Book Review – Just a Kiss

23 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

Tags

Book Review, Denise Hunter, Just a Kiss, Summer Harbor series

Just a Kiss

A Summer Harbor Novel

by Denise Hunter

For fans of JoJo Moyes’ Me Before You and Nicholas Sparks’ The Choice comes a breathtaking story of second chances, friendship, and true love in all its forms by bestselling novelist, Denise Hunter. Watch the Author Interview! http://blog.netgalley.com/author-chat-with-denise-hunter/

Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are ruined when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.

Watching the love of his life falling for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.

But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.

Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances he’s adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. He has nightmares and mood swings, and his unwavering independence keeps him from accepting help from anyone, including her. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up the money needed to save it.

As the weeks wear on with the two in such close proximity, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into unchartered territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his corded arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?

When you see that a book is part of a series that you’ve not been reading, you’re always taking a chance that the book isn’t a true stand alone. I almost always take the chance unless there is a clear indication otherwise – sometimes it works out really well, sometimes not out all, and sometimes I’m mostly OK. This is definitely that last one. Technically I think you could say that this one is a stand lone, but it seems like you would have a better understanding of Paige, Riley and their relationship if you’d read the other stories.

They’ve been friends for a long time and I get the feeling that this story was one in the making for a while. Paige loves Riley but doesn’t see him in a romantic light. Riley on the other hand has had deeper feelings for years and being around Paige while she’s dating his brother is more than he can handle. So he enlists in the Marines, only to come home injured in body and spirit.

He has a lot of issues trying to acclimate to his new situation, dealing with his feelings over what happened to him overseas, and spending a large amount of time with Paige. It’s hard to see him struggle so – you know that he needs to get professional help but he’s not in a mind to do it.

Paige is trying her best to be understanding but it’s hard as the time spent with her friend has her looking at him with new eyes. You get a good feel for her conflict – not just with the new romantic feelings but also with trying to help someone that doesn’t want it.

I really think that Hunter does a fantastic job with the resolution of Paige and Riley’s feelings, his issues and their futures. It’s not an easy road for them but they have friends, family and their faith to see them through it.

Book Review – My Song for You

22 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, My Song For You, Pushing Limits series, Stina Lindenblatt

My Song for You

A Pushing Limits Novel

by Stina Lindenblatt

In a poignant romance from the author of This One Moment (“Hot, intense, and filled with emotion.”—Rachel Harris), the rock stars of Pushing Limits have hit the big time. But fame gets tough when love presents a fork in the road.

At twenty-one, Jared Leigh had been prepared to give up the life of a touring musician to be a father after getting his girlfriend pregnant. When she told him that she’d gotten an abortion, Jared was devastated. Now at least he has the groupies to keep him company—until a blast from the past rocks his world.

Callie Talbert hasn’t seen her sister’s ex since high school. But after Callie bumps into Jared while she’s grocery shopping with four-year-old Logan, there’s a spark that wasn’t there before. Jared quickly realizes that her deaf “son” is the same age his own child would have been. When Jared demands to know more about Logan, Callie panics. There are things she just can’t tell him. Besides, Jared’s a bad-boy rocker, not a dependable father figure. He’ll move on to his next gig soon enough . . . right?

Trouble is, Jared refuses to be pushed away, and the more quality time he spends with Logan, the more he’s captivated by the woman Callie has become. When the truth is revealed, Jared only hopes that the three of them have what it takes to become a real family.

I usually don’t like these stories that start with a lie, but Lindenblatt handles it really well. I totally understand where both parities are coming from and feel for them being such a horrible situation.

Callie is doing the best she can in a difficult situation and she’s doing it like a trooper.. She obviously loves Logan and works hard to give both of them a good life. For having lost almost everything, she’s got great spirit and that shines through. Very appealing for both us … and Jared.

Jared has a pretty good head on his shoulders for an up and coming rock star, with groupies and fans. He’s got a supportive group of friends and a loving family, which helps explain a lot. Running into his old friend and her son has him looking for a chance to reconnect. Only he has no idea what that sets into motion.

The first part of the story involves Callie and Jared meeting again after losing touch for a few years and Callie trying to keep her secret. But of course it doesn’t stay hidden long and that’s where everything really takes off. There’s a lot of conflicting emotion early on but nothing like the quagmire they find themselves in afterward. They are all over the place and for some seriously good reasons.

Emotion packed, with a mix of humor and sizzle, My Song For You will grab you by the heart and not let go until you hit the very last page.

Book Review – More Than You Know

21 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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April Bennett, Book Review, More Than You Know, Second Chances series

More Than You Know

Second Chances Book 2

by April Bennett

Blurb:

Reeling from a painful divorce, Miranda has returned to her hometown after a fifteen-year absence. When her brother offers her a job with the family company she takes it, not realizing she’ll be working with the man who was once the object of her teen fantasies.

When lifelong bachelor Robert decides to reform his rakish ways, he moves from Chicago to the little town of Alandale. Away from the bustling pace of city living, he settles into a new work partnership with his best friend.

His new assistant Miranda is a mystery to him, and Robert is a thorn in her side. Chemistry sizzles between them, but they have both been burned once. Will they let past heartaches, fear of disrupting the status quo, and a disapproving older brother ruin their future?

It’s always amazing to me how you can pick up one book and just fly through it. But another requires more time, like you are having to savor it. This is definitely the second type. It wasn’t dull or lengthy or over written – it was like taking a very pleasant stroll with Robert and Miranda as they get to know each other again and find themselves falling in love. (I keep reading that and it sounds kinda bad but it TOTALLY isn’t. This was a great book that I absorbed instead of let flash by.)

I really like Robert and feel for him, with his decision to start over in a new town and moving into a new stage in his life. He struggles a little, which makes him relatable, especially once he starts having feelings for his best friend’s sister 🙂 Miranda is working through a lot with the end of her marriage and all the problems that brought her back home. It takes her a while to wallow and work through her emotions. Falling for Robert definitely wasn’t something she expected and she doesn’t handle it very well. I get where she’s coming from and why she feels the way she does, and Robert has a lot of patience and understanding to not give up on her, leading to a great ending.

With realistic characters, real-world issues, moments of sweetness and shots of humor, Bennett delivers a beautiful story of second chances and finding yourself again.

(This is the second in a series but definitely reads as a stand alone.)

Spotlight – Southern Nights & Secrets

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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

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

*****

Southern Nights and Secrets

The Boys Are Back in Town #4

by Robin Covington

Publication Date: September 19, 2016

Genres: Adult, Entangled: Indulgence, Contemporary, Romance

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

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

A Night of Southern Comfort

The Boys Are Back in Town, #1

Blurb:

One night of passion…

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

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

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

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

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2cY1Ugq

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2d9ukaG

B&N: http://bit.ly/1a2g4no

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

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

Audible: http://adbl.co/2cTAuMC

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2cY53wq

His Southern Temptation

The Boys Are Back in Town, #2

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2cm3LNA

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2d9ufUf

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

B&N: http://bit.ly/1e3PLQH

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

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

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

Sweet Southern Betrayal

The Boys Are Back in Town, #3

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B&N: http://bit.ly/2d71yED

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2d71W6c

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

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

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

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

Spotlight – Heart of Delight

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

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Handful of Hearts series, Heart of Delight, Jenna Jaxon

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

*****

Heart of Delight

Handful of Hearts series

by Jenna Jaxon

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

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

https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/

@Jenna_Jaxon

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

*****

Giveaway:

Ebook Giveaway Heart of Delight

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

Book Review – Playing It Cool

19 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Amy Andrews, Book Review, Playing It Cool, Sydney Smoke Rugby series

Oh, do I have something great today …. a fantastic heroine and her sexy (but clueless) sports star. I enjoyed their relationship SO much! (Even those clueless times 🙂 )

*****

Playing It Cool

A Sydney Smoke Rugby Novel

by Amy Andrews

Blurb:

Harper Nugent might have a little extra junk in her trunk, but her stepbrother calling her out on it is the last straw… When rugby hottie, Dexter Blake, witnesses the insult, he surprises Harper by asking her out. In front of her dumbass brother. Score! Of course, she knows it’s not for reals, but Dex won’t take no for an answer.

Dexter Blake’s life revolves around rugby with one hard and fast rule: no women. Sure, his left hand is getting a workout, but he’s focused on his career for now. Then he overhears an asshat reporter belittle the curvy chick he’d been secretly ogling. What’s a guy to do but ask her out? It’s just a little revenge against a poser, and then he’ll get his head back in the game.

But the date is better than either expected. So is the next one. And the next. And the heat between them…sizzles their clothes right off.

Suddenly, this fake relationship is feeling all too real…

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Cool-Sydney-Smoke-Rugby-ebook/dp/B01KTHYB76?tag=entangpublis-20&link_code=ur2&creative=9325&camp=211189#nav-subnav

IBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/playing-it-cool/id1146455978?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/playing-it-cool-3

Amazon.UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Playing-Cool-Sydney-Smoke-Rugby-ebook/dp/B01KTHYB76?tag=entangpublis-20&link_code=ur2&creative=9325&camp=211189

Amazon.CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Playing-Cool-Sydney-Smoke-Rugby-ebook/dp/B01KTHYB76?tag=entangpublis-20&link_code=ur2&creative=9325&camp=211189

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playing-it-cool-amy-andrews/1124435667?ean=9781633757509

*****

Review:

I really enjoyed this story. Actually I’m surprised a little at how much I enjoyed it 🙂 I liked the idea of a normal sized heroine, which was why this story ended up in my TBR pile, but the interactions between Dex and Harper kept me glued to the pages. They are just so darned cute together and I was hooked on how well they fit together as friends and lovers.

Harper does have a little bit of a hangup when it comes to her size, but it doesn’t take long for Dex’s obvious attraction to her to get her over that. And it really isn’t a huge part of the conflict in the story. It does come back up at a critical moment, as you’d expect, but it isn’t over used in the story. Instead she’s a funny, caring, a little geeky and a lot of fun. She thinks she’s going into her relationship with Dex with her eyes open and her heart closed, but you can guess how well that goes. They have a lot in common and they quickly form a friendship that just works for both of them – it’s hard to stay detached when they click so well.

Plus, Dex is awfully hard to resist. He’s sexy, strong, fun and good for her ego. He’s not shy about how attractive he finds her. Not just her body but her mind and spirit as well and you love him just for how much he likes her. But of course he’s got a few troubles of his own. He grew up in the poorest part of town and has pretty much dedicated all his energy in never going back there again. For him, rugby is the answer. I’m not sure why he thinks that he’s not successful enough already to never go back or that he’s got nothing going for him after his career is over. But those scars from his childhood are pretty deep and cause him a few moments of trouble with Harper.

You can see from a mile away that Dex’s single mindedness when it comes to his sport is going to cause him some trouble. Luckily, though, it isn’t over-played and thanks to some help from his friends he quickly figures things out. He’s adorable in his cluelessness and his eventual aha moment … and, just like with the rest of his life, once he’s on a course of action he goes full tilt. Nothing is stopping him from winning his woman back and is fantastic to see.

(I didn’t read the first book in this series, but it didn’t really seem to matter much. I might have gone into it with a better feel for the guys. Meeting them new here worked though and I had no problem keeping up. But I’m going to definitely keep my eye out to see what comes next because I have a feeling a certain bad boy may have just met his match with Harper’s friend and his downfall could be quite entertaining.)

*****

Author Info:

Amy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written over fifty contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She has written for Harlequin Mills & Boon, Entangled, Harper Collins, Momentum, Tule and Escape. She’s sold over a million books and been translated into thirteen different languages including manga.

Amy spent six years on the national executive of Romance Writers of Australia including a two year term as president and after many years of unofficial mentoring of emerging writers, Amy and her fellow Harlequin author Anna Cleary have started their own manuscript assessment business, Word Witchery, which specializes in romantic fiction. With unique insight into what makes a story that sells, Amy and Anna aim to help every manuscript shine.

Amy loves good books, fab food, great wine and frequent travel – preferably all four together. She lives on acreage on the outskirts of Brisbane with a gorgeous mountain view but secretly wishes it was the hillsides of Tuscany.

Website: http://www.amyandrews.com.au

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyAndrewsbooks

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1128457.Amy_Andrews

*****

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon Gift Card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb412/

*****

Tour Schedule:

September 12th

Stuck In Books Excerpt

The Book Bee Excerpt

Diane’s Book Blog Excerpt

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC Excerpt

September 13th

I Love Romance Review

From Me to You … Video, Photography, & Book Reviews Excerpt

My Slanted Bookish Ramblings Review

Romance Playlist Guest Post

Smut Book Junkie Reviews Review

September 14th

CReneeBookWorld Review

Reading Tigress Excerpt

Books,Dreams,Life Excerpt

SBB Reviews Review

NightWolf Book Blog Review

September 15th

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium Excerpt

After Dark Book Lovers Review

Alpha Book Club Review

A journey to a lifetime Review

September 16th

Romance Book Nerd Excerpt

T&G Book Boutique Excerpt

Southern Vixens Book Obsessions Excerpt

The Lusty Literate Excerpt

September 17th

The Pervy Ladies Book Blog Review

Friends Till The End Book Blog Excerpt

Brittany’s Book Blog Playlist

Fiction Conviction Book Blog Excerpt

September 18th

Ruby’s Books Review

Reading Addict Excerpt

Evermore Books Excerpt

Liz’s Reading Life Excerpt

September 19th

A Fortress of Books Review

Romantic Reads and Such Review

Sweet Reading Review

Four Chicks Flipping Pages Review

September 20th

bookshelf dreaming Revew

Ashley Book Blog Review

Renee Entress’s Blog Review

What Is That Book About Guest Post

September 21st

I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore Review

Short and Sassy Book Blurbs Review

Amo & Sarah Book Corner Review

Captain Reads A Lot Excerpt

September 22nd

babbling about books and more Review

Crazy Chaotic Book Babes Review

TBR Book Blog Review

September 23rd

queenzany Review

Nose Stuck in a Book Excerpt

G & T’s Indie Café Excerpt

Book Review – Love & Hope

16 Friday Sep 2016

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

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

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

*****

Love and Hope

Stanford Creek Book Two

by RJ Scott, w/a Rozenn Scott

Genre: contemporary romance

Publisher: All Romance eBooks

Date of Publication: 9/1/2016

ISBN: 978-1-943576-85-2

Word Count: 54000

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

ARe

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

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

“You’re drunk,” he announced.

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

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

“Your chest,” she murmured against him.

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

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

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

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

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

“No.”

“Megan?”

“Hell, no.”

“Kyle then.”

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

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

“Because you’re drunk.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’ll get some water.”

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

“Getting drunk, you mean?” he asked.

“Yeah. It’s scared.”

It’s scared? “What’s scared.”

“Me.”

*****

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

http://twitter.com/RJScott_author

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

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

*****

Giveaway:

3 Copies of A Shades of Naughty book

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

*****

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

Spotlight – Flight Risk

12 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Assignment: Romance Series, Barbara Valentin, Flight Risk

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

*****

Flight Risk

An Assignment: Romance Novel, Book 4

by Barbara Valentin

Romantic Comedy / Chick Lit

Gemma Halliday Publishing / 233 pages

Blurb:

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

Buy Links: Amazon B&N Smashwords Kobo iBooks

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

Ah, here we go.

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

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

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

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

Which might explain what he did next.

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

Website: http://www.barbaravalentin.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpinningInBurbs

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

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

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

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

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

*****

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

Book Review – The Darkest Link

09 Friday Sep 2016

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

≈ Leave a comment

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

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

*****

The Darkest Link

Second Circle Tattoos #4

by Scarlett Cole

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Pub. Date: August 30, 2016

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

THE STRONGEST STEEL, Second Circle Tattoos #1

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

THE FRACTURED HEART, Second Circle Tattoos #2

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

THE PUREST HOOK, Second Circle Tattoos #3

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

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lia laughed. “I was joking.”

“I wasn’t. Say the word, Red.”

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

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

And that just turned her on even more.

*****

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Scarlett: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

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

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

*****

Tour Schedule:

8/29/16

Deborah Favorite Book Reviews, Spotlight and More’s blogs

WTF Are You Reading?

Penny Dreadful Book Reviews

It’s All About the Romance

The Book Disciple

Readers Retreats

U.S. – Brazil Book Review

We So Nerdy

Lipstick ‘N Lashes Chronicles

8/30/16

Fiona Reads and FoodSpots

Jeri’s Book Attic

Red Cheeks Reads

Lisa’s Loves(Books of Course)

8/31/16

RoloPoloBookBlog

Hike2Forty and beyond

KT Book Reviews

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Boyfriends

Em & M Books

Wonderful World of Books

9/1/16

Avid Reader Amy’s Reviews

Kimmie Sue’s Book Review

9/2/16

Reese’s Review

Read My Mind

Musings of the Modern Belle

9/5/16

Jen’s Reading Obsession

Mary Gramlich (The Reading Reviewer)

Ramblings From This Chick

Happily Ever Chapter

Naughty Moms’ Story Time

9/6/16

9/7/16

Nicole’s Book Musings

Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm

9/8/16

9/9/16

Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!

Read Between the Lines

Alpha Book Club

Readsalot

TBR Book Blog

Romantic Reads and Such

underneath the covers

Book Review – Winner Takes All

08 Thursday Sep 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Champion Valley series, Erin Kern, Winner Takes All

Winner Takes All

Champion Valley #1

by Erin Kern

THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Money. Fame. Endorsements. Blake Carpenter had it all — before his professional football career spiraled out of control. Determined to rebuild his life, he takes on coaching the high school team in his Colorado hometown. Despite a few fumbles, Blake knows he can lead these boys to victory. As long as he can keep his eyes on the prize and off the team’s distractingly gorgeous physical therapist.

Annabelle Turner knows all about the scandal that cost Blake his NFL career, and she’ll be damned if she’s going to let his mistakes hurt her team. What she doesn’t count on is the intense attraction that turns every heated run-in they have into a wildly erotic competition. Point by point, play by play, kiss by kiss, they try to keep things professional for the good of the team. But when the score is this close-and the passion this fierce-it’s anybody’s game . . .

Kern delivers a small town romance that is the perfect kick-off to a new series. There’s the perfect balance between the romance between the main characters and the introduction of other people who are sure to find their way into their own story. Nowhere did I feel that she short changed either one, giving readers a sweet & fun love story while creating an anticipation for what comes next.

I loved the interactions between Blake & Annabelle. He’s gruff but loves the boys on his team. Tries to be a bit of a hard nose but doesn’t always succeed, especially when he comes into contact with Annabelle and her spunkiness! She’s not taking any of his attitude lying down and gives back just as much as he dishes out. They might try to fight their attraction but it’s a heck of a lot of fun watching them lose 🙂

There are a few loose ends that I’m hoping Kern will tie up in other installments. And there are also some great secondary characters who will hopefully continue to provide lively entertainment in the books to come. It’s one of the great things about new romance series – all the possibilities that could be, the people you hope to get to know even better and the opportunity to see favorites again & again. And Kern gives us that beautifully.