Guest Post – Marrying the Wrong Man

23 Friday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

Tags

Elley Arden, Harmon Falls series, Marrying the Wrong Man

Now, I welcome the delightful Elley Arden, author of Marrying the Wrong Man, as she talks about romance … and sex!

*****

Romance vs. Sex

Sex isn’t necessarily romantic. We all had first times, didn’t we? And of course, what is or isn’t romantic is a very subjective thing. Making love on a bed of roses while candles flicker around the room? Most of us would agree that’s romantic. But giving into passion in the bed of a pickup truck in the middle of a rainstorm? That can be romantic, too. Just not in the classic sense.

Romance novels haven’t been “classic” in a long time. Oh, I know you can find books that follow a formula from years ago, and there are plenty of readers who adore those books. But more and more, publishers and readers are clamoring for sex scenes—detailed sex scenes—and not just one in every book.

When I started writing romance, I couldn’t imagine writing explicit sex scenes, so I skipped that part. A big patch of white marked the spot where my characters where getting busy. They could’ve been knitting for all I knew. I was truly uncomfortable enough that I didn’t give those scenes any real thought. But one night, as I stayed up long past my bedtime reading, skipping entire passages of a book just so I could get to the Happily Ever After, I realized something I NEVER would skip was a sex scene. Heck no! I read the good ones twice. And right then I knew … when it came to my writing, I had to stop closing the door and walking away just when things were heating up.

The next time I was alone with my writing, I scrolled down to the white space and told myself to write get it over with. Write the worst sex scene in the history of the world. I had to get the first time out of the way before I could get any better at it. In the end, it wasn’t bad, but it was definitely missing something. I didn’t know what it was then, but I bet I know now. There wasn’t any romance. No excitement past the physical. No mystery. No escape from the drudgery of everyday life. No revelry. They did a deed. Went through the motions. Performed stilted choreography. And it was flat. Unfeeling. Like a couple unskilled teens in the backseat of a car.

After eight published romance novels, I’d like to think I’m better at it now. I’d like to think I know what I’m doing. But, sometimes I get lazy. I’m tired. I have a headache. I forget to shave. *winks* Whether it’s sex on the page or sex in real life, the romance part takes work.

Bottom line: It’s easy to go through the motions. It’s harder to make it mean something.

What do you think? Have you read sex scenes that were lacking? Does the romance of the moment turn you on more than the actual deed? When it comes to love scenes in novels do you like more, less, explicit, or tame? It’s something to think about.

*****

MARRYING THE WRONG MAN

Author: Elley Arden

Author Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May12^th, 2014

Word Count: 50,000words

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Format: Digital eBook

ISBN: 9781440579639

Blurb:

Morgan Parrish returns to Harmony Falls after her spectacle of an almost wedding and her father’s colossal fall from grace. She’s broke and infamous. But that’s nothing compared to the secret she’s been keeping.

Life is finally on the upswing for Charlie Cramer. He’s sober and chef of Chargrilled Bistro. But his peace is shattered, when the woman he loves—the woman who left him—shows up in town with shocking cargo: the baby he’d begged her to keep and raise with him.

When fate steps in and Morgan takes a job working in Charlie’s bistro, things heat up—in and out of the kitchen. Can they learn to trust each other enough to love again? And is that love enough to keep them up when everyone else is trying to tear them down?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Add MARRYING THE WRONG MAN to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Other books in the Harmony Falls series:

BATTLING THE BEST MAN:

Goodreads | Amazon| Barnes and Noble | iBooks

CRASHING THE CONGRESSMAN’S WEDDING:

*****

Excerpt:

I should have washed my hands of you.

“No!” He held up his hand. “I don’t want to hear any more from you until I’ve said what I’ve wanted to say for the last two years.”

She stuck out her chin and locked her jaw like she expected the words to pack one hell of a punch.

“I hate what you did,” he said. “All of it. I should’ve told you to go to hell when you broke things off, saying you wanted your daddy to be proud of you, and that meant you couldn’t be with me. I should’ve washed my hands of you then. But no, I let you cry on my shoulder too many damn times, and twice that led to … ” he sneered, “other things. Justin and I may have grown apart long before you two got engaged, but I still owed him more respect than that. I owed myself more respect than that. Falling in love with you was the stupidest thing I ever did. No wonder I ended up a drunk. You damn near destroyed me.”

Her lip quivered. “I didn’t mean to.”

“Really?” He fisted his hands and lifted his face to the sky for a roar. “Tell me you would’ve stopped that wedding had my sister not stood up and stopped it for you.”

She opened her mouth but shut it again.

“That’s what I thought.” He shook his head. “You’re sick. But the good news is, I’m not … not anymore. You might be stuck in Harmony Falls, but you better stay the hell away from me.”

Her gaze shot to the house again, but this time she gasped.

He turned in time to see Phyllis’s head. “Is everything okay? I heard yelling.”

“Shut the door!” Morgan’s whole body jerked like she was readying to run.

“I can call the cops.”

“I said shut the … ”

And then a child cried.

Charlie’s blood ran cold as Phyllis slammed the door. “Who was that?”

“Nobody.” Morgan rushed toward the house. “Leave, Charlie, or I’ll call the cops myself.”

A child. Whose child? The hairs on the back of his neck stood. “Morgan … ”

But she didn’t stop, and she slammed the door behind her like Phyllis had done, leaving him gaping in the driveway with the sound of a crying child ringing in his ears.

*****

Author Info:

Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.

Elley writes provocative, emotional, contemporary romances, where Mr. Not-My-Type ends up being Mr. Right.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Giveaway:

Win some awesome prizes:

A $15 gift card for Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winners choice) plus a signed copy of Crashing the Congressman’s Wedding AND Battling the Best Man! (US residents only)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef13/

*****

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Spotlight – Worth the Fall

23 Friday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Claudia Connor, McKinney Brothers series, Worth The Fall

We’re going to finish off the week before the lovely three day weekend here in the US with a little bit of a bang – first up is a sneak peek at Claudia Connor’s Worth the Fall. Make sure you come back later today though because we’ll be featuring a second book too. Both great reads to look forward to.

*****

Loveswept (Random House) is thrilled to share an early teaser from WORTH THE FALL: The McKinney Brothers by Claudia Connor. Discover the story of Abby and Matt—and how one magical week between them can turn into something more… something worth falling for. Read on for more about the book and a sexy teaser!

Blurb:

WORTH THE FALL

The McKinney Brothers: A Loveswept Contemporary Romance

Written by Claudia Connor

On Sale September 9, 2014

978-0-553-39091-9

Prepare to be swept away by a talented debut author with a passionate, powerful story to tell.

They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.

They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.

But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.

*****

Excerpt:

Settle down. He’s only a man.
Using the upper body strength she’d honed at the gym, she strained to crank the stubborn umbrella. She could do it. She’d done it yesterday. For God’s sake.Don’t look completely incompetent.
“Need some help?”
“No, I’ve got it.”
He moved in behind her until he stood so close she felt the loose strands of her hair catching on his chest. Abby inhaled hot skin and male deodorant—a heady, masculine combination that had her struggling to focus.
“Let me help you.”
“I can do it.” She tried to sound forceful and confident, but it came out breathy and—
“I know you can, but I can help.” His words whispered against her cheek. His arms came around her and he easily raised the umbrella, his body brushing hers with each turn of the crank. Then his arms were gone, leaving a strange void.
She turned to face him. He was so close. Nothing between them but the warm breeze. His sunglasses hung around his neck, revealing chocolate-brown eyes. Beyond beautiful, deep and rich, fringed with black lashes. A strong man with soft eyes. Eyes that could talk a girl into anything.
“Hey, Matt. Where’s our castle? I brought my football. Can we throw in the water?” Jack shot off his questions, oblivious to the fact the two adults in front of him stood like frozen statues.
Matt’s eyes held her captive another long second before he turned his attention to her son and she let herself breathe.
“Yeah, sure. One sec.” He walked the few feet to where he’d left his beach chair and came back with two. “There.” He set up the chairs under her umbrella. “You’ll like it better with a chair.”
“Thank you. If you tell me how much, I’ll—”
“You’re welcome.”
“Matt—” She reached for her beach bag, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“Abby.”
Her mind went blank at the feeling of his hot hand on her skin and the sensation he was touching her everywhere.
“Matt!” Jack was about to burst a blood vessel.
“Coming.”
Abby tried unsuccessfully to unglue her eyes as he walked down to the water. Matt’s sleek body dove through the waves as he played with Jack, and each time she held her breath, waiting for him to resurface. When he did, he burst through the water looking like a Greek god, chiseled out of smooth stone and coming to life right before her.
But the way he smiled at her son and gave him high fives made him even more beautiful. And the way she’d felt standing between his arms . . . Ridiculous, but still the word “safe” came to mind.
“Abby?”
He stood in front of her, drops of water clinging to his arms and chest, dripping down the ridges of his stomach.
Jack ran up beside him. “We’re swim buddies. Right, Matt? Matt says you should always swim with a buddy.”
Matt’s raised eyebrows and the smirk he was fighting told her she’d been busted for gawking. “Do you want to come out? The water’s great.”
“Um, no. No, thanks. I’m not a strong swimmer. I mean I can swim, I just—”
“I’ll be your swim buddy.” He grinned and she caught a hint of dimples.
Oh, Lord.
“The ocean still hasn’t grown on you, huh?”
She swallowed hard. “It’s growing.”

*****

Author Info:

Claudia Connor attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. Always a lover of happy endings, she enjoys movies, reading, and spending her days putting on paper the stories in her head. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.

Connect with Claudia

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Spotlight – Hiring the Player

22 Thursday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Allie K. Adams, Campus Players series, Hiring the Player

I’m super excited to share the latest Campus Players book, Hiring the Player by Allie K. Adams. It looks very sweet and fun.

(Just a reminder you have until Monday to comment on the Wingmen Warriors post to enter the contest. Name will be drawn and winner notified then … and since there are only 5 comments so far your chances are quite good!)

*****

Hiring the Player

by Allie K. Adams

Blurb:

When life gets you down…
Kayla Riggs is three weeks from graduation and has yet to have one college experience worthy of a memory, let alone a story to tell people later. Her BFFs make a deal with the player next door—show Kayla how to have a little fun before she settles into a life of mediocrity.

Hire a player to pick you up…
Jake Swanson only has a few weeks left as a cadet for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department before he can take his practical exams and be hired on permanently. The last thing he needs is a group of crazy women insisting he grant his cute-yet-boring neighbor three insane wishes—one for each week left of school. The only kicker is that she can’t know about the wishes or the deal is off.

When they offer him a deal he can’t refuse, he agrees to show Kayla how to have a little fun, and in turn has a lot more fun with her than he expected, or wanted. Now he must choose between keeping his word, or losing his heart.

Smashwords Amazon

*****

Author Info:

Allie K. Adams is the bestselling author of several award-winning stories. An active member of the search and rescue, as well as previously served as a reserve deputy, Allie has firsthand experience in most of the dangers she writes about. Known for her highly erotic, deeply intense suspense romances, she can be found most days in front of her computer, saving the world one sizzling story at a time. She grew up in Seattle and now currently lives in southwest Montana with her husband, two kids, and two fluff ball dogs.

She loves to hear from readers and encourages them to reach out to her through her website at www.alliekadams.com.

If it doesn’t sizzle, it isn’t hot enough.

Website: http://alliekadams.com
Twitter: alliekadams
Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/allie-adams/b/735/482
Blog: http://alliekadams.com/blog

*****

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Book Review – Smokin’ Hot

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Lynn LaFleur, Smokin' Hot

Deep in the heart of Texas, the firefighters are hotter, sexier, and totally out of control. . .

Singe

Stephen is an adrenaline junkie. And then he meets Julia and her sexy curves. He’s on fire with the need for her, a Texas-sized blaze that jumps from one to five alarms the moment their lips touch. . .

Smolder

Marcus lost everything–his wife, his family, his business. Then nearly his life fighting fires. But out of the ashes he found something that never stopped burning. And this time he won’t let go…

Spark

Childhood friends Talia and Dylan have been putting out fires as long as they’ve been in denial about their feelings. But one night everything changes, a fire’s lit, and it’s too hot to ever go out…

Wow, Lynn LaFleur knows how to give her readers HOT HOT firemen with a lot of heart. There are three novellas and each is a standalone story but there are relationships between the characters because they all live in the same city and are volunteer firefighters together. It is nice to have a little bit of a follow-up to the previous stories but not have to read them all in order to enjoy each one.

And each of them is a sensual treat. Her men are different but still wonderful heroes – they are caring, generous and strong of character. Her women are just as compelling – with their own issues and troubles. Together they make for complex reads in tiny little packages. And those reads are blistering both in the bedroom and out, so be prepared for some sizzle.

I often have trouble with novellas because I feel like I miss out on something due to the length – the flow is rushed or the characters are well defined or the plot feels incomplete – but LaFleur skillfully shows that she’s figured out how to tell a complete and addictive story in a small number of pages. Smokin’ Hot is perfect for those looking for a bite-size bit of fun, full of fire and emotion.

Spotlight – Natural Selection

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour

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Amanda Lance, Natural Selection

First we’re going to take at a new sexy read from Amanda Lance. Then later I’ll have a new review so make sure you check out both of today’s posts.

*****

Natural Selection

by Amanda Lance

Blurb:

To ensure she would have the life she deserved, Kasper Zafar ended his relationship with the beautiful Emilia Ward, sentencing both of them to a broken heart and lonely life.

But haunted by the memories of the foolish girl who stole his heart, Kasper has determined himself to win her back—or kill himself trying.

It’s been a year since Emilia Ward left Iram manor, and when Kasper comes back into her life the walls she has constructed around her heart threaten to come down.

And she might need him more than she wants to admit. Yet as badly as she wants him back, she won’t let him get away with hurting her so easily. Kasper needs to learn his lesson, and Emilia thinks she’s just the one to teach it to him.

However, just as they renew their sensual affair, Kasper’s elusive past comes back to jeopardize their happiness.

If he’s not careful, he may just die fighting for her after all…

*****

Author Info:

A native of New Jersey and lifelong nerd, Amanda Lance recently completed her Master in Liberal Arts at Thomas Edison State College after her BA in English Literature and AFA in creative writing. As an avid reader of all genres, some of her favorite authors include Hemingway, Marquis de Sade, Stevenson, Bukowski and Radcliffe.

When she isn’t writing or reading, Amanda can found indulging in film noir or hiking with her other half and their extremely spoiled dog. She is obsessively working on her next book and trying to tame her caffeine addiction.

Author Links:
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alance07

Twitter: @alance07

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.lance.378

GR: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6966605.Amanda_Lance

www.amandalance.com

*****

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Guest Post – Waiting For You

20 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

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Heather Huffman, Waiting For You

This morning we welcome the lovely Heather Huffman as she gives us a little peek into her characters and what makes them so great. And then she gives us a look at her new book, Waiting For You (which looks super sweet and super fun).

*****

I thought it would be cute to make a list of ways my characters are smarter than me when it comes to love, but then I realized it boils down to two things that make all the difference for them.

First, they make time. I put my characters through the wringer, but they still manage to find time to picnic in the poppies or leap on the perfectly delectable man close enough to nibble on. All-to-often, I find myself so busy keeping my family afloat that I’m lucky to shower before collapsing in a gelatinous heap on the couch. I have to schedule time to shave my legs lest I start a rumor about the Ozark Sasquatch. No matter how busy my characters are, they still delight in being a girl. I should do that more often. (To that end, I did paint my toenails purple this morning. That should count for something.)

They also know who they are – and the ones that don’t figure it out. Some people mistakenly believe that I write about strong women because I am one. In truth, I’m a hot mess who’s allowed myself to be a doormat more times than I care to admit.

When I was younger, I hid the fears and frailties behind a spunky bravado, but they were still there guiding my decisions and actions. As I write about my heroines, I learn from their strength. I deal with my own demons on the same pages that navigate theirs. I really should have done more of that before I got married; I firmly believe it would have made for a smoother ride.

I love that my characters are strong enough for the romance to be about the guy, not just any guy. I hope to be just like them when I grow up.

*****

Waiting for You

by Heather Huffman

Release Date: May 7, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Sometimes a single spark is all it takes to change your life for good.

For years, Karise McAlister has been running: from her family, from herself, and from her dreams. Now she’s made it, with a successful career and a promising engagement. But when she meets the compelling and creative Aidan Donnelly, his down-to-earth charm provides the wakeup call Karise badly needs. Moving across country to start over, Karise devotes herself to her work, convinced she needs to be independent. But with handsome Aidan just down the road and a mischievous group of friends determined to set her up, Karise must face her concerns about life and romance head-on.

Amazon Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

Heather Huffman calls the beautiful Missouri Ozarks home. When not writing, this homesteading mother is busy raising three boys or tending the family’s myriad of animals, which includes alpacas, goats, chickens and ducks. Huffman’s optimistic and somewhat quirky view of life often finds its way into her novels.
Heather is the author of Throwaway, Ties that Bind, Jailbird, Suddenly a Spy, Ring of Fire, Tumbleweed, Devil in Disguise, Roses in Ecuador and Fool’s Game.

You can find out more about her family’s adventures as they strive to live off the land, as well as her writing and charitable work on http://www.heatherhuffman.net.

Author’s Links:

Face Book:https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHuffmanBooks

Twitter:https://twitter.com/Heathers_mark

Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/heatherhuffman/

*****

Excerpt:

Karise stepped forward, holding a hand out to skim the tops of the flowers as she waded into their midst. “Magical,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” he agreed, his voice taking on a huskier tone.

Karise studied the field for a moment longer before turning back to smile at Aidan. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

He took a step toward her. “You’re welcome.”

“You may never get me out of here. I just might decide to live right here, in this field.”

Aidan chuckled. “You might get cold at some point. Besides, the poppies don’t last long.

This is the peak of their season. After that, it’s just a field.”

“A field with a promise worth waiting for,” she amended.

“Something like that.” There was a pause. The expression on his face made Karise wonder what he was thinking. She was pretty sure that whatever it had been, it was more than his suggestion that they pick a spot to eat, which were the next words out of his mouth.

Karise only nibbled at the food he spread out in front of them. Her mind was racing in too many different directions, and her stomach had way too many butterflies for food to be a top priority. She listened as Aidan talked about how this field had inspired many of the designs used in his marketing material. The gentle cadence of his voice was like a caress. She couldn’t keep her eyes off of him – all of the excuses she’d been hiding behind faded away a little more with each syllable that fell from his lips.

Aidan paused mid sentence to eye her warily. “Is everything okay?”

Karise nodded. “Yes, sorry. Go on.”

“Am I boring you?”

“Quite the contrary.”

“You’re killing me, Karise. What is it?”

She hesitated then took a deep breath and threw caution to the wind. It’s possible she leapt at him. She couldn’t be entirely sure. All she really knew was that she was right where she wanted to be now: in his arms. His surprise quickly gave way to eager acceptance as he met her kiss with one of his own. He was salty and sweet at once. The hint of sandpaper on his jaw grazed her soft skin. A low growl of longing rumbled deep in his throat as he pulled her more firmly on his lap.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, arching into him as his mouth pulled away from hers to roam the skin exposed by the V of her shirt. Her fingers sank greedily into his dark hair as he left a trail of fire across her flesh. Karise couldn’t tell if she was flying or falling or something in between.

She kissed his temple, then his cheek, then reclaimed his lips. He leaned into her, deepening the touch. Time melted away. Karise was aware of only two things: She’d never felt anything remotely like this before, and she wanted more of him. She shifted positions, gently pushing him back on the blanket. She ran her hands up his sides, shoving his shirt out of the way as she did. Karise had lost many nights’ sleep thinking about the very muscles she now traced with her fingers. She moved to kiss his jaw, then his throat, then met her hands at his chest. He stopped breathing when she traced a feathery trail of kisses along his abdomen.

With lightning speed, he scooped her up and flipped her onto her back, his mouth setting fire to her throat while his hands splayed her small waist before moving up to her rib cage. He shifted his weight, the friction of his jeans against her shorts nearly her undoing. It hit her like a tidal wave – she’d reached the point of no return. Either she stopped him here or they crossed a threshold in this poppy field.

*****

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Book Review – A Demon In Love

19 Monday May 2014

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

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A Demon In Love, Book Review, Holley Trent, Sons of Gulielmus series

We’re going to start off the week with look at A Demon In Love and a review. This one is perfect for any of you who love paranormal stories.

*****

A Demon In Love

Sons of Gulielmus Book 2

by Holley Trent

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Date of Publication: 5/5/14

ISBN: 978-1-4405-8150-2

Number of pages: 163 (PDF)

Word Count: 79,000

Blurb:

Charles Edison has spent most of his 123 years courting women for Hell. As a faithful son of the demon Gulielmus, he’s never known true affection for women. Which is funny, seeing as how he’s descended from a love god on his mother’s side. Now that he sees his brother falling head over heels, Charles wants the same for himself. He wants to belong to someone.

The Fates conspire to right old wrongs, and Charles learns the woman destined for him is one he shouldn’t want. Marion Wilder’s family has been on the supernatural Most Wanted List for twenty-five years because they were responsible for the demise of a demon. Gulielmus would kill her if he had the chance.

But Marion’s the only human woman Charles can touch without harming. She’s his one chance at having a normal life and a real family, and he would give up anything to keep her. Even his father’s favor.

*****

Excerpt:

She bent to pick up the receipt she’d dropped, and then yelped at the sight of the stranger six feet from her. She blew her fright away on an exhale and put her hand to her heart.

Why did they always frighten her? By now, she should have been used to strange men approaching her. Sometimes they heckled her—the “little girl” truck driver. Occasionally, they tried to sell her things. Dick and weed, mostly. One she didn’t partake in. The other she sure as shit wasn’t going to pay for, even if she were that kind of desperate.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, hoping he’d catch the drift. Not that they ever did. Bozos.

“Cold night, isn’t it?” he asked. His voice was deep and cultured in the way Shakespearean actors’ voices were. Trained. Odd, seeing as how the only culture this guy had likely rubbed off from the newspapers he slept on. She cocked her head to the side and really studied him. Maybe he was experiencing some sort of delusion and believed he was on the set of a BBC miniseries or something. Maybe a modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. She knew which character she’d be cast as, and was already gearing up to play the role if he said something sufficiently stupid. And he would. There was always something wrong with these truck stop guys. Pity, because this one was hot. He had to be around six and a half feet tall, and a nicely proportionate breadth to go with that height. Not bulky, but there were definitely some muscles beneath that jacket. He had to outweigh her by a good hundred pounds.

He fixed a stare on her she couldn’t tell was from blue or gray eyes beneath the pole light, but either way, it was oddly mesmerizing. She couldn’t bring herself to break free of it, although it somehow made her feel exposed.

Naked.

Why was he looking at her like that—like he knew her? She’d never seen the man before. She certainly would have remembered those startling eyes and all that dark hair. Jesus, she liked a bit of mane on her men. Someone could slap him on the cover of a romance novel. Just wrap him in tartan, hand him a sword, and set up an unobtainable fantasy for a few thousand women.

She pursed her lips, considering him. Nah, she’d read probably a hundred thrift store romance novels in the past year, and this guy was too tan to be a Scotsman and not dark enough to be a sheikh. Greek tycoon, maybe? Oh yeah. Put him on the deck of a yacht wearing some of those little European swim trunks and—

“Isn’t it?” he repeated, and raised one dark eyebrow.

“Huh?” She blinked. Did he want something?

He shifted his weight and shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, grinning at her. Shit, he could have lit up the entire parking lot with that smile. He was so pretty—now, what did he want with her? Whatever it was, she wasn’t paying for it.

She closed her eyes and drew in a bolstering breath. “It’s cold,” she said blandly and hauled her toolbox up into her truck cab.

“Montana’s a pretty inhospitable place, huh? There’s still a month until winter, but I don’t think the snow cares about timeliness.”

“Mm-hmm.” She patted her pockets in search of her keys. The next thing he’d probably say was that he could make it a lot more hospitable for her, if she had enough cash.

Prostitutes were pretty predictable, and she certainly got propositioned enough, though usually the truck stop hos were a little less—upright.

But, shit, did she really look like the kind of woman who’d pay a man for sex? She wrapped her fingers around the handle, prepared to slam the door.

He moved closer and grabbed the door’s edge before she could pull it. “Hey, why don’t you let me buy you a cup of coffee? You look like you could use a cup.”

“I don’t think so, dude.”

She could afford her own coffee, obviously, but no prostitute had ever offered to buy her anything. Must have been a new sales strategy—the hook ’em, then hump ’em.

She just wanted to get back on the road, but he was right. She did need to refill her thermos, fiend that she was. Coffee was her one vice, and she’d forgotten to take the canister into the restaurant with her during dinner. She didn’t want to give the guy the satisfaction, though, no matter how good he looked.

She let her gaze fall on him once again. He looked harmless enough, with his easy stance and hands jammed into the pockets of his coat. His boots were actually quite good quality. Brown leather with some scuffs. Broken in, and wet from snow, but they looked damned expensive. Didn’t seem like hand-me-downs, either. The heels were too good.

There must have been good money in truck stop whoring.

“No, thank you,” she finally managed, and gripped the door handle again after two failed attempts. “I-I need to get back on the road and get this load delivered.”

“Must be lonely,” he said. His grin waned slowly, and this time it was he who looked away, toward a truck entering the lot. He waited until it had circled around to the gas pumps.

“It’s a job,” she said when he looked up again. Damn, those eyes. They were so sad, and for some reason, that made her a little sad, too.

*****

Book Review:

A Demon In Love gives readers a very intriguing world and is a fascinating paranormal story. With characters just as interesting as the world they inhabit, if you are looking for a paranormal story, it is a fantastic choice.

But I’m not sure how it works as a paranormal romance. I liked the world that Trent created, but Marion and Charles spend most of their time apart – not apart in a romantic since, but actually physically apart. And large chunks of time will go by with minimal explanation of what events happen in that time. Not that we need a moment-by-moment narrative, but it was a little odd to me.

It is supposed to be able to stand on its own, which I suppose it can, but I’m not sure if reading the first book would have helped fill in some of the details. Or it could just be that it is supposed to be more paranormal than paranormal romance. I think I was just a little thrown off by the lack of interaction between the two and, to me, the lack of development of their relationship. Without having read the first story, I don’t know how it compares and if it would have helped with my enjoyment.

Even though I missed the romance element, I had a great time reading A Demon In Love and easily recommend it to anyone who is looking for a paranormal read.

*****

Author Info:

Holley Trent is a Carolina girl gone west. Raised in rural coastal North Carolina, she currently resides on the Colorado Front Range with her family. She writes sassy contemporary and quirky paranormal romances set in her home state.

She’s hard at work writing other stories set in the Sons of Gulielmus world, including one for the mysterious Creole cambion Claude.

See Holley’s complete backlist of paranormal and contemporary romances at her website, http://www.holleytrent.com. When she’s not on deadline, she boldly tweets under the handle @holleytrent.

Website: http://www.holleytrent.com

Blog: http://www.holleytrent.com/blog

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/holleytrent

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writerholleytrent

*****

Giveaway:

-eBook copies of A Demon in Waiting and Melt My Heart (2 bundles, 2 winners)

-$25 e-gift certificate: ARe, Amazon, or B&N (1 winner)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112f634/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out all of the sites involved in the tour.

Book Review – What Goes on Tour

18 Sunday May 2014

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Book Review, Claire Boston, What Goes on Tour

What goes on tour, stays on tour … or does it?

Few people know that socially awkward Adrian Hart is actually rock god Kent Downer, and that’s the way Adrian likes it. His privacy is essential, especially now that he has guardianship of his orphaned, ten-year-old niece, Kate. But when the nanny quits in the middle of his tour Adrian finds himself in a bind.

Until Libby Myles walks into his life.

Libby has only ever wanted to become a full-time author and prove to her parents that she can make it on her own. On the surface, the temporary job as the nanny for Kent Downer’s niece looks perfect—the pay is fabulous, the hours are short and Kate is a big fan—it’s the rock star that’s the issue.

Arrogant and way too attractive for anyone’s good, Kent Downer has enough swagger to power a small city. But when he’s out of costume he’s different—shy and uncertain. For Libby it’s a far harder combination to resist. She needs to find a balance between work, writing and ignoring her attraction to the rock star, because if she falls for him, it could mean the end of her dream.

But when a horrible scandal is unleashed—putting young Kate in danger—there’s more heat between Libby and Adrian than just sexual attraction. Libby must figure out if Adrian ever cared for her, or if it was all just part of the show …

I found What Goes on Tour a lot of fun but I do think that maybe there was also a lot going on. There’s: a) Libby’s self-esteem issues and her issues with her parents, b) Adrian’s childhood trauma, c) Kent’s fame, d) Adrian’s long-time friendship with his manager George, e) Kate’s adjustment to her parents’ death, and f) Libby and Adrian’s relationship. That’s a lot to fit into one story – not all of them require a ton of attention so you could probably fit in quite a few of them without any issue but, to me, it’s a little harder with all of them together.

I did like all of the characters involved – Kate is wonderfully precocious, Libby is sweet and caring, and Adrian is dedicated and loving. All of them manage to start developing a wonderful relationship together, despite all of their troubles. It is heart-tugging and emotional and touching. I just really wish that I’d gotten a chance to get to know them all a little better. (And I hope that there are more stories coming because I’d like to see more from George and Libby’s friend Piper. Maybe that will help flesh out some of the relationships and issues introduced here.)

With What Goes on Tour Boston does a great job of giving readers a sweet story, with lovely characters and one of my favorite endings.

Book Review – All I Need Is You

17 Saturday May 2014

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All I Need Is You, Book Review, M Malone, The Alexanders series

He’ll do anything to protect her… except fall in love

Kaylee Wilhelm is tired of always being a good, respectful Southern belle. So when the man she loves leaves town after their steamy kiss, she’s done. As a single mother with a demanding singing career, she has no time for pining after her former bodyguard.

Years ago Elliott Alexander disappeared for a year and then came back irrevocably changed. With the FBI still watching, he can’t afford distractions. Especially not sweet kisses from the only woman who gets under his skin.

When she’s targeted by a stalker who seems to know her every move, Eli is the only one who can protect her. He’ll have to stop running from his past and face his demons.

And maybe, just maybe, find his way back home again.

WARNING: This book contains best friends with attitude, blind dates, the reckless use of explosives and a hero that gives new meaning to the term “in the closet”. Did I mention this is a really sexy book? Just saying…

I enjoyed this one a lot more than One More Day. I felt that their reactions and reasoning was more understandable and I found both Kay and Eli engaging – he’s been fighting his feelings for her for months and she’s confused on why. He’s got secrets in his past that cause him to feel unworthy, plus he thinks his … ummm, bedroom preferences … might be more than Kay can take. She’s young and sweet and inexperienced but she loves him and for her that’s enough.

I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. Eli has a security firm that provides protection to high profile people and was on a case with Kay previously (check out He’s the Man for that – you won’t be disappointed in Matt’s story). Now she may be a target again and Eli’s feelings mean that he takes on her case himself, so in between battling his feelings he’s also got to figure out who is targeting her.

All I Need Is You combines a little danger, a little mystery and a lot of heat in one engrossing page-turner.

(I’ve been reading these out of order – Book 3, then the prequel, then Book 1 and now Book 4, somehow missing Book 3 completely – but I haven’t really noticed it being a problem. So if this is your first, then go for it. I think you’ll find it addictive and be looking up those others to add to your TBR pile.)

Book Review – Dare to Resist

16 Friday May 2014

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

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Book Review, Dare to Resist, Laura Kaye, Wedding Dare series

Today’s tour includes another look at Laura Kaye’s Dare to Resist with a review. Check it out below and if you are looking for something steamy, this is definitely the one for you!

*****

DARE TO RESIST is the prequel novella to the sexy wedding event of the year! The Wedding Dare Series brings together five New York Times bestselling authors, one sizzling story of how the bride and groom fell in love, and four super sexy tales of bridesmaids who hope to get lucky in lust—or maybe even love—at their friend’s wedding. Here’s the story that starts it all!

Blurb:

Trapped and tempted, this battle of wills rages all night long…

Kady Dresco and Colton Brooks click on a level that defies logic. There are only two problems. One, he’s her older brother’s irritating best friend, and two, they’re bidding on the same military security services contract.

When the competition heats up, Colton is torn between wanting to strangle Kady (and her annoying brilliance) and kissing her into submission. Which is a bad idea for a million reasons, because Kady’s submission is exactly what he craves. Being trapped in a tiny motel room with the object of his darkest fantasies will require every ounce of his restraint.

Kady doesn’t want his restraint, but Colton knows better. She deserves love, marriage, and a white picket fence—three things Colton can’t give her. But her proximity and the memory of their steamy near-miss three years ago slowly destroys his resolve. And he’s not sure how much longer he can keep his hands off…or his heart closed.

Dare to Resist on Goodreads

*****

Excerpt:

Damn she had a smart mouth on her. So many things he’d like to do to temporarily cure her of that. And now he knew she’d enjoy them, too. “Kady, I just meant—”

She huffed, stoking both the flames of his aggression and his arousal. “I got it.”

He fisted his hands. “No, you fucking don’t, because you won’t stop talking long enough for me to explain myself.”

She blanched. “Well, do it. What do you want to say?”

Here it was. Moment of truth time. Fucking finally. “Three years ago—”

“Colton, I don’t want to talk about ancient—”

He was on her in a flash. One hand over her mouth, the other cradling the back of her head so that he didn’t hurt her when he shoved her against the closet door. He held her there with the weight of his own body, his legs on the outsides of hers effectively boxing her in. “It’s not your turn to talk. Understand?”

Eyes wide, nostrils flaring, Kady searched his eyes and finally nodded. He could almost feel the questions rolling off of her.

“Three years ago,” he said again, arching a brow, “I pulled back from what we started for a couple of reasons. Same reasons why I pulled away again yesterday when I wanted to kiss you. But this book…this book makes me wonder if maybe one of those reasons isn’t as relevant as I originally thought.” He heaved a breath and leaned his forehead against hers, bringing them eye to eye. “The guy in your book? I’m that guy,” he said, putting it in terms he hoped she’d understand.

A shiver ran over her body. Against his chest, her nipples went hard.

Holy hell. Did his declaration just turn her on?

Her pupils were dilating. Right there was his answer. His cock went from hard to downright torture.

“You get what I’m saying?” he asked. A small nod. “I get off on being rough. Because I like and respect you, and because you’re my best friend’s little sister—”

Her brows furrowed.

He pressed his hand more firmly against her mouth and nailed her with a stare. “I get it. After our talk yesterday, that’s not how I see you. But it is how Tyler sees you. How he’ll always see you. Big brothers are genetically programmed to be protective of younger sisters no matter their age. Trust me. I know from firsthand experience. So I’ve backed off because I didn’t want to scare you or offend you with what I want, and I certainly didn’t want to piss Tyler off, either.”

Her fingers pulled softly at the hand covering her mouth, a gentle plea. He removed his hand immediately. “Can I say something now?” she asked quietly.

When had Kady Dresco ever asked for permission to speak around him? But he’d exerted a little dominance over her, and she’d responded with submissiveness. Probably wasn’t even aware she’d done it. A dark satisfaction heated his blood and further hardened his cock. “Go ahead.”

*****

Review:

Dare to Resist has one of my favorite storylines – an intense attraction to a friend’s sibling (or a sibling’s friend) – with a touch of a friends to lovers transition. Both Kady and Colton are fun together. They are snarky and caring and have a wonderfully complex history. The dialogue between them is humorous and sassy and full of charm, and their chemistry bleeds through every page.

The biggest issues between Kady and Colton getting together pretty much fall on him. He’s got an honorable streak a mile wide and a huge blind spot to the fact that Kady is all grown up. She may be seeing him with clear eyes but he’s definitely still seeing her with a friend’s little sister filter. And with the horrible marriage his parents had, he’s not sure that he’s made for a long-term relationship. And then there are his more daring preferences in the bedroom.

Once their attraction comes to a head, Dare to Resist definitely heats up. It’s hot and sexy and daring. Brazen books are Entangled’s steamier fare and Kaye’s latest definitely fits in – Colton is a bad boy who will steal your heart in a second.

Once again I’m pleased by how well-developed a novella is. Dare to Resist is complete, intriguing and thoroughly entertaining. Even though it is just over 100 pages long, we get a good feeling for both Kady and Colton and for their motivations. Not only are we there for this latest chapter in their relationship, but Kaye also does a fantastic job of giving us their complicated past. And the ending is so sweet, and fits so well with these two, I finished the last page with a happy smile on my face.

(And it is the perfect introduction to the four Wedding Dare stories coming this summer. I’m definitely looking forward to those.)

*****

About the Wedding Dare Series:

When four bridesmaids dare one another to find lust—or maybe even love—at the destination wedding event of the year, the groomsmen don’t stand a chance. But little do the women know, the men are onto their game, and sparks will fly alongside the bouquet.

Four bridesmaids. Four groomsmen.

Four New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Long-carried torches, sizzling new attractions, and forbidden conquests will ensure a wedding never to be forgotten.

Tessa Bailey, Baiting the Maid of Honor

Diane Alberts, Falling for the Groomsmen

Katee Robert, Seducing the Bridesmaid

Samanthe Beck, Best Man with Benefits

Coming June 9!

All Wedding Dare Series Books on Goodreads

*****

Author Info:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Giveaway and Wedding Dare/Brazen Swag

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9172c1159/

*****

Review Tour Schedule

May 13

Little Read Riding Hood

Cocktails and Books

Make My Day Book Club

Hesperia Loves Books