Spotlight – Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

15 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Carmen Falcone, Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

Now we’re going to take another look at Carmen Falcone’s oh-so-sexy Brazilian Tycoon … I think the cover says it all 🙂

*****

Kidnapping the Brazilian Tycoon

by Carmen Falcone

Publication Date: August 18th

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Passion was never in the bargain

Addison Reed lost her fiancé, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect his legacy. When the gorgeous and arrogant landowner, Brazilian billionaire Bruno Duarte, who is thwarting her at every turn, refuses to meet with her, she puts her plan into action.

He will listen to her

Bruno’s plan was simple: return to Brazil and marry to fulfill his father’s dying wish. But when his engagement crumbles, and he’s then stranded with an idealistic woman hell-bent on saving a tribe of people on his land, he sees the perfect solution. If his feisty and passionate abductor agrees to a bogus marriage, he’ll relocate the tribe.

With the Brazilian heat rivaling the growing heat of their desire, will Bruno and Addison abandon their respective plans and give in to each other, or will their differences tear them apart?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

He watched his homeland through the tinted windows. The dull drive from the airport, which started with cars flying by on the highway lined with run-down businesses, shifted to hectic traffic as they drove into the bustling beach neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema. The driver took the long way, and a slow, nostalgic smile spread across Bruno’s face.

Rio de Janeiro. The stretch of concrete slated between green mountains and the dark blue ocean. Modernity, nature, and beauty all in one place. It was early morning, and as they drove past the beaches, women dressed in small bikinis had already laid their towels and chairs on the white sand. Street vendors sold souvenir knickknacks and colorful embroidered sarongs to the tourists. But the organized chaos vanished from view when he contemplated the sun-dappled, inviting sea.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Addie said, looking over his shoulder.

“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” He turned to her and witnessed a sense of wonder in her eyes.

When she noticed his attention, she quickly shifted in her seat and shook her head. “I was actually talking about the amount of men wearing Speedos.”

He couldn’t avoid a hearty laugh. “It’s best to leave some mystery for the imagination.”

She stared at him. “Or in your case, a lot.”

He broadened his smile. “That’s quite bold for someone who claimed sex is out of the picture. But I’m flattered you’ve noticed.”

She cleared her throat. “I meant your…” She sighed. “I was talking about how mysterious you are.”

He forced his lips down in feigned disappointment, enjoying her uneasiness. “And here I thought you had a change of heart.”

She inhaled and shot him an unforgiving glance, then continued her annoying interview. “Do you come to Rio often?”

“I only came here once.”

“Really? That’s odd. Doesn’t your family live here?”

He squared his shoulders. “They do. But we used to live somewhere else.”

“Where?”

“That doesn’t concern you.” Talking to her was like opening a highly infected virus file and hoping not to lose data.

She shook her head. “So you say. If we are married, aren’t we supposed to know everything about each other?”

“What is it with women and this obsession for knowing everything?”

She arched an eyebrow. “Thirst for knowledge?”

“Then I’ll have to leave you dry.”

“You’re no fun.” She stuck out her tongue.

Oh, the better ways he could use her tongue. “I could show you how much fun I am.”

“Trying to trick me with sex? This does feel like a real marriage.”

So did her habit of disarming him with her sense of humor.

It was his turn to smile. This woman was dangerous.

And he liked it.

Oh, he liked it.

*****

Author Info:

Carmen Falcone learned at an early age that fantasizing about fictional characters beats doing math homework any day. Brazilian by birth and traveler by nature, she moved to Central Texas after college and met her broody Swiss husband—living proof that opposites attract. She found in writing her deepest passion and the best excuse to avoid the healthy lifestyle everyone keeps talking about. When she’s not lost in the world of romance, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, being walked by her three crazy pugs, reading, catching up with friends, and chatting with random people in the checkout line.

She loves to procrastinate, so please indulge her and drop her a line at carmenauthor@yahoo.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5440a354145/

*****

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

Spotlight – Captured by a Laird

15 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Captured by a Laird, Margaret Mallory, The Douglas Legacy series

It is going to be a busy morning, so let’s get started!

*****

Captured by a Laird
The Douglas Legacy #1
by Margaret Mallory
Historical Romance/ Highland Romance
September 15, 2014
319 Pages
Published by Amazon

Blurb:

THE DOUGLAS LEGACY

The Douglas sisters, beauties all, are valuable pawns in their family’s bitter struggle to control the Scottish Crown. But when powerful enemies threaten, each Douglas lass will find she must face them alone.

CAPTURED BY A LAIRD

Haunted by his father’s violent death, David Hume, the new laird of Wedderburn, sets out to make his name so feared that no one will dare harm his family again. The treacherous ally who played on his father’s weakness is dead and beyond David’s vengeance, but his castle and young widow are ripe for the taking. The moment David lays eyes on the dark-haired beauty defending her wee daughters, however, he knows this frail-looking lass is the one person who could bring him to his knees.

Wed at thirteen to a man who tried daily to break her spirit, Lady Alison Douglas is looking forward to a long widowhood. But when the fearsome warrior known as the Beast of Wedderburn storms her gates, she finds herself, once again, forced to wed a stranger. Alison is only a pawn to serve his vengeance, so why does this dark warrior arouse such fiery passion and an unwelcome longing in her heart?

With death and danger looming, these two wounded souls must learn to trust each other . . . for only love can save them.

AMAZON KINDLE US | AMAZON KINDLE CA | AMAZON KINDLE UK

Itunes | Kobo | GOODREADS | SHELFARI

*****

Excerpt:

David strode through the battle raging between his men and the castle defenders in the courtyard and headed straight for the keep, intent on his goal.

The castle would fall quickly. The defenders lacked leadership and were in disarray. His only concern was whether the castle had a secret tunnel for escape.

During the siege, he had spread his men out through the fields surrounding the fortress to keep watch. But he had concentrated his forces for the attack and most were now inside the castle. If there was a tunnel, he must secure the widow and her daughters before they had a chance to escape. He did not relish the idea of having to chase them down through the fields with dogs.

The defenders had foolishly waited too long to withdraw to the keep, and most were caught in the courtyard when David’s men burst through the gate. He barely spared them a glance as he ran up the steps of the keep.

With several of his warriors at his back, he burst through the doors brandishing his sword. He paused inside the entrance to hall. Women and children were screaming, and the few Blackadder warriors who had made it inside were overturning tables in a useless attempt to set up a defense.

“If ye hope for mercy, drop your weapons,” David shouted, making his voice heard above the chaos.

He locked gazes with the men who hesitated to obey his order until every weapon clanked to the floor, then he swept his gaze over the women. Their clothing confirmed what he’d known the moment he entered the hall.

Blackadder’s widow was not in the room.

“Where is she?” he demanded of the closest Blackadder man.

“Who, m’lord?” the man said, shifting his gaze to the side.

“Your mistress!” David picked him up by the front of his tunic and leaned in close. “Tell me now.”

“In her bedchamber,” the man squeaked, pointing to an arched doorway. “’Tis up the stairs.”

David caught a sudden whiff of urine and dropped the man to the floor in disgust. The wretch had wet himself.

“Take him to the dungeon,” he ordered. The coward had given up his mistress far too easily.

David started up the wheeled stairs to the upper floors with his sword at the ready. He expected to encounter Blackadder warriors, protecting the lady of the castle. But there were none on the stairs and none guarding the door on the first floor.

Damn it. She must have escaped. He gritted his teeth as he envisioned the lady’s guards leading her through the tunnel.

He was about to open the chamber door to make sure it was empty when Brian, one of his best men, came down the stairs.

“Laird, I checked all the chambers while ye were in the hall,” he said.
David’s jaw ached from clenching it.

“There’s one door on the floor just above us that wouldn’t open with the latch,” Brian said. “Shall I break it down?”

David waved him aside and pulled the ax from his belt as he raced up the stairs.

“Open it!” he shouted and pounded on the door.

He did not wait. She could be escaping through a secret door this very moment. Three hard whacks with his ax, and the door split. He kicked it until it swung open, then stepped through.

At his first sight of the woman, his feet became fixed to the floor. He felt strange, and his vision was distorted, as if as if he had swallowed a magical potion that narrowed his sight. He could see nothing in the room but her.

She was extraordinarily lovely, with violet eyes, pale skin, and shining black hair. But there was something about her, something beyond her beauty, that held him captive. She was young, much younger than he expected, and her features and form were delicate, in marked contrast to the violent emotion in her eyes.

David knew to the depths of his soul that a brute like him should not be the man to claim this fragile flower, even while the word mine beat in his head like a drum. He had no notion of how long he stood staring at her before he became aware that she held a sword. It was longer still before he noticed the two wee lasses peeking out from behind her like frightened kittens.

Anger boiled up in his chest. Every Blackadder man in the castle who could still draw breath should have been here, standing between him and their lady. Instead, she faced him alone with a sword she could barely lift with both hands.

It was a brave, but ridiculous gesture.

There was no defense against him.

*****

Author Info:

MARGARET MALLORY surprised her friends & family by abandoning her legal career to write tales of romance & adventure. At long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad & rewarding the worthy–in the pages of her novels.

Margaret lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, goofy dog & crabby cat. With her two children off to college, Margaret spends most of her time working on her next Scottish historical romance. Visit her website for Book Group Discussion Questions, photos of Scotland, excerpts, & other info. Margaret loves to hear from readers!

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | WEBSITE/BLOG

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

*****

Celebrate the Captured by A Laird Release Party tonight, September 15 7-10PM EST on Facebook

Spotlight – The Lone Sheriff

11 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Lynna Banning, The Lone Sheriff

Now Lynna Banning delivers up a sexy lawman for those Old West junkies out there …

*****

The Lone Sheriff

by Lynna Banning

Harlequin Western historical ~ 75k words

Blurb:

As if tracking down train robbers isn’t enough, now Sheriff Jericho Silver’s backup detective is a gun-toting, head-turning beauty who sure spells trouble.

Madison O’Donnell had the perfect life—a beautiful home and all the ladies
luncheons she could stomach—but it left her bored to tears. Now the determined widow fills her days with daring deeds and wild adventures, including working with Jericho. But he insists on her returning to the city where she belongs and finds she is one lady who refuses to take no for an answer.

Buy links: Amazon | B&N | Harlequin Romance

*****

Excerpt:
None of them looked remotely like a Pinkerton man. A Pinkerton agent would no doubt be wearing a proper suit. But the only male who looked the least bit citified was Ike Bruhn, home from his honeymoon with his new bride.
Sandy jiggled at his side. “Ya see ’im?”
“Nope,” Jerico grunted.
“Maybe he missed the train,” his deputy suggested.
“Naw, must be here somewhere. Look for a gent in a gray suit.” Pinkerton men always wore grey to blend in with crowds. He scanned the thronged station platform again.
“Check inside, Sandy. Maybe he slipped past me.”
His deputy jogged off and Jericho perused the crowd a third time. Nothing. Maybe Mr. Detective had chickened out at the prospect of fingering an elusive outlaw gang that was robbing trains. He narrowed his eyes and turned to check the station once more when someone stumbled smack into him.
“Oh, I am terribly sorry.” An extremely pretty young woman carrying a green-striped parasol gazed up at him. Her voice sounded like rich whiskey sliding over smooth river stones and for a moment Jericho forgot what he’d come for. She only came up to his shoulder and on her dark, piled-up hair sat the most ridiculous concoction of feathers and stuffed birds he’d ever laid eyes on.
He sucked in a breath to apologize, then wished he hadn’t. Goddam she smelled good. Soap and something flowery.
Made his head swim.
He stepped back. “’Scuse me, ma’am.”
She waved a gloved hand and peered at his chest. “Oh, you are the sheriff.”
“Yeah, I am.”
She smiled and his mouth went dry. “You are just the man I want to see.”
Jericho swallowed. “You have a problem?”
“Oh, no.” She twirled her parasol. “You have the problem. I have come to help.” She waited, an expectant look on her face.
“Help?” Jerico echoed.
“Of course.” The whiskey in her voice was now sliding over some pointy rocks. “I am Madison O’Donnell. The Smoke River Bank hired me to help catch the gang robbing their gold shipments.”
Jericho stared at her.
“I believe you were expecting me?”
He snapped his jaw shut. He sure as hell wasn’t expecting her. The last thing he’d expected was this frilly-looking female with her ridiculous hat. In her green-striped dress and twirling her parasol like that she made him think of a dish of cool mint ice cream.
“Whatever is the matter, Sheriff? You have gone quite pale? Are you ill?”
He jerked at the question. Not ill, just gutshot. “Uh, yeah. I mean No, I’m not ill. Just . . . surprised.”
She lowered her voice. “Most Pinkerton clients are surprised when they meet me. It will pass.”
Hell no, it won’t.
Madison O’Donnell picked up her travel bag. “Shall we go?”
Not on your life. “Uh, my deputy’s inside the station house. ’Scuse me, ma’am.” He strode past her without looking back. Inside, he found Sandy talking to the ticket seller.
“Charlie says nobody’s come in except the two Weatherby women. You want me to hang around and – ?”

*****

Author Info:

Lynna Banning combines a lifelong love of history and literature into a satisfying career as a writer. Born in Oregon, she has lived in Northern California most of her life. After graduating from Scripps College she embarked on a career as an editor and technical writer, and later as a high school English teacher.

An amateur pianist and harpsichordist, Lynna performs on psaltery and harp in a medieval music ensemble, and she also plays cortholt, recorders, and tar (drum). She enjoys hearing from her readers. You may write to her directly at P.O. Box 324, Felton, CA 95018, USA, or at carowoolston@att.net. Visit Lynna’s website at www.lynnabanning.net.

*****

Giveaway:

Seven(7) copies of The Lone Sheriff…Seven(7) lucky winners

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c7458f4343/

Book Review – Flirting With Disaster

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Camelot series, Flirting with Disaster, Ruthie Knox

In the latest eBook original novel in RITA finalist Ruthie Knox’s scorching-hot Camelot series, a no-strings fling looks an awful lot like falling in love—or flirting with disaster.

Fresh out of a fiasco of a marriage, Katie Clark has retreated to her hometown to start over. The new Katie is sophisticated, cavalier, and hell-bent on kicking butt at her job in her brother’s security firm. But on her first assignment—digging up the truth about the stalker threatening a world-famous singer-songwriter—Katie must endure the silent treatment from a stern but sexy partner who doesn’t want her help . . . or her company.

Sean Owens knows that if he opens his mouth around Katie, she’ll instantly remember him as the geeky kid who sat behind her in high school. Silence is golden, but he can’t keep quiet forever, not with Katie stampeding through their investigation. It’s time for Sean to step up and take control of the case, and his decade-old crush. If he can break through Katie’s newfound independence, they just might find they make a perfect team—on the road, on the job, and in bed.

I really liked the earlier Camelot books (How to Misbehave and Along Came Trouble) and I’m thrilled that this one was just as good. Both Katie and Sean are interesting, with normal, detailed issues – both have low self-esteem, for different reasons. Throw in a little mystery over who is stalking Judah and it makes for a can’t put down read.

I love that Sean overcame so much of his history but he also has so much that he still needs to address. It’s realistic and believable and makes for an engaging read. Katie has her own troubles and has just come out of a troubled relationship. She’s trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. Throw in an attraction she doesn’t want to stoic Sean and it makes things even more complicated. As they discover what lays under the surface of each other, the more involved their feelings become.

There’s also a wonderful side story with Katie’s growing friendship with Judah – it’s smart and sassy and funny. Without the sexual tension of her relationship with Sean, it is the distraction and acceptance she craves in a time when she needs it most. And his stalker case adds a little tension and mystery to highlight the love story between Sean and Katie. Everything ties up together at the end and even though I saw what was coming a mile away, it didn’t make it any less enjoyable.

Humorous and awkward and sweet and intriguing, Flirting With Disaster is the perfect companion to the first two books. It does stand well on its own so if you want to start here you’ll be fine, but I definitely recommend giving the others a chance as well.

Interview – Kathleen Bittner Roth

09 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Duke's Wicked Kiss, Kathleen Bittner Roth

I’m so thrilled to have gotten the change to ask Kathleen Bittner Roth a few questions. She was nice enough to give us all a little peek in to her life and her new book. I love that we get a historical romance that shows us the Brits actually in India, instead of just returning home to England. Throw in a good dose of intrigue and it looks like a guaranteed winner!

*****

*What do you like best about writing romances?

I do not plot my stories, I’m what’s called a pantser (I write by the seat of my pants). I really love when a seed of an idea takes root, and then blossoms all on its own. I know I am making this sound like a super easy way of writing, because it takes tough discipline and hours of research to fill in the spaces between the words, not to mention knowing the craft, but there is an underlying excitement in seeing what happens next. Most mornings, I can hardly wait to get to my writing to see what happens to the story and my characters. I love the surprises, especially secondary characters who pop up out of nowhere and end up with their own book. By the way, my stories all contain unexpected twists and turns that the reader doesn’t expect—that’s because I didn’t expect them either! Someone once asked Agatha Christie how she figured out “who done it.” Her response was that she never knew who committed the crime until they did so. I’m rather like that with my stories and that’s the best thing about writing romance for me. I also love a happy ending. I must have that happy ending…life is too full of unhappy endings for me to write them.

*What is your favorite romantic story (movie/book, fact/fiction)?

For the movies, it’s still Gone With the Wind. For a book, it’s Pride and Prejudice. Not an exciting choice for the book, so it would seem, but truly, who wouldn’t want to end up with Mr. Darcy?

*If you could be any romantic character, who would it be and why?

Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew. I started reading the classics very early on. There is this lusty, wild chemistry between Kate and Petruchio that had me mesmerized at a very young age. I have never forgotten the impact it had on me. I think it was the first time I actually inculcated the idea of the importance of chemistry between two lovers.

*Which of your characters/books was the most fun to write?

I honestly have to say that each book I write is my favorite at the time of the writing. The story is like a delicious, savory stew simmering on the stove all day, the anticipation is as good as the final product.

*If you weren’t a writer and could be doing anything else you want, what would it be?

I founded a successful well-being center some years ago. I haven’t given it up entirely so if I wasn’t writing, I would go back and revive it. However, I would definitely add an animal rescue area so I could give some beasts, small and large, a place of well-being as well. Come to think of it, I’d like to have it all…the well-being center, surrounded by animals and people and keep on writing!

*****

A Duke’s Wicked Kiss

Author: Kathleen Bittner Roth

Release Date: 8/26/14

Genre: Historical Romance

Blurb:

Miss Suri Thurston knows the pain of abandonment. Intent on confronting the grandmother who tossed her to the lions, she travels from England to her birthplace in India. Her plans run afoul when she encounters the man who, ten years prior, left a mark on her soul with one stolen kiss. But he is a duke, and far beyond the reach of even her dreams.

The Duke of Ravenswood, secret head of the British Foreign Service, has no time for relationships. His one goal is to locate and eliminate key insurgents involved in an uprising against the British East India Company before it’s too late. But when Suri appears in Delhi, his resolve is tested as he finds his heart forever bound to her by the haunting kiss they shared once upon a time.

With Suri’s vengeful Indian family calling for her death and insurgents intent on mutiny tearing their world apart, can their love rise above the scandal of the marriage they both desperately want?

Goodreads Book Link: http://bit.ly/DukesWickedKissGR

Amazon Buy Link: http://bit.ly/DukesWickedKissAM

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://bit.ly/DukesWickedKissBN

Entangled Page: http://bit.ly/DukesWickedKissEP

*****

Author Info:

Kathleen Bittner Roth creates passionate stories featuring characters faced with difficult choices, and who are forced to draw on their strength of spirit to overcome adversity and find unending love.

Her own fairy tale wedding in a Scottish castle led her to her current residence in Budapest, Hungary, considered one of Europe’s most romantic cities. However, she still keeps one boot firmly in Texas and the other in her home state of Minnesota.

A member of Romance Writers of America®, she was a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist.

You can find Kathleen on Facebook, Twitter: @K_BittnerRoth, Goodreads and Pinterest; among the authors at www.dashingduchesss.com, and www.ghfirebirds.com, or by visiting her website.

Author Website: http://kathleenbittnerroth.com/

Author Blog: http://kathleenbittnerroth.com/blog/

Author Twitter: @K_BittnerRoth

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathleen-Bittner-Roth-Historical-Romance-Writer

Author Goodreads: www.Goodreads.com/katleenbittnerroth

Spotlight – Dare to Submit

08 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Carly Phillips, Dare to Desire, Dare to Love, Dare to Submit, Dare to Surrender

For those who don’t already know, Carly Phillips’s newest released today! Check out all the info on Dare to Submit, some cool extras, and all of the earlier stories in the series. A little birdie told me the first book, Dare to Love, could be free for a limited time so make sure you get your copy!

*****

Dare to Submit

Release: Sept 8

Blurb:

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?

BUY LINKS:
Amazon | iTunes

And check out the fabulous book trailer and join the celebration on facebook!

TRAILER | FACEBOOK Release Party

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

*****

Dare to Love

When it comes to family, Ian Dare gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. Until one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him dealing his half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.

Riley Taylor believes herself immune to domineering men – until charismatic Ian Dare turns a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and she discovers she likes his brand of control in the bedroom. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything. (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, sports heroes, bad boys, billionaire)

AMAZON | B&N | iTunes

Dare to Desire

Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career and his choice of willing women — until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests.

This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily. But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. Can he convince Madison to take a risk and dare to love?

Amazon | B&N | iTunes

Dare To Surrender

After ending a relationship to a cheating, domineering man, Isabelle Masters takes off in her leased Mercedes, only to be arrested for grand theft and hauled to a local police station. To her surprise, she is rescued by the most unlikely person possible, Gabriel Dare, a man she’s been attracted to for far too long. Gabe offers Isabelle freedom along with an invitation to Eden, an exclusive island resort where everything and anything is possible.

Although Gabe yearns to possess Isabelle, he knows all too well he must fight his primitive need to bind her to him, and instead help bring out the independent woman she yearns to become – or risk losing her for good.

A woman who needs to run her own life. A man who needs to exert control. Can she surrender to his erotic demands without losing her sense of self once more?

Amazon | B&N | iTunes

*****

Guest Post – Stealing His Heart

08 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Diane Alberts, Jen McLaughlin, Shillings Agency, Stealing His Heart

We’re going to start the week by welcoming the delightful Diane Alberts as she shares her sexy new book, Stealing His Heart.

*****

Hello! I’m Diane Alberts (but I also write as Jen McLaughlin), and I am so happy to be here today! I have a new book out with Entangled Publishing (Entangled Brazen), and it’s the second book in my Shillings Agency series. The first book was Temporarily! I’m thrilled to be here talking about the second book in the series (which is loosely tied with Falling for the Groomsman, which came out in June).

One of the things I love the most about writing is being able to explore different types of people, and the challenge that arises from doing so. In Stealing his Heart, the hero and heroine were quite the challenge! The hero is an ex-thief, ex-Marine, and a private security agent. The heroine? Well, not only is she the woman he has to blackmail into submission…but she’s also a thief, his ex-partner, and the woman he never quite got over.

The fun part about writing a couple like this is their history. They have so much between them—that you can’t possibly show in the book—that it has to come out in bits and pieces throughout the story. And, man do these two have some interesting fights. On top of that, Jake is a dominant man…in more ways than one.

The fire and steam between these tow is undeniable, and was so much fun to write. I hope that it will be just as much fun for you all to read. What kind of couples do you like to read about the most?

*****

Stealing His Heart

by Diane Alberts

Blurb:

A sexy category romance from Entangled publishing’s Brazen imprint…

Shillings Agency employee Jake Forsythe is not happy to discover that the thief who he has to track down is none other than his ex-partner from his past. Now he’s forced to blackmail her into submission…or throw her in jail.

Tara Harris steals from the rich and corrupted, returning objects to their rightful owners one case at a time. When Jake shows up in her life, at first, she’s thrilled. But then when she finds out that she has to help the man she stole from or go to jail…it’s the choice between two evils.

These two can’t deny the burning passion between them, but when push comes to shove, they’ll have to lay their hearts and their lives on the line.

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22859196-stealing-his-heart

Buy Links

Amazon – http://amzn.to/YQHldF

B&N – http://bit.ly/1qDaiQT

*****

Author Info:

Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. She’s hit the Top 100 lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble numerous times with numerous titles. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Author Links:
Website: http://dianealberts.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5081315.Diane_Alberts

*****

Enter to win a paperback of TEMPORARILY YOURS (Shillings Agency #1) and a $20 gift card.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/726d2572193/

*****

Spotlight – Through His Touch

04 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Deborah Camp, Mind's Eye series, Through His Touch

I’m so pleased to share the follow up book to Deborah Camp’s Through His Eyes. Make sure you check out the heartbreaking sneak peek …

*****

Through His Touch

A Mind’s Eye Novel Book Two

by Deborah Camp

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Paranormal

Number of pages: 321 pages

Word Count: 87,862

Cover Artist: Cover to Cover Designs

Blurb:

Psychic Trudy Tucker would love . . .

. . . to breach Levi Wolfe’s defenses and show him that his heart has nothing to fear from her.

Psychic Levi Wolf would love . . .

. . . to protect Trudy’s gentle heart by keeping her away from his dark, treacherous past.

But is love enough when someone with a heart full of hate has chosen Trudy as the next one to die?

Through His Touch

Will his touch claim her or kill her?

Book Trailer http://youtu.be/fy4YeGpmC9Q

What Readers Have to Say About Deborah’s Book

Too Tough to Tame

“THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK.”
The book is funny and touching. I have read this book over 50 times already and I never get tired of it. Tess is so cute while Storm is strong and loving. They made a great couple. — Amazon review from Snowstar

“Through His Eyes” 5 star Amazon Review….

“This book is amazing, Deborah Camp has written one heck of a sexy thriller! How can you go wrong with two sexy psychics and a serial killer? Levi and Trudy both have abilities, Levi can talk to the departed and Trudy can see right into a killer’s mind. The question is how far can he see back into hers? Follow these two as they scorch the pages in the bedroom and the high octane roads it takes to catch the killer before Trudy is the next one on his list. These two are so hot, I thought I was going to have flames shoot out of my Tablet. That little hook at the end will have you waiting as impatiently as I am for the next Deborah Camp Novel.”– Lia Hearn

Cheyenne’s Shadow

“ONE OF THE BEST!”
One of the best romance novels I have ever read. There is excitement, sadness, and passion in this book. I know I have read this book at least five times since I bought it.
— Amazon review by S. Ceballos

A Tough Man’s Woman

“FIVE STARS!”
I really enjoyed this book as it was one that kept you guessing most of the time.
— Amazon review from Phyl

Lonewolf’s Woman

“WONDERFUL STORY!”
Ah, fascinating to the last drop (or page). Highly recommended. Surely, a keeper!
— Amazon review from M. Hartmann

Black-eyed Susan

“FIVE STARS!”
I found it hard to put down. It made me realize how things were in those years (long before I was born). I looked for more books by the same author.
— Amazon review from C. Schmidt

*****

Excerpt:

Levi crossed his arms and tucked his hands in his armpits in a stance that was clearly defensive. “With all of that shit going on, no wonder I dreamed of the box again. I haven’t had a nightmare about that place in a long time.”

“What’s the box?” Trudy watched with growing concern as his face tightened, jaw muscles flexed, and his eyes clouded with turbulent memories.

“A root cellar. A small place. Standing up, you could extend your arms out from your sides and touch the walls. It was cool and damned cold in there at night.”

“Where was this?”

“The Missouri Ozarks. Out in the wilds. It was a school set up on an abandoned farm property. They’d turned the farmhouse into a dormitory and the barn into a school.” He made a scoffing sound. “Not that they provided much of an education. Mostly, we read and memorized the Bible. There were classes in literature, English, math, a little science and geography here and there, but that was about it.”

“How old were you when you went there?”

“Nine. When I arrived I had just turned nine. I left when I was almost eleven to go to a school in Wyoming.”

“Nine.” She took up her own defensive stance, hunching her shoulders and rubbing her hands up and down her arms. Thinking of him as a nine-year-old being carted off to a place where he was schooled in a barn made her skin break out in gooseflesh. “I don’t know how your parents could send their little boy away like that.”

He gave an indolent shrug that she didn’t buy for one second. “They were trying to chase the devil out of me.”

“Idiotic,” she murmured.

“They put us in the box when we were bad.” One corner of his mouth lifted fractionally.

“And I was bad. Bad to the bone.”

“What do you do that was so terrible?” She couldn’t imagine any sane reason to put a child down into a hole.

“I refused to say that my father was right and that I was a liar.”

“About your psychic abilities,” she clarified. “So, it was a religious thing with your parents? They truly felt that your abilities were a sign of evil . . . of the devil?”

“That’s what my father thought . . . or that’s his story and he’s sticking to it.” A quick, half-smile flitted across his lips. “He’s an intelligent man, so I’ve always believed that he’s mainly intimidated by my abilities. He’s a classic narcissist. Therefore, it must be impossible for him to think that I can do things he can’t. As for my mother?” He gazed up at the stars and violet shadows caressed his achingly handsome face. “I don’t know. She probably wished I’d just tell my father what he wanted to hear and do what he said to do. That’s what she did. She went along with whatever shit he shoveled out.”

She wanted to touch him. No, she wanted to hold him, but she stood still as her heart constricted with pain for him. She wanted to cry, but she knew he didn’t want her tears, so she swallowed the burning ball of emotion in her throat. He was talking and she was grateful, but what he was saying was difficult to hear. His upbringing had been a long nightmare from which he couldn’t awaken – and he was just scratching the surface. That’s what bothered her more than anything. His traumas ran deep. Soul deep.

“And the box?” she asked in a whisper. “How long did they keep children in there?”

“An hour at first. Then hours. I graduated to all day and then to all day and all night. The nights were the worst. It was cold in there and black as pitch. That’s when the rats would come out.”

Trudy couldn’t stop the shudder that shook her from head to toes. She cleared her throat.

“R-rats?”

“Big mother-fuckers. Of course, I was only a kid, so they seemed like they were the size of Volkswagens. I couldn’t see them, but I could hear them scurrying around and I could feel them. They’d run across my feet. One of them jumped on my shoulder and bit my neck. I screamed and screamed. Screamed my fucking lungs out that night.” He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. “That’s why my voice is husky. I damaged my vocal chords. I couldn’t talk above a whisper for a couple of months after that and my voice never fully recovered.”

“I love your voice,” she said, the declaration lifting from her heart onto her lips.

“Really?” He shook his head and sent her a baffled grin. “I think I sound like a bad actor doing a commercial for sore throat lozenges.”

She shook her head and decided to allow her heart to keep talking. “Your voice matches the rest of you. Sexy as hell.”

His arms slipped down his body and his shoulders lost some of their stiffness. He held out a hand to her. “Come here, you.”

*****

Author Info:

Author of more than 40 novels, Deborah lives in Oklahoma. She has been a full-time writer since she graduated from the University of Tulsa. Her background as a reporter for newspapers helped her to write fast and enjoy research. After she sold her first few books, she quit newspaper work to become a freelance writer and novelist.

Deborah’s first novel was published in the late 1970s and her books have been published by Jove, New American Library, Harlequin, Silhouette, and Avon. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Authors Hall of Fame and she is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of the Author’s Guild. She was the first recipient of the Janet Dailey Award.

Through His Eyes (April, 2014) is her first romantic suspense book. It has paranormal elements and is erotic. It’s the first book in the Mind’s Eye series.
Through His Touch (September, 2014) is the second book in the Mind’s Eye series featuring psychic detectives Trudy Tucker and Levi Wolfe.

Lover of the west and the people who tried to tame it, Deborah likes to write about strong, independent women and the men who are their equals. She grew up on a diet of TV westerns which have served her well. Living in Oklahoma has also been a godsend. Since she appreciates men with devilish twinkles in their eyes, she likes to mix laughter in with the love scenes in her books.

Also widely published in non-fiction, she and writes and edits for a magazine focused on small businesses. Deborah taught fiction writing for more than 10 years at a community college. She has been a guest speaker at numerous writers’ conferences, including Romance Writers of America (RWA), Writers, Inc., and the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. She has served as a judge in numerous writing contests throughout the United States and has judged manuscripts in RWA’s Golden Heart Awards and RITA Awards. She is currently working on her next historical romance set in the wild, wonderful west.

In 2012 her books were re-issued on Amazon for Kindle Direct and have attracted tens of thousands of new fans. Her books have made the Amazon bestseller list and “Too Tough To Tame” hit the #1 historical romance spot for Kindle Readers.

Website: www.deborah-camp.com

Blog: www.deborahcampwritersdesk.blogspot.com

Pinteret: http://www.pinterest.com/debbycamp44/

Twiter: https://twitter.com/DeboKabaski

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/198990.Deborah_Camp

*****

Giveaway:

10 – $20 Amazon gift cards

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc760/

*****

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

Spotlight – Hot and Cold

03 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Amelia Swan, Hot and Cold

Ooooh, time to meet “Hot Hockey Dad” …

*****

Hot and Cold

by Amelia Swan

Blurb:

When figure skating coach Jill Davis, locked eyes with “Hot Hockey Dad”, she’s convinced that the well-dressed, impossibly handsome man just caught her and her friend staring at him. When he pulls her aside in the rink’s snack bar and introduces himself as Jeremy Rosario, Jill knows there was more to the look they shared from across the ice surface than she initially thought.

It quickly becomes clear that Jill and Jeremy have serious chemistry, but will that be enough to get them past the trouble that Jeremy’s ex-wife stirs up? As she is trying to navigate her new relationship, Jill is preparing her most talented student for her first regional competition while the girl’s mom does her best to thwart the young coach at every turn

*****

Excerpt:

“Well, then you’ll just have to show them you can. I mean-” Molly stopped herself mid-sentence, her big blue eyes widening as she spotted something across the rink.

I looked in the direction of whatever had caught her interest. “What’s up, Moll?”

She turned to me, her full cherub cheeks red from the cold and from excitement. “Hot Hockey Dad, straight ahead.”

My eyes widened as I searched the snack bar area outside of the rink for the man Molly and I had been lusting after for months. He was leaning up against the painted brick wall of the snack bar, watching our figure skating girls twirl and glide about. I would never get over how hot he was. His warm, olive-toned skin was complemented by close-cropped, jet black hair and emerald green eyes. Despite the fact I’d never seen him wear anything other than a suit, I could tell his tall, broad frame was covered with a patchwork of well-defined muscles. Muscles that strained ever so slightly against the fabric of his suits. He always looked so dapper. So well put-together. So damn sexy. And there was something undeniably charming about the fact he never seemed to miss his son’s practices or games. Oh, and he never wore a wedding ring.

“You’re staring, ladies,” Evan, another coach and friend of ours, said with a smile as he skated by, trailing one of his students while she stroked around the rink. If he wasn’t in the middle of a lesson, Evan would be leaning up against the boards and staring with us.

I turned to look at Molly. “He’s right, you know – we’re like school girls with this crush.”

Molly, on the other hand, didn’t avert her gaze. “He’s just so…so…” She tried to find the right words to describe Hot Hockey Dad as she ran her fingers through her platinum blonde ponytail, primping for his benefit, hoping he’d finally notice her after months of pining for him from afar.

Knowing Katie had three more laps to complete and didn’t need my full attention, I looked back over at the object of our admiration. “Hot. So incredibly, out-of-this-world hot.”

We sighed in unison, lost in a haze of lust as we eyed Hot Hockey Dad from across the ice and through the rink’s expansive glass doors. I watched as his impossibly bright green eyes scanned the rink, paying attention to no one person or thing in particular…until they landed on me. My breath hitched as his gaze lingered on my body, returning my blatant stare with one of his own. His eyes narrowed as he studied me, one side of his mouth curling up into the most seductive smile I’d ever seen.

*****

Author Info:

Amelia Swan writes contemporary, erotic, and new adult romance. She’s interested in characters that are smart, sincere, and somewhat artistically inclined. All of her heroines are girls she could totally see herself being friends with. Reader Email: Amelia@ameliaswan.com

https://www.ameliaswan.com/

https://twitter.com/byameliaswan

https://www.facebook.com/people/Amelia-Swan/100008365479767

*****

Spotlight – Promises Under the Peach Tree

02 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Joanne Rock, Promises Under the Peach Tree

Now we get a look at Joanne Rock’s newest sweet romance, with a sneak peek and a fantastic giveaway.

*****

Promises Under the Peach Tree

By Joanne Rock

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 2 September 2014

Blurb:

The trouble with Heartache

Nina Spencer swore she was done with Heartache, Tennessee, when she left the town—and her sexy ex, Mack—in her rearview mirror. But when her bakery business is rocked by scandal, she needs a place to regroup. What she doesn’t need is Mack Finley reminding her of peach-flavored kisses and the hold he still has on her.

Mack never forgot Nina—not that he didn’t try. Yet between caring for his family and organizing the annual Harvest Fest, he’s overwhelmed and he needs Nina’s help. They can work together without getting swept up in memories and the rush of brand-new passion…right?

You can find Promises Under the Peach Tree on Goodreads

You can buy Promises Under the Peach Tree here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Books A Million
– IndieBound
– iBooks

*****

Excerpt:

“I know you’re not sure about the Harvest Fest, Nina, but can’t we move forward…as friends?”

She didn’t look at him for a long moment, her attention fixed on some peeling paint on a low windowsill of the barn.

“It’s a nice idea,” she said finally. “But that’s a lot of layers of hurt, Mack.”

For him, too. Not that he was going to say it so many words. She ought to know better than anyone.

“How does the saying go—shoot for the moon and you’ll still hit some stars? We could at least make a stab at forgiving each other.”

“I’d like that,” she said finally, tucking her fidgeting hands into the pockets of loose jean cutoffs. “I’ll try doing some of the baking for the Harvest Fest and we’ll see what happens. I’m here, so I might as well be involved. Besides, it will be good for me to get back to work.”

He was relieved she’d agreed, but her practical reasons surprised him. Nina had changed more than he realized; some of her passionate impulsiveness had been tempered.

“That’s great.” Normally, he’d shake hands to seal a deal, but since he couldn’t risk touching her after what had happened the last time, he ended up jamming his fists into his pockets, too. “I’m really glad. There’s a festival meeting today at three in the town hall if you want to go.”

“I’ll try, but I have to supervise the movers. How about I copy off your notes instead?” She arched an eyebrow at him before heading into the shadows of the barn. “Just like in high school.”

“Suit yourself. If I could copy off someone else’s notes, believe me, I’d ditch this committee gathering, too. But if you’re not going to be there, you should set up some appointments to talk to some of the local restaurant owners to see how they can contribute.” He followed her into the cool, musty depths of the barn. “I’m supposed to be meeting a couple of guys here who will be picking up the wagons. We can pull them out when they get here.”

“Okay.” She stalked to the back of one wagon, and leaned down to check a tire. “I just wanted to make sure there aren’t any flats. I’m sure there’s an air compressor here somewhere—”

“We’ll be fine.” As much as he wanted to patch up their relationship, he wasn’t ready to test it in the confines of a dark barn just yet.

He still saw that pink bra strap when he closed his eyes.

“Okay.” She straightened. “If anyone comes to the house I’ll send them back here.”

“The kid who cuts your grandmother’s grass is one of the people I’m expecting. Ethan Brady.”

“Right.” She snapped her fingers. “I met him this morning. He was going to pick peaches after he mowed the lawn, so I’m guessing he’s in the orchard.”

Peaches. Orchard.

Mack was right back on a blanket beneath the stars on a long, hot summer night. He closed his eyes to shut out the mental images of their first time together, but new images crowded with the old ones.

Nina’s throaty laugh. The pink strap. Her flushed cheeks when she remembered the day they’d fooled around in that little vacant apartment…

“Mack?” Her voice was close to his ear.

He opened his eyes. Shook his head.

“Are you okay?” She stood just a couple of feet away.

It was dark and hard to see in the barn, but she was close enough that he could smell the fragrance of her shampoo.

“I’m fine.” His voice was a heavy rasp of sound, his heart thudding in his chest. “Allergies,” he explained.

“From the hay.”

“Oh.” She stepped away, the delicate curve of her bare collarbone still close enough he could have cupped her shoulder there. “Maybe we should step out of the barn.”

“Good idea.” He stalked away from her toward the sunlight, needing to breathe air that didn’t carry a hint of her fragrance.

Or ripe fruit.

Had he really told her they should try to be friends? Damn, but coming home had messed with his head.

“Hey, isn’t that the boy you were looking for?” Nina stretched an arm out, pointing toward the south with one long, bare arm. “Ethan?”

Mack followed her gaze and saw a hint of a blue shirt between the trees in the orchard beyond the field.

“Probably.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll shoot him a text and remind him to meet me over here.”

She nodded absently, her eyes still on the figure in the distance.

“It’s been years since I picked peaches.” Her words hung in the air.

A gauntlet dropped.

His gaze went to hers, but her gray eyes gave away nothing. Did she realize she was killing him?

His fingers froze, hovering above the screen of his phone while he wrestled with how to respond to that.

But then, her eyes slid toward him. A sly smile curved her full lips. She turned on her heel and sauntered away.

Damn. Her.

This friendship thing was going to be the death of him.

*****

Author Info:

Three-time RITA nominee Joanne Rock never met a romance subgenre she didn’t enjoy. The author of over sixty romances from contemporary to medieval historical, Joanne dreams of one day penning a book for every Harlequin series. A former Golden Heart recipient, she has won numerous awards for her stories.

Learn more about Joanne’s imaginative Muse by visiting her online:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Pinterest
– Instagram
– Amazon page
– Google +
– Tumblr
– Youtube
– Joanne Rock’s Romance Wiki

*****

Giveaway:

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Promises Under the Peach Tree, with one US only and one international prize! These are the prizes you can win:

– Romance and More prize pack, which includes 4 classic blaze title by Joanne Rock, The Sweet Spot by Stephanie Evanovich, a keepsake vintage Harlequin notebook, sticky-note weekly calendar, lotion and nail polish (US only)

– Paperbacks from The Bookdepository of Shelter Me by Catherine Mann, Someone Like You by Karen Rock and Promises Under the Peach Tree by Joanne Rock (International)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

This is my stop during the book blitz for Promises Under the Peach Tree by Joanne Rock. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 2 till 8 September, you can view the complete blitz schedule here.