Spotlight – Granted Wishes

29 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

Tags

Granted series, Granted Wishes, Tanya Vought

A “captivating” new story with a 4+ rating on Amazon? Sign me up! And if you are a Kindle Unlimited person you can get it for free – can’t beat that, eh?

*****

Granted Wishes

The Granted Series

by Tanya Vought

GENRE – Contemporary Romance

PUBLICATION DATE – Feb 24, 2015

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 234ish

PUBLISHER – Booktrope

COVER ARTIST – Shari Ryan

Blurb:

A decision that will change her life forever.

After the loss of her husband, Gracelynn Calhoun has struggled with her life and career. Forced to take a four-week vacation or be fired from her job, she surprises everyone including herself and agrees to the vacation.

The owner of Antonetti Suites, Giovanni works hard and doesn’t have time for relationships or love. That is until he literally crashes into Gracelynn. She brings back all the feelings he thought he would never feel again.

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the

With the odds stacked against them in every way possible, will they forge ahead together or will this be the end of the road for their newfound love? Will the whispers from above bring them together or will misunderstandings ruin what could be an amazing second chance at love?

STANDALONE NOVEL WITH HEA

***FREE on kindle unlimited!!!***

AMAZON KINDLE US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5UEPYI

AMAZON KINDLE CA – http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00T5UEPYI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=13CER4PAWJH8HZXTY099&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2055621862&pf_rd_i=desktop

AMAZON KINDLE UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00T5UEPYI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d7_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1GMSCV569STYFSZY9YDJ&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=577048787&pf_rd_i=desktop

AMAZON PAPERBACK – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620157136?keywords=granted%20wishes&qid=1447439302&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/granted-wishes-tanya-vought/1121154276?ean=9781620157138#productInfoTabs

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23841112-granted-wishes

*****

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

The dark, somber sky matches Gracelynn Calhoun’s disposition. Her heart beats rapidly in her chest as she grips the steering wheel of her Hyundai Accent. From her windshield, she notices the barren trees that once held her favorite fall foliage. Looking at them makes her feel just as empty as the trees in the Layton Hills Cemetery. She releases her right hand from the steering wheel, and clutches her angel necklace as tears pour down her cheeks. She closes her eyes, continuing to hold the necklace, remembering the day her beloved gave it to her. She lets go of her necklace, opens her green-grey eyes and wipes her cheeks.

While walking to her beloved’s tomb, leaves crinkle under her favorite pair of black, high-heeled shoes. As she reaches the stone, tears trickle down her face and she drops to her knees. She immediately starts cleaning around his grave, removing all debris.

She stares at the gravestone, and drags her fingers over the intricately carved angel wings. She reads aloud, even though she doesn’t need to. “Angelo Grant Calhoun. 11/28/1980 – 11/30/2012. “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” More tears stream down her face.

She reaches up and touches the top of the stone, resting her hand in the middle of the stone, like she’d be touching Angelo’s heart. “I miss you so much, Angelo. How can I move on with my life…move on without you?” she cries to the gravestone. “I love you so much. I wore your favorite dress and shoes, hoping that you’d see me today. How crazy is that?” She laughs through tears, wipes her cheeks with her hand and grabs her necklace. “I still remember the day you gave me this,” she expresses to the gravestone. “How can I move on when you were my whole life?……”

*****

Author Info:

What started as a lifelong dream became a reality when Tanya Vought penned and released her debut romance novel, Granted Wishes. She is a hopeless romantic who loves reading, writing and singing. You may know her as blogger “Tanya – The Book Obsessed Momma”, where she’s been a loyal supporter of authors and an active participant in the book community for several years. You’ll find that Tanya writes stories that are sweet, sassy and unique–like her. When she’s not inspiring others with her kindness, she’s spending time with her husband and two imaginative children. She believes whole-heartedly that anything is possible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it!

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8SY04W

WEBSITE / BLOG – www.thebookobsessedmomma.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/TanyaTheBookObsessedMomma/

TWITTER – http://www.twitter.com/Tanya_TBOM

PINTEREST – https://www.pinterest.com/tanyavought/

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10802092.Tanya_Vought

OTHERS – instagram : @Writer2015

*****

Giveaway:

7 ebooks of Granted Wishes

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9944253c211/

*****

Spotlight – Debt

26 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Debt, Rachel Dunning

Today, for those who like sexy fighters, I’ve got a book that isn’t out yet BUUUUT preorder is only 99 cents! How can you resist those abs when it costs you less than a buck???

*****

DEBT

By Rachel Dunning

Expected Release Date: March 2016

Genres: New-Adult Romance, Sports Romance

Blurb:

The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to.

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father’s passing meant I would automatically take on dad’s debts. I refused.

And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that’s where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a “favor” when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn’t care who gets rolled over in the process.

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying “I’m sorry.” The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad’s wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn’t always like that.

I’ve had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.

She and I hit the road for the summer, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.

But there’s a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.

Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.

That’s all it was supposed to be.

I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.

And yet…so unbelievably right.

Content Warning

Not intended for readers under the age of seventeen.

99c Pre-Order Sale!

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A02LNLC
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/debt/id1071559413?mt=11
Nook / B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/debt-rachel-dunning/1123196983?ean=2940152548570
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603988
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28400056-debt

*****

Excerpt:

I push my head back against the wall, not sure what’s coming, but not fighting it either.

“Who are you?” he repeats.

“I…I don’t know what you mean.”

“I see you at a bar in Texas, then I look for you all over Nashville. And suddenly you’re at my side in a hospital, following me into this warehouse. Who are you?”

“I didn’t follow you into the warehouse. You needed to pick up your truck, and you were stumbling.”

“So?”

“So I wanted to make sure you were OK.”

“And?”

And I want you to take my clothes off and I want us to live happily ever after. “That’s it.”

Logan grins, a deadly look for him with his dimples. “Don’t do that,” I say.

“What?”

“Smile.”

“Why not?”

Because you’re beautiful. “Just don’t.”

*****

Author Info:

Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

Sign up for Rachel’s Newsletter and never miss a release or a special. You can sign up here: http://www.rdunning.com/p/non-spammy-news.html

Where Else to Find Rachel
Blog / Website: http://www.rdunning.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/RachelDunning
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelDAuthor
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/racheldunning
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningBN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningiTunes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/racheldunning

*****

Don’t Forget!!!

99c Pre-Order Sale

~Logan~

She looks at me with eyes that say something to me. They’re the eyes of someone who’s realized something. Not happy, not excited, not sad. A bit of all of it. I think the word they use for that crazy mixture of emotions is Love.

Spotlight – Extreme Honor

25 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

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Extreme Honor, Piper J. Drake, True Heroes series

Hot military heroes, the women who love them, and the devoted dogs that always have their backs. EXTREME HONOR is the first book in a high adrenaline contemporary suspense series from Piper J. Drake published by Forever Romance. Fans of Jill Shalvis’s Animal Attraction series and Cindy Gerard’s One Eyed Jacks, will love this brand new action packed romantic suspense series.

*****

Extreme Honor

True Heroes #1

by Piper J. Drake

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever

Blurb:

David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier’s toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope’s Crossing kennel can break through the animal’s grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas’s heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde’s mesmerizing effect isn’t limited to canines. But when Lyn’s work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.

Lyn realizes that David’s own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he’s gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else—and he’s willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn’t want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both . . .

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Exerpt:

Her heart rate had picked up, fluttering at the pulse point under his touch.

“Yeah?” The urge to slide has hands over more delicate areas grew and he couldn’t help running his thumb along the inside of her arm.

Awareness grew in her gaze and she bit her lip as she nodded.

He leaned toward her, focused on her plump lip caught under her teeth.

“What else do you like?”

She opened her mouth to answer but he didn’t plan to let her get a word out. Maybe later. He bent his head to capture her lips.

And seventy five pounds of fur jumped up on his side.

“The hell?”

Lyn gasped. “Atlas!”

“Af.” Mindful of the dog’s injury, Cruz gave Atlas a gentle shove.

The dog dropped back to all fours, his tongue lolling. Looking from him to Lyn and back again, Atlas lay back down on his belly.

Jealous. Damn dog was jealous.

Be real. Every dog recognizes a fake. And good men can see through it too.

“I’d really like to help.” Honest. Simple. All the other reasons paled in comparison to this.

“Whatever is going on, you know more about it than I do.” She licked her lips, her mouth gone dry.

His gaze dipped, focusing on her mouth. “I might. I know something. I’m not sure it’s related. But this next question is important.”

Can I kiss you?

Doubtful that was the question he was going to ask. But the moment was drawing out and she very much wanted for him to ask it. “Okay.”

“Do you think I would hurt you?”

“No!” It popped out before she had time to think about it. Anger burned up from her chest and spread outward. She scowled. “Of course n—”

He kissed her.

*****

Book two in the True Heroes series – Ultimate Courage – available July 26, 2016

Elisa Hall is good at starting from scratch. Leaving an abusive relationship in her rearview, she packs everything she owns into the trunk of her car and heads for refuge with her friend in Hope’s Crossing, Pennsylvania.

Alex Rojas returned from his second deployment as a Navy SEAL to find his condo empty and divorce papers on the breakfast table. Now he’s building a life for himself and his daughter at Hope’s Crossing kennels training younger dogs and handlers to search and rescue, struggling to adjust to life back in the States and as a single father.

When Elisa shows up at the kennels, it’s obvious she’s running from something. Luckily, the dogs and trainers at Hope’s Crossing are more than capable of warding off trouble. And with every minute he spends with Elisa, Alex becomes even more and more determined to protect the woman he’s certain he won’t be able to live without…

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Author Info:

Piper J. Drake (or “PJ”) began her writing career as “PJ Schnyder” writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

Connect with Piper at

*****

Giveaway:

Win a signed copy of Extreme Honor

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29178/

*****

Spotlight – Montana Wild

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Montana Wild, Roni Hall

The debut novel from author Roni Hall releases today and looks fantastic! Check it out below and make sure you enter to win an Amazon GC.

*****

Out Now is MONTANA WILD by Roni Hall…Born and Bred in NYC, Fate Leads Jamie to the Wilds of Montana Where the Reluctant City Girl Comes Alive. Empowered, She Risks It All To Save A Life, Befriend A Wild Stallion and Fall In Love…Only To Have It All Taken Away By Past Demons…Check Out MONTANA WILD by Roni Hall!

Blurb:

Spiraling downward after losing two loved ones within one week, Jamie’s world was closing in…until she grabs an unexpected lifeline and escapes. Knowing only New York City, Montana is another world and she is unprepared by how the land, the people and even the animals touch her.

After risking her life to save a child, Jamie shares an undeniable bond and the beginning ripples of deep emotions with her co-rescuer, Kevin. However, her past follows her to Montana and threatens all that she loves there.

Jamie has no choice but to hurt Kevin in order to save his life and returns to New York with her ex, Derrick. Broken, Kevin refuses to believe she doesn’t love him and searches for Jamie, only to find her in Derrick’s lair. Once again Jamie tries to protect Kevin but this time gets caught in the cross fire…

On Sale in Digital: January 20, 2016 Amazon

Add MONTANA WILD to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

*****

Excerpt:

“All forward!” Kevin gave the command to paddle and the initial motion startled her as the raft was pulled by the current. With little effort they flowed around a few bends until she could hear the rapid waters ahead.

“Right back!” Kevin commanded his crew to maneuver the raft through the rocky course. They hit a wave head on and the spray of ice-cold mountain water hit Jamie in the face like a wakeup call. She felt alive. It was the ultimate amusement ride, the upward climb of Mother Nature’s roller coaster and she didn’t know whether to scream with fright or shout with joy. No time to think or ponder the emotional ups and downs. She was too busy trying to hear Kevin’s instructions and carry them out instantly.

“Left forward!” She heard him shout from behind her as anticipation built with each wave, knowing that in seconds, she would reach the crest, and then the downhill thrill would begin again. Eyes and mouth wide open, she welcomed the water’s cold slap in the face as the river challenged her.

“Bring it on!” She dared the raging waters. Sapphire blue skies, emerald pine treetops, and majestic mountain skylines were all a blur as she focused her attention on the beast below. The foaming water tossed them around like a toy but her crew had played this game before and met the challenge head on. The first three-hour segment seemed like fifteen minutes. The rafts pooled together and beached in a calm area. Jamie climbed out of the raft and kissed the ground. Kevin caught sight of this and laughed.

“So how’re you holding up?” he asked as she lay face down in the sand.

“Who me? No problem, I’m fine,” she said, her voice weak and slow. Then she bolted upright. “No really, that was AWESOME! What a rush!”

Sandwiches and drinks were passed around and they were back in the water within thirty minutes. With three hours of rafting experience under her belt, Jamie had a bit more confidence as the thrill and excitement continued into the afternoon.

*****

Author Info:

The summer after high school graduation, Roni worked two jobs to pay for nursing school. During the midnight shift as a waitress, a charismatic young man at the counter flirted with her for hours as he consumed seven cups of coffee. Their first date was eventful enough to be a book itself! Thirty-seven years and two kids later, the love story continues. Just like her novels, life can’t be too simple and you must make it an adventurous ride!

Her favorite place to write is in her hammock at their small Michigan cottage where she literally dodges the feeding hummingbirds while being serenaded by the lake’s loons. Besides writing, she loves Slow Rollin’ in Detroit and the combination of good food, better wine, and dear friends.

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

*****

CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: $25 Gift Card to Amazon

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29177/

*****

Spotlight – Too Hot To Handle

19 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Bad Boys (Zero to 60) series, Never Say Never, Susan Arden, Too Hot to Handle

Y’all, this one is SERIOUSLY hot so don’t continue if you aren’t prepared for a lot of cowboy sizzle! (Definitely not for those who don’t like their stories with rough talk, rough men and rough sex. But a treat for those who do!)

*****

Never Say Never

Book #9 Prequel for Too Hot To Handle

by Susan Arden

Series: Bad Boys (Zero to 60)

Genre: Western Erotica, Erotica Humorous

Releases: Jan. 5

IT’S HOT.

IT’S DIRTY.

ZERO TO 60

SEX UP AGAINST A WALL AND SOME.

If you can’t stand the heat, better not come near this nuclear fusion Western, ’cause baby you will get burnt!

A random hookup…

And here’s a hot-n-tasty teaser:

Pulling away from my mouth, she gazed at me, her pupils fully dilated. “I’m ready to come. Are you?”

“Margo,” I grunted, taking hold of her hands. I wanted to kiss every inch of her skin. “I’m going to take my time with you. Suck on your clit until you soak my mouth.”

“Let’s go somewhere. Anywhere.” She piloted my hands down between her thighs. “Fuck me. So hard you bruise me. Fuck me everywhere,” she begged. “So rough it hurts. Really. Hurts. Can you?”

“Yeah.” I captured her wrists.

We stared at each other. She asked me to hurt her. Something I’d never delivered to another woman, but with her everything was different. Margo unlocked a side of me that demanded I mark her. Even if it meant she’d experience pain mixed with pleasure. I got what she was after—I hungered to give her that and more, but not in my truck. We’d need hours…days. And a plan.

“Please,” she whimpered, her breath sweet against my mouth.

“Not here. The next time we fuck, I want you in my bed. Open and submitting to me. Baby, I’ll give you what you need. So much, you’re going to surrender completely to me. Or not at all.”

IF YOU LIKE YOUR ROMANCE SO HOT IT SMOLDERS,

then you’ve come to the right ranch.

This girl wants it hard.

This man isn’t going to let her get away.

AND TOGETHER THEY’RE TNT.

Then on Jan. 12, TOO HOT TO HANDLE crash-lands!

Too Hot To Handle

Book #10

by Susan Arden

Series: Bad Boys (Zero to 60)

Genre: Western Erotica, Erotica Humorous, Military Romance, Sports Fiction, Literary Fiction Western

Releases: Jan. 12

NOTE: Don’t say you haven’t been warned. This smoldering erotic love story is for mature adults who have a hankering to go a little dark. If you adore Alexa Riley or Tarryn Fisher, then you know the score. Get a shot of tequila or Jack, buckle up, and c’mon. We’re about to enter the storm…

Blurb:

What began in a grueling game of cat-n-mouse with her step-uncle, has Margo on the move. In Never Say Never (prequel and included in Too Hot to Handle), she’s on the run, does a body slide right into the arms of a Rod McLemore, a recently discharged Marine. Outside of a crazy fling, there’s zero room in her life for men. Handsome distractions are dangerous to her health.

From working a fence line and dealing with cattle, Rod is thrust back into the line of duty. And he promptly fails. He crosses the line in a no-brainer mission: go and get the girl. On no hands is he prepared for Margo or her smart-mouth, right hook, and cargo to hide.

Together Margo and Rod are as volatile as flint and gunpowder. Bordering on taboo, their raw attraction is a recipe for disaster. Especially when the stakes are raised.

Their stormy love affair forces them over the edge and out of their comfort zones as they wrangle in-laws, Mother Nature, and a slick con man. A regular trial by fire. But a battle worth fighting means taking a stand and they’ll do whatever it takes to stay together. Even if it means they have to lie, steal, cheat.

Or kill.

Are you TOO HOT TO HANDLE? Hope so!

~snicker~

Remember all author earnings from the sales for January 2016 go to benefit the amazing Semper Fi Fund.

Never Say Never http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019S6ZH5O

Too Hot To Handle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019TKC9CI

*****

Author Info:

After packing up and moving to Nashville, Susan married the man standing behind her at Starbucks. Her husband is an incredible guy who puts up with a fly-by-the-seat zany wife. Together, they support several charity organizations including RAINN.org, Semper Fi Fund, Diversity In Books, and a robotics program for children.

Susan loves comedy in all forms. And music—anything dance-able. You’ll find her singing and dancing if she’s in the kitchen and cooking. And speaking of things that sizzle, if romance starring a dirty-talkin’ sexy cowboy ignites your fire, then stay in touch via Susan’s RED-HOT ROMANCE newsletter. Sign up for freebies, releases, and bad boy news!

CATCH SUSAN HERE

FB | Blog |Twitter |Amazon |Tumblr

Pinterest | Instagram | Google+

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to wind a Kindle Fire and an Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/297aa0dd50/

*****

Tour:

January 12th: Cat’s Guilty Pleasure – Spotlight w/Excerpt
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Spotlight w/Excerpt
Smokin’ Hot Reads Book Blog – Spotlight w/Excerpt & Top Ten List
January 13th: Book Liaison – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 14th: Babs Book Bistro – Review & Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 15th: Saints and Sinners Books – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 16th: Rustys Reading – Spotlight w/Excerpt & Short Q&A
January 18th: A Sky Full of Stars Blog – Spotlight w/Excerpt, Top 10 List
January 19th: Romantic Reads and Such – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 20th: Nerdy Dirty & Flirty – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 24th: The Book Bellas – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 26th: Badass Bloggettes – Spotlight w/Excerpt
January 31st: Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – Review

Guest Post – Fighting Dirty

15 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Fighting Dirty, Sidney Halston, Worth the Fight Series

I’m so thrilled that Sidney Halston stopped by to visit today and give us a little insider look into her newest. We’ve seen a couple of these Worth the Fight books already (Against the Cage and Laid Out) and this one looks like a total knock out as well!

*****

Thank you for having me here today! Hope you all got your copy of FIGHTING DIRTY and are loving it as much as I loved writing it. Here are 3 of my favorite scenes from FIGHTING DIRTY (with a few teasers.) Enjoy…

I really enjoyed writing the opening scene. We’ve gotten to know Enzo as the conservative and serious member of the group. He doesn’t break any rules and, unlike the rest of the fighters in the series, he’s always in a business suit—unless he’s training. In the opening scene, he loses a bet to Travis and for the first time you see him out of his comfort zone. Also, JL, the heroine, sees a different side of him. Here’s a snippet.

Slowly she turned her head back to the front. There, in the center of the enormous room, buck-ass naked, with an apple in the palm of his hand and an embarrassed look in his eyes, sat the man who’d been starring in all her fantasies for the last year: Enzo Silva.

What the fuck . . . ?

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and she took it out, her eyes still glued to the flawless body on display.

The text was from Travis: Close your eyes and walk away, sis.

She texted back quickly. Why is Enzo here? Naked? And why are you all here?

The reply came back almost instantly. He lost a bet. We’re here to laugh at him.

Another scene that I love is also in the beginning during their epically long date. Like in the first scene above where you finally see a different side to Enzo, in this scene- the indoor rock climbing scene—you get to see JL’s vulnerability. Plus Enzo’s protective side. I really liked writing this scene.

“Don’t laugh at me!” She glared at him, almost crying. “I hate heights.”

He began to move up, not letting go of her hand, and she slowly followed. “This is a ridiculous date, babe,” he said with a gentle smile. “You should’ve let me pick. Who the hell takes a date rock climbing? We could’ve been having a delicious lobster meal right this second at the Manhattan in Tampa.”

Moving gingerly from one hold to the next, she noticed that when she slowed down, unsure of where to put her foot or hand, he guided her patiently. “I hate lobster!” she yelled. “And anyway, you’re having a great time.”

“And you’re having the time of your life, I can see,” he said sarcastically.

“Shut up, Enzo! I’m getting over my fucking fears! Epiphany, happening here!” Her voice was shaky, though. She was about to look down, but he hollered at her.

“I told you to look at me. Don’t look down.” Again his voice was firm, but the playfulness returned immediately. “I mean, really, don’t you want to look at my ass?”

If she hadn’t been certain she was about to plummet to her death, then yes, she would definitely have wanted to look at his ass. But right at that moment she wanted to get off the wall. “I want to go down. Not up. I know they can make that happen. The guys holding the ropes down there can do shit to make that happen. I give up. So, make it happen. Reverse this fucker.”

“No. We’re going to finish. I told them not to do that when you first let go.”

All my books have a scene where the girls are all hanging out—talking crap and drinking. I love this one, because Francesca is always funny.

Francesca pointed to the Batman boy shorts that peeked out from the hem of JL’s matching Batman camisole. “And someone actually fucked you in those?”

“They’re cute,” Violet said.

“Listen, ladies, we are in our thirties. We aren’t eighteen-year-old frat boys. Batman doesn’t say sexy.”

“I think it does,” Violet replied defensively.

“Enzo didn’t seem to mind,” JL added.

“Aha!” Jessica pointed a finger.

So there you go….my three favorite scenes. There’s a lot more but these were the three that stuck out. Can’t wait to hear from you. What are your favorite scenes from FIGHTING DIRTY?

*****

Fighting Dirty

Worth the Fight #5

by Sidney Halston

Releasing January 5, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

If you love the MMA romances of Vi Kreeland and Kendall Ryan, Sidney Halston’s Worth the Fight series will knock your socks off! In Fighting Dirty, a geek-chic cage fighter proves that appearances can be deceiving . . . and oh-so-tempting.

With his preppy clothes and horn-rimmed glasses, Enzo Silva is the last dude anyone expects to find in a mixed martial arts gym. A wealthy Brazilian banker who never had to fight for anything, Enzo’s stuck in the amateur circuit—but he burns to make the pros. Maybe that explains the heat he feels whenever he’s around Jamie Lynn Calhoun. The pint-size, magenta-haired bartender with the Texas drawl is everything he’s not . . . and everything he craves.

Tough as nails and independent to a fault, Jamie Lynn—JL to her friends—works hard to pay her bills and keep life simple. Enzo is doing his best to complicate that. Even though she likes to bust his balls, he’s got some kind of a nerdy-hot vibe that makes JL wonder if she might finally be able to let her guard down. It might do the boy some good to spend some time in her world, where blood, sweat, and victory are as sweet as the first taste of real love.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25058284-fighting-dirty?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/135224-worth-the-fight

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

*****

Excerpt:

“What made you change your mind about going out with me?” he asked as they crossed the parking lot. “Not that I’m complaining. But you’ve been saying no for almost a year.”

“Truth?”

“Always.”

“You always seem so predictable, but you doing this . . .” She shook her head. “I guess it made me see you in a different light.”

He held her car door open for her as she tucked the canvas facedown in the backseat and then got in the car. “I’m glad it took me completely humiliating myself to get you to go out with me. Maybe I won’t kill your brother for this ridiculous bet, after all,” he said. “I’ll make reservations at the Tackle Box and pick you up at eight tomorrow.” When she looked at him for a moment too long, he said, “You don’t like the Tackle Box?”

“Do you work tomorrow?” she asked as she got back out of the car.

“Yes.”

“That was a dumb question. You’re always working. Let me rephrase the question. Can you take the day off tomorrow?”

Enzo quickly thought about all the teleconferences he had scheduled and all the reports he had to do. “I can.”

“Okay, so I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Uh . . . I don’t understand.”

“Eight in the morning,” she clarified. “I asked you out, so I pick. That’s the deal, okay? It’s my treat. I pick where we go and what we do.”

“I don’t think—”

“You hate giving up control, don’t you?” she asked wryly, already knowing the answer. “Don’t worry so much. Just be ready. It’ll be fun—spontaneous. You’ll like it. I promise.”

He let out a breath. “Fun and spontaneous isn’t something I’m very comfortable with,” he admitted. But then he decided, What the hell? He’d already survived taking the biggest leap of faith of his life by moving from Brazil to Florida, something that was so completely out of character his parents thought he was still mourning the end of his marriage. So, going on a date with a beautiful woman and letting her take the lead . . . what could possibly go wrong?

“Okay, fine. I’ll text you my address,” he said as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. She folded herself into her crappy fifteen-year-old Honda Civic, which was mostly red, except for some patches where the paint had chipped off. The bumper was held together with a hot-pink bungee cord, and there were bumper stickers plastered everywhere. He couldn’t picture her with any other car but this one; somehow it suited her perfectly. But she was absolutely out of her mind if she thought he’d be going anywhere with her in that clunker tomorrow.

*****

Author Info:

Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “Just do it.” And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in South Florida with her husband and children.

Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Website | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8883/

*****

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Spotlight – The Rogue Not Taken

07 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Sarah MacLean, Scandal & Scoundrel series, The Rogue Not Taken

Oh, this one looks absolutely delish … and it already has 4+ stars!

*****

The Rogue Not Taken

Scandal & Scoundrel #1

by Sarah MacLean

Releasing December 29, 2015

Avon

Blurb:

Lady Sophie’s Society Splash

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn’t saving her from ruin . . . it’s filled with it.

Rogue’s Reign of Ravishment!

Kingscote, “King,” the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth, a general sense that he’s more pretty face than proper gentleman, and an irate summons home to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.

War? Or More?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, making opposites altogether too attractive . . .

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23617709-the-rogue-not-taken

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/141485-scandal-scoundrel

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

*****

Excerpt:

Intro from Sarah MacLean

Being shot on the Great North Road isn’t exactly a thing people expect to happen, and Lady Sophie Talbot finds herself in the rooms above The Warbling Wren pub, under the welcome care of a rather mad doctor and the watchful eye of the rather infuriating (and infuriatingly handsome) Kingscote, Marquess of Eversley. There are worse things, she supposes. Or are there? Not for King.)

—

“If you want a bath, you’ll have to accept my help,” he said.

She pursed her lips at that, her gaze settling longingly on the steaming bath. “You mustn’t look.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” It might have been the most obvious lie he’d ever told.

Somehow, she believed it, nodding and throwing back the coverlet to step out of the bed. She came to her feet, the top of her head at his chin, and he resisted the urge to help her across the room. “How do you feel?” he asked, hearing the gravel in his words. He cleared his throat.

“As though I’ve been shot, I’d imagine.”

He raised a brow. “Clever. There’s food when you’ve bathed.” The words summoned a low growl from her, and her hands flew to her stomach. Her cheeks turned red, and he smiled. “I take it you are hungry.”

“It seems so,” she said.

“Food after the bath. And then sleep.”

She met his gaze. “You’re very domineering.”

“It’s a particular talent.”

“What with you being called King.”

“Name is destiny.”

She moved past him to the high copper bathtub. He resumed his place against the wall, arms crossed, watching her carefully as she reached down, her long fingers trailing in the hot water as she sighed her anticipation. The sound was like gunfire in the room—pure, unadulterated pleasure. It was delicious.

King stiffened. He was not interested in the lady’s pleasure.

If only someone would tell his body that.

*****

Author Info:

Sarah MacLean grew up in Rhode Island, obsessed with historical romance and bemoaning the fact that she was born far too late for her own season. Her love of all things historical helped to earn her degrees from Smith College and Harvard University before she finally set pen to paper and wrote her first book.

Sarah now lives in New York City with her husband, baby daughter, their dog, and a ridiculously large collection of romance novels. She loves to hear from readers. Please visit her at http://www.macleanspace.com

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

a Set of the Print editions of all books in the Rule of Scoundrels series (A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME, ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER, NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED, and NEVER JUDGE A LADY BY HER COVER

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8876/

*****

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Spotlight – One-Eyed Dukes are Wild

05 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Dukes Behaving Badly series, Megan Frampton, One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild

I think I’ve found a new series to check out! We saw her novella, No Groom at the Inn, which looked absolutely fantastic. And now we have One-Eyed Dukes are Wild and based on the excerpt & blurb this is definitely going on my TBR list.

*****

One-Eyed Dukes are Wild

Dukes Behaving Badly #3

by Megan Frampton

Releasing December 29, 2015

Avon

Blurb:

Another fun and sexy romance in Megan’s Dukes Behaving Badly series!

When does proper behavior deserve a deliciously improper reward?

The scandalously unmarried Lady Margaret Sawford is looking for adventure-and is always up for a challenge. Her curiosity is aroused by a dangerous-looking stranger with an eye patch, an ideal companion for the life she longs for, no matter what Society might say. So when the piratical gentleman turns out to be a duke-and just as boringly proper as any other nobleman-she can’t help but incite him to walk on the wild side.

Well-heeled, well-mannered, and well beyond any interest in society’s expectations, the Duke of Lasham is tired of being perfect. Margaret’s lush beauty and gently laughing eyes are an irresistible temptation to embrace the imperfect-and her. But if a little misbehavior is appealing, unleashing his wild side is completely seductive-as long as the lovely Margaret is the object of his passion…

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25783584-one-eyed-dukes-are-wild

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/127805-dukes-behaving-badly

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

1844

A London ballroom

Too many people, too much noise

Lasham took too big a swallow of his wine, knowing his headache would only be exacerbated by the alcohol, but unwilling to forgo the possibility that perhaps, for just a few minutes, his perception would be muffled, blurred a little around the edges.

So that he wouldn’t be in a state of constant keen awareness that he was the Duke of Lasham, that he was likely the most important person wherever he happened to be—according to everyone but him—and that he was under almost continuous surveillance.

The ballroom was filled with the best people of Society, all of whom seemed to be far more at ease than he had ever been. Could ever be, in fact. He stood to the side of the dance floor, the whirling fabric of the ladies’ gowns like a child’s top.

Not that he’d been allowed anything as playful or fun as a top when he was growing up. But he could identify the toy, at least.

“Enjoying yourself, Your Grace?” His hostess, along with two of her daughters, had crept up along his blind side, making him start and slosh his wine onto his gloved hand. Occurrences like this weren’t the worst part of having lost an eye—that obviously would be the fact that he only had one eye left—but it was definitely annoying.

“Yes,” he said, bowing in their general direction, “thank you, I am.”

The three ladies gawked at him as though waiting for him to continue to speak, to display more of his wondrous dukeliness for their delight. As though he were more of an object than a person.

But he couldn’t just perform on command, and his hand was damp, and now he would have to go air out his glove before bestowing another dance on some lady he would be obliged to dance with, being the duke, and all. Because if his glove was damp, it might be perceived as, God forbid, sweaty, and sweaty-handed dukes might mean that the duke had gotten said sweat because he was enthralled with the person with whom he was dancing, which would lead to expectations, which would lead to expect a question, and Lasham knew he did not want to ever have to ask that question of anybody.

It was bad enough being the object of scrutiny when he was out in public. At home, at least, he was by himself, blissfully so, and taking a duchess would require that he be at home by himself with somebody else, and that somebody would doubtless have ducal expectations of him as well.

“Excuse me,” he said to the silent, gawking ladies. He sketched a quick bow and strode off, trying to look as though he had a destination rather than merely wishing to depart.

*****

Author Info:

Megan Frampton writes historical romance under her own name and romantic women’s fiction as Megan Caldwell. She likes the color black, gin, dark-haired British men, and huge earrings, not in that order. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and son.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Three (3) Print sets of the Dukes Behaving Badly Series [THE DUKE’S GUIDE TO CORRECT BEHAVIOR, WHEN GOOD EARLS GO BAD (Novella), PUT UP YOUR DUKE and NO GROOM AT THE INN (Novella)]

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8874/

*****

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Spotlight – KEY Change

22 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Assignment: Romance Series, Barbara Valentin, KEY Change

I don’t know why the idea of this one appeals to me so much but I am really looking forward to getting my hands on it. And I think that a little humor is what all of us need around this time of year 🙂

*****

KEY Change

Assignment: Romance #3

Barbara Valentin

Romantic Comedy, 236 pgs

Gemma Halliday Publishing

Blurb:

The first thing Sara Cleff, a hard-edged, shower-singing rock music critic, wants to do after following a band on tour is crawl into her nice comfy bed in her well-appointed, optimally located vintage apartment. But before making it home, she learns her roommate-slash-boyfriend has apparently broken up with her while she was away on assignment and sublet their apartment out from underneath her. Ouch! When her key no longer fits in the lock, the last person she expects to find on the other side of the door is Andrew Benet, a wickedly gorgeous music director from a nearby church.

Something about the brash music critic strikes a chord with Andrew, and he offers her the chance to stay on one condition—she has to join the choir at his church. While Andrew may hold the lease on Sara’s apartment, does he have the key to unlock her heart?

*****

Excerpt:

Up as usual at the crack of dawn, Andrew trudged to the bathroom, almost forgetting to close the door behind him before he spotted Sara’s bangles on the counter next to the sink. Reaching over, he shut the door and locked it.

Fifteen minutes later, he was showered, clean-shaven, and ready to go, except he didn’t have to be at the church until four-thirty that afternoon. Unplugging his phone from an outlet in his room, he brought it with him into the kitchen, transferred Sara’s clothes that she had washed the night before into the dryer and poured himself some coffee. He sat on a barstool, debated throwing a sweatshirt on over his plain, blue, short-sleeved T- shirt to ward off the chill, but started scrolling through his email instead.

His eyes, however, kept drifting over to Sara, out like a light on the sofa sleeper.

While most of her was wrapped in the blankets like a human burrito, with the sun starting to break through the bare branches of the ancient oak tree blocking the expansive bay window, he could see her face quite plainly.

Without all that the heavy dark makeup, he noted, she looked younger.

And kinda sweet, actually.

But then again, she wasn’t talking.

Still, he was glad he invited her to stay the night before.

But what about tonight? And tomorrow night? And the night after that?

While he mulled the possibilities, she rolled over and stretched, arching her back and groaning as she did. Resuming her curled-up burrito pose, she opened her eyes and mumbled, “How long have you been sitting there?”

Looking at his watch, he admitted, “About a minute. Or five. Maybe ten.” His cheeks suddenly felt a lot warmer.

With a loud yawn, she sat up. “I slept so good.” Patting the thin mattress with her hand, she added, “So comfy.”

The words hung in the air between them.

Sarcasm before coffee. Great.

Still, the sight of her in his pajama top seemed to lobotomize him. All he could do by way of a reply was nod.

With a shrug, she added, “Seriously, on a sleeper sofa—who knew?”

Snap out of it.

With no small amount of effort, he turned and glanced at the dryer. “Your clothes should be ready in about twenty minutes.”

At that, Sara took a deep breath and yanked the covers back, revealing two impossibly long bare legs as she flung her feet to the floor.

Knowing full well that the sudden blast of heat he felt was not delivered by way of the gilded vents along the floorboards, Andrew got up to check the thermostat on the wall next to the upright piano anyway, mumbling, “Gotta love old buildings.”

*****

Author Info:

Barbara is an award-winning novelist and second-generation journalist. After spending a decade in maternity clothes, she has five boys to show for it and much fodder for her column, The Plate Spinner Chronicles, a long-running feature in the Chicago Tribune. A member of RWA’s Windy City chapter, she still dreams of the day when her to-do list includes “Send NY Times book critic thank you note” and “Accept Godiva’s request to be a taste-tester.”

Contact email: spinninginburbs@gmail.com

Website | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c7458f4379/

*****

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Guest Post – Mila Rossi

21 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Tags

Mila Rossi, Wild Games

For those of you who are enjoying a cold holiday season, today we’ve got something set in a location a little warmer with a couple whose heated exchanges may be covering up heat of a different kind 🙂

And I’m so thrilled author Mila Rossi took a few minutes to stop by and give us a little peek into a few of her favorite things (about writing romances).

*****

One of the things I like most about writing romances is the chemistry buildup between the hero and the heroine. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the sex scenes too, but writing a sex scene can sometimes feel like providing a step-by-step guide, because you have to be precise with your visuals. Who put what where and how. I used to be a technical writer, so I know what it’s like to write an instruction manual. It can be difficult and not always inspiring, despite the subject matter.

The warm-up to that though, can be very creative. How does the couple meet? Do they like each other, hate each other, or have they always been secretly in love?

I have a fondness for enemies who become lovers. Their strong personalities and heated arguments are fun to write, and I think of it as a clash of the titans. For example, in my latest contemporary romance novella, WILD GAMES, a feisty botanist has to share a tree house with the man in charge of security during her research expedition. I had a great time writing about Becca and Matt’s bickering which only seemed to increase the sexual tension. Of course not every couple is going to argue, but that doesn’t matter. A developing attraction can be evident in small gestures, witty repartee or harmless physical contact, such as a handshake.

What story do you think has great buildup to the couple finally getting together? Do you prefer a short or long getting-to-know-the-real-you period, as I like to think of it?

*****

Wild Games

by Mila Rossi

Blurb:

Despite warnings of annoying mosquitos and beastly spiders, Becca Glover couldn’t be more excited about her expedition to Costa Rica. Rooming with Matt Ritter, however, is an inconvenience she doesn’t see coming. He wields a machete, shaves with a knife and needs to wear a decent amount of clothes to cover the muscles she can’t stop staring at.

Hired to lead a group of scientists through the jungle, Matt is convinced the fiery redhead is intent on making his job harder than it needs to be. Rebecca doesn’t listen and seems to invite danger at every turn. Her attitude is as much of a distraction as her curves and emerald green eyes. Now if he could only pay as much attention to his job as he does to her, their one-month adventure would fly by without a hitch.

Hot temperatures, wild animals and a shared tree house are just the beginning of Becca and Matt’s obstacles. The real challenge lies in surviving each other.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018JWZM1C?keywords=mila%20rossi&qid=1448918764&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

*****

Excerpt:

She couldn’t help from looking at his naked torso standing before her. Oh, for heaven’s sake! Why did she give him the satisfaction of looking?

“There is nothing to talk about,” she said once their eyes locked again. “Just keep your shirt on please.”

“Why?” he wanted to know.

Why? What the heck was she supposed to say? “Because it’s not decent.”

He barked with laughter. “I don’t give a rat’s ass about decency.”

“That much is obvious,” she said dryly. “But since you’re living with me, a woman, you might want to give decency a shot.”

“You’re not the first woman I shared a room with,” he started to say.

“Well, that’s not a surprise,” she mumbled. “And we’re not sharing a room, we’re sharing a house.”

“Whatever. The others didn’t have problems with my decency.”

Oh brother. This conversation was going nowhere.

“Well, I do. I need you to put your clothes on, keep them on and stay out of my way. Every time I try to focus, you’re distracting me and it’s getting annoying.”

His eyebrows shot up. “I’m pissing you off?”

“Yes,” she shot back before she could bite her tongue.

“Guess what? The feeling is mutual. You’ve been nothing but trouble since we got here.”

He was only a couple of feet away from her, but she didn’t care about the nearness. Now she was starting to get annoyed.

“I don’t see what I have done to make your job harder,” she said.

He let out a fake laugh. “It’s no smooth sailing keeping an eye on you, believe me.”

“As I’ve told you before, Mr. Ritter, you don’t need to keep an eye on me. I’m perfectly fine keeping an eye on myself.”

The nerve of that man to say she was difficult. Besides twisting her ankle, she had done nothing else to be an inconvenience to anyone. He, on the other hand, seemed to get some perverse pleasure out of torturing her.

“Whatever you say, sweet cheeks.”

“Stop calling me that!” The nicknames alone drove her crazy.

“Listen, lady. We are stuck together in this jungle and this hut, whether you like it or not,“ he said, taking a step forward. She resisted the urge to step back and insinuate that she was intimidated. She wasn’t. She just didn’t want to stare into his now angry eyes.

“You’re welcome to go sleep out there with the jungle cats,” he continued, “but I doubt you’ll wanna do that. So do us both a favor and calm down. You’re much safer with me here than out on your own. I’m not gonna bite and I keep my hands to myself.” He held up his hands as if to prove that they weren’t doing anything mischievous behind his back.

“Now, are you going to act like a normal person and give me some peace, or do I have to throw you over my shoulder and lock you in your room?” At this point, he was right up in her face.

At the mention of being thrown over his shoulder, she flinched and took a step back. “I thought you’d keep your hands to yourself.“

“I will as long as you don’t provoke me.”

She gulped. She’d definitely not provoke him.

“Are you calm now?” he asked, still much too close. His hazel eyes looked broodingly at her and his skin glistened with perspiration. Damn her for finding that arousing.

“Well?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

She stared at his mouth, surrounded by the stubble along his jawline. Whatever he’d asked her slipped her mind.

“Are you calm?” he repeated, his voice quieter and raspier than before. His gaze covered every inch of her face and she could only imagine what she looked like from the blasted heat.

“I’m calm,” she responded in a mere whisper. Her heart wasn’t. It was pumping a million times a minute.

He leaned forward. “Good.”

She held her breath, sure that even he could hear her pulse racing. Her chin tilted up and she moistened her lips in anticipation, but he stepped around her and walked away.

She stood like an idiot rooted to the spot. Her breath came out in one long whoosh, like a deflated balloon.

*****

Author Info:

Mila Rossi is a contemporary romance author. She creates heroines who don’t back down, stand up for themselves and insist on freedom and independence until the right man comes along. Then all rules are thrown out the window. The heroes must be clever, generous and able to throw a girl over their shoulder.
Mila has seen the world and loves to write about it. She also loves to paint vintage anime characters, belly dance, try new foods and perfect her archery skills. She wishes she could partake in extreme sports, but only allows her characters to tempt fate. Her own chances of causing disasters are just too high.

Author website: www.milarossi.com

Amazon URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018JWZM1C?keywords=mila%20rossi&qid=1449082554&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Goodreads URL: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27973419-wild-games?from_search=true&search_version=service

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alake1935/wild-games/

*****