickly realizes that he’s more teddy bear than grizzly.  The interactions between them are humorous and fun and quickly turn into something a little more.  It’s a novella so things have to happen fast but Iris does a wonderful job of making the timing and flow feel natural.

I really wish there had been the opportunity for this to be a full-length story instead of a novella because I loved these two together so much … except I think to make it any longer Iris would have had to include some kind of conflict and that wouldn’t have fit with what we were given here.  So I guess I should just be happy with what I got.  And I am ecstatic with what I got 🙂

*****

Author Info:

Nell Iris is a romantic at heart who believes everyone deserves a happy ending. She’s a bona fide bookworm (learned to read long before she started school), wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without something to read (not even the ladies room), loves music (and singing along but let’s face it, she’s not Celine Dion), and is a real Star Trek nerd (Make it so). She loves words, poetry, wine, and Sudoku, and absolutely adores elephants!

Nell believes passionately in equality for all regardless of race, gender or sexuality, and wants to make the world a better, less hateful, place.

Nell is a 40-something bisexual Swedish woman, married to the love of her life, and a proud mama of a grown daughter. She left the Scandinavian cold and darkness for warmer and sunnier Malaysia a few years ago, where she spends her days writing, surfing the Internet, enjoying the heat, and eating good food. One day she decided to chase her life long dream of being a writer, sat down in front of her laptop, and wrote a story about two men falling in love.

Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, and wants to write diverse and different characters.

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Website

*****

Giveaway:

Backlist Ebook From Nell Iris

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3e0e9a43285/

*****

December 16

Stories That Make You Smile  https://authoraddisonalbright.com

abibliophobia anonymous book reviews  abibliophobiaanonymous.blogspot.com

The Blogger Girls  thebloggergirls.com

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews  http://wickedfaeriesreviews.blogspot.com

Hoards Jumble  http://dtorini.wordpress.com

Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author  http://www.valerieullmer.com

Mirrigold: Mutterings & Musings  https://mirrigold.com/

Padme’s Library  https://padmeslibrary.blogspot.com/

The Way She Reads  http://helenasheat.blogspot.ie/

Sarandipity Book Reviews  https://sarandipitybookreviews.wordpress.com

My Fiction Nook  http://myfictionnook.com

My Book Filled Life  http://mybookfilledlife.blogspot.com

December 17

MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews  https://mjbookblogandreviews.blogspot.com/

Unquietly Me  http://unquietlyme.wordpress.com

Dog-Eared Daydreams  http://www.dogeareddaydreams.com

Boy Meets Boy Reviews  Boymeetsboyreviews.blogspot.com

MM Good Book Reviews  http://mmgoodbookreviews.com/

Louise Lyons  http://www.louiselyonsauthor.com

December 18

Zipper Rippers  http://zipperrippers.blogspot.co.uk/

Reading In Sarah’s Corner  http://readinginsarahscorner.blogspot.com

A Book Lover’s Dream Book Blog  http://abookloversdreambookblog.com

Bayou Book Junkie  http://bayoubookjunkie.blogspot.com

Bonkers about books  http://felinewyvern.blogspot.co.uk

Becca the Bibliophile  Https://beccathebibliophile.com

Nicole’s Book Musings  http://nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.com/

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words  http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords.com

Book Lovers 4Ever  http://www.bl4ebookblog.com/

Urban Smoothie Read  http://www.urbansmoothie.com/

Romantic Reads and Such  https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

Wicked Reads  http://www.wickedreads.org

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Book Review – Back Home at Firefly Lake

15 Friday Dec 2017

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

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Back Home at Firefly Lake, Book Review, Firefly Lake series, Jen Gilroy

We’ve seen this series before with Summer on Firefly Lake and I’m super glad I signed up to read this one.  It’s got all the heartwarming, small-town goodness that you could ask for!

*****

Back Home at Firefly Lake

Firefly Lake #3

by Jen Gilroy

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

Release Date: December 5, 2017

Publisher: Forever – Grand Central Publishing

Series: Firefly Lake

Print ISBN: 9781455569618

Digital ISBN: 9781455566938

Blurb:

She has a million reasons to leave. Can he give her the one she needs to stay?

Cat McGuire’s return to Firefly Lake is turning into much more than she bargained for. Sure, she missed the crisp pine-scented air and the comfort of having her family around her. But being home makes her feel less like the successful single mom she is–and more like the awkward teen who never fit in. It doesn’t help that hockey-pro Luc Simard is back in town, too. Luc was her childhood crush, the hometown hero who never noticed her, and yet somehow he still makes her heart skip a beat.

Luc’s homecoming has been bittersweet. He’s lost his wife and his career, but there’s no better place to start over than Firefly Lake. Coaching the local kids’ hockey team makes him feel alive again, and he thinks his life is complete–until Cat arrives. The shy girl he always wanted to protect is now the gorgeous woman who’s stealing his heart and making him believe in second chances. But how can he convince Cat that Firefly Lake is where she truly belongs?

Praise for Back Home at Firefly Lake:

“When these two broken souls come together, magic happens.” – Publishers Weekly

“Back Home at Firefly Lake is a charming small-town, second-chance story. With well-written and relatable characters, readers both new and old to the series will enjoy it.” – Harlequin Junkie

Now an Amazon Best Book of the Month!

Add to your “Want to Read” shelf:  Goodreads

Available at:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

 

*****

Excerpt:

Luc’s heart squeezed. [Cat] was embarrassed to ask her family for help, like he’d have been embarrassed asking his. Except, that would never be an issue because he had more money than he could spend in one lifetime. Money to finance the creamery expansion his dad had talked about for years, and to send his folks on that cruise they’d hankered after but could never afford because of the cost of raising four kids and putting most of them through college. Money for everything except what mattered most—taking care of his wife and their child like he’d planned.

“Pay for the hockey registration when your grant comes through.” He tried to smile. “I know you’re good for it.”

“Thanks.” Cat’s voice cracked and she took one hand away from her bag to rub it across her face. “Hockey means everything to Amy. I want her to be able to play, but she’s growing so fast right now.”

“Hockey’s an expensive sport.” He slid an arm around her shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. The same kind of friendly squeeze he’d given her all those times back in high school when she’d saved his butt in chemistry. Before today, however, his fingers had never tingled when he’d touched Cat. His body had never heated, either.

Cat started and pulled away at the same instant he did. “Hockey can be a dangerous sport too, and now Amy will be playing with boys. She hasn’t played with boys since she was seven. She could get hurt.

Like he had, hurt so bad it had ended his career. “Amy’s playing minor hockey. At her age, there is a rule about no body checking.” He tried to make his tone reassuring. “I promise I’ll keep a close eye on her.” It was his job as her coach, and he’d do the same for any kid. It had nothing to do with the strange and unexpected attraction he all of a sudden had for this woman he’d known his whole life, who he’d never really looked at until today.

A woman who wasn’t Maggie. Luc’s stomach clenched in a tangled lump of guilt and grief, tied tight with a slippery ribbon of disloyalty. Maggie was never coming back, but that didn’t mean Luc could forget her. Or that he wanted to.

Copyright © Back Home at Firefly Lake 2017 by Jen Gilroy

*****

Review:

There’s just something about small town romances that I love.  That feeling of community and family, with people that feel so real you just want to move there so you can be friends.  It’s that thing that made Gilmore Girls so darn appealing – and Gilroy captures it beautifully.  Her characters just come alive and you can’t help but feel for all of their ups and downs (and sometimes even more downs).

Luc is back after losing both his hockey career and his wife.  He’s going through the motions of getting back on his feet but he’s not really opening himself up for anything that could hurt him that much again.  Then he meets Cat … and she definitely brings all his feelings back alive.  He’s a man, though, and has to have a few “really?” moments but he’s carrying around a lot and so it’s to be expected.

Cat has come home but she’s not here to stay.  She’s got a temporary work assignment and thinks it best to get her daughter out of the city for a while.  And being near family is just what they both need.  But what she never thought she needed was Luc – having him nearby again puts all kinds of tempting thoughts into her head.  She just needs to come to terms with her own past first.

While I really like Cat and Luc, there were moments when I really didn’t get her daughter.  I can see what Gilroy was going for (and she is a hormonal preteen) but she’s all over the place and comes off as a petulant toddler more than once (… although that could be the teenager coming out too 🙂 ).  Usually the kid is a highlight in the book but here she just rubbed me wrong as often as I liked her.

But I definitely couldn’t have asked for more with the adults!  There is a lot of drama between the two of them but they also bring the feels.  Both of them are at a crossroads in their lives – they didn’t plan on being where they are and they need to figure out where they really want to go from here.  They’ve both had things in the past that they need to work on but if they do it right then they might find themselves in a place much better than they imagined.

If you love feel-good sweetness in your romances, Gilroy definitely delivers – lots of emotion, realistic, and just plain enjoyable.

(Although it is part of a series, it can easily stand on its own.)

*****

Other Books in the Firefly Lake Series:

The Cottage at Firefly Lake

Some mistakes can never be fixed and some secrets never forgiven … but some loves can never be forgotten.

Charlotte Gibbs wants nothing more than to put the past behind her, once and for all. Yet now that she’s back at Firefly Lake to sell her mother’s cottage, the overwhelming flood of memories reminds her of what she’s been missing. Sun-drenched days. Late-night kisses that still shake her to the core. The gentle breeze off the lake, the scent of pine in the air, and the promise of Sean’s touch on her skin…True, she got her dream job traveling the world. But at what cost?

Sean Carmichael still doesn’t know why Charlie disappeared that summer, but after eighteen years, a divorce, and a teenage son he loves more than anything in the world, he’s still not over her. All this time and her body still fits against his like a glove. She walked away once when he needed her the most. How can he convince her to stay now?

Praise for The Cottage at Firefly Lake:

“Gilroy’s debut contemporary is packed with potent emotions…[the] protagonists tug at the heartstrings from the beginning of the story and don’t let go. Long on charm, this story invites readers to come in and stay a while.” – Publishers Weekly

“Memories, regrets and second chances are front and center in Gilroy’s fantastic debut.” – RT Book Reviews

Add to your “Want to Read” shelf:  Goodreads

Available at:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

Summer on Firefly Lake

Sometimes love is better the second time around.

Mia Gibbs spent her marriage putting her husband’s needs before her own. And now, after a painful divorce, she’s building a new life for herself and her two daughters back home at Firefly Lake. The last thing she needs is a man to complicate things. But former bad boy turned friend Nick McGuire—and the one kiss they’ve shared—has turned everything upside down.

Attorney Nick McGuire wasn’t meant to be a family man. His career has always been his focus, and after taking time out to help his mother, he’s ready to get back to the city…until Mia and her daughters arrive at Firefly Lake. Mia is beautiful and intriguing, and it doesn’t take long to realize being “just friends” will never be enough. As the summer nights turn colder, Nick will have to choose between the life he’s always wanted…and the woman he can’t live without.

Praise for SUMMER ON FIREFLY LAKE

“Has charm to spare… The delightful supporting cast and expertly plotted story add depth and richness to this tale, leaving readers eager for another visit to Firefly Lake.”—Publishers Weekly

“4 stars! Gilroy’s second Firefly Lake novel encapsulates the quaint, busybody small-town feel and the slippery slope of friends becoming lovers quite well… Engaging…[a] fast-paced page turner.”—RT Book Reviews

Add to your “Want to Read” shelf:  Goodreads

Available at:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  iTunes

*****

Author Info:

Jen Gilroy lives in a small town in eastern Ontario, Canada where her Irish ancestors settled in the nineteenth century. She’s worked in higher education and international marketing but, after spending too much time in airports and away from her family, traded the 9-5 to write romantic women’s fiction to bring readers’ hearts home.

Jen likes ice cream, diners, vintage style and all things country. Her husband is her real-life romance hero, and her teen daughter teaches her to cherish the blessings in the everyday.

The Cottage at Firefly Lake, the first book in her Firefly Lake series, was a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award in 2015. It was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award 2017.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

*****

Giveaway:

Jen is offering one (1) lucky Grand Prize winner a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of Back Home at Firefly Lake. Five (5) runner-up winners will receive a paperback copy of their choice from the Firefly Lake series! This giveaway is open internationally.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29455/

*****

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Spotlight – Seasonal Shenanigans

13 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Grease Monkey Christmas, A Tradition Worth Continuing, All I want for Christmas Is You, Annika Steele, Ava Bari, Blizzard, Cailin Briste, Caitlyn Lynch, Christmas is Coming, Dana Kenzi, Eight Secret Nights, I Fell Through Starlight For You, Jennie Kew, Keira Fox, Kittens for Christmas, Let It Snow, Liv Honeywell, Maya Bailey, Missing You For Christmas, Moxie Rivers, New Beginnings, Nikola Christain, Santa Claus is Coming, Seasonal Shenanigans, Shoshana David, Suzi Frewin, The Promise of Love, Tricia Ramey, Under The Mistletoe

Who wants something a little steamy to warm up with this December?!?  These 14 stories are bound to put you in a jolly good mood.

Warning: there’s a heat advisory in effect so make sure you proceed with caution 😉

*****

Let It Snow – Nikola Christain

Jovie has always avoided the Christmas season. But when she has to spend the holidays in a ski lodge, she meets someone who may inspire her to embrace the season. Or at least the part about meeting under the mistletoe.

Eight Secret Nights – Shoshana David

Someone’s been leaving Hanukkah presents on Mara’s doorstep.  Sweet presents.  Thoughtful presents.  She wonders who her secret admirer is.  Hopefully it’s the cute guy who moved in next door and not the creep from 7A.

A Tradition Worth Continuing – Tricia Ramey

It’s Christmas Eve, and Beth Murphy is finally able to relax.  Now’s the time to enjoy a little downtime with her husband James before the chaos of their descending families the next day. But it’s the gift she has for her husband that will make this Christmas the most memorable one yet.

Kittens For Christmas – Caitlyn Lynch

Regina Brooks thinks finding a box of abandoned kittens on Christmas Eve is a disaster in the making. Fortunately, her hunky neighbor Ric is eager to help her out — in any way he can!

Missing You For Christmas – Moxie Rivers

When Allison’s husband, Jake, can’t get leave, it’ll be her first Christmas without him since they were married. But Allison isn’t the type of person to let that stop her, but with the help of her coworkers, and just maybe a little Christmas magic, it will still be a Merry Christmas.

A Grease Monkey Christmas – Cailin Briste

Fate arranges the chance meeting of two strangers in need of a little kindness on Christmas Eve. Celebrity Davon Weider, with his navy-blue eyes and muscular physique, can fill the starring role in any woman’s fantasy. But Jasline, a spaceport mech, is more impressed by his five jump speed records.

Santa Claus is Coming – Jennie Kew

I don’t dress up as Santa for just anyone, you know? Holly Granville isn’t just anyone. When a massive storm hits our Christmas photo shoot and we’re trapped inside a tiny hut — cold, wet, angry, and naked — our friendship irrevocably changes. But will it be for better, or worse?

The Promise Of Love – Maya Bailey

The year is 1819. He sees a man across a room and it is like seeing himself dressed in a British soldier’s uniform. How could it be that another man bears his face? He had loved her once; she had betrayed that love. Now he must find answers. If only he could do that without laying eyes on her again.

Underneath The Mistletoe – Ava Bari

Police officer Nic Zanetti just wanted to spent a quiet holiday alone with his TV. Then he’s called to find a runaway little girl. When he meets her widowed mother, this Christmas will be one they never forget.

Blizzard – Suzi Frewin

Simon and Fallon find themselves marooned together, fearing for their lives against the Zengwee, an alien species which has dominated Earth for its resources. Neither want the complication of falling in love, but fate and Christmas have other plans.

All I Want for Christmas … is You – Annika Steele

On Christmas Eve, Dr. Victoria Long is determined to take her relationship with Detective Devon King to the next level, maybe even the forever kind. But will their relationship survive when Devon discovers she’s a suspect in a series of thefts?

Christmas is Coming – Liv Honeywell

It’s almost Christmas, and Abby decides to decorate the tree, despite Will, her Dom, telling her to wait. But when she drops his toolbox and all the parts scatter like confetti, she’s left wondering if she’ll be able to sit down by *next* Christmas. What will happen when Will gets home?

New Beginnings – Dana Kenzi

When Erika’s Winter Solstice ritual doesn’t go as planned, it joins her list of worries, right next to her struggles to run her newly acquired business. Then her handsome neighbor, David, drops by to offer her some company. What starts off as a venting session between two frustrated adults leads to a cathartic and pleasurable encounter.

I Fell Through Starlight For You – Keira Fox

It’s the earliest hours of Christmas and Lucille is thinking of closing up her bistro when an enchanting figure comes through her door seeking aid for his injuries.

*****

Excerpts:

From Kittens For Christmas by Caitlyn Lynch

Ric looked at Reggie sitting there on the floor next to him, a pair of fools caring for some orphaned kittens early in the morning on Christmas Day, and he wondered if she’d slap his face if he kissed her. She’d fallen asleep on his shoulder mid-sentence earlier, and snuggled up to him with the cutest little sound of protest when he tried to carefully shift her off. In the end he’d just leaned his head back on the couch and dropped off to sleep himself.

Reggie’s brown eyes sparkled as she laughed, and impulsively Ric reached out a hand and touched one of hers, resting lax on her knee.

“Hey. I’m glad I met you coming in tonight. Last night, I mean, it’s morning now…”

Ugh, that was so not smooth. Why does my brain always fail me when I’m talking to an attractive woman?

Reggie was smiling at him, though. “I’m glad, too,” she said softly, and her slight, fine-boned hand turned under his so their fingers interlaced.

Ric’s brain stalled out and failed him completely. He just stared at her hand under his, at least until Reggie let out a soft, husky little laugh. His eyes snapped up to her face – which was suddenly a lot closer.

This is actually happening. He was suddenly as nervous as a teenage boy with his first crush, palms sweating, hands shaking.

Reggie’s lips were soft against his, a light, tentative touch before she pulled back, looking at him with wide eyes.

She can’t be nervous. She’s gorgeous, she could have any guy she wanted. That look of nervous worry, of concern that he might not be into her, absolutely killed him. No way could he let her have that impression, even for one second. So he leaned closer and brought up his free hand to cup her cheek, fingers sliding into her thick ringlets, feeling their springy texture.

“God damn, but you’re beautiful,” he murmured before bringing their mouths back together. He felt her lips curve up in a pleased smile, right before they parted, welcoming in his tongue as he probed lightly.

Ric felt Reggie’s soft sigh all through his body; the little moan she let out as he explored her mouth had his cock hardening in his pants. Her fingers tightened around his before she moved, going to her knees beside him and putting her free arm around him, pulling their bodies flush against each other.

It was Ric’s turn to make a noise, a low hungry groan in his throat as Reggie’s breasts pressed against his chest. Leaning back against the couch, he pulled her with him and she straddled his thighs, settling her groin against his.

“Reggie,” his voice came out a husky rasp as she pulled away from the kiss and ducked down to nip and lick at his neck, finding that sensitive spot in the hollow of his collarbone which made him shudder, hips jerking up involuntarily. “What are we doing?”

“Well,” she paused to swirl her tongue in the hollow of his throat, “right now we’re making out, and since our charges are full of milk and sound asleep, I think we should take advantage of the temporary quiet to go ahead and fuck.”

His eyes, half-lidded with pleasure, flew wide open. “Well,” he said after recovering his composure, “that’s direct.”

Reggie chuckled and leaned back to look him in the eye. “I’m not one to talk around a situation. You’re hot, I’m horny, it’s Christmas, let’s have fun.”

“I think you’ve got it the wrong way round.”

Her brows furrowed adorably, a small line appearing between them.

“You’re hot and I’m horny. But the floor’s too hard and the couch is too small, so how about we take this to the bedroom?”

~

From Santa Claus Is Coming by Jennie Kew:

“Please tell me that was the last one.”

Holly grins. “That was the last one.”

“Oh, thank God.” I push myself up and out of the driftwood throne I’ve occupied for the better part of the day and stretch the kinks out of my back and shoulders.

Everything hurts.

My back is stiff from sitting for too long, and my thighs hurt from having an endless line-up of kids — and the occasional adult — sit on them all day. My cheeks ache from smiling waaay too much, my ass is so numb I’m not entirely sure it’s still attached to my body, and don’t even get me started on my balls….

Fuck me.

What a day.

When my best friend’s sister invited me to spend the day with her at Melbourne’s iconic Brighton Beach — you know the one, with the long line of brightly painted bathing huts that wedding photographers clamour over — I jumped at the opportunity. Spend the day with the woman I’ve lusted after for years while she parades around in one of those skimpy bikinis she’s so fond of?

Fuck yeah!

And sure, maybe I could catch a few waves while we’re there, show off my very grown-up, non-brotherly physique to the woman who once told me a. she’d never date one of her brother’s mates, and b. she’d never, ever be interested in someone so much younger than her.

Like a ten year age difference made her old or something.

Women!

Anyway, I rock up, surfboard in hand, and what does she do? Hands me a beach bum Santa costume consisting of little more than a pair of boardshorts and a Santa hat, shoves me in front of a camera and starts charging people money to let their precious little darlings crawl all over me and tell me their Christmas wishes. Which, okay — crushed ball-sack aside — was actually pretty cool, especially the kid who wanted total world domination so he could end bullying everywhere. I didn’t have the heart to point out the flaw in his plan, and judging by the look on his dad’s face, neither did he.

“You did a good job today, Chris,” Holly says as she packs away her camera equipment, then laughs. “I can’t wait to show Mikey that shot of the granny in your lap.”

I slip my Santa hat off my head and shove it in my pocket. “I’ll have you know her name was Phillipa, she’s only seventy-five years old, and she said I reminded her of her late husband.”

“She licked your face.”

“She wanted to know if I tasted like him, too,” I say with a grin. “I’d reckon the saucy old dame did it to win a bet, actually. I saw her and her friend exchange a tenner after she collected her photo. And you know Mike hates it when you call him Mikey, right?”

“Of course. Why do you think I do it?” she says with a wink that makes my breath stall in my chest and my legs go weak at the knees. “Seriously, though. Thanks for today. I know I blindsided you with it.”

“You know, you could have just told me what you wanted me for,” I say as I step down from the dais and discreetly adjust my aching package. “It is for charity. And you know us firemen. We love any excuse to take our shirts off.”

She looks up at me from under long, blonde lashes. “After the calendar shoot fiasco I wasn’t sure how willing you’d be to help me.”

Ah, yes. The calendar fiasco. I snort a laugh and shake my head. “I run into burning buildings for a living, Hols. On purpose. Did you really think a little dog shit would keep me away?”

Holly laughs, the full-bodied sound bursting from within her and shaking her deliciously plump figure with the force of it.

Good God, I want to eat her all up.

Starting right between her—

“It was more than a little dog shit. That poor pup had the worst diarrhoea I’ve ever seen. You were covered in it. I have photos. I was thinking of blowing one up and giving it to your mum for Christmas.”

Cocking an eyebrow at her obvious glee, I fold my arms over my chest and grin. “You just love humiliating me, don’t you?”

“Call it a hobby,” she says with a shrug, her pretty mouth curved in a smile of honest good humour. A smile that has my cock twitching with interest as I imagine how those sweet lips would feel wrapped around its rock hard length.

Fuck.

The last thing I need right now is a hard-on. I’m almost thankful for the sudden wind that whips past us, stinging my legs with flying sand.

~

From Underneath The Mistletoe by Ava Bari

The officer who’d found her daughter was still there, and Amelia had yet to even acknowledge him. She rubbed her eyes and kept Grace at her hip as she looked up at the taller man… and instantly regretted choosing her most unflattering nightgown to wear to bed.

“Mrs. Eliot, I’m Officer Zanetti,” he said, offering a hand. She tried to ignore how strong his grip was. His hand was huge and completely engulfed hers.

“Thank you so much for finding my daughter, Officer,” Amelia said. “I really can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s all in a day’s work, Ma’am,” he said, his smile bringing her back to her teenage years when she’d fawned over boy band members and actors.

She thanked him several more times as the other cops left and Grace began to yawn and lean heavily on her mother. Deciding to save all punishments until tomorrow, Amelia hoisted Grace into her arms. “I think I’d better get her to bed now.”

Officer Zanetti nodded. “Yeah you should.” He leaned over, catching Grace’s attention. She was half-asleep but awake enough to listen when he spoke. “Stay in bed this time, okay? Remember what we said.”

“Uh huh.” She took the letter out of her pocket and then, for whatever reason, handed it to the officer. “You promise Santa will read it?”

“If he doesn’t, I will read it to him myself,” he swore, as serious as if he had his hand on the Bible.

“Okay, but don’t open it until you see him,” Grace said. She nestled into the thick cottony fabric of Amelia’s nightgown and was asleep in seconds. Amelia gave Officer Zanetti a questioning look.

“Ah yeah…” He rubbed his neck. “I might have told her I work for Santa Claus to get her to come with me.”

Amelia chuckled. Her heart had yet to slow down all the way, but there was something hilarious about this tough guy cop getting embarrassed. “You’re a Christmas elf?”

“A bodyguard, thank you,” he said, affronted.

“That would’ve been my next guess.” He certainly looked the part, as the unhelpful part of Amelia’s brain was quick to point out.

They stood in awkward silence for a time until Grace shifted in Amelia’s arms, reminding her they probably shouldn’t stand outside in freezing cold weather. Officer Zanetti seemed to realize this at the same time. He coughed and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“Okay, looks like everything is good here. I’ll let you two get some sleep.”

“Would you like some coffee before you go?” Amelia asked. “I feel like I owe you for finding my daughter.”

“Just keep her safe in bed tonight, Ma’am,” he said, walking back to his car. “Have a Merry Christmas.”

“You too,” Amelia called out, but he’d already started his engine, and she had no idea if he heard her.

*****

Author Info:

The saying goes that “it’s always the quiet ones,” and that is certainly true of Nikola Christain, the sexy personality lurking within a shy, regular woman. When she isn’t living her “normal”, quiet life, she is exploring, experiencing, reading, and writing about it all.

Follow her on goodreads, facebook, tumblr, and through her Amazon author page.

~

A native New Yorker, Shoshana David loves celebrating her Jewish heritage in her writing. A bit of a late bloomer, she didn’t catch the writing bug until college. This is her first published work.

~

Tricia Ramey, born in Alberta, Canada, enjoys reading and writing a variety of fiction. Married for sixteen years and counting to the love of her life, she uses her vast imagination and life experience to create rich and detailed scenarios for all her works.

Find her on her Amazon Author’s Page or on Tumblr.

~

USA Today bestseller Caitlyn Lynch is an Australian author and happily married mother of two. She has a number of published works available on Amazon.

You can also find her at caitlynlynch.com, on Goodreads or Bookbub, or on her Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest, Instagram or Tumblr social media accounts.

Add your name to her mailing list to find out about new works, be invited to read exclusive advanced reader copies, and more!

~

Moxie Rivers is an American writer of erotic fiction of all persuasions, living on the Mid-Atlantic coast with her wife and three fat, happy cats. When not writing, she can be found at her crafting table making jewelry or digging in the dirt in her garden. You can find her on Facebook or on Tumblr.

~

Cailin Briste writes science fiction romance. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, the RWA Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter, and the RWA Passionate Ink Chapter. She’s writing the third novel in her Sons of Tallav series and the second novel in her A Thief in Love Suspense Romance series.

You can connect with Cailin on her website, her blog, Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Pinterest, Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon. Join her street team or subscribe to her newsletter for lots more!

~

Jennie Kew is the author of The Q Collection, a series of quick and quirky erotic romances, as well as the upcoming Bennett’s Bastards series.

You can stalk Jennie on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, follow her on Amazon and Goodreads, or sign up for her newsletter and get first dibs on new releases, cover reveals and more.

~

Maya Bailey grew up in India but now resides in Utah with her husband. As a marketing communications professional she has lived and worked all over the world. An eternal optimist, she adores happily-ever-afters and the craft or writing. Regency Romance is her favourite genre.

You can find Maya at her website, on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook and Pinterest.

~

Ava Bari is a New York born Midwesterner with a passion for writing, reading, and reading when she’s supposed to be writing. Find her on Tumblr and Twitter.

~

If the book you just can’t put down is an exciting tale of intrigue with lots of villains, twists, and an awesome romance, then you’ll love Suzi Frewin’s books. As a lifetime reader of romance, she likes more action than promise, so that’s the way she writes. Enjoy.

You can find Suzi on her website or on Twitter.

~

Annika began writing at the age of eight, but abandoned her stories in college. A ridiculous number of years later, she stumbled across fanfic, put fingers to keyboard, and hasn’t stopped writing since.

Sign up for her mailing list here, check out her website, or follow her on Tumblr or Facebook.

~

Liv Honeywell is a BDSM erotic romance writer, and when not writing about delicious, hot male dominants and the female subs who love them, she’s usually doing something craft-like, reading, or baking and attempting to satisfy the demands of His High and Mighty Dominance (the cat!).

You can follow her on her blog, on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, BookBub or her Amazon page.

Or sign up to her newsletter for freebies, fun, and book news!

~

Dana Kenzi has been writing fiction for over ten years. Currently, she indulges in her deepest and darkest fantasies to write erotica in her spare time. When she’s not glued to the keyboard, she’s eating, traveling, binge watching TV shows on Netflix, or impulse buying on Amazon.

~

Find Dana on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, or sign up to her mailing list to receive the latest information about new releases!

~

Keira always used to joke that she’d end up writing Mills & Boon novels if her career in art didn’t work out. She’s still making art and baking the sweet things that she so often likes to write about, but she decided that she’d like to do the other thing too. She lives and works in a tumbledown cottage in the back of a garden right near the ocean in Western Australia.

Find her on Tumblr.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a Kindle Fire!

https://promosimple.com/ps/c6a0

*****

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FTC Disclaimer

I have received ARCs of books free from NetGalley (and many moons ago from BookTrib.com) to review but the majority of the stories are either bought by me or provided for free from the publisher, author, or PR company. The opinions I share are my own and in no way are influenced by an author or publisher. There is no promise of a positive review by any party and there is no additional compensation. Unless otherwise noted, I am not affiliated with any contest or other event mentioned on this blog and I do not receive a paid endorsement for any post.

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