Spotlight – Feels Like the First Time

25 Tuesday Apr 2017

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You’ve seen the first book in this series, now get ready to fall in love all over again!

*****

Feels Like the First Time

Destiny Bay, #2

by Marina Adair

On Sale: April 25, 2017

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $7.99 USD

eBook: $5.99 USD

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Series Page on Goodreads

Blurb:

In the tradition of New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Gibson, Kristan Higgins, and Jill Shalvis, comes the second book in a funny and charming new small-town contemporary romance series by Marina Adair.

What’s wrong with a little white lie?

There are a lot of things Ali Marshal doesn’t do: pink anything, a day without chocolate, and Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. Sure, he’s a sexy former NHL star who can make her pulse pound with just a wink. But he belonged to Bridget first. And no matter how long she’s had a crush on him, how great he’s always been to her dad, or that her sister is engaged to someone else now and Ali needs a date to their engagement party, she can’t give in to temptation. Can she?

It’s been years since his disastrous marriage crashed and burned, and Bradley Hawk has finally moved on. So when Bridget blows back into town with her new fiancé, throwing the engagement party of the year, he could care less . . . until Ali tells one little lie that lands him smack dab in a fake relationship. After one promise to be Ali’s date and two of the hottest kisses he’s ever had, Hawk can’t deny how much he wants her. But what happens when this fauxmance starts to feel very, very real?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Google Play | iBooks | Indiebound

*****

Excerpt:

Ali nodded because she needed him more than she needed her next breath.

The intensity of her feelings terrified her. They always had. Even at seventeen she knew what she felt went beyond the run-of-the-mill teenage crush. She’d been in love. Sure, it was a young, simple love, but it was love all the same.

Only he’d loved someone else.

So when he married her sister, she did her best to let him go. But no matter how painful it had been for her, and at times the ache was so acute it had been paralyzing, she was never able to set him completely free. Choosing the pain over the loss.

Now he was back, looking at her how she always looked at him, as if he’d never let go, and Ali gave in to the fantasy. Played out the what-ifs she carried with her for over a decade. He’d been hers for so long, she let herself believe that she was his, too.

He was asking for right here, right now—this she knew. Tomorrow, reality would creep in, and everything would go back to the way it was. But tonight, sitting on this beach, overlooking a world bigger than the two of them, Ali wanted to feel what it was like to be loved by the man who owned her heart.

“I want,” she said.

“What do you want, Aliana?” he whispered, the sound of her name on his lips doing crazy things to her. Crazy girly things that made her feel delicate and desirable.

“I want you.” She trailed her hands down his pecs to that flat stomach and lower, loving how his muscles rippled and curled under her touch. “I want you to pamper me so hard I won’t remember how to walk come morning.”

Hawk’s eyes darkened, and his mouth was on hers. Hard and demanding, and just how she’d imagined. There was no warm-up, no testing the waters. He was kissing her as if he knew what he wanted.

And he wanted Aliana.

Their mouths were fused together, her hands gripping his shoulders for purchase, but his fingers were gentle, languidly exploring her face, her neck, the curve of her shoulder, slowly moving down her arm and bringing the wide neckline of her shirt with him.

He never stopped kissing her, but she felt his lashes flutter open, realized that she’d never closed her own. Then his deep brown eyes locked on hers, watching her as they kissed, and it was erotic and unexpected. As she watched him back, she felt his lips curl into a smile. Could feel the dimples on both cheeks come alive under her touch.

“You like to watch,” Hawk growled, and she felt her cheeks flush.

Ali never considered herself a watcher. But Hawk was such a beautiful and commanding man, she’d never been able to look away. Not even now, when her body was begging for release. He was that good—a simple kiss and she was so turned on, she could feel her body shaking.

That smile turned cocky.

“It’s not like I stand there peering through your bedroom window at night,” she said, leaving out that night he was at the bar. His bedroom window during the morning, when he was walking around after a shower. She was more than guilty.

“I’ve peered through yours.”

And to prove he wasn’t the least bit ashamed, he lowered his head and placed an openmouthed kiss on her shoulder, those eyes of his never leaving hers. Not even when he moved lower toward her collarbone, his mouth working her with a softness that took her by surprise and a reverence that made her feel as if she was precious.

Ali wasn’t sure what to do. Hard, challenging, complicated—that was what she was used to. But this was light, simple—too easy to be real. It confused her as much as it terrified her.

*****

Author Info:

Marina Adair is a #1 National bestselling author of romance novels and holds a Master of Fine arts in creative writing. Along with the Destiny Bay series, she is also the author of the Sugar, Georgia series, the St. Helena Vineyard series, and her new Heroes of St. Helena series. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats in Northern California.

As a writer, Marina is devoted to giving her readers contemporary romance where the towns are small, the personalities large, and the romance explosive.

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*****

Giveaway:

Ten (10) mass market copies of FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME

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*****

Spotlight – Caught Looking

25 Tuesday Apr 2017

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This one is definitely pretty high up in my TBR pile!

*****

Caught Looking

by Jody Holford

Releasing April 25, 2017

Penner Publishing

Blurb:

Sometimes loving enough means letting go…

Major league baseball player, Ryan Walker, takes a mandatory leave of absence to escape the paparazzi and the false drug charges against him. All he wants is a little peace of mind out in the middle of nowhere.

Eager to rid herself of the empty socialite life, Frankie Vaughn moves to a rundown home in Minnesota that she inherited from her aunt. But Frankie is shocked at what she discovers inside: three young boys. When Ryan discovers that Frankie, his new neighbor, has taken on the three homeless kids as her own, he has a new hope for humanity.

Despite how easily and lovingly Ryan takes to Frankie and the boys, his past just might be the reason Frankie can’t adopt the boys. Now, Ryan must choose between loving them or letting them go. Can he walk away from what he’s been looking for all along?

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31836320-caught-looking

Buy Links:     AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

*****

Excerpt:

As he edged near the property line, he caught sight of toned, shapely legs swinging from the branch of a tree. His neighbor was doing pull-ups. On a tree.

“What the hell are you doing?” Ryan said the words to himself, his finger sliding off of the trigger. Frankie hadn’t heard him. Her earbuds’ cord was connected to the iPod strapped to her arm. He repeated his question, louder, and she startled, dropping from the limb she’d been holding. Pulling her earphones out, she smiled and gave a surprised laugh. Lust curled tight in his stomach at the sound. Which pissed him off since he didn’t need more complications in his life.

“Hey. Didn’t see you there, neighbor.”

She wiped the sweat off her brow with the back of her hand. Strands of hair were escaping the ponytail sitting high on her head. She put her hands on her hips, gulping in air, still smiling. His eyes roamed over the tone and definition of her arms. Arms weren’t supposed to be a turn on. They were just something to have wrapped around you. Along with legs. But legs were a turn on. Still, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her arms. They led up to sleek shoulders and a graceful collarbone. When his eyes met hers, she was grinning and he knew he’d been caught looking.

“You’re doing pull-ups on a goddamn tree?”

“Um, it’s my tree,” she said, looking back and forth between him and the tree. Small as she was, the tree didn’t look like it could hold its own branches, never mind a person’s weight.

“Actually, it’s smack in the middle of our property line. So stay the hell off it and get a pull-up bar.”

She rested a hand on the bark and smiled at him with something like fire flashing in those blue eyes. Her breath was a bit uneven, but firm. “I’ve never shared a tree with anyone. It feels like a big step.”

He bit back a smile. “Funny. This tree needs to be cut down. It’s rotted.” He kicked at the trunk to show her what he meant.

“Don’t kick our tree,” she said, not even trying to hide her smirk.

“It’s not safe.” Jesus. She was hard to be irritated with. Which, oddly, only irritated him more.

“And as much as I appreciate your neighborly concern, Ryan, I can take care of myself. And our tree. See, my home gym isn’t quite set up yet so I’m using what’s available. If you want, we can work out a schedule for tree use.”

There was as much sarcasm in her stance as in her tone. This time, the grin spread before he could stop it.

“You’re feisty.”

“You’re a jerk.”

“Yeah. But it’s still not safe. I have an extra pull-up bar in my garage. You put it in the frame of a doorway. I’ll grab it and bring it over,” he said, hoping the gesture served as an apology.

Which he was man enough to admit she deserved from him.

Frankie’s eyes widened and she took a step back, wariness overshadowing her amusement.

“No thanks. I’m not ready for visitors.”

He arched an eyebrow. “I wasn’t planning on coming for tea.”

She gave a rough laugh. “I don’t need anything from you, Ryan. I’ll pick another tree. Or do push-ups.”

She backed away, the unease in her eyes fascinating the hell out of him. She didn’t want him over. And not because he was a jerk. She waved one perfectly shaped arm over her head as she went back to her house.

He turned the weed trimmer back on, purposely turning his body in the other direction. He wasn’t going to stand around and watch her go, even across her yard. He’d never watch a woman leave again. Once was enough.

*****

Author Info:

Jody Holford is a multi-published author who has a soft spot for happily ever after. So much so, she tattooed the words on her arm. She’s a mom and a wife, a friend, sister, daughter, teacher, and book-lover. Her stories have a little bit of heat and a lot of heart. And maybe, some swoon-worthy moments that will make you smile.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

*****

Giveaway:

Win a $15.00 Amazon eGift Card and a backlist ebook of winners choosing

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81277/

*****

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Book Review – A Charmed Little LIe

24 Monday Apr 2017

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Let’s kick off the week with a little fun – Sharla Lovelace is here to answer a few fun questions and then give us a look at her newest series!

*****

Describe yourself in five words or less.

  1. Snarky (Might be kind of scary that this was the first one that came to mind.)
  2. Introverted
  3. Sneaky
  4. People-watcher (notice how I hyphenated to get an extra word? Yeah, see #3)
  5. Dog-lover (it worked last time)

Can you tell us a little about your book?

It’s about lying! LOL. Truly, it’s about when all your little white lies catch up to you, and what the hell do you do then? You make up a gargantuan sized one to cover them, and then hope it doesn’t swallow you whole. Unless it’s in the form of a hot sexy get-under-your-skin man….then by all means swallow!  (I did not just say that.)

Lanie and Nick’s story was honestly one of my favorite books to write—EVER. It was so much fun, and such a runaway train ride with no hands!  I loved literally watching them fall for each other, I loved Lanie’s spunk! I loved every second of it, and it birthed the town of Charmed, so I hope you will love it as much as I do.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

I Hope You Dance

Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

My phone and a hair tie on my wrist. (That’s 2. Damn I have trouble following rules.)

What types of scenes are your most favorite to write?

I adore writing intense scenes with either sexy-smexy chemistry burning up the page or fast snappy dialogue. Sex scenes before the sex…with the tease and the tension and the snarky back and forth talking…I love that.  Also fights are a blast with all that emotion churning around.  Dialogue is always the most fun. I groan to write description…

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Everyone says this, but seriously, never give up. I met Sandra Brown at a writer’s conference, and she was behind a table signing for a line of hundreds, and when I got up there I said “Everyone in this line wants to be you one day.” She looked at me and said, “You’re here. You’re already halfway there. Don’t ever stop learning and don’t ever stop writing. You’ll get here. One day, maybe I’ll be in your line.” I never forgot that. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing by any means, but my first book was published almost exactly 5 years ago, and now A CHARMED LITTLE LIE is my 10th published book, and I’ve just finished writing my 12th.  Don’t give up on your dream. Also, remember that you write about life, and to do that you have to live. There are times (deadline evil times) that you have to stay in a cave and pound out words, but outside of that, find a balance and enjoy your life. It will show in your writing when you do…and when you don’t. If you write romance, kiss your husband every day. And if you are writing about hot sex and he is one of your readers, you’d better be prepared to give up the goods. Saying you aren’t in the mood after penning being banged against a wall—doesn’t cut it honey. 😉

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I wouldn’t be here without you, and I love and adore you so much for taking the time to buy my books and give my stories a try. And when you email or message me to tell me about it…oh my God you just don’t know the rainbows and unicorns that fill me up. Nothing is more important in this job than readers. When I make you happy…when I make you laugh or cry or feel something that you are moved enough to tell me about…my God, ice cream isn’t even as good as that. It’s close. But not quite. 😉

*****

A Charmed Little Lie

Charmed in Texas #1

by Sharla Lovelace

Releasing April 18, 2017

Lyrical Shine

Blurb:

Lanie Barrett didn’t mean to lie. Spinning a story of a joyous marriage to make a dying woman happy is forgivable, isn’t it? Lanie thinks so, especially since her beloved Aunt Ruby would have been heartbroken to know the truth of her niece’s sadly loveless, short-of-sparkling existence. Trouble is, according to the will, Ruby didn’t quite buy Lanie’s tale. And to inherit the only house Lanie ever really considered a home, she’ll have to bring her “husband” back to Charmed, Texas for three whole months—or watch Aunt Ruby’s cozy nest go to her weasel cousin, who will sell it to a condo developer.

Nick McKane is out of work, out of luck, and the spitting image of the man Lanie described. He needs money for his daughter’s art school tuition, and Lanie needs a convenient spouse. It’s a match made . . . well, not quite in heaven, but for a temporary arrangement, it couldn’t be better. Except the longer Lanie and Nick spend as husband and wife, the more the connection between them begins to seem real. Maybe this modern fairy tale really could come true . . .

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31189320-a-charmed-little-lie

Buy Links:      AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

*****

Excerpt:

There are things a girl hopes to hear in her lifetime, and a marriage proposal definitely tops that list. A proposal offered as a business deal, probably thrown out in desperation to stop my meltdown and pending dehydration, however, was not what most women have in mind.

“Don’t, Nick,” I said, hiccupping through my sobs, trying to make it stop. “Don’t play with that. Don’t make fun.”

“I’m not,” he said, still facing Ralph, the dog’s face in his hands as if it were all addressed to him. “I’m dead serious.”

I waited for more and it didn’t come. Um, I needed more explanation than that.

Wiping at my face in vain, I leaned against the post and looked down at possibly the hottest man I’d ever met. Sitting on my porch in a black-on-black suit, asking me to marry him by proxy of Ralph.

“Why?”

Finally, he let go of Ralph’s large head and stood, turning to face me as though it was with his last dying breath.

“You need this house,” he said, his words slow and precise. His dark eyes didn’t blink, didn’t look away uncomfortably, didn’t falter. “You may or may not need the money, I don’t know. I don’t see you getting all emotional about that, but you’re hugging the house, so I’m guessing the money’s not an important factor.”

“I didn’t even know about that money.”

“Which brings it to me,” he said, closing his eyes briefly. “I need a job.”

“Are you saying—”

“I’m saying I just got in a car with a stranger for five hundred dollars,” he said. “That’s how far I’ve fallen. Three months of my life—what would that be worth?”

My tongue felt as swollen and stuck as my eyelids.

That sentence, along with the glazed over look his eyes got and the hard set of his jaw, was possibly the saddest thing I’d ever witnessed. To be followed closely by the strong possibility of my saying yes.

*****

Review:

Early on I didn’t think I was going to like Lanie.  I kinda get the whole lying to her aunt thing to make a sick woman feel better but you start to understand that she made up stuff as a young girl too.  That kind of bad character trait tends to be off-putting but Lovelace does an amazing job of making her likable.  She’s sassy, funny, and a bit of a disaster, but she has a huge heart and means well (most of the time  🙂 ).

The story is all from Lanie’s POV so we don’t get the inner-workings for Nick, but his actions speak pretty loudly.  While it is a bit of a hit to his pride, once he decides to help her out he definitely gives Lanie 100%.  He does everything he can to sell their relationship but still respect that getting involved is not a good idea for either of them.  He’s a stand up guy, doing this for his daughter, and he also has a healthy sense of fun.  If I had to have a fake husband I would definitely be willing to share my inheritance with him!

~~spoiler alert~~

Buuuuut, I do wish we’d been given some details about Nick’s side of things, especially at the end.  We get the kiss and make-up and live happily ever after moment, but I had so many questions – about where he went, what he did while he was gone, what he felt, why is he back in charmed, especially if he thought she’d gone to California … we really don’t get much from his side but what we do get is text-book Nick and fantastic!

~~End Spoiler~~

With a lively writing style, full of humor and fun, Lovelace gives her readers a delightful, comical and still heartfelt journey of two people who don’t trust in love but find themselves falling anyway.  You might know going in that it all ends with a HEA but that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to screw it up a few times along the way!

*****

Author Info:

Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. Being a Texas girl through and through, she’s proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and two crazy dogs.  She is the author of five stand-alone novels including the bestselling Don’t Let Go, the exciting Heart Of The Storm series, and the fun and sexy new Charmed in Texas series.

For more about Sharla’s books, visit http://www.sharlalovelace.com, and keep up with all her new book releases easily by subscribing to her newsletter.  She loves keeping up with her readers, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

*****

Giveaway:

a $25 Visa Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81273/

*****

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Book Review – Forbidden Kisses

21 Friday Apr 2017

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Hopefully you are already familiar with the Hero’s Welcome series and are just as thrilled as I am to know that Annie Rains is introducing us to a new group in a new city!

*****

Forbidden Kisses

Blushing Bay #1

by Annie Rains

Releasing April 11, 2017

Loveswept

Blurb:

For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.

Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32717694-forbidden-kisses

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/196464-blushing-bay

Buy Links:      AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

*****

Excerpt:

Jack reached for a folded blanket beside the cooler and laid it down on the open floor of the boat. “I know it’s not the most comfortable surface for lying back, but I thought we could look at the stars. It’s a favorite pastime of fishermen, you know.”

“Oh yeah?”

He reached for her hand to help her lower to the floor. She held on to his tightly, surprised at how off balanced she felt. Then they lay back together, close enough that they touched. The soft hair on Jack’s arm resting against hers aroused her senses.

Were they really just going to look at the stars?

Yes, it was all very romantic, but so was doing other things under the stars. Things she’d been thinking about since stepping aboard.

Jack pointed up at the sky and started to speak. Grace was tired of talking, though. Tired of resisting what she wanted, and right now all she wanted was Jack.

Unable to help herself, uninhibited by the wine and the romantic environment, she rolled on top of him and crushed her mouth over his.

Judging by the stiff protrusion that met her inner thigh, he wanted her just as much.

“Well, hello there,” he said, smiling against her mouth.

“I’m sorry,” she said, even though she didn’t mean it.

His hand slid down her back and settled on her bottom, pulling her snug against him. “I’m not. I’d decided tonight was for romance only, but I can’t think of anything more romantic than making love to you on this boat.”

White-hot heat tore through her. She was so hot that maybe it was time to start stripping.

As if reading her mind, Jack tugged the hem of her shirt up on her back and then over her head. The rest of her clothes fell away in the wake of his needy hands until she was tipsy and naked on the floor of his pontoon boat—on a boat ride to nowhere in particular, except his body was promising to shoot her to the low-hanging full moon.

*****

Review:

I loved, loved, loved Rains’ Hero’s Welcome series and I was very happy that many of the things that made those books great translated well to a new series.  I enjoyed the relationship that develops between Jack and Grace.  The whole former step-sibling thing isn’t icky at all and I think their friendship from years ago helps to give them a good basis for something new.  The bond among the Sawyers is great and Grace befriends a couple of women that are definitely getting their own story soon.  Characters and connections are a couple of things that Rains does so well – they feel  real and work together in a natural way – and I was thrilled that they show so strongly here.

I did have a couple of issues that were specific to this story (and have nothing at all to what a fantastic storyteller Rains is) – the death of Jack’s friend and the dealings with Grace’s mother.

We know that Chris and Jack were out on a boat fishing together and that he … disappeared, I guess?  Did they actually find a body?  As I understand it Jack doesn’t know when or how he went overboard, that he never heard him cry out or any kind of impact.  Everything is so vague about what happened to Chris that I never really figured it out.  I don’t know if it is intentional and will come into play more later on or if we’re just supposed to make assumptions.  But I really wanted some kind of closure to it  🙂

The other is all tied up with Grace’s mom and how she treated the Sawyer’s all those years ago.  Grace has had years living with her mom and can see that she’s not the woman she was then but the two families have been avoiding each other all this time.  To expect that the guys will just forgive and forget in about two minutes isn’t realistic.  They’ve been nursing their wounds for a while and it is going to take them a bit to get over them, even if Jack is sleeping with Grace.  I see her side of it but I also understand his and it’s not a good situation for either of them so a little patience on everyone’s part is needed.  It adds some extra drama to what is already a pretty troublesome situation.

Like with her other series, there are a lot of secondary characters that help drag you in and keep you turning pages.  I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next for Jack’s brothers.  I’m pretty sure those two are going to have some more hardship to deal with before they can find their own happy ending.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling author who writes small-town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and three children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

*****

Giveaway:

$25.00 Amazon eGift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81269/

*****

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Book Review – Lost in You

20 Thursday Apr 2017

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Lost In You

The Monroes series

by Jules Bennett

The only thing that could bring Liam Monroe back to Haven, Georgia, is his loyalty to his late sister–so he’s agreed to serve as a chef at the resort his brothers have built in her honor. But he’s not staying. At least that’s the plan. . .

Macy Hayward always admired the Monroes. Adopting four kids—including the brooding, mysterious Liam—they were an example of the loving family she wanted for herself someday. Now, ironically, Macy’s got an unexpected new tenant in the apartment above her hardware store: none other than Liam.

Most of Liam’s furniture consists of weightlifting equipment, since he has no intention of settling in. He can’t wait to run away again, from his brothers and his bitter memories—and from Macy, with her relentlessly seductive curves. Still, while he’s around, he should do the poor woman a favor and teach her to cook, before she poisons someone. . .

Soon, their sessions in the kitchen are getting spicy. But Macy has roots in Haven, and she wants to plant more, including taking in a little girl who needs a home. Meanwhile, Liam has an opportunity for his own restaurant in Atlanta. Will choosing love mean giving up their separate dreams? Or will the heart find a way?. . .

Liam is the most closed off of the brothers and I think lots of returning readers are really looking forward to discovering what makes him tick.  He’s struggling with a lot of things, leaving him moody and sometimes erratic.  Proximity to his brothers and working on his sister’s dream is doing a lot to bridge some old hurts and forge a better relationship with his family.  But it doesn’t help that one of those things he’s having trouble with is an attraction to his sexy landlord and close family friend.

Macy seems like such a well put together person that you wouldn’t realize that she’s got some pretty big secrets.  She’s funny, energetic and friendly – the perfect girl next door.  Or in this case, girl downstairs.  And she’s had a thing for Liam for AGES so if she could only get behind his walls it might lead somewhere fantastic.  Whew, he has walls though!

I think that Bennett’s superb writing and fun characters will help keep the attention of readers who aren’t all that thrilled with the on/off of this relationship.  Because Liam definitely waffles.  A lot.  I kinda get where he’s coming from, because small town living makes it hard to get away from anything in your past.  Especially something as big as the car wreck that left him with a scar on his face.  And he’s has an idea of what his future would be, which doesn’t include life in said small town.  But things are starting to come together with the brothers and their business, so when you throw in a girl that he has trouble resisting… well, I think he resists a little too much  🙂  It takes him some time to work out what he really wants and where he needs to be.  But of course, he gets there in the end.   (There’s quite a bit of angst though before then so make sure you are prepared.)

 

Spotlight – Never Be Tamed

19 Wednesday Apr 2017

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This one is getting some great reviews – people are just loving Jenna!

*****

Never Be Tamed

A Standalone Enemy-to-Lovers Romance

by Clare James

April 10, 2017

Blurb:

Falling for your sister’s nemesis?

Only a low-life dog would do something like that, right? And that ain’t me, not anymore. I mean here I am, trying to be a stand-up guy for once in my freaking life—I’m finally making smart decisions, helping my little sister, and getting my shit together.

For once, things are finally going my way…until Jenna shows up.

As soon as I meet her, I know she’s the enemy. I’ve heard enough to understand that she’s off limits. Banned. Forbidden. Not for me!

She’s the bad girl I have to stay away from if I want to keep my family intact. So I try. Trust me, I REALLY try. But it’s not as easy as you’d think, and surprisingly, I discover that she’s not as bad as everyone says.

Of course, she’s difficult, selfish, and a royal pain in the ass, but she’s also gorgeous, smart, kind, and…well, let’s just say I am that low-life dog. Traitor. Turncoat. And the world’s shittiest brother.

Woof. Woof.

Never Be Tamed is a hot and hilarious full-length stand-alone that can be read on its own or as part of The Impossible Love Series.

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

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/2kox9a9

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2kJQB1V

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

*****

Author Info:

Clare James writes contemporary romance and new adult novels with spunky heroines and sexier-than-sin heroes. Her books have made several best-selling lists including the tender love stories in the Impossible Love series; the steamy romantic comedy Dirty Little Lies; and the touching family drama Two-Hour Truce.

Caught, the first in a series about the women of Elite PR and their very naughty clients, published with Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line, is a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Romance Series. Book two in the series, PLAYED, is out now!

A former dancer, Clare still loves to get her groove on – mostly to work off her beloved cupcakes and red wine. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men – her husband and young son – and is always on social media chatting with readers.

Website: http://clarejamesbooks.com/books/

Newsletter: http://clarejamesbooks.com/about/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5495009.Clare_James

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Clare-James/e/B00C4G8OQA/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarejamesbooks

*****

Tour Schedule:

Promos

Reviews – Never Be Tamed

Reviews – Before You Go

Book Review – Truly, Madly, Whiskey

18 Tuesday Apr 2017

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

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I just can’t get enough of Melissa Foster’s work … and she’s showing us again why she seriously rocks!

*****

Truly, Madly, Whiskey

by Melissa Foster

Releasing April 10, 2017

World Literary Press

Blurb:

A new sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends.

Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his.

The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotional and sexually charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075375-truly-madly-whiskey

Book Trailer Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/209272565

Book Trailer YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/cwsBu1Mef9Y

Buy Links:

AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

*****

Excerpt:

“Really, Bear. I can drop you at your place before I go to the fabric shop.” Crystal started the car, feeling more in control than she had inside the shop. She hated the way she’d frozen up when things had gotten hot between them. She wanted him. After putting herself through three years of therapy, dealing with not only the trauma of the attack, but the bullshit with her mother and the loss of her father, she was sure she could handle anything. She’d dated other guys since she’d left college without issue. Why did it have to be different with the only guy she wanted to be close to? It pissed her off that her past still owned a piece of her, and she needed to get over it before Bear got fed up and walked away for good.

“I have to go to the store anyway.” He flashed one of his smiles. “We might as well go together.”

“You need to go to the fabric store?” she said flatly, knowing he was bullshitting her. She realized her car smelled different, cleaner. The seats were shiny, the dashboard dust free. “Did you clean my car?”

“Detailed it,” he said casually, as if he did this type of thing every day. For all she knew, he did. “Changed your oil, topped off your fluids. You really need to do those things every three thousand miles.” He touched the doll hanging from her rearview mirror. “I dusted off this, too, even though I’m a little worried that it’s a voodoo doll.”

She wasn’t about to tell him it was a worry doll that she loved more than life itself.

“Bear.” She couldn’t suppress her smile about the voodoo doll as she drove toward the store. “You really need to stop acting like you have to take care of me. I appreciate you handling the inspection, which I’m paying you for, by the way. But you don’t have to do all these things for me. I already like who you are.” Even if I have a hard time showing it.

“I know you do,” he said, as cocky as ever.

Why is that such a turn-on?

“I didn’t do it to get your attention. Shit, six three, two thirty.” He flexed his biceps and winked. “You’re sitting next to Peaceful Harbor gold, baby. I’ve got your attention.”

She couldn’t suppress a laugh. “That you do, and probably half the women in this town.”

“Only half?”

He kept her laughing the whole way to the fabric store, and it was just what she needed. It really had been a long day. They’d hosted three parties, and one of the mothers was just about the most obnoxious woman on earth. She’d pushed her daughter toward pink frilly outfits for the first half hour, when all the little cutie had wanted was to dress up as a skateboard princess. Gemma realized Crystal was going to strangle the wench, and she’d calmly suggested the woman head down to Jazzy Joe’s for coffee. The rest of her day hadn’t been much better. Plus, she’d spent the morning overthinking everything about her relationship with Bear, which was probably why she’d freaked out when she’d really been dying to kiss him.

She parked in front of the fabric store. There were some things that just didn’t fit in the world as Crystal knew it, and Bear Whiskey clad in a tight black T-shirt that said Whiskey Bro’s across his massive chest, a pair of snug, low-slung black jeans, and leather boots strutting into Jennilyn’s Fabric was on the top of the list.

She pulled her list from her bag as his eyes coasted over the store. What was he thinking, coming with her? That was dedication she could not ignore. The epitome of commitment.

That is Bear.

My Bear?

She toyed with that as he draped his arm over her shoulder. She wondered what had taken him so long. She’d expected him to do it the second she’d stepped from the car, but he was probably in shock that they were actually going to a fabric store. She smiled to herself as he leaned closer and rubbed his nose along her cheek.

“Can I help you?” she asked with a laugh.

“You smell like jelly beans, and I happen to have a thing for sugary goodness.”

“You can’t seriously have that good a sense of smell.”

He pressed an unexpected, and deliciously warm, kiss to her cheek and reached into her purse, withdrawing a bag of jelly beans. “Hoarding? Or were we going to hide these later in your body and let me find them?” He moved his mouth beside her ear and whispered, “Blindfolded. With my hands tied behind my back.”

He nudged her deeper into the store. Holy crap. She’d stopped walking. Was she breathing? And was that a thing? Blindfolded? Hands tied behind his back? Oh, the control that would give her. She’d be at no risk of being overpowered. But would she want that much control? She imagined herself lying naked on her bed, watching as his greedy mouth moved over her breasts, down her belly, and she felt herself go damp.

No, no, no.

Ice cream. Ice baths. Cow poop!

Her body continued vibrating from the inside out. This was bad. Really, really bad. Like a virus she couldn’t shake. She needed an anti-Bear pill. Stat!

*****

Review:

**Warning: maybe some minor spoilers ahead**

Bear Whiskey is just about perfect.  He’s strong, caring, protective, sensitive, loyal, sexy … I could go on and on, but I don’t want to ruin him for you  😉  His only flaw that I could find is he may be a little too dedicated to his family.  He’s got dreams that he’s put on hold because of his father’s stroke and he’s taken on a lot of responsibilities over the years.  The man just doesn’t slow down!  But now he’s got a chance with the woman he’s been pursuing for almost a year AND an opportunity to design motorcycles for a premier company.  He just can’t figure out how to work it in with everything else.  His devotion to those he loves and his strong sense of responsibility is definitely not a problem, it just is making it hard for him to find a time to put his needs first.  Especially now that Crystal has stopped pushing him away.

Crystal had a pretty rough childhood and she finally manages to get away to college, only to be raped at a party.  A little broken, she heads home again to try to pull herself together again.  It’s taken her quite a few years (and some serious reinventing of herself) to get where she’s finally feeling steady enough to actually do something about the intense pull she has towards Bear.  It’s a pretty emotional journey – getting herself back on her feet and finding a way to tell those closest to her what happened.  She’s strong for figuring out how to get help and make her way through it all.  And with her friends and a good man by her side, things are looking really good.

While Bear is not quite a Tru, Foster once again proves that she can create some amazingly addictive characters.  I loved him, and Crystal, from page one.  Not just their interactions together, which are funny and sexy and full of so much understanding & love, but with their friends and family.  Because Truly, Madly, Whiskey isn’t just a romance, but it is about love for friends, family and those you call yours.  This group is so amazingly supportive of those in their sphere and they don’t hesitate to offer support of any kind when it is needed. Their little circle keeps getting bigger and better every year, and they keep proving what  awesome people they are.  It gives you such a happy feeling to see them pull together like that … but they are also family though so they aren’t afraid to give each other a little hell now and again  🙂

(Although this does continue the stories of people we met in Tru Blue, it can easily stand on its own … but if you want some serious feels make sure you pick it up once you finish this one.  I dare you not to fall in love with this amazing group of people!)

*****

Author Info:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

*****

Giveaway:

Win one of Three (3) e-copies of TRU BLUE

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81270/

*****

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Spotlight – Into the Light

17 Monday Apr 2017

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We saw A Shot in the Dark earlier this year and now it is time for the next one in the series.  If you enjoy romantic suspense, this series is getting some great reviews!

*****

Into the Light

Dark series, Book 2

by J.G. Sumner

Romantic Suspense

Date Published: February 28, 2017

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Blurb:

Laney Pearson was shot at point blank range…

With the help of his friend and colleague, Dr. Nathan George, Josh Stone managed to save her, giving them both a new start and a second chance at love. But when Laney’s parents try to take their recovering daughter back to Missouri, Josh fears he’ll lose her…possibly forever.

A mysterious stalker and Laney’s family aren’t the only ones who want Josh and Laney apart…

Jillian Stone has struggled with her own demons, always leaning on her brother Josh for support. When she sees him doting on Laney, spending days on end by her hospital bed, Jillian grows increasingly jealous. She pictures a life where Laney is gone and she and Josh can be closer…​much closer.

A familiar shadow still threatens the light…

They thought Laney’s stalker was completely erased from their lives, arrested when he tried to kill her. But they find it wasn’t Laney’s ex-boyfriend who tormented her for weeks on end, even if he was the one who pulled the trigger. They are now on the lookout for the ​real stalker, who becomes braver with each passing day, always in shadows, never creeping into the light…

They fear he might be back to finish what he started…​sending Laney to an early grave.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shot-Dark-1/dp/1680589709/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485742997&sr=8-1&keywords=j.g.+sumner

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-shot-in-the-dark-jg-sumner/1125525742?ean=9781680589702

*****

Excerpt:

“Can you hear me, Laney? Is there anyone home inside that pretty little head of yours?”

The fog dissipated as Laney heard the familiar voice.

“You’re so innocent lying there in that bed. I know the truth about you. You’re not innocent, and you don’t deserve to be with that handsome doctor.”

Why is this voice so familiar? Who is it? Why is she here?

Laney sensed this person wasn’t good. Perhaps even dangerous. Her heart pounded in her chest like a jackhammer. She could hear the sound in her ears. The fight or flight response kicked in. Laney willed her body to move to be able to get up and run away or fight back. To no avail, her body refused to respond. She just lay there like a prisoner in a cell and listening to the person talking.

“He’s mine. You got that? He was mine before you came into the picture, and he’ll be mine when you’re gone. You’d better heed my warning and walk right out of his life.”

So this person wants to be with Josh. Is she an ex-girlfriend? Holy crap! What’ve I gotten myself into?

“How could he be interested in a train wreck like you? He deserves better than a little slut. You’re nothing! Yet you monopolize all of his time. Maybe if I just get rid of you, he won’t spend so much time in here.”

The medications weighed on Laney making it difficult to think clearly. She felt intoxicated.

“I see your parents have arrived. Are they taking you home with them? You should go. It’s better for you to be far away from here. You’ll be safer there, and all of your problems will disappear. If you stay, these unfortunate events may continue to occur. Is that what you want?”

The woman was leaning over Laney. The warmth of her breath spewed across her face. Peppermint. Her breath reeked of peppermint like the breath mints one got at a restaurant after dinner. Hands formed around her neck. Laney wanted to push them away, yet she was frozen. She couldn’t do anything to stop her. She couldn’t open her eyes even though she wanted to so badly. The pounding in her head grew louder and faster. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest. All of a sudden, the peppermint and hands left. She was gone. It was silent except for the alarming from her monitor. Time seemed to stand still before someone turned the alarm off.

“Jesus, your heart rate is too high. What’s happening?” It was a different voice. Perhaps a nurse. Someone who knew how to operate the machines. She pressed buttons and the alarms stopped. A heaviness seeped into Laney’s veins and spread throughout her body. She struggled to fight it. She needed to be awake and find out the identity of the peppermint woman. The more she struggled, the foggier her world became. Silence took over Laney’s world, preventing her from feeling or thinking.

*****

Author Info:

JG Sumner is a Registered Nurse who went rogue.  As good as she was at starting IV’s, she enjoys writing the down the stories in her head even more.  Most of the time the characters won’t stop pestering her until she has them down on paper.
JG can often be found with a glass of red wine or prosecco in front of her computer.  When she’s not creating, she enjoys the outdoors hiking, bike riding, snowboarding, and camping.

JG has a very dry sense of humor, and should never be taken too seriously.  She loves to hear from her fans, and even those who aren’t and would love to hear your opinion on her books.

JG writes romantic suspense/thrillers including: A Shot in the Dark, Into the Light, The Surrender Trilogy including Surrender, Shattered, and Saved which will be available through Limitless Publishing soon.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jgsumner

Twitter: @jg_sumner

*****

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Book Review – Fighting Attraction

14 Friday Apr 2017

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I read Against the Ropes and now I’m wishing I’d kept going with this series!  Castille sure knows how to bring the big, bad alphas …

*****

Fighting Attraction

Redemption #4

by Sarah Castille

Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Published 04/04/17

Blurb:

My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.

I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption’s top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn’t the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He’s hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart…Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

LINKS:

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

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

B&N: http://bit.ly/2j5qgYa

iTunes: http://apple.co/2iKwXkv

Google Books: http://bit.ly/2jsS5NG

BAM: http://bit.ly/2j5oB4J

*****

 

Fighting Attraction is the fourth book in a full-length, standalone, award-winning series by New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Castille, featuring deliciously sexy MMA fighters and the women who can’t help but love them.

PRAISE for Sarah Castille’s Redemption series:

“Powerful. Gritty. And sexy beyond belief. Sarah is a true master!”-Opal Carew, New York Times bestselling author of His to Claim

“Hilarious, hot and occasionally heartbreaking. I loved it! ” – Maryse’s Book Blog on Against the Ropes

“Castille’s follow-up to the excellent Against the Ropes doesn’t pull its punches.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review for In Your Corner

“Emotionally charged, amazingly sexy, and flat out fantastic.”-Fresh Fiction on Full Contact

Redemption Series

Against the Ropes

In Your Corner

Full Contact

Fighting Attraction

*****

Review:

So, while I dabble here and there in BDSM reading I am definitely not all that well informed on it.  I know when it works for me and when it doesn’t, and here it definitely does.

Jack has some serious conflict about himself as a sadist.  He had people close to him turn against him when the truth came out so he’s worked hard to keep it separate from his daily life.  Unfortunately it is as much as part of him as anything else which means that he feels that he has to avoid any intimacy in his life … regardless of how sexy he finds sweet Penny.  But Penny is hiding secrets of her own and a little glimpse into Jack’s world has her curious.  Making Jack let her in is a fight she’s not willing to lose.

I really liked these two together.  They have fun, definitely rock the entertaining banter, and set the pages ON FIRE.  There’s a whole mess of emotions to go along with it as well, though.  They struggle a lot with their feelings, both for each other and about themselves, but with each other’s help they might be able to figure things out.

You are definitely going to have to be OK with some sizzling kink with these too, including a seriously strong Alpha with a need to inflict pain.  But more importantly, you need to be ready for a lot of difficult times, ups & downs & abouts & arounds, because these two don’t make it easy on themselves.  Or us  🙂  But it is definitely a ride that I enjoyed!  I’m looking forward to seeing what Castille has in store for us next.  And I’ll be adding those missed books to my TBR pile too … It just never gets any shorter!

*****

Excerpt:

Jack “Rampage” Caldwell is the first MMA fighter I created for the Redemption series, and even when I first brought this Southern gentleman to life, I knew he had a secret. But Penny has a dark secret, too. After Jack discovers what she hides from the world, he makes her promise to come to him if she needs him. But trust doesn’t come easily for Penny. She breaks her promise, never expecting that Jack will find out. But, of course, he does…and crossing a sadist is never a good idea!

“I’ll call you back. Jack is here.”

Cora sucks in a sharp breath. “I’ll see you at class tonight. I can hardly wait to hear all about it.”

I end the call and swallow past the lump in my throat. It’s only been three days, and yet it feels like I haven’t seen Jack in forever. He’s wearing a white T-shirt that clings to his taut, muscle-ridged abdomen, and worn jeans that ride low on his narrow hips.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep my gaze above his belt.

He pins me with a direct stare, his eyes fierce and hard. I feel like he’s trying to see into my soul, but my heart is pounding so hard I’m not sure enough oxygen is getting to my brain to make any sense of what’s going on.

“Jack?”

His gaze rakes over my body, lingering on my thighs as if he can see beneath my skirt. He tenses, and his eyes narrow. If I didn’t know X-ray vision was impossible, I would swear he knows I broke my promise.

“Are you alone?”

“Yes.” My pulse kicks up a notch. “Everyone’s out for the rest of the afternoon.”

He takes a step toward me, and the hair on the back of my neck stands on end.

“Lock the door.”

A thrill of fear shoots through me, and sweat beads on my forehead. What if he knows? Or suspects? What will he do?

“Now.” His deep, commanding Dom voice ripples through me, fanning the flames of my desire. Do I trust Jack enough to lock myself in the office with him, especially when I know what is coming? Do I trust myself?

I brush past him and lock the front door.

“Your office,” he snaps after I return.

I jump at his sharp tone and scramble out of his way as he brushes past me and through my office door, a lithe and powerful animal herding its prey.

“What’s going on?”

“Stand in front of the desk.” He gestures to the big oak desk Amanda and I refinished when we first moved into the building.

Puzzled, I do as he asks, my breath catching in my throat when he closes and locks the door behind him.

“Jack?”

He gives me his back as he draws the curtains at the side of my office. “Don’t move.”

A sting of disappointment hits me in the chest. Has he come to reject me all over again? Does he want to make sure I understand there is nothing between us? It shouldn’t bother me because I got the message the other night. I’m nothing. Nothing special. Nothing extraordinary. Not worth his time, especially since he’s on the cusp of fame. I’m just his pal. Plain old quirky Pen. But he doesn’t have to be so cold.

Worthless, no-good piece of shit.

No. No. No. My fingers tighten on the lip of the desk. I haven’t even started to heal from last night. I don’t need the past intruding on the present.

Jack leans against the door across from me, thick arms folded over his massive chest.

“Lift your skirt.”

Shock steals my breath away, and all I can do is stare.

“What?”

“You heard me. Lift your skirt. Now.”

Bang. Bang. Bang. My heart thuds frantically against my ribs. Adrenaline pounds through my veins, and I feel a rush of heat between my legs. He knows. I can see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice…

“Why?” I whisper, stalling. And why is this turning me on?

“You know why,” he snaps. “You didn’t keep your promise.”

I smooth my hands over my cream skirt, silky underneath with a cotton macramé overlay, pressing it tight against my thighs. “It doesn’t matter if I kept it or not. We’re not in the club. There’s nothing between us. You made that clear the other night.”

“I fucked up the other night.” He shifts his stance. “I’m not good for you, Pen. You need to be with someone normal. A nice guy who’s going to treat you right and doesn’t want to hurt you.”

My hand fists on my thigh. “I don’t like nice guys. They don’t understand me. They’re too gentle. My life is about pain. Emotional and physical pain. It’s what I know, what I understand, what I need.”

“So you hurt yourself?”

“I didn’t—”

He cuts me off with a scowl. “Don’t lie to me.” He pauses, and his voice takes on a deeper, cutting edge. “Show me.”

My mouth goes dry at his abrupt command, and I fiddle with the edge of my skirt, at once indignant that he would try to boss me around and aroused that he did.

“What if I did?” I say defiantly. “There’s nothing you can do about it.”

His corded throat tightens when he swallows, and he fixes me with a level stare. “I’ll give you what you need.”

All the air leaves my lungs in a rush, and I feel a disconcerting wetness between my thighs. “You wouldn’t dare. I’m at work.”

“Try me.”

Electricity sparks in the air between us, and a curious mix of fear and arousal courses through my veins. Stiffening my spine, I curl my fingers under the edge of my skirt and draw it slowly, painfully slowly up my thighs. Jack stills. His eyes flick down and then back up again. He licks his lips, and his eyes darken.

I have awakened the beast.

*****

Author Info:

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/sarah_castille

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/sarahcastilleauthor

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sarahcastilleauthor

AMAZON AUTHOR:http://www.amazon.com/author/sarahcastille

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6920675.Sarah_Castille

PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/scastilleauthor

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnP8FQqxprb7iggEDKfA1mw

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-castille

NEWSLETTER: http://sarahcastille.com/subscribe/

WEBSITE: http://www.sarahcastille.com

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win one of five bundles containing the first three books in Sarah Castille’s Redemption series: Against the Ropes, In Your Corner, and Full Contact

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af7498/

Book Review – Finding Purpose

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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From a troubled rocker to a troubled SEAL, it’s a week for men who need help finding their way …

*****

Finding Purpose

Colorado Veterans series

by Tiffani Lynn

Blurb:

Once upon a time, when Quincy Hannigan needed saving, he was there to hold her hand. Years have passed since she was that weak, broken girl; instead, a strong, intelligent woman stands in her place. She’s making the world a better place one arrest at a time and has everything she’s always wanted—except Judson Rivers.

When Judson’s father died suddenly, he dropped out of college and became a Navy SEAL. He left everything from his old life behind, including the girl he loved, but never told—Quincy. After ten years, Judson’s military career ends abruptly when the vehicle he’s in runs over an IED. He has his hands full learning to live with one leg, PTSD and a civilian life he wasn’t ready to return to.

Judson and Quincy are reunited when their mentor dies. Once Quincy realizes the depth of his pain, she knows it’s her turn to be the savior. Years of pent-up passion are unleashed, but it may be too late if Judson can’t crawl out of hell. Quincy has every intention of healing this wounded warrior before his demons are the ones who determine his fate.

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*****

Excerpt:

I turn the knob and step inside. Relaxed on the love seat by the bay window, she lifts her eyes to mine. Her legs are curled up under her, hair still up, book in hand and she’s now wearing a pair of sexy black-framed librarian glasses. I feel a stirring in my pants and the shock of it must register on my face because her forehead wrinkles as she asks, “Are you okay?”

I’d love to tell her I’m great, but I don’t think she’d be quite as impressed by the beginnings of a hard-on as I am. This is the first time I’ve had any kind of action down there since the accident. The doctor told me not to worry about it, the function would eventually return, it’s mental more than physical, but I was afraid it never would. For a guy my age, no blood flow to the dick is a terrifying thought.

I cross my hands down low, trying to discreetly cover up. She’d never understand. Who gets a boner the same day he buries someone close to him?

“Yeah, I’m okay. I just wanted to come and say goodbye.”

She lifts the glasses from her face and sets them on top of the book she’s placed on the table next to where she’s seated. When she stands and takes a few steps toward me I realize my heart is pounding harder than it was when I knocked on the door, like I’ve run a few miles. It’s been far too long since I’ve had this kind of reaction to a woman.

“How long are you staying?” I inquire.

“A couple of weeks. I promised the Colonel I’d help Ms. Polly take care of everything. We have to go through some things out in the shed this week too. Are you leaving to go back East right away?”

“No. I’m moving back here. I’m staying at one of those extended stay hotels by the interstate until I can find something. If you need help going through any of his stuff or lifting some of those things, let me know. I don’t have a lot on my schedule yet.”

Her head tilts and her eyes narrow like she’s trying to figure out if my offer is genuine.

I lift up my hands in a gesture of surrender as I say, “I’m not saying you can’t do it, just that I’m available if you want help. I’ll write my cell number down and you can use it, or not.”

She watches me intently as I jot down my number and leave it on the table. Then I walk back over, place my hands on her shoulders, kiss her forehead, lingering a little longer than I should so I can absorb the scent of her again, and limp out the door. I don’t wait to see if she has anything to say or any reaction to the chaste kiss. My heart and body both ache and I wish I were a different man. A better man. One that could have a woman as beautiful and amazing as she is and be worthy of her.

*****

Review:

For me, this book is  an interesting mishmash of things – we have the first part (most of the story, actually) with Quincy and Judson coming together again and addressing their feelings for each other, plus his issues with losing his leg.  Next there’s a short bit over halfway thru where they can’t keep their hands off each other and it feels a bit like an erotic novel (not that I’m complaining, mind you  🙂 ).  And then at the end there’s some suspense and danger.  It all moves together and the story is great all around but it almost feels like separate sections instead of one continuous flow.  It didn’t bother me but I’m throwing it out there just in case it might bug you.

There is a ton of conflict and tangled emotions in the early parts.  Both Quincy and Judson have had feelings for each other for more than a decade but his time as a SEAL separated them.  Not that that stopped the love, just kept it buried, and now that they are together it’s hard to keep ignoring it.  Except that Judson’s having problems figuring out who he is since he left the SEALs, believing himself to be less of a man.  He’s struggled for a long time and cut himself off from people who cared.  Instead he’s self-medicating and drowning in negative emotions.  There are a lot (and I mean A LOT) of ups and downs as they deal with all the turmoil and try to get to a healthy place, whether that’s together or apart.

Once they do, though, it is a lovely thing.  I like how they find a life that fits them both and makes them happy.  It’s not all smooth sailing (don’t forget the whole suspense element is out there, just waiting to strike) but it does help them get a hard-won HEA that makes up for all the bumps along the way.  Plus, an epilogue that tugs at your heart while teasing at the second story in the series.

As long as the way the story moves isn’t going to be an issue for you, Finding Purpose has a lot of great things to offer.  The complicated characters and attention grabbing beginning definitely had me hooked!  I didn’t want to put it down and I’m looking forward to finding out what comes next.

*****

Author Info:

Tiffani currently resides in Florida with her husband, three daughters and chunky yellow lab. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in social science and spent five years working for Hospice. When she’s not writing or taxiing her children around she enjoys reading and attending concerts. Tiffani is also a crazed fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, and the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs.

https://www.facebook.com/Tiffanilynnauthor/

https://twitter.com/tifffanilynn74

https://www.amazon.com/Tiffani-Lynn/e/B01E2L14R0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1486656038&sr=8-1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15141611.Tiffani_Lynn?from_search=true

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tiffani-lynn-6da25333-81ed-4f84-8847-f8877e4e5cd4

*****

Giveaway:

$20 Amazon Gift Card, Paperback of Finding Purpose

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a3541121/

*****

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