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Romantic Reads and Such

Category Archives: Contest

Book Review – Follow the Snowflakes

12 Tuesday Dec 2017

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

≈ 3 Comments

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Angelina Kerner, Book Review, Follow the Snowflakes

Who loves sappy Christmas romances?!?!?  (I do, I do!!)

*****

Follow the Snowflakes: A Christmas Novella

by Angelina Kerner

Date Published: December 15, 2017

Genre: Chick-lit, contemporary romance

Publisher: KDP Select

Blurb:

At 28, it’s bad to be single. After four years of relationship struggles, Cat is ready to try anything.

That’s when her friend tells her about her class’ Dear Santa letters. One little boy asked for a new mommy, and she suggests Cat meets the kid’s dad, just to see where things go. Cat figures it can’t hurt…until she meets a stranger in the midst of a car accident. The man is handsome with a sad look in his eyes. He still wears a wedding band and she’s not sure his heart’s available, even if he makes her heart race. But, maybe he’s a widower? Cat wonders if she should resign herself to being an old maid, or whether she could possibly be the answer to a little boy’s Christmas wish, unless there’s a third option – a future with the stranger.

add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36555250-follow-the-snowflakes-a-christmas-novella

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07733X13J?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/follow-the-snowflakes

Book Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/9I9tcpMrg4s

*****

Excerpt:

Sunday

December 17th, 2017

Dear Diary,

When I eventually return to read my entries in my old age, I’ll always remember just how miserable I was in December of 2017. I should have had a diary when I was a teen; then it would have been funny to re-read what I went through back then. When I was in high school, I didn’t have many friends. In fact, my mother introduced me to a girl on the day of orientation. Here’s the story:

Mom parked her car, and we got out. She began looking for all the gathered students outside of the gymnasium. I knew no one at the high school and Mom knew that too. It was mainly because I finished middle school in a different district and at that moment, I was not happy about the move. I gazed at the students and my Mom. She had that glint in her eyes that said a plan was forming and I could do nothing to stop it. After a minute, she motioned me to follow her and I did, just like the good girl that I was. We walked up to two girls. One had long brown hair and was wearing a loose shirt and long skirt, while the other had short blonde hair, glasses and wore a tiger t-shirt with jeans. Mom told them how it would be nice for them to take little old me into their friendship. They said ‘sure,’ and she just left me there.

You see Diary? Now those are memories. Memories of dating an engaged guy at 28, is not as good as that one, huh?

If you’re wondering, I couldn’t really make friends with the long skirt. She and I were too different. She was very opinionated, and I couldn’t hold a conversation without being confused. The glasses girl and I stayed friends until the first year of college. We grew apart after she moved away. I did hear from her once. She congratulated me on my degree. It was random. She sounded happy, and she met her life partner. I was happy for her, but that conversation didn’t rekindle the friendship that lasted for five years.

Now, I am off to work. Yes, I’m working today, although it’s a Sunday. There are branches open on Sundays; I am talking about the ones inside the grocery stores. My friend, Jessica, who’s a manager at one, called me to cover for her today because she has a cold. I couldn’t say no, so I need to go. Oh, and she told me to buy her crew breakfast! At least, we’re only open until 2 pm today.

Cat

PS: Buy those groceries TONIGHT, or you’ll be eating Chinese noodles, and not the take-out ones.

*****

Review:

Cat mentions Hallmark Channel Christmas movies a few times and you get the feel that that was the direction Kerner was going with her story.  It’s fun, lighthearted, and predictable, but still so very enjoyable.

After the latest bad surprise with her latest relationship, Cat is ready to write off men for a while.  Which, of course, means that they come out of the woodwork – her friend has a widower dad that might be a good match and she meets a guy at the scene of an accident.  (Think you can figure out where things go from here?  Yeah, but it is still an adventure.)

A relatively new author, Kerner still has a little growing to do as a writer but she has a ton of promise.  The characters are entertaining, the story flows well, and I found myself looking forward to seeing how it all came together.  All a mark of a good book in my opinion!

*****

Author Info:

ANGELINA KERNER is a self-published author of paranormal and lighthearted romance. She’s the wife of a photographer/physicist, and the mother of a cute little toddler, but she’s also been a dancer, a psychologist, an anthropologist, a geographer, a dreamer, and an adventurer. She does her best writing while being bothered by her cats, taking care of her son, in dressing rooms while waiting for family to try on clothing, and at home in sunny California. Angelina loves to play goddess-dragon matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where young goddesses have lovable flaws, the Fates plan to dethrone, the universe is endless and untamed, and dragons roam free! She also loves to write carefree romance where one can finish reading with a smile.

https://www.facebook.com/AngelinaKernerFiction (Facebook)

https://twitter.com/kernerangelina (Twitter)

https://kernerangelina.live/ (Blog)

https://www.pinterest.ca/angelinakerner/ (Pinterest)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14651070.Angelina_Kerner (Goodreads)

*****

Giveaway:

“I have the sweetest Giveaway for the tour, open worldwide.

Included is a Wine bottle Christmas tree, chocolates, Rudolph hot chocolate with Snowflake marshmallows, a Christmas tree ornament and a signed copy of Seven Hours: Challenge Accepted.

While you read, you can enjoy chocolate!

Angelina XO”

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e7c6a8f22/

*****

Schedule:

Dec. 11th

Reads & Reels (Featured Promo) http://www.readsandreels.com

Book Reviews by Shalini (Excerpt) www.bookreviewsbyshalini.wordpress.com

Darque Dreamer Reads (Review) https://darquedreamerreads.wordpress.com

Gemma’s Book Reviews (Review) http://www.gemmmasbookreviews.wordpress.com

Dec. 12th

Jen Med’s Book Reviews (Review) http://Jenmedsbookreviews.com

Romantic Reads and Such (Review) https://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress.com

Loves Books Group (Review) http://www.lovesbooksgroup.blog

Tranquil Dreams (Review) https://klling.wordpress.com

Nesie’s Place (Excerpt) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

Dec. 13th

Book Inspector Blog (Review) https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com

Spunky n’ Sassy (Review) http://spunky-n-sassy.blogspot.com

Endless Reading Blog (Review) http://endlessreading.wordpress.com

Didi Oviatt (Review) https://didioviatt.wordpress.com

Novel Gossip (Review) https://novelgossip.com

Dec. 14th

Books to Get Lost In (Review) http://bookstogetlostin.blogspot.ca

J Bronder Book Reviews (Review) https://jbronderbookreviews.com

Portable Magic (Review) http://portablemagic.net

Bookish Lifestyle (Review) http://www.evie-bookish.blogspot.com

Book Lover in Florida (Review) http://bookloverfl12.wordpress.com

Dec. 15th

On the Shelf Reviews (Review) https://ontheshelfreviews.wordpress.com

Splashes into Books (Review) http://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com

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Spotlight – Special Delivery

11 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

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Judi Lynn, Mill Pond series, Special Delivery

Way back when, we saw the cover reveal for the newest Mill Pond book.  I’m happy to say it is finally out and getting some good reviews!

*****

Special Delivery

Mill Pond #6

by Judi Lynn

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

In Mill Pond, Indiana, neighbors always look out for each other. And even though tourists are drawn to the small town’s charms, it’s the locals who fill it with warmth . . .

Traveling nurse Karli Redding doesn’t have many fond memories of her aging grandfather, Axel—or of Mill Pond. But with Axel’s health in decline and Karli on a month’s hiatus between jobs, she volunteers to set him up with the help he needs. The house and her grandfather could both use some TLC. Good thing Keagan Monroe, the very attractive mailman next door, is always ready to lend a hand…

Not a lot slips by a mailman, and Keagan appreciates Karli’s dogged attempts to spruce up the neglected property. Painting, fixing the sagging porch, delivering a constant stream of casseroles from caring neighbors—he’ll help however he can, all while keeping his feelings under wraps. A short-term fling just doesn’t fit into his schedule. But with each passing day, Karli’s bond with the town grows a little deeper. Has fate sent her exactly where she needs to be? Karli’s willing to find out, and the first step is figuring out the perfect route to Keagan’s heart…

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Keagan’s ladder leaned against the roof of the front porch. When he saw her, he called, “The paint’s already dry up here. If you bring me the shutters you painted, I’ll put them up at the two windows.”

She gave him a thumbs-up and almost ran to the barn. He’d asked her, not one of the others, to help him. She hurried to grab a pair of shutters. When she got back, he’d come down for them and jammed a screwdriver and screws in his jeans pocket. Then he scurried up to the porch roof and stood on that to work. Karli squirmed. The porch roof slanted downward and didn’t look safe to her.

“Be careful,” she said.

He gave her a look. “I’ve been balancing on a ladder to paint the peaks all day. I think I’ll survive this.”

She went to get the shutters for the second window and climbed a few rungs to hand them to him. Once he’d finished installing them, he started down. He’d reached the ground when Karli noticed someone’s paint brush lying on the roof. She scrambled up the ladder to reach it and then carefully retraced her steps. Before she reached the bottom, though, two strong hands lifted her and set her on the ground. Keagan’s touch sent heat through her fleece hoodie.

She turned and found herself toe to toe with him. His solid chest was eye level. She looked up at his strong jawline, his lips. She sucked in her breath and tilted her head, staring up into his cobalt-blue eyes. She could smell his scent—clean and manly. His gaze burned with intensity. Her lips parted. One more inch and she’d be pressing against him…

*****

Author Info:

Judi Lynn received a Master’s Degree from Indiana University as an elementary school teacher after attending the IPFW campus.  She taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades for six years before having her two daughters.  She loves gardening, cooking and trying new recipes.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

ecopy of the book

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a9501/

*****

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

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Book Review – Mistletoe

07 Thursday Dec 2017

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Emily Mims, Mistletoe, The Smokey Blues series

This is a new author for me but I’ll be seeking out more from her to add to my TBR pile!

*****

Mistletoe

The Smokey Blues, Book 6

by Emily Mims

Genre:  Romance

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Date of Publication:  November 20th 2017

ISBN:  978-1-979474-24-5 – print book

ISBN: 978-1-944262-99-0 – eBook

Number of pages:  227

Word Count: 65,450

Cover Artist: Boroughs Publishing Group

Blurb:

Can the holiday season turn make-believe into real passion, love and romance?

Aspiring songwriter Caitlyn Murphy is tired of sister’s hand-me-downs. From toys and bicycles to men, it seemed like everything in Caitlyn’s life first belonged to her late sister. Roped into doing Christmas for motherless nieces, and entering into a pretend romance with their dangerously attractive father, Caitlyn soon finds herself falling in love with the girls, and the enigmatic Tanner Dyson. She resists the temptation and Tanner’s insistence that they make their pretend relationship real. She wants her own family, not the one her sister had first.

Boroughs Publishing     Amazon

*****

Blurb:

“I haven’t dated anybody since I lost your sister.”  Tanner laced his fingers together. “But yes, before I fell in love with Meghan, I mostly dated dancers and other women who worked in the clubs. I guess we’re going to have to work that much harder to make it believable.”

Caitlyn eyed him curiously. “How do we do that?”

“We start by spending the rest of this evening together, like we can’t bear to be separated from one another. We sit down tomorrow morning and come up with some concrete plans, both for the girls’ Christmas this year and for some public outings for you and me so it looks like we’re dating. We see how it goes. Do you have time for a short outing with them tomorrow? Something they can tell my mother about if she asks?”

“I can take them somewhere. It might be pretty simple.”

“Simple is fine.” He glanced down the hall. “Let’s get back to the reception and put this whole thing in motion.”

She would help. But she didn’t have to like it. She would make damned sure both her mother and her Aunt Bea knew she didn’t particularly appreciate being shanghaied into a ridiculous subterfuge with Tanner Dyson. She didn’t even like him all that much. And she wasn’t all that close to the girls. How would she know what they wanted or needed to celebrate Christmas?

They returned to the party and made a beeline for the champagne fountain. He filled two flutes and handed one to her, his fingers warm where they brushed against hers. She resisted the urge to down the champagne in one nervous gulp and instead sipped it slowly, determined to ignore the curious looks she and Tanner were getting, especially when he settled his hand at her waist in a casual show of possession. To her surprise, the warmth of his hand felt comfortable, reassuring even.

She looked around to see if the Dysons had seen them together. She couldn’t spot them in the crowd, but she did catch Timberlynn’s eye as her sister gave her an almost imperceptible wink. Her mother or Aunt Bea must have filled Timberlynn in on what was going on. Her sister would probably laugh all the way home tonight. Trish looked at them curiously, especially after Tanner pulled her close for a hug, and leaned over and whispered something to Asher. Suddenly the magnitude of the ruse she and Tanner were trying to pull swept over her. Who else besides the Dysons were they going to try to fool? Just them? Or everybody in Kingsport?

*****

Review:

This is the first in the series I’ve read so I’m not sure how much the previous stories might play into Caitlyn and Tanner’s interactions.  I’m sure they’ve made appearances but I’m not sure how much that should influence reader’s reaction to their love story.  Overall, though, the story does stand alone pretty well.  Mims does a fantastic job of making sure that new readers like me can keep up with anything that might trickle in from those other stories.

There is definitely tension between the two.  Caitlyn has never warmed up to her sister’s husband – he’s all around a little too much for her and she never felt like he was worthy of being her sister’s husband.

I’m an only child so I have a pretty hard time grasping the intricacies of sibling relationships in stories like this.  Caitlyn resents her sister and feels like she’s always played second to her – getting all her hand-me-downs, big and small.  But she also loves her and holds her in very high regard, going so far to think that the man her sister loved wasn’t good enough to marry her.  Logically it makes sense but there’s just so much turbulence there and it bleeds over into her dealings with Tanner.

Who is having enough issues of his own dealing with life after the death of his wife.  It’s not been easy and he’s now feeling pressure from his own (awful) parents, which leads him to falling into a fake relationship with his sister-in-law.  He’s very aware that she’s never really liked him and having to rely on her help is complicated.  Made even more so when he starts seeing her as more than just his wife’s sister.

Mims does well by Caitlyn.  I think she finally gets a chance to put some of her emotional demons to rest and come to terms with her feelings about herself.  It’s hard for her to face certain things after so many years but she does.  I think Tanner does a good job of facing a few of his own issues (although he does have a few fabulous man moments that make you want to smack him a little).  His own childhood and history has given him a few doubts and unfortunately a lack of good communication skills on both their parts just feeds into that, and for Caitlyn as well.  They eventually get things figured out but it takes a bit and some soul-searching for them to get there 🙂

There’s a lot of drama on everyone’s part in Mistletoe and quite a few people need to learn to talk AND listen.  Quite a bit of their troubles could have been avoided with a little better communication but Mims gives us very human characters with very human faults.  (I know I’m AWFUL about communicating some things!)  It makes it real and difficult and, most of all, enjoyable to read.

*****

Author Info:

Author of thirty-four romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons and six grandsons, she and her husband live in central Texas but frequently visit their grandchildren in Tennessee and Georgia. For relaxation, she plays four musical instruments: the piano, the ukulele, the organ and the dulcimer.

Website: www.emilymims.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emily.mims.756

Twitter: www.twitter.com/emilymimsauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mims_emily

*****

Giveaway:

Copies of the first and second books in the Smokey Blues series; Mist and Smoke.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1705/

*****

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

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Spotlight – The Highlander’s Princess Bride

01 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Improper Princesses series, The Highlander's Princess Bride, Vanessa Kelly

I had a chance to read this one and didn’t … I’m definitely kicking myself now!!

*****

The Highlander’s Princess Bride

Improper Princesses Book 3

by Vanessa Kelly

Genre: Historical Romance

Blurb:

In Vanessa Kelly’s enchanting series, three young women descended from royalty overcome their scandalous beginnings to win the hearts of the ton’s most eligible men . . .

The illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent might be expected to pursue various dubious professions. Actress, perhaps, or artist’s model. Even courtesan. Victoria Knight, however, has become a governess—a respectable choice, until she travels to Scotland to meet her new charges. The younger brothers of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior, aren’t children at all. They’re brawny, wild Highland men. As for the Earl, he’s handsome, guarded, and far too compelling . . . especially for a woman hiding a dark secret.

Nick needs a proper teacher to transform his unmarriageable brothers—and a sensible,
straight-laced wife for himself. Miss Knight seems to fit the bill on both counts. But he soon discovers there is more to Victoria than he thought. It’s not just her notorious origins, or the danger that’s followed her all the way to Scotland. It’s the fiery loyalty beneath that sedate façade. This, the real Victoria, is the woman Nick is starting to desire so desperately. And what an earl wants, he’ll use every seductive means to get . . .

**Easily read as a standalone!**

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

Victoria closed the door and trudged back to bed, so weary she was convinced she might sleep through anything, even hideous bagpipe serenades.

Unfortunately, she was mistaken about that. A short time later, the twins decided to hold a carouse just below her window. After suffering through no fewer than three ribald drinking songs, she leapt out of bed and stormed over to the window. As she struggled to open the old casement, Arnprior erupted from a shadowy doorway and stalked across the courtyard toward his brothers.

The earl was wearing nothing but a kilt, and was in the process of securing it around his waist. With an almost full moon shining down, she got more than an eyeful of broad, muscular shoulders and an exceedingly brawny chest. In the moonlight, he seemed nothing like the civilized aristocrat who’d pulled out her chair at dinner. This man looked like a wild Highlander, ready to go on a rampage.

With a lamentable lack of feminine sensibility, she stared down at him, unable to avert her gaze.

Graeme and Grant quickly took to their heels in self-preservation. Given the ferocity of the earl’s demeanor, she had little doubt the twins would have emerged worse for wear from an encounter with their much-put-upon brother.

Arnprior came to a halt beneath Victoria’s window, staring after his younger half-siblings with obvious frustration. He propped his hands on his hips and glanced up at her window, appearing to meet her gaze.

She was transfixed. Moonlight gleamed over his half-nude body, lovingly highlighting his tall, muscular form and his imposing presence. In the shimmering light, out there in the cold and unforgiving night air, he didn’t seem quite real. Victoria was not a woman prone to excessive imaginings, but she could see Arnprior as a creature from a more primitive time—perhaps a fierce Celtic warrior, or even a pagan god come to claim a virgin sacrifice.

And here you are, gaping down at him like a henwit.

She glanced down at herself, suddenly aware that her nightdress had slipped off her shoulder and her cap had fallen from her head, exposing her tumbled-down hair.

Scrambling backward, she sank down to the chilly floorboards. Victoria pressed a hand to her heart, trying to catch her breath and think rationally. The earl couldn’t have seen her, since it was all-but pitch black in her room and she’d never managed to get the window open. And even in her nightdress she was covered from head to toe, which was a great deal more than she could say for him. Yes, it was his castle and his brothers were acting outrageous, but that was hardly a good excuse for a gentleman to run about half-naked.

No matter how handsome and well built that gentleman might happen to be.

*****

Author Info:

Named by Booklist as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance,” USA Today bestselling author

Vanessa Kelly’s books have been nominated for awards in a number of contests. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Medallion for historical romance. With a Master’s Degree in English Literature, Vanessa is known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers. You can visit her on the web at

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a9499/

*****

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

 

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Spotlight – Chasing Christmas

10 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

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Chasing Christmas, Cowboys and Christmas, Rodeo Romance series, Shanna Hatfield

A couple of years ago we helped Shanna celebrate Cowboys and Christmas and I’m so excited to see that she’s still going strong.  And even more so that I got a copy of the book that is part of this year’s celebration!

(I’ll be honest, I royally messed up and somehow missed that I was actually supposed to be doing a review for today’s stop.  BUUUUT, I’m about 2/3 of the way through and once I got over my hesitation on the whole bride for a day promotion I’ve really been enjoying myself.  I can’t wait to see how it ends and to bring you a review on it next week!)

*****

Chasing Christmas

Rodeo Romance #5

by Shanna Hatfield

Genre: Sweet Holiday Western Romance

Release Date: November 9, 2017

Hosted by: Book Partners in Crime Promotions

Blurb:

He certainly didn’t ask Santa for a bride. . .

Professional bull rider Chase Jarrett has the world on a string. The only blight in his idyllic existence is his nosy cousin’s nonstop nagging about his need for more publicity. Tired of listening to her suggestions, he gives her free rein when she hatches a plan to skyrocket his popularity. All he has to do is show up for a phony wedding in Las Vegas. Then Chase discovers the wedding was real, the surprise bride is beautiful, and his sponsors are demanding he remain married.

Shy and introverted, the last thing Jessie Pierce wants is to find herself in the spotlight. But thanks to a meddling so-called best friend, that’s exactly where she’s at. The promise of an all-expenses paid vacation to Las Vegas lures her on an adventure that ends with her unexpectedly married to a hunky bull rider who would draw her out of her shell if she’d let him.

A business proposal leaves the two of them committed to a year of marriage. How hard could it be to remain wed in name only?

Wrap yourself up in the joy of holidays and falling in love in this sweet, lighthearted romance from USA Today Bestselling author Shanna Hatfield.

Add the book to your Goodreads Shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36351313-chasing-christmas

Buy the book:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zB9JnA (Available on Kindle Unlimited)

Buy the Rodeo Romance Series:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2zBXOpp

*****

Excerpt:

Now, as she observed him, she felt a tug at her heart that she’d never see him again. Oh, she’d see him ride at the rodeo, of course, but it wasn’t the same. Not when she stood almost toe-to-toe with him, lost in the bright light of his hazel eyes and the warmth of his smile.

He stared into her face for the length of several heartbeats before he spoke in a husky tone that made her toes tingle. “I had a nice time with you, too, Jessie. Thank you for agreeing to Ashley’s crazy plans and participating in the sham wedding. It was fun to spend the day with you. You’re a great girl and anyone would be lucky to have you as their real bride.”

Jessie blushed and would have backed away, but Chase’s callused palm glided along her cheek before he cupped the back of her neck, drawing her flush against him.

His mouth settled on hers in a soft, gentle kiss that lingered far longer than she anticipated. When she attempted to draw a breath, he deepened the kiss, wrapping both arms around her.

Feeling boneless as he captivated her with passionate kisses, Jessie forgot they were standing next to the curb in front of a posh hotel. She forgot about contests, fake weddings, and ridiculous publicity stunts.  She forgot about being shy or shocked by his unexpected affection.

All she could think about was the man holding her close to his heart, one that pounded in time to her own. His woodsy, leather-tinged scent tantalized her senses as she melted against him, wishing she belonged with him — to him.

Finally, he drew back and shot her a puckish grin. “Thanks again for being my wife for a day, Jessie. If I had to do this, I’m really glad Ashley picked you.”

*****

Author Info:

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Facebook ~ Facebook Friend ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Google +

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Newsletter

Email:  shanna@shannahatfield.com

Enjoy reading advanced copies of books? Connecting with like-minded readers? Join Shanna’s Hopeless Romantics Street Team! We share recipes, crafty ideas, enjoy weekly giveaways, read ARC copies, and have fun!

*****

Click below to go to Shanna’s Amazon Page and “Read A Book, Help A Cowboy”

*****

Giveaway:

Shanna will be hosting a giveaway as part of her 4th Annual Cowboys and Christmas Event with a $50 Amazon Gift Card prize.

Enter the Giveaway

*****

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Spotlight – Can’t Miss Christmas

09 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Can't Miss Christmas, Miranda Liasson, Mirror Lake series

We’ve seen this author before (quite a few times) and she always brings the feels.  From what I’ve seen so far this one is going to make me laugh, sigh, and probably even cry a bit.  I can’t wait !!!

*****

When a children’s book author’s only chance to get home for Christmas lies in a road trip with her sexy ex-husband anything can happen, naughty or nice. Unwrap this Christmas novella from Amazon best-selling author Miranda Liasson …

Can’t Miss Christmas

A standalone Mirror Lake Christmas novella

by Miranda Liasson

Blurb:

Finding love again is the best Christmas present of all.

It’s two days before Christmas and bestselling children’s author Grace Alberts needs to fulfill a promise—to make it to a book signing for the kids at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the place that did so much for her during a very rough time. But the weather’s getting awful and all flights are cancelled out of Boston, where she’s wrapping up her book tour. Then in walks her annoying but extremely sexy ex-husband, who (as usual) thinks he’s got all the answers.

Graham Walker just stopped by to get a book signed for Grace’s biggest fan, his niece, and wish Grace a Merry Christmas—why not? But he soon finds himself troubleshooting her dilemma. He’s got a Range Rover that can plow through a hundred-year Nor’easter. He’s even headed home to Philly. Trouble is, Grace’s and his past is a disaster, something he has no intention of reliving while driving through a winter storm, no matter how much he once loved her. And maybe still does.

Bad weather has a way of bringing out the best and the worst in people, and when a run in with some deer antlers leads them to a forced stop in Mirror Lake, Connecticut, anything can happen, naughty or nice. Maybe a bit of enforced alone time and some Christmas magic can be just what it takes for them to face their past—and each other—once and for all.

On Sale in Digital: November 7, 2017 – Amazon

Add CAN’T MISS CHRISTMAS to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

*****

Excerpt:

Somehow, Grace managed to pass Graham and get in the bathroom, where she used the time to try to calm the hell down. If she didn’t come up with an excuse to leave this room, something combustible was going to happen between them. She had to get out while she still had all her wits about her.

When she’d finally got her breathing under control, she left the bathroom, walked toward her suitcase, and stubbed her toe on the bed.

She let out a curse and hopped around a little, imagining what she must look like with her bedhead hair, red plaid flannel, and Christmas socks. Very sexy. Unlike the delicious, muscular god walking toward her.

She tried to use the pain to distract herself from how her mouth had suddenly gone dry and her knees felt as wobbly as a one-year-old’s, but it wasn’t really working. Worse, Graham stepped a little closer.

She splayed out her arms, warning him back. All that lean muscle, all that raw, masculine heat—it could not come near her. She would throw herself at him, smooth her hands over all that hard, bountiful muscle, and beg for things. Her body could not be trusted. “I’m fine. Really. Just stubbed my toe.”

“Want me to take a look?”

His gaze was torching her, like paper in a fire that turns immediately to ash and blows away.

The fact that he was now inches away with his lips quirked into the slightest smile told her he didn’t heed her warning, or give a damn about it. And oh, she did not want him to. He was so close now, she could smell the soap from his shower, see the little beads of water on his shoulders. His fingers gripped her elbow, and she swore it tingled from his touch. Other parts of her were sort of on fire too. So not good. “Let’s see it,” he said, the smile morphing into a wicked grin.

“Graham, I’m fine.” She tried to shrug away. He dropped his hand, but still she felt pinned in place, unable to move or even breathe. Electricity buzzed and snapped between them. She didn’t want him to see how much he affected her, yet she was helpless with him so near.

His gaze homed in on her lips. He was going to…yes, he was. Kiss her. Her heartbeat thrummed in her throat, and every muscle froze in anticipation.

She wanted it. Wanted him. So, so badly.

Graham lowered his mouth. The dip of his head was so familiar, yet it made every nerve stand on end. At last, their lips met. His were soft and pliant, and they brushed against hers, carefully and slowly. Her hand was trembling as she wrapped it around his neck and pulled him toward her until their bodies were flush, fitting together like they were always meant to.

That simple move blew careful and slow right out of the water. His mouth crushed hers, devouring her with deep, sensual kisses. His tongue slid inside her mouth, and she met it with equal vigor, desire roaring and crashing between them, unleashed like a storm surge, uncontrollable and insatiable.

Suddenly, Graham pulled back, out of breath. He cradled her face in his hands and looked at her tenderly. “I missed you,” he said. “I missed this.”

*****

Author Info:

Miranda Liasson loves to write stories about everyday people who find love despite themselves, because there’s nothing like a great love story. And if there are a few laughs along the way, even better! She’s a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart winner and an Amazon bestselling author whose heartwarming and humorous small–town romances have won accolades such as the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and have been Harlequin Junkie and Night Owl Reviews Top Picks.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | Bookbub | Pinterest | Blog

*****

Giveaway:

CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF CAN’T MISS CHRISTMAS WITH A GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: 1 Winner Will Receive a Kindle Fire

 Runner-Up: 3 Runner-Up Will Receive any Backlist Miranda Liasson Title (Digital Version Only)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29442/

*****

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Spotlight – Main Street Romance

08 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

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Addison Cole, Chris Keniston, Main Street Romance, Nancy Naigle, Raeanne Thayne

We’ve seen every single one of these authors before and I’m super excited that they are teaming up to bring us Main Street Romance.  For those who like their love stories to be on the sweeter side (or those who just want to read about HEAs in whatever form they come in) will find just what they are looking for.

Check out all the details below and then head on over to the launch party to celebrate!!

*****

Main Street Romance

Love Stores for Everyone from Authors You Trust

Addison Cole | Chris Keniston | Nancy Naigle | RaeAnne Thayne

Launching November 6th, 2017

http://mainstreetromance.com/

About Main Street Romance:

Main Street Romance is made up of four friends and bestselling authors who adore romance, and are committed to filling your bookshelves with sweet and clean love stories you’ll be excited to share with your best friend, Mom, Grandma, and your teenage daughter, too. No profanity, graphic sex, or violence.

Not only are they dedicated to writing sweet romance and growing their audience with new readers, but they will be building an entire community around the Main Street Romance brand, including giving readers short stories that take place in their very own Main Street Romance world, where new characters along with characters from their prior releases, will appear in stories that take place on Main Street, in Romance, Virginia.

Join them on the front porch for a cool glass of sweet tea, curl up in a cozy chair, and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite read.

Find Us Here:

Website – https://mainstreetromance.com

Newsletter – https://mainstreetromance.com/newsletter/

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

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MainStreetRom

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetromance

*****

About the Main Street Authors:

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes fun, flirty, and sweet romance with a dash of heat.

Chris Keniston is a USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty novels known to delight audiences with stories of falling in love, family values, and all around entertaining shenanigans.

Nancy Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author. She whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart.

RaeAnne Thayne is a New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty books.

*****

Launch Party:

Join the authors to celebrate the launch of MAIN STREET ROMANCE and help build your next favorite sweet romance world!

https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetRomance/

Coming soon! An entire Main Street world set in Romance, Virginia, where you may see your favorite characters from each of our series, and meet new characters on their paths to love! A map of our Main Street world will be ready for you soon! Don’t miss out. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a Main Street Romance Prize Pack

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81362/

*****

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Spotlight – Mistletoe Me, Baby

07 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Katie Reus, Mistletoe Me Baby, O'Connor Family series

I absolutely LOVE this time of year – all the sweet holiday reads just make me so very very VERY happy 🙂  SQUEE!!!

*****

Mistletoe Me, Baby

O’Connor Family series

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

She needs a fake fiancé…

With the holidays fast approaching, Miranda Flores makes up a fake fiancé so her well-meaning family will get off her back. She just never expected them to suddenly show up on her doorstep a couple weeks before Christmas, wanting to spend the holidays with her. So she turns to Nolan O’Connor, her sexy best friend, and asks him for the favor of a lifetime: she needs him to act the part of her fiancé until her parents leave town.

He wants forever…

Pretending to be engaged to the woman he’s already fallen for? No problem. Nolan agrees to Miranda’s fake engagement scheme because as far as he’s concerned, she’s the one. But he plays his role too well, because soon the entire town thinks they’re engaged and things get more complicated—especially since he can’t pretend with her anymore. Then tragedy strikes and Miranda tries to shut him out, but Nolan won’t let her. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her that he wants to make her his forever.

Amazon kindle | Amazon print | Audible (audio) | Barnes & Noble Nook | iBooks | iTunes | Kobo

 

 

*****

Excerpt:

Nolan knocked on the already open door to Miranda Flores’ office at the local community center in Holly. Miranda usually kept the door open, wanting everyone to know they could talk to her at any time.

Phone against her ear, she glanced up and gave him a blinding smile that was a punch to his solar plexus. Which was pretty standard for every time he saw her.

She held up a finger as she continued talking. As she spoke, she was looking at something on her laptop.

Leaning against the doorframe, he crossed his arms over his chest and took the rare opportunity to drink in the sight of her. Her light brown hair was down around her face in soft waves. As she talked she was smiling, which was standard for her. Whenever they talked on the phone, he could hear the smile in her voice. Rolling his shoulders once, his gaze stayed on her mouth, even as he told himself to look away. He’d fantasized about nibbling on her bottom lip too many times. Hell, he wanted to kiss her everywhere, to claim her, to let the whole damn town know she was his.

But that wasn’t happening anytime soon.

She’d made it very clear nearly ten months ago when they’d first met that she wasn’t looking for any sort of relationship. At the time, she’d just taken her nephew, Mateo, in when her sister had dropped him off and bolted. Her sister had made Miranda his legal guardian. Only recently had Gloria gone into rehab for drug addiction.

As Miranda laughed, there was a little sparkle in her brown eyes. But they weren’t just brown. He’d studied them enough to know there were little flecks of amber in them. Every chance he got, he studied the woman. Watching her, being around her, was his own personal addiction. One he didn’t plan to give up.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” Miranda’s sweet voice pulled him out of his head.

He blinked once and realized he’d been staring, and that she was off the phone. Clearing his throat, he pushed up from the doorframe as she stood and stepped around the desk. He started to answer when she frowned and closed the distance between them in record time.

Frowning harder, she cupped his cheek. “What happened?”

Nolan wanted to lean into her touch, to savor the feel of her smooth, soft hand on his skin. Today she had on knee-high boots and a red sweater dress that hugged all her curves. “Ah… what?” he wanted to put his own hand over hers to hold her there, but managed restraint. Somehow.

“You have a bruise. Did you get hurt at work?” Concern rolled off her in waves, her distress clear.

Bruise? “Oh, this is nothing. Maguire did this during our last hockey practice.”

“Aren’t you guys on the same team?”

He snorted. “Yeah. My brother is an equal opportunity bulldozer when he plays.”

She stroked her thumb over his bruise and he felt the sensation all the way to his dick. God, this woman had him all twisted up in knots. He’d get hurt more often if it meant she would touch him like this. Feeling her hand on him was heaven.

Abruptly she dropped her hand and her cheeks flushed pink, as if she realized how intimate that hold could be construed. “I might exchange words with Maguire later.”

He laughed, but it felt strained. Having her touch him like that, whether she meant it intimately or not, affected him. Physically and otherwise. He’d been respecting her boundaries because hell, he wanted to be her friend. She was a sweet, sexy woman and in the last year they’d become friends. Best friends, even. Other than his brothers and family, she was the person he wanted to call with any sort of news first. “I’m sure he’ll be very scared of you,” he murmured.

Narrowing her gaze, she said, “I can be very scary.”

“Yeah, scary in the way Mrs. Claus is.”

“Are you comparing me to Santa Claus’ wife?”

“Nope.” Not even a little bit. “Maybe one of his elves, though.” A really sexy elf. He could easily visualize the petite and curvy woman dressed up in a dirty ‘sexy elf’ Halloween costume. Or Christmas. Whatever. The thought of her dressed up in anything remotely dirty—or just flat out naked—was something he shouldn’t be contemplating now.

She mock-jabbed him in the side. “Very funny.”

*****

Author Info:

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

*****

Also available in the series:

Merry Christmas, Baby

Amazon  | Amazon print

Audible | Barnes & Noble

Google Play | iBooks

iTunes (audio) | Kobo

Tease Me, Baby

Amazon | Amazon print

Barnes & Noble Nook

Google Play

iBooks | Kobo

It’s Me Again, Baby

Amazon kindle | Amazon print

Audible (audio) | Barnes & Noble Nook

iBooks | iTunes (audio)

Kobo

*****

Giveaway:

Kindle Fire, signed copies of each book in the O’Connor Family series, and a Christmas ornament

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb594/

*****

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Spotlight – Eternal

03 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Carolina Beach series, Cecy Robson, Eternal

I’m kind of a traditional person so I don’t usually get into the whole one night stand thing … but there is just something about these two together that is addictive.

*****

Eternal

Carolina Beach #2

by Cecy Robson

Release Date: October 24, 2017

Publisher: Cecy Robson, LLC

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 366

Format: Print & Digital

Blurb:

After months of bad luck and even worse men, Luciana Diaz just wants to crawl under the covers and forget the year ever happened. Her friend has other plans, convincing Luci to attend a New Year’s Eve party on the affluent shores of Kiawah Island.

Luci never expected to have fun. She also never expected to wake up next to a man she just met, or for this man to be the new attorney at her firm.

Landon Summers is done with drama. After an ugly separation and even worse divorce, he has no desire to jump into another relationship.

When his sister Trinity drags him to a New Year’s Eve party, he doesn’t plan to stay long. One drink, a few hellos, and he’s out. Until he meets Luci, the first person in months to draw his smile and incite his passion.

Neither Luci nor Landon planned on each other, and they definitely didn’t plan on love. But the New Year means a fresh start, and eternal possibilities neither could deny…

ETERNAL: A Carolina Beach Novel by Cecy Robson, tells the story of what happens when all is lost and then you find the one. Neither Luci nor Landon planned on each other, and they definitely didn’t plan on love in this New Year’s Eve, one-night stand romance. Fans of FLIRTING WITH FIRE by Kate Meader and HOT SHOT by Kristen Callihan won’t be able to put down this emotional and heartfelt read.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2yuKS6h

Buy Now: Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

That smile that faded in Blythe’s presence returns. I ease my way out of the bathroom and return to the kitchen, but Landon is gone. So is my purse and our drinks.

My heart falls to my belly, only for it to quicken when a hand presses tenderly against the small of my back. “Are you hungry?” Landon asks. He motions to the corner where a set of heavy curtains sway in the breeze. “I figured with all that we’re drinking, we should get something to eat.”

“That would be lovely,” I say, realizing how much I mean it.

He passes me my clutch and leads me forward, a server slips out from behind a curtain with an empty tray, nodding Landon’s way. As he passes, Landon slips something into his palm. “Thank you, sir,” the young man tells him.

Landon smiles when I look up at him. “After you,” he says.

He parts the curtain, allowing me into a small terrace surrounded by tall glass dividers that repels the wind and allows a magnificent view of the ocean. There’s not much room, the space only large enough for a rectangular fire pit radiating with turquoise glass and a small table with two chairs. To our right people laugh from a larger more open terrace a level down. They can’t see us well, and I don’t really care to see them.

Our beers are placed beside two empty plates, along with two unopened bottles of water. At the center, there’s a large plate filled with food. “Becca likes to eat breakfast out here when she’s home. But she’s not using it and I didn’t want to waste the view.”

“It’s amazing,” I say, taking in the splendor.

I didn’t expect to see the ocean this far into the shore, especially at night. But with moon as bright and as low as it is, its light spills across the waves, illuminating the water and casting a glow along the sand.

Landon pulls out my chair. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I asked the staff to bring a little of everything.” He pauses. “You’re not one of those crazy vegans are you?” I laugh. “If you are, I can ask them for some of that crazy vegan food you people like to eat.”

“My people like everything,” I assure him, watching him take a seat in front of me.

“Good,” he says. “So do good ol’ Southern boys.”

We spend an outrageous amount of time talking, and even more simply gazing at each other, smiling softly when the words don’t quite come, and laughing when they finally do.

It’s only when Rihanna’s Love on the Brain begins to play that Landon tears his attention away from me and back in the direction of the party. “Don’t you hate it when everyone is dancing, and you have no one to dance with?” he asks.

I glance down, playing with the fabric of my skirt. “I think it’s worse when the wrong person asks you, and you’ve been waiting for the right one.”

“Oh, yeah?” He grins when I nod. “I suppose I should ask you, before the wrong person gets his chance.”

He doesn’t really ask. He doesn’t need to. I place my hand in his when he opens his palm.

He pulls me up and into him, wrapping his arms securely around my waist as mine circle his neck. He smiles as he looks down and meets my eyes. I return it, losing myself in his stare.

We move to the beat as if we’ve danced a hundred times, despite what I’m feeling is a slew of firsts.

The first time his hard body presses against mine.

The first whisper of his breath against my skin.

The first touch that has no inkling of innocence.

And the first stroke of desire.

His hands slide to my hips as the bass pounds deeper, craving more. “It’s almost midnight,” he rasps against my bare shoulder.

I shudder as his lips graze over my skin, not quite touching, trailing lightly just enough to tease. “Almost,” I agree.

The allure in his voice robs me of air. “I didn’t plan on having anyone to kiss.”

I almost reply, but the way Landon’s mouth hovers over the sweep of my neck keeps me silent, as does the way he draws an invisible line to my ear with his lips.

My heart thuds mercilessly as I wait for his next words.

“But I guess I didn’t plan on you either,” he murmurs, each word softly tortured.

That smile that faded in Blythe’s presence returns. I ease my way out of the bathroom and return to the kitchen, but Landon is gone. So is my purse and our drinks.

My heart falls to my belly, only for it to quicken when a hand presses tenderly against the small of my back. “Are you hungry?” Landon asks. He motions to the corner where a set of heavy curtains sway in the breeze. “I figured with all that we’re drinking, we should get something to eat.”

“That would be lovely,” I say, realizing how much I mean it.

He passes me my clutch and leads me forward, a server slips out from behind a curtain with an empty tray, nodding Landon’s way. As he passes, Landon slips something into his palm. “Thank you, sir,” the young man tells him.

Landon smiles when I look up at him. “After you,” he says.

He parts the curtain, allowing me into a small terrace surrounded by tall glass dividers that repels the wind and allows a magnificent view of the ocean. There’s not much room, the space only large enough for a rectangular fire pit radiating with turquoise glass and a small table with two chairs. To our right people laugh from a larger more open terrace a level down. They can’t see us well, and I don’t really care to see them.

Our beers are placed beside two empty plates, along with two unopened bottles of water. At the center, there’s a large plate filled with food. “Becca likes to eat breakfast out here when she’s home. But she’s not using it and I didn’t want to waste the view.”

“It’s amazing,” I say, taking in the splendor.

I didn’t expect to see the ocean this far into the shore, especially at night. But with moon as bright and as low as it is, its light spills across the waves, illuminating the water and casting a glow along the sand.

Landon pulls out my chair. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I asked the staff to bring a little of everything.” He pauses. “You’re not one of those crazy vegans are you?” I laugh. “If you are, I can ask them for some of that crazy vegan food you people like to eat.”

“My people like everything,” I assure him, watching him take a seat in front of me.

“Good,” he says. “So do good ol’ Southern boys.”

We spend an outrageous amount of time talking, and even more simply gazing at each other, smiling softly when the words don’t quite come, and laughing when they finally do.

It’s only when Rihanna’s Love on the Brain begins to play that Landon tears his attention away from me and back in the direction of the party. “Don’t you hate it when everyone is dancing, and you have no one to dance with?” he asks.

I glance down, playing with the fabric of my skirt. “I think it’s worse when the wrong person asks you, and you’ve been waiting for the right one.”

“Oh, yeah?” He grins when I nod. “I suppose I should ask you, before the wrong person gets his chance.”

He doesn’t really ask. He doesn’t need to. I place my hand in his when he opens his palm.

He pulls me up and into him, wrapping his arms securely around my waist as mine circle his neck. He smiles as he looks down and meets my eyes. I return it, losing myself in his stare.

We move to the beat as if we’ve danced a hundred times, despite what I’m feeling is a slew of firsts.

The first time his hard body presses against mine.

The first whisper of his breath against my skin.

The first touch that has no inkling of innocence.

And the first stroke of desire.

His hands slide to my hips as the bass pounds deeper, craving more. “It’s almost midnight,” he rasps against my bare shoulder.

I shudder as his lips graze over my skin, not quite touching, trailing lightly just enough to tease. “Almost,” I agree.

The allure in his voice robs me of air. “I didn’t plan on having anyone to kiss.”

I almost reply, but the way Landon’s mouth hovers over the sweep of my neck keeps me silent, as does the way he draws an invisible line to my ear with his lips.

My heart thuds mercilessly as I wait for his next words.

“But I guess I didn’t plan on you either,” he murmurs, each word softly tortured.

*****

Author Info:

CECY ROBSON is an author of contemporary romance, young adult adventure, and award-winning urban fantasy. A double RITA® 2016 finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, and a published author of more than eighteen titles, you can typically find her on her laptop writing her stories or stumbling blindly in search of caffeine.

Follow Cecy:  Website | Twitter | Facebook |Newsletter

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and (3) Digital Copies INSEVERABLE from Cecy Robson!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29436/

*****

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Book Review – Sugarplum Way

02 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Debbie Mason, Harmony Harbor series, Sugarplum Way

I love this time of year – holiday reads are all around us!!

*****

Sugarplum Way

Harmony Harbor series

by Debbie Mason

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Forever (October 31, 2017)

Blurb:

“Heartfelt and delightful!” -RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author

Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising–and surprisingly passionate–kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor’s holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can’t have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing…

Aidan’s only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can’t help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, ’tis the season for a little Christmas magic.

Goodreads

Amazon

Books-A-Million

Barnes & Noble

*****

Review:

It’s not going to surprise anyone who knows me that this is the first in this series that I’ve read … and unfortunately I think that this is one of the times that it kinda bit me a little.  Not as much as with some books but just enough to leave me just a tiny bit dissatisfied.  There is a lot of history with Julia and the people of Harmony Harbor, and more importantly here with Aidan.  I will give Mason props for doing a really good job of keeping me engaged and informed of the important bits that I might have missed but there were little things that I didn’t have a clue about that came into play a few times.  I still loved Aidan and Julia and I was rooting for them to figure things out from the very first page, but it just made me feel a little … left out because I wasn’t there from the beginning of the series.

Now, having said that, I really enjoyed both the story and Mason’s writing.  The plot was very well done and kept me engaged all the way through.  The characters (both primary and secondary) felt real and I was involved in their lives right away.  The pacing was spot on – never seemed to drag and I was sad when we got to the end because it was over too soon.  And you can’t beat the Christmas season for adding to the romance and fun.  Overall, a really wonderful read.  Which would have probably been perfect if I’d discovered this series a few books ago  🙂

With lots of Christmas charm and delightfully likable characters, Sugarplum Way brings the holiday feels and then some.  Returning readers are sure to be thrilled … new readers might want to consider checking out the backlist.  If they are anything like this one, you will have lots of great reads to get you through the next few months.  (Or weeks if you are a super fast reader like me!)

*****

Author Info:

Debbie Mason is the USA Today bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their “likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots” (RT Book Reviews). When she isn’t writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella in Ontario, Canada.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a Sugarplum Way gift packet including:

LIFE Magazines’s special BEAUTY AND THE BEAST edition

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST light and sound Hallmark ornament

LIVE LIKE SANTA’S NOT WATCHING mug

signed ARC of SUGARPLUM WAY

A picture frame

…all packaged in a WHAT’S NEXT box.

https://app.viralsweep.com/view_widget/4d3076-25872

*****

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