Spotlight – The Soldier’s Scoundrel

30 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Cat Sebastian, The Soldier's Scoundrel

There’s just something so appealing about this book. About the scoundrel bringing the gentleman to his knees.

*****

The Soldier’s Scoundrel

by Cat Sebastian

Releasing September 20, 2016

Avon Impulse

Blurb:

A scoundrel who lives in the shadows

Jack Turner grew up in the darkness of London’s slums, born into a life of crime and willing to do anything to keep his belly full and his siblings safe. Now he uses the tricks and schemes of the underworld to help those who need the kind of assistance only a scoundrel can provide. His distrust of the nobility runs deep and his services do not extend to the gorgeous high-born soldier who personifies everything Jack will never be.

A soldier untarnished by vice

After the chaos of war, Oliver Rivington craves the safe predictability of a gentleman’s life-one that doesn’t include sparring with a ne’er-do-well who flouts the law at every turn. But Jack tempts Oliver like no other man has before. Soon his yearning for the unapologetic criminal is only matched by Jack’s pleasure in watching his genteel polish crumble every time they’re together.

Two men only meant for each other

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29875088-the-soldier-s-scoundrel

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

*****

Excerpt:

Jack absently skimmed his finger along the surface of his desk, tracing a swirl through the sand he had used to blot his notes. Another case was solved and done with, another gentleman too drunk on his own power and consequence to remember to pay servants and tradesmen, too dissipated to bother being faithful to his wife. Nearly every client’s problems were variations on that same theme. Jack might have been bored if he weren’t so angry.

A knock sounded at the door, a welcome distraction. His sister always knocked, as if she didn’t want to interrupt whatever depravities Jack was conducting on the other side of the door. She did it out of an excess of consideration, but Jack still felt like she was waiting for him to do something unspeakable at any moment.

She was right, of course, but still it grated.

“Come in, Sarah.

“There’s a gentleman here to see you,” she said, packing a world of both disapproval and deference into those few words.

Really, it was a pity she hadn’t been born a man because the world had lost a first rate butler there. The butlers Jack had served under would have been put fairly to shame.

“Tell him to bugger off.” Sarah knew perfectly well he didn’t take gentlemen as clients. He tried to keep any trace of impatience out of his voice, but didn’t think he quite managed it.

“I have customers downstairs and I don’t want a scene.” She had pins jammed into the sleeve of her gown, a sign that she had been interrupted in the middle of a fitting. No wonder her lips were pursed.

“And I don’t want any gentlemen.” Too late, he realized he had set her up for a smart-mouthed response. Now she was going to press her advantage because that’s what older sisters did. But Sarah must have been developing some restraint, or maybe she was only in a hurry, because all she did was raise a single eyebrow as if to say, like hell you don’t.

“I’m not your gatekeeper,” she said a moment later, her tone deceptively mild. But on her last word Jack could hear a trace of that old accent they had both worked so hard to shed. Sarah had to be driven to distraction if she was letting her accent slip.

“Send him up, then,” he conceded. This arrangement of theirs depended on a certain amount of compromise on both sides.

She vanished, her shoes scarcely making any sound on the stairs. A moment later he heard the heavier tread of a man not at all concerned about disturbing the clients below.

This man didn’t bother knocking. He simply sailed through the door Sarah had left ajar as if he had every right in the world to enter whatever place he pleased, at whatever time he wanted.

To hell with that. Jack took his time stacking his cards, pausing a moment to examine one with feigned and hopefully infuriating interest. The gentleman coughed impatiently; Jack mentally awarded himself the first point.

“Yes?” Jack looked up for the first time, as if only now noticing the stranger’s presence. He could see why Sarah had pegged him straight away as a gentleman. Everything about him, from his mahogany walking stick to his snowy white linen, proclaimed his status.

“You’re Jack Turner?”

There was something about his voice—the absurd level of polish, perhaps—that made Jack look more carefully at his visitor’s face.

Could it—it couldn’t be. But it was.

*****

Author Info:

Cat Sebastian lives in a swampy part of the South with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. Before her kids were born, she practiced law and taught high school and college writing. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s doing crossword puzzles, bird watching, and wondering where she put her coffee cup.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$25.00 eGift Card to Amazon, B&N or iTunes

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81123/

*****

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

Spotlight – HOT SEAL Rescue

28 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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HOT SEAL Rescue, HOT SEAL Team, Lynn Raye Harris

Y’all, we’ve seen a lot of the HOT team before and they’ve all been fantastic reads. And if the almost 5 stars on Goodreads is anything to go by, this one is too!

*****

HOT SEAL Rescue

HOT SEAL Team #3

by Lynn Raye Harris

Blurb:

From New York Times bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris comes the next explosive story in the HOT SEAL Team series!

Navy SEAL Cody “Cowboy” McCormick is in Las Vegas for a little R & R before his friend’s wedding when a beautiful blonde jams a gun in his side and abducts him from a casino in broad daylight. He could stop her, but he plays along because he’s intrigued—plus he’s convinced she’s in danger.

CIA agent Miranda Lockwood’s life is on the line when an undercover operation goes wrong. Little does she know when she sashays up to the biggest, baddest looking dude in the casino lobby that she’s kidnapping a Navy SEAL—or that she’ll be unable to resist his charm when he turns up the heat.

When the CIA labels her a rogue agent, Miranda’s faith in everything she believes in is shaken to the core. Cody’s the only one she can trust to help her find the traitor in the agency. But even though she’s forced to betray him, she can’t get over the SEAL who made her feel safe in his arms. Miranda will have to fight harder than she’s ever fought for anything if she wants his forgiveness—but Cody’s not in a forgiving mood in spite of the sparks that still fly when he’s forced to team up with her again.

When disaster strikes and they’re caught in the line of fire, Cody will do everything in his power to keep them both alive. Because if he doesn’t, he’ll never get to hold Miranda close again…

NOTE: If you read the first part of this story in SEALs of Summer 3, this is the complete book.

HOT SEAL TEAM SERIES:
Book 1: HOT SEAL (Dane & Ivy)
Book 2: HOT SEAL Lover (Remy & Christina)
Book 3: HOT SEAL Rescue (Cody & Miranda)

THE HOSTILE OPERATIONS TEAM SERIES:
Book 1: HOT Pursuit (Matt & Evie)
Book 2: HOT Mess (Sam & Georgie)
Book 3: HOT Package (Billy & Olivia)
Book 4: Dangerously HOT (Kev & Lucky)
Book 5: HOT Shot (Jack & Gina)
Book 6: HOT Rebel (Nick & Victoria)
Book 7: HOT Ice (Garrett & Grace)
Book 8: HOT & Bothered (Ryan & Emily)
Book 9: HOT Protector (Chase & Sophie)
Book 10: HOT Addiction (Dex) ~ Coming soon!
Book 11: HOT Valor (Mendez) ~ Coming soon!

*****

Excerpt:

“You aren’t a Navy SEAL,” she said, her heart thumping. “I don’t know who you are, but you aren’t that.”

“Actually, I am. But I work for an organization that, uh, knows things. If you’re involved with Conti, then you’re either with the FBI, DEA, or the CIA. Conti’s illegal activities fall under the areas of interest for any of the three.”

Crap.

“So care to tell me which one it is?” he finished. “Might make this a bit easier for both of us.”

“You planning to give me back my ammunition if I do?”

“Depends,” he said.

Miranda sighed. Her default setting was not to trust anyone, but maybe she needed to start. Not that she’d tell him everything. Definitely not. But she could give him enough to relax his guard—and then she could give him the slip when she got the chance.

Or, hell, maybe he’d prove to be useful after all.

“CIA,” she said. “We’re interested in the arms dealing, of course. He’s been supplying guns to ISIS and the Freedom Force, among others, for quite some time. But he’s also putting assault weapons on the streets here, and that’s not a good thing. Of course, that’s the FBI’s territory, but we’re cooperating on this one.”

“So what’s your real name, Jane?”

“Actually, that is my real name—my middle name. My first name is Miranda.”

“Miranda,” he said softly, and a shiver ran down her spine. Liquid heat took up residence in her core, spilling out into her limbs. All because of the way he said her name. What the hell was that about?

“That’s right. Can I have my clip back now?”

“Not quite. Give me a last name.”

“Why do you need that?” It was against her religion to share her details. She’d had that drummed into her during the years of covert ops. Trust no one.

“Mine is McCormick. Cody McCormick, United States Navy. I work for an organization you’ve probably heard of, but I’m going to bet you thought it was a myth. Unless you’ve ever worked with us before, and then you know.”

HOT. He had to be talking about the Hostile Operations Team, but she wasn’t going to be the first to speak the name. Yeah, she knew about them. Mark had done ops with them before in the Middle East. She’d once spent a rough two days in the embassy in Baghdad with a group of HOT operators. They’d been there to extract a major who’d gotten nabbed in a market and taken prisoner. But then the embassy came under attack, and she’d thought for sure the major was dead.

He wasn’t though. HOT came through.

“And what phantom group is this?” she replied, because she wasn’t going to let on that she knew.

“We’re called HOT. We deal in pretty much all the shit nobody else wants to. We go where none dare.”

Where None Dare. Yes, she remembered that from the team she’d spent time with. They were proud of that.

For the first time, she felt a little bit of relief flowing through her. “My name is Miranda Lockwood. That’s not the name Conti was supposed to know—but he does. I don’t know how, but I’ve been compromised.”

Saying the words aloud was like releasing the pressure in a valve. She felt as if a weight was gone even though nothing had been resolved.

Wordlessly, Cody handed her the clip to her weapon. She took it and slid it home. Then she put the gun into her purse and draped the chain over her shoulder. The sense of relief washing through her was strong. She was used to staying on her guard, and she still would, of course, but his gesture meant something. He wasn’t out to kill her. At least not immediately.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Trust me now?”

She shrugged. “I don’t trust anyone. But I believe we’re on the same side. At least for now.”

“I’m going to help you, Miranda. We’re getting out of here. Promise.”

She’d love to believe him, but she’d learned never to count the chickens before the eggs hatched. That’s how you ended up dead in this business.

“I’m going to need a change of clothes and a burner,” she said, all businesslike.

“Can you manage that?”

He shot her that sexy grin again. It melted through her like a flame cutting through wax. “Sunshine, I can manage anything you need.”

*****

Author Info:

To be kept up to date about all of Lynn’s new books, as well as to receive exclusive content and have the opportunity to enter special giveaways, sign up for Lynn’s newsletter here. Or text the word HOTTIES to 33733.

Lynn Raye Harris is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the HOSTILE OPERATIONS TEAM SERIES of military romances as well as 20 books for Harlequin Presents. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former-military husband, two crazy cats, and one spoiled American Saddlebred horse. Lynn’s books have been called “exceptional and emotional,” “intense,” and “sizzling.” Lynn’s books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

You can learn more at her website, http://www.LynnRayeHarris.com, or come and visit her at her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnRay…. Lynn loves hearing from her readers!

Book Review – A Sister’s Wish

27 Tuesday Sep 2016

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

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A Sister's Wish, Book Review, Shelley Shepard Gray, The Charmed Amish Life series

We saw the first book in this series, A Son’s Vow, which was REALLY well liked (as is the whole series, going by the reviews). And if it is anything like this one I can definitely see why!

*****

A Sister’s Wish

The Charmed Amish Life #3

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Releasing September 27, 2016

Avon Inspire

Blurb:

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman—at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she’s also harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he’s about as far from “perfect” as an Amish man could get… but that’s exactly why she’s so drawn to him.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he’s determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past…unless it pertains to Amelia.

He’s loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas—who just happens to be Simon’s best friend—has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he’s the only one who can truly make her happy.

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together—and face their past mistakes. There’s a chance for love… but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28448203-a-sister-s-wish

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/169928-the-charmed-amish-life

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

*****

Excerpt:

Prologue

Thirteen years ago

He had almost made it.

All he had to do was make it another two miles, then he’d be able to catch the bus to New Philly and eventually Mansfield. After that? Simon Hochstetler reckoned it didn’t really matter. He would be free and that was good enough.

But for now, all he had to do was ignore the pain in his side, make it over the next bend, then finally hike through the northern edge of the Kinsingers’ property. Once he did all that, the road would be flat. A whole lot easier to walk on.

He winced as he shifted his stuffed army-green backpack on his left shoulder, wishing that his right one wasn’t as bruised as it was. ’Course, if he was making wishes, he should probably start with wishing that he didn’t have a black eye or cut lip. From there he could wish his ribs weren’t hurting, either.

His father had been in fine form tonight.

He walked on, patting his pocket, feeling for the wad of money he’d been saving for the last year and kept hidden in an old coffee can near the woods. How long was it going to last? He had no idea how far eighty-eight dollars lasted in the city, but he was fairly sure it wouldn’t be far enough. He was going to need to figure out a way to make some cash, quick.

Feeling panicked, he stopped to readjust his backpack.

“Simon? Hey! I thought that was you,” Amelia Kinsinger called out, her voice ringing through the empty field like a bright, merry cowbell. “Whatcha doing?”

He froze. Then, attempting to gather himself, he turned to watch her trot closer. A bright smile was on her face. She looked really pleased to have spied him.

Though he knew better than to stay, he remained where he was. Even at only nine years old, little Amelia was the prettiest thing he’d ever seen. White-blond hair, crystal-blue eyes, and pale skin that never seemed to tan, she was everything delicate and perfect. She was also sheltered and his best friend’s baby sister—and the only person who seemed to think he was worth something. Both of her brothers had confided that Amelia had a terrible crush on him. They’d thought it was embarrassing. Levi had even apologized for her.

He hadn’t needed an apology, though. Simon had always thought Amelia’s infatuation made him something special. He’d never let on that he noticed the way she always looked at him. He never acted annoyed when she rushed over to tell him about her day. Instead of making fun of her, he’d been patient and often sat with her when her older siblings were too busy.

But that said, he’d always taken care for her not to see him like this. He wanted to look worthy in her eyes. Not beaten and bruised.

“Can’t talk right now, Amy,” he bit out as he started forward. He took care to keep his gaze fixated on the ground in front of him. Maybe then she wouldn’t catch sight of his eye.

But, as usual, she didn’t listen to his warning. Instead, she picked up her pace. “Did you know that the sun is almost set? Where you going? It’s going to be dark soon.”

“Ain’t none of your business.”

She stumbled, then caught herself before he reached out to steady her.

“Slow down, wouldja?” she said.

“Can’t.”

She sighed. “Why are ya being like this?” she asked, hurt in her tone. “All I asked is—”

“Simon! What happened to you?”

Unable to help himself, he drew to a stop. Then, because he probably was never going to see her again anyway, he allowed himself to lift his chin and let her look her fill. As he’d expected, she was staring at him in concern, her pale pink lips parted in wonder. And, he suspected, pity.

“Go on home, Amelia.”

“Did you . . . did your daed do that?” she whispered, letting him know that his secret had never actually been one. “Do you need something? Do ya need some help? ’Cause my daed’s home. If we went to him, I bet he’d help ya.”

That was why she meant so much to him. Here he was, bruised and battered, running away from home, and she thought he could still be saved. “Your daed can’t help.”

Tentatively, she held out a hand. Then, to his shock, she swiped at a patch of skin just to the side of his lip. When he flinched at her touch, she looked at him with sad eyes. “Sorry, but your lip is bleeding.” She held up her finger to show the stain.

Seeing his blood on her hand was one of the worst things he’d ever experienced. It symbolized everything that was his life . . . and everything he didn’t want it to be. Unable to help himself, he grabbed her hand and roughly swiped it on his shirt. “Wash your hands when you get home, hear me?”

“Oh. All right. But . . . but, Simon, won’t you come with me? You could wash up, too.”

“Nee. I’ve gotta go.”

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” she asked softly. “Just like your brother and sister did.”

He couldn’t lie to her. “Jah. I’m leaving. Just like Jeremy and Tess did.”

“Please, don’t.”

As much as he would have liked to do anything she asked, he couldn’t do that. “Listen, do me a favor, wouldja? Don’t tell nobody you saw me.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “But—”

“They’ll find out soon enough. Just . . . just let me go, okay?” Then he did what he’d sworn he’d never do. He looked at her directly in the eyes and let her see his pain. “I have to do this, Amy.”

Around a ragged sigh, looking so very sad, she nodded.

“Okay.”

“Bye, Amelia. You take care of yourself.”

He started walking before she could reply. Before he did something stupid and followed her to her house. Before he thought about staying just a little longer so he could see her again.

He started walking because no matter how difficult and scary it was to leave, he knew for certain it was always going to be a whole lot worse at home.

*****

Review:

Looking at the reviews for the other two books in this series, everyone thinks this author is amazingly talented. I only have this book to go by but I’ve got to say I wholeheartedly agree!

A Sister’s Wish is just packed with emotions of all sorts. There is a sweetness for how much Simon cares for Amelia and how much she believes in him. The heartbreak when it looks like they can’t be together and the pain when he finds out what his friend thinks of him. And the tentative hope when things start looking up for Simon, both romantically and with his estranged family & friends.

He’s had such a horrible time of it, but he’s a strong, good man and he’s working to turn that around. Unfortunately little communities have big memories, so it isn’t always that easy. It hurts so to see him have to deal with small minds, but there’s more to his story than just his love for Amelia. Just when things look bleak for him, fate hands him a chance encounter with the sister he hasn’t seen in years and the opportunity to try to forge a new relationship together. It’s a lot of ups and downs as he deals with the disappointment from his friend’s judgement and the pain of giving up his pursuit of Amelia, but if he can figure out who to make everything work it will definitely be worth it in the end. He just has to trust in himself. And let Amelia in so she can love & support him the way he needs.

I love Amelia. She might have let herself give a lot of herself to her family, but she’s got a lot of spirit and when she gets herself worked up she’s amazing. She’s got spunk and she turns that on her siblings & Simon when they need it 🙂 While a lot of the story focuses on Simon and him coming to terms with his past, there’s a good bit about Amelia figuring out that it is time for her to start living her life on her terms.

While there is a little bit mentioned about how everyone knew about the abuse Simon and his siblings experienced but no action was taken, I kinda wish that more had been said about it. There is some set up for the next book(s) so I’m hoping that this will be addressed at a future point. And for that to be my only complaint, I think that’s pretty darn impressive!

Shelley Shepard Gray delivers an emotion-packed story, at times both heartwarming and heartbreaking. There’s a lot going on here, but she handles it with amazing skill and style, leaving readers with a lot to think about.

(This is part of a series but can definitely stand on its own.)

*****

Author Info:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Hold Medallion winner.

She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

Three (3) sets of the previous books in series, A SON’S VOW and A DAUGHTER’S DREAM

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81128/

*****

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

Spotlight – 12 Steps to Mr. Right

26 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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12 Steps to Mr. Right, Cindi Madsen

We’ve seen quite a few of Cindi Madsen’s books before (just put her name in the search bar and you’ll see what I mean 🙂 ). It just makes my Monday to be able to have her newest for you!

*****

12 Steps to Mr. Right

by Cindi Madsen

Publication Date: September 26, 2016

Genres: Adult, Entangled: Contemporary Select, Romance

Blurb:

12 steps to finding Mr. Right, composed by dating coach extraordinaire Savannah Gamble

1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.

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

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

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2comcxY

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2dmaiJT

B&N: http://bit.ly/2cJpI99

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cw7x7o

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2cQ2nSk

*****

Excerpt:

“Savannah? Savannah Gamble?” a different, deeper voice said from behind me. Scooping up my coffee, I spun around.

And squeezed my cup so hard the lid popped off. Scalding liquid sloshed over my hand and onto the floor, barely missing my shoes. Hot, hot, hot.

Linc grabbed napkins and started patting my fingers, at which point I became fairly certain he wasn’t, in fact, a mirage or figment of my imagination. I set my coffee cup and bag aside so I could help clean myself up.

Only I got caught up staring into familiar blue eyes instead. Hot.

That was the problem with Lincoln Wells. Between the light brown hair he usually kept on the buzzed too short side and those striking blue eyes, he was the kind of hot that’d scrambled my brain for an entire year in college.

“Sorry,” he said, wadding the napkins into a ball and making a perfect toss into the nearby trash can. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

One corner of his mouth curved up—oh the hours I’d spent daydreaming about that sexy crooked smile—and then he pulled me in for a hug. “I can’t believe it’s really you.”

On autopilot—or maybe force of habit—I hugged him back. Like in college, he was all lean muscle, although he’d filled out a bit, broader in the shoulders and chest. My heart skipped a few beats, and I told myself to stop those rising tendrils of attraction right in their tracks. No thinking about how solid or warm he was, or how long it’d been since I’d been this close to a guy in general, much less a good-looking one.

I pulled back and grabbed my coffee and muffin so I wouldn’t be tempted to reach for him again. “Wow, it’s been a long time. Are you in town for a visit or—”

“Ivy didn’t tell you? I moved back. Last weekend, actually.”

Admittedly she and I had been missing each other lately, playing phone tag due to crazy schedules, but news like this? It deserved a meet-up involving alcohol at the very least.

Which is probably why she’s been so persistent in trying to get me to go to Azure. But if he moved back to town last week… Ivy had probably put off telling me, afraid of how I’d react.

Linc ran his gaze down me, and the only reason I straightened, patted my bun, and wished I’d showered and worn something besides yoga pants was because I wanted him to see what he’d missed out on. Not because I wanted to impress him or anything. I didn’t want him to look at me as more than a friendly acquaintance. The cool girl he used to hang with in college.

Who he’d had drunken sex with one night.

*****

Author Info:

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354896/

*****

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

Spotlight – Southern Nights & Secrets

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Robin Covington, Southern Nights and Secrets, The Boys Are Back in Town series

I love Robin Covington and I’m thrilled to share the latest in this series!

*****

Southern Nights and Secrets

The Boys Are Back in Town #4

by Robin Covington

Publication Date: September 19, 2016

Genres: Adult, Entangled: Indulgence, Contemporary, Romance

Blurb:

Being a doctor is everything to me, but I’m not going to let bureaucrats tell me how to practice medicine. It’s about saving lives no matter what, screw them and their paperwork.

When the one woman I could never forget, Ginger Crawford, shows up as my boss all bets are off. The heat between us is tough to ignore but I have to if I want a future at this hospital. It isn’t easy. Every time we argue, I want her even more.

But I’ve got secrets she can never know, and she’s always going to be way too good for me. So it’s best if she hates me…at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cG5fRU

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2d71rJe

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2cICMcB

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cSxHjK

B&N: http://bit.ly/2cG6sZf

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cGcvP7

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

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2cz86g0

*****

Excerpt:

Virginia turned left and headed toward the area that contained the gym equipment, the smell of pool chemicals giving way to the combined aromas of gym mats, sweat, and disinfectant. She pulled the door open to the state-of-the-art facility that was touted as a perk to those recruited to work at this hospital. She nodded to the desk attendant, scanned the well-lit room, and let her ears guide her eyes. Sure enough, Alex had been right. All she had to do was follow the sounds of fists hitting a bag and there he was¾Dr. Beckett Sutherland.

She stood by the edge of the mats, hoping to catch his eye but it wasn’t going to happen. Virginia stooped to remove her heels before stepping on the rubber flooring and making a beeline for him.

He was wholly absorbed in his task, the sounds of his fist impacting violently with the bag and punctuated by grunts of effort expelled on each jab. His longish dark hair hung around his face, wet with the sweat that also ran down his bare torso and disappeared into the waistband of his gym shorts.

Virginia stopped a few feet away and waited for him to notice her, not crazy enough to surprise him within range of his fists. She took the time to continue her catalog of things the past nine years had changed in Beckett Sutherland. The body, always lean and muscled due to his dedication to all things sports and his inability to sit still, was sharper, more predatory in build and size than she remembered. His face, always handsome, was stronger—a fiercer rendition of his trademark boyish good looks.

The tattoo—a black, red and orange stylized dragon—covered his right side and that half of his back. When she’d asked about it back when they were lovers he’d replied as he thrust into her slowly that his destiny was to be a dragon slayer and that was his reminder. He’d never offered anything more than that cryptic explanation, and she’d never pushed for more. But the nipple bar piercings were new and her breath caught in an almost painful clutch with the impact of just how sexy they were.

He moved quickly, battering the bag with jabs and thrusts that would make any sane person afraid to get in between his fists and the target. Each move was quicksilver, exploding from different angles with each practiced shift of his body. If you blinked you would miss him and that would be a shame because he was gorgeous. Just simply gorgeous.

But she’d been fooled by the beautiful exterior before.

*****

**CATCH UP WITH THE OTHER BOYS IN THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN SERIES BY USA TODAY BESTSELLER ROBIN COVINGTON!**

A Night of Southern Comfort

The Boys Are Back in Town, #1

Blurb:

One night of passion…

Detective Jackson Cantrell never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke awakened a passion inside him he’d buried years ago.He never expected the woman would turn out to be the governor’s daughter…and his next assignment. The governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart can’t keep the same promise.

But when the stalker’s attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must race to save Michaela’s life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once she discovers his lie.

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

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His Southern Temptation

The Boys Are Back in Town, #2

Blurb:

Some women are bad. Some women are a bad idea. The best ones are both…

As a Black Ops assassin, “Lucky” Landon has had more than his fair share of close calls. Now he’s turned in his sniper rifle for the simple life of his small hometown. So the last thing he ever expected was to end up at gunpoint. Or that the woman holding the gun would be his best friend’s little sister and Lucky’s on-again/off-again lover.

Taylor Elliott is Trouble, and she likes it that way. And seeing Lucky again? Well, he’s been her dirty little secret for the past few years and everyone knows that secrets in a small town are almost impossible to keep. But Taylor has bigger problems on her plate. Like the local mob boss who wants her dead.

And right now the only thing standing between Trouble and disaster is a hottie named Lucky…

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

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Sweet Southern Betrayal

The Boys Are Back in Town, #3

Blurb:

Privileged and ambitious attorney Teague Elliott is on the fast-track to getting everything he wants. All he has to do is stay on the straight and narrow and a high-profile political career is his for the taking. Until he wakes up naked with a Vegas showgirl…

Risa Clay has worked hard to put her showgirl past behind her and start fresh. But she owes ten grand to the wrong people, and to pay off her debt, she agrees to betray a stranger. . .but she ends up with a husband and guilty conscience.

Savvy and determined, she double-crosses the mob, goes on the run, and turns up on Teague’s doorstep armed with a dangerous secret, a marriage license, and the power to ruin his well-planed future. She thought using Teague again would be easy, but the passion that exploded between them in Vegas didn’t stay in Sin City and betrayal is the last thing on her mind.

Now Teague has to choose between the future he’s planned for all his life, or the one with Risa that he can’t turn away from.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2d9uvm9

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2cm3SJg

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2cPdDRc

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cm386F

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iBooks: http://apple.co/2d725Gu

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2d7231C

*****

Author Info:

A USAToday bestseller, Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her books. Her stories burn up the sheets. . .one page at a time. When she’s not writing she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, hoarding red nail polish and stalking Chris Evans.

A 2016 RITA® Award nominee, Robin’s books have won the Golden Leaf Award and finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Book Seller’s Best and the National Reader’s Choice Awards.

She lives in Maryland with her handsome husband, her two brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!), and her beloved furbabies, Dutch and Dixie Joan Wilder (Yes – THE Joan Wilder).

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

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Spotlight – Heart of Delight

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Handful of Hearts series, Heart of Delight, Jenna Jaxon

Recently we got to see Book 2 in this series, Heart of Desire, so I’m super excited that we get a look at the next one today!

*****

Heart of Delight

Handful of Hearts series

by Jenna Jaxon

Blurb:

He’ll do anything to be her heart’s delight—except tell the truth.

Gabriella d’Adventure is on a mission. She has come to England as a lady’s maid in pursuit of the Duke of Rother. When she meets Horace Carpenter, valet to a marquess, she is delighted to enlist his aid in gaining her heart’s desire: a meeting with the duke. But will her growing feelings for the handsome valet interfere with her plans for the duke?

The eccentric Marquess of Halford, Hal to his friends, is tired of the demands of Society, especially his father’s decree that he marry this Season. When a breathtaking young woman intrudes on his solitude, he is captivated and introduces himself as his valet in hopes of learning more about her. Despite his fear about the true motive behind Gabriella’s quest to meet the Duke of Rother, Hal agrees to help her gain an audience with him, all the while praying his deception won’t ruin his chances of winning her love.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Jaxon/e/B005CHPBD2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1473182747&sr=8-4

*****

Excerpt:

“A duke.” Monsieur Carpenter put a hand to his head, rubbing his temple as though struck with a pain. “Can it be any duke?”

Gabriella held her breath. The young valet obviously wanted to help her. A nudge in the correct place, and he might be tempted enough. “I have heard my mistress speak of this Duke of Rother.” She pointed to the handsome man, who quite took her breath away. Never had she dreamed he would be so dashing. “She says he is the most distinguished and commanding of men. Now I see him for myself, I know she did not lie. Il est très beau, n’est-ce pas? And since I have seen this duke, this is the one I wish to meet.” She stared at him, daring him to dispute her words. “Is there any other English duke so attractive? So splendid? So noble?”

“I grant you, the duke is a fine specimen of an English nobleman.” Monsieur Carpenter’s face had paled. “However, this may prove more difficult than I first believed.”

“Will you help me, monsieur?” Artifice had gone. Gabriella spoke from her heart.

He closed his eyes and nodded. “I will speak to my master about it. If anyone can arrange it, he can.” A long pause, and the valet opened his deep brown eyes and sighed.

“Oh, monsieur. Merci, merci.” She flung her arms around him. At last she would meet the Duke of Rother.

Monsieur Carpenter, instead of letting her go, pulled her closer.

She tried to push back, but he enfolded her in his arms, drew her toward his warm body. Then his mouth met hers. His soft, insistent lips sent a thrill through her she’d not experienced before. Relaxing against him, she gave herself over to pure pleasure as their mouths dissolved into one another. A delightful heat sizzled in her veins. She should not have been enjoying this, yet the tingles he caused to skitter up and down her spine could not be denied.

At last, he broke the kiss and stepped back. “That was the loveliest thank you I have ever received.”

*****

Author Info:

Jenna Jaxon is a best-selling, multi-published author of historical romance in periods ranging from medieval to Victorian. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and two rambunctious cats, Marmalade and Suger. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and is very active in Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.

https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/

@Jenna_Jaxon

https://www.facebook.com/Jenna-Jaxon-146857578723570/

*****

Giveaway:

Ebook Giveaway Heart of Delight

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e4be888290/

Book Review – Love & Hope

16 Friday Sep 2016

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Love & Hope, Love and Hope, RJ Scott, Rozenn Scott, Stanford Creek series

It’s been a hectic week so I’ve not been around as much, but I’m super thrilled to be back and able to end the week with the latest in the Stanford Creek series. We saw the first book, Notes & Roses, earlier this year and I knew I wanted to get my hands on Danny’s story. And I’m pleased to say that he didn’t disappoint 🙂

*****

Love and Hope

Stanford Creek Book Two

by RJ Scott, w/a Rozenn Scott

Genre: contemporary romance

Publisher: All Romance eBooks

Date of Publication: 9/1/2016

ISBN: 978-1-943576-85-2

Word Count: 54000

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Blurb:

Falling in love can be easy if you want it badly enough.

Danny Hudson has finally found a place to stop. With his daughter Hope in his arms, and his place in the music group Hudson Hart gone, he has a future to plan and a family to raise. Staying at his friend Cody’s house is hard enough, but finding a home of his own is impossible. A place to stay over the coffee shop in town is a godsend, but it comes with one proviso—he must work the cost of the room off in redecorating and rebuilding.

Rachel has secrets that she doesn’t even want to admit to herself, let alone her close-knit family. Dating the wrong guys is one way to protect her heart, but meeting Danny could change all that.

Can Rachel ever get past the reasons why she thinks real love isn’t possible and realize that love is the only thing that actually matters?

ARe

*****

Excerpt:

For a few seconds he stood absolutely still, resting his head back on the wall, looking up at the squares in the ceiling. The door to the bathrooms opened and he immediately straightened, no way was he letting anyone catch him looking like he’d just got bad news. His eyebrows raised when he realized it was Rachel coming out from the ladies, her heels in one hand, an empty bottle of wine in the other, and she looked disheveled. He’d never seen her go in, so she’d probably been doing whatever girls did in bathrooms for such a long time, talking, or whatever. But no one else came out after her. And yeah, she looked wild-eyed and messed up. He couldn’t think of another word for it, her dress creased and rucked up on one side, her eyes bright, and a wide grin on her face.

“Hey sexy-Danny,” she slurred and gestured with the bottle which missed his arm by an inch. “You waitin’ for me?”

Danny pocketed his phone and relieved her of the bottle, placing it carefully on the floor before she beaned him with it. Then he took her arm when she wobbled dangerously.

“You’re drunk,” he announced.

She blinked up at him like this was a new thing to her, then giggled. Yep, full on giggled, before leaning on him and grasping his shirt in a fist. “I know.”

He held her so she wouldn’t fall, which necessitated one hand on her left arm, the other on her right hip. She was just the right size for the hold, fit into his arms just perfectly, despite the fact she was swaying. Then she moved, and ended up with her cheek on his chest, her heels dropping to the floor.

“Your chest,” she murmured against him.

“My chest what?” he asked, although he knew he wasn’t going to get an answer. He looked around in the vain hope someone was here to help her.

She pulled back, and he supported her again, and she looked up at him, her jade eyes swimming with tears. Then, in a messy uncoordinated movement, she went up on tiptoes and placed a wet kiss on his lips. Her aim was a little off, it was more half lip half face, but there was tongue, and Danny had never had such a sexy, unsexy, kiss before in his life. Didn’t matter that she was gorgeous and Danny really wouldn’t have minded a kiss. Nope, she was drunk, and needed her family, not some exhausted dad with brittle walls of protection.

He pressed her away gently, even as she chased for the kiss, and held her at arm’s length. She frowned at him.

“What’s wrong? Everyone wants to kiss me,” she announced.

This was clearly some kind of post trauma thing going on here. That confrontation with the guy in the garden had probably caused it. “I’ll get your mom.”

“No.”

“Megan?”

“Hell, no.”

“Kyle then.”

She yanked herself away, stumbling back and righting herself by leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the corridor. “Him? No,” she said.

She closed her eyes momentarily then opened them as she sighed. “Why don’t you want to kiss me?” she said.

“Because you’re drunk.”

Rachel pulled herself straight, and took the two steps to get back into his space, shoving him a little, and he was in the small alcove by the emergency door, his back to the glass.

“No. I’m. Not,” she said, very deliberately. Then she wrapped her hands around his neck. “I just need a kiss,” she murmured. “A nice one from a nice man.” The last she said really quietly and he had to strain to hear the words. And then he couldn’t think anymore. She pressed her lips to his, but not sloppy drunk and off target. No, this was calm, gentle, her tongue tasting the seam of his lips, and pressing for entrance. He could fight it, he could extricate himself if he wanted to, but his head spun with the bad news he’d gotten from Sam, and Rachel was as sexy to taste as she was to touch.

His lips parted and he deepened the kiss; he tasted wine and Rachel, and it was every bit as good as he’d imagined it would be. Call it the emotional intensity of that phone call or call it proximity, whatever it was, he was hard so damn fast. Hard and needy, and all he wanted was more of whatever Rachel was offering.

She pressed closer, his hand caught between them, he only had to move it a little, and he was caressing her belly. A little lower and she pushed at his hand so he cupped her mound, and she moved against him sinuously, a moan low in her throat.

And it was that moan that had him crashing back to reality. What the hell was he doing kissing a woman who was obviously drunk, and pressing against her like that?

Gently but firmly he disentangled himself and eased her away. She chased for the kiss, her eyes closed, but he couldn’t let this go on. She opened her eyes on a small sigh, and he could see the moment when reality crashed into her thoughts. Her eyes widened and she stepped back, a hand covering her mouth.

Then she slid her way down the wall, smoothly, until she was on the carpet. He crouched down in front of her.

“I’ll get some water.”

“No, don’t go, I don’t do this, not since college,” she said, so quietly he had to strain to hear.

“Getting drunk, you mean?” he asked.

“Yeah. It’s scared.”

It’s scared? “What’s scared.”

“Me.”

*****

Review:

I’m impressed that Rachel has been able to keep up appearances as long as she has. She loves her family and is very supportive of every one of them but when it comes to men, she seems to be the easy party girl … except she’s hiding something.

We know that there is more to Rachel than she’s letting on, but that gal is holding on to a whole lot of stuff. I’m thrilled that Scott has her getting professional help for it because it is definitely not something she’s able to work through on her own. However, I’m not sure that she’s quite ready to start a serious relationship. But if anyone can handle her issues it is Danny.

He may have made a few mistakes but he’s trying to get his life in order and he’s got an awfully cute reason to do it. Hope may only be a few months old but she’s adorable enough, and Danny loves her so completely, that she makes a big impact. Regardless of what he was like before, now he’s patient, kind and intuitive. All characteristics that he needs as a new single dad … but also what he needs to be able to handle Rachel.

But he needs her support too. He needs someone to believe in him and see him for the good guy he is. His ex is an absolute terror and she helped do a bit of a number on his life. He may not know where he’s going next, and just needs time to think and regroup, but he may have found a new place. And a new extended family to be there for him. He’s been under a lot of stress and he needs someplace that he can recover.

I love this story for finding Danny a home for him and Hope. For giving him a group of people who are there for him and who will help him figure out what he wants to do going forward. But there is so much more depth there with Rachel overcoming her history and addressing some long held, but not really addressed, issues. Her’s is not an easy story but it is one that she needs to confront in order to move on. And Danny is definitely a guy worth doing it for.

Scott is a new author for me, but based on these two stories she’s going to be one that I’m keeping my eye on. Complex characters, fun interactions interspersed with heart touching moments, and an interesting storyline had me turning the pages … and just like with the first book I was done before I knew it, looking for more 🙂

*****

Author Info:

RJ Scott is the bestselling author of over ninety romance novels and novellas. From cowboys to millionaires, SEALS to cops, her stories are passionate, sexy, and always come with a guaranteed happy ever after. RJ also writes as Rozenn Scott for her new line of strong men and women who find that it’s always worth overcoming obstacles to find a forever love.

RJ lives just outside of London, and has never met a bottle of wine she can’t defeat. For more information on other books by RJ/Rozenn, visit her website: http://www.RJScott.co.uk

http://twitter.com/RJScott_author

https://www.facebook.com/RJScottAuthor/

https://www.facebook.com/rozennscott/

*****

Giveaway:

3 Copies of A Shades of Naughty book

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1447/

*****

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Spotlight – Flight Risk

12 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Assignment: Romance Series, Barbara Valentin, Flight Risk

We’ve seen a couple of the books in this series already (with False Start and Key Change). And this one looks to be just as much fun as the others 🙂

*****

Flight Risk

An Assignment: Romance Novel, Book 4

by Barbara Valentin

Romantic Comedy / Chick Lit

Gemma Halliday Publishing / 233 pages

Blurb:

When Aubrey Thomas, a phobic travel writer, must choose between jumping to what she considers certain death from a skydiving static line or sinking even deeper into debt in the unemployment line, she scrambles to find someone—anyone!—who can help her overcome her debilitating fear of heights. Enter John Trelawney, a charming window washer who thinks nothing of dangling by a cable fifty stories up and claims he can cure her. Everything about John makes Aubrey nervous… including the way her heart kicks into overdrive whenever he’s around. But, at the end of her rope, she takes him up on his offer. Can he really help her get over her fear of heights? Or will Aubrey find herself free falling…possibly even in love with him?

Buy Links: Amazon B&N Smashwords Kobo iBooks

*****

Excerpt:

John smirked. “You’re not afraid of heights.”

Her defenses on high alert, Aubrey shot back, “Oh yes I am,” well aware that she sounded like a fifth grader picking a fight on the playground.

With a quick shake of his head and that same teasing smile, he murmured, “You’re just afraid of falling.”

The thought had never occurred to Aubrey, but it made perfect sense, especially after seeing her first husband fall headfirst to his death.

As if reading her mind, he added, “And I can totally help you get over that.”

Ah, here we go.

“Heh. Yeah. I’ll be you can.” She attempted to stand, but he sprang up first.

“Easy does it.” Taking her clammy hand in his, he pulled her to a standing position. “You sure you’re OK?”

When she nodded, he reached into his back pocket and produced a pen. Next, he uncurled her hand and started writing something on her open palm.

But the ink wouldn’t stick. Her skin was still too damp.

Which might explain what he did next.

Aubrey watched, mesmerized, as he held her open palm to his mouth and blew on it.

While part of her brain knew he was just trying to dry her skin, when he locked his eyes on hers, the rest of her was all in for him doing more of the same on the rest of her clammy self.

*****

Author Info:

Author of the bestselling Assignment: Romance series, Barbara was named “Indie Star of 2015” by Publishers Weekly when her first book, False Start, earned a coveted starred review. A member of Romance Writers of America, she looks forward to the day when her to-do list includes “Send Oprah a thank you note” and “Accept Godiva’s request to be a taste-tester.”

Website: http://www.barbaravalentin.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpinningInBurbs

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Valentin/e/B00OPWO5NM/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1469732686&sr=1-2-ent

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8551312.Barbara_Valentin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100161712753019104174/posts

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c7458f4386/

*****

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Book Review – The Darkest Link

09 Friday Sep 2016

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

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Book Review, Scarlett Cole, Second Circle Tattoos series, The Darkest Link

When a pin-up worthy tattoo artist meets a car mechanic on a Florida roadside, it feels like the start of a great one-night stand. But when feelings grow, and secrets are revealed, both of their lives will be at risk. The only question is from who? Find out in THE DARKEST LINK by RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole.

*****

The Darkest Link

Second Circle Tattoos #4

by Scarlett Cole

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Pub. Date: August 30, 2016

Blurb:

When her car breaks down off the side of a lonely highway far from her sunny Miami home, tattoo artist Lia never expected her very own white knight to ride up on the back of a barely street-legal motorcycle…and she never expected to fall for her dark savior. After a string of failed relationships and a bruised heart Lia is not looking for forever, and the hot mechanic, with his sexy scruff and shaggy hair, is simply impossible to resist. He’s the perfect candidate for a mind-blowingly-perfect, no-strings-attached one-night stand.

Reid left his life in Chicago far behind him and hasn’t been back, but he’s never been able to escape the guilt he feels about his own painful role in inviting a monster into his baby sister’s life. A monster who almost destroyed her. Being with Lia is an unexpected gift, one he doesn’t feel he deserves, and their one night together has him wanting more than he should. When he surprises her at her tattoo studio, Second Circle Tattoos, in Miami, he’s in for a shock—and a fist to the face—when his past and present collide.

With secrets coming to the surface, Reid and Lia are thrown into a world of betrayal and lies that threatens to pull them under, and the last link to his former life may be the darkest of them all.

Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks

Check out the other books in the Second Circle Tattoos series!

THE STRONGEST STEEL, Second Circle Tattoos #1

Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

THE FRACTURED HEART, Second Circle Tattoos #2

Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

THE PUREST HOOK, Second Circle Tattoos #3

Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

*****

Excerpt:

“What is this?” she asked, running her hand over the elongated hood.

“A 1958 Ford Thunderbird. It was a shell when I bought it. Was found in an unused barn with a bunch of other old classics.”

The wheels were black with white faces, and the soft top was a creamy white. Reflections from the chrome cast light onto the white walls.

“I love it,” she said, excited to sit inside.

“Hood up or down?” Kenny asked, slipping her cases into the trunk.

“Oh, most definitely down,” Lia said. Screw the victory rolls, she could always put her hair into a high ponytail and add the red ribbon she had in her purse if her scarf failed. She reached into her bag to find it and tied it around her head.

“I like this,” Kenny said, fingering the knot under her chin gently. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners made her feel all kinds of gooey inside. Perhaps it was a good thing they lived a long drive away from each other. His very presence made it difficult to remember why she was taking some time off from men. But a little harmless flirtation was adding to the adventure of a few days off work. There couldn’t be any harm in that.

Once inside the car, Kenny took her hotel details and plugged them into his phone. “There are few downsides to the classics, but lack of sat-nav has to be one,” he said, turning the radio on. “Ready?”

“I feel like Thelma and Louise about to drive over the edge of the cliff,” she said with a laugh.

“Close. That was a 1966 Ford Thunderbird, eight years younger than this baby. Does that make me J.D.?”

“That depends. Are you planning on driving me to a motel, having your wicked way with me on the dresser, then stealing my life savings?”

“I know a motel, don’t know if they have a dresser, but more than willing to do a drive-by to find out.”

Lia laughed. “I was joking.”

“I wasn’t. Say the word, Red.”

He revved the engine several times, the low growl sexy as all hell, and grinned as he roared out onto the street. Lia watched his hand as he shifted the stick. He caressed the gear stick. The more she stared, the more turned on she became until she had to cross her legs and look out of the window.

Damn him for getting her so hot and bothered. She spared a glance back toward him, just as he turned to face her. And he winked. Because he knew.

And that just turned her on even more.

*****

Review:

(If you are interested in the rest of the Second Circle Tattoos series, click on their titles above to see my reviews.)

When I read the first book in this series, I was so excited to see what Cole had in store for us with the next three books and I gotta say she didn’t disappoint. While it seems that things work out a little too conveniently with who these people are and what their meeting means, I’m happy to overlook it because I like how the story plays out 🙂 (I’m not going to give too much away just in case you don’t know who Reid is and why he’s important.)

Lia is fantastic – she’s fun, sassy and embraces her own style. For the most part she’s comfortable in her skin and likes all the things that makes her her. Reid is also comfortable in his skin (and what sexy skin it is), but he’s also got a huge heart and gives back to his community. Plus he’s willing to stop and help a damsel in distress …

I really appreciate that other than a propensity to fall in love (and a father that is seriously horrible), Lia doesn’t come into this with a lot of baggage. And Reid only carries a little guilt over what happened in Chicago. The story basically starts with these two meeting, getting to know each other, and then the real fun begins when Reid visits Lia at work 🙂

Like the other Second Circle Tattoos stories, there is danger involved and some intrigue over who is causing them trouble. It’s a very well played out mystery and I really like how Cole resolved everything.

I can’t wait to see what Cole has in store next. There’s lots of opportunities and it looks like it might be Dred’s guys next. And I’m super excited to see them again and find out more about their histories.

*****

Author Info:

Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.

When Scarlett isn’t writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.

Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.

Rep’d by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, and published by St. Martin’s Press.

She’d love to hear from you on twitter @itsscarlettcole

Connect with Scarlett: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

Two grand prize winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and the runner-up prize will be all four ebooks in the series.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29265/

*****

Tour Schedule:

8/29/16

Deborah Favorite Book Reviews, Spotlight and More’s blogs

WTF Are You Reading?

Penny Dreadful Book Reviews

It’s All About the Romance

The Book Disciple

Readers Retreats

U.S. – Brazil Book Review

We So Nerdy

Lipstick ‘N Lashes Chronicles

8/30/16

Fiona Reads and FoodSpots

Jeri’s Book Attic

Red Cheeks Reads

Lisa’s Loves(Books of Course)

8/31/16

RoloPoloBookBlog

Hike2Forty and beyond

KT Book Reviews

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Boyfriends

Em & M Books

Wonderful World of Books

9/1/16

Avid Reader Amy’s Reviews

Kimmie Sue’s Book Review

9/2/16

Reese’s Review

Read My Mind

Musings of the Modern Belle

9/5/16

Jen’s Reading Obsession

Mary Gramlich (The Reading Reviewer)

Ramblings From This Chick

Happily Ever Chapter

Naughty Moms’ Story Time

9/6/16

9/7/16

Nicole’s Book Musings

Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm

9/8/16

9/9/16

Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!

Read Between the Lines

Alpha Book Club

Readsalot

TBR Book Blog

Romantic Reads and Such

underneath the covers

Spotlight – Melody’s Key

07 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Today we have a new author whose book is getting some MAJOR love on Amazon and Goodreads. I love the idea of combining original music in the storytelling! Such a unique idea and from what people are saying Dallas Coryell does it well 🙂

*****

Melody’s Key

by Dallas Coryell

Release date: June 24th 2016

AsherRain Publications

Page count: 305

Stand-alone book

Blurb:

“His eyes settled on her…piercing green embers of flame that revealed the ferocity of his pain and passion, yet still shrouded him under veils of ever deepening mystery that made every ounce of her ache to unravel him.”

Tegan Lockwood’s dreams were dead, sacrificed on the noble altar of duty before they ever had a chance to live. Her entire existence was disappearing into the abyss of apathy as she labored her days away keeping her family’s struggling business alive. There would be no emotion, no color, no beauty in her life. That is, until a mysterious visitor begins to draw her out of the darkness of her past towards something that will challenge the boundaries of her world, and unlock the most deeply held secrets of her heart.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Melodys-Key-Dallas-Coryell-ebook/dp/B01HK4DVO0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30807954-melody-s-key

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DallasCoryell1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallascoryell

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DallasCoryell/posts

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DallasCoryell

*****

Excerpt:

“It’s just an expression, I assume you have those in America?” This time Tegan completely intended the playful sarcasm that dripped from the comment. She even ventured a slight grin to put him on the defensive a little, but Mason was quick with his reply.

“Yes, we have them. For example, don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Mason had smiled disarmingly when he said it, but the underlying message to her was clear. Considering what happened at the pub, perhaps she had been a tad hasty in her judgment of his character. Tegan bundled the tools she had been cleaning and attempted to pick them up all at once in order to move them into the shed, but before she could take two steps they began slipping from her hands. Just as she expected to see the entire bunch go crashing to the ground, Mason’s hands appeared and encircled hers, stabilizing the load. His hands were strong, but soft, and their sudden steadying warmth took her completely off guard.

She had been careful to avoid looking directly at him during their entire exchange so far, but her discipline wavered for one instant and she allowed herself to meet his gaze. She immediately regretted it. His eyes were two fiery emeralds that seemed to have already been waiting millennia for her to find them. The depth they held was something she had not expected; there was profound suffering there, but also something wild and passionate and unbridled…like the feeling she got while walking through the estate gardens after a summer storm.

Somehow his eyes burned through the walls of her meticulously constructed defenses as if they were flash paper. She felt as though he was somehow seeing her…the real her, instead of the protective façade she normally projected to people she didn’t know. In that instant of unexpected vulnerability Tegan was surprised to find she was capable of anything. She felt the boundaries and inhibitions that normally constrained her fading like a winter sunset.

A moment after Tegan felt the hurricane begin to stir within her, she smothered it for fear of being consumed. Where in the world is this coming from? She had only been looking at him for a moment, but it felt as though they had been staring at each other for hours. She abruptly pulled her hands free, which sent the tools clattering loudly into the dirt. In truth, she had forgotten they were suspended between their interlocked hands. Grateful for the distraction, she kneeled down and began gathering the fallen load, which he immediately assisted her with. Between them, they got all the tools to the shed in one trip. As the electricity of the moment faded, Tegan began feeling silly for even thinking such ridiculous things. I know nothing about him. She made a mental note not to look into his eyes again. There was a reason so many girls went crazy over him, and he probably knew exactly what he was doing with those eyes…and that crooked smile.

*****

Author Info:

Dallas Coryell is a musician and author residing deep in the untamed wilds of Michigan, USA, where he desperately attempts to assign meaning to his world through bouts of maniacal creative catharsis and pitifully doomed hopeless romantic fantasies. All of the songs written by the characters in this novel are real and can be viewed on the author’s fledgling YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/DallasCoryell1 Selfies and other assorted randomness can be found on the author’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dallascoryell