Spotlight – Declan

29 Sunday Mar 2015

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GET YOUR HANDS ON DECLAN!
War almost destroyed them, but they survived thanks to their brother in arms Declan.

Coming home wasn’t as sweet as they’d hoped, lives had moved on without them. For one it was all too much.

United by grief and angered by injustice the Wounded Heroes vow to always be there for each other.

Little do they know that’s going to come sooner rather than later.
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Also available on KU:

Pretty Series By Donna Alam
Pretty Hot
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1G2INv7
Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/1NoJotw
Pretty Liar
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1NoJuBx
Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/1EMUUbB

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Book Review – Bringing Home the Bad Boy

27 Friday Mar 2015

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cover54860-mediumThe Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what’s worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend’s memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can’t stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan’s mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they’re brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . .

Bringing Home the Bad Boy is a very emotional start to Lemmon’s newest series.  I love the idea of these three “bad boys” all grown up.  Who doesn’t like a reformed rake, right?  (Evan is related to characters from her Love in the Balance series, but as far as I can tell, since I didn’t read those books, this one can stand on its own.  I’m sure his history makes an appearance but Lemmon does a great job of keeping readers current with the new series.)

I was very impressed with how Lemmon handled this story.  There were so many ways that this could go but I really enjoyed the fact that in the end it was just Charlotte who needed to get past the fact that Evan was married to her best friend.  It’s been years and he’s done his grieving, accepting the things that cannot change and that life moves on.  It’s not been easy and he knows that to fully heal he has to make a new life for himself. 

Charlotte’s difficulty is complicated by the fact that long ago, before Evan and Rae got together, she had a thing for him.  She got past those feelings when it was obvious that Evan and Rae belonged together but it just gives added depth to her current guilt.  Evan is willing to help her come to terms with the change in their relationship but it’s a step she’s going to have to be willing to take. 

With a sexy single father, who is doing a fantastic job raising an absolutely adorable kid, and a fun-loving but hesitant “Aunt Charlie”, Lemmon delivers a can’t-miss emotional read.  With a devilish twinkle in his eye and a smirk to his smile, Evan will become your new fictional boyfriend.  Although he may have some competition from the other bad boys, Asher and Donovan – I can’t wait to see what comes next in the Second Chance series.

Book Review – Ares’ Temptation

26 Thursday Mar 2015

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cover61761-mediumAt the wedding of two Greek gods, Kaye Underhill is the only mortal in a sea of scantily clad nymphs and fickle satyrs. And worse — she’s dateless. The only bright side is the hot, muscled hunkiness of the God of War, who’s seated next to her. But there’s no way Kaye could ever grab a god’s attention… Is there?

Ares is in big trouble. A vengeful witch curses him, and the first person he touches will steal his strengths, while he receives their weaknesses. When Kaye trips, Ares catches her and poof! His powers disappear, and Kaye suddenly has the strength and coordination of a Greek god. To break the curse and regain his powers, Ares must get Kaye to fall in love with him.

But for the god who makes war, making love presents a whole new set of problems…

Ares’ Temptation is a lot of fun – I really enjoyed the idea of gods in our world, especially one who is without his powers.  My only complaint is that it didn’t seem like enough time was spent having Ares learn from his time being powerless.  He does and we see it to a certain degree but I think maybe there was a chance to delve a little deeper into that. 

Buuuut, what I got I enjoyed.  I liked seeing his interactions with Kaye.  She’s funny and spunky and a good foil for him.  He’s sexy and hunky and a little lost which is also fun.  It isn’t a huge fish out of water story, just some touches, mostly because Ares is too proud to show it too much.  And the time he spent with Kaye’s family does teach him a thing or two about patience and forgiveness.   There is also a bit of a  battle at the end, adding just that touch of danger and suspense to the story and showing off Ares’ new attitude.

I love these reimaging stories – taking well known (and sometimes even lesser known) fictional characters and giving them something new.  Dionne does a good job here and I’m thinking that it might be fun to see what she can do with Ares’ brothers and sisters. 

Spotlight – Perfect Game

25 Wednesday Mar 2015

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I’m so excited about the newest in Collette West’s baseball series.  You may remember the Kings from Game On – if not, make sure you check these guys out!

*****

Perfect Game CoverPerfect Game

by Collette West

Publication Date: March 13, 2015

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Blurb:

For New York Kings’ first baseman Scott Harper, scoring women is easy. He’s ready to get naked anytime, anywhere. But when a hacker leaks his nude selfies, he’s unprepared for the scrutiny his full-frontals receive.

Carrie McKenzie has a love-hate relationship with her body. No longer the fat chick guys can ignore, she wins the job as the Kings’ clubhouse reporter. With her svelte new figure, she nabs an exclusive interview with Scott to get his take on the scandal.

However, the two are already on a first-name basis after Scott came on to her in the hotel bar, and she woke up in his arms. The problem is that Scott doesn’t do relationships and Carrie doesn’t date jocks, yet the way they burn up the sheets is deserving of more than just a one-night stand.

Scott shows Carrie that he has a sweet, caring side beneath all the swagger. But can she really trust her heart to the biggest player in the game?

Amazon: http://amztk.com/ baseballromance

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble. com/w/perfect-game-collette- west/1121336838?ean= 2940151314541

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks. com/search?Query=perfect+game+ collette+west

iBooks: https://itunes.apple. com/us/book/perfect-game/ id974203309?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo4

Smashwords: https://www. smashwords.com/books/view/ 525071

*****

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Excerpt:

“You’ve been awfully quiet,” Carrie says, lying next to me in my childhood bed the next morning as we approach game fifty-five.

“I’m sorry.” I shift, turning to face her. “I’m just tired and my shoulder’s been hurting me.”

“Well, c’mere. Let me fix that.” She rolls me onto my stomach, seating herself on top of me before she begins massaging my back with her fingers. “Your muscles are so tense, babe. I know this streak is driving you crazy, but you gotta try to relax.”

“Ah!” I wince, when she squeezes my shoulder.

“Is that where you got hit last night?” She stops what she’s doing, peering down, her hair gliding across my back. “Oh wow, look at it. It’s all black and blue.”

“I’ll survive,” I mumble with my face in the pillow.

“Hold on,” she says, sliding off me. “I’ll go get some ice.”

“I like when you take care of me, you know,” I respond, watching her hastily cover her naked body with my shirt.

“I know.” She winks at me, before slipping out to the kitchen.

I close my eyes and try not to think about the pain. I’ve been hit plenty of times, but I’ve never had anyone around to baby me and patch me up like this.

I don’t even hear Carrie tiptoe back in before an icy jolt touches my skin.

“There. How does that feel?” she whispers.

“Cold,” I mutter.

“Very funny,” Carrie teases, dabbing me with the handful of ice she has wrapped in a towel.

I tilt my head to the side, watching her. “I’d rather have you kiss it and make it better.”

“Does that really work?” she asks, raising an eyebrow at me.

“Your lips are magic, Care Bear,” I reply, enjoying how easily I can make her blush.

*****

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Author Info:

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball’s biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette’s impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she’s not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com.

She is the author of NIGHT GAMES and GAME CHANGER.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

*****

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*****

Giveaway:

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https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354343/

*****

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Tour Schedule:

March 16 – Concuipscent Bibliophile, Review
March 16 – Sassy Divas Book Blog, Review
March 16 – I Dare You To Read, Review

March 17 – undercover book reviews, Spotlight
March 17 – Deanna’s Tidbits, Excerpt
March 17 – Mikky’s World Of Books, Excerpt
March 17 – Sugar Shack Book Blog, Review

March 18 – Hooked On Books Forever, Review
March 18 – Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess, Review
March 18 – J & J’s Southern Spice Blog, Review

March 19 – Maine Book Momma, Excerpt
March 19 – Paola’s Bookshelf, Excerpt
March 19 – Typical Distractions, Review
March 19 – Wicked Reads, Review
March 19 – Literary Misfit, Review

March 20 – The Voluptuous Book, Excerpt
March 20 – Sultry, Steamy Reading, Review
March 20 – storytime book magic, Review
March 20 – Ramblings From This Chick, Review
March 20 – Reading Addict, Excerpt

–

March 23 – Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Review
March 23 – The Book Gurus, Review
March 23 – Book Freak, Review

March 24 – A One-click Addict’s Book Blog, Excerpt
March 24 – Ms C’s Diversions, Review
March 24 – Gemma Reads Too Much For It To Be Normal Book Blog, Review

March 25 – Souls Readers, Excerpt
March 25 – Romantic Reads and Such, Excerpt
March 25 – Sleep Deprived Book Lovers, Excerpt

March 26 – Books to Breathe, Review
March 26 – The Book Quarry, Review
March 26 – Snarky Mom Reads…, Review

–

March 30 – I’m A Book Shark, Excerpt
March 30 – Books Laid Bare, Review

March 31 – Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog, Spotlight
March 31 – Prone to Crushes on Boys in Books, Spotlight
March 31 – The Racy Lit Reader, Review

April 1 – Vera is Reading, Teaser
April 1 – LBM Book Blog, Review

April 2 – Nic’s Novel Idea, Excerpt
April 2 – Sharlene Says, Excerpt

April 3 – Ripley Loves to Read
April 3 – Romance Readers Book Blog, Review

–

April 6 – naughty Book Eden, Excerpt
April 6 – paranormal book club ( PBC), Teaser

April 7 – deal sharing aunt, Spotlight
April 7 – Best Book Boyfriends, Review

April 8 – Sexy Bibliophiles, Review
April 8 – Jordansbookreviews, Review

April 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher, Review
April 9 – Book Geek, Review

April 10 – Confessions of a Y.A. and N.A. Book Addict, Review

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Book Review – His Moment to Steal

24 Tuesday Mar 2015

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cover60503-mediumOnce a thief, always a thief…and he’s just walked away with her heart.

In the Line of Duty, Book 4

Ex-military security specialist Luke Phillips would like nothing more than to walk away from his latest job, especially when he realizes the upscale market owner is the daughter of the man responsible for his year spent in juvie.

Except he promised the kids at the community center new and updated equipment. He has no choice but to keep to himself and try not to get mixed up with Emery Vincent. No matter how sweet and sexy she is.

One look at Luke starts Emery’s heart fluttering—along with other specific body parts. But she knows better than to act on those urges with a bad boy who looks at her like he’s been living off rations and she’s the market’s hot lunch special.

But when he rescues her and bandages up her scuffed knee, the heat between them explodes. While a future between them is impossible, hot, sweaty sex is guaranteed—at least until the job is done. Unless Luke can let go of the past and risk it all for love.

Warning: This book contains a smoking-hot ex-convict from the wrong side of thetracks, and a silver-spoon lady who gets oh, so much more than she bargained for when shehires him for a job.

I love these “In the Line of Duty” books.  The guys are all Alpha and the women are spunky – my favorite kind of combination – and His Moment to Steal fits right in.  Make sure you check out His Trouble in Tallulah and His Taste of Temptation.

If you take on the latest in the series, be prepared for some steam because the story is rough and coarse and sexy as hell, just like its hero.  Luke is off-the-charts sexy but he’s carrying around a lot of baggage.  Spending time with Emery, daughter of an old enemy, though, quickly has him reconsidering some of his views.  He’s as stubborn as he is hot so it is hard for him to let go completely and learn to trust, which isn’t going to lead to an easy HEA. 

Emery’s been let down enough times not to expect much from people.  While it seems like what they have is a no-strings affair, emotions get involved pretty quickly (of course).  And as much as she wants to give her heart and trust to Luke, it isn’t easy for her.  His hesitancy to let her all the way in doesn’t help things much so you know there is going to be trouble in paradise.  The ending though had me all smiles and squishy feelings though, just the way I like it. 

With smooth writing, delectable characters and sizzle between the sheets, Fox delivers another winner!

Spotlight – The Only Exception: Broken

23 Monday Mar 2015

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And from super sexy athlete, we move to super sexy soldier … Happy Monday!

*****

E-Book COVERThe Only Exception: Broken

by A.L. Davis

Genre: Romance

Release Date: Dec 13, 2014

Blurb:

“Everyone I’ve ever loved has been taken from me and I can’t take the heartache anymore. It’s time to build that wall around my heart and let no one in, no exceptions.”

Ellie never did know her mother; before she turned twenty she lost her father in the line of duty; a freak accident stole her fiancé from her before they had a chance to start their life together. She wants answers, but now that she’s living in a new town and trying to start over, she’s finding that it’s not that easy. Maybe new surroundings are what she needs to make it easier to move on and forget all about her old life. It could have been…until he showed up.

“Having the sort of job that is as dangerous as what I do doesn’t allow for a personal life, no exceptions.”

Jack and his team of military misfits have seen their fair share of war zones and violent criminals. Skilled in precision rescue operations, they’ve traveled into some of the most terrifying countries and stood up to intimidating adversaries, but when a mentor of Jack’s calls them in for a favor that he is unable to turn down, he finds himself up against his most challenging fear of all…his heart. There is a fine line between getting close enough to do your job and getting so close that you get attached. That line used to be obvious, but now that he’s met her, things have blurred and priorities have shifted. Can he keep his feelings in check and still protect Ellie from an adversary more dangerous and twisted than she could ever imagine?

Amazon | Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

“And this…,” I tossed the manila envelope back to the desk, “…is not a job. It’s a death sentence. My death sentence. I’m walking in blind. I mean, how do I know she’s not running from the law?”

Lou shook his head, his mouth contorting into a tight frown, and answered matter-of-factly,

“She’s not. And why would that stop you?”

“How do I know for sure? How do you know for sure?” I challenged, making him smile.

Somehow, that irritated me even more. He was hiding something.

“Because I know,” he answered, lips pursed, eyes narrowing at me. He didn’t look away and neither did I. I wanted to know what he was thinking. What was he hiding? Unfortunately, he was going to make it difficult to find out.

I sighed, knowing that was the only answer I was going to get. “Is she hiding from her husband or boyfriend or something?”

“Most definitely not,” he answered with a heavy sigh, sadness flicking across his face.

This piqued my interest. And why was a small part of me so damn happy with that answer?

“Did she kill someone?” I figured I already knew the answer to this one, but I had to ask.

He chuckled. “Absolutely not.”

“What if she’s got the mob after her? Did she piss off a terrorist group?”

“So what if they are? So what if she did? You’ve been wrapped up in worse and handled it,” he answered quickly. “Stop with the stalling already, Jack. I need to know. Are. You. In.”

“Lou, I don’t help people against their will because if they won’t listen and do what I tell them to do, bad things happen. She doesn’t want me anywhere near her. She won’t even look at me, let alone talk to me. Ellie dodges me all day long. I tried to just talk to her like you asked me, but she avoids me like the plague and scurries off in the other direction. She looks at me like…like…”

“Like the frightened child she is,” Lou interrupted sighing.

*****

20150221_163754Author Info:

A.L. Davis lives in Southern California with her husband, two kids, and one fur baby. A.L. has had a passion for writing since high school where any free time was spent thinking up new stories. Shortly after graduating high school writing took a back seat to start a family. Now that the kids are older, writing has become her hobby once again.

Author Facebook https://www.amazon.com/author/aldavis

Facebook www.facebook.com/justagirlsramblings

Twitter www.twitter.com/aldaviswrites

TSU www.tsu.com/aldwrites99

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmandaDaviswrites99/posts

Amazon amazon.com/author/aldavis

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/exceptionseries/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5983777.A_L_Davis

*****

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Giveaway:

Enter to win some seriously cool swag!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ff2444614/

*****

Tour Hosted by:

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*****

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Spotlight – Pitching for Amalie

23 Monday Mar 2015

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Another fantastic sports series is kicking off with Pitching for Amalie, available today!  Be prepared – it is a HOT one.

*****

Pitching-AmazonPitching for Amalie

by Hayley Faiman

Blurb:

When tragedy ruins her life, Amalie Aagaard cuts ties with her family and moves to Boston, leaving her past behind. Even in another city, far away from the man who loves her, memories plague her mind.

Then, one night at a club, her life takes a turn during a sensual encounter with a stranger. Jarrod Harrison is determined to discover more about Amalie, but she wears a mask, shielding herself from him. With a bit of persistence, eventually, Jarrod dominates his way into her heart. Amalie lets go a little at a time, on her way to finding happiness with this man.

When the past rears its ugly head, can their newfound relationship survive? Or will it shatter their future together?

Book 1 – Standalone

18+ for mature audiences due to language and sexual content.

Get it on Amazon

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*****

Author Info:

31 years young… born and raised in California, did a stint in Oregon only to return to the Golden State. Lived that life a while until the Lone Star State called to us, Texas is where we call home, where our boots rest and loving that country life. Living the life with one bearded power pole climbing husband, two little boys that are full of energy and drive us crazy plus a chocolate lab named Optimus Prime.

Author Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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*****

Giveaway:

Amazon Gift Cards

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4cf78adb198/

*****

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*****

Check out all of the participating sites below:

I Dare You To Read

The Fairest of All Book Reviews

booklover4lifeblog

Those Crazy Book Chicks

The Sassy Bookista  

Books Need TLC

Sassy Divas Book Blog

Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess

Cocktails and Books

Renee Entress’s Blog

Naughty Book Eden

grownupfangirl

Read My Mind

Stuck In YA Books

Hot Guys in Books

Sexy Bibliophiles

Book Freak

Tumbleweed Book Reviews

undercover book reviews

Stephanie Witter

Read, Write, Ripley

Rustys Reading

Peace Love Books

Mama She’s Crazy About Books

Kimmy Loves to Read

SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews

My Favorite Things

Paola’s Bookshelf

Vera is Reading

Lea’s Book Blog

Making it Happen

The Book Lovers Codex

New Adult Addiction

Southern Belle Book Blog

The Phantom Paragrapher

I Heart YA Books

Fandemonium Network

Adventures in Writing

The NA Book Blog

Southern Vixens Book Obsessions

LuLo Fangirl

Mikky’s World Of Books

Becca the Bibliophile

Seeing Night Reviews

Aly’s Miscellany

Romantic Reads and Such

A Life Bound By Books

mommas secret book obsession

Gemma Reads Too Much For It To Be Normal Book Blog

coast to coast book besties

Inner Goddess

Indies Steal Our Heart

Rumpled Sheets Blog

Hooked On Books Forever

Travels n Reads

Love Affair With Fiction

Books, Books The Magical Fruit

CJ’s Book Corner

Confessions of a Y.A. and N.A. Book Addict

One Book Boyfriend At A Time

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Book Review – It Must Be Your Love

22 Sunday Mar 2015

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cover56580-mediumNew York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Bella Andre brings you a new set of Sullivans to fall in love with…

Successful Seattle Realtor Mia Sullivan is nobody’s fool…apart from that one week five years ago when she gave her heart to a sexy musician who gave her nothing in return but a few sinfully perfect days—and nights—in his bed. Though she swears she never wants to see him again, he’s the one man she’s never been able to forget.

One of the hottest rock stars in the world, Ford Vincent can have any woman he wants…except Mia Sullivan. But he knows millions of strangers singing along with his songs can’t fill the hole inside him. Only Mia’s love has the power to do that—so he vows to do anything and everything it takes to win her heart again.

From the first moment they see each other again, intense sparks of attraction fly. But can Mia and Ford finally rediscover a love strong enough to last forever?

I think I’ve read one of the other Sullivan series but I’m not an avid reader so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one (especially without the history).  The characters are charismatic, deeply developed, and their interactions are so very realistic.  I felt like I knew these people when I was done … and found myself wishing for my own spot at the Sullivan dinner table. 

I loved the idea that these two, who are absolutely perfect for each other, met at a time in their lives when they weren’t ready.  It led to five years of heartache but the resulting story of reunited love is excellent.  Not only does Ford work hard to get back in Mia’s good graces, but they both have to take a look at themselves and figure out what is truly important. 

From what I can tell, family is an important theme in Andre’s books and it definitely makes an appearance here.  Not only thru the love and support of Mia’s family but the opposite that Ford gets from his.  It’s an extreme comparison but one that helps highlight the people they’ve become and to show what they could be if they learn to forgive and trust.  It also adds that extra depth to the characters that makes them to feel so very real.

With that perfect balance of heart and heat, love and support, without a lot of unnecessary drama, It Must Be Your Love has introduced me to another author that I’ll be reading for years to come.  With the Sullivans, Andre has given the world a family to root for, to love and cry with, and to call friends. 

Book Review – Rock Hard

21 Saturday Mar 2015

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cover60096-mediumIn New York Times Bestselling author Nalini Singh’s newest contemporary romance, passion ignites between a gorgeous, sinfully sexy man who built himself up from nothing and a shy woman who has a terrible secret in her past…

Wealthy businessman Gabriel Bishop rules the boardroom with the same determination and ruthlessness that made him a rock star on the rugby field. He knows what he wants, and he’ll go after it no-holds-barred.

And what he wants is Charlotte Baird.

Charlotte knows she’s a mouse. Emotionally scarred and painfully shy, she just wants to do her job and remain as invisible as possible. But the new CEO—a brilliant, broad-shouldered T-Rex of a man who growls and storms through the office, leaving carnage in his wake—clearly has other plans. Plans that may be equal parts business and bedroom.

If Charlotte intends to survive this battle of wits and hearts, the mouse will have to learn to wrangle the T-Rex. Game on.

I think that this has to be one of the most fun books I’ve read in a long time … and it takes on some pretty big issues. 

I loved Gabriel – he’s strong, smart, loyal and has a wicked sense of humor.  He takes on Charlotte & all of her issues without even blinking and handles them like a champ.  He’s so understanding and takes things at a pace that she’s comfortable with – patient when she needs it and pushes when she needs that too.  Love doesn’t conquer all but he’s supportive and loving … when he’s not being a T-Rex. 

Charlotte had an amazingly horrible thing happen to her but she’s fought her way back.  Unfortunately she’s not sure she’ll ever completely overcome it.  Facing a fierce Gabriel though is the first step in getting over that last hump.  He starts to bring out the fighter in her, the one that was beaten but not broken by things in her life.  It’s a slow process but one that is beautiful to see happen.  And even better he has some issues in his past that she helps address as well, so the relationship isn’t completely one sided.

These two together have got to be one of my favorite couples.  Once Charlotte gets over cowering in his presence she gives as good as she gets and it is humorous, sexy and outrageously fun.   

Spotlight – Married to a Perfect Stranger

20 Friday Mar 2015

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Today we are pleased to sit down with John and Mary Bexley, the protagonists from Jane Ashford’s Married to a Perfect Stranger (March 2015). From February 23rd through March 20th the Bexleys will be answering questions about their relationship at each stop in their tour!

Complete this sentence: If my husband/wife went out of town on a trip (business or visiting relatives) the first thing I would do is…

Mary: Well, what I did the last time was become a ‘managing female’. He was gone for two years.

John: I suppose you’ll be reminding me of that slip when I’m an old man.

Mary: (smile)

John: I’d bring stacks of papers home and work myself too hard and miss my wife’s ‘management’.

Mary: You would, you know.

John: I do.

*****

9781492601906Married to a Perfect Stranger

by Jane Ashford

Publication Date: March 3rd, 2015

ISBN: 9781492601906

Blurb:

Time and distance have changed them both…

Quiet and obliging, Mary Fleming and John Bexley marry to please their families and John immediately leaves on a two-year diplomatic mission. Now John is back, and everything they thought they knew about each other was wrong…

It’s disconcerting, irritating—and somehow all very exciting…

Get your copy at

Amazon | Apple | BAM | B&N | Chapters | Indiebound | Kobo

 

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Excerpt:

John Bexley reined in his hired horse on a slight rise and gazed down at the red brick manor, somnolent under the August sun. Eager as he was to get to London, he’d felt he must detour west into Somerset to fetch Mary. Her family’s decision to put her under the care of a great-aunt while he was away just showed he was right to fear that such a shy, quiet girl couldn’t arrange a journey on her own. And now that he was here, the sight of this place soothed him; it looked the very essence of English country comfort and peace.

John’s knock was answered by an aged butler. He gave his name, stepped in, and inhaled the familiar scents of beeswax polish and potpourri. The place reminded him of his own home farther north. Golden light pooled on the wooden floor and gleamed on the stair rail. In the rooms on either side of the entry, the furnishings were classic and inviting. Mary had certainly had a beautiful and serene spot in which to wait for him. “Mary’s husband,” he added when it seemed as if the old man didn’t know what to do with him. “I believe I am expected.”

“Yes, si…”

A filthy, hysterical chicken shot through the rear door of the dining parlor on his left, skidded in a turn around the table, and raced past him, neck extended, screeching, flapping its mottled wings. A little boy slathered with mud came racing after it, careened off the doorjamb, and staggered across the entryway, leaving streaks and globs of dirt in his wake. The old butler stiffened in horror.

The bird hopped across a flowered sofa in the front parlor, stitching it with muddy tracks, circled the delicate carpet, and looped back toward John. The boy in pursuit slipped, fell, jumped up, and turned to follow. He flapped muddy hands at the fowl in an inept attempt to trap it.

What seemed like a herd of adults jostled into the dining parlor, then surged forward. “Arthur!” snapped a young woman, her voice crackling with authority.

“It isn’t my fault,” the boy shouted over the wild squawking. “I pulled her from the mire. Fox was after her. I never shot her or nothing.”

As the crazed chicken surged past him, John bent, reached, and snatched hold of its legs. When he straightened, he held the muddy bird upside down, at arm’s length, well away from his clothing. It flapped and protested; flakes of dirt dropped to the floor.

“Good!” said the managing female, striding from the dining room into the hall. “Take it from him, Alice, and put it outside at once.”

The middle-aged maid jumped to obey like a subaltern responding to a commanding general. The butler relaxed. The boy stood to attention. “It wasn’t me, I swear,” he repeated. “I rescued ’er. I killed three rats as well. Would have been four, but I…”

“Very well, Arthur,” the woman replied. “Go now and get cleaned up.”

The boy finally noticed the mud sliding from his clothes to the polished floor. His face shifted from defensive to horrified, and he slunk out. In the same moment, John realized that the woman with a voice like a sergeant major was his meek little sparrow of a wife.

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Author Info:

Jane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was captivated by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. Her romances have been published all over the world. Jane has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

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Giveaway:

5 copies of Married to a Perfect Stranger

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54ca7af769/

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