Spotlight – Debt

26 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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

*****

DEBT

By Rachel Dunning

Expected Release Date: March 2016

Genres: New-Adult Romance, Sports Romance

Blurb:

The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to.

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

And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

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

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

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

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley

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

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

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn’t always like that.

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

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

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

Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

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

That’s all it was supposed to be.

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

And yet…so unbelievably right.

Content Warning

Not intended for readers under the age of seventeen.

99c Pre-Order Sale!

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

*****

Excerpt:

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

“Who are you?” he repeats.

“I…I don’t know what you mean.”

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

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

“So?”

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

“And?”

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

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

“What?”

“Smile.”

“Why not?”

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Don’t Forget!!!

99c Pre-Order Sale

~Logan~

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

Spotlight – Extreme Honor

25 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Extreme Honor, Piper J. Drake, True Heroes series

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

*****

Extreme Honor

True Heroes #1

by Piper J. Drake

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: January 26, 2016

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever

Blurb:

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

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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Exerpt:

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

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

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

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

“What else do you like?”

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

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

“The hell?”

Lyn gasped. “Atlas!”

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

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

Jealous. Damn dog was jealous.

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

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

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

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

Can I kiss you?

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

“Do you think I would hurt you?”

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

He kissed her.

*****

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

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

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

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

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

*****

Author Info:

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

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

Connect with Piper at

*****

Giveaway:

Win a signed copy of Extreme Honor

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

*****

Spotlight – Woods Family

23 Saturday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Mandy Harbin, Surrounded by Pleasure, Surrounded by Secrets, Surrounded by Temptation, Surrounded by Woods, Woods Family series

For those of you who enjoy paranormal romances, Mandy Harbin has a shifter family made just for you!

*****

Woods Family Series

by Mandy Harbin

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Surrounded by Woods

Book #1

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

When Mikaela Patterson must take on a client with specific requirements that no single women be allowed on his property, she keeps her broken engagement a secret. She doesn’t realize her client and his sons are mountain lion shifters whose instinct to mate with any available woman turns deadly.

Josh Woods is her client’s eldest son, and he is immediately drawn to Mikaela. Knowing his father would never allow an available woman on the property, Josh doesn’t understand his fascination with her. Josh and Mikaela fight their attraction because of their own secrets, but when the truth comes out about Mikaela’s true availability and Josh’s animal instincts, they must be prepared to face the consequences.

Surrounded by Pleasure

Book #2

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

Krista Owens is an attorney who works too much and plays too little. When her colleague, Mikaela, requests her assistance for a month on the Woods estate, hinting that her brothers-in-law are all hot with commitment phobias, Krista agrees to tell the guys she has a boyfriend, hoping to finally lose her virginity.

Toby Woods doesn’t want anything to do with Krista, but watching his brothers fight over her ignites his feral side. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

He knows it’s temporary, but will he be able to let her go when it’s time?

Surrounded by Temptation

Book #3

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

When Krista needs Ariel’s biochemical expertise because her new boyfriend can turn into a mountain lion, Ariel thinks her sister has lost her mind. But the possibility of a major discovery like this is too much of a temptation to ignore. Create a drug to stop a shifter from forcing a mating? Only if she got to test his sexual limits herself.

Rob thinks Ariel is an angel in disguise, and he immediately knows she’s the one for him. But is he strong enough to resist his animal’s need to claim her once the temptation begins?

Surrounded by Secrets

Book #4

Available thru Amazon

Blurb:

Lillian Caldwell has eyes on the hottie with the body, Jack Woods, one of the men who bought her family land and now new boss. She has big plans for Jack, including the getting-him-horizontal variety, and she always gets what she wants.

Jack is the family hard ass who’s trying to make amends. His plans of digging into the family secret he discovered are thwarted when he’s forced to work with Lillian, his gorgeous, pain-in-the-ass neighbor.

But a night of passion will unlock the secrets surrounding them and change both their lives forever.

*****

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

Book Review – Getting Out of Hand

21 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Erin Nicholas, Getting Out of Hand, Sapphire Falls series

Getting Out of Hand

Sapphire Falls, Book One

by Erin Nicholas

Genius scientist Mason Riley can cure world hunger, impress the media and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he’s not sure he can get through his high school class reunion.

Then he meets the new girl in town.

Adrianne Scott loves Sapphire Falls. The sleepy little town has been the perfect place to escape her fast-paced, high stress lifestyle. Her only plans now include opening her candy shop and living a quiet, drama-free life.

Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her.

Mason sure doesn’t look–or kiss–like a genius scientist geek. In fact, he makes Adrianne’s heart pound like nothing she’s ever experienced. Passion like this with a guy who travels the world and parties at the White House should probably be a red flag for a girl who wants a simple boring life.

Good thing no one falls in love in a weekend.

WARNING: read only if you don’t mind some naughty words, sexy times described in great detail, humor, small town quirkiness, meddling best friends, mud in the kitchen, references to bisexuality, oh and talk about candy… and that’s not a euphemism for anything… actual candy.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I found it for free on Amazon and even though I should have been reading other books in my TBR pile, I was drawn to it. I love the idea of the quirky hero and the woman who really understands him. It’s sweet and fun and totally made me happy.

The characters are addictive and easily made their way into my heart. I rooted for them from the first page and anxiously waited for them to get to their HEA. Mason is too smart for his own good, which makes him a bit weird to most people. But for someone who appreciates his big … brain, he’s just perfect.

And Adrianne is that person. She’s smart and caring and loves her new town. The people in it and the slower pace it can give her. The fact that she truly appreciates all those things that make Mason who he is just makes her extra appealing, to him and to us.

There are so many ways that the strife could have happened between the two of them, but I really love how Nichols made her characters smarter than that. Their difficulties (and how they handled them) weren’t cliched and that made their story all the more enjoyable.

Get it free on Amazon

Spotlight – Montana Wild

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Montana Wild, Roni Hall

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

*****

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

Blurb:

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

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

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

On Sale in Digital: January 20, 2016 Amazon

Add MONTANA WILD to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

*****

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

*****

CELEBRATE THE RELEASE WITH A GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: $25 Gift Card to Amazon

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

*****

Spotlight – Too Hot To Handle

19 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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

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

*****

Never Say Never

Book #9 Prequel for Too Hot To Handle

by Susan Arden

Series: Bad Boys (Zero to 60)

Genre: Western Erotica, Erotica Humorous

Releases: Jan. 5

IT’S HOT.

IT’S DIRTY.

ZERO TO 60

SEX UP AGAINST A WALL AND SOME.

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

A random hookup…

And here’s a hot-n-tasty teaser:

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

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

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

“Yeah.” I captured her wrists.

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

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

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

IF YOU LIKE YOUR ROMANCE SO HOT IT SMOLDERS,

then you’ve come to the right ranch.

This girl wants it hard.

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

AND TOGETHER THEY’RE TNT.

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

Too Hot To Handle

Book #10

by Susan Arden

Series: Bad Boys (Zero to 60)

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

Releases: Jan. 12

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

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

Or kill.

Are you TOO HOT TO HANDLE? Hope so!

~snicker~

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

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

CATCH SUSAN HERE

FB | Blog |Twitter |Amazon |Tumblr

Pinterest | Instagram | Google+

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to wind a Kindle Fire and an Amazon Gift Card

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

*****

Tour:

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

Book Review – Night Hawk

18 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Lindsay McKenna, Night Hawk, The Wyoming Series

I was so excited to get to do a review as part of the blog tour for Lindsay McKenna’s newest release. She’s such a strong author in the genre that it is a treat to be included.

*****

Night Hawk

The Wyoming Series Book 10

by Lindsay McKenna

Blurb:

ONCE UPON A RANCH IN WYOMING…

After losing his comrade, Sergeant Gil Hanford thought a visit to the man’s widow would be the decent way to honor his late friend. But Gil found more than comfort in Kai Tiernan—he had always secretly desired beautiful Kai, but a sudden, mutual passion helped assuage their grief…until duty reared its head, removing him from her arms, seemingly forever.

Four years later, Kai is starting over at the Triple H Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Born a rancher, she is looking for a new beginning—but her new boss is unforgivably familiar. Kai has tried to move past the memory of what happened between her and Gil, even though she’s never forgiven him for leaving her. But even as they begin their journey toward something new and oh-so-uncertain, a shadow emerges, determined to claim Kai for itself.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Night-Hawk-Jackson-Hole-Wyoming/dp/037377995X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448900442&sr=8-1&keywords=night+hawk+lindsay+mckenna

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24612999-night-hawk?from_search=true&search_version=service

*****

Review:

McKenna has been a popular writer for a while and her skill is apparent here. There were definitely things that worked for me … but there were also things that didn’t.

I have to start with the blurb because I don’t think that whoever wrote it really gave the story justice. Kai was married to Gil’s best friend and teammate & over the years they had become friends. Even more so after she’s widowed. About a year after he dies, Gil’s brother is also killed in action and he seeks out Kai in his grief. But the moment turns into something more and they spend a few passion filled days together – until Gil disappears without any explanation. Now years later, Kai is out of the military and looking for a job, landing at the Triple H Ranch. And as luck would have it, her new boss is Gil. After all that time, there are a lot of hurt feelings but there is also something more still between them. The question then becomes can they get over their past and will they be able to forge something new.

I really liked the beginning, as Gil & Kai face each other for the first time in years, and the end where that “shadow” comes into play (although I think that having it in the blurb kinda spoils some of the story because, not making an appearance until almost the end, it colors how you read the rest). I think that McKenna does a great job of giving these two a problem to work thru that makes sense and then having them address it when they come face to face again. Everything works for me until about the halfway point … and then it just seems to drag because they are rehashing the same thing over and over – whether Kai can trust Gil’s feelings for her and his ability to stick is a valid one after what happened. But he had a good reason (even if he handled it badly) and having him work for forgiveness for a bit is good, I just think it goes on a little too long.

The ending though helps redeem it some. There is that perfect amount of danger and intrigue (although it is a little open ended since this is part of an on-going series). And I love having the special forces boys get to flex their muscles a little and show off 🙂 The other thing that really sets this off is the familial relationship that develops among the people on the ranch. Over half are ex-military and that comradery is something very important to them. It’s lovely to see how they support and care for each other.

Personally I think that the good definitely outweighs the bad – I’m willing to overlook a little pacing issues for the things that McKenna does so well.

*****

Author Info:

A U.S. Navy veteran, she was a meteorologist while serving her country. She pioneered the military romance in 1993 with Captive of Fate, Silhouette Special edition. Her heart and focus is on honoring and showing our military men and women. Creator of the Wyoming Series and Shadow Warriors series for HQN, she writes emotionally and romantically intense suspense stories. Visit her online at www.LindsayMcKenna.com, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eileen.nauman?fref=nf or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/@lindsaymckenna.

*****

Tour Schedule:

Monday, January 4th: Majorly Delicious

Monday, January 4th: The Sassy Bookster

Tuesday, January 5th: Books a la Mode

Wednesday, January 6th: Reading Reality

Friday, January 8th: A Chick Who Reads

Monday, January 11th: Worth Getting in Bed For

Monday, January 11th: From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, January 12th: Bewitched Bookworms

Wednesday, January 13th: Mignon Mykel Reviews

Friday, January 15th: Read Love Blog

Monday, January 18th: Romantic Reads and Such

Tuesday, January 19th: It’s A Reading Thing

Wednesday, January 20th: Book Reviews & More by Kathy

Thursday, January 21st: Life is Story

Friday, January 22nd: Raven Haired Girl

Monday, January 25th: What I’m Reading

Tuesday, January 26th: Bookaholics Not-so-Anonymous

Wednesday, January 27th: Bibliotica

Friday, January 28th: Black ‘n Gold Girls Book Spot

Guest Post – Fighting Dirty

15 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Fighting Dirty, Sidney Halston, Worth the Fight Series

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

*****

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

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

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

What the fuck . . . ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They’re cute,” Violet said.

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

“I think it does,” Violet replied defensively.

“Enzo didn’t seem to mind,” JL added.

“Aha!” Jessica pointed a finger.

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

*****

Fighting Dirty

Worth the Fight #5

by Sidney Halston

Releasing January 5, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Excerpt:

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

“Truth?”

“Always.”

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

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

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

“Yes.”

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

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

“Okay, so I’ll pick you up at eight.”

“Uh . . . I don’t understand.”

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

“I don’t think—”

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

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

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

*****

Author Info:

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

Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Website | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon gift card

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

*****

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

Book Review – On the Rocks

14 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Kim Law, On the Rocks, Turtle Island series

On the Rocks

A Turtle Island book

by Kim Law

Sassy tomboy Ginger Atkinson would rather be captaining a deep-sea fishing boat than baking pies, yet she still wishes she had a man to bake for. Sure, the pretty redhead is happy running her late father’s Turtle Island ferry business, but everyone in the world is finding love except her. Stuck on the wrong side of thirty, she’s trying to accept singlehood by building a dream home—for one.

In high school, Carter Ridley loved to sneak off with his good friend Ginger to watch the sun rise over the ocean. But after graduation, his path took a different route. One that, unlike Ginger’s, did get him the spouse and house of his dreams. At least, until a scandal shattered everything.

Running from his heartbreak, Carter returns to Turtle Island, where he discovers that Ginger is all grown up. His teenage friend has become the woman he’s always wanted. But will Carter’s pain scare him away from a chance at happiness? Or can he be the loving partner Ginger’s been looking for?

I haven’t read any of the Turtle Island books and at first I thought I hadn’t read any of Law’s books at all but then I realized I was wrong. A few months ago I read Montana Cherries and really liked it. And based what I’ve read so far, I’m going to be adding her to my always read list because these two have been wonderful.

Both Carter and Ginger have some growing to do and time spent together helps them find their way again. The future Ginger expected hasn’t shown up yet and she’s getting a little desperate. Her thirtieth birthday is here and she’s always expected to be married with kids by now. But the more unsuccessful dates she goes on the harder she tries, which unfortunately doesn’t help. In an attempt to get a relationship to stick, she’s forgotten to be true to herself. Carter is coming out of a very bad end to his marriage and he’s angry at the entire world. Back on Turtle Island to check in on his sister has him running into his old friend, Ginger. It doesn’t take long for her sassy & bright personality to start bringing him out from behind his walls … but that doesn’t mean he’s ever going to want to expose his heart again.

The relationship that develops between these two is just about perfect. I love them together as they become friends again, which of course develops into an attraction, but with Carter’s faith in tatters he’s only willing to go for something casual. Being a romance, you know that that doesn’t stick, but it’s nice to see them try 🙂 And while they do have some crazy hot chemistry (sizzling hot!), they also have a strong foundation of mutual respect and caring which lays the groundwork for something more to happen eventually … once Carter gets over his past hurts.

With characters that pop and story lines that keep me glued to the pages, I’m keeping my eye on what Law delivers next – it’s sure to be fantastic!

Buy on Amazon

Spotlight – Game On

13 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Desiree Holt, Forward Pass, Game On series, Line of Scrimmage, Pass Interference

In celebration of the upcoming NFL Super Bowl, we’re going to take a look at the books in Desiree Holt’s sexy Game On football romance series. Plus we’ll find out what her characters are doing on this day to prepare for the big game.

*****

25 Days Out

Jake continues therapy and working out to get his body back in shape after his injury. Erin runs his butt off. The playoffs are well underway.

*****

Game On Series

Desiree Holt

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Forward Pass

Game On Book 1

Blurb:

Get Ready to Play Rough

Shay Beckham grew up idolizing her brother’s best friend, star quarterback Joe Reilly. There was no one in their Texas town who had the moves to match Joe on or off the field. Years later, he’s still a player who has what it takes to drive any hot-blooded woman wild. But Shay isn’t a kid with a bad case of hero-worship anymore. She’s grown-up and independent, with her feet on the ground and a serious head on her shoulders. If she could just say the same for Joe.

It’s been fifteen years, but Joe Reilly hasn’t forgotten the skinny little kid who used to follow him around like a shadow. What he can’t get over is that the skinny shadow has grown into one hell of an incredible woman. One any man in his right mind would kill to get his hands on. And one who seems to be completely immune to him. He knows he and Shay could have something special together. If he could only convince her he’s about more than just the game.

Amazon | Barnes | Kobo

Line of Scrimmage

Game On Book 2

Blurb:

Sometimes it’s not about winning…

One bad tackle. That’s all it took to put wide receiver Jake Russell in a cast for the rest of the NFL season. From being a high school all-star to getting drafted by the Austin Mustangs, football has been Jake’s life for as long as he can remember. It’s what defines him—because he has a secret he never shares. But now that he’s laid up in bed with a nurse displaying a lot of distracting bedside manners, he’s discovering life on the sidelines might have its perks. . .

One last paycheck. That’s all Erin Bass has left to her name when the resort she works at shuts down. Desperate, she agrees to be a caregiver to hardass jock Jake Russell, who also happens to be a memorable one-night stand. Before long, caring leads to daring new ways to catch up in bed, especially with Jake still in a cast. But with football on the sidelines, this time the game is serious. . .

Amazon | Barnes | Kobo | ARe

Pass Interference

Game On Book 3

No Rules. No Limits.

Party girl Tyler Gillette has just one rule: no football players. As the daughter of the owner of the San Antonio Hawks, she grew up in the shadow of the sport and her father’s enormous wealth. She was even named Tyler because he wanted a boy. Life couldn’t have drawn up a better play for turning her into a wild child—until that same life is threatened by someone from the past . . .

Former Hawks running back Rafe Ortiz has a few rules of his own. First, no weaknesses. Second, no babysitting spoiled football princesses. But his new career as a bodyguard means he’s responsible for protecting the beautiful Tyler Gillette from her mysterious stalker. But keeping his hands off her might be harder than keeping her safe . . .

Pre-Order Amazon | Barnes

*****

Author Info:

Known the world over as the oldest living author of erotic romance, and referred to by USA Today as the Nora Roberts of erotic romance, Desiree Holt is three times a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award (and a winner in 2014), a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio as well as twice a CAPA Award winner for best BDSM book of the year, and winner of the Holt Medallion for Excellence in Romance Literature. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The (London) Daily Mail, The New Delhi Times and numerous other national and international publications.

“Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.” (Romance Junkies)

Learn more about her and read her novels here:

www.desireeholt.com

www.desiremeonly.com

www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor

Twitter @desireeholt

Pinterest: desiree02holt

Also on LinkedIn and Google+

*****

Giveaway:

Enter to win some fantastic Game On merchandise!

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01111d66166/