Spotlight – Dating in the Dark

19 Monday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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This book is getting some pretty darn good reviews on Goodreads!

*****

Dating in the Dark

The Dating Trilogy, Book One

by Alexandria Bishop

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release: March 19th

Blurb:

Speed dating. With a stranger. In the dark. As if dating isn’t hard enough already, why not add in a whole new challenge.

According to Tinley’s very pregnant sister, and best friend, binging on Netflix, wine, and cupcakes won’t lead to her happily ever after. What do they know?

Four courses. Four dates. Four very unwelcome, and unwanted courses. An appetizer, salad, dinner, and dessert. Every last one ends in disaster.

Except date number four. Dessert has always been Tinley’s favorite.

He’s a complete mystery, and she can’t seem to stop thinking about him. Whoever he is.

Falling in love wasn’t on her radar but that might be what’s happening between her and mystery date number four.

Amazon US http://bit.ly/DatingintheDarkUS

Amazon UK http://bit.ly/DatingintheDarkUK

Amazon AU http://bit.ly/DatingintheDarkAU

Amazon CA http://bit.ly/DatingintheDarkCA

iBooks http://bit.ly/DatingintheDark

Kobo: http://bit.ly/DatingintheDarkKB

B&N: http://bit.ly/DatingintheDarkBN

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/DatingDarkGR

*****

Preorder the other books in the DATING TRILOGY

Sinking in the Shadows

Releasing April 20th

iBooks: http://bit.ly/SinkingintheShadows

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SitSAB-GR

Loving in the Light

Releasing July 16th

iBooks: http://bit.ly/LovingintheLight

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LitLAB-GR

*****

Excerpt:

Tinley’s ears perk up at the sound of his voice; it’s super low and incredibly sexy. She feels along the table for her glass of wine and takes a large gulp of liquid courage before responding. “That’s okay, I’ve always been a fan of rule-breakers. Some rules were just meant to be broken. For now, I’ll just call you Mystery Date Number Four.”

A husky chuckle floats across the table, and she can’t help but be instantly attracted. She can’t see his face, but with a voice like that, it doesn’t even matter what he looks like. “Is that because I’m your fourth date or are you ranking us? What’s my competition look like?”

All thoughts of being ladylike go out the window as Tinley lets out a full-blown belly laugh. If this guy only knew. “If by ranking, you mean which date was the worst, it’s hard to tell at this point.”

“Is that so? I had some pretty bad ones myself.”

She laughs internally at the disastrous dates she’s had so far. There’s no way he can compete. “I don’t know, my dates were pretty awful. I don’t think you can top them.”

“You want to bet?”

“Oh, we’re making bets now? I guess our relationship just cranked up a notch. Instead of it just being a blind date, we’re now at the blind acquaintance level.”

She’s not sure where this level of confidence came from, but she’s liking how easily the conversation is flowing with this guy. It’s completely effortless and she’s just comfortable. It’s never been this way with anyone before.

“Is that a thing?”

“It is now.” She finds herself nodding along as she answers until she remembers he can’t actually see her.

*****

Author Info:

Born on a small southeastern island in Alaska and raised in southern Oregon, Alexandria Bishop is a PNW girl at heart. By day, she goes to battle with a tiny dictator aka her toddler and by night, she can be found typing ALL the words of her contemporary romance novels accompanied by a glass of wine or two 😉

When she’s not in mommy or author mode, she can be found drinking copious amounts of cold brew coffee, bingeing her latest obsession on Netflix, or attending concerts of her favorite pop-punk bands.

She loves hearing from her readers and you can find her on social media here:

Website: http://bit.ly/AB-web

Twitter: http://bit.ly/ABishop-Twitter

Facebook: http://bit.ly/ABishop-FB

Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/BishopBossBabes

Instagram: http://bit.ly/ABishop-IG

Author Goodreads: http://bit.ly/AlexandriaBishopGR

Book Bub: http://bit.ly/ABishop-BB

*****

Giveaway:

Signed Paperback Copy of Dating in the Dark

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a8323af844/

*****

Spotlight – Pretty as a Peach

16 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Juliette Poe, Pretty as a Peach, Sex & Sweet Tea series

I didn’t realize that Sawyer Bennett had a pseudonym, but I’m glad to find out – more fun books to read 🙂

*****

Pretty as a Peach

Sex & Sweet Tea #4

by Juliette Poe

Release Date: March 15, 2018

Blurb:

Mainer Farms is steeped in family history, but it’s also deep in debt from the effects of the ever-changing farming industry. Not about to let his family’s legacy go under, Colt Mancinkus is willing to do anything he can to save the farm.

Darby Culhane is the new farmer in Whynot, North Carolina, and she’s proving to be quite the forbidden temptation for Colt. Darby isn’t looking for anything but a fresh start, and she’s got it all figured out. Get settled in? Check. Apply for the rural county grant? Check. Confrontation with the steaming mad, smoking hot local farmer? Well, that wasn’t on the agenda.

As pretty as she is sweet, Colt can’t help but be drawn to Darby’s…peaches. No really, she’s a peach farmer. Get that mind out of the gutter, and get on down to the farm to see what happens when circumstances force Colt and Darby to team up. They may just find that the peach trees aren’t the only things in bloom.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35172958-pretty-as-a-peach

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2D4qU22

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

iBooks: http://apple.co/2q2qzuu

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2q2xZ0J

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2qT6dRy

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

** All books in the Sex & Sweet Tea series can be read as standalones, but if you’d like to start at the beginning, Ain’t He Precious? (Sex & Sweet Tea, Book #1) is #FREE for a limited time! **

Download Ain’t He Precious? (Sex & Sweet Tea, Book #1) FREE:

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

B&N: http://bit.ly/2lRoBt2

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

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2mblnl2

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ln51S3

*****

Author Info:

Juliette Poe is the sweet and swoony alter ego of New York Times Best Selling author, Sawyer Bennett.

A fun-loving southern girl, Juliette knows the allure of sweet tea, small towns, and long summer nights, that some of the best dates end sitting on the front porch swing, and that family is top priority. She brings love in the south to life in her debut series, Sex & Sweet Tea.

When Juliette isn’t delivering the sweetest kind of romance, she’s teaching her southern belle daughter the fine art of fishing, the importance of wearing Chucks, and the endless possibilities of a vivid imagination.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBooks

Tsu: http://www.tsu.co/bennettbooks

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennett123/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Sawyer_Bennett

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliette_poe

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16495848.Juliette_Poe

*****

Book Review – Not Quite Crazy

15 Thursday Mar 2018

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

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Not Quite Crazy, Not Quite series

While this isn’t my first of her books (LOVE the Weekday Brides and Most Likely To series), it is my first in the Not Quite series. And I couldn’t tell you why! I love everything I’ve read by her and Not Quite Crazy is no different 🙂

*****

Not Quite Crazy

Not Quite series

by Catherine Bybee

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Blurb:

No one drives in New York City. Everyone knows that, including California transplant Rachel Price. But that doesn’t stop her from driving into the city. From Connecticut. Every single morning. Rain or shine…or snow.

When she runs the charismatic and good-looking Jason Fairchild off the road, their immediate spark is met with bad timing. There is also one tiny little detail: Jason is her boss. And a woman as intelligent and dedicated to her career as Rachel knows not to date her boss.

As CEO of a private jet company, Jason Fairchild is more used to flying than driving. But if he hadn’t chosen to drive home one night, he wouldn’t have met the slowest—and most irresistible—driver in the entire metro area. Jason has never had time for love. Or dating. Or really anything that doesn’t involve work. But when he finds out that Rachel is the newest superstar in his marketing department, he can’t help wondering if fate has other plans…

*****

Message From the Author

In Not Quite Crazy, California transplant, Rachel Price, doesn’t understand the ramifications of driving into Manhattan from Connecticut every day; in every type of weather…especially snow. When she runs the charming Jason Fairchild off the road, sparks fly. Too bad Jason is her new boss and dating him is out of the question. Everyone knows it’s occupational suicide to date your boss.

Determined to keep her distance romantically, the two dive into a friendship. It isn’t long before those sparks ignite and neither one of them can deny their attraction. Throw in a teenage ward that Rachel has taken on after the death of her best friend, and biological grandparents that seek custody; and this heart warming love story is bound to whisk you away.

While I was writing Not Quite Crazy I took an impromptu trip to Manhattan last March. I purposely chose a winter month where I might be able to absorb what it felt like to be in the city when snow covered the ground. That might sound silly for those of you who live in the city, but for me, a woman who has lived in Southern California since she was eighteen years old, I had no idea just how snow impacts day to day life.

On the drive in from the airport, I was immediately struck by the bikes chained to posts and buried by snow. I observed a man digging his car out and effectively covering his neighbor’s car in the process. The plows did a great job of clearing the path for those cars actually moving, but did an equally fantastic job of making sure some vehicles couldn’t move for days. Trash piled up on the sidewalks would have to wait to be picked up until the thaw. It was astonishing to see. But the best experience for me, and one that made it into the pages of Not Quite Crazy, came when I took my first ride on the subway. You see, I was on my way uptown, from downtown to meet with my agent. Keep in mind, Manhattan is only five miles long. But it was St. Patrick’s Day and I completely forgot about the parade. I ordered an Uber, as one does, and sat bumper to bumper for nearly two hours. After arriving extremely late to my lunch, my wise and savvy agent gave me the instructions I needed to ride the subway back to my downtown hotel. I’m a grown woman, riding a subway shouldn’t intimidate me… but if I were honest, it did. So, with my purse strapped to my shoulder and zipped on the inside of my jacket, and my eyes wide open, I crowded into the underground train along with just about everyone else in the city. Street performers jumped onto the car and started singing for change. Tourists chatted enthusiastically while locals looked bored with the whole process.

Rachel, my heroine in Not Quite Crazy is an extension of everyone I know that has lived in California. Here on the west coast we all have cars. We’re in them all the time. Public transportation is a joke when the distance between downtown LA and Orange County is so far away. The concept of always relying on public transportation to get to work every single day isn’t something most Southern Californian’s do. So when Rachel showed up on the page, I made sure she personified my own stubbornness about independently driving to and from wherever she needed to go. Even if it takes her two hours more than it should.

I hope you all enjoy this final chapter in the Not Quite Series and find room on your keeper shelf for Not Quite Crazy.

Cheers,

Catherine

*****

Excerpt:

Rachel found the stack of mail on the dining room table. She fingered through a few bills and tossed the junk to the side to add to the recycle bin. The box Owen had spoken of didn’t have a mailing label. In fact, all that was written on the plain brown box was her name, her first name.

She peeled away the tape, not knowing what to expect. Once she folded the lid back, she saw a handwritten envelope on top of a white canvas bag. It took a little effort to lift the noisy bag from the box—the sound of metal hitting metal struck her as odd.

Chains.

Chains for the tires on her car.

“Who…?”

She opened the note and a second paper fell out.

Rachel

Thank you for braving this stranger in a storm and keeping me from frostbite.
Welcome to Connecticut.

Jason

Below his name was a phone number

Something inside her stomach flipped, the buzz a teenage girl feels when she notices a popular boy watching her from the other side of the classroom. Or maybe she was reading into it. Maybe this was just a thank-you, a friendly gesture from a grateful, stranded traveler.

Her cheeks warmed.

Assuming he gave her a mobile number, Rachel decided to send a text.

Hello Jason. I received your gift. They were incredibly thoughtful. Thank you.

She read her note over, twice, then pressed “Send.” Off it went, in wherever notes went as they traveled faster than Superman in cyberspace.

The phone in her hand buzzed, reminding her she was holding it.

Is this Rachel?

She grinned.

Do you leave gifts on everyone’s doorstep in town?

Dot. Dot. Dot. It is nearly Christmas.

Was he flirting? It had been some time since she’d sent a text to anyone outside of the friend zone, so she couldn’t tell.

So you double as Connecticut’s Santa Claus?

Shhh. Don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret.

Well, he wasn’t not flirting.

I’ll keep my mouth closed on one condition.

Oh? What’s that?

I want to meet Vixen. She’s always been my favorite.

I thought Vixen was a he.

She giggled.

A boy named Vixen. That’s just cruel.

Good point. I’ll see what I can do. The team is on a strict curfew until after the
holiday.

Rachel found a rolling eye emoji.

*****

Review:

As she’s shown time and again, Bybee is a wonder at creating characters you connect with. Rachel is kind, responsible, and strong. She struggles when she finds out that the hottie she helped is her boss, but Jason proves pretty hard to resist. Because, for being a billionaire CEO, Jason is down-to-earth, caring, and dependable … he’s also pretty set on getting what he wants. (I’m pretty sure their courtship is one of the sweetest things I’ve read in a long time!)

I also fell for their assorted friends & family. They are all friendly, kind, and willing to pitch in to do what needs to be done. While there is drama, some that you see coming and some that is unexpected (but none of it causing strife in the actual romance which I appreciate), it’s never over the top. Instead the struggle just helps to deepen their assorted connections and intensify an already emotional story.

As much about friends and family as it is a love story, Not Quite Crazy continues Bybee’s streak of delivering must-read stories full of love in a multitude of forms.

*****

Author Info:

When Catherine Bybee fell in love with the first romance novel she ever read, she promised herself she would one day become a published author. Now she’s written twenty-seven books that have collectively sold more than four million copies and have been translated into more than eighteen languages. Along with her popular Not Quite series, she has also penned the Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series.

Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. Catherine now writes full-time. Fans can learn more at www.CatherineBybee.com.

Website: http://www.catherinebybee.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinebybee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2905789.Catherine_Bybee

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f177

Spotlight – Kiss My Luck

15 Thursday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Aleisha Maree, Autumn Ruby, Ember-Raine Winters, Faith Ryan, Jeremy Simons, Jessica Bane, Kathia Iblis, Kiss My Luck, Lorah Jaiyn, Rosie Chapel, Shannon Nemecheck, Sondra Hicks, St. Patrick's Day Anthology, Tiffany Carby, Veronique Poirer

The idea behind Kiss My Luck: A St. Patrick’s Day Anthology was to benefit a charity that would help Missing & Exploited Children. More than a dozen authors came together with their words of luck and love to give you a collection of stories that would not disappoint.

*****

Kiss My Luck

A St. Patrick’s Day Anthology

Multi-Author: Ember-Raine Winters, Tiffany Carby, Aleisha Maree, Shannon Nemecheck, Faith Ryan, Jessica Bane, Lorah Jaiyn, Autumn Ruby, Kathia Iblis, Sondra Hicks, Jeremy Simons, Veronique Poirer, Rosie Chapel

Release Date: March 15, 2018

#charity, #MissingAndExploitedChildren, #St.PatricksDay

Blurb:

Some people are born under a lucky star while others are crushed by it. This St. Patrick’s Day join 13 authors from various genres as they bring to life stories from both sides of the coin. From cheating boyfriends and magical kisses underwater ti vengeful leprechauns’ intent on reclaiming their gold, every story has a bit of luck to it. Heads or tails, good or bad. What’s Your Luck?

Amazon: http://getbook.at/KissMyLuck

iBooks: http://bit.ly/KMLAnthology

Kobo: http://bit.ly/KMLKobo

*****

Character Interview from Gettin’ Lucky in Kentucky by Tiffany Carby

Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself!

Tell us who you are and what you do!

Hi! My name is Beatrix Schuler and my friends call me Trixie!

What do you do for a living?

I own the tavern in Spring City called “Irish Ayes”

How old are you?

Isn’t it rude to ask a lady her age?

Tell us about your story. What is it about and what role do you play?

Well, I’m the star, of course! I’ve gotten myself into a little money trouble, or rather a little money trouble has found me. And, let’s just say I have one heck of a bad luck day…

Can you tell us about one of your most distinguishable features?

Legs for days…

Do you have any birthmarks or tattoos?

I do not have any birthmarks, and no tattoos, yet.

What would I love the most about you?

I’m very friendly and easy to talk to. My tavern customers just love me.

What would I hate the most about you?

I’m a bit materialistic, dear. I’ll just go ahead and admit that.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A nice quiet picnic with the ravishing Deakon Cavanaugh… sigh.

What’s the best part about being in love?

Being loved in return!

What is your greatest fear?

Can I say homelessness?

Hot weather or cold?

Kentucky weather is just fine for this girl. We have all seasons and I love them all.

Dogs or cats?

Well, seeing as how a dang cat finds its way into my story, I’ll go with the felines.

Who was your first love?

Too many years ago to remember… I thought at one time I loved my latest ex-boyfriend, but you’ll see how that turned out. My last love, however, is mighty fine.

How do you take your eggs in the morning?

I generally leave them in the refrigerator, and stick with my fancy tea from The Wishing Well—Spring City’s coffee shop.

Someone is secretly in love with you. Who is it and how do you feel about that?

It better be Deakon, or we have a whole other mess on our hands…

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always aspired to be doing what I’m doing, just making less mistakes.

If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?

Deakon.

What is the one food you can’t live without?

My fancy teas.

If they turned the book into a movie, who would be cast to play you?

My friends always say I resemble Sandra Bullock.

*****

Author Info:

Ember-Raine Winters: www.facebook.com/authoremberrainewinters/

Faith Ryan: https://www.facebook.com/authorfaithryan

Aleisha Maree: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAleishaMaree/

Autumn Ruby: https://m.facebook.com/autumn.ruby

Kathia Iblis: https://www.facebook.com/kathia.iblis

Rosie Chapel: https://www.facebook.com/RosieChapelTheAuthor/

Jessica Bane: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicabane

Lorah Jaiyn: https://www.facebook.com/lorahjaiyn

Sondra Hicks: https://facebook.com/sondradhicks

Jeremy Simons: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeremy.simons

Jade Royal: https://www.facebook.com/jaderoyalauthor

Veronique Poirier: https://www.facebook.com/VeroniqueAuthor

Tiffany Carby: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanycarbyauthor

Shannon Nemechek: https://www.facebook.com/srnemechek

*****

Book Review – No Going Back

14 Wednesday Mar 2018

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

AJ Renee, Book Review, No Going Back, St. Fleur series

This book was so enjoyable. Not having any experience with Renee’s style, I was pleasantly surprised by how natural and easy a read it was.

*****

No Going Back

St. Fleur #4 / Standalone

by AJ Renee

Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Rocco St. Martin stuns the people of St. Fleur when he shows up at Whiskey’s Pub with a black eye. The whispers only become worse when he’s spotted in handcuffs, exiting Deputy Sheriff JJ’s cruiser.

JJ is left with more questions than answers after Rocco refuses to say what happened. Since the stubborn man won’t take her help, she has to resort to keeping a closer eye on him.

When the details of his injuries come to light, will Rocco finally accept her help? Or will he be yet another man who doesn’t understand what it takes to be with a cop?

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/NoGoingBackTBR

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fz0zi5

Nook: http://smarturl.it/NGBBN

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/ngbitunes

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/NGBKobo

— ST. FLEUR SERIES —

For the first time, you can get the first three installments in one BOXSET!

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

Nook: http://smarturl.it/STFBoxsetBN

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/STFBoxsetApple

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/STFboxsetKOBO

*****

Excerpt:

“You’re staring,” she told him.

Rocco shrugged. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” She tilted her head. “What’s going on?”

“Why does anything have to be going on?” he asked, curious to see if she’d admonish him. When a smile tipped the corner of her mouth, Rocco smirked.

JJ lifted her glass and drank. Rocco watched the column of her neck as she swallowed and imagined kissing his way down all that fair skin. He shifted in his seat, placing his ankle on his knee to see if that would ease the pressure forming in his pants.

“Well, for one, you’ve never sat with me for a meal,” JJ said as she put the glass on the table.

Rocco nodded. “True, and you’ve never felt the need to drive by the garage ten times a day.”

A blush covered her cheeks and swept down her neck. The color only highlighted her beauty and made his mind consider other ways he could make her turn that red. He was a rat bastard. He shouldn’t have embarrassed her like that. “I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “Don’t be. It’s true. I’ve been worried about you.” The words came out whisper soft and he almost missed them.

The waitress returned with his food, and he sat forward. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why are you worried about me?” Her concern touched him, and he had to stop himself from rubbing his chest. Rocco was the oldest child. He wasn’t accustomed to others worrying about him—ever.

JJ placed her fork down. “Rocco, there’s obviously something going on with you. If you need—”

“Ah,” he said, pushing down his disappointment. “That’s all this is about.”

They stared at each other a moment before she said, “Ye—no… no, it’s not.”

Rocco raised an eyebrow. “No?”

Before JJ could say anything, her phone on the table rang. She looked from the caller to Rocco and sighed. “Sorry,” she said before answering the call. “Jolie. —Hey, what’s going on? —Oh, okay. Sure, I can be there.” Her eyes darted toward Rocco and away.

Rocco took another bite of his burger and listened as the conversation went on for another minute.

“Sorry about that,” she told him after ending the call.

“Everything okay?”

JJ raised an eyebrow. “Why, Rocco, I might think you’re worried about me.”

“Would that be so bad?”

The teasing expression on her face softened. “No. That could be nice.”

“Oh yeah?” he asked, unable to stop his chest from puffing out some.

JJ laughed, and the sound was feminine and sexy. “Yeah.” She pushed her plate away and dropped some money on the table. “Well, I need to go.” JJ slid out from the booth. “That was my sister, and she needs me to come over.”

“Have dinner with me?” Rocco blurted.

“Yes,” she said at the same time he said, “I mean…”

“Yes?” Rocco asked.

“I’d love to have dinner with you.” JJ winked.

His cheeks pulled back tightly. “Great, how does Friday sound?”

JJ laughed. “Today is Friday.”

*****

Review:

This is my first book by Renee and I was pleasantly surprised. The story is one of those that is wonderfully realistic and pretty much drama free. I’m not sure how much Rocco or JJ were featured in earlier books but in No Going Back we are there when they realize that their interest is mutual and flirtation turns to something more. It’s a slow easing – a natural progression of a healthy relationship, with respect and deepening emotions. It was a pretty relaxing read, actually, because it was mostly free of conflict. At least between the two main characters. There are some issues with secondary characters that have an impact because of their relationship to the mains, but it’s handled well and with care.

With beautifully crafted characters and a lifelike storyline (with limited turmoil – bonus!), Renee gives her readers a story they can sink into. The leads quickly become like friends and you happily go along for the ride as they fall in love.

*****

Author Info:

AJ Renee is the author behind the St. Fleur series, Beauty Unmasked, Winter’s Surprise, Surviving Paris, and Finding Love at the Falls…. She’s a military wife and mother to three young girls. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Masters of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology while working at the library.

She loves to write steamy romance with suspense and a happily ever after. When she isn’t writing or interacting with her readers, you can find her spending time with her family or reading. AJ enjoys traveling, researching family history, and all things New Orleans.

AUTHOR NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2bdqx9f

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajreneeauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ajreneeauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajreneeauthor

Website: www.ajrenee.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ntY5aW

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2hxp3dY

St. Fleur Belles Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2bmtFmI

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aj-renee

Book+Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/users/20529

*****

Wednesday, March 14th
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Thursday, March 15th
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Book Review – Valentine Charms

13 Tuesday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Anne McAllister, Book Review, Valentine Charms

Valentine Charms

by Anne McAllister

Twenty-three second graders were on a mission!

Her students were convinced Jane Kitto needed a man in her life. A ‘real man’ – not the Secret Admirer who had, every Valentine’s Day for years, sent her a tiny charm. Jane appreciated their enthusiasm, but not their choice. Football star Zack Stoner was the last man on earth she’d fall for. Handsome as sin, tough as nails, and more appealing than she wanted to admit, Zack made Jane want things she never imagined wanting–with him.

Zack Stoner had never forgotten Jane. When they were younger, he’d been confused, unnerved and fascinated by the sweet and generous Jane. It wasn’t all that different now, except he was a man, and knew he wanted her. But would Jane take a chance with someone like him?

Twenty-three cupids said yes.

This is an extended version of a previous story and I’ll admit there are parts that I really liked but parts that left me with questions. (Since I didn’t read the first version I’m not sure what is new and what isn’t.) I’m gonna give it a 3.5 out of 5, although it leans a bit towards 4 and with a little more work could move into being a 5 star contender.

Seeing Zack grow up, develop from the tough kid with a chip on his shoulder to a hard-working adult, is very satisfying. Unfortunately, and understandably, he still carries some of that baggage with him today. He finds it hard to develop deep relationships with women and struggles a little at first to believe the nuns that knew him back when might feel affection towards him. It’s heartbreaking to know he struggled so as a child but uplifting to see him overcome it. And one of the catalysts was some chance meetings with by-the-book good girl Jane. Some simple kindness and understanding shown to a boy who desperately needed it started him on a path where he could expect something of himself. And now he’s got a chance to meet that girl again, all grown up.

Jane struggles a bit with thinking that Zack might see her as anything more than a distraction. He scared her as a child but there were times when she glimpsed the struggling boy underneath. Now an adult, Zack is all sorts of sexy, charming, and scary for different reasons. She knows he could easily break her heart … but he’s pretty hard to resist. Especially when she sees that unsure boy inside the man.

My only problem is with the reveal of who has been giving Jane her charms all of these years. There are times when a character’s thoughts and actions contradict the information we get from the big reveal when it finally happens. Plus I’m not sure how her admirer knew exactly what to give her and when. I love the reasoning behind the gifts but other than being sweet and trying to prove that her admirer truly understood her in a way others didn’t, it kinda didn’t work for me with the rest of the story. I think that if that part was cleaned up just a little (mostly eliminating some of the conflicting messages) Valentine Charms could be a contender for a 5 star review. It’s super sweet and brings a wonderful HEA resolution, but it needs just a little tightening up to be awesome.

Book Review – Black and Blue

12 Monday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Black and Blue, Black Star Security series, Book Review, Cynthia Rayne

Danger, heat, and feels – Rayne kicks off this series with a bang!

*****

Black and Blue

Black Star Security Series

by Cynthia Rayne

Genre: Romance

Release: March 12, 2018

Blurb:

Life can leave you bruised

Former Navy SEAL, Jackson West, is trying to start over in the Bluegrass State. West had to choose between serving his country and being the parent his young daughter deserves. He’s formed Black Star Security with his military buddies, and they’re gonna kick a little @ss. For a price.

Sometimes you need a second chance

Deputy U.S. Marshal Annie Foster accidentally got her partner killed during a routine prisoner transport. Now three dangerous felons are roaming the Kentucky countryside, and it’s all her fault. Black Star Security is hunting the fugitives, and Annie’s assisting them, even though she’s devastated by the mistake she made. But she didn’t count on West, a big, bad alpha male who’s an intoxicating mixture of ruthless and tender.

Will they capture the escaped convicts? And will West and Annie take a chance on each other?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37932686-black-and-blue

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2DezURn

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2Gd72w0

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2p2Ldac

*****

Review:

Annie is dealing with a lot of guilt over how her last assignment ended. She’s put her life on hold and is doing anything she can to bring the fugitives to justice. It’s made her hyper-focused, stubborn, and a bit angry. When she crosses paths with West, he gives her the opportunity she needs to see things through … and maybe find something more.

West has dealt a lot of guilt of his own and recognizes a lot of himself in Annie. He also finds himself admiring her determination and spunk. Time spent together chasing down leads gives their attraction time to build, quickly becoming something they can’t ignore. And as the danger ramps up so do their feelings.

As the first book in a new series, Black and Blue had to spend some time setting up all of the characters and how they relate to one another in Black Star Security. I enjoyed all of them and they way they relate to one another. There’s also some hints to at least a couple upcoming stories which is fun to consider. Unfortunately, though, it also means that there is some time spent away from the main couple that lends their story to being a little short-changed in a couple of spots. It’s common enough in first stories but I think Rayne minimizes it as much as she can.

I enjoyed how West tries to help Annie recognize her feelings and deal with them. It’s a nice bonding moment between the two and helps both of them come to come to terms with their past. The danger element is also very well done. I found myself curious about how they would track down the bad guys and the last half definitely has some great edge of your seat moments.

A story with characters I want to see more of and an adventure that kept me engaged, Black and Blue is a satisfying introduction to a new author for me and I’m looking forward to seeing what Rayne brings us next.

*****

Author Info:

Cynthia Rayne is the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Black Star Security Series, the Lone Star Mobster Series and the Four Horsemen MC Series. While Cynthia was born and raised a damn Yankee in Ohio, her parents hail from Dixie, and she grew up on homemade buttermilk biscuits and southern wisdom. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading way too many romance novels, and drinking a truly obscene amount of coffee.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayneCynthia/

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

Dixie Darlings Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/122768298075763/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cKmtIr

Website: www.cynthiarayne.com

*****

Giveaway:

Paperback copy – Black and Blue, $5.00 Starbucks Gift Card, Necklace

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/81aa78941724

*****

Spotlight – Helping Her Remember

09 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Crawford Falls series, Helping Her Remember, Kate Carley

We’re ending the week with a story for those who love second chance romances.

*****

Helping Her Remember

The Crawford Falls Series

by Kate Carley

Release Date: February 26, 2018

Publisher: Self-published

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 265

Blurb:

Kelly’s back.

How can two simple words make Dylan Bronstad’s heart ache and sing at the same time?

Even seven years ago, Kelly Anne Leeson had possessed that power. Back then, all Dylan wanted to do was drink and make love to her. Really, it was no wonder she’d climbed out of his bed and walked out of his life, leaving him with nothing but a nasty hangover and the lonely memories of their time together.

Today, Dylan’s life is on track. He’s sober with the support of his family and his tight-knit group of friends. But Kelly could derail all he’s worked to accomplish. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Lured by the offer of her dream job, Kelly returns home to Crawford Falls and the friends she’d abandoned a lifetime ago. Mending those broken relationships will require some honest answers and a fair amount of forgiveness.

But facing Dylan will take a lot more—like maybe a suit of armor to protect her battle-weary heart and the secret she fears she’ll never be able to keep.

While Kelly searches for a way to maintain the safe life she’s created for her son, Dylan works to remind her of the relationship they once had.

Just as they rekindle their relationship, secrets and half-truths threaten to destroy everything.

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

*****

Excerpt:

“Isn’t that your turn?” she asked, huffing embarrassingly loud when they passed the county road and made their way up a fairly steep incline.

“I’m running you home.”

“Don’t need to. I’m a big girl, you know?” Kelly could feel his lazy perusal from her head down to her toes and back again. She was sweaty and gross, and he was checking her out. Unbelievable.

“Mmm. Yes, I know,” he said.

They ran in silence the rest of the way, because it was just too damn hard for her to talk. And he knew it. When they reached the top of the hill and turned onto her street, he said, “Let’s cool down.” They slowed their pace to a casual walk. “I never get to run with anyone. That was nice.”

“But you cut your run short for me. And it’s obvious, you’re in far better shape than I am, given that you can actually talk and run at the same time.”

Dylan just laughed at her comment, clasping his hand with hers, lacing their fingers together. “Go out with me, Kelly Anne. I’ve missed you, and I really want to get to know you again.”

The feel of his hand in hers and that sweet invitation sent a familiar surge of excitement through her. Kelly’s heart squeezed and her stomach did that little flip-flop rollercoaster thing again. As always, her body seemed to respond so naturally to Dylan’s attention. Or perhaps foolishly was a more appropriate definition of her response. While he apparently had warm memories of their time together, to her their relationship had been like watching an incredible firework display—spectacular, bright, loud—and then she’d been plunged into a dark, silent night all alone.

Kelly came to a stop near the side of her mom’s house and turned to face him, sucking in a deep breath and trying to ignore the nice hum of arousal playing through her body. “Jesse’s your best friend, right?” She didn’t wait, because she knew the answer. “Do you hold his hand like this when the two of you are together?” Classic Dylan reaction. He burst into laughter and then released her hand to give her a brief hug. When he stepped back, he wore that expression that generally got him exactly what he wanted. Kelly sighed and shook her head. “No, Dylan. I’m not interested in dating.”

Dylan moved in closer, tilting her chin up with one finger so she’d be forced to meet his eyes. Why did he insist on touching her like that? It did crazy things to her brain, not to mention the fact that it all but melted her resolve. “You’re kidding me. Come on, Kelly Anne. We were great together. Why not try it again?”

Because I know my heart will never survive.

*****

Author Info:

How Kate Carley went from majoring in mathematics and computer science in college to writing steamy contemporary romance still remains a mystery. She broke out into the indie publishing scene in 2015 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Two more books completed her romantic suspense trilogy, Changing Krysset. With three published works under her belt, Kate is excited to launch her new contemporary romance series. Just like her first novels, the Crawford Falls series is set in a small town in Kate’s home state of Minnesota. When Kate isn’t busy at her desk writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new characters and plotting perfect ways to make their lives miserable before giving them their happily ever after.

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card +
Three Runner-ups will win a HELPING HER REMEMBER eBook!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29482/

*****

Book Review – Survive the Night

08 Thursday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Uncategorized

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Book Review, Katie Ruggle, Rocky Mountain K9 Unit series, Survive the Night

Survive the Night

Rocky Mountain K9 Unit, #3

by Katie Ruggle

He’s always been a haven:

For the lost. The sick. The injured.

But when a hunted woman takes shelter in his arms, this gentle giant swears he’ll do more than heal her battered spirit—he’ll defend her with his life.

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path—but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth…but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

It’s time to take a stand.

Sarah lived an absolutely horrifying life before a slightly shady acquaintance helps her flee. Said contact, who also helped both Jules & Grace (from the first two books), gets her hidden … unfortunately her brother has a big reach and she doesn’t stay hidden for long. At that point the shenanigans begin. And what action-packed shenanigans they are! Luckily for Sarah she has Otto, along with Theo & Hugh, on her side. And there’s not much that those guys can’t handle.

Some of Otto’s development and back-story might have been rushed a little bit, what with all the bad guys trying to get them. But we do get a little glimpse of what made him such a gentle giant, with a big heart and a huge protective streak. And it takes him all of about half a second to decide he wanted to give all his love and protection to Sarah. He’ll take on just about anything to keep her safe and in his arms. And he might have to.

I will admit that I was a little sad that the romance wasn’t as detailed as the action portion of this one. It seemed to me that Ruggle balanced them a little bit better in the first two books … but man did she deliver an edge of your seat thrill ride with Otto & Sarah’s story. I found myself glued to the pages and wanting to read just a little bit more, no matter how late it got. That last third just about gave me an ulcer from all of the stress! If you are looking for an exciting read, this one definitely cranks things up.

(While technically this one can stand on its own it does tie in to the first two stories. Both Jules and Grace’s pasts come back into play and is tied in, well & logically, with Sarah’s.)

Book Review – Undone By You

07 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

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Book Review, Chicago Rebels series, Kate Meader, Undone By You

I am just loving this series and fall more in love with every new book.

*****

Undone By You

The Chicago Rebels Series

by Kate Meader

On sale March 5, 2018

ISBN: 9781501182907

Pocket Star

eBook

Blurb:

Dante Moretti has just landed his dream job: GM of the Chicago Rebels. And screw the haters who think there should be an asterisk next to his name because he’s the first out managing executive in pro hockey. He’s earned the right to be here and nothing will topple him off that perch—especially not an incredibly inconvenient attraction to his star defenseman, Cade “Alamo” Burnett. Cade has always been careful to keep his own desires on the down low, but his hot Italian boss proves to be a temptation he can’t resist. Sure, they both have so much to lose, but no one will ever know…

As Dante and Cade’s taboo affair heats up off the ice and their relationship gets more and more intense, they’ll have to decide: is love worth risking their careers? Or is this romance destined to be forever benched?

*****

Review:

(While this one can stand on its own, it does run parallel to So Over You, which adds a little extra fun for returning readers. The few references to the previous book make more sense if you’ve read it, but I don’t think that they will matter much to newbies or impact their reading pleasure.)

I couldn’t be happier with the story-line Meader gave these two! Cade is a big ball of awesome fun but it’s obvious there is more to him than what he wants people to see. And I have been so curious about Dante since he first showed up – all suave and debonair. They may seem like an unlikely pair but the tension between them hints at something more.

Dante has worked hard to get where he is in the NHL – the first openly gay GM of a professional hockey team. Running into one of his star players in a gay club, and being propositioned by said player, is definitely not good for his professional goals … regardless of how unbelievably sexy he finds Cade. Unfortunately there’s something about him that Dante just can’t ignore.

Cade is this appealing mix of brash confidence and uncertainty. He’s young and seems to have the world at his feet, but he’s hiding a pretty big secret. So far he’s been successful at keeping his love-life private but an instantaneous and overwhelming attraction to his new GM complicates things immensely. He may not have thought he was ready to make some tough decisions but life seems to have other plans.

Meader does such a fantastic job of balancing Dante’s gay yogi with growth moments. While he is older and has had more time being publicly gay, it doesn’t mean that he has the answer for everything. Instead, there’s this fantastic give and take between the two as Cade faces life choices (and they are big ones!) which has Dante evaluating his past and his future.

Cade and Dante might think that they can play with fire and not get burned but we know better 🙂 Instead, the more time they spend together and the deeper their feelings grow, the more complications they’ll have to overcome. Steamy and sweet, with fabulous characters and heartfelt emotions, Undone By You beautifully highlights that just because you don’t want your heart to get involved doesn’t mean that it won’t.

*****

Author Info:

Originally from Ireland, Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines (and heroes) who can match their men quip for quip. Visit her at KateMeader.com.

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1a0e71ad19/

*****

Tour Info:

March 4^th

A Midlife Wife

CJR The Brit

Hoards Jumble

March 5^th

Abigail Books Addiction