Guest Blog – The Outcast Highlander

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

Tags

R.L. Syme, The Highland Renegades, The Outcast Highlander

This morning I’m pleased to welcome R.L. Syme as she talks about one of those moments that could turn a reader off a book … and maybe even an author.

We’re also going to get a look at her new book, The Outcast Highlander. It looks like a promising start to a great new series.

*****

Watch Out for Thin Ice

That could never happen.

You know that moment, right? When your suspension of disbelief has been retracted and you just can’t continue the charade. It might be far-fetched events, things that are too coincidental, or just plain melodrama, but everyone has that suspension when reading fiction.

I call this “falling through the ice”. Supposedly, 90% of a story is below the surface, like an iceberg, where you can’t see the entire structure, and you walk only on the surface. When the world-building falls apart or something impossible happens, we find a patch of thin ice with no iceberg underneath it, and slide right in to the water.

If you’re an author, you know, this is a devastating thing to have said about your own book, but we all know it happens. That moment where an author forgets (or doesn’t know) the rules of their own fantasy world, or where an editor misses a change in character names, or something of the sort. It’s heartbreaking.

As a reader, it can be frustrating. I completely get that. Not all patches of thin ice are preventable, and not all are equally as difficult.

So what about you? If an author lets you fall through the ice, do you read them again? How much cold water are you willing to tolerate?

*****

The Outcast Highlander

(The Highland Renegades)

by R.L. Syme

Scottish Historical Medieval

Sweet Romance

254 pages, self-published

He’s lost his family, his title, and his honor, but he can’t lose her…

Kensey MacLeod returns home after a failed marriage alliance in France to find her world in turmoil: her best friend married to an English sympathizer, her mother at death’s door, and her father imprisoned and thought dead. As an English lord descends to claim her father’s lands, Kensey escapes north with her mother and brother, and runs straight into the arms of the outcast Highlander.

Driven from home and family by a crazed father, Broccin Sinclair refuses to stand aside while the English invade his beloved Scotland. But who should he champion? The freedom fighter who saved his life, the family who has forgotten him, or the woman who captured his childhood heart?

Buy Links:

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Outcast-Highlander-Highland-Renegades-ebook/dp/B00HI4PKXI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389164054&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Outcast+Highlander

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-outcast-highlander-rl-syme/1117892291?ean=9780615935836

*****

Excerpt:

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, may I ask why your horse grazes yonder when there are men who chase you?”

“Oh, stop, you impertinent fool.” Kensey shook his hand away and searched the area around her for something. “I was knocked off my horse.”

“What are you looking for?”

She sighed. “I would like to get up and resume my travels.”

So she looked for something to pull herself up with, yet ignored his help. How like her. He must be beneath her notice. Or her care.

“Let me help you.” He stood and offered both hands. She considered him for a moment and finally touched him again. He couldn’t deny a tiny thrill at having won the fight, or at having her hands in his. But her frustration continued.

She furrowed her brow and released his hands. First one step, then another. But on the third step, she began to sway and Broc had to follow quickly to catch her.

“You’re in no state to be walking.” He swept her into his arms, despite her protest, and stilled her grasping hands by hooking both of her wrists together in one grip. “Nor riding.”

He deposited her atop his horse and jumped up before she could make any more fuss. The Ross men obviously hadn’t followed them, but they would have to proceed carefully from here, knowing they may come back upon them at any time.

Broc urged his horse forward into a slow cantor, searching for the least dense path forward. In his lap, Kensey pulled on the dirty folds of her dress, dislodging bits of the forest floor that still clung to the delicate fabric.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded.

“Let’s get you out of here first, lass.” He glanced back into the thick canopy of stillness for a moment. “Ross’s men may be quick on our heels.”

Sitting against him as she was now, she felt tiny and vulnerable. His cloak had opened as he’d climbed onto Gaidel’s back and she was now sitting in the midst of it, against his nearly bare chest. She seemed to suck up all the warmth in his body as she curled against him. Her eyelashes blinked furiously, as though she tried to keep herself awake when sleep called. He reached down and wrapped the warmth of the cloak around her.

“You can sleep. It appears we’ve lost our pursuers and it will be slow progress back to the trail, if we even dare to follow it.”

“I’m not tired.” She yawned and her weight pressed even more against him. She would no doubt be asleep soon. His body tensed against the desire that tried to consume him. This was his brother’s intended.

He was merely delivering her back to him.

Not enjoying having her in his arms. Not at all.

*****

Author Info:

R.L. Syme works at a youth theatre, teaching kids performing arts and musical performance classes/camps when she’s not writing. Otherwise, she’s putting her Seminary degree to good use writing romance novels. Let not all those systematic theology classes go to waste…

Links:

http://facebook.com/bighopesbigheroes

http://twitter.com/beck_a_tron

http://pinterest.com/rlsyme

http://rlsyme.com

http://goodreads.com/rlsyme

http://theoutcasthighlander.com

*****

Giveaway:

2 great prizes !!

Grand Prize: R.L. is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite.

As a secondary prize, she would like to give away a set of Scottish Historical romances from some of her favorite authors.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Yzc0NThmNDMxY2FlNDZkZGQ0NGVlNDgzNzBkZjkyOjEy/

*****

Entangled Brazen January Release Day

13 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Fighting for Irish, Gina L. Maxwell, In Bed with Mr. Wrong, Katee Robert

Today is also release day for a couple of hot reads in Entangled’s Brazen line. Check out all the details below and make sure you enter their cool contest!

*****

New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert kicks off her new Out of Uniform series with IN BED WITH MR. WRONG, a hilarious enemies-to-lovers story you don’t want to miss. Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs, so he’s not thrilled when he’s set up on a blind date—until he meets mousy librarian Brianne Nave. Her sweet curves and kissable lips are a siren’s call, but her smart mouth? Not so much. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it? When Ryan and Bri are stranded in a cabin by their friends, they’ll be forced to find out…if they don’t kill each other first.

AMZ B&N Kobo iTunes

*****

Gina L. Maxwell comes out swinging with the latest installment of her New York Times bestselling Fighting for Love series, FIGHTING FOR IRISH. When he learns a friend’s sister has forty-eight hours to make good on an ex’s debt to a crime boss, former MMA fighter Aiden “Irish” O’Brien heads to Louisiana to offer himself up as collateral. But to satisfy the debt, he has to do the one thing he swore he’d never do again: fight. With more than just money on the line, can Irish reclaim the man he once was for the woman he can’t live without?

AMZ B&N Kobo iTunes

*****

The dynamic duo took the NYT and USA TODAY lists by storm the last time they released together, so we can’t wait to see what shenanigans they have in store for 2014!

*****

Excerpt: In Bed with Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

“Don’t think for a second you’re getting a good-night kiss.”

“A kiss from you?” He stepped forward into her finger, forcing her to open her hand against his chest or take a step back. She refused to budge. He leaned down, crowding her. “I’d rather kiss a snake.”

“Then it’s too bad it’s winter, because they’re in short supply.” She pushed at his chest again, nearly snarling when he didn’t move. “You should just burn something else down. That might draw a few to the heat.”

“Or maybe I’ll just set fire to your goddamn granny panties. That’s sure to create a big enough blaze.”

Her jaw dropped open and she swallowed hard. “As if you could.”

“Watch me.”

He grabbed her hips and yanked her against him. Bri gasped. There was so much heat in his blue eyes, it was a wonder every single article of clothing she wore didn’t go up in smoke. “You—”

But then she saw it. The challenge hidden behind the heat. He didn’t think she could handle this. Handle him.

His mouth curled into a smirk, and his hands tightened on her hips. The feel of his fingers digging into her flesh through the thin fabric of her skirt made her want to throw all caution to the wind. He thought he’d won, did he?

“Screw it.” She grabbed the lapels of his shirt and went up on her tiptoes to smash her lips against his. He froze, then stumbled backward and slammed into the wall of her screened porch, taking her with him. A wave of victory went through her. For all his talk, he hadn’t expected her to make a move. She moved one hand to the back of his neck and tipped his head down so she could set her teeth into his bottom lip.

Just like that, he came alive in her arms and pulled her tighter against him. His tongue delved into her mouth, stroking hers with no hesitation, igniting her passion until she couldn’t fight back a moan. How could one giant brute taste so decadent? She slid her tongue along his, not sure if she was searching for an answer or simply enjoying the way her very nerves seemed to spark and dance at every place they touched.

Would her whole body do that if they were naked?

Whoa. Where had that thought come from? She was proving him wrong, not jumping into bed with the man. She tried to pull away. “I think—”

“Stop talking.”

Keep reading: AMZ B&N Kobo iTunes

*****

Excerpt: Fighting For Irish by Gina Maxwell

Aiden dropped his hands to her hips and stepped closer. “Will you stay tonight?” he asked softly.

“I’ll stay.”

One night. He could do that, couldn’t he? Then he could get this need for her out of his system and focus on winning the tournament to free her from any danger. His job would be done, his debt paid to Jax, and he could move back home to continue his daily penance and meaningless existence.

But right now he wanted to feel alive again, if only for a night in the arms of the woman who’d had his balls on lockdown for months. She was the reason no one else even appealed to him anymore. He needed her, just this once. But he wouldn’t do it without an understanding between them.

“Kat, can I be honest with you?” Aiden was aware of the fine line he was walking. Now he just had to do it without sounding crude or disrespectful, which would be a challenge. He was no smooth-talking Romeo.

Meeting her expectant gaze, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for the possibility of getting slapped. “I wanna be with you tonight.”

“As in, with me with me?”

“Yeah,” he said, amusement lifting a corner of his mouth. “With you with you. It’s been a really long time since I wanted someone as much I want you.”

“Really?” she asked breathlessly.

“You sound surprised.”

She offered a weak shrug and suddenly found interest in the floorboards. “You seem like you’d be more into exciting, exotic looking women. Like one of those sexy, new-age pin-up girls with the flawless skin and beautiful tattoos.”

He almost laughed until he realized she was serious. She had no idea what she did to him. Grabbing one of her hands still resting on his shoulder, he slowly dragged it over his chest and down his stomach until they finally reached his stiff erection straining against the restrictive boxer briefs under his shorts.

Aiden groaned as he molded her hand over his cock. The feel of her gripping him nearly redefined the word “premature.” She drew in a quick breath and raised her eyes to his. Her cheeks filling with a pretty shade of pink did crazy things to his insides. The more her innocence showed through the more he wanted her.

He couldn’t make sense of it. She was right. Typically he went for the larger-than-life women who treated every day like it was their own personal thrill ride. Kat was something else entirely. Worldly beyond her years, yet somehow more innocent than she should be.

“This is how into you I am, sweetheart. Believe me when I tell you I couldn’t fake this kind of interest,” he assured her. “I want you, Kat. Wicked bad. But I don’t have anything more to offer you than one night. That’s me being honest. So if you wanna give me the red light now I’ll understand, but you gotta let me know while I still have use of some of my brain.”

“Green.”

Keep reading: AMZ B&N Kobo iTunes

*****

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

2 autographed print copies: Seducing Cinderella by Gina Maxwell + Swag Pack
2 autographed print copies Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert + Swag Pack

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554250/

Entangled Bliss January Release Day

13 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cindi Madsen, Falling for Her Fiance, Falling for Her Soldier, Farrah Taylor, Love Songs for the Road, Ophelia London, Playing at Love, Resisting the Hero

Today is release day for some cool new Entangled books in their Bliss line. Check out all of the details below (I’ll have review and blog tour stops on some of these coming soon too!).

*****

Three amazing new Bliss releases are out January 13 with heroes you won’t be able to resist: Falling for her Soldier by Ophelia London, Resisting the Hero by Cindi Madsen and Love Songs for the Road by Farrah Taylor.
Starting January 13 Cindi Madsen’s Falling For Her Fiance is on sale for just $.99!
Ophelia London’s Playing at Love will also be on sale for $.99 AND has a brand spanking new cover so go check it out and show it some love!
All three January Bliss authors will be teaming up with our December Bliss authors, Annie Seaton and Barbara DeLeo, for a fantabulous New Year’s Bliss Bash on January 14 from 8pm to 10pm EST. There will be plenty of giveaways, excerpts and lots of other fun so join us on the Bliss Facebook page.

*****

Resisting the Hero by Cindi Madsen

Resisting her brother’s best friend is futile…

Faith Fitzpatrick isn’t looking for a hero. Burned one too many times in the past, she’s now sworn them off completely. And when her brother’s best friend, Connor, convinces him to join the dangerous SWAT team, Faith has never been more anti-hero. What’s wrong with having a safe job? There’s nothing safe about Connor. Confident, sexy, and sporting a six-pack that should be illegal, he’s everything she doesn’t want.

When his best friend’s sister moves to town, local cop Connor Maguire knows he’s in trouble. Faith is feisty, funny, and talks trash like nobody’s business. She’s also his partner’s sister—and so totally off limits. Working on the Fall Festival together, they agree to a truce and become friends. But the more time Connor spends with Faith, the more he’s willing to risk the wrath of her brother. If he could only convince her to take a risk on him, too.

Find Resisting the Hero Online:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books | Goodreads

*****

Falling for her Soldier by Ophelia London

She fell for the nice guy, but will she fall for the real guy?

Ex-ballerina Ellie Bell has twenty-four days left until her self-imposed man-less year is up. No more falling for the wrong kind of guy—charming, sexy, bad. Why can’t she find someone sweet like Charlie Johansson, her soldier pen pal? His e-mails meant the world to her, and she can’t stop thinking about him…until she meets Hunter, whose muscles and cocky smile threaten to have her relapsing.

Before Charlie “Big Game Hunter” Johansson’s last tour of duty, he’d gone through women like crazy. But after connecting on a real, emotional level via letters with his best friend’s sister, Charlie’s ready for a relationship—with Ellie Bell. But then her brother introduces him as Hunter. Proving he’s no longer a player by becoming Ellie’s dance partner for an Army benefit seems like it could convince both siblings he’s changed, but the harder he falls for Ellie, the harder it is to come clean. Can he convince her to fall for the real him before it’s too late?

Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books | Goodreads

*****

Love Songs for the Road by Farrah Taylor

A rock star. The nanny. A love that could rock their world.

The only thing rock star Marcus Troy loves more than making music is his kids. So finding just the right nanny to take on tour with them is important—as is proving to his ex he deserves joint custody. Falling for his employee wouldn’t just be fodder for the paparazzi: it could ruin everything.

Too bad the perfect nanny turns out to be beautiful, vibrant Ryan Evans. Ryan’s never left her small Montana town before, so she jumps at the chance to see the country. And as much as accidental fame doesn’t gel with shy Ryan, what does is her relationship with her capricious, smoking-hot, shockingly good dad of a boss. Marcus is nothing like what she expected. But when the whole world’s watching them, will life in the spotlight be too hot to handle?

Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books | Goodreads

*****

On sale for $.99!

Falling For Her Fiancé by Cindi Madsen

What’s a little fake engagement between best friends?

Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed.

Adrenaline-junkie Wes can prove to both his ex and his family that he’s well and truly moved on, and serious-minded Dani can prove to her boss that she’s worthy of the promotion he seems to only want to give to a family-oriented employee.

But amid the fake swoons, fake kisses, and forced proximity, neither expects the very real feelings that develop. There’s nothing more dangerous than falling for your best friend…but what if the landing is worth the fall?

Find Falling For Her Fiance Online:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books | iBookstore

(Check out my review here!)

*****

Playing at Love by Ophelia London

When it’s glee vs. gridiron, can love level the playing field?

Show choir teacher Tess Johansson loves three things: music, her job, and sharing that passion with her students. But when a school budget crisis forces funding to be pulled from either the sports or music programs, she finds herself going head to head with Jack, the gorgeous new football coach who broke her heart fifteen years ago.

Jack Marshall wants two things: to be closer to his young daughter and to make his mark as a football coach. Taking the new job, with the promise that he’d have time to build a solid team, gave him both. But now he must win the season with a group of boys who aren’t anywhere near ready or he’ll lose everything he’s worked so hard for. Being pitted against Tess, the summer love he never forgot, is like being fourth and long with only seconds on the clock.

On opposing sides of a fierce battle and with everything at stake, Tess and Jack find themselves torn between doing what it takes to win and doing what it takes to be together.

Find Playing at Love Online:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books | iBookstore

*****

New Year’s Bliss Bash January 14 8pm – 10pm EST

Join five, yes FIVE!, fantabulous Bliss authors at our New Year’s Bliss Bash celebrating our December Bliss releases, our January Bliss releases and a whole lot of other fantabulous other happenings going on this new year.

Who will be here you ask? We will be welcoming:
Cindi Madsen Books
Ophelia London, Author
Farrah Taylor Romance
Annie Seaton
Barbara DeLeo

There will be plenty of virtual drinks, party hats, giveaways and fun to be had. So invite all of your friends to join the fun.

It’s all happening on the Bliss Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/582014125208993/

*****

About Cindi

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She is the author of YA novels All the Broken Pieces and Demons of the Sun, adult contemporary romances Falling for Her Fiancé and Act Like You love Me, and the women’s fiction novel Cinderella Screwed Me Over.

Find Cindi Madsen Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

*****

About Ophelia London

Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters in the books she writes. Ophelia is the author of DEFINITELY, MAYBE IN LOVE, ABBY ROAD, and the Perfect Kisses series including: PLAYING AT LOVE, SPEAKING OF LOVE, and FALLING FOR HER SOLDIER (Jan 2014). Visit her at http://ophelialondon.com. But don’t call when The Vampire Diaries is on.

Find Ophelia London Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

*****

About Farrah Taylor

A reading specialist with a masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Farrah Taylor has taught first grade in Northwest Montana for over a decade. She is thrilled to be publishing her first novel, Love Songs for the Road. Farrah, a lifelong music lover who has spent far too much of her savings on concert tickets, is glad to finally be seeing a return on the investment. She lives with her husband, Ty, and son, Latham, in Polson, Montana.

Find Farrah Taylor Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Blog Tour – Trust Me?

13 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

K E Osborn, Love Me?, Trust Me?, Trust Me? Trilogy

I’m pleased to get to host K E Osborn today as she talks about the inspiration behind her book covers. We’ve actually seen this series a couple of times before (here, here and here) but they are definitely worth another look.

*****

One of the things that often get a comment is the covers of my books. I studied graphic design and had full intentions of following that career path. I am a fully qualified graphic designer but my love of writing was always bubbling away in the background. Although I consider writing to be my full time career now, my graphic design skills are being used over and over in many different ways. I need to be able to create meme’s, book covers, blog banners and buttons etc, so I guess you could say my graphic design skills have come in very handy. The inspiration for the covers was drawn mostly from the books themselves.

The Trust Me? cover is a glass of wine being smashed. This is in the book when a work colleague of Jeni’s attempts to ask her out. Jeni is so shocked by his forwardness that she drops her glass of wine and it breaks. This is a major turning point in the book as it helps in a decision that comes later in the story. The colored water at the bottom of the book represents the waterfall, which is in each of the three books as a significant place for both Aiden and Jeni. In a way the shattered glass also represents Jeni’s fragile state and how she is also broken and damaged.

The Love Me? cover is a sea theme and a pair of pink fluffy handcuffs. This scene is in the book and it is where Aiden and Jeni visit a beach house. Aiden surprises Jeni with some fluffy pink handcuffs, which relates back to the first book but in a more serious way. I can’t tell you why because it will spoil both book one and two if I do.

s ring is the one described in book two of Love Me? I have made the rings look like they are coming out of the water as a symbol of Aiden and Jeni rising up against all the odds and making their way out of the deep water they were wading through.

Now I cannot give too much away otherwise it might give away the storyline and there would be no point in that, but the book covers are definitely drawn from the storyline in one way or another. You will, after you have read the books know what each cover is all about.

*****

Trust Me? Blurb:

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

Jenifer Taylor is content with her life, dull and boring as it is. Being absent from the dating scene means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men that stem from a controlling and aggressive ex- boyfriend and an absentee father. She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.

When Jeni starts a typical day in the big city of Mornington Vale, California, it turns from bad to worse s involved in a chain collision on her way to work.

Her world changes forever that day because she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial corporation.

Aiden is an up-and-coming young businessman who’s ready to take on the vice presidency of his father’s company. He is the good son, and it’s imperative to Alistair that Aiden succeed and follow in his footsteps. Life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else.

After the accident, however, Aiden’s world changes as well. He finds Jeni irresistible and instantly pursues her. With some coaxing, she eventually agrees to a date, and the attraction is mutual.

Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue. When to trust is tested in many different ways but comes to a head when Aiden is investigated for a serious crime. As her trust issues spark, she is forced to go through a journey of self-discovery.

She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves when she’s asked the ultimate question: “Do you trust me?”

*****

Excerpt:

I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.

“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.”

He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.

This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me.

“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile

*****

Love Me? Blurb

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

In the first book of The Trust Me? Trilogy, Jeni Taylor finds the love of her life, but as the second book begins, she finds herself lost without Aiden O’Connell, who’s been wrongly convicted of embezzlement charges and incarcerated. She must find the strength within to help prove he’s innocent while dealing with other issues.

Aiden’s father, Alistair, still taunts her, making life between Jeni and Aiden more difficult, and an unexpected visitor enters their lives, creating havoc and turning it upside down. Jeni’s trust issues return in a major way after an incident leaves her fragile and broken. Aiden and Jeni find themselves going through more trials and tribulations than ever before in this second installment of the Trust Me? Trilogy. In the end, Jeni will be asked the ultimate question:

Do you still love me?

*****

Excerpt:

My nerves start to get the better of me, I start to feel nauseous; those darn pesky butterflies attack again. I’m not sure why I’m nervous, whether it’s the shoes making me unstable or whether it’s the memory of our first date, our first touch, or our first kiss that’s making me bashful.

I turn the corner to see him standing there with a bunch of red roses, in the suit that he changed into earlier, this time with a baby pink tie on. Behind him is that gorgeous waterfall cascading down the cliff with the lush greenery surrounding us. As I take a step closer, I hear music playing. “Thank You for Loving Me” by Bon Jovi. It’s our song. I feel my eyes welling up as all the emotion and love I feel for this man is becoming too much to bear.

His smile is beaming from ear to ear when I approach. Finally I reach him. He holds out his hand for me to take. I take it, and he pulls me into a tight embrace.

“This is perfect,” I whisper.

“Perfection for perfection, my love.” He kisses my cheek, and places the bouquet of flowers on the railing.

*****

Author Bio:

K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn’t until she had a vivid dream about a three car pile up that the characters of her first book came to life.

Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.

Website Twitter Facebook Trust Me Trilogy on Facebook Goodreads Smashwords

*****

Tour Schedule:

11/25: Spotlight – Deal Sharing Aunt

11/26: Spotlight – Bootheel Cotton Patch

12/4: Interview – Becky on Books

12/16: Spotlight – Laurie’s Thoughts

12/18: Spotlight – http://www.simplistik.org/lissetteemanning

1/2: Spotlight / Review – http://www.snifferwalk.org

1/10: A Passion for Romance

1/10: Spotlight – Nyxx’s Nook

1/13: Guest Blog – Romantic Reads and Such

1/14: Spotlight – Magic Within the Pages

1/21: Spotlight – In Shadows

1/22: Spotlight – As the pages turn

1/23: Interview – You Gotta Read Reviews

Book Review – The Scandal Before Christmas

10 Friday Jan 2014

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Book Review, Elizabeth Essex, Reckless Brides series, The Scandal Before Christmas

Lieutenant Ian Worth needs a wife by Christmas, and he can’t afford to be choosy. He has to find her, woo her, and wed her before he goes back to sea—all within a matter of days.

Anne Lesley is a shy spinster with no prospects, and nothing and no one to recommend her but her own self. She accepts the lieutenant’s hasty offer only for the comfort and security it will bring. But when a midwinter storm snows her and Ian in, they both find they got much more than they bargained for—laughter, light, and a Christmas filled with honest to goodness true love…

I find it refreshing to occasionally read a story that isn’t full of angst and Essex manages to bring readers an enthralling story that is simple, heartfelt and engaging but without a lot of issues, lies or misunderstandings. And I’m guessing that the title might play into the rest of the series because there really isn’t anything that scandalous about it. Instead, it was a sweetly tender story about two strangers thrown together by odd circumstances, who get to know each other and fall in love. We follow along with them on their journey as they discover all the good (and bad) things about one another and learn to look with the heart, not the eyes.

The Scandal Before Christmas is full of warmth, humor and romance, and I was quickly enamored by Ian and Anne. They are both odd ducks in their families, but find that the family they could create together might just be the perfect place for them. I haven’t read any of the other “Reckles Brides” books (or another Elizabeth Essex book that I know of) but I can definitely say I have been missing out.

Book Review – Single by Saturday

09 Thursday Jan 2014

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Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Single by Saturday, Weekday Bride Series

She enjoyed her fake marriage…until she fell in love with her brother-in-law.

Catherine Bybee serves up excitement and dizzying romance in Single by Saturday, the sequel to Fiancé by Friday and the latest entry in her bestselling “Weekday Brides” series.

Karen Jones: The petite blonde married a Hollywood star, yet she’s the one who spends every day playing a part: the part of a happy wife. A year ago, she agreed to wed a famous actor to diffuse rumors about his personal life. Now, her divorce sits just around the corner, along with a five million dollar payout. However, as she prepares to exit her fake marriage gracefully, her drop-dead-gorgeous brother-in-law walks through the door…and into her heart.

Zach Gardner: Dark-haired, blue-eyed hunk Zach crashes Michael and Karen’s fancy one-year anniversary party, determined to meet the wife his brother hid from their family. But sparks fly the moment he and Karen see each other. When the famous couple decides to visit the whole Gardner clan, Karen must keep Michael’s secret under wraps in front of his questioning relatives…including Zach, the man who could be the real love of her life.

I think I could gobble up Bybee’s “Weekday Brides” books like candy. I absolutely could not put this one down and finished it in a day. Unlike Fiance by Friday, this one is definitely more romance than suspense, although there is a little drama at the end that kept me (just a little) on the edge of my seat.

We met Karen and Michael in Fiance by Friday and I was really looking forward to their story – and Bybee definitely didn’t disappoint. Michael has got to be one of my favorite characters. He has a big secret to keep and Karen is helping him do it. I adore the loving, non-sexual relationship between the two and Michael definitely made me want my own gay husband. He’s caring and funny, charming and saucy, and he’s definitely a fantastic guy to have as a best friend. I’m really hoping that we’ll get more of his story as the “Weekday Brides” series continues, especially since it looks like his sister might show up in a future story.

Karen has her own issues. We got to know her a little in Fiance by Friday but didn’t get a lot of the details – she had a hard childhood and now spends her time helping other kids. She’s caring and giving and funny. She’s built a great relationship with Michael and is just waiting for the right time to stage their breakup … and then in walks Michael’s brother, Zach. While trying to fight her attraction for a man who doesn’t know the truth about her marriage, she realizes there is more to Michael’s family life than he lets on and decides to push him into resolving some of his issues. This, of course, puts her well into Zach’s path but she wants the best for Michael and thinks that she can make it thru a two week family vacation unscathed. Yeah, you know where that’s going.

Zach is gorgeous, fun and troubled by being drawn to his sister-in-law. He’s got his own family issues to resolve and, although they aren’t as impactful as Karen or Michael’s, the Gardner family dynamic makes for compelling reading. Since we know the truth about Karen and Michael, it is a little easier to handle the attraction between her and Zach, but you know it has got to be a very difficult situation for him to be in. It’s tough enough on Karen when she knows the truth, but Zach just knows that he is irresistibly drawn to his brother’s wife. Bybee handles it very well and the interactions between the three are very realistic and emotional. It made me love Michael all the more and I really want to see him happy and soon.

If you’ve not read one of Bybee’s books, that’s OK – I think it would be fine to start here. Characters from previous books do make appearances, since they are all very close friends, but from what I can tell (since this is just my second book) the plots don’t bleed over too much. Yes, you would have met Michael and Karen before but Bybee does a good job of filling in all the details that you need.

With bold characters, captivating stories, and a snappy writing style, I think Bybee is going to be one of my go-to authors for a long time to come.

Book Review – The Fireside Inn

08 Wednesday Jan 2014

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Book Review, Lily Everett, The Billionaire Bachelors series, The Fireside Inn

They’re single, they’re rich, and now these billionaire bachelors are heading to Sanctuary Island in a new e-original novella series from Lily Everett! Fall in love with the island’s latest catch.

When friends Leo, Zane and Cooper travel to Sanctuary Island for the wedding of fellow billionaire Miles Harrington, they’re certain their friend is making the biggest mistake of his life. Having vowed to remain perpetual bachelors, they’re certain they can bring Miles to his senses before he throws away his freedom forever. But Miles makes them a bet: if they come to Sanctuary Island to spend some time and help out with the wedding, they’ll change their tune about love before he says “I do.” Because Miles knows, better than anyone, that all it takes is a little Sanctuary Island magic to turn the biggest romantic cynic into a true believer. Now three billionaire bachelors are about to discover that sometimes you have to let go of the life you planned in order to embrace the life of your dreams…

In Fireside Inn, the Honorable Lord Leo Strathairn inherited his family’s money, his title, and his position in London society. When he meets Sanctuary Island’s funky young librarian, Serena Lightfoot, he’s determined to get a lot closer. Despite the simmering attraction between them, Serena isn’t at all interested in putting up with a pampered playboy. But as Leo ramps up his seduction attempts, Serena sees that he’s nothing like the empty-headed aristocrat she’d assumed.

This is an off-shoot of Everett’s series set on Sanctuary Island (involving Miles and his brothers) but I’ve not read any of the others and I really don’t think it is necessary. I’m intrigued though because her writing style is very smooth and her characters are quite addictive. But I will say that the blurb really doesn’t do the book justice. Miles does assign each of his friends a wedding related task and there is a bet but Leo’s tale is a little more involved than it is made out to be. He’s been assigned to pick a reading and he enlists the help of local librarian, Serena. For years he’s hidden the fact that he can’t read and she’s his best hope to find something perfect. Serena has been long pursued for her brain and not her body so when Leo does nothing to mask his desire for her Serena decides to go for it. But of course, Leo can’t keep his secret forever and things get sticky very quickly.

I loved these two. They each have their own hangups, but Everett does an amazing job of making her characters full-bodied in just a handful of pages. Leo is deliciously handsome and charming, but also fabulously troubled due to his reading disorder. He works hard to hide all of his insecurities behind his sexy mask but spending time with Serena and her deep love of literature definitely puts him on edge. He does his best but you know that it’s going to slip. Serena is also an amazingly fun character. Her passion for her library and everything it represents jumps off the page and makes you remember why you love reading so much. But she’s had a long history of heartache from men and as tempting as Leo is she doesn’t quite trust his desire for her (and her doubts are completely understandable once you get a feel for her past). I loved that these two have something that can help the other but they each have to get past their own issues to see it. The ending perfectly brought it all together.

My only complaint is that I would have loved to have seen more interactions between the two but there just weren’t enough pages. We are given a wonderfully sweet introduction and an equally sweet resolution so they get the happy ending they deserve but there are a couple of weeks that are just glossed over. We know that they spend that time together but I’d have liked to have been there for more of it to see them get to know each other better.

The Fireside Inn is so beautifully compelling that I am very much looking forward to seeing the other two bachelors. We don’t get a lot of their stories here, which is fine because I wanted to see as much of Leo and Serena as I could. I’m super excited to continue this wonderful series – coming soon look for a review of the next book Bonfire Beach, releasing next week.

Free Sampler – Covet books

08 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Misc, Sneak Peek

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Covet Sampler

I just found out that Entangled Publishing is offering a pretty cool deal – right now you can download a free sampler of EVERY book they’ve ever published in their Covet line. (They just launched this line last Spring so it isn’t as daunting as it sounds.) If you are a fan of Paranormal romances you are probably familiar with their work. However, if you are a fan of Contemporary romances who either doesn’t think you’d like Paranormal or has thought about giving them a shot, then this is the book for you.

I’ve read a few in the Covet line (the lastest was Ashes by Sarah Gilman) and I can tell you that the neat thing is that they are Contemporary romances with a Paranormal twist … so they have that little bit of the woo woo to them but at their core they are good, solid, romances dealing with everyday themes.

Go now and give their Sampler a try – it’s FREE so you never know what goodies you might find!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dqstmg

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

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1eCr4Lv

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1aasaOY

Book Review – Entwined

07 Tuesday Jan 2014

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Book Review, Darkest London series, Entwined, Kristen Callihan

Eamon Evernight has always lived in his older brother’s shadow. While his brother is fair of hair and lithe in body, Eamon sparks fear with his fiery locks and massive frame-and rumors of a mysterious power. But when his brother has the good fortune to be betrothed to a beautiful stranger, it’s Eamon’s help-and quick wit and romantic heart–that he needs. Eamon agrees to write the noble lady…a generous offer that will forever leave him a changed man.

Lady Luella Jane Moran has no interest in an arranged marriage and tries valiantly to dissuade her betrothed from afar. Though her own letters plainly state her case, the words her husband-to-be writes her leave her aching for his touch. Will Lu give in to the desire the missives have kindled within her? Or will desire turn cold when she discovers their true author?

Entwined is book 3.5 in Kristen Callihan’s “Darkest London” series. I’ve not read any of the other books so I’m not sure how it fits in but as far as I can tell this novella can stand on its own. There was nothing that I was confused about or felt was missing from the story, except maybe info on what happens to Eamon’s brother. (Of course Eamon and Lu end up together so there has to be something more for Aiden.)

There is a slight supernatural element to Entwined, although based on the descriptions of the rest of the series this plays a much bigger part in those stories. For the most part, this is a straightforward story of two people who fall in love based on a deception and the question is whether they can get past it. I loved the early parts where the two exchange letters and reveal bits and pieces about themselves. It’s a fun tactic to lead them to the path of romance … and potential disaster.

There were a couple of parts where I wanted to smack them both and tell them to just talk to one another but because of the secrets they carry it makes sense to act the way they do. We know what’s going on but there is so much being kept quiet that it leads to awkwardness. Luckily, being a short story (just under 100 pages), this doesn’t last long.

Entwined is perfect for those looking for an entertaining combination of historical, gothic, maybe even paranormal or just that slight touch of steampunk, but who really just want a love story that will give them a happy ever after at the end.

Guest Blog – All That’s Unspoken

06 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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All That's Unspoken, Constance Phillips

This morning I’m thrilled to welcome Constance Phillips as she shares with us her favorite moments in romances. Plus she’s giving us a sneak peek at her newest book, All That’s Unspoken. Enjoy!

*****

My Five Favorite Moments of in a Romance Novel

Those of us who read (and write) romance have expectations. There are certain elements of a story that we assume will happen, that we want to see happen. Here is a list of five of my favorite moments.

1) The Knowing Glance – I love that moment when two people meet each other’s gaze. It always causes my breath to hitch and my heart to melt. It may not take up more than a few words in the book, but you know that in that single second two lives will be forever changed.

2) The Moment of Change – This is the moment when one or both people realize they feel something more – something deeper – than friendship for the other person. There’s a bit of innocence here. The hero or heroine will likely keep their feelings to themselves for a few pages more, but we, the reader, know what’s coming soon.

3) The First Kiss – One character takes a chance, acts on the emotions they’ve been keeping to themselves since the moment of change. Time stands still. The heavens smile down on two star crossed lovers. Or maybe it’s just a highly relatable moment, especially for a romantic at heart.

4) The First Moment of Intimacy – This is not only the moment of ultimate connection for our romantic pair, but it’s a moment of vulnerability. It’s when they cast aside fears and drop walls. It a commitment to move forward together…until the black moment, that is

5) The Surrender – The point in time after the black moment when the person who pushed the other away realizes they are an ultimate block head and gives in to their desires despite their fears. It is the promise of the happily ever after.

I’d love to know what your favorite moment in romantic book or movie is. Please share in the comments.

*****

All That’s Unspoken

By Constance Phillips

A NEXT DOOR category romance,

43k words, sweet contemporary romance,

from Turquoise Morning Press

Blurb:

After eight years, Hailey is back in Caseville Michigan. Just months after her mother’s death, her siblings want to put their father in a nursing home and rent out the family farm. If that wasn’t enough, the prospective tenant is Nate, the high school crush she left behind the day after they acted on their mutual attraction.

After high school, Nate Jenkins planned to leave small town behind, but life dealt him a different hand of cards to play. He’s now back in Caseville, raising his daughter, and running his family’s diner. His daughter’s speech disorder has been improved by therapeutic horse riding and if he can lease the old Lambert farm, he can get her a horse of her own. The only standing in the way is Hailey, the same woman who left him eight years ago without even saying goodbye.

Can they get over all that’s unspoken between them?

Buy Links:

Turquoise Morning Press – http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/all-that-s-unspoken-by-constance-phillips

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Unspoken-Next-Category-romance-ebook/dp/B00HD0DZQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387699730&sr=8-1&keywords=All+that%27s+Unspoken

B&N – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-thats-unspoken-constance-phillips/1117740801?ean=2940148866978

Don’t forget to sign up for the Constance Phillips Newsletter here !

*****

Excerpt:

Only when she heard the bell above the door ring out, was she able to unclench her fists and let out the breath that had tightened her chest. She’d seen Nate lingering around the edge of the counter with her plate of pancakes in hand but didn’t want him to approach her now.

She really didn’t have it in her to deal with him.

He came forward anyway, and set the plate in front of her. After a hesitation, he asked, “Can I sit for a minute?”

Her eyes fluttered closed, but she gestured to the chair. She heard it scrape against the old worn tile and could feel him just inches away from her.

“I’m sorry your dad’s health is on the decline. I’ve always really liked him. It stinks, you know.”

She took a deep breath; maybe they could talk as old friends and ignore the complications of the night they’d spent together. “I don’t think he’s that bad. Jake and Kelly are overreacting.”

He twisted his hands on his lap. “I can see how you would think that. Some days when I see him, he’s sharp as nails. Others….”

Her phone vibrated against the table. The habit to check the ID won out against the desire meet Nate’s stare. An eight-hundred number flashed, twisting Hailey’s stomach into knots. Another bill collector wanting to take the money she was trying to stretch just a little further, hoping to get through a few more weeks. She hit the button to ignore the call.

“I overheard what you said about your dad wanting the property to stay the same,” Nate said. “I’ll take real good care of the place and won’t change a thing. I love that farm the way it is.”

That brought her attention back. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve been talking to Jake about renting the house.”

She took in his deep brown eyes and almost black hair. It was cropped short like he was trying to beat-the-heat, even if the average temperature this week was somewhere around ten degrees. Much shorter than he wore it in high school. The neatly trimmed beard and mustache were new too.

He looked older. More settled.

How ironic.

They’d both thought this small town would smother them back then.

For a fleeting moment it comforted her to picture Nate cooking in her family’s kitchen, and then she realized it wouldn’t be her house anymore. She’d be on the outside looking in. “It feels like everything is being taken away from me.”

His body stiffened as he pulled back. “It’s not like I’m stealing it. I’m going to pay you for it.”

“This isn’t about money!”

“Then what is it about?”

She reached for her purse and fumbled for her wallet with trembling hands. “Everyone seems to think that just because I don’t live here, I don’t have a voice, but you’re all wrong.” She threw a twenty-dollar bill on the table. “I didn’t leave the planet, I moved to New York. I didn’t abandon my family, but it feels like they think so. I’m sick of being treated like an outside in my hometown, in my family home, in my own life.”

She stood and tried to turn, but he grabbed her wrist. Looking back would weaken her resolve—Nate had always had that effect on her—but she did it anyway.

“Please, it would mean a lot to Lori…and me.”

His daughter. The child he’d had with someone else. She couldn’t stand the thought of the two of them in her living room without her.

Why did it hurt so much?

It wasn’t as if he left her. She’d pursued and claimed the future she’d always wanted.

Hadn’t she?

If everything she’d attained had been all she ever wanted, why was it tearing her in two to know Nate had gone on with his life without her? It wasn’t as if she’d expected he wouldn’t. She should be happy he was settled. Instead, it made her long for that place next to him even more.

A lump formed in her throat, making speech impossible. Instead, she headed for the door.

“That’s right, Hailey. Run away. It’s what you do best!”

His words stopped her, and she twisted back. “I what?”

“Run. Away. When the pieces of your life don’t come together like a neat little puzzle, you scatter them all around you and stomp out of the room.”

She bristled at the venom in his voice. “That’s not what happened.”

“Oh, no. You handled it so well, just breezed out of town with no concern for those you left behind.”

They weren’t talking about her father or her house anymore. This was about how she’d reacted eight years ago, when the feelings got too real.

Just as they were now.

“I care, dammit!” She let out a long exhale. “I always have.”

*****

Author Info:

Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids. Her son, now on his own, is planning a wedding, reconfirming that romance still lives and breathes.

When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.

Links:

website: Http://constancephillips.com

twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CPhillips

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstancePhillipsRomanceAuthor?ref=hl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470282.Constance_Phillips

pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/phillipsconnie/boards/

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ConstancePhillips

*****

Giveaway:

Constance Phillips is giving away a $25 Amazon GC and an ebook copy of a title from her backlist (Fairyproof, Council Courtship, or Resurrecting Harry).

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c7458f11/

*****